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Our homes are so much more than the spaces we live in—they’re where memories are made, families grow, and dreams take shape. As Lyman Frank Baum once said, "There's no place like home." This month, we’re diving into all things home and exploring how local experts help transform houses into personalized sanctuaries.
We’re showcasing the local businesses, realtors, and professionals who help turn houses into homes—from skilled landscapers to talented designers. You'll discover what to look for when searching for your dream home, with expert advice from Sheeran Real Estate Group, the leading home sellers in Morris County. You'll also explore the possibilities of transforming your own backyard into an outdoor oasis with Evergreen Landscaping. Plus, dive into insights on remodeling and interior decorating with the talented Riverlands Design team (whose work you just saw on our beautiful cover). Let’s make your dream a reality!
Whether you’re embarking on a major renovation, searching for your dream home, or simply adding cozy touches to your current space, we hope these pages inspire you.
And if you have an interesting story to share, a business you'd like to introduce to the community, or a special announcement to celebrate, we’d love to hear from you! Whether it’s a milestone, a unique achievement, or even a moment that will bring the community together, please send us your photos and details. We’re always inspired by the vibrant people and stories that make our community unique and you might just see your photo or story featured in an upcoming issue— because your moments make our community shine!
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives and homes.
March 2025
PUBLISHER
Alessandra Guarneri alessandra.guarneri@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lisa Kintish lisa.kintish@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Brooke Micoletti
brookemicolettiphotography@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Alessandra Guarneri, Lauren Moran Mills, Riverlands Design, Evergreen Landscaping, Sheeran Real Estate, Gourmet Cafe, Vollero Athletic Recovery
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Proverbs
1: Embark Smoked Meats held their ribbon-cutting ceremony on Main Street in Boonton! 2: Glen Baker of the Morris Agent Team with Sheriff Gannon at the business' ribbon cutting 3: Central Jersey Cat Fanciers hosted its 22nd TICA Annual Cat Show at the Sheraton Parsippany 4: Patrons smile at Gourmet Cafe's Sons of Italy fundraiser on "Make a Difference Monday" 5: local dog Gemma enjoys a homemade Valentine's Day treat! 6: Vollero Athletic Recovery takes over Herbal Root Organics in Boonton for trial cupping therapy 7: Everyday Heroes Dog Rescue hosts an adoption event for their new pups available for adoption
The Beauty Loft is offering an exciting referral program: refer a friend, and both of you will receive $20 off! When booking an appointment, select “Referral” from the dropdown menu and provide your friend’s name. Once verified in our system, you’ll both enjoy $20 off your next appointment. You can refer as many friends as you’d like! Stop by The Beauty Loft in Downtown Denville for eyelashes, waxing, and makeup. Visit beautyloftdenville.com for more information.
Vollero Athletic Recovery in Boonton is offering a complimentary 10-minute hyperbaric chamber trial. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an excellent recovery tool, whether you’re aiming to enhance performance or heal from an injury or illness. Step into the hyperbaric chamber—where increased oxygen levels accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, and improve overall well-being. This therapy helps restore your body back to homeostasis, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready for your next adventure! Visit vollero-athletic-recovery. square.site for more information.
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Attention Aries! Nicole of CardShaper is hosting a free virtual meetup, Aries Fest, on March 27 at 7 PM to celebrate Aries babies. Discover how to utilize your unique herbs, crystals, colors, and attributes. The event will also feature a group tarot reading for insights into the year ahead. Register now at cardshaper.com.
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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.
Evergreen Landscape & Design evergreenlandscapingnj.com | 973.283.4600
Creative Touch Landscaping creativetouchlandscaping.net | 973.627.1621
Jersey Worms Landscaping LLC jerseywormslandscaping.com | 973.370.2120
Markovski Landscaping & Tree Service markovskilandscapingandtreeservice.com | 973.627.4161
Pristine Plant Healthcare, LLC www.pristinephc.com | 862.432.2503
Superior Siding and Windows www.superior-siding.com | 973.625 .8544
One New View Roof Repair 1newviewroofrepair.com | 973.356.4780
Stanley & Orke Inc. thestanleyway.com | 973.627.2009
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Boundless Roofing & Chimney boundlessgc.com | 973.960.7921
HM Contracting hmcontracting.com | 973.229.9417
ARTICLE BY LISA KINTISH
Buying a home is often considered one of life's most stressful experiences, but a trusted realtor can significantly ease the process. To offer professional guidance, John and Genevieve Sheeran of the Sheeran Real Estate Group—who sell the most homes in both Denville and Morris County— shared their in-depth expertise and industry experience.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BUY A NEW HOME?
Every time is the right time in this low inventory market! Historically, we see an uptick in inventory in the spring and early summer months. However, since the pandemic, new inventory can’t keep up with the demand of buyers. We ask buyers to reach out to us 6-12 months prior to when they need to close so that we aren’t rushing the process. For sellers, we can help prepare to list even if they are several months out from doing so.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH EVERY BUYER KNEW BEFORE STARTING THEIR HOME SEARCH?
The first step is always to call us and get pre-approved. You must know your monthly budget—this is crucial in the home search. Step two is to schedule a buyer’s consultation to learn the entire process. Work with an experienced agent, like our team. We’ll game plan to get your offer accepted in this very competitive market. It’s not just the price, but a strong team with a strong reputation behind you to get you to closing. Be ready to make an offer if your dream home comes up. Homes, if priced right, are selling very quickly so we want to be able to act quickly if you love something.
HOW MANY HOMES SHOULD I VIEW BEFORE DECIDING?
Everyone is different. We’ve sold homes to people who have toured less than 5 homes! A few even made an offer on the very first home they saw and to this day, they still love their home. It all depends on how familiar you are with the area. If you’re from outside of the area, we should do more searching so that you can familiarize yourself with
different towns and neighborhoods to find the best fit.
WHEN SHOULD I PUT MY HOME ON THE MARKET?
The best time to list your home is when there is the lowest amount of inventory on the market—which is now! The “Spring” market is a myth. Yes, it’s a great time to sell, but it isn’t significantly better than other times of the year. Motivated buyers are always looking!
HOW COMPETITIVE IS THE DENVILLE AREA, AND SHOULD I BE PREPARED TO OFFER ABOVE ASKING PRICE?
Denville is a very competitive area. Over the last 12 months homes in Denville have sold over asking price by 4.2% on average. This is why it’s crucial to work with a strong real estate team that knows your market. We sell the majority of the homes in Denville and Morris County, so we have good knowledge and insight into what homes will sell for.
ARE THERE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS BUYERS SHOULD ASK ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD BEFORE COMMITTING AND WHAT RED FLAGS SHOULD THEY WATCH FOR WHEN TOURING A HOME?
Ask about flood zone, HOA, noise, busy roads, lake fees/dues, and taxes. [For red flags], investment history. Was it a rental? Was it sold regularly or flipped? What is the quality of the work if it was renovated? Is there water damage or flood history?
"Intercontinental Exchange recently came out with a study that the average homeowner with a mortgage now has $391,000 of equity in their home. Who wouldn't want that?"
"If you can't decide between two homes you love equally, make offers! The reality is that you may fall in love with many homes before you can get an offer accepted —but it always works out exactly as it should in the end."
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL TOWN, AND WHY DO YOU LOVE IT SO MUCH?
We love Denville because it offers so many different lifestyles and communities. There truly is something for everyone. We help buyers navigate all of the neighborhoods and narrow down what may be the best fit for what they are looking for.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT HELPING SOMEONE FIND THEIR DREAM HOME?
Getting to know our clients! We pride ourselves on becoming friends with our clients and continuing a friendship with them for years to come. It’s such a rewarding part of our business. We also love strategizing on how to get an offer accepted. It’s not just looking for a home but it’s getting you to that closing table! Every single step is important and we’re present and supportive through it all.
Backyards are the heart of unforgettable moments—our place to laugh, relax, and unwind. From sizzling barbecues and flourishing vegetable gardens to refreshing dips in the pool, your backyard is more than just a space—it’s your personal sanctuary to connect and escape.
For years, Matthew Rozell, President of Evergreen Landscape & Design, has been helping residents turn their backyards into stunning sanctuaries.
“The landscape industry has expanded and evolved so much over the past few decades that the options available to homeowners are endless,” Rozell explained. “From natural stone to high quality man-made products, outdoor living spaces, and a full assortment of kitchen/accessory options, clients have a wide array of options to make any concept or dream a reality.”
As with fashion, trends can be found here too. “People are now looking at their yards as an extension of their house. We find ourselves designing a great deal of outdoor entertaining spaces focused on things such as kitchenettes and fire features, sitting areas that allow for multi-seasonal use, covered pergolas, and pavilions. There are various amenities that provide infinite options for a client’s ‘staycation’ or personal enjoyment.”
Rozell knows the changing landscape of yards inside and out. After all, he’s contributed to countless projects throughout his career, ranging from large commercial endeavors to hundreds of residential makeovers across northern New Jersey. About 17 years ago, he took on a new venture by launching his own business. Since then, his company has grown and new employees have joined the team while tackling exciting projects and challenges along the way.
“Over the years we have taken advantage of the continued opportunities for growth and expansion and consistently re-invest in the company,” said Rozell. “We’ve combined resources and created the design-build firm operating today. We currently manage over 20 full-time employees along with a fully staffed office of landscape architects and design professionals.”
Homeowners should dream big, but their backyard visions need to also stay realistic. According to Rozell, key factors to consider
"THE LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY HAS EVOLVED SO MUCH OVER THE PAST FEW DECADES—THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO HOMEOWNERS ARE ENDLESS."
include yard size, township requirements, topography, access to the area, and potential obstacles such as wells and seepage pits.
It is Rozell’s knowledge of all these potential obstacles that helps guide customers through the planning process.
“There are far more township and county requirements these days than there were ever previously. Each township is different, and no two properties are the same,” Rozell explained. “It’s about educating clients on restrictions or problems that may arise within a certain design and
also the subsequent costs related. We work through the budgeting/design process in a way that satisfies all the needs/ wants of the clients, but also stays within the parameters set for us by the governing body of the state.”
While yard design is deeply about personal preference, the surrounding environment plays a significant role in shaping its style—especially since each area of New Jersey features distinct natural elements.
“More semi-rural areas like Kinnelon and Sparta have much more natural stones and lots of greenery surrounded by bluestone and more earth tone features. These are similar in the heavily lake-based communities such as Denville and Montville,” Rozell added.
“Older towns with older homes are being updated and renovated. Usually, clients will somewhat match their yards and outdoor style to that of the home. A house in Denville that is 35 years old and under renovation will likely starkly contrast with a house in Englewood Cliffs that is currently being built. The upper Bergen County areas are becoming known for super modern homes…with that comes the use of brighter tones, often porcelain or natural stone. A center hall colonial in Denville, [on the other hand], may already have
existing stonework/brick on the facade that we would be trying to match or blend. Denville is more likely to have natural stone boulders, elevation changes, and the use of earth tones. These properties are often surrounded by woods.”
These varied projects keep the job exciting for Rozell, allowing him to transform homeowners’ backyard dreams into breathtaking realities.
The possibilities for turning your yard into a backyard oasis are endless, and with the help of Matthew Rozell and the Evergreen Landscaping team, you too can bring your vision to life. Don’t wait to transform your backyard into the sanctuary you’ve always dreamed of—let these experts help you create a space filled with joy, relaxation, and lasting memories for years to come.
Riverlands Design transforms your vision into reality, creating personalized, functional spaces that reflect your style.
ARTICLE BY LISA KINTISH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RIVERLANDS DESIGN
We all aspire to have a home we’re proud of, but achieving our vision takes effort and creativity. That’s where the Riverlands Design team, Megan and Cary, step in. They simplify the process by managing every detail, offering both full design services and project management.
“We have our own strengths. Cary likes to do window treatments, textiles, paint colors. I like to work with contractors."
What sets them apart from other design companies? They’re hands on. Megan and Cary collaborate closely with clients by crafting room layouts, selecting materials, and coordinating seamlessly with contractors. They take care of every detail, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget. Whether it’s a full-scale renovation or simply refreshing a room, their expertise guides clients every step of the way.
Megan and Cary begin their process by connecting with prospective clients to understand their needs and vision. During these initial discussions, they present samples and finishes—such as countertop options, cabinet styles, and more—tailored to the specific project, such as a kitchen remodel or a living room transformation.
“We walk through their home to see other rooms, what they like, what their favorite room is, and of
course make sure the finished room looks updated, but goes with the flow of what’s there,” Megan explained. “We give suggestions to share our interpretation of their vision.”
“From the walkthrough, we have an understanding of their vision and what they’re looking for—so we begin the design process knowing [that] and make sure we’re on target,” Cary added.
Besides getting an idea of the client’s tastes, Megan and Cary also inquire about how the room is expected to be used.
If the family room is the focus of the project, it’s essential to understand the preferences of each family member. “The room needs to be both functional and beautiful,” Megan explained.
“We try to get the family’s perspective and how they see themselves using the space,” Cary added. “If it’s a kitchen remake, do they love to cook and need
the kitchen to be functional or do they like to entertain with an island that seats six?”
The team covers every detail, ensuring nothing is overlooked. “For a family room, we consider factors like the ages of the children and whether there are pets. This ensures the upholstery options are suitable for everyone in the home, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal,” Cary clarified.
When all is said and done, the client’s home “will look like a designer touched it, which is what we want, but feels like them and is comfortable for them,” Megan explained. “We don’t want our clients to go into a room that’s on trend but doesn’t feel like their home.”
The saying “teamwork makes the dream work” perfectly captures the essence of Riverlands Design.
“Riverlands is just Megan and I,” Cary revealed. “We’re not a big design firm. It’s just the two of us, working hand-in-hand on projects. We treat each project like it’s our own home. We may have several projects simultaneously, but each client feels [like] they are our top priority.”
Because the women oversee all of the details of a remodeling project, they have a keen understanding of where clients should invest and where they can cut costs.
“Clients want it all and don’t necessarily grasp a budget and what goes into putting a room
“Most people have a hard time seeing what doesn’t exist. Our 3D technology shows them how the couch will look and be placed, how the rug will look, and the furniture placement,” Cary elaborated.
together. A lot of manufacturers we work with can give high end looks within their budget,” Megan explained.
“For the furnishings, we find things in all price points, but you don’t want to skimp on who you hire to do the work,” Cary elaborated.
As for their favorite rooms to remodel, Megan and Cary have different preferences.
“Kitchens,” said Megan. “My first career was as a chef. I’m always in the kitchen cooking. With four kids, it is the biggest part of my home— we all hang out in the kitchen.”
“Mine are spaces that often get overlooked,” Cary explained. “For example, creating a custom office from a formally unused tucked away space.”
When it comes to what makes a house feel like home, it’s all about personal touch. It
isn’t just about the statement pieces; it’s the subtle accents and details that give a room its character.
“My favorite thing is to marry old and new. If they have personalized artwork or items they’ve had for many years, we use that and add in new fixtures,” Megan offered. “Making a home is a combination of personalization, function, and space. We make the space look like they put it together, rather than items without meaning.”
“It’s all the little details that pull the room together,” Cary added.
A remodel, whether it’s a single room or the entire house, can be daunting, but Riverlands Design alleviates that stress, allowing homeowners to enjoy the final result and truly experience the feeling of home, sweet home.
THURSDAYS
Randolph Community Center, 30 Calais Road, Randolph, NJ
Spellbinding tricks await kids at weekly Magic Classes! They’ll also learn life-long skills as they have lots of fun at the Randolph Community Center! Classes take place every Thursday in March, 4:30-5:30 PM, ages 4 to 6; 5:30-6:30 PM, ages 7 to 13. Register at www.randolphnj.org.
MARCH 1ST
Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, 100 Fanny Road, Mountain Lakes, NJ | 1:30 PM
Kick-off Youth Art Month on March 1 at a reception celebrating the young artists from Art Classes with Mary Shadbolt Art School. Can't make it to the party? The exhibit runs all month long at Lakeland Hills Family YMCA.
MARCH 3RD
Parsippany High School, 309 Baldwin Road, Parsippany, NJ | 6:30 PM
Join the World Famous Harlem Wizards for a night of family fun complete with hoops, tricks and alley-oops! The game begins at 6:30 PM and the doors will open at 5:30 PM. Reserve tickets at pretix.eu.
MARCH 3RD
Gourmet Cafe, 136 Baldwin Rd, Parsippany, NJ | 12:00 PM
Feel like having a delicious meal for a good cause? Visit Gourmet Cafe for lunch or dinner (or grab takeout) on March 3 and support the Parsippany Food Pantry—10% of all sales will be donated to this important cause. Gift cards count as well! Gourmet Cafe will also be hosting a fundraiser on March 10 for the Parsippany P.A.L.
MARCH 7TH
Vollero Athletic Recovery, 205 Myrtle Ave., Boonton, NJ | 6:00 PM
Join Dr. Eric Vollero for an insightful class on understanding the menstrual cycle. Empower yourself to take control of your health, make informed decisions, and engage confidently with healthcare providers. The event includes a lecture, Q&A, and discussion. Light refreshments and snacks will be served. Register at vollero-athletic-recovery.square.site. For more information, please call or text Eric at 908-472-2721.
MARCH 15TH
Morristown Town Hall | 12:00 PM
Put on some green! Irish or not, join in on the fun at the Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 15. The parade will begin at Morristown Town Hall and continue down South Street. For more information, visit paradeday.com.
MARCH 23RD
Rockaway Township's "Senior" Prom
White Meadow Lake Country Club, 100 White Meadow Road, Rockaway, NJ | 3:00 PM
Dance the afternoon away! Join the Rockaway Township Senior Citizens for their very own 'Senior' Prom, featuring music from a DJ, a buffet dinner, and more! For more details, call 973-983-2841 or visit rockawaytownship.org
MARCH 23RD
Hunter Hall, 50 Patricia Lane, Flanders, New Jersey | 11:00 AM
Join Nicole of CardShaper, Gregory Gaydos, and Karina Paxton for a transformative 4-hour retreat at Hunter Hall in Flanders on March 23. This event features meditation, reflection, journaling, an extended sound bowl session, pendulum basics, and more. Attendees will also enjoy lunch and receive a gift bag. Register at cardshaper.com
MARCH 29TH
St. Jude Parish Center, 40 Maxim Drive, Hopatcong | 10:00 AM
It's a new season, so why not browse and bring home some new items? Join 40+ vendors on Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 10am to 4pm. There will also be a 50/50 hosted by St. Jude as well as food available for purchase. Admission is free!
MARCH 29TH
Parsippany PAL Building, 33 Baldwin Rd., Parsippany, NJ | 10:00 AM
It's going to be vinyl record heaven! Over 40 tables of LPs, CDs, 45s and more. There will be dealers from the NY/NJ area and beyond. For more information, visit recordriots.com or shorturl.at/GjgZJ.
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR | FULLY INSURED
Michael J. Design LLC is a fully insured, residential and commercial, specialty paint and wallcovering service. We offer decorative paints and plasters, wallpaper installation, traditional paint projects, and kitchen cabinet and furniture paint and stains. Our Strategic Partners Programs offer the ability to collaborate with a variety of industry professionals.
www.michaeljdesign.com | The Studio: 201.293.2599 Morris County and Select Areas VB@michaeljdesignllc
MARCH 29TH
Win, Lose, or Die: Murder Mystery Dinner Show
Vasa Park, 93 Wolfe Road, Budd Lake, NJ | 4:30 PM
How about a little murder mystery to make dinner more exciting? It's all good fun as Eleventh Hour Rescue and D.O.A. Mysteries team up to present an interactive murder mystery dinner show: Win, Lose or Die. Tickets include the show, a buffet dinner (with vegetarian options) and dessert. For more details, visit ehrevents.org
MARCH 30TH
Central Park of Morris County (Greystone) | 10:00 AM
The trails of Central Park of Morris County beckon! Check out the Cross Country Course, featuring mixed terrain, including dirt, grass, gravel and even some hills. If the scenic trail is not enough incentive, registration includes a shirt, medal, and yes, an empanada! Get tickets at runsignup.com All proceeds will go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
At Superior Siding & Windows, we believe in delivering unmatched craftsmanship at the highest value to our clients, ensuring their homes look beautiful and are well-protected from the outside elements for many years to come.
Are you or your child stuck feeling worried, panicky, experiencing distressing thoughts, or counterproductive behaviors? We here at Northern NJ CBT can help. Our therapists are trained in the best, evidence-based treatments to get you or your child unstuck from unpleasant cycles as quickly as possible. We have helped hundreds of anxious children, teens, and adults and we can help you too!
2 3 4 5
Discover local treasures with unique finds to enhance your home
ARTICLE BY LISA KINTISH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALESSANDRA GUARNERI, COVERT COLLECTION GALLERY
1. UPTOWNE ANTIQUES: (920 Main St, Boonton) An array of antiques and vintage items
2. FURNITURE REVIVAL STUDIO: (12 Broadway, Denville) Upcycled furniture and unique furnishings
3.REVELATION GALLERY: (27 Broadway, Denville) Custom framing for photos, art and memorabilia
4. THE COVERT COLLECTION GALLERY: (818A Main Street, Boonton) A stunning gallery of professional photographs
5. TIME’S TIN CUP VINTAGE/ANTIQUES: (27 Diamond Spring Road, Denville) An eclectic collection of antiques
LAVatedMedia.com | 201.572.1437
Chris.lavatedmedia@gmail.com
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