Scotch Plains, NJ December 2023 by City Lifestyle

The Founder’s Issue

D E C E M B E R 2 02 3

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ERA SUBURB REALTY 1773 E 2ND ST, SCOTCH PLAINS NJ 07076 OFFICE 908-322-4434

ALICIA HOLDEN - REALTOR CELL 908-377-4739 ALICIAHOLDENERA@GMAIL.COM HOLDENTHEKEYS.COM #HOLDENTHEKEYS

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Welcome!

December 2023 PUBLISHER

Lynn Harris | lynn.harris@citylifestyle.com PUBLICATION DIR ECTOR

Caitlin Froom | caitlin.froom@citylifestyle.com

Hello, and welcome to the premiere issue of Scotch Plains City Lifestyle— where we’re inspired by community, and hope this magazine inspires you too! We are a monthly print and digital magazine dedicated to the people, the businesses and the history of Scotch Plains and Fanwood, New Jersey. As you flip through these pages, you’ll be drawn into the incredible stories behind the people and places that are part of our community. As a Scotch Plains resident, I am proud to call our town home and raise my three young children here. The people are wonderful, the neighborhoods are welcoming and there are so many options nearby for dining, shopping and recreation. From the carefully crafted food being served up at local restaurants to the beautiful homes and parks; from start-ups and successful businesses to local artists, designers and fashionistas, our goal is to share the stories of everything and everyone Scotch Plains and Fanwood has to offer—and the things that matter most to you, our readers, for whom we produce this magazine each month. I am honored to have the opportunity to deliver a publication that truly belongs to our town. This is your magazine and we encourage you to contact us with recommendations for our upcoming issues. We would love to hear about your business, charity, event, family or passion project. I look forward to seeing you around town, welcome to Scotch Plains City Lifestyle.

SALES DIR ECTOR

Kevin Harris | kevin.harris@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER

Caitlin Froom CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER

Maria LaMorte-Wright

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

LY N N H A R R I S , P U B L I S H E R @SCOTCHPL AINSCIT YLIFEST YLE

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

Photo Credit Lauren Anzevino

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/SCOTCHPL AINS |

Proverbs 3:5-6 Scotch Plains City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Scotch Plains area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle 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 Scotch Plains City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered

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

to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

DECEMBER 2023

inside the issue The Premiere Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

12 The Epitome of Town History. Welcome to The Frazee House.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Open House HO ME + DES I GN

Happy Hour FO O D + B EV ER AG E

Realtor Bob Coloney Has Been Making an Impact in the Scotch Plains Community

Local Limelight LI FE + C U LT U R E

Since 1995

Decor Trends HO ME + DES I GN

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Realty Report R EA L ESTAT E

Events

Local’s Choice ENT ERTA I NME N T

“Sir, I give you this bread through fear, not in love.” - Aunt Betty Frazee

20 Building Community

34 What We Love About Scotch Plains and Fanwood These are a few of our favorite things...

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Maria LaMorte-Wright The Frazee House is a preserved historic farmhouse that dates to 1720-1740. While current restoration takes place, residents enjoy the community garden and events like the Harvest Festival.

Thank you to our Founding Partners. Lynn Harris

Scotch Plains City Lifestyle Publisher

AR Workshop Westfield arworkshop.com/westfield

Magnolia Home Remodeling Group magnoliahomeremodeling.com

Able Body Spa ablebodyspa.com

Mary DePaola, Broker Associate Coldwell Banker Realty marydepaola.cbintouch.com

Active Life Fitness Personal Training activelifefitness.net Alicia Holden- ERA Suburb Realty era.com/nj/scotch-plains/agents/alicia-holden Barre3 Westfield barre3.com/studio-locations/westfield Bee Kind Pediatrics beekindpediatrics.com Bonomo & Sons bonomo-sons.com Caffrey Tree & Landscape caffreytree.com Casa by Cherry Home Designs cherryhomedesigns.com Dentalcare Associates njdentalcare.com Endure Training Co enduretrainingco.com Grace and Chaos graceandchaos.com Hotworx | Garwood NJ hotworx.net/studio/garwood-north-ave Jessica’s Restaurant jessicasnj.com

Meyer and Depew Heating & Cooling meyer-depew.com Orange Mattress | Custom Bedding mycustombedding.com Premier Detailing NJ premierdetailingnj.com R Studio Beauty & Wellness rstudiobeauty.com Robert Coloney | Weichert Realty robert-coloney.weichert.com Robert Martino, DDS and Allison Sceppaguercio, DMD drmartinodentist.com Shari Erasmus | The Smart Flyer smartflyer.com/agent/shari-erasmus/ Spavia Day Spa Clark Commons clarknj.spaviadayspa.com The Body Department Medical Spa thebodydeptnj.com Team Spark Advisors teamsparkadvisors.com

DECEMBER 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

@JOHNS_MEAT_MARKET

@J.V.MAST

@FLYTHREE_VENTURES

1: Picking pumpkins at The Frazee House 2: Aiden Griz at Fanwood Pharmacy with SPF spirit wear made by FlyThree 3: Vinnie Losavio, owner of John’s Meat Market, serves up the best quality meat. 4: Residents enjoy Scotch Plains Day on October 1st 5: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School 2023 Homecoming Court 6: Shoppers at the Scotch Plains Farmers Market 7: Park Ave Shoe Repair and Boris’s Barber Shop have been serving the community for decades

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @scotchplainscitylifestyle

C I T Y SC E N E

DECEMBER 2023

Since 1959, the doctors and team members of Dentalcare Associates have been dedicated to excellence in dentistry and we cordially invite you to join our dental family. All phases of dentistry are offered in a comfortable, modern office setting. Our goal is to provide our patients a healthy smile for a lifetime!

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

DENTALCARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY Preventive care • Checkups and cleanings Tooth Whitening • Cosmetic Bonding Porcelain Veneers • Ceramic Crowns Invisalign clear aligners Implant supported crowns and bridges Periodontal (gum) treatment • Extractions Emergency services DENTURES AND SAME DAY REPAIRS Full and partial dentures Flexible partials • Implant overdentures Laboratory on premises All repairs schedule permitting • New patients welcome • Day and evening appointments • Afternoon appointments for students walking from School One, Nettingham, St. Barts, and SPFHS • Participating with most insurance carriers • Flexible payment options for every budget

Dr. Robert V. Scalera, Jr. Dr. Lara Merker

R Studio Beauty & Wellness Moves to Scotch Plains R Studio Beauty & Wellness opens their new location at 2277B South Ave, Scotch Plains and expands their services! Along with lash, eyebrow and facial services, R Studio is excited to offer luxurious unisex massages! Designed to cater to the relaxation needs of both men and women, their expert therapists will take you on a journey of pure bliss and rejuvenation.

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(Periodontal and Implant Specialist 5798)

Dr. Maureen Maximos

Want to be featured? 567 PARK AVE  SCOTCH PLAINS ACROSS FROM NETTINGHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL

908-322-7800  WWW.NJDENTALCARE.COM 10

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/ScotchPlains

DAY SPA Endure Training Co Opens on Second Street Owners of Westfield’s 908 Athletics CrossFit Gym, Tim and Erin Carroll, bring a new fitness gym to Scotch Plains! Endure Training Co, located at 1718 East 2nd Street, uses a science-based training program that achieves an ideal blend of strength, stamina, and mobility, emphasizing nutrition and accountability so you can train smarter, not harder.

Scan to read more.

MASSAGES | FAC I ALS BODY WRAPS | WAXI NG New Location for Jessica’s Cafe & Restaurant Chef and owner, Armen Saqe, is moving Jessica’s from the Plainfield location to downtown Fanwood this winter! The new location will continue to serve his Italian and French inspired farm-to-table dishes while the current location will remain open and serve a new cuisine.

$40 off

for first time guests for Premium or higher services (normally $129 & up) Use promotion code SPALIFE during booking by phone Offer can’t be used with other promotions

spaviadayspa.com Scan to read more.

// 732.540.1600

C l a rk C om m on s Shoppi n g C en t er

1255 Raritan Road, Clark, New Jersey D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SC OTC HP L A I N S

The Epitome of Town History. Welcome to The Frazee House. “Sir, I give you this bread through fear, not in love.” - Aunt Betty Frazee

ARTICLE BY CAITLIN FROOM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA LAMORTE-WRIGHT

Standing proud since its construction in 1720, The Frazee House, located at 1541 Raritan Rd, has engrained itself as a large part of Scotch Plains-Fanwood history. As folklore holds, Aunt Betty Frazee was baking bread in the home during the Battle of Short Hills when General Cornwallis and his hungry troops approached, asking for a loaf. “Sir, I give you this bread through fear, not in love,” said Aunt Betty, and impressed by her courage, the General declined the food. Passed through generations of the Frazee family, the house was eventually auctioned off and purchased by the Ryno family in 1893 and operated as a farm until 1949 when purchased by the Terry family. Under the ownership of Franklyn Tuttle Terry and Ella Louise Terry, The Frazee House became

the Terry-Lou farm, New Jersey’s largest privately-owned zoo and a famous family attraction in the Scotch-Plains-Fanwood community. Although the house was purchased by the Kafka family in 1994, the zoo remained open until 1997 and was eventually obtained by the Township of Scotch Plains. Over the years, the citizens of Scotch Plains watched the large part of history just wither away; however, that was until the Rotary Centennial of Scotch Plains-Fanwood stepped in and took on the task of preservation and restoration in 2005. “Most Rotary Clubs purchase park benches or engraved bricks, we leased a house,” said Andy Calamaras, member of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Rotary Club and President of The Frazee House.

CONTINUED >

O PE N H OU SE | HOM E + DE S I GN

The Frazee House located at 1541 Raritan Rd, Scotch Plains, NJ. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SC OTC HP L A I N S

Construction of the external public bathroom added onto the outside; open for public use.

Andy Calamras and members of The Frazee House board inside the historical spot.

O PE N H OU SE | HOM E + DE S I GN

Two years later, funding began, a plethora of grants were gained, and a vision plan was created. In 2018, the Frazee House was ready to begin renovations. “The goal is not to change the house. We wanted to keep as many of the original details as possible. It is authentic, and it is history,” said Calamaras. Phase one began with focus on the exterior of the house. Cosmetic refurbishings including repair of the chimney, siding, windows, the foundation and the porch. This phase concluded Spring 2020. In 2022, phase two began and is still going strong today. Restorations on the bottom level of the house are currently in the process, and an external public bathroom has been added. In doing so, the Frazee House is on the path to being open to visitation from the community. It is projected to be completed in a hopeful six months. Phase three, the final phase, will focus on the upper level of the house and is predicted to be completed by 2026. Once construction is concluded, furnishings will be added into the house. All will be antique furniture to uphold the historical feel reminiscent of the years the Frazee House dates back. According to Calamaras, the ultimate goal is to have the kitchen act as a museum, and the rest of the house will be walkable to the public. As for now, you can visit the beautiful six-acre property that the Frazee House sits on along with the Scotch-Plains community garden – or go take a peek at the ongoing process of restoration!

The beginning of renovations to the exterior of the house.

Cosmetic refurbishings commence to keep the house standing strong.

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SC OTC HP L A I N S

SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR 45 YEARS WE’LL CLEAN UP ANY STORM DAMAGE. FAMILY OWNED.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IS OUR 1ST PRIORITY.

caffrey@caffreytree.com

Strength. Cardio. Mindfulness. 908.264.8038 barre3.com/studio-locations/westfield 276 North Avenue East, Westfield, NJ

JESSIC A’S RESTAURANT SEASONAL MENU USING FRENCH & ITALIAN TECHNIQUES

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New Construction · Custom Homes Residential Renovations Our unique approach to executing projects includes pre-construction services, such as support during the design process.

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206 Westfield Ave. Clark, NJ

B EC AUSE YOUR S MI L E IS OU R PASSION We are so happy to be a part of the inaugural issue of City Lifestyle! We have been proudly serving the dental needs of the Scotch Plains/Fanwood area for almost 25 years. Our office prides itself on being a welcoming, friendly, and fun place that strives to make our patients love coming to the dentist. We see patients of all ages and are always welcoming new patients to our dental family.

Google Reviews

Robert J. Martino, DDS | Allison C. Sceppaguercio, DMD

drmartinodentist.com | 732-382-8280 152 Central Ave, Clark, NJ 07066 D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SC OTC HP L A I N S

Holiday Entertaining Boards The holidays are here and entertaining is in full swing. If you are looking for the perfect appetizer to easily feed a crowd these simple and beautiful boards are sure to please.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

H AP PY H OU R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Tips for creating the perfect board: • Start with the larger items first and build around those. If you are using jars on the board, place those first. • Be sure to have enough to fill the space. it is best to overfill so that the board doesn’t look sparse. Stack, stack and stack some more. • Use a variety of colors and textures when choosing the foods you want to use. Pick cheese with color and patterns, fruits and veggies that come in a variety of textures and colors and a protein that can make a statement. • Be sure to place similar colors in away from each other to help give symmetry.

Holiday Wreath Charcuterie Board • • • • •

Fig Jelly Honey Variety of Cheeses Salami or meat of choice Olives (provide a variety)

• Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios and any favorite nut • Grapes, berries, persimmon • Crackers

Place the jars of sauces and olives on the board first. Next place the cheeses on opposing sides. Add meats and fruits next. Layer in crackers, nuts and seeds and fill in any spots with extra nuts. Use fresh Rosemary or fresh greenery to add wreath accent in the center of the charcuterie board. Garnish with fresh cranberries.

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BUILDING COMMUNITY Realtor Bob Coloney Has Been Making an Impact in the Scotch Plains Community Since 1995

WHAT INITIALLY DREW YOU TO THE TOWN OF SCOTCH PLAINS? “While I grew up in Kenilworth, NJ, I moved to Scotch Plains in 1995 with my wife and raised our three children here. I’ve always been extremely involved in the community by coaching a plethora of youth sports and pursuing my mother’s dream.”

WHAT WAS HER DREAM?

From fulfilling his mother's dream to making his clients' dreams come true, Bob Coloney transitioned to real estate after being the driving force behind The Center of Hope.

“My mother was a hospice nurse, and ultimately, she was a pioneer of hospice, not just in New Jersey but throughout the entire country. She was responsible for getting the Medicare benefits approved for hospice patients. She had a life-long dream to create an in-patient facility, and she didn’t care if people didn’t have the resources or money to support their hospice care, she just didn’t want people to pass away alone.”

Working full-time for every client, Bob Coloney is there to make your home-buying and selling process as easy as possible.

“Real estate isn’t a job to me, I truly love it.”

ARTICLE BY CAITLIN FROOM

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED? “In 2000, I was working for a mortgage company, but she wanted my help, so I went to go work for her. I was a purchasing manager for her program, Center of Hope. Unfortunately, shortly after, she fell ill with pancreatic cancer and was given six months to live; however, she didn’t want her dream to die. After her passing in 2003, I was tested on my ability to be president of the program, and eventually around six months later, I was appointed.”

WHAT WAS YOUR GOAL? “We acquired the Park Place Diner here in Scotch Plains and turned it into an administration building because the ultimate goal was building the in-patient facility. We hired George Albanese and The Alma Group to do a feasibility study that approached around 100 of our closest donors and volunteers and pitched the idea of a physical, in-patient facility. The majority of them didn’t believe that was a realistic goal.”

HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THAT? “Determination and a great support system. None of this would have been possible without my wife Diane and her support on the development team. Diane stood by my side and worked tirelessly throughout the fundraising campaign to achieve this amazing goal which enabled us to build Peggy Coloney's House. In the end, my group and I raised about $11 million, and in two years we created Peggy Coloney’s House at the Center of Hope in honor of my mother. It is a 33 bed, in-patient facility for those who are facing end-of-life care.”

Jack Coloney (left) and Bob Coloney (right) at the initial groundbreaking for Peggy's House.

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TODAY, YOU ARE A REAL ESTATE AGENT. HOW DID YOU GET HERE? “After accomplishing what my mother dreamed of, I felt fulfilled enough to pursue my own goals. I was always interested in construction and all things realty, and in a year, I had gotten my real estate license. I am truly fortunate that my wife Diane supported my decision to become a real estate agent. She always believed in my abilities and I am so grateful for that.”

WHAT DREW YOU TO REAL ESTATE? “I loved the idea of being my own boss, and I love interacting with people. I believe to have an ability to connect with everyone and anyone regardless of if they are a first-time homeowner or in the market for a $1 million home. The knack I have for empathizing with people regardless of their circumstances is why I am where I am today.”

HOW DID GETTING A LATER START IN REAL ESTATE AFFECT YOU? “It wasn’t easy getting here; however, I did fantastic, and it motivated me to keep going. Today, I have 10 years in real estate. I truly love what I do, and I have no regrets other than I wish I started earlier, even right out of college. Receiving text messages and seeing Instagram posts from my satisfied clients stating that they weren’t able to get any contracts, but I got them one in six days, or people who weren’t able to sell their homes before they met me is the most rewarding feeling. When I wake up every morning, I am proud of where I am.” As a Weichert Realtor, Coloney serves 27 areas of New Jersey from Berkeley Heights to Summit.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

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E L E VA T E YO U R CLOSET 8 W AY S TO O R G A N I Z E A N D I N J E C T S T Y L E I N TO YO U R S PA C E

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

D E C OR T R E N D S | HOM E + DE S I GN

Every woman dreams of an organized and beautiful closet space, but it often comes last on the list of places that get their time and attention. Follow our nine tips for transforming and elevating your closet. How you organize your closet will of course differ based on the size of your space, the size of your wardrobe, and the kind of life you lead. But applying these guidelines will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.

FACE CLOTHES THE SA ME DIRECTION

It may seem silly, but when dealing with a small space, little things count. Hanging all clothes the same direction is a no-brainer for continuity in your closet.

03 02

USE REAL ESTATE WISELY Reserve the front and middle of the closet for clothes worn most often. For someone who gets dressed for work each morning at 6 a.m., work clothes should be at the front of the closet. Store lesser-worn items like formal wear and out-of-season clothes toward the back and on the upper shelves. A large mirror and counter with chair provides the perfect spot to select jewelry and finalize finishing outfit touches. While every closet is different, the key here is everything has a home.

HIDDEN STOR AGE Hidden storage is a game changer in keeping a closet visually clean. Tuck folded clothes behind closed cabinet doors if the space is multipurpose. The floor-toceiling built-ins in Keri’s closet contain folded clothes, athleisure and other items she needs as she gets ready each day. Tuck away the least-used items: Use hidden storage and the very top of the closet for out-of-season items and stuff only worn a few times a year.

NEGATIVE SPACE

Using space efficiently is important, but keep in mind every good design includes some negative space. For instance, consider adding built-ins on the long wall of your closet but keep the short wall open with a mirror.

ORGANIZE BY KIND AND COLOR

Group clothes by kind first and color second. This ensures quick location of that favorite shirt when it’s needed. Bonus - it’s easy on the eye. Group like with like: Gather belts, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, work pants, dresses, button-down shirts, jeans, shorts, etc., and decide the best place to store each item as a group (e.g., hang pants in the closet, fold and stack sweaters in a bureau). Working with groupings will help you figure out how much space you need and the best way to store each type of item.

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UPGR ADED HANGERS The simplest and fastest way to make a BIG difference in your closet organization is to get matching hangers that go beyond the traditional plastic or wire hangers. And for sure ditch any with paper from the dry cleaner!

BAG & SHOE STOR AGE Alternate the way shoes are facing. This ultimately helps fit more on each row and provide a visually appealing way to display those prized possessions. Everyone understands the frustration of searching for that one clutch when rushing out for the evening. Bags benefit from a space all their own. Get clear container storage for small bags and purses so you can locate and access them easily.

M AKE A STATEMENT Why use an armchair when you have room for a sofa? Slide up a stool and colorful area rug to complete the look. If you have excessive wall space, consider a mini gallery wall or a statement wall with wallpaper to polish things off.

D E C OR T R E N D S | HOM E + DE S I GN

LOOKING F OR S EL L E RS DEMAND FOR HOMES IS STILL HIGH! HOMEBUYERS ARE READY TO MAKE A MOVE! Qualified buyers are having a hard time finding a home. If you're ready to sell, now is the time. Call, text or email me today to find out what your home may be worth in today’s market.

Scan the QR code with your phone's camera to see a FREE home value estimate for your home.

ROBERT COLONEY Sales Associate

908.230.6536 cell 908.654.7777 office rcoloney@gmail.com

*Estimate based on county records. ©2023 Weichert, Realtors. If your home is currently listed with a real estate broker, this is not intended to be a solicitation of the listing. Real estate agents affiliated with Weichert, Realtors® are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. Each WEICHERT® franchised office is independently owned and operated. REALTOR® is a federally registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a Member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. All square footage, room dimensions and lot sizes are approximate. Offering subject to errors, omissions, prior sales, change of price or withdraw without notice. The information herein is provided by the seller and not Weichert, Realtors® and while deemed reliable is not guaranteed. Weichert, Realtors® fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

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The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign

2023 28

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

“

This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

The annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is in its 4th year. Last holiday season we gave away over $300,000 to help 116 individuals and families in need, but we need your help to make it happen again this year. With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. Perhaps you know of a single parent struggling to provide for their family, an elderly person who has experienced loss, someone enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need, even if no one else does. “We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them during this holiday season.” “We believe God has blessed our company with continued success, so we in turn want to be a blessing to others,” Matthew Perry, President of City Lifestyle adds. City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep giving on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is truly rewarding and it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster a culture of generosity.”

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Nominate Nominations accepted Nov. 27 – Dec. 10, 2023

Follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram for reminders! To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. All nominations and recipients will be kept confidential. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SC OTC HP L A I N S

D E CE MBE R 2 0 2 3

realty report A sample of recently sold properties in Scotch Plains and Fanwood N E I GH BO RH O O D

ORIGIN AL PRICE

SO L D P RIC E

%SO L D/ O RIG

DO M

B DRM S

B AT H S

9 Jenna Ct

$1,469,000

$1,400,000

95%

4.1

2011 Hill Top Rd

$1,325,000

$1,550,000

117%

7 Fields Ln

$1,050,000

$1,251,000

119%

379 Cook Ave

$1,049,000

$1,064,000

101%

3.1

1166 Hetfield Ave

$1,049,000

$1,150,000

110%

1451 Martine Ave

$999,000

100%

3.1

2358 Belvedere Dr

$899,000

100%

3.1

17 Chetwood Ter

$829,000

$880,000

106%

2.1

2057 Jersey Ave

$799,000

$800,000

100%

3.1

16 Montrose Ave

$729,900

$830,000

114%

2433 Longfellow Ave

$725,000

$780,000

108%

2.1

71 La Grande Ave

$709,900

$760,000

107%

210 Mountainview Ave

$699,000

$775,000

111%

3.1

175 North Ave

$699,000

$821,920

118%

3.1

175 Herbert Ave

$649,900

$650,000

100%

215 Katherine St

$649,000

$679,000

105%

180 S Martine Ave

$580,000

$570,000

98%

511 Henry St

$535,000

$550,000

103%

6 Clement Pl

$485,000

$506,000

104%

2326 Carol Pl

$475,000

$550,000

116%

1.1

1993 Westfield Ave

$419,000

$439,000

105%

This data is a sampling of sold properties from September & October 2023. Source: IRES MLS system

ALICIA HOLDEN REALTOR

Cell: 908-377-4739 | AliciaHoldenERA@gmail.com Holdenthekeys.com #Holdenthekeys

R EA LT Y R E P ORT | R EAL E STATE

ERA Suburb Realty 1773 E 2nd St., Scotch Plains NJ 07076 Office: 908-322-4434

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DECEMBER 2023

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

D EC E M BE R 2 N D

Behind The Artist with Casa by Cherry Home Designs

401 W BROAD ST W ESTFIELD | 6 :0 0 P M Join Casa by Cherry Home Design in a free art and music event which celebrates local artists and musicians. The evening includes a cocktail reception featuring a behind-the-artist interview with local artist Jennifer Wilner and musical performance by Angie Mora. CherryHomeDesigns.com

D EC E M BE R 3 RD

Scotch Plains Holiday Celebration

ALAN M. AUG USTIN E VILLAG E G R E E N 4 30 PA R K AV E S C OTC H P L A I NS | 1 :0 0 P M Featuring family-friendly activities, horse-drawn carriage rides, a petting zoo, a gingerbread house display, hot chocolate and food trucks. Photos with Santa are at 2:30pm and the Christmas Tree Lighting is at 5pm. ScotchPlainsnj.gov/events

D EC E M BE R 3 RD

Fanwood Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting

FA N WOOD TRAIN STATION | 3 :0 0 P M Celebrate the holidays with music, refreshments, crafts, contests and Santa Claus! The event concludes with the lighting of the town tree. FanwoodNJ.org/2023-fanwood-events

DE C E M BE R 7 T H

Scotch Plains Menorah Lighting

ALAN M. AUG USTIN E VILLAG E G R E E N 4 30 PA R K AV E S C OTC H P L A I NS | 5 :0 0 P M The Grand Menorah Lighting features an 8ft mega LED robot, gelt drop, and Chanukah treats. ScotchPlainsnj.gov/events

DE C E M BE R 7 T H

Meet the Owners Holiday Event by AR Workshop Westfield

2 26 N AVE W, WESTFIELD | 6:3 0 A M Join new owners, Regina and Patrice Chatman, for the start of the holiday shopping season! Create a personalized craft for a loved one and shop local in the retail boutique filled with trend-setting decor pieces and accessories to pair up with your finished projects. ARWorkshop.com/Westfield

D EC E M BE R 1 0 T H

New Jersey Ballet: The Nutcracker

U NION COUN TY PER FOR MIN G A RTS C E NT E R | 2:0 0 P M UCPAC, New Jersey Ballet and the Union County Board of County Commissioners present a sensory friendly version of the magical and classic story of The Nutcracker. Attendees can expect relaxed lighting and sound along with other adjustments and accommodations. UCPAC.org/event/new-jersey-ballet-the-nutcracker

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/ScotchPlains

EVE N TS

casa there's no place like...

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DESIGNS

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401 W Broad St., Westfield, NJ 908.228.2318

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SCAN TO CONNECT

Scotch PlainS city lifeStyle™

Let’s work together. Cell: 908.451.1454 Fax: 408.458.8722 Matthew.Kiss@grarate.com VISIT MY WEBSITE

Matthew Kiss

VP of Mortgage Lending NMLS#22785

16 Arcadian Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652 GRA NMLS ID #1598647 For Licensing, visit www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org Operating in the state of New York as GR Affinity, LLC in lieu of legal name Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC.

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SC OTC HP L A I N S

W h at We L ove A b out

Scotc h Plains & Fanwood These are a few of our favorite things... ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LYNN HARRIS

01 VANILLA BEAN LATTE, BLACK DROP COFFEE // 02 LEMON SOLE FILLET, JESSICA’S RESTAURANT // 03 FANWOOD HISTORIC TRAIN STATION // 04 SOUL BOWLS // 05 FARMERS’ MARKET // 06 ST. BART’S ITALIAN FEST

Photo credit: Lauren Anzevino

LOCA L’S C H OICE | EN TERTAI NME NT

How lucky are we to call Scotch Plains and Fanwood home? I’ve discovered so much joy from exploring our area. As a self-proclaimed foodie, our towns have so much to offer. A perfect Saturday for me is grabbing a vanilla bean latte from Black Drop before heading over to the Farmers’ Market for some fresh produce (and of course the empanadas for my family!) then indulging in a coconut bowl from Soul Bowls and ending the day with a gourmet dinner at Jessica’s Restaurant. Aside from shopping and dining, I also enjoy visiting our great local events with my family. From the St Bart’s Italian Festival to the FanJam, there are so many family friendly activities to bring our community together. And there’s nothing like the convenience of the historic Fanwood Train Station when I’m catching a Broadway show. I’m excited to share all of the people and places of Scotch Plains and Fanwood and our surrounding towns, and look forward to seeing you out and about.

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D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SC OTC HP L A I N S