LET’S HEAR IT for the Boys
ShopRite Wines & Spirits
We are proud to serve our community, from casual dinners to special occasions. Our team is here to help with everything you need, whether it’s finding the right bottle, planning an event, or discovering something new.
• Custom Gift Baskets –Perfect for corporate & personal gifts
• Fine Wines –From everyday picks to rare vintages
• Craft Spirits –Bourbon, tequila, whiskey & more
• Premium Beer –Domestic, imported & local craft brews
• Exclusive Tastings & Events –Wine, Spirits & Beer tastings
• Local Delivery & Pickup –Fast, convenient service
“Life is partly made by the friends we choose.”
Tennessee Williams
Welcome to our Gentlemen's Issue!
This theme has infinite possibilities to explore, with so many reasons to be grateful for the men in our lives. Our community is filled with amazing fathers, husbands, sons, brothers, uncles, cousins, colleagues, and partners. We could easily fill the pages with stories just about dads: their sacrifices, their kindness, their teachings. We lost our dad last year at the age of eighty-six and we will always carry his heart within our own. But when we consider our community specifically, the idea we cannot help but think about, is the beautiful friendships that have formed between the men in our towns. Men that were strangers before living here, now bonded by the daycare their kids went to, or the birthday party that was not a drop off; the snowstorm or hurricane that required neighbors to share resources (and a couple of adult beverages). Friendships formed over watching their kids across a myriad of sports; cheering, coaching, and occasionally cursing. Men have the ability to find common ground and without fanfare, revel in it. While initially gravitating to each other through a mutual interest, these friendships are also deeply rooted in shared values. No words need to be exchanged to know that each will take care of the other, any time there is a need. It can be as simple as a borrowed power washer, or as important as fundraising when the unimaginable happens. As sisters and best friends, it was an unspoken rule that our future husbands would need to get along. Little did we know that Mike and Farbod would become best friends, bound by the insanity that comes from marrying into a big, crazy family. It is a joy to watch these men, our men, double over in laughter when one drops a movie quote from Caddy Shack (or any Chevy Chase movie for that matter); to see them father and “fun-uncle” our kids. Making lifelong friends may not be the reason people move to Scotch Plains and Fanwood, but we know for a fact it is a reason they stay.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads!
Cheers!
TERRY AZAD, VERONICA KAUTZ @SCOTCHPLAINSCITYLIFESTYLE
June 2025
PUBLISHER
Veronica Kautz | veronica.kautz@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Terry Azad | terry.azad@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Terry Azad, Alan Bastable, Sophia Mekbeb, Dan Amatuzzi
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Craig Smith, Eric Kautz, Terry Azad, Tom Krantz, Donna Albanese-DeMair
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 how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Whether you’re 16 or 60, a racing pro or someone who’s never even sat behind a wheel—this place is for everyone. Jump into one of our 20 motion simulators and feel the rush of racing. Race on some of the world’s most famous tracks in an experience that feels like you’re really there, with every turn and burst of speed. And the best part? You don’t need any experience. Whether it’s your first time or you’re just here to have fun, you’ll be racing in no time.
Race by yourself, challenge your friends, or just kick back and watch the action. Our space is perfect for hanging out, having fun, and cutting loose—whether it’s after school, after work, or on the weekend.
No pressure, no gear. Just show up and race.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Brothers Steven and Jason Parker toast 20 years of business for K9 Resorts in Fanwood. 2:
3: Residents of Brandywine Mountain Ridge enjoy a sunny Easter Sunday 4: Tony and Melissa
Plains
cut the ribbon at their new Westfield location 500 Central Avenue 5: SPF Athletic Booster Club volunteers donate time to raise money at a spring track meet. 6: Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads and Grand Dudes! 7: Fanwood’s Recreation Director Bob Budiansky gives the opening welcome at the annual East Egg Hunt.
Scotch
Fanwood LOVES Soul Bowls!
Bianchino
K9 RESORTS TERRY AZAD
At Ross & Calandrillo, we are dedicated to providing exceptional legal services with a personal touch. With decades of experience, we offer compassionate and effective representation tailored to your needs. Our areas of expertise include:
• Family Law and Related Matters: Divorce, custody, support, and more.
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• Residential Real Estate Closings: Guiding you through seamless home buying or selling.
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.
Richman Productions
Fanwood NJ is home to Richman Films, a full-service video production company that has written and produced some of the most memorable TV commercials of all time. The husband and wife team of Sheldon and Miriam Richman help local businesses elevate their brands to national prominence. Richman Films can accommodate budgets of all sizes to deliver highend cinematography that adds legitimacy to your message. Don’t hesitate to call Miriam with any project. (917) 763-0659. Richmanfilms.com
Look twice
Celebrates Thirty Years in Scotch Plains
Business Owner and Fashionista Elena Elkin Schatz is proud to call Scotch Plains home to her upscale consignment store located at 451 Park Avenue. Specializing in women's clothing, accessories and pre-loved luxury items, Elena curates an eclectic collection of items for customers to enjoy. Open seven days a week for over thirty years, Elena's hard work is rewarded by the many friends she has made in the community that visit her regularly. Open 11-7 daily.
Executive Director makes a difference at Brandywine Living in Watchung
Brandywine Living at Mountain Ridge in Watchung makes a difference in the lives of residents and families every day. At the helm is Executive Director, Nicole Puccia, an accomplished healthcare executive with over a decade of leadership experience in senior living and clinical operations. As a registered nurse, Nicole brings a distinctive clinical perspective and a compassionate, hands-on approach. Visit one of Brandywine's Open Houses or events to experience the difference for yourself! 680 Mountain Blvd in Watchung.
Photography by Sheldon Richman
Photography by Craig Smith
Photography
HOSTS UP TO 18 GUESTS
1 BLOCK TO THE BEACH
2 HOUSES
2 HOT TUBS
7 BEDROOMS
4.5 BATHROOMS
OUTDOOR LIVING & DINING
OCEAN VIEWS
Scan
BUILDING Community
THE
NEW FANWOOD MEMORIAL LIBRARY IS A VIBRANT COMMUNITY HUB
ARTICLE BY SOPHIA MEKBEB PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM KRANZ
Fanwood’s community spirit has always shone brightly, but the recent transformation of the Fanwood Memorial Library has taken that spirit to a whole new level—from mere renovation to reinvention. Replacing a building that had served the town for nearly three-quarters of a century, the new 15,000-square-foot facility is a modern marvel of accessibility, design, and community engagement. The transformation not only reflects innovative architectural planning and substantial funding partnerships but also highlights the critical roles played by dedicated staff, enthusiastic volunteers, and an active Board of Trustees.
Director Dan Weiss, who has led the library since 1997, recalls the challenges of managing the old facility—a building constructed in 1951 with notable charm but significant functional limitations. “The old library, despite its historical value, had its share of problems: leaky roofs, a wet basement, and one of the most significant was the lack of accessibility,” Weiss explains. “We could never come up with an effective way to address it, so the decision was made to tear it down and build something that truly meets the community’s needs.”
That decision paved the way for an ambitious redevelopment project. In February 2023, as the town emerged from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and moved from a temporary location at the North Side train station back to a renewed vision of their public library, construction reached its final stages. The result was a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 24 that marked not only a new chapter for the library, but for Fanwood as a whole.
The new library is a showcase of contemporary design and thoughtful inclusivity. Gone are the cramped, inaccessible corners of the past. Instead, visitors now enjoy a bright, spacious interior complete with an elevator, modern bathrooms, and an array of flexible spaces designed for both solitude and community engagement. On the ground floor, a large community room can accommodate up to 100 people for a myriad of events—from art exhibitions displayed on the art gallery wall to film screenings thanks to a state-of-the-art projection system. Smaller meeting spaces provide privacy for groups and local organizations seeking a venue.
Upstairs, a reimagined teen area offers a comfortable setting to explore young adult literature, engage in homework sessions, and participate in specially curated programming. “We have so many wonderful things here that we didn’t have in the old building,” Weiss says. “There’s a tremendous list of programs and services available now that address the needs of all of our demographics— from seniors and parents to students and teens.”
The new library is more than a building—it is a vibrant community hub. Critical to this vision are the complementary facets that keep the library thriving: the dedicated staff, the Board of Trustees, the Friends of the Fanwood Public Library and the newly launched Fanwood Memorial Library Foundation. Fanwood Borough Mayor, Colleen Mahr, serves as the Board of Trustees President with a mandate to provide exceptional library services to the citizens of Fanwood and neighboring towns. Among the volunteer groups, the Friends play a significant role. Carol Campell, President of the Friends and a veteran supporter of the library, has helped shape community outreach and fundraising efforts to supplement the library’s operating budget for almost forty years. She is thrilled with the library’s new functionality. “I love watching residents walk in, find their space, services and materials - and leave happy” says Carol. Through her tireless work, the Friends have not only raised awareness and funds for various projects but also spearheaded numerous programming events, especially during summer reading activities and for children’s programs.
Fanwood celebrates the Grand Opening
Beautiful spaces provide new functionality
“We’ve seen a positive surge in community energy ever since the new building opened,” Weiss remarks. “The rooms here are constantly in use. Just yesterday, we had thirty Girl Scouts there doing crafts, along with tutors, local organizations, and regular weekly programs for different age groups.” The library’s programming now includes a stacked itinerary of weekly events: from Mahjong and Scrabble sessions, to monthly book clubs, to artist receptions and poetry evenings.
Inspired by the notion of a new facility and growing community in Fanwood, the Fanwood Memorial Library Foundation was created in 2024 with the understanding that truly exceptional libraries thrive on charitable contributions from engaged residents, neighborhood businesses and community stakeholders working together to enrich the lives of Fanwood residents. Founding President Michele Sabiola is passionate about this mission. "Our focus is ensuring that the Library has the funding it needs to connect residents of all ages to information, to ideas, and to each other in new and exciting ways. In particular, we want to support the Scotch Plains-Fanwood school district's commitment to educate every student to become a confident and caring lifelong learner."
“We’ve seen a positive surge in community energy ever since the new building opened. The rooms here are constantly in use.”
The collective focus for the library remains on community engagement and growth. Plans are already underway to develop a comprehensive strategic plan that will guide the library’s development over the next three to five years. The new plan will be shaped by community input, ensuring that the library evolves as a true reflection of Fanwood’s collective aspirations.
“This is going to be here serving the community for many, many decades to come,” Weiss confidently states. Indeed, the success of the Fanwood Memorial Library’s transition promises to keep the town’s intellectual and cultural heartbeat strong for generations.
SOPHIA MEKBEB
Contributing Writer Sophia Mekbeb is a senior at Union County Vocational-Technical School attending the Academy for Performing Arts as a theatre major. President of the International Thespian Society and Editor-in-Chief of the Newspaper Club, Sophia lent her talents to City Lifestyle as in intern over the past year. We are grateful for her hard work and wish her the best of luck as she heads to the College of William & Mary this Fall on a Pre-Law track.
SOUL BOWLS
• Choose your base – Açai, coconut, pitaya, or banana whip – pick your vibe.
• Layer it up – Fresh fruit, chopped tiny for the perfect bite. Choose from strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pineapple, mango and kiwi.
• Add the crunch – Our house-made granola, 100% raw, plant-based, and made fresh in-house daily
• Drizzle your favorite butter – Almond butter (100% raw), creamy peanut butter, or our signature house-made Soultella, made with organic cacao & chopped hazelnuts
• Made with love & intention – Every bowl is crafted to nourish your body and soul.
GOLF’S QUIRKY COUSIN
Alan Bastable is the Executive Editor of Golf. com and a proud Scotch Plains resident. He wrote and published this article in 2020, and it is as much of a homage to friendship as it is to the game of Disc Golf. We are proud to reprint it here today. Readers interested in playing disc golf can visit Oak Ridge Park in Clark for a beautiful (actual!) course.
ARTICLE BY ALAN BASTABLE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TERRY AZAD LOCAL FRIENDS CREATE THEIR OWN VERSION OF DISC GOLF
Alan and his gaggle of friends
Never thought I’d be a disc-golf guy, and to be honest, I still may not qualify as one. But a funny thing happened during the unsettling days of Covid-Era social distancing: I played roughly the same number of rounds of golf with a plastic saucer as I did with 14 clubs.
On Wednesday evenings — not every Wednesday, but when enough of my gaggle of fortysomething neighborhood pals are free — anywhere from four to eight of us, clad in t-shirts and running shoes and with squishy portable coolers slung over our shoulders, convene at the campus of a vocational high school in our central New Jersey town. It’s a sprawling lot — really it resembles more a small college campus — with a smattering of buildings and pathways, a grassy quad and dozens of garbage cans. (More on those later.)
It’s important to note that the game we play is only a loose interpretation of actual disc golf, which is played by serious-minded hurlers wielding discs of varying weights and sizes that are designed for specific shots and trajectories. Actual disc golfers complete a hole when they have tossed their disc into a raised metal basket.
They’re bound by all kinds of other rules, too: When retrieving a throw, they must mark their saucer with a smaller disc to ensure their subsequent throw is from behind that line.
Actual Disc Golf... is serious stuff. Our version of the game is decidedly not.
There are prescribed throwing orders, out-of-bounds markers and even a rule that stipulates that “any shot within 10 meters of the target requires that the player maintain balance and not move past the lie until the disc comes to rest.”
It’s serious stuff.
Our version of the game is decidedly not.
Oak Ridge Park in Clark offers a beautiful disc golf course
John plays double fisted
My mates and I each bring only one disc, in my case whatever I can find in a heap of lawn toys in our garage. We don’t keep score. We guzzle beer between flings. We do have a designated course. Call it Vo-Tech National: 20 holes that wind their way around trees, flagpoles and sharp corners, over bushes and fences, through a tunnel and, on the 5th hole, into a creepy loading dock behind one of the school buildings. Hazards are plentiful: brick walls, poison-ivy-ridden shrubs, locals walking their dogs. Our targets range from a boulder to street signs to one of the many garbage cans that populate the campus.
Completing a hole, at least one of the longer holes, in two throws is cause for celebration, but, really, no one’s paying much attention whether you make a two or a 12. The other evening, one of our crew tossed his tee shot on the tricky, uphill 8th hole 30 feet up a tree, where it nestled among a dense cluster of branches.
We were ready to leave it for dead when Gregg, a firefighter with an arm like Brett Favre’s, picked up a rock the size of a softball and dislodged the disc with three stunningly accurate throws. It was easily the highlight of the evening and arguably the season. (Gregg’s been a lifesaver, or at least a Frisbeesaver — on another occasion, after an errant throw landed on a rooftop, he retrieved his ladder and rescued the disc like a cat from a burning building.)
I’m not here to make any proclamations about how disc golf has helped my actual golf game. But I will say that it legitimately delivers some of the same satisfaction and demands as actual golf: the joy of unleashing a long, accurate drive; the challenge,
Gregg,
a firefighter... rescues frisbees
from
rooftops...like a cat from a burning building.
when obstacles present themselves, of working a disc in one direction or another; the endlessly frustrating pursuit of unattainable perfection; the camaraderie and dumb jokes — all washed down with a few cold beers.
Fear not, golf golf. Disc golf will never get my blood pumping quite like a perfectly thumped bunker shot, holing a 40-footer for birdie or drilling a driver on the screws.
But your quirky cousin sure is a good time.
Uh-oh. Better call Gregg.
A FAMILY’S LOVE MELTS A COMMUNITY
Dairy Queen:
A Love Story
ARTICLE BY TERRY AZAD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG SMITH AND DONNA ALBANESE-DEMAIR
Joseph and Adele Married 65 Years
She had a generous spirit. She was good to everyone.
When Joseph Albanese took Adele DeMaio out on their first date in 1948, they were both teenagers. Today, at the age of ninety-five, Joseph still remembers the movie they saw, and even the row where they sat. In an effort to impress her, Joseph took Adele out for ice cream after the movie ended. But the banana split she wanted was twenty-five cents, and he did not have enough money. So, the couple shared a Cherry Coke. With two straws. And thirty years later, he bought her a Dairy Queen.
Joseph and Adele married in 1954 and went on to enjoy sixty-five years of love, marriage, friendship, and business partnership before Adele’s passing in 2019 at the age of eightyseven. I remember seeing Joseph (or “Mr. A” as he is widely known) at a local restaurant a few months after she died. We kept each other company as we both waited for our dinner companions to arrive. For fifteen or so minutes he smiled through tears and shared stories about his wife and the beautiful life they built together. “She was good to everyone,” he says. I can feel how much he misses her and I get visibly emotional. So Mr. A did, what Mr. A does…he told me a joke to make me smile.
Dairy Queen in Plainfield requires no introduction to this readership. Whether you have lived in town for one year, or one hundred years, you have probably been to this Dairy Queen. It serves as the backdrop for countless celebrations whether it be a Blizzard after a band concert, a dipped cone after a baseball game or a decorated cake for graduation, you come to Dairy Queen in Plainfield. But this story is not about ice cream, or even a successful local business. It is a story about the Albanese family; the love they have for one another, and the love they have put into our community for fifty years.
Joseph and Adele moved to Cranford in 1963 to raise their two daughters Maria and Donna. Both girls worked during their teenage years at the Dairy Queen in Cranford, which served as the inspiration for the family to take over management of the store in Plainfield when it became available. Their love for the product (“I sell the absolute best ice cream in the world, says Mr. A”) - and the community that enjoys it, led the Albanese family to purchase the franchise, and then the building. While daughter Maria’s career ventured in a different direction, daughter
Donna worked side by side with both of her parents from the very first day. She credits her dad’s business sense and her mom’s hospitality for the success of the store - but Mr. A insists it is Donna that deserves all the credit. He beams with an otherworldly pride, so clearly enamored by his daughter, that I find myself getting emotional AGAIN. He tells me another joke to stave my tears before continuing to describe her tireless work ethic, and her commitment to transforming Plainfield. Not to mention that in 2002 Donna donated her kidney to her mother, a selfless act that saved Adele’s life and gave her another seventeen years with their family and Dairy Queen community.
Following in her parents’ footsteps, Donna Albanese found her own love story when a young Rich DeMair started to frequent the shop, sometimes three times in a single day. “Nobody likes ice-cream that much” Mr. A told her at the time. And he was right. Now married for over forty years, Donna and Rich have three children, the oldest of which (also named Richard) joined the family business as General Manager and part owner. When I ask how old he was when he started working there, Richard Jr. and his mom laugh, as his Dairy Queen career apparently started the day she learned she was pregnant. Richard Jr does not mind telling me that his own son, “Happy Jack,” the great-grandchild of Adele and Joseph Albanese, will work here eventually.
Since Jack cannot yet reach the handles on the icecream machines, the Albanese family shares their business and their lives with an estimated 1,000 young adults they have employed over the years. Today I have the pleasure of meeting Hurley a manager for Dairy Queen that started there when he was sixteen. He tells me Mr. A is like a father to him, providing support and guidance to help hm through life’s challenges. But it goes beyond that.
Mr. A helped Hurley buy his first car and Donna adjusts his schedule so he can attend school to get his advanced degree. He is now a part of the Dairy Queen family.
All of this and I have not even mentioned the thousands of bikes the Albanese family have collected (fixed by Rich “the bike guy” Albanese-DeMair), and donated to those in need. Or the Plainfield beautification projects they have spearheaded to bring cleaner streets and green spaces to South Avenue. Or the Girl Scout troops they have mentored. Or the countless sponsorships and donations they have supported to contribute to our thriving community. This is a true love story – about a family whose love shines warmly on those around them, melting our hearts. “We love this community,” gushes Donna. I give her one last hug before I leave and say, “the community loves you back, Donna. I hope you know that.” She understands. And before I can get emotional for a third time, she hands me a giant bag of Dairy Queen desserts, which is every bit as good as one of Mr. A’s famous jokes.
50 Years Serving the Community
Mr. A is like a father to me “ ”
Donna Albanese serves up!
Donna and Richard Albanese DeMair
Hurley with his Dairy Queen Family
The Distinct Beauty of Bourbon
MEET DAN AMATUZZI,
SCOTCH PLAIN-FANWOOD’S RESIDENT WINE AND SPIRITS EXPERT
ARTICLE BY DAN AMATUZZI | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Dan Amatuzzi
Dan Amatuzzi is the Vice President of Beverage at Eataly, overseeing wine and beverage operations across its North America locations. He lectures and teaches on wine throughout the country and has been featured in leading media publications including NBC’s The Today Show, Bloomberg Radio, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Food and Wine. His published books include A First Course in Wine (Racepoint 2013) and How to Host A Wine Tasting (Racepoint 2014). He blends material from both works for his popular wine and spirits course he teaches as part of the acclaimed Food Studies program at NYU Steinhardt. He is the co-founder of Grove and Vine, a bespoke olive oil and wine membership company specializing in direct-to-consumer custom-blended oils and wines, and is part-owner of Grand Vin Restaurant in Hoboken and The Allendale Social in Allendale, NJ. He enjoys hosting and sharing food and drink with his fellow residents and is proud to call Scotch Plains home where he lives with his wife and daughters.
For the Gentlemen’s Issue, Dan walks us through America’s most famous style of whiskey: Bourbon. He shares the recipe for a new era Bourbon cocktail, the Paper Plane. Recommended bourbons include Basil Hayden’s, Blanton’s, or Wild Turkey. All can be found at Sunrise Shoprite Liquors on South Avenue.
Bourbon is classified as straight whiskey, meaning it’s crafted predominantly from one singular type of grain - in this case, corn. The majority of other whiskeys are produced from combinations of wheat, barley, and rye. Fermented corn gives bourbon its trademark honey, vanilla, and butterscotch flavors. Years of maturation in oak barrels gently elevate the flavors by layering in nuanced and complex notes of caramel, leather, cedar, and spice. Of all the whiskey options, bourbon stakes its claim as America’s national spirit, and in doing so, it carries the quiet confidence of tradition honed over generations. In the 1800s, early settlers west of the Appalachian Mountains struggled to sell their corn back east due to better and cheaper options that grew closer to markets. Alternatively, they chose to ferment and distill their harvested corn instead of selling it freshly grown. Slowly but surely, bourbon from states like Kentucky and Tennessee grew in popularity. The quiet demand has slowly grown into the insatiable thirst for Midwest bourbon that persists today. At current, we count nearly 800 different bourbon producers throughout the US. Bourbon is great for sipping on its own, either neat (without ice) or on the rocks (with ice). Add a side glass of water to sip on, and you’ve got the classic setup that Presidents Truman and Grant enjoyed while managing global diplomacy. Bourbon is also a great base for cocktails, providing a backbone to which even the amateur mixologist can find success. For those cool Summer nights still clinging to the chill of Spring, try the cocktail, paper plane, for an easy new take on a bourbon drink that serves up seasonality in a glass with balanced flavors of fresh citrus and bitters.
PAPER PLANE
• ¾ bourbon
• ¾ Aperol
• ¾ Amaro Nonino or other light style of amaro
• ¾ fresh lemon juice
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add ingredients in order.
Shake and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
“The warmth of bourbon is like the warmth of wisdom, shared among friends and through the ages.” – Plato
The Paper Plane
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JUNE 1ST
Garwood Rocks Street Fair
Center Street in Garwood | 11:00 AM
Come Rock Out at the Garwood Rocks Street Fair on June 1st from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Center Street will be transformed into a marketplace of vendors, crafters and retail establishments. Come enjoy the culinary delights of our food vendors. The event will include a huge car show which attracts thousands of fair goers. The day will be filled with entertainment and a Kids Zone with rides and inflatables. Rock On!
JUNE 5TH
12th Annual Fanwood Ladies Night Out
Downtown Fanwood | 6:00 PM
The 12th Annual Fanwood Ladies Night Out will be held on June 5th, 2025 from 6 to 9 pm. Grab your girlfriends and come to town for shopping, specials and spritzes! There will be plenty of goody bags, tricky tray items and retailer discounts.
JUNE 14TH
Juneteenth Celebration
Shady Rest Country Club / 820 Jerusalem Road, Scotch Plains | 12:00 PM
Save the date for a vibrant Juneteenth Celebration on June 14th at the historic Shady Rest Country Club from 12 noon to 7 pm. This free, family-friendly event honors freedom, culture, and community with an exciting lineup of entertainment, vendors, and more!
JUNE 17TH
Patrick’s Downtown Race to Summer 5K
Across from the Fire house on Senger Place (Police Station Parking Lot) | 7:00 PM
The Patrick’s Downtown Race to Summer 5K starts at 7:00pm with Family Fun Run and the 5K starts at 7:30pm. The race will use the same course as in previous years, starting and finishing across from the Fire House on Senger Place. Join the after party with music and BBQ donated by the Stage House Tavern on the Alan M. Augustine Village Green next to the Scotch Plains municipal building. Sign up link: https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/ScotchPlains/PatrickAllocasDowntownScotchPlainsRacetoSummer5K
JUNE 22ND
Fanwood Summer FanJam!
LaGrande Park | 11:00 AM
On Sunday June 22nd LaGrande Park will once again be transformed into a marketplace of vendors, crafters and food trucks. The day will be filled with entertainment, a Kids Zone with rides and inflatables and a beer garden for the adults.
JUNE 28TH
Independence Day Fireworks
Shady Rest Country Club / 820 Jerusalem Road, Scotch Plains | 7:00 PM
Get ready for a spectacular Independence Day celebration on June 28th at Shady Rest Country Club. Enjoy an evening filled with delicious food, fun activities for the whole family, and an incredible fireworks display to light up the night sky! Bring your family, friends, and a lawn chair or blanket for an unforgettable night under the stars. Rain Date: June 21st
Your Local Backyard Bird Feeding Experts
Connecting with nature and feeding the birds boosts mental well-being as well as reduces stress. Wild Birds Unlimited has been serving Scotch Plains and nearby communities for over 30 years as their local backyard bird feeding specialist. Our knowledgeable staff can help you attract a wide variety of bird species while deterring squirrels and other unwelcome critters. We offer fresh, high-quality seed blends without fillers, formulated specifically for our local birds. Our expertly designed WBU brand feeders allow birds to access food safely and come with lifetime warranties. From feeders and seed to bird baths, we’re here to help you create a bird-friendly oasis in your backyard.
