SEE 102 YEARS YOUNG AND COUNTING
Unlock New Perspectives
In a world where digital connections often surpass in-person interactions, the concept of community exploration and social discovery has taken on new dimensions. Whether you're looking to delve into your local community or engage with groups and individuals across the globe, there are ample opportunities to connect and explore.
Local exploration is an invitation to see the world with new eyes. By taking the time to explore our surroundings, we not only discover new places but also learn about the history and culture embedded in them. It's a chance to slow down, appreciate the little things, and understand the legacy of the community we live in. It's about being curious, open-minded, and appreciative of the diversity of experiences that local exploration offers.
We also hope we can inspire you to plan your next trip! Step outside your comfort zone and see what the world has to offer. Whether it's trying a new cuisine, traveling to a new destination, or taking up a new hobby, the thrill of exploration is what makes life worth living.
So pack your bags, open your mind, and let the world be your teacher. Embark on your next adventure, and watch as it unveils new possibilities and awakens the explorer within.
The act of exploration is not just about the physical journey, but the internal one as well. Allow yourself to be transformed by the people you meet, the foods you taste, and the stories you uncover. Embrace the unknown, for it is in those moments of discovery that we grow the most.
LYNN HARRIS, PUBLISHER @SCOTCHPLAINSCITYLIFESTYLE
July 2024
PUBLISHER
Lynn Harris | lynn.harris@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Stephanie Padula | stephanie.padula@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Kevin Harris | kevin.harris@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Carly Okyle, Erica Landis, Aruna Krishnan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Craig Smith, Joan Marie Photography, Chelsea Doyle
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
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city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Opening Day of the 2024 Scotch Plains Farmer’s Market was a hit! 2: Wheelie Good Pierogi returned to the farmer’s market with their food truck this year. 3: Customers and vendors enjoyed live music by Nashville Attitude at the market 4: Even the pups enjoy the weekly market! 5: Lilo and her owner shop at Pura Paletas at the Scotch Plains Farmer’s Market 6: The College Club scholarship recipients for the 2024-2025 academic year were honored on May 21st. 7: Fabio’s Bistro donates $1000 to the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary during their spring fundraiser.
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b3 Mindful Flow | Dynamic and breathdriven, this practice improves mobility and increases stability, while promoting active recovery and fostering harmony in the body.
Balanced in body, empowered from within: The transformative power of our workouts is more than physical - and extends far beyond the studio. Barre3 isn’t just about the time you spend strengthening and balancing your body; it’s about the empowerment you carry with you the rest of the day.
You’ll love it because it can stand on its own, or you can stack it with one of our other workouts - b3 Signature, b3 Cardio, or b3 Strength
Bobby Caffrey is a Licensed Tree Expert and ISA Certified Arborist
business monthly
A community with a desire to help - donating to PAHS
John Capeci, a financial advisor at Edward Jones, is in his fourth year of collecting donations for the Plainfield Area Humane Society (PAHS). The inspiration behind the pet drive is John's Cockapoo named Cooper! This year's pet drive was a wonderful success and John and the team are honored to be able to help in providing these much-needed items to PAHS, who are so grateful for the donations from our community.
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Enjoy Italian and French inspired cuisine at Jessica's Restaurant
The former Jessica's Cafe, ranked #37 in the top 100 places to eat in the US for 2024 by Yelp, is now Jessica's Restaurant. Located at 250 South Ave in Fanwood, owner and chef Armen Saqe has transformed the space into an elegant high-end restaurant with outdoor dining. The larger venue allows even more patrons to enjoy their Italian and French-inspired cuisine.
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From Italy to Scotch Plains - Park Ave Shoe Repair
Rocco and Maria DiFrancesco began Park Ave Shoe Repair in 1977 after immigrating from Abruzzo, Italy. They worked in their shop for 25 years before passing down their business to their daughter and son-in-law Anna and Nick Fabiano. Their goal has always been, and always will be to help you save the shoes, sneakers, handbags, and beyond that you love, and bring them back to life.
Explore Your Dream Home Options
RENOVATE OR BUILD TO GET THE EXACT HOUSE YOU DESIRE
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEA DOYLE
With over 40 years of experience in the home renovation and custom-home building industry, Ethan Schoss has done it all. “When I started out as a carpenter’s apprentice, I carried lumber, swept floors, and learned the skills that I have today,” he says.
Schoss Construction was founded in 1996, and for 30 years has provided home renovations and custom-home building. Even now, Ethan still walks around cleaning up job sites when necessary to make sure they are neat and clean. “I'm extremely picky about how my job sites are kept because I feel that they are a reflection of the work that I do. Although my trade is carpentry, I am not afraid to jump in and help any of my subs, if needed.”
Ethan’s a perfectionist and expects everyone who works for him to provide their highest level of quality. “The majority of my subs have been with me a long time,” he says. “Some of my subs have been with me since the beginning.”
These subcontractors, whether plumbers, electricians or tilers, are not only experienced in their individual skillsets, but like Ethan, take pride in what they do and are dedicated to client satisfaction. The entire team is focused on transforming clients’ dreams into reality, and Ethan trusts them to do just that.
A large part of Schoss Construction’s business is additions and renovations. Being able to entertain at home is a big reason people add on or renovate. In general, people are looking for more space for a growing family which may include larger kitchens/entertainment areas, additional bedrooms and baths, or a finished basement.
Ethan believes in providing his honest opinion when clients ask him about their designs and/or choices. He reminds them that some styles come and go. “I want to make sure that they are happy with their selections for years to come,” he says.
For clients who want to start fresh from the ground up, Schoss Construction will be there from start to finish. “When you hire us to build you a custom home, it's just that. You're going to pick out your moldings, tile, cabinet designs and everything else so you get exactly what you want.”
Whether a renovation or a new build, Ethan works cohesively with clients’ designers and architects to ensure the finished product comes together just right for his clients.
There are many advantages to building a custom home rather than buying one that has been built on “spec.” Once it’s built, it can be costly and time consuming to tailor it to your and your family’s exact needs and/or likes.
Born and raised in Westfield, Ethan married in 1993, and the couple raised their children in Scotch Plains. Recently, they moved to Watchung. Since Ethan is from the area, he is very familiar with the towns where he builds and renovates homes, which include Westfield, Scotch Plains, Warren, and Watchung.
“There’s a lot more freedom for clients who want us to build them a custom house. They can choose exactly what they want.”
“These days people want to keep things very simple. They want nice, clean lines and open floor plans. They’re going back to entertaining and want to be able to have family and friends over and have everyone be together.”
“I really wanted to stay close to where I do business because if there's an issue, I want to be able to promptly provide the best service for my clients,” he says. Now that he’s in Watchung, he’s continuing to branch out a little more into additional nearby towns.
As a previous Westfield resident, one of his proudest moments was being hired to renovate the house where Charles Addams once lived.
“That was a big deal. The Addams Family was after school TV for me and I knew about the history of the home.” The owner of the home, located on Elm Street in Westfield, was actually given a historical award, he says.
Ethan doesn’t believe in having a super or foreman overseeing his projects. Instead, clients deal directly with him. “That's how it's always been and it will never change,” he says.
Farm TO TABLE
JOIN YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS AT THE SCOTCH PLAINS FARMER’S MARKET!
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOAN MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
Now in its 32nd year, the Scotch Plains Farmers’ Market continues to draw large crowds with its great variety of merchandise. Every Saturday from May through November, the Market transforms the downtown municipal parking lot into a festive and fun atmosphere where neighbors catch up with neighbors, find the best products that New Jersey has to offer, and are entertained with live music.
“It’s much more enjoyable than going to the food store,” says shopper and town resident, Lisa Milligan, who was there with her husband Sean and dog Dicky.
Adds Sean, “It’s a great way to support the community and meet other local people.”
Sponsored by the Scotch Plains Business & Professional Association, and managed by Lisa Mohn, owner of Apple Blossom Flower Shop, this extravaganza has everything from flavorful pickles and authentic empanadas to baked dog treats and, of course, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
“I’ve been here from the very beginning, and many of our vendors have been as well,” says Mohn. “Every vendor is from the area and I try to find diverse offerings so there’s a great variety.”
There are even breweries and distilleries represented, nutritious microgreens, and a
food truck serving Buffalo Chicken Pierogi. Mark Trocia, who was at the truck with his wife, is from Delaware, and they always make a stop at the Market whenever they’re in town visiting their grandchildren. “The food here is great,” he says.
Many of the businesses are family owned and run, and everything from the Lithuanian breads and local honey to the fresh mozzarella and crab cakes is fresh and delicious.
Take a stroll through the market between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm and bring plenty of shopping bags. You’ll want to fill them up once you see all the amazing goodies on display.
ScotchPlainsFarmersMarket.com
Florasylva Stand
Au Honey Stand
“I
GET
TO KNOW MARY DEPAOLA, A REALTOR WITH AN INTIMATE KNOWLEDGE OF AND LOVE FOR SCOTCH PLAINS.
Selling
Scotch Plains
ARTICLE BY CARLY OKYLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEA DOYLE
Mary DePaola is well-traveled. She grew up in her mother’s hometown in Oklahoma, and after attending college in Nashville, Tennessee, she packed her bags and left for New York City, where she worked as a structural engineer. She’s journeyed to Ireland and Italy. Yet, she describes herself as “a die-hard Scotch Plains girl.”
“I didn’t [grow up here] but my husband did,” she said. “We had our first two kids when we were living in Manhattan, and when we were ready to move there was really no question. Scotch Plains is the perfect place to live. You can be in the city after a quick ride, you can be down the shore in an hour. I love this town.” An avid walker, she’s discovered what she calls “little gems,” and “nice vignette areas,” like the paths around the Frazee House or the historic downtown area. Furthermore, when thinking of her children -- six in total, now between the ages of 21-30 -- she prioritized giving them an upbringing with variety. “There's such a nice diversity in Scotch Plains. We wanted them to know different types of people and have different types of friends in socioeconomic groups and not just a homogenous town.”
CONTINUED >
Fully embracing Scotch Plains, DePaola served a term on the town council and learned even more through the position. “You become so educated… and it was a great way to know all of those little bits and pieces.” After taking time off of the workforce to raise her children, she embarked on a career as a realtor, which combined many bits and pieces of her life experiences. “Real estate combines community service, community outreach, and being an engineer I know about buildings and houses and I can kind of speak to that. it combined everything into one great profession for me.”
While real estate is her profession, her family and helping others is her passion. She explains, “[As a family,] when we interact with other people, our thought process is, ‘how can we ease this person's path?’” Sometimes, that’s finding people homes, and sometimes, that’s keeping her own house open and available. “I like to welcome people into our house,” she says. “You’re welcome here at any time, and what can I do for you?”
With a passion for storytelling we specialize in capturing life’s most cherished moments. From weddings, family gatherings, branding and corporate events.
We are dedicated to preserving memories that last a lifetime, as well as being experts in visual storytelling that aligns with each clients wants and needs. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or captivating the essence of your brand, trust C Paige Photography to transform moments into timeless treasures.
C PAIGE PHOTOGRAPHY
The Luxury of Customized Travel
Savannah ghost hunting...cherry blossoms in Japan...yoga retreat in India...Create your dream trip!
Shari Erasmus wanted to explore a career change. She’d been working as a speech pathologist for over 25 years, later working in special education advocacy, before taking a break to focus on her family. Combining her innate wanderlust and love of helping others, she founded Inspired Escapes by Shari in February 2023, and hasn’t looked back. Specializing in customized luxury travel, Inspired Escapes operates as an affiliate of SmartFlyer, a full-service global luxury agency.
Shari has always been a travel planner, beginning with childhood trips in the family station wagon. Creating folders filled with activities, packing lists, meals, and even the local weather report, that detail-oriented little girl never lost the thrill of planning adventures and continued doing it as a hobby for friends and family.
“Everyone would suggest I should do this for a living. And I thought, ‘I have a master’s degree in speech pathology. I can’t become a travel advisor!’ But then I thought, well, why not?! This career has really allowed me
to explore a missing part of myself that I suppose has always been there.”
Shari, a mom of four, encourages travel with kids. “The memories you make are so much more meaningful than anything tangible that you can buy.”
The love of exploration runs in Shari’s family. “For birthdays and holidays, my kids always ask for experiential vacations instead of gifts. Traveling is the greatest thing you can do with your family.”
Giving her clients that luxury of customization is what Shari enjoys most. Whether exploring family roots in Europe or eating your way through a farm-to-table experience in upstate New York, everything is possible with Shari’s expert resources. The benefits of her relationships with top hotels and travel providers around the world give clients the highest level of service, many valuable perks and amenities, and VIP treatment at no additional cost. “You have nothing to lose and so much to gain by working with me. There’s a big world to explore. Why wait?”
DOYLE
Shari's 7 year old son before a flight to Spain with the Family
“Traveling is the greatest thing you can do with your family.”
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!
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, SPFHS
• Participating with most insurance carriers
• Flexible payment options for every budget
Dr. Robert V. Scalera, Jr.
Dr. Lara Merker
(Periodontal and Implant Specialist 5798)
Dr. Maureen Maximos
Joe Schott102 & Counting
A CENTURY OF LEARNING, RESILIENCE, AND CONNECTION
ARTICLE BY ARUNA KRISHNAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG SMITH
In the heart of Fanwood, Joe Schott, born on February 19th 1922, stands as one who exemplifies integrity, humility, and resilience
I met Joe at his home in Fanwood for our interview. As I approached the house, Joe came out to greet me. He stood tall, smiling as he welcomed me in. Once we settled down to talk in his living room, Joe began by saying, “Thank you for doing this.”
When Joe was a young boy, his father, a policeman in Newark, passed away in an unfortunate accident. To support him and his four siblings, Joe's mom cleaned houses and created innovative solutions to make ends meet; she made him makeshift snow boots using newspapers and fixed holes in his shoes by filling them with cardboard. “We didn’t know we were poor because we didn’t know any better,” remarks Joe.
His mother eventually got remarried to a man who was in the Navy. “He was a role model for me and my brother,” Joe reflects.
Motivated by his stepfather, Joe joined the Navy in 1942 and was assigned to the Radio Shop at the US Naval Operating Base in Northern Ireland where he maintained and installed electric equipment on naval ships.
During his deployment, Joe studied Electronics and Electrical Engineering and then spent a year at UPenn focusing on Atomic Physics!
Aside from the routine at camp, Joe fondly remembers meeting Bob Hope and Frances Langford at the USO Show, and Eddie Duchin upon his arrival in the USS Bates.
After his time at UPenn, Joe returned to civilian life and joined Western Electric as a Telephone Engineer. He later moved to Bell Labs where he worked for the
Acoustics Department, setting up stations for the Navy to locate hostile ships and submarines.
He was about thirty when he met his wife Nancy. “When I walked in the room, all I saw was her, and all she saw was me!” Joe says. They got married and had five children. “We only ever had one spat,” Joe recalls. When Joe approached Nancy for reconciliation, her simple words, “Joe, I love you…but I don’t always like you,” concluded their conflict. Joe's unabated dedication to his wife continued through her struggle with Alzheimer’s in her final years.
He now lives alone and enjoys doing regular household chores. “I like to bake apple pies and give them out as gifts,” he shares.
In his downtime, Joe creates oil paintings, a selftaught hobby. His attention to detail and precision make his innate talent apparent. He creates unique expressions of life derived from his everyday experiences and childhood memories.
Joe regularly volunteers for the Flintlocks Organization, who help maintain Boy Scouts of America facilities. This work gives him both a sense of service and an avenue for socialization with his peers.
Joe’s connection with his community has inspired those around him. He served as the Grand Marshal in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Memorial Day Parade in 2019 symbolizing the community’s admiration and respect for him.
In reflecting on Joe's journey, it becomes evident that his centenarian status is not merely a milestone but an indication of life well-lived. His story serves as a lesson for all of us to find purpose, embrace challenges, and foster relationships that transcend the passage of time.
“Joe’s centenarian status is not merely a milestone but a testament to the richness of a life marked by continuous learning, service, and involvement with the community.”
events
JUNE 29TH
Scotch Plains Fireworks
Shady Rest Country Club | 820 Jerusalem Road Scotch Plains | 7:00 PM
Come watch the Independence Day Fireworks starting at dusk! Kids' activities and entertainment begin at 7pm. Rain date is June 30. For more information visit scotchplainsnj.gov
JULY 2ND
Movie Night Series
LaGrande Park | 204 La Grande Ave Fanwood | 9:00 PM
The Free Summer Movie Series will continue at La Grande Park every Tuesday night through August 13. The movies begin at dusk. Be sure to bring a blanket or a beach chair! The rain date for all movies is the following evening. For a full schedule of movie screenings, visit fanwoodrecreation.org or call (908) 370-7092.
JULY 11TH
2024 Summer Concert Series
Alan M. Augustine Village Green | 430 Park Ave Scotch Plains | 7:30 AM
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy music on the green. The series will run the following dates: July 11, July 18, July 25 and August 1. For more information visit scotchplainsnj.gov
JULY 13TH
Family Animal Show
Scotch Plains Public Library | 1927 Bartle Ave Scotch Plains | 10:00 AM
Families are invited to attend this interactive animal show with Eyes of the Wild featuring actual animals that you'll be able to see and hear! Ideal for ages 5 and up. Registration is required and will open on July 1 to children who are residents of Scotch Plains only. scotlib.org
JULY 14TH
Fanwood Summer Fan Jam
LaGrande Park | 204 La Grande Ave Fanwood | 11:00 AM
Come and enjoy Fanwood's Summer Fan Jam hosted by Misterdirect. The event will feature a music festival with performances by Back to Mac, Christina and the Gents, The Funktion Band, and Higher Ground. In addition, there will be a classic car show hosted by Hot Rod Mike Productions and various food trucks.
Casa di Amici
WHERE FRIENDS BECOME FAMILY, AND ALL “FRAMILIES” ARE WELCOME!
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE PADULA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHERRY HOME DESIGNS
Our casa is your casa! Christine Escribano from Cherry Home Designs and John Pizzi from Casa Construction welcome vacationers to their stunning historic Victorian estate, which is located just 3 short blocks from the beach in Cape May County. The fully restored vacation home can accommodate up to 24 guests with its 8 spacious bedrooms. This house is for making memories, featuring two large living areas with fireplaces for cooler nights, a wrap-around covered front porch, and a resort-style backyard oasis. Step outside to find a heated in-ground pool, a 6-person hot tub, a fire pit, a bar, and a state-of-the-art BBQ. Visit https://casadiamici143.com/home to explore all of Christine and John’s rentals!
