Scotch Plains, NJ March 2024

THE PERFECT SETTING FOR ANY OCCASION

EXPLORE THE LIFESTYLE

Whether you have been golfing your entire life, or have just begun to appreciate the game, Shackamaxon offers a membership option that suits you. Enjoy year-round golf, exciting social events, delightful dining, a resort-style pool right in your backyard, and more as a member of Shackamaxon

For every special occasion in your life, Shackamaxon Country Club offers an atmosphere of elegance and gourmet catering that creates beautiful memories. Whether it's a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, indoors or outdoors, for personal milestones or corporate events, we invite you to celebrate at Shackamaxon.

Mention this ad for a promotional discount towards membership or private events!

The Meaning of Home

Home. So much contained in that little four-letter word. Home is our grounding. Our base. Our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. And while the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable.

Author Wendy Wunder said, “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” As we thought about home - we wanted to highlight what makes it special to our readers. That of course includes the food and drinks, the aesthetic and design, but most importantly - the people.

We feel like the lucky ones as we got to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise our community and hope the small lens into their lives and work brings people together.

As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you - in your town, neighborhood and most of all - your home.

Happy March!

LYNN HARRIS, PUBLISHER @SCOTCHPLAINSCITYLIFESTYLE

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city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: The Maitra Family celebrates MLK Day of service by painting flower pots for local seniors 2: Fanwood/ Scotch Plains Rotary Club at the YMCA during the MLK Day of Service 3: Ava Streeter wins Second Place in the First Girl Scout Pinewood Derby in over 4 years 4: Local band Amp’d performs at Stagehouse Tavern 5: RStudio Beauty holds their ribbon cutting for their new location 6: Adam Palmentieri, Amy Del Puerto, and Jeremy Wertalik admiring the scout cars at the Pinewood Derby 7: Barre 3 Westfield collected 117 coats to donate to Jersey Cares Coat Drive

@RSTUDIO.BEAUTY

@FSPROTARYNJ

MATTHEW STREETER

ABBY MAITRA

ROSALINA WALTER @BARRE3WESTFIELD

@AMPDROCKS

8: Mark and Alicia Holden attend the magazine launch party with Brian Cohen 9: Tim and Erin Carroll of Endure Training and Kate and Jay Neiswinter of Individual PT celebrate 10: Owner of Able Body Spa, Ruth Wolinsky, enjoys the launch party with her husband Jeff 11: Mayor Josh Losardo and the SP council celebrates Scotch Plains City Lifestyle’s Ribbon Cutting 12: DJ Paul Fessock announces Spavia prize winner, Eryn Sinclair 13: Regina and Passion Smith with Caffrey Tree’s Bobby Caffrey and Deputy Municipal Manager Margaret Heisey 14: Photographer Joan Rekemeier poses with owner of RStudio Beauty, Regina Smith

Photography

15: Publication Director, Stephanie Padula, with Erica Collucci of Digital Planets Media and Lynn Harris 16: Mary Depaola, Danielle Sherman, Kim Buchert and Al Smith spent the evening chatting 17: Patrice Chatman, owner of AR Workshop, poses for a photo with her sister 18: Owner of Premier Detailing, Rory McQuillan and Grano owner/chef Antonino Locascio celebrate at Shackamaxon Country Club 19: Rotary Club members, Steve Goldberg and Al Smith chat at the event 20: Artist Ricardo Roig with his wife and Casa by Cherry Home Designs’ Christine Escribano and Katie Malatesta 21: Armen Saqe, owner and chef at Jessica’s Restaurant gives cheers at the celebration

Photography by Craig Smith

business monthly

Casa by Cherry Home Designs Opens New Scotch Plains Location

Casa Construction and Development opens its second location at 1737 E 2nd Street in Scotch Plains. Much like their first location in Westfield, owner, Christine Escribano, alongside her husband and business partner, John Pizzi, bring their experience in interior design, architecture, construction and project management together with their clients to reimagine and redesign their homes to match their unique stories. The new location will also include a material library for clients by appointment and the Casa Furniture Outlet. Join them for their grand opening on March 9th.

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Hotworx Fitness Studio Grand Opening

Owners Robin and Donny Pritzlaff officially open Hotworx Fitness Studio, located at 325 North Ave in Garwood. Members can achieve their fitness goals through a combination of heat, infrared energy and exercise. The studio allows 24-hour access to a variety of virtually instructed, infrared sauna workouts. The ribbon cutting will take place on March 2nd at 11am.

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Shari Erasmus named a Rising Star by SmartFlyer

Scotch Plains resident and travel agent, Shari Erasmus, is named a Rising Star by SmartFlyer travel agency. This honor celebrates new-to-industry travel advisors who are well outpacing industry standards during their first two full years of booking travel. Shari is one of 29 agents who have crossed a minimum threshold of $500k in actualized revenue during the past two years. Her expertise in travel destinations and attention to detail sets her apart in the industry.

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Photography by Jeannie Ruddy

HOW TO BE PROACTIVE—RATHER THAN REACTIVE—IN CARING FOR YOUR HOME

Home Safe

ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN GORNICK

““We keep homes running safely and efficiently and looking their best.”

You make appointments for annual physicals for your family. You take your car to your mechanic for servicing. So, you understand that regular check-ups are key to preventing more major issues in the future. But what about your home?

Costly repairs resulting from preventable situations are every homeowner’s nightmare. Andy Barresse, owner of Halo Home Maintenance in Somerville and a contractor for about four decades, has seen homeowners’ anguish and launched a franchise—Halo Home Maintenance—to do something about it.

Here’s how it works: Each season, a Halo maintenance expert arrives with a 50-point checklist to inspect homes for potential problems. “We do things like check the wear-and-tear of gutters, roof and siding, check the electrical outlets, pull out stoves and refrigerators to clean coils, clean dryer vents, check for fire hazards and insects, and show homeowners where to shut off the water if there is a leak,” he says.

While the experts inspect the property, they also clean—everything from the gutters and windows to power washing the house. If a problem is found, Halo will fix it at a reduced rate or Barresse will give homeowners referrals to trusted licensed professionals like plumbers and electricians who he has worked with over the years.

“We keep homes running safely and efficiently and looking their best,” says Rose Marie Iskowitz, co-owner. “When people buy a home, they get it inspected, move in and many don’t do anything for ten to 20 years—until things start to fall apart.”

Consider: Your window and door insulation eventually disintegrates, caulking around bathtubs wear, fire extinguishers expire, batteries in smoke detectors die and lint builds up in dryer vents, causing a potential fire hazard (a situation made even worse if you have expired extinguishers). “One of the leading causes of fires in New Jersey is from dryer vents that get clogged from not being cleaned out,” Barresse says. “They get full of flammable things like lint, money, crayons and wrappers. Also, when the dryer is not venting properly, you run the risk of having gas come into your home. Since your dryer will not run as efficiently, your clothes will take longer to dry and your utility bills will be more expensive.”

Safety is a concern for the experts at Halo, who check for invisible hazards. “You cannot smell carbon monoxide gas; every house should have a working carbon monoxide detector,” Barresse says. “In one home I inspected, the vent to the furnace was dislodged from the hot water. The residents reported smelling rotten eggs, but it was gas.”

Other maintenance can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars down the road. For example, Barresse notes the importance of properly cleaning gutters. “We spend all day cleaning the leaves and making sure all the seams are sealed properly so that the water runs away from your house and doesn’t rot your soffits,” he says.

What about your attic and basement? Halo inspects for insects and animals that can cause damage. “Do you see stains on your walls? Only a third of the time

CONTINUED >

is this from water. The other two-thirds is from mice. We inspect so you can call an exterminator before they burrow and get into your walls and ceilings,” he says.

Halo also is licensed in mold remediation. “If you are on the maintenance program and we find mold in your house, we will take care of it at a far lesser cost,” Barresse says.

Iskowitz is also a client. “My husband and I are not handy or have a lot of time, so this service gives us peace of mind,” she says. “One of the things that I love most is when Halo comes out in the spring and power washes the green mildew off my home exterior, deck and walkways and does a Windex rinse on the windows. It just freshens everything up.”

“A number of clients use us to care for vacant vacation homes or rental properties,” Barresse says. “That gives everyone peace of mind. It makes landlords and their renters very happy.”

If you are getting ready to list your house for sale, Halo can help get it ready for market. “Instead of doing the four seasons plan, we can come out and do all of the items on the list in a couple of days and get your house ready to be shown,” Barresse says. “We also will identify potential issues that you can correct before the inspector comes and notes it on the inspection report, possibly jeopardizing the entire sale.”

See the 50-point home maintenance list at HaloHomeMaintenance.com.

My husband and I are not handy or have a lot of time, so this service gives us peace of mind.

A Perfect Mixture of Ingredients

BUILDING FRIENDSHIPS AROUND DELICIOUS FOOD AND CRAFTED COCKTAILS

When Antonino (Nino) Locascio took over ownership of Grano Pizzeria & Italian Tavern in Scotch Plains in 2022, he had already been in the restaurant business for over 20 years. Along with his ability to offer outstanding customer service, he’s also known for new and innovative menu ideas and his adaptability to current food trends.

“I've been in all facets of the restaurant business from general manager to director of food and beverage, but mostly as an executive chef,” he says.

Before buying Grano from friends, he was already enamored with the restaurant. “When they offered me the restaurant, I jumped on it,” says Nino. “It offers a great dining experience. Although my focus is on the restaurant in general, I like to consider us more of a tavern than a pizzeria. We’re a perfect mixture.”

Patrons can sit down at a table and have a lovely dining experience with delicious entrées and signature cocktails, while others can hang at the bar, watch the game and enjoy hand-crafted pizzas and beer. Whatever diners choose to order, it will be made fresh and with the highest-quality ingredients.

“To me, quality is everything,” he says. “People can tell that I use amazing prosciutto, the best type of chicken breasts, and the best mozzarella and tomatoes for our pizza. I quality check everything on a consistent basis.”

All the recipes used come personally from Nino. “Our most popular entrée is definitely the Linguine with Clams, as well as our Paccheri Bolognese and our Short Rib Lasagna. Our Chicken Parmesan with Vodka Sauce is fantastic too. We also have a Margaroni pizza, which is fresh mozzarella, vodka sauce, pepperoni, and honey on our delicious crust.”

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOAN MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

Appetizers include a Whipped Ricotta Board, Arancini, and Burrata. There are also soups, such as the classic Pasta e Fagioli and Italian Wedding, and a variety of salads. Finish off your meal with Limoncello Cake, Tiramisu, or maybe Chocolate Ganache Cake.

If pizza is desired, there are many choices available including the Bruschetta, Meat Lovers Pie, Eggplant Parm, and Cheesesteak. And don’t forget the strombolis and build-your-own calzones filled with everything you can imagine. A great variety of subs are also offered.

While many of the menu items are staples, Nino also likes to change things up according to the season and occasion. If someone wants to hold a party at the restaurant, he can customize what’s served according to customers’ preferences.

“We host a lot of events, mainly during the week,” he says. “I've been doing a lot of steakhouse dinner type events lately.”

If someone wants to hold an event with great food outside of the restaurant, Grano can provide whatever is needed as well. This menu can be customized too.

Everything he does is focused on diners having the best experience. “I'm a very personable person and I think our food is fantastic,” he says. “We also have excellent cocktails, but the one thing we really pride ourselves on is our customer service. And to me, in this business, that trumps all.

“If we can make people feel like they're at home and on top of that, enjoy amazing cocktails and amazing food while giving them the best customer service they can possibly get, that's going to differentiate us from everyone else.”

In regard to those cocktails, Nino says his talented and creative bartenders come up with the recipes. Luckily for him, he gets to be the taste tester and has to approve each one.

Word of mouth is definitely a huge part of Grano’s success. “People come in, then they bring their family and friends, and then those friends bring their family and friends.”

“People love the whole vibe of the restaurant. It’s like New York City in the middle of Scotch Plains.”

“To me, quality is everything. People can tell that I use amazing prosciutto, the best type of chicken breasts, and the best mozzarella and tomatoes for our pizza. I quality check everything on a consistent basis.”

The restaurant itself has a modern but cozy atmosphere. At the sleek bar, instead of hard stools, there are stylish soft chairs in a warm green hue that makes sitting there very comfortable. Elegant gold accents complete the trendy feel. At the tables, padded blue and brown chairs again add comfort and style. The brick walls with their eclectic artwork and the open-ceiling concept add a cool, urban touch.

“People love the whole vibe of the restaurant,” says Nino. “It’s like New York City in the middle of Scotch Plains.

“I like meeting the people who come in and connecting with the locals and building friendships. I think that's very important. It's a small town and everybody's very connected. I'm learning that more and more every day. I want to be a part of the town and I think people are getting that sense. I'm here to stay - I'm not going anywhere.”

GranoItalianTavern.com

A Sound Sleep

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOAN MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

COMFORTABLE, CUSTOMIZED MATTRESSES AND BEDDING THAT ARE JUST RIGHT FOR YOUR NEEDS

““Since health and wellness is our number one priority, our hand-crafted natural mattresses are a big part of our success.”

A bedroom should be an oasis - a place to get away from it all. It should look great and most importantly, be comfortable. Of course, the star of any bedroom is well, the bed.

If we don’t have sufficient rest, it affects every part of our lives. This is where the right mattress and pillows can make a huge difference. Familyowned-and-operated Orange Mattress – Custom Bedding in Clark has been providing customers with the knowledge and merchandise for a great night’s sleep for over 120 years. Customers have included the Rockefellers, Hearsts, and other well-known families.

“Since health and wellness is our number one priority, our hand-crafted natural mattresses are a big part of our success,” says Mindy Segal, whose grandfather founded the business. “We have natural organic cotton and horse-hair inner

Mindy Segal – Owner

Mindy’s grandfather founded Orange Mattress – Custom Bedding in 1902 in South Carolina. In 1938, the business moved to New Jersey. After her father passed away, she decided to join the family business and never left. She enjoys guiding customers in choosing the right mattresses and bedding for their specific needs and desires.

Come in and meet Mindy and her knowledgeable staff.

springs, and an English bed that's cotton, latex, and wool.” All of its mattresses and box springs are made in New Jersey.

Most of their mattresses are also able to be flipped. “When you get a one-sided mattress, you're only buying half a mattress for the same price. When flipped, they have a double life.”

Mindy has been working in the business for over 24 years, and can expertly assist people with picking out the perfect mattress. “Sometimes they want a custom size for their antique bed, RV or boat.” The store even offers round beds!

Orange Mattress delivers beds throughout the country. For more, go to MyCustomBedding.com

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!

MARCH 14TH

The Addams

Family Production

Scotch Plains Fanwood High School

667 Westfield Rd, Scotch Plains | 7:30 PM

The Scotch Plains Fanwood High School theatre program will perform the musical comedy,  The Addams Family,  March 14th through the 17th. The show will take place at the Repertory Theatre at SPF High School. Visit their website for more information on tickets and show times. spfhsrep.com

MARCH 16TH

Behind the Artist with Shen Rosen

Casa by Cherry Home Designs | 401 W Broad Street, Westfield | 5:00 PM

Casa by Cherry Home Designs is featuring local artist Shen Rosen in a “Behind the Artist” event. This free event gives an up close and personal look at Shen’s artwork and the inspiration behind her pieces.  cherryhomedesigns. com/events

MARCH 17TH

Darby Road St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Darby Road Pub | 450 Park Ave, Scotch Plains | 12:00 PM

Join the community in celebrating St. Patrick’s Day inside the pub or under the big tent. The event will feature live music, including bagpipers, children’s activities, and drink specials.  darby roadpub.com/st-patricks-day

MARCH 23RD

Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunt

Brookside Park | 1225 Hetfield Ave, Scotch Plains | 10:00 AM

Children ages 8 and under are invited to bring a basket and go on an Easter egg hunt. This family-friendly event will include children’s activities and a special appearance by the Easter bunny. The rain date is March 24th  scotchplainsnj.gov/events

DAY SPA

ARTICLE BY SARA YENGLE AND EMILY PALAZZOLO

Home Design Trends by Grace & Chaos

LOCAL INTERIOR DESIGNERS, SARA AND EMILY, SHARE THEIR FAVORITE MATERIALS AND FINISHES

Velvet

Although velvet seems hard to maintain, it’s actually a really versatile material that looks beautiful and warm while also being a durable and forgiving fabric.

Veneer Tables

Veneer replicates the look, texture and colors of real wood but provides a tough surface that stands up to all the life events that happen in our spaces.

Carpet Tiles

A popular flooring for commercial spaces for many years and now becoming a great option for the residential scene. instead of replacing the entire area rug when there is a spill, you can pop up a single tile, put down a new one and your rug is as good as new.

Terrazzo

From tile to tables to decor and more, Terrazzo is the new “it” material. A durable material that is a combination of natural stones set in concrete, and then ground down to expose the beauty of the natural stones inside.

Boucle

A soft, cozy and very durable fabric due to the loop construction. If the boucle is a base of cotton or linen, it’s even washable.