Our favorite design elements of this Westfield Kitchen makeover
Refinished antique dining chairs
Beams with integrated lighting
Wood-look tile with radiant heating
Taj Mahal quartzite
Mixed metals
Hello Scotch Plains and Fanwood! We are thrilled to be the new owners of our local City Lifestyle magazine! A world of gratitude to Founding Publisher Lynn Harris for bringing this publication to life. You brought something very special to the homes and hearts of our town. And now you are a part of our story. We are so happy that our first issue as a team is focused on Home. For us, “home” is not just a place, but a feeling. When we are home we feel safe and protected; settled into our favorite spot on the couch; sharing meals and laughs with those we love most. Our homes store the memories and traditions that we pass on to future generations. Home is neighbors that become lifelong friends, business owners that watch our children grow up, and a community of people that look out for one another.
We are proud to call Scotch Plains and Fanwood our home.
When we moved here over sixteen years ago our only connections were to extended family in neighboring towns. Over the years we trusted life’s most important decisions to local doctors, realtors, preschools and professional service providers to build the life - and the home - we have today. It is a privilege to now support the businesses that serve us; to celebrate the people that represent the best in us; and to create connections that help our community thrive.
City Lifestyle Magazine is a celebration of the town we all love. Whether you've lived here your whole life - or just moved here - Scotch Plains or Fanwood is a part of your story. And we want to hear from you! Please reach out and share your favorite things about our town. Tell us about the people that inspire you, the mainstays in your daily life and your positive experiences. Together, we can bring that feeling of home to every issue.
Cheers!
TERRY AZAD, VERONICA KAUTZ @SCOTCHPLAINSCITYLIFESTYLE
PUBLISHER
Veronica Kautz | veronica.kautz@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Terry Azad | terry.azad@citylifestyle.com
INTERN
Sophia Mekbeb
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Christine Escribano, Terry Azad, Carly MacManus, Benjamin Meyer
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Craig Smith, Edwing Hernandez
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
1: At Home with Scotch Plain’s Favorite pup Charlie! 2: On set with The Boss! Filming for the Springsteen biopic has taken place across NJ. 3: Freshman Mia Donson sets up her shot in SPFHS’s Varsity game against Union Catholic 4: Irish eyes will be smiling at Darby Road’s 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration 5: Sophomore Arielle and Senior Bella rehearse for SPFHS’s production of Freaky Friday 6: Members of Girl Scout Troop 40969 collect pet supply donations for veterans on MLK Day of Service
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.
• Simple Wills: Protect your loved ones with a straightforward estate plan.
• 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.
Dr. Robert V Scalera, Jr. has announced his retirement after 41 years of "providing healthy smiles for a lifetime" to all of his patients. Located at 567 Park Avenue in Scotch Plains, Dentalcare Associates has been home to Dr. Scalera since he joined his father there in 1983. Dr. Maureen Maximos is proud to take on ownership of the practice, and serve as its new Director.
Located at 1737 E. 2nd Street in Scotch Plains, Cherry Home Designs and Casa Construction offers comprehensive design, construction and build services under one roof! Business Partners Christine Escribano and John Pizzi bring their collective expertise together to better service clients through all stages of renovation and transformation. Stop by the studio to tour custom pieces, inspiration walls and a robust material library. Schedule a free design consultation to reimagine and redesign your home. Live Your Story!
Music For All Seasons (MFAS) is proud to be the recipient of a grant made through The Horizon Foundation For New Jersey. This generous award will go towards "Voices of Valor", a therapeutic songwriting project for veterans at the Lyons VA Hospital and NJ Veterans Home in Basking Ridge and Paramus respectively. Veterans returning home from deployment or combat express themselves through music and writing as they work to heal from the traumas they have experienced.
For Chris Fontana and Vic Fiore, owners of Magnolia Home Remodeling Group, giving back is at the core of their business. Their dedication to community shines through in their partnerships with George to the Rescue and the MakeA-Wish Foundation , helping families in need through home renovations and fulfilling the wishes of children facing life-threatening illnesses.
Magnolia’s collaboration with George to the Rescue began over five years ago when they were asked to assist a family in Union Township who had recently suffered a devastating loss. A father of two had tragically passed away on Thanksgiving Day, leaving behind his children, Victoria and Harrison. Magnolia stepped in, donating a full bathroom renovation and transforming Harrison’s bedroom. “That was our first project with George,” Chris recalls.
That initial project paved the way for more opportunities to make a difference. Recently, Magnolia was called upon for another life-changing renovation. A family’s son had suffered a severe cheerleading accident, resulting in quadriplegia. The George to the Rescue team asked if Magnolia could help.
“The family’s biggest challenge was mobility. Their home was small, and their son’s wheelchair couldn’t fit comfortably in tight spaces, especially the kitchen,” explains Chris. “His mother’s hope was that he could participate more in family life, like joining them in the kitchen.” Magnolia’s solution was to create a more open and accessible kitchen that would allow the young man to engage with his family. “We wanted him to be part of the daily routine again—cooking, eating, and chatting around the table,” Chris says.
Magnolia also made critical updates to the son’s bedroom, where the constant wear and tear from the wheelchair had taken its toll. “We made small but meaningful changes—rebuilding walls, modifying a closet, and improving the overall flow of the room,” Vic adds. “It wasn’t a massive overhaul, but it made a huge difference in the quality of his life.”
a peaceful and comforting retreat. More recently, Magnolia completed a bathroom renovation for a teenager in Little Falls. “It was his wish to provide his family with a nice, functional bathroom, and we were honored to help make that happen,” Vic says. “Giving back to families facing tough times is incredibly rewarding.”
“Giving back to families facing tough times is incredibly rewarding.”
What makes Magnolia’s efforts even more impactful is their ability to rally a network of partners and vendors who share their passion for helping others. “We’ve built strong relationships over the years, and many of our suppliers have generously donated high-quality materials for these projects,” Vic explains. “It’s a community effort, and we’re grateful to be part of such a giving network.”
Magnolia’s commitment to giving back extends beyond their work with George to the Rescue. The company has partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation on two projects, using their skills to fulfill the dreams of children in need. In Newark, they remodeled a bedroom for a young girl, creating
As Chris and Vic reflect on their work, they remain humbled by the opportunities to use their skills for good. “We’re fortunate to run a family business and be surrounded by great people,” Chris says. “Giving back is how we pay it forward, and it’s something we’ll continue to do for as long as we can.”
Magnolia Home Remodeling continues to make a difference—one home, and one family, at a time.
Register for the FREE March 4 workshop on Imposter Syndrome
with Bartley with Bartley Zucosky Zucosky
Check out our website for upcoming webinars and events, opportunities for wellness professionals to connect, free consultations with our team, monthly newsletters and other resources!
www.arborcounselingcenters.com | 908-543-9100
MEET THE NEW OWNERS OF SCOTCH PLAINS CITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
ARTICLE BY TERRY AZAD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
CRAIG SMITH
Scotch Plains residents for over 16 years, Terry Azad and Veronica Kautz are the new owners of Scotch Plains City Lifestyle magazine, serving as Editor and Publisher, respectively. They credit the magazine's strong foundation as the ideal platform to expand upon with their own vision. Affectionately known as "the sisters" they are seen here brainstorming over their favorite cocktails.
As teenagers, Terry and Veronica used to spend summer days floating in their neighbors pool avoiding the list of chores their mom left for them on the kitchen counter. Even though the pool was not that big, they would hold onto each other's float so they couldn't drift apart. They dreamed of a future where they lived across the street from one another raising their imaginary kids more like siblings than cousins, and maybe - just maybe - owning a business together.
It was that summer that the sisters became best friends.
Fast forward to today, Terry and Veronica both live in Scotch Plains, less than 2 miles apart. They celebrate holidays as one family, go on vacations together and share a large group of mutual friends ("the friend group"). The stars aligned when Terry retired from her 30-year career in Commercial Real Estate, Veronica sold her interest in a Tech Start Up and Scotch Plains City Lifestyle Magazine became an ownership opportunity.
It was then that the sisters became business partners.
'Scotch Plains City Life Style Magazine gives us a chance to embrace the community we love. We're passionate about connecting people, businesses and stories that create bonds across all of us that call Scotch Plains and Fanwood home", says Terry.
And "home" is something that the sisters take very seriously. Having grown up in a big family on the north shore of Long Island, "39 Wilmont" set a high bar. Disguised as a big red house, 39 Wilmont was the center of the universe for Terry, Veronica, and their three other sisters. It is where backyard barbecues, family game nights, and Christmas mornings created countless memories, and a legacy for their parents. At 39 Wilmont the fridge was always stocked, the beer was always cold, and the porch light was on to welcome neighbors that would become life-long friends.
We are Sisters. We are Partners. We are Friends. We are SPF!
Veronica gets teary when she thinks of it all coming together. "The Scotch Plains Fanwood community has given us something we never thought possible...that feeling of home we were gifted in our childhood. To be able to give that to my own family is a dream. We have found home again in Scotch Plains."
Kitchen design has entered a transformative era, where innovation meets artistry to create spaces that are not only functional but also personal and sustainable. With advancements in technology, materials and craftsmanship, today’s kitchens are tailored to meet the evolving needs and tastes of homeowners.
According to interior designer Laura McCroskey, kitchens today are about more than just cooking—they’re an expression of personal lifestyle.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATE SHEETS
“Kitchen design has entered an exciting time where the possibilities feel limitless,” says McCroskey. “For me, the design process starts before lines are ever drawn on a construction document. I believe in creating spaces that enhance life, both functionally and aesthetically. The design process begins with a discussion about what a space needs to do, and what aesthetic will bring a spark to the homeowner.
I also firmly believe that when designing a kitchen, one should walk out a recipe to make sure everything is in the right place to suit one’s lifestyle. Cooking zones are imperative to a well-designed kitchen.”
Modern kitchens emphasize zoning, or the creation of dedicated areas for preparation, cooking and storage, to enhance workflow and functionality. These zones not only improve efficiency but also contribute to a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic.
Cutting-edge rendering software, utilizing technology similar to that used in gaming, allows homeowners to visualize their dream kitchens in hyper-realistic detail. While these tools inspire creativity, McCroskey advises balancing ambitious ideas with practical implementation to achieve the best results.
Technology, sustainability and customization are driving the revolution in kitchen design. Advanced appliances are at the forefront, enhancing convenience while aligning with a growing emphasis on eco-friendliness.
“From vacuum-sealing drawers that preserve food and reduce waste to smart appliances controlled by your phone, the emphasis is on efficiency and sustainability. Functional storage built seamlessly into marble countertops and oversized workstation sinks are making daily tasks easier and more enjoyable. Thoughtful features like composting compartments
and advanced food preservation methods reflect a broader effort to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact.”
Custom cabinetry that maximizes every inch of space minimizes waste while optimizing functionality.
“Forget the limits of traditional cabinetry. Blind corners, tiny nooks and hidden areas are now designed to maximize storage. Automated drawers and pop-up outlets are becoming increasingly common, marrying convenience with sleek aesthetics.”
Design trends have also evolved, becoming more flexible to reflect individual tastes.
“While white kitchens remain timeless and black adds drama, bleached woods continue to be popular. Style trends are no longer as rigid—whether you prefer modern, transitional, or traditional designs, you can create a kitchen tailored to your unique vision. There’s no limit to what you can achieve with today’s tools and technologies. The goal is to create spaces that resonate deeply with the people who live in them.”
The kitchen is the heart of every home and represents a space of endless possibility. Whether your aesthetic leans modern, farmhouse or somewhere in between, the tools and technologies available today make it easier than ever to bring your vision to life.
RUTGERS ATHLETICS’ COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY SERVICE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUTGERS ATHLETICS
When the Scarlet Knights aren’t busy scoring touchdowns or sinking three-pointers, they’re making a splash in their communities. Rutgers Athletics isn’t just about top-tier competition; it’s also about making a meaningful impact beyond the field. Dive into how Rutgers’ athletes are flexing their muscles for a great cause and how they balance their game-day grit with giving back.
At Rutgers, the game plan includes more than just practice and play—it’s about service too. The Scarlet Knights For Life program is the MVP of this effort, turning athletic prowess into community good. This program isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s integral, making sure that every student-athlete gets a chance to give back and grow from the experience.
“The Scarlet Knights For Life program is more than just a title; it’s a call to action,” says Michelle Wilson, Executive Director of Elijah’s Promise. “It’s about our athletes rolling up their sleeves and diving into community work with enthusiasm.”
Rutgers athletes are known for their moves on the field, but their community service projects are equally impressive. Take the annual All-Athlete Welcome Back BBQ. On Labor Day, more than 700 student-athletes converge to pack 3,000+ snack packs for Elijah’s Promise. Which is a New Brunswick, nonprofit that harnesses the power of food to break the cycle of poverty, alleviate hunger and change lives. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the spirit of giving. These packs make their way to those in need, showing that Rutgers is committed to serving up kindness.
Over the past few summers, the Men’s Soccer and Women’s Basketball teams have worked at America’s Grow A Row, harvesting a remarkable 15,000 pounds of eggplant and 6,700 pounds of corn. This produce helps provide fresh food to those facing food insecurity. Additionally, through the Embrace Kids Foundation’s RU4Kids program, athletes serve as big brothers and sisters to children dealing with serious health challenges. That’s what we call a slam dunk for community impact!
How do the Scarlet Knights juggle intense practice schedules with community service? With a playbook that includes strategic planning and a lot of team spirit. Coaches and staff make sure that community service is part of the game plan, whether the team is in season or off. It’s all about integrating service opportunities into their busy lives.
“Our teams are always looking for ways to give back,” says Samantha Konkowski, a Rutgers Athletics spokesperson. “Balancing athletics and service is challenging, but it’s rewarding and part of our commitment to holistic development.”
Getting student-athletes excited about community service is a key play at Rutgers. Freshmen are introduced to service opportunities during orientation, and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) provides a variety of ways to get involved. Coaches also champion these efforts, ensuring athletes participate in events like Saturdays in Motion and Special Olympics.
The involvement in these projects isn’t just about giving back; it’s also about personal growth. Athletes gain valuable skills, broaden their perspectives, and learn the power of service.
Rutgers Athletics keeps track of its community impact with a keen eye. They monitor the number of service hours and the diversity of opportunities available, aiming to up the ante each year. It’s all about increasing engagement and ensuring that every student-athlete has a chance to contribute.
Rutgers Athletics is focused on deepening existing partnerships and exploring new ways to support the community. It’s all part of their mission to ensure that their athletes are not just champions on the field but also off it.
As Rutgers Athletics continues to blend competition with community spirit, the Scarlet Knights are showing that their impact goes far beyond the scoreboard. For more on how these athletes are making a difference, visit www.scarletknights.com/skfl or @scarletknightsforlife on Instagram.
“It’s about our athletes rolling up their sleeves and diving into community work with enthusiasm.” - Michelle Wilson, Executive Director of Elijah’s Promise
Scotch Plains-Fanwood
HS Repertory Theatre presents FREAKY FRIDAY, a musical based on the 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and hit Disney films.
When mother Katherine and her teenage daughter Ellie magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. By spending a day in each other's shoes, the pair come to appreciate one another's struggles, and discover the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter.
The SPFHS production is directed by the talented team of Morgan Knight and Courtney Nemec, both of whom credit the students with driving the success of the show. "We have almost 100 kids leading every aspect of production from the Ensemble to the Stage Crew, Set Design and Lighting". The upbeat music directed by Jan Allen, and choreography by Kyra Robinson complement the witty dialogue and heartfelt storyline sure to entertain audiences of all ages.
Thursday, March 13th - Saturday, 15th at 7PM March 16th at 2PM
ARTICLE BY TERRY AZAD
LEARN THE ART OF POURING A PERFECT GUINNESS.
With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, there is no better time to learn the art of the perfect Guinness pour. Rich in both taste and tradition, mastering the Guinness pour has become a rite of passage for bartenders across the globe. The proper pour impacts everything from the taste to the presentation.
First, you need a dry, cool "tulip glass", known by its flower-like shape. And while rumors swirl about Guinness being "a warm beer", the perfect pint is chilled at a cool 5-7 degrees Celsius. The correct temperature keeps the gas inside the beer at its proper balance. Warm beer will foam due to overexcited CO2, while beer that is too cold won't allow ideal head formation and retention.
To pour, tilt your glass at a 45-degree angle and fill a little over half way. Now - let the pint surge and settle! Put your glass down to rest and watch as the darker stout slowly sinks under the creamy, white foam. Once settled, fill the rest of the glass - but this time, keeping the glass straight. Fill until the foam forms a slight dome over the top to achieve that beautiful Guinness head.
A true stout fan will savor the time it takes for the beer to cascade as the gases regulate, which Guinness maintains is a scientifically precise 119.5 seconds. But who's counting?
Sláinte!
ARTICLE BY CHRISTINE ESCRIBANO PHOTOGRAPHY BY EDWING HERNANDEZ
Christine Escribano, Owner at Cherry Home Designs shares her favorite ways to personalize a home.
1: Create a space where friends and family can gather comfortably to interact and make memories. Custom banquet seating, upholstered cushions, and a salvaged barn house table will make your guests feel at home. There is room for everyone at this cozy breakfast nook - even the family's fur baby!
2: DID SOMEONE SAY WALLPAPER? Few design elements allow you to express your style more than wallpaper. From artistic murals to custom designs, wallpaper can reflect personality and preferences.
3: PERSONALIZE: Give your space a "design wink" through moments of levity that showcase your unique style. Put your zest for life on display with pieces that are just so very....you.
4: REPURPOSE: Everything old is new again! Don't toss quality pieces - salvage instead. Some essential oils, a sensory design approach and a little TLC can turn an old dresser with history into your favorite conversation piece.
MARCH 2ND
Jersey Central-Railway Historical Society presents Largest Train Show in NJ!
Mother Seton Highschool, 1 Valley Road Clark NJ | 9:00 AM
Come visit the largest model train show in New Jersey featuring trains that kids can actually run! Door prizes every hour with the Grand Prize being a HO scale model train set! The show runs from 9AM until 3PM. Admission is $7.00 for adults - kids under 12 FREE, family maximum $14.00. Parking is FREE!
MARCH 8TH
duCret School of Art 1030 Central Avenue Plainfield NJ | 10:00 AM
Sign up today for an introductory stained glass workshop - perfect for individuals of all skill levels to explore the art of stained glass. An experienced instructor will cover the stained glass process basics, including pattern selection, cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering. The workshop is hands-on and interactive, so you’ll leave with a finished piece and a newfound appreciation for the art.
MARCH 13TH
Scotch Plains Fanwood Highschool 667 Westfield Road, Scotch Plains | 7:00 PM
The Scotch Plains Fanwood Repertory Theatre will perform the musical comedy FREAKY FRIDAY, March 13th through the 16th with shows at 7PM and 2PM. The show will take place at the high school's Manya Ungar Memorial Auditorium. Visit their website at spfhsrep. com for more information on tickets and show times.
MARCH 15TH
Darby Road St Patrick's Day Celebration
Darby Road Pub 450 Park Avenue, Scotch Plains | 6:00 PM
Join friends and neighbors inside the pub or under the big tent to celebrate St. Patrick's Day! Festivities commence on Saturday, March 15th at 6PM and go through Monday, March 17th. The event will feature local dancers, live music, children's activities and drink specials.
MARCH 21ST
Union County Performing Arts Center 1601 Irving Street, Rahway NJ
The students of the Union County Academy for Performing Arts proudly present their spring musical, Urinetown. Performances will take place on March 21, 22, and 23 at the Union County Performing Arts Center, located at 1601 Irving St, Rahway, NJ 07065. For tickets and more information, be sure to visit https://ucvts.booktix.com.
APRIL 5TH
The Carriage House Watson Road, Fanwood NJ | 7:00 PM
Fanwood Performance Series presents its spring season of live music kicking off with Lara Herscovitch, a singer-songwriter who brings humor and heart to her music. Also performing are The Honey Badgers, a folk-Americana duo known for harmonies and lyrics. All shows start at 7PM at the Kuran Cultural Arts Center, also known as the Carriage House. Visit fanwoodperformanceseries.org for tickets and info.
(908) 889 - 1600 ext. 302 admissions@unioncatholic.org www.unioncatholic.org/admissions Spring Open House April 9 at 7:00 p.m. th
