MORE THAN A PLACE. A PURPOSE.
Confidence. Belonging. Connection.
At the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Y, we believe every young person deserves support, connection, and a place where they feel they belong.
That’s why we ’ re proud to offer the 7th Grade Initiative, a free, year-long membership to all incoming 7th graders who live or attend school in Scotch Plains, Fanwood or Clark. This initiative gives teens a safe space to build confidence, form healthy habits, connect with peers, and develop a sense of belonging.
At the Y, it’s about more than programs and membership. It’s about helping teens grow, thrive, and feel supported at a pivotal time in their lives. Because when young people feel they belong, our entire community grows stronger.
“The Y is a place where I feel comfortable and confident.”
Learn how the Y supports 7th Graders in our community.
The Original Girl Dad: A Father’s Day Tribute
Our dad, Kenneth Harris, was the BEST dad. Who just happened to be a “Girl Dad”. To five beautiful daughters. Each of whom worshiped him. Our relationships with him were unique, but equally special. He shared different interests with each of us, but loved us equally. For me (Terry), we played tennis together. He was more of a a racquetball guy but loved hitting balls with me at the local high school. When I started my corporate career he loved to talk to me about business and saved every one of my business cards as my roles changed and I climbed the corporate ladder. Before he died he gave me a yellow notepad with all of my business cards stapled to the pages with the year of my promotion noted in the columns. With Veronica, he shared the gift of story telling. Both of them - animated and gregarious - cracking each other up with exaggerated tales of tomfoolery and happenstance. He taught her to use those social skills as a tool in her career, and nobody was surprised when she followed in his footsteps to go into sales. Our dad loved the ocean. He could stare at it for hours. And when Veronica bought her beach house in LBI she made sure it had everything my dad would need to be comfortable there. His last visit to the beach was with Veronica.
He was the best dad. He was our dad.
Our father serves as the inspiration for the June “Gentleman’s Issue” where we pay tribute to the outstanding girl dads in our community. We also celebrate the American spirit of business ownership and what it means to work hard for your family by chasing your dream. We are proud to live in a community where these stories are easy to find - so many wonderful fathers, so many hard working businesses.
A special Father’s Day wish to all the dads out there celebrating this month. May you feel the love you give so freely.
Cheers!
TERRY AZAD & VERONICA KAUTZ, PUBLISHERS
PUBLISHER
Veronica Kautz | veronica.kautz@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Terry Azad | terry.azad@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Terry Azad
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Photos by Craig Smith
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
June 2026 Visit our Instagram
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
3:5-6
Hello Scotch Plains-Fanwood!
city scene
WHERE
NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Cale
spent the day on the African Plains during Spring Break. 2:
collected gear for families in need at the Spring Sports Equipment Exchange.
Charlotte, Ella and Sloan bundle up before Seaside's Polar Bear Plunge. 3:
4: Reigning champs Scott Gersch and Scott Lippman look forward to more golf this Father's Day! 5: Dr. Jason Hagman's adorable cats: Leo and Lucy! 6: Spencer Martin commits to Duke University! Congratulations Spencer! 7: Tara Harrison-Martinetti is the Community Service Honoree at the Union County Daughters of Ireland Heritage Dinner
Bianchino
Jordana, Susannah, Lilah, Keira,
Fanwood Green Team
DR. JASON HAGMAN
Full Service Divorce & Family Law Firm
Serving Scotch Plains, Mountainside, and Beyond
In every stage of life, family is at the center of what matters most. As mothers, daughters, sisters, and aunts, we understand the deep connections that shape our lives, and the challenges that can arise when those relationships are tested. At Ross & Calandrillo, family is not just an area of law we practice; it is something we genuinely respect, protect, and fight for every day.
Our areas of expertise include:
• Family Law and Related Matters: Divorce, custody, support, and more.
• Simple Wills: Protect your loved ones with a straightforward estate plan.
• Residential Real Estate Closings: Guiding you through seamless home buying or selling.
While we proudly embrace a female-forward perspective (grounded in empathy, strength, and understanding) our firm is committed to representing and supporting all individuals. Family law impacts everyone, and we believe that every client deserves to feel heard, respected, and confidently represented.
Fanwood Green
business monthly
Real Hot Yoga Makes the Cut
Open since January 2026, Matt Delaney from Real Hot Yoga in Fanwood makes it official with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Mayor Colleen Mahr and GWACC Executive Director Faith Delaney were on hand, along with Matt's family to celebrate this great addition to downtown Fanwood. The 1,000+ sf studio features a heating system designed specifically for hot yoga - which provides heat that warms muscles for greater flexibility.
Fanwood’s own Jeff Weber retires from Newark Police Department
Local Fanwood resident Jeff Weber officially retired from the Newark Police Department after 25 years of faithful service. Jeff also served as President of the Newark Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 12 for the last four years. Jeff's family celebrated his final radio call in Newark along with local dignitaries. Seen here with Jeff is his wife Jennifer and sons Evan and Matthew. Thank you for your service Jeff - enjoy your well deserved retirement!
High Class Electric Celebrates Earth Day with Home Energy Monitors
Carlos Rocha, owner of High Class Electric in Garwood NJ, believes in the power of energy savings. As a locally owned licensed electrician, High Class Electric specializes in EV charger installations and panel upgrades. For a limited time customers can get a complimentary whole home energy monitor with any qualifying service. These monitors track real-time energy usage, identify "vampire loads" (appliances that draw power even when turned off) and provide data that helps reduce energy consumption by 10% to 15%. Visit www.highclasselectric.com for more info.
Custom mattresses crafted with top-quality USA-sourced materials, alongside a curated selection of premium beds and accessories designed to support the kind of rest that keeps you coming back for more.
perseverence and an american dream
Mosquito Joe's Jay Annepu is living the American Dream
As a community we are all rooting for the small businesses that invest in our town. We see the sweat equity they put into their products and services - and they become a part of our daily lives. Sometimes we get to know business owners personally, learning about their journey - the sacrifices they’ve madeand we root for them even harder. Such is the case with Jay Annepu, owner of Mosquito Joe of Edison-Westfield. I have heard his story and haven’t stopped rooting for him since. I want you to hear it too.
Jagadish “Jay” Annepu grew up in a small middle-class town in India called Visakhapatnam. As a young boy he and his friends immersed themselves in American culture. But while his friends were reading books like “The Hardy Boys” and “Nancy Drew”, Jay was reading investment books like Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People”. He fell in love with the notion of entrepreneurship and dreamed of owning his own business one day.
Like many young Indian students, Jay came to the US when it was time for his graduate studies. His conservative upbringing dictated he follow a career in IT or healthcare. He chose the latter and set out for The University of Indianapolis in Indiana to get his Masters Degree in Physical Therapy. This, however, was not the “study abroad” experience you might think about. Jay arrived at the airport in 2003 and did not know a single
ARTICLE BY TERRY AZAD PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHOTOSBYCRAIGSMITH
soul. He had no car, no housing and no friends. With sheer determination and a positive outlook he took a taxi to the University and asked if he could stay there. Jay explains this as naivety. He had no clue. The university gave him the names of a few grad students in his program and he set off, on foot, luggage in tow, seeking university housing he could share with other students. He found a place - but all of the bedrooms were spoken for - so he slept on the floor in the living room. Next to the bathroom. For months. He laughs about it now - especially when he recalls that the only food he ate for over three months was from the Burger King across the street. It was nearby and cheap. Eventually he found work at the school’s cafeteria - a strategic move on his part to stay nourished. Here, he worked twelve hour shifts washing dishes earning about $7/hourbut getting highly discounted food every day. Food that was NOT a Whopper.
Upon getting licensed in physical therapy Jay was courted by a recruiter who helped him tremendously. “He took me to Buffalo Wild Wings” says Jay. “It was the nicest place I had eaten in America. I thought it was fancy!”. The recruiter got Jay a placement but supported him in so many other ways too. From getting his Green Card sponsored to helping him get a bank loan to buy a car for commuting. Jay worked tirelessly as a PT but never gave up on his dream of getting into business. In 2007 he bought his first investment property that he renovated himself to rent out for recurring income. He did it again in 2009. And in 2010 he went back to school to get his Masters in RE Development. “I believe so much in business and knew this is what I should be doing” he says. He ultimately landed on franchise
ownership because he appreciated how the business would be supported by others like him. “My destiny was made” he says with a smile.
But why pest control?
“At my home in India, we did everything outside. We would play, eat, enjoy company - all year long,” says Jay. “But here, the weather prevents us from enjoying the outdoors year-round”. Jay’s childhood informed his perspective on the health benefits of fresh air and being out in nature. But when you layer in mosquitos and ticks - and other pests that can bring disease, and you find yourself back indoors! “I want to create outdoor memories for families.” The idea that my business and service could bring kids outside to play more and parents enjoying the hammock or an evening margarita makes my heart happy. Jay wants these things for others but continues to sacrifice before being able to enjoy them himself. He works two jobs to support his family and dream of being a business owner. Jay’s parents help watch their three children, the youngest being only 9 months old. He wants all grand parents to be able to have their kids over, playing in the backyard, running around with the dogs. But even with all the sacrifice, Jay says he is “in bliss.” Seeing his baby boy in his father’s
arms, eating meals with his family and parents and having his name aligned as a business owner are part of his American dream. “Here, you work hard and there is no limit to your success. This gives me the strength to sustain even when times are so hard.” he says. “This is nothing compared to what others go through. Generations that worked so hard before me - now pave the way for my baby son and two daughters.” continues Jay.
He wants to see it not just for himself but for the whole community. He believes in free markets to create economic opportunity for others. He is proud to offer employment to his technicians and administrative team. Most notably - Dialla Hamzeh. Originally hired to answer calls, Dialla’s role has grown to marketing, HR, sales, customer service and scheduling. She loves talking to customers and helping them find the right solution. You can see the pride she carries when she talks about customers that have stayed with them season after season - or returned to them after having a bad experience with other providers.
THE MOSQUITO JOE DIFFERENCE
So pest control makes sense- but why Mosquito Joe over other franchises? For Jay, the reasons are endless. He loves their focus on eco-friendly practices and products. He loves the tagline “Make Outside Fun Again” as it represents his own personal mission. And he loves the customer satisfaction guarantee across all their services.
All their services? Yes, don’t let the name fool you! Mosquito Joe provides regular barrier sprays designed to reduce mosquito populations - but they also offer so much more. Tick and flea control, ants, rodents, gnats, midges, wasps, no-see-ums - they have homes covered with a specific treatment for each. “A singular treatment for different pests is not effective” says Jay. He describes how they work from the outside to prevent critters from getting in - or being carried in.
The company proactively empties containers of standing water that attract mosquitos and treat ponds and large water areas with granules. For rodents and home pests, they spray the foundation and around windows and doors, creating a barrier that repels and prevents rodents and pests from getting in. “The greatest thing I can do as a business owner is to provide peace of mind to my customers,” says Jay. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve my neighbors - and make Outside Fun Again”.
Go Ahead and Dance. Nobody’s Watching.
The Blind Dept. has you, and your windows, covered.
Family owned and operated, The Blind Dept. has been serving the community for forty years. A local and trusted business, we fabricate many of our products in Kenilworth, NJ to ensure you receive the highest quality products for your home. With an experienced team that offers complimentary consultations and in-home estimates, we work to understand your vision, practical needs and budget. A seamless process that includes measurement, fabrication and installation - without leaving the comfort of your home! Don’t go shopping blind - shop The Blind Dept.
Steve and Cathy Siegal, Owners Evan Alexander, Director of Operations
Girl Dads
GIRL DAD: ANTHONY FIORE
You may recognize his name as the Moderator for the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Community Facebook page, or his face as a volunteer at many local events, but for Anthony Fiore, “girl dad” is the role he’s most proud of.
A father to two daughters, Kayla (19), and Kenzie (15), Anthony describes his parenting style as “supportive and easygoing,” with a focus on raising strong, independent women. “I try to guide them more than anything, especially now that they’re older,” he says, admitting that as a natural problem-solver, he’s learned to
step back and listen. His personal Facebook page is filled with pictures of his daughters, shared moments centered around their individual passions. From this vantage point, “supportive” is certainly an accurate description!
Kayla is a sophomore at Ithaca College studying theater directing, a calling she shares with her mother Amy. But performance is woven into the fabric of the Fiore family. At home, it’s not unusual for conversations to revolve around productions, concerts, or even the occasional horror movie—something Anthony and Kayla especially enjoy together.
Kenzie, a dedicated competitive cheerleader, has found not just a sport, but a sense of belonging. Anthony cheers her on from the sidelines, whether at the nearby high school, or in Orlando Florida where they just attended a 4-day competition. Being a girl dad has taught Anthony patience and how to fully live in the moment. “I love the traditions we’ve created, like going to Opening Day to cheer on the Mets and going to Rehoboth Beach every summer. ” he says.
Asked about misconceptions around raising daughters, Anthony is quick to push back on outdated stereotypes. “It’s not about being overprotective,” he says. “It’s about being present and helping them become confident in who they are.” From the very beginning Anthony was a constant presence in their lives doing school drop offs and pick-ups, coaching their sports teams - just wanting to be around them. “I want them to know I am their biggest champion,” he says.
“What else?” I ask.
"I want my girls to know that my love for them is unconditional. I take great pride in being a small part of who they are as individuals and in the people they are becoming. I love to celebrate their successes, but I am even more inspired by how they handle their failures, learn from them, and try to turn them into something positive. Being their father is the greatest accomplishment of my life.”
These local dads are raising strong independent young ladies - and loving every second.
ARTICLE BY TERRY AZAD |
GIRL DAD: MICHAEL ABADIR
For Michael Abadir, being a “girl dad” is rooted in something simple, yet profound: making sure his children always know how deeply they are loved.
A longtime teacher in the community, Michael is a father of four—son (Justin) and three daughters, Grace, Claire, and Brooke. While each daughter brings her own personality and energy to the family, his approach to parenting remains consistent. “At the end of the day, I want them to feel safe and secure, valued, and confident in who they are,” he shares.
Michael’s career in education was purposefully chosen as a means of being present for his family and has uniquely shaped his role as a father. “I want to see them every day; to be a big part of their lives. Teaching affords me that”. Being a teacher in the same town where they all live has allowed him to be highly involved—coaching their soccer teams, picking them up from school, supporting their variety shows and science fairs. He sees their friends, both in the classroom and in their home. He has even been the chemistry teacher for each of his kids during high school, a decision each of them made on their own when given a choice.
At home, connection is everything. Michael and his wife, Juliette, are mindful of the relationship they have with one another, and each of their four children. They have made it a priority to spend one-on-one time with each child, whether it’s walking the dog together, running a quick errand or grabbing an
ice cream cone. Michael looks forward to these moments, especially as his daughters have gotten older. The closeness they share is evident as he describes each of his daughters:
Claire is empathetic and makes everyone around her feel good; If you need a job done, Brooke is the one who can get it done.” Grace is a wonderful big sister; A great listener, always taking notes. She’s spunky!” he says with a huge smile.
Faith and kindness are central to the Abadir household. “Love God and love people,” Michael says—two principles that guide not only how they parent, but how their children move through the world. Three of the four kids have chosen to attend Liberty University in Lynchburg Virginia - together. Siblings that are this close are a testament to those principles.
One of his most meaningful traditions is a journal he keeps for each child, filled with notes, memories, and photos over the years, starting from when they were each seven years old. It’s a time capsule of the little things, and the big things and all the things in between. They write him back too - a living breathing story of their lives together.
And while Michael may be a teacher, the girls have taught him a thing or two. “Being their dad,” he says, “has taught me patience and perspective. I’ve learned to pause, look beyond the surface and get to the heart of the matter”.
“What else?” I ask. “I hope they know how much I love them. That they are a priceless treasure and I am so proud of them. I enjoy every opportunity I get to talk to them. And I am so thankful to see how they have grown into the young women they’ve become”.
GIRL DAD: PAT RUSSONIELLO
Growing up one of four boys, Pat Russoniello thought raising daughters was going to be completely foreign to him. But he had a great role model in his father in law, Thomas “Tommy G” Gordon. He saw the relationship his wife Heather had with her dad. “They were inseparable," he says. “That’s the kind of relationship I want with my girls.”
So where do you begin? As the proud father to daughter Brianna (14) and Olivia (11) Pat is bubbling over with all the ways he shows the unconditional love he feels for his daughters. “I give them all of my love and support - no matter what. I will always protect them. I help them pursue all of their interests because I want them to take advantage of all life has to offer. I strive to be a positive in their lives - encouraging them to be the best people. Be happy! Love and live life to the fullest!” Oh is that all? I say laughing.
One thing is for sure - being a girl dad has changed Pat’s perspective on life. He wants them both to take risks - to not be afraid. Through them he has become more connected to his feelings and shows off a softer side. I wonder if he realizes that it is the support he provides that allows them to feel safe in taking those risks. That it is the softness he shows that feeds their strength.
Pat is the girls biggest champion. Whether it's cheering for Bri at her field hockey or flag football game or rooting for Liv at her basketball game - he is the dad that can’t sit down when his girls are competing. He is a visible support - perhaps too visible sometimes according to Heather. But he doesn’t care - he wants his girls to know he has their back.
Pat and his girls share a love of music. Bri is fully on board with his musical tastes - Red Hot Chili Peppers, 21 Pilots, Pearl Jam. Whereas Liv has brought Pat over to her side - even getting him to a Pink concert and Megan Maloney. An occasional dance party in the kitchen to oldies has been known to happen.
Perhaps the thing that has taken him the furthest from his comfort zone - choreographed TikTok dances and countless selfies with filters. “I just want to be a part of their world,” he says.
What else? “My daughters are my why in the truest sense. Raising them and watching the good people they've become has been the greatest privilege of my life. I’m incredibly proud of who they are and how they carry themselves. Watching them grow up, find their own path, and succeed in their own way means more to me than anything else I could accomplish”.
SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD
"Girl Dad" Scrapbook
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
We see you Girl Dads! Sure, maybe you're not wearing your capes around town, but we still see you! Whether you're cheering on the sidelines, loading the car for family vacation or doing drop offs and pick ups - we see you. Here are just a few of Scotch Plains-Fanwood's greatest dads in action. Happy Father's Day to ALL the dads!
Jaliyah “Jelly” Richards with dad Matt
Victor Pacheco with daughters Isa and Ali.
Ken Harris with his 5 girls
Robert Lindemann with Rhaena and Rochelle
Mo Yatim and his beautiful girls.
Ryan and Ava
Heather and her dad “Tommy G”.
Thomas Culp with daughter Court.
Michael Rebuth with JoJo and Angie
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
OUR DOCTORS
ARTICLE BY KIM HILL
GUYS’ GUYS’ GETAWAYS GETAWAYS
FOUR GREAT PLACES FOR GROOVES, GRUB AND GAWKING WITH BEST BROS
Has it been too long since your tribe gathered to rib and one-up each other as only guys can do? To help plan a getaway for just the guys, City Lifestyle gathered an eclectic list of locations offering tons of things to see, do and experience. Here’s hoping the only ribs one will get on this guys’ getaway are the kind to hold in hands while barbecue sauce drips onto shirts.
Scottsdale/Phoenix
There’s no other tournament on the PGA Tour like the Waste Management Phoenix Open and no hole like the legendary 16th, where 20,000 boisterous fans boo the tee shots that miss the green. The other 51 weeks of the year, golfers can play TPC Scottsdale or try one of more than 200 courses in the Scottsdale area, a top golf destination. Another winter event is the BarrettJackson Collector Car Auction. Even if one’s only collector car was a Hot Wheels, it’s a blast to peruse the acres of autos for
sale before heading inside to watch the unique or renowned cars crossing the auction block. When it’s time to get moving, the strenuous hike up Camelback Mountain in nearby Phoenix is a bucket-list item. Need a more moderate trail? Experience the same magic of the majestic saguaro cactus in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
New Orleans
It’s always a party in New Orleans (NOLA), especially when it comes to festivals, many of them centered around music. Folk to funk, gospel to jazz, zydeco, blues, African and other musical styles are celebrated on the Jazz and Heritage Festival’s 12 stages. If free admission is more desired, don’t miss the French Quarter Festival featuring local musicians and food vendors representing dozens of New Orleans restaurants. Part of the fun of Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo is admiring revelers’ watercraft, some of them homemade just for this festival on the banks of Bayou Saint John. If one of the festivals can’t be attended, there’s still plenty of NOLA live music, particularly the jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street. And when a break from crowds is needed, take a guided swamp tour. Kitschy, yes, but it’s a hoot to cruise around on a swamp buggy while looking for alligators.
Bowling Green, Kentucky
“America’s Sports Car” is produced at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant, where visitors can join guided tours to observe Corvettes being built and learn the fascinating history of these sexy autos. See examples of all Corvette generations at the National Corvette Museum. And if the need for speed is still felt, a few times a year Xtreme Experience offers driving or ride-along events in exotics like Ferraris or Lamborghinis at the National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park. After getting all revved up, cool down at Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest known cave system in the world and a World Heritage Site, where guided tours take participants through tunnels humans have used for thousands of years. And after all this touring, the Bowling Green area is the southernmost point in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail of distilleries.
Austin
Live music rules here, with iconic venues such as Antone’s, The Continental Club, the White Horse and hundreds of other locations, from dive bars to big stages. From rock and blues to country and urban, music is heard every night of the week (and many afternoons as well). When guys are hungry, there are tons of barbeque and Tex-Mex joints. Unique food trucks are truly a thing here, with nearly 2,000 food trailers in town. Burn some calories biking or running the Southern Walnut Creek Trail or one of many paved paths. Get out on the water in a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard on Lake Travis or Lady Bird Lake. Take a dip in the historic Barton Springs Pool, where the underground springs keep the water around 68 degrees all year.
USING THESE TIPS YOU CAN MAKE A DELICIOUS HOMEMADE BARBECUE SAUCE.
A good barbecue sauce is comprised of a variety of the same six components. The key is to discover what style you enjoy most, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Oh, and taste often during the preparation process to adjust if so desired.
SOMETHING SWEET
This can be honey, cola, molasses, preserves, brown sugar, or syrup. This caramelizes as you cook, bringing those smoky, sugary flavors.
SOMETHING TANGY
Think vinegar, mustard, or citrus. This is what brings the zing to your sauce.
SOMETHING SPICY
This provides your heat: a hot sauce is a great choice. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1/2 teaspoon for every cup of sauce you’re making.
SOMETHING LIQUID
It can be beer, water, chicken stock, soda, or wine. Start with about 1/2 a cup and see what happens.
SOMETHING TOMATO
You’ll most likely use ketchup, but you can also use tomato paste.
THE SPICE COMBINATION
This can depend on your liking and taste and can include anything from onion powder to garlic powder to chili powder to allspice to cayenne pepper to mustard powder to liquid smoke to cumin to Worcestershire sauce and more. Start with a teaspoon of salt, and keep tasting as you experiment with your desired spices.
HOMEMADE
BBQ SAUCE
INGREDIENTS
• 2 cups ketchup
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 5 tablespoons brown sugar
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/2 tablespoon ground mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
DIRECTIONS
In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 1 hour 15 minutes.
Recipe and information courtesy of Pat Neely and Gina Neely.
MAY 30TH
SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
Scotch Plains Garden Club's 6th Annual Seed, Plant and Perennial Swap!
Scotch Plains Village Green, Park Avenue near Town Hall | 9:00 AM
Join us to meet fellow SPF gardeners and score FREE plants! It's not necessary to bring anything! However, if you have seeds, bring them in individual bags, labeled with the type of plant and the age of the seed; if you have perennials, bring them in individual containers, labeled with the type of plant.
JUNE 6TH
Out Run Your Fork Hosts Special Needs Mixer for Dads
Out Run Your Fork - 500 Central Avenue Westfield | 1:00 PM
Out Run Your Fork Personal Training is hosting a mixer for Men who have children with Special Needs. If you’re looking for some camaraderie with dads who “get it,” then come down to Out Run Your Fork Personal Training on Saturday, June 6th from 1 pm to 3 pm. We only have 30 spots available. RSVP to hello@outrunyourfork.com to reserve yours.
JUNE 13TH
Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom
Shady Rest Golf and Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Road, Scotch Plains | 12:00 PM
Save the Date for a vibrant Juneteenth celebration from 12PM to 5PM at the historic Shady Rest Country Club. Hosted by Social Justice Matters (SJM) this family friendly event will honor freedom, culture and community with a great line-up of activities, entertainment, vendors and delicious food. Rain Date is June 20th.
JUNE 16TH
9th Annual Patrick's Downtown Race to Summer 5K
430 Park Avenue Scotch Plains, NJ US 07076 | 7:00 PM
The annual Patrick's Downtown Race to Summer is the largest 5K in town and marks the official start of summer! The race kicks off with a 1-mile Fun Run for kids at 7PM, followed by the 5K at 7:30PM. The course starts and finishes across from the Fire House on Senger Place. Post-Race celebration on the Village Green includes live music, beer trucks and delicious BBQ sponsored by Stage House Tavern.
JUNE 21ST
Fanwood Summer Fan Jam!
La Grande Park | 11:00 AM
On Sunday, June 21st, from 11AM - 7PM, La Grande Park will be transformed into a marketplace of vendors, crafters and food trucks. The day will be filled with entertainment and a Kids Zone with rides and inflatables. Kick off summer with a great day out for the whole family!
JUNE 26TH AND 27TH
Revolution 250! Scotch Plains to Celebrate Nation’s 250th Anniversary
Throughout Scotch Plains: Visit www.scotchplainsnj.gov for more details | 4:30 PM
Join neighbors and friends to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the USA with two days of community events including a ceremony honoring the soldiers of the American Revolution, a parade down Park Avenue and the opening of a time capsule buried in 1984. Enjoy food, live music and family friendly activities. Saturday’s events will conclude with an amazing fireworks display at dusk.
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