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Conveniently located in Mountainside, we are proud to serve the Scotch Plains community with integrity and personalized attention. Let us handle the legal details so you can focus on what matters most.
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Kids & Pets
Hello Scotch Plains and Fanwood!
Our August issue celebrates kids and pets, both cherished as full time residents of our whole hearts. We can both remember the love we felt on the days each of our children were born - making us (cool) moms. Kids bring a new purpose and joy into our lives. It is a love like no other.
That is…until you get a dog.
We are kidding of course, but there is no doubt that our doggies have changed us in ways we did not expect.
The Azad family got Charlie shortly after Covid, bringing her wiggle bottom, morning licks and excited welcomes into our lives. Wilma came to the Kautz home after years of begging and desperate pleas, bouncing her way into everyone’s hearts (and a seat at the dinner table!) We are all doggie obsessed. There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t talk about them, share pictures of them and tell funny stories about them.
But sure, kids are great too lol.
In this issue we recognize the youth in our community that stand out through their achievements, service to others and risk taking. We hear from neighbors in town that have shared a round-up of puppy love stories and pictures of their adorable fur babies. We say goodbye to the Highland Swim Club with a tribute to its history of community building and summer fun. And we celebrate a man who brought music into the hearts and homes of thousands of families over his 40-year career as a band teacher.
Thank you to everyone that has reached out to share their ideas, pictures, stories and appreciation! This is what makes the magazine so special. It belongs to all of us - and that shines through in this issue. Cheers!
TERRY
AZAD, VERONICA KAUTZ
@SCOTCHPLAINSCITYLIFESTYLE
NAME, PUBLISHER
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Veronica Kautz | veronica.kautz@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Terry Azad | terry.azad@citylifestyle.com
INTERN
Marin Pecarsky
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Grace Azad, Terry Azad, Marin Pecarsky
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Craig Smith
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Learn
Proverbs 3:5-6
city scene
1: Volunteers at Patrick’s Downtown Race to Summer smile at the record breaking number of runners! 2: Sweet Wilma is always ready to play! 3: Who could resist Chewie’s big brown eyes? 4: SPF Freshman Lacrosse enjoyed a winning season! 5: Princess Gia 6: Carlos Rocha of High Class Electric celebrates Father’s Day with his boys! 7: The Martins love their Leo, even when he makes himself comfortable on the kitchen table!
CAROLYN DALY BRINK
AMANDA DAWN HUDES
Scotch Plains Founders Bring Real-Food Nutrition to Kids!
Best friends Kim Pabla and Tina Rajani founded Tiny Sprouts Foods in 2020, in the heart of Scotch Plains, NJ. What started as a homegrown business quickly turned into a trusted brand for families looking for real-food nutrition to support children’s health and development. Tiny Sprouts uses the power of seeds like flax, chia and hemp to fuel their Tiny Sprouts Organic Superseed Boosters that support brain development, digestion and immune health. Now available in Whole Foods Market stores across the US.
Mims Optique Opens in Scotch Plains with eyewear for the whole family
Mims Optique celebrated the Grand opening of its new store located at 2389 Mountain Avenue in Scotch Plains. With the support of town dignitaries, Wendy and Daryl Mims realized a lifelong dream of owning their own business. The store’s full height glass windows create a light and airy space - perfect for finding your next pair of frames. Wendy Mims’ personalized service ensures each customer leaves with eyewear that is a reflection of their personality and style.
Be Craftful is back with custom gifts and crafts for any ocassion
Local favorites Amy Bazarnik Boroff and Leslie Weinroth debuted the return of the popular Be Craftful store at Fanwood’s Ladies Night on Thursday, June 5th. The two have teamed up to provide custom-crafted delights for any occasion. Whether it be personalized party favors, gifts for life’s milestones, or a personalized craft box to go, Be Craftful will make it that much more special. Check out the Be Craftful Facebook and Instagram pages for product samples and send your requests to BECRAFTFULNJ@GMAIL.com
A POOL OF MEMORIES
A GRATEFUL COMMUNITY REFLECTS ON 73 YEARS OF SUMMER FUN AT HIGHLAND SWIM CLUB
ARTICLE BY TERRY AZAD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEAL FITZSIMMONS AND HSC
Almost 75 years ago Jane Britten of Westfield NJ told her husband Stan they needed a pool. Not one that would eat up precious space in their own backyard, heavens no. But one that could be built as a private club for friends and local families to share. Jane was determined, and after convincing Stan, the twosome recruited five other couples to their mission of bringing the Highland Swim Club (HSC) to Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains.
Summer Fun at Highland Swim Club
The story of Jane and Stan’s quest is well documented in the January 1954 issue of Family Circle Magazine. What it reveals is the long history of a community coming together to facilitate countless summers of fun for kids of all ages. From the very beginning, pool members volunteered their expertise – from lawyers and bankers to architects and construction workers –with the goal of realizing a cold pool on a hot day. Fast forward to this decade, where pool members continue to come together to paint, clean and otherwise ready their summer happy place for the benefit of the larger community.
It started with 250 families raising the capital needed to buy the land and construct the facility. The wives of the original six couples chose the name “Highland” as a tribute to the Scottish Highlands and their mutual love of tartan prints, kilts, and bagpipes. It was fate that the approved five-acre “Scotch” Plains site would accidentally pay homage to the same.
Over time, the club expanded its offering to members and visitors. At the heart of the property is a large L-shaped 25-meter pool with diving boards that bring a long line of kids and adults looking to perfect their jumps. All it takes is one hour of watching the diving boards to see competition-worthy dives filled with flips and twists as well as the most impressive belly flops. There is also a gated kiddie pool, concession area, pool house, picnic tables and grilles - and plenty of umbrella seating for shade. When taking a break from swimming, members enjoy the ample playground where spirited games of wiffle-ball, basketball, pickleball, ping-pong, and corn-hole are played.
“We’ve made lifelong friends at Highland.”
But swimmers beware! There are sharks in these waters! HSC is home to the Sharks, a competitive swim team serving Scotch Plains-Fanwood and the surrounding areas. Swimmers aged five to eighteen have benefitted from a rich tradition of excellence, with programs designed to deliver personal improvement year over year. Coaches are often local students swimming at the most competitive levels, sharing their knowledge to develop the next generation of champion swimmers.
A volunteer paints the pool
Now, after decades of fun serving up happy memories to generations of families in the Scotch Plains Fanwood community, Highland Swim Club will enjoy its 73rd and final season. And what a season it will be as the creative minds of a committed Board of Governors fuel another action-packed summer. Even with a cold opening over Memorial Day weekend, the Highland Swim Club forbid Mother Nature from spoiling the fun. Instead, a “Polar Bear Plunge” was planned to kickstart the season! HSC has delighted its members over the years with poolside yoga, regular float and movie nights, and “Tween” parties shared with Willow Grove Pool. There is the Highland Olympics, Taylor Swift Night, and countless birthday parties. The Roskin family of Scotch Plains are long-time members, grateful for the friends they have made over the years at Highland: “On any given day you can go to the pool and run into people you have not seen all year. Next thing you know you are there all day, laughing, firing up a grill and enjoying each other’s company” says Jill Roskin. Board Member Neal Fitzsimmons offers his own sentiments about the club: “We are known for our laid-back, friendly atmosphere, competitive swim team, hospitality, and fun-loving members” says Neal. He shares dozens of family photos that memorialize the significance it has had on the childhoods of his own kids. “These are memories we will cherish for a lifetime” he says. Looking at the smiles on the faces of his float-toting son and daughter, it is easy to agree.
“These are memories we will cherish for a lifetime.”
While Highland’s multi-decade run will be ending, members are happy to learn the property will remain a recreational space after its purchase by the Township of Scotch Plains. With very few opportunities to acquire this much acreage the Town can now put plans against their goal of creating more recreational amenities for its residents. In the meantime, Highland Swim Club dives into to an epic final season to top off an already overflowing pool of memories. August memberships still available!
Visit www.highland.clubexpress.com to sign up today!
The future is bright as we recognize the achievements of our community’s youth
Janae Barnes – Union County Vocational-Technical School
Janae Barnes, a graduating senior at the Academy for Allied Health Sciences (UCVTS), has received the Marie Leppert Scholarship, honoring students who, like Marie, are deeply committed to community service. Janae is president and co-founder of the Black Student Union at UCVTS, a cadet EMT with the South Plainfield Rescue Squad, president of her church youth group, and a member of the National and Spanish Honor Societies. Janae is constantly looking to volunteer. “There is always more to be given back to the people I love to serve.” Janae will attend Rutgers University to study nursing.
Thomas “Mac” Bastable –Scotch Plains Fanwood High School
SPFHS Senior Mac Bastable has demonstrated that student leadership can shine as brightly behind the scenes as it does on stage. Class Salutatorian and four-year member of the repertory theatre, Mac balanced academics, the arts, and public service. During his junior year, Mac earned a student seat on the Board of Education to serve as a voice for his peers. “My role is to bring a student perspective,” Mac shared, an opportunity that has taught him about the effort required for meaningful change. Mac looks forward to new opportunities as he heads to Boston College in the fall.
Robert “Bobby” Christensen –St. Joseph Preparatory High School
For Scotch Plains resident Bobby Christensen, the baseball field is more than wins or losses, it’s about finding his identity. A student athlete at Saint Joseph High School in Metuchen, Bobby’s discipline on and off the field helped him excel in both academics and athletics. This discipline helped him lead his beloved Falcons to a hard-earned County Championship, capping off his senior year. St. Joes’ closeknit community played a major role in Bobby’s success. “They really support you as a student and as a person,” Bobby said. As he heads north to Massachusetts to play baseball at Babson College, Bobby leaves St. Joe's grateful for the mentorship that has shaped him into the person he is today.
Ava Greten – Terrill Middle School
When given the choice between softball and baseball, Ava Greten chose baseball–and earned her spot as the only girl on the 10u Select Raider baseball team. With a goal of being the first female NY Yankee, Ava also plays for the Cyclones, a competitive club team in NJ. Aware her capabilities are sometimes doubted by opposing teams and spectators, Ava doesn’t let negativity affect her. “I don't let it bother me, I just keep playing.” Confident and composed beyond her thirteen years, Ava has advice for other girls following a similar path: “Do it, and don’t be scared; there's always someone telling you not to do it, but if it makes you happy, do it anyway.”
Sabrina Hackett, Union Catholic High School
Inspired by her father and early sport experiences, Sabrina Hackett developed a strong work ethic that evolved from a habit to a mindset that would carry her through academics and extracurriculars at Union Catholic HS. Sabrina knows success requires consistent effort. “Hard work is something you have to keep doing over and over again to make it become second nature,” she says. Her dedication paid off, earning her the title of Valedictorian and an opportunity to address her classmates at graduation. Quoting Socrates Sabrina demonstrates humility to her peers: “I know that I know nothing,” encouraging a lifelong journey of learning. Sabrina will do just that as she heads to Lafayette College as an Economics major.
Marin Pecarsky – Scotch Plains City Lifestyle Intern and Contributing Writer
Marin Pecarsky is a proud 2025 graduate of Scotch Plains Fanwood High School. Four-year varsity basketball starter, twoyear varsity basketball captain, co-founder of the SPFHS flag football team and member of the National and French Honor Societies, Marin is the epitome of a well-rounded young leader. Her talents as Copy Editor of the 2025 Yearbook earned her the coveted role of Scotch Plains City Lifestyle intern for her senior project. Marin is kind, confident, funny and a joy to be around. We are grateful for her time and wish her the best of luck as she heads to the University of Maryland this fall.
Donald Gomez Photography
Local Mike Kelly is “The Dog Guy”
| PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG SMITH
ARTICLE BY TERRY AZAD
Before business owner Mike Kelly became affectionately known as "Mike the Dog Guy," his life was marked by deep connections with some unforgettable four-legged companions. First there was Sally, then Buttons, Dreyfus, Oliver, Gordo, and Tuffy—all different breeds and sizes, but equally adored. Tuffy holds a special place in Mike’s heart after he discovered the poor pup living under a crate in the Bronx. And while Mike may have done the rescuing, Tuffy, in the way that only dogs can, gave more than he took.
Growing up in Cranford NJ, Mike’s whole family loved animals. But his life did not intentionally land in the “dog business.” He spent many years as a mortgage lender and planned to continue his career in the banking industry. It was not until Gordo – a Newfoundland weighing in at 170 pounds - proved to be a challenge come bath time. Mike loved taking him on hikes, adventuring outside to his favorite trails and fishing holes. But when Gordo came home covered in mud, they both became stressed about the inevitable bath to come. I mean, how does one bathe a gentle giant of a dog at home? Not to be deterred, Mike built a makeshift dog bath in his garage. Here, he could walk Gordo in without having to lift him. No more clogged drains and messy, space constrained tubs. Mike’s “garage bath” improved the quality time he shared with Gordo, and kick started his transformation from “Mike the Banker” to “Mike the Dog Guy.”
In 2011 Mike found a great retail spot in Garwood to launch his self-service dog wash, and not long after, he added full-service grooming and dog care products. Aptly named IN•N•OUT™ SelfService Dog Wash & Full-Service Grooming, Mike celebrated the opening of his second location in Colonia earlier this year. But his shops have come a long way from the garage bath. Each location has individual wash stalls, easy access dog ramps, restraining loops for extra safety, automatic water pressure for easy lathering, no-burn blow dryers and fresh towels. Best of all, even self-service walk-in customers can request staff assistance with nail clipping and ear cleaning. This is where the real differentiator at IN•N•OUT™ resides. Mike hires only the most caring, experienced groomers to ensure that every puppy leaves happy and clean. Many are Certified Vet Techs, each with over 20+ years of experience, and know how to manage even the most anxious of dogs.
With continued success, Mike has been able to add new products and services that help people care for their beloved pets. The game changer for his business occurred after he became the Authorized Dealer of Invisible Fence® Brand products in 2018.
A day barely goes by without hearing of a lost dog in the area, and the distraught owners desperate to find them. And while a pet containment system can provide happiness, safety and longevity to our pets, many owners have misconceptions that Mike is eager to debunk.
The most common misconceptions about Invisible Fence include “it won’t work on MY dog,” “it will hurt my dog” and “it is cost prohibitive” says Mike. None of these are true with a professionally installed system. Unlike DIY electric fences, Invisible Fence® combines exclusive technology with animal-behaviorist approved training, for proven results and success. “Training is the most important part of teaching your pet to stay within safe boundaries” says Mike. Certified pet trainers get to know your pet. They use a systematic, gentle training approach that is approved by veterinarians and customized to a pet’s personality, breed, and situation. The tenets of the training include visual cues, audio tones and praise. On repeat. It takes approximately three sessions over the course of 7-10 days to be fully trained. Once completed, dogs are happy to run around knowing they are safe and secured, often without the expense of a physical fence structure. There are even products for inside the home. More and more pet owners are solving age-old issues like furniture chewing, counter surfing and off-limit rooms by placing Invisible Fence discs in strategic locations. Coupled again with systematic training, homes and rooms have been reclaimed.
As Mike’s business continues to expand, his boys Johnny and Mikey have teamed up with him to help with installations and training. A family business focused on all things dog? I am officially jealous.
“Training is the most important part of teaching your pet to stay within safe boundaries”
THE MUSIC MAN
ARTICLE BY THERESE AZAD AND GRACE AZAD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG SMITH, CHARLIE JACKSON
Joseph Reo enters the Terrill Middle School auditorium on June 11th as he usually does for the Coles Elementary year-end band concert. He is dressed in all black, a departure from the tropical floral patterns he typically dons. He is followed by one hundred plus excited 4th graders, eager to show their parents how much they’ve improved over the last year. The kids are all dressed in Hawaiian prints, a homage to the band teacher they have come to love. A man who has introduced them to their chosen instrument; a man
that has taught them to read music and play the notes on the page. A man who has practiced patience and kindness to thousands of students for over forty years. They wear Hawaiian shirts for their teacher: Scotch Plains Fanwood’s very own Music Man.
The path to this day started when Mr. Reo himself was a Middle School student in nearby Springfield, NJ. There he spent many hours and days in the Band Room with a teacher he came to idolize. He knew then, in 7th grade, that he too wanted to teach music; to share the
Band teacher Joseph Reo retires after forty years of bringing music into the homes and hearts of our community
same passion he saw from his mentor. While he personally gravitated to all things percussion, Mr. Reo would come to learn every instrument - EVERY instrument –to be the best teacher he could be for his students. As a young man, Joseph Reo’s life centered around music. He played at school, in worship bands, and then for work when he earned money playing wedding gigs at the age of 16. After studying music at The College of New Jersey, Mr. Reo got his dream job of teaching music to Elementary School kids at School One in Scotch Plains. That was 1985. And while many things have changed in our school system over the last 40 years, one thing has stayed the same: the strong band program that consistently wins awards in nationwide competitions. Success like this can only come with a strong foundation:
“A man who has practiced patience and kindness to thousands of students for over forty years.”
the one built by Mr. Reo. When asked about his four decades of teaching, Joe Reo says, “It went by fast.” That is the response of someone who has loved their profession. He credits the kids for his tenure: “It’s all about the kids, only about the kids.” And he has certainly taught a lot of them.
Having worked across all the schools in the district it is hard to calculate how many lives he has touched. If you consider that Charlie Jackson, his counterpart at three SPF Elementary Schools, was also his student, it gets even harder. And when you learn that his son is also an elementary school band teacher, it becomes impossible. Mr. Jackson says, “He has been my mentor since 6th grade. First as a teacher, private drum instructor, through college, now friend. He is STILL my mentor”. Early on in his career, Mr. Reo created an all-percussion ensemble called Rhythm Sense, specifically for drummers and mallet players at SPF High School. They meet after school where Mr. Reo has worked to elevate their skills allowing them to participate in different bands and performances. SPFHS Junior, James Gardella, has been receiving private drum lessons from Mr. Reo since he started high school and is now a part of Rhythm Sense. “[Reo] has
“It’s all about the kids, only about the kids.” And he has certainly taught a lot of them.
taught me so much about drumming… that you can go down so many different paths with one instrument … there are endless possibilities,” Gardella said.
Back at Terrill Middle School, as the June 11th concert winds down, parents hold their iPhones up in the air to record their “baby” playing actual music for the first time. Toes are tapping and hands are clapping as “Boot Scoot Boogie” features a strong group of young percussionists. The last song is played, and by his own request, the closing comments from Principal Fahee acknowledge his retirement without fanfare. This humble man, however, does not get off that easily. The auditorium fills with a standing ovation of parents and families, applauding his life’s work. The exiting children have broken into a repetitive chant of “Mis-ter REE-o, Mis-ter Ree-o,” and if you look closely enough, you can see him taking it all in. One. Last. Time.
PUPPY LOVE
Scotch Plains Fanwood neighbors share their puppy love stories
ARTICLE BY LOCAL FUR-MOMS AND DADS
Scotch Plains Cutest Pup - Charlie!
Gracie is one of the most special dogs I’ve ever had. She is a Shep that was saved by St Francis Rescue in South Carolina and brought to me by my sister with Puppy Love Pet Rescue. She is perfect and has been from day one. Gracie loves everyone she meets…she’s the apple of my eye.
This is Rocky, a four and a half year old Labradoodle who has brought such joy to our family. Rocky loves his daily walks around Fanwood, playing fetch and hanging out with his doggie friends Jojo, Kaya and Amber.
We are proud to share that funeral director, Ryan Tombs, and his dog, Bailey have officially become a certified therapy dog team! They are now ready to offer comfort, support, and a warm presence to the families we serve. You’ll also be seeing them at local street fairs, nursing homes, hospice centers, and hospitals—spreading love and bringing smiles wherever they go.
1. LISA DEMBECK
2. RICHARD DIAMOND
3. MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME IN FANWOOD
Sweet Gracie Rocky
Ryan and Bailey
My highschool-aged niece heard of a dog that was headed to a shelter and walked 6 miles (in February!) to bring it home…only to be told by her mom that she could not stay! I decided I’d take her for the weekend - and here we are 2 years later! Scarlett found her home and I found a piece of me that I never even knew was missing.
After a friend’s dog had a litter of eight pups Fur-Mama Melanie brought her kids to visit and snuggle with them every night. Not surprisingly, they fell in love and adopted two of the puppies – Gypsy and Pablo. “Blue Heelers are very active and these two are inseparable,” says Melanie: “They are the best addition to our family we could have ever hoped for.”
My 22-year-old son and I decided to look at a puppy from Wagging Happy Tails Rescue in Fanwood. I gravitated to Harlee, while he instantly bonded with Hank yet he convinced me to get both. The pups are now 3 years old and they bring joy to my life every day!
5. DEANNA DELL BENE
6. ANNMARIE PERRY
4. MELANIE SHANNON
Gypsy and Pablo
Adorable Scarlett
Hank and Harlee
SUMMER BOOST FOR KIDS
ARTICLE BY KIM PABLA AND TINA RAJANI
These super simple 3 ingredient popsicles are bursting with berry and chia goodness!
Tiny Sprouts Organic Superseed Boosters are not your regular bag of seeds. Each unique blend is fortified with vegan vitamin D & probiotics, which are essential to the health & well-being of children. These Berry Chia Popsicles are refreshing, healthy, and delicious - the perfect summertime treat for your little one.
Age: 6M+
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hr 10 minutes
ingredients:
• 4 cups sweet, ripe strawberries or raspberries
• 2 tbsp Tiny Sprouts Milled Chia Seed Booster
• 1-2 tbsp maple syrup (optional and omit for babies under 24M)
directions:
Step 1. Wash berries and remove the stems.
Step 2. Add the berries into a blender and blend until smooth.
Step 3. Combine puree with Milled Chia Seeds and maple syrup if using.
Step 4. Pour the mixture into a popsicle mold and freeze for at least 1 hour before serving.
RECIPE NOTES
• Use very sweet and ripe berries to reduce the need for maple syrup.
• Mix the berry mixture with 1/4 - 1/2 cup of greek yogurt for frozen yogurt popsicles.
