Love Local LO C A L S E RV I C E S
FE ATU RING ARTIST RI CARDO RO IG
F E B R UA RY 2 02 4
ALICIA HOLDEN | REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL
LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE I’m your real estate matchmaker
#HOLDENTHEKEYS
A few of my transactions:
SOLD | Represented Seller 90 Portland Ave, Fanwood $680,000
FOR SALE | Representing Seller 2125 Portland Ave, Scotch Plains Contact Alicia Holden for more 908-377-4739
SOLD | Represented Buyer 1310 Cushing Rd, Scotch Plains $1,160,000
SOLD | Represented Buyer 1160 Cushing Rd, Scotch Plains $665,000
ERA SUBURB REALTY 1773 E 2ND ST, SCOTCH PLAINS NJ 07076 OFFICE 908-322-4434
ALICIA HOLDEN - REALTOR CELL 908-377-4739 ALICIAHOLDENERA@GMAIL.COM HOLDENTHEKEYS.COM #HOLDENTHEKEYS
★★★★★
“
5 Star Review in Scotch Plains
Alicia is by far the most knowledgeable, caring, patient, and professional person I have had the privilege to know and work with in quite some time. Whether it was a legitimate question I was having difficulty understanding or simply a calming and reasonable voice to assuage my fears, she was always available and ready to help. She was able to size up me and my family and seemed to instinctively know very quickly what we would and would not like, how to proceed, and ultimately getting us into a house we are over the moon to be in. Her connections and advice to making sure we’d find what we wanted were simply icing on the cake to an already formidable arsenal of tools she wields exceptionally well.
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
love is in the air
February 2024 PUBLISHER
I don’t know about you, but this time of year I am always torn. I find myself torn between resisting the commercialization of another greeting card holiday and indulging in all the sweet excuses to enjoy the season. To do a Valentine’s Day date out or enjoy a cozy night at home? To buy a card or just say a kind word? I usually land somewhere a little in between. We’ll each arrive at different answers based on our preferences and personalities, but what we hold in common is an opportunity to make sure those around us know we love them. And regardless of how you choose to celebrate, we hope the pages of this month’s magazine will help you do just that as we celebrate and highlight what’s to love in our local community. February may be the shortest month of the year, but it also can feel like the longest. The waning weeks of winter can feel like an eternity. With the cold weather and short days, it can be a difficult time for those like me who long for the warm weather and live for summer. It’s during these times that we can truly benefit from surrounding ourselves with the people and places we love, to lift our spirits as we move toward Spring. While we teeter between the chill of January Winter and the excitement of Spring, we hope you’ll be inspired to take a moment to come together with the people in your life. The ones in your home and on your street. In your neighborhood and your community. “Love local” means your local businesses, those in your community - but it also means loving what is near. Those under your own roof included. So grab a coffee at your favorite café and head home for a game night around the fire with the family. Or snag a bottle of wine and your favorite takeout and indulge on a movie night in. We’ve always believed what we can do together is so much more than what we can do apart. And we continue to see that demonstrated through the many stories told in these pages month after month. Thanks for letting us be a part of the life you’re building, whatever that may look like. Our hope is that we inspire you to love it just a bit more than you did before. Happy February!
LY N N H A R R I S , P U B L I S H E R @SCOTCHPLAINSCITYLIFESTYLE
Lynn Harris | lynn.harris@citylifestyle.com SAL E S D I R E C TO R
Kevin Harris | kevin.harris@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R
Stephanie Padula stephanie.padula@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Sue Baldani C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R
Craig Smith
Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Scotch Plains City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Scotch Plains area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle
Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/SCOTCHPLAINS
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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R
Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Scotch Plains City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
inside the issue FE B RUA RY 2 0 2 4 | LOV E LO CA L
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Featured
12 18 22 34 6
Layers of Beauty
An artist who brings his creations to life and celebrates the magic of coming together
Timeless Home Designs That Are Also on Trend Creating a style and story that’s all your own
18 On the Cover
Departments
“Park Ave Afternoon, Scotch Plains” by local artist Ricardo Roig. To learn more about the inspiration behind this piece and his other works of art, turn to page 12
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Lifestyle Letter
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City Scene
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Business Monthly
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Must See LOCAL SERVICES
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Trend Setter HOME + DESIGN
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Culinary Creations ENTERTAINMENT
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Travel Journal TRAVEL
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Locally Sourced FOOD + BEVERAGE
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Events
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Inspired By LIFE + CULTURE
Where Friends Become Family
A place for delicious food, great conversation and a commitment to community
Service Above Self
Make a difference in your community
Photography: Ricardo Roig
Family owned & servicing the community for over 45 years. Bobby Caffrey is a Licensed Tree Expert and ISA Certified Arborist
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FEBRUARY 2024
city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
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@WOLVESBBALLACADEMY
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CRAIG SMITH
5 @ALICIA_HOLDEN_REAL-ESTATE @CAFFREYTREE @THEBODYDEPARTMENT
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1: Local business owners donate gifts to the SPF Toy Drive, benefitting local families 2: The Wolves Basketball Academy holds clinics in Scotch Plains for students with special needs 3: Realtor Alicia Holden stops by the Carriage House to support the Plainfield Historic Society fundraiser 4: The ladies of The Body Department gather to celebrate the holidays 5: Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School Choir students perform at a Rotary Club meeting 6: Daisy Troop 40405 visits the Ashbrook Rehabilitation Center to spread cheer 7: Arborist Bobby Caffrey is proud to serve the community for over 45 years
Want to be seen in the magazine? TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ S C O T C H P L A I N S C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E
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C I T Y SC E N E
FEBRUARY 2024
business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S
The Body Department Begins Offering Medical Spa Services Owners, Lauren Cruz and Dr. Zambrano, welcome Dr. Aleksandra Novik BBA, DNP, FNP-C, a well-published board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, to the team at The Body Department located at 2374 Mountain Ave in Scotch Plains. Offering injectable services and skin modalities, Dr. Aleks is able to achieve full face harmonization.
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Joan Marie Photography Wins Award of Excellence Fanwood resident and owner of Joan Marie Photography studio at 1728 E 2nd St in Scotch Plains, Joan Rekemeier, is a two-time award winner of the NJ Monthly and Unique Photo contest. In 2021, Joan won first place in the drone/ ariel category with a photo of the ocean after a storm, titled, Depth and most recently, an “Award of Excellence” with a photo of a father and daughter, titled, Rise Up (seen to the left).
Photography by Joan Marie Photography
Lifestyle Store Opens in Downtown Scotch Plains Interior designers and owners, Si and Di, relocate their Historic Plainfield Lifestyle storefront to 1833 Front Street, Scotch Plains. With curated gifts and home decor from around the world, Lifestyle is the source for accessible luxury. The mother/daughter duo also offers design services for the home and commercial spaces.
Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / S C O T C H P L A I N S
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ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG SMITH
AN ARTIST WHO BRINGS HIS CREATIONS TO LIFE AND CELEBRATES THE MAGIC OF COMING TOGETHER
LAYERS OF BEAUTY 12
M UST SE E | LO CAL S ERVICE S
For Ricardo Roig, being creative is a way to make sense of the world and at the same time make it a more wonderful place to live. “Art really has the power to uplift and bring people together, and so not only do I do that authentically by being an artist, it’s just who I am,” he says. “It has always been a part of me.”
people in new ways. And I love doing it. It brings me to life and is a physical manifestation of my spirit.” Many of his creations depict people and places from his hometown, like the Rialto theater, as well as other places he’s visited and people he’s met throughout his life. While his work The Room was his first love,
Growing up in Westfield, he loved to sketch people he knew, including his fellow students. In 2006, one of his professors introduced him to the technique of cutting shapes out of paper to create depth in his works. “Using that technique, I created The Room, and it unlocked something inside of me. It was like falling in love or into a new universe.” Today, Ricardo is well-known for his hand-cut stencil-layered paintings. “I don't define myself; I always find myself, but I can say that my style is modern, innovative and vibrant,” he says. “I didn't want to be just another artist - I wanted to provide something new to the world so that it could inspire
another piece that has a special place in his heart is The Trumpeter. “In 2017, I created The Trumpeter after visiting Nick's, a jazz club outside of Boston. While there, I could see this trumpeter blasting away and doing what he loved. When I created this piece, I developed color, but I also wanted people to hear and feel the instrument.” Depicting this musician made him realize that as an artist, his style and talent will always evolve. “The Room was my first piece, but then every piece I’ve done since then has been an evolution of it.” Now living in Scotch Plains with his wife, Michelle, and children, 5-yearold Ricardo and 2-1/2-year-old Matias,
“IT BRINGS ME TO LIFE AND IS A PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION OF MY SPIRIT.”
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he was honored to be asked to do the artwork for the February cover of Scotch Plains Lifestyle magazine. “For this issue, I wanted to have a new piece that I was inspired to do specifically for my children's hometown. I'm so proud and blessed to live and raise my kids here.” His goal was to depict the image of downtown, and include places where he and his family spend time. Black Drop Coffee, where he stops regularly, is there, as is the steeple of the church where Ricardo attends daycare. While many artists are solitary, Ricardo believes in the power of people coming together. “When you can come together, it's just magic, and that's what this cover is all about. The magic of people coming together and what they’re trying to do here.” In addition to owning and running two galleries with his wife in Hoboken at the W Hotel and in Westfield, he’s also the
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“WHEN YOU CAN COME TOGETHER, IT’S JUST MAGIC” artist-in-residence at Kean University. He’s excited to be holding a show there on January 25. “I'm half Cuban and half Dominican, and I grew up with good values and I'm happy to share myself and my talent with others,” he says. “When you share your heart with the world, the world grows smaller as your heart grows bigger.” Ricardo receives commissions for his talent from all over the country and would love to make a special piece for your home or business. To see his unique and exceptional works of art, make an appointment to visit one of his galleries, and also check out his Instagram page. “Allowing myself to put myself in other people's shoes, sharing kindness, showing up for the moment, and being mindful - all of that goes into my art.” RoigCollection.com
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TIMELESS HOME DESIGNS THAT ARE also on trend
CREATING A STYLE AND STORY THAT’S ALL YOUR OWN ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY EDWING HERNANDEZ & TERA BARROW
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T R E N D SE T T E R | HO ME + D E SIGN
Christine (Cherry) Maggiore-Escribano, owner of Cherry Home Designs, is a storyteller, but instead of using words, she uses her interior design skills. “The design is a catalyst to getting to know people's stories,” she says. “Clients’ furniture and art actually tell a story.” Since decorating styles tend to change every few years, so do people’s stories. But, instead of a complete overhaul, she likes to take what clients already own and incorporate it with some new ideas. “When we're styling, we curate from their meaningful things and then we fill in with new stuff as needed,” says Christine. “I don't just bring trends. Instead, I focus on creating a timeless environment that has some trend influences.” For example, while a gray and white palette and a starker look were popular during the last few years, that is definitely changing. Color is back, and so is comfort. “People are trying to make their homes feel more cozy than empty,” she says. “They’re telling me they want to make their home feel like a warm hug. I'm also hearing clients say they want a little bit of glamor right now. Maximalism is making its way back where it's an opulent layering of textures and patterns.” To find out how Christine can best tell your story, visit her at her current store in Westfield, or at her second location in Scotch Plains opening this spring. “Your home should be the most comfortable, beautiful space with things that matter to you,” she says. CherryHomeDesigns.com
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WHER E FR IENDS BE C OM E FA M I LY
A place for delicious food, great conversation and a commitment to community
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG SMITH
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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | E N T E RTAIN ME N T
Gregory Kay and Ronnie Vojka, owners of Fabio’s Bistro on South Avenue in Fanwood, believe in more than just serving a good pizza or a plate of chicken parmesan. “Our recipes are made with love,” says Greg. “It’s a place where friends become family.” In business for seven years, the casual, homey atmosphere makes it a fun place to hang out, eat delicious food, and have great conversations with family and friends. Or, walk in to pick up some takeout and be greeted by a warm and friendly staff who will often greet you by name. “I want to believe Fabio’s stands out because of the quality of food, the quantity of food and the people customers meet while dining here,” he says. “We use the finest of ingredients in all of our menu items, and take pride in our dishes so we won’t change our flavor. Our pizza is a big hit - we make several different styles. In 2023, we were voted #1 on the Slice app in the country which consisted of over 18,000 pizzerias.” The amazing pizza varieties include the Thin Crust Brooklyn Square pie, a Broccoli, Zucchini and Mushroom pizza, a Margarita and Fresh Mozzarella, a Buffalo Chicken and a Taco pizza. There’s even a gluten-free option for those who desire. For dinner, start off with some mouth-watering appetizers such as the fresh and flavorful Bruschetta, Sweet Mussels Marinara, Hot Fried Calamari, or Meat Rice Balls. Then, move on to the entrees which range from the traditional Fettuccine Alfredo and Chicken Marsala to an Italian Surf and Turf and Shrimp Oreganata. Meat lovers and vegetarians alike will find many things to
love about the menu. And bring the kids – there’s a great children’s menu with all their favorites. Of course, there are also salads, soups, hot and cold subs, wraps, calzones, stromboli, chicken fingers and so much more available. You’ll never be disappointed in the number of options. Fabio’s is also a wonderful local place to hold small celebrations such as birthday parties, graduation celebrations, and anniversaries. “In the summer, we also have outdoor seating which enables us to have a few more guests,” says Greg. And, if you’re having a private party at home or a large event at a venue, Fabio’s Bistro can provide catering for those affairs too. Feedback from customers has always been very positive, but if anyone does express a concern, Greg and Ronnie will do their best to make things right. “We take their input to heart because ultimately that’s what keeps us going,” says Greg. “What makes owning a business in Fanwood special is that Fanwood and Scotch Plains are really remarkable towns. They are smaller in size and families are involved in local events, organizations and town happenings. Everyone seems to know everyone.” He and Ronnie also enjoy speaking and keeping in touch with the people who keep the towns operating, such as those in the town hall, local dignitaries, and mayors, and those who ensure the safety of the community like the police officials and officers, fire chiefs and firefighters, and EMTs. “Everyone is always stopping in and checking on us,” says Greg. “Anytime we need anything, we know we’re a phone call away from assistance or direction. It doesn’t get better than that.”
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The Bistro is also a big believer in giving back. “We try to be involved with the community as much as possible and support Scotch Plains/ Fanwood’s organizations, events and teams,” he says. “We know the hard work our local clubs, sport teams and organizations put in to make our town even better. “We get approached by many and do as much as possible to make everyone happy. Since all of our customers are like family to us, we do all we can to help them out. We love doing for our community - our community is our family.” He and Ronnie also help feed veterans on an ongoing basis. “Since they opened their doors, Fabio’s has provided ongoing support to these brave men and women, and because many of them experience food insecurity, it’s a lifeline and a safety net,” says veterans advocate, Steve Hackenberg. “Ronnie and
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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | E N T E RTAIN ME N T
Greg, and the customers who put their dollars into the donation jar, have made a tremendous impact in these veterans’ lives.” The owners are very excited for the future and have big plans in the works. “We’ve purchased the former Sheelen’s Crossing [located right across the street],” says Greg. “Because of the support from the community, we’ve outgrown our footprint at our current location. We have been planning this for some time and now it’s time to make it happen.” They hope to have the new location up and running by December 2024. To revisit, discover and enjoy all that Fabio’s Bistro has to offer, go to FabiosBistroMenu.com, call (908) 274-2038 or order on the Slice app. Whether you dine in, take out, or have it delivered, you’ll be in for a real treat. Buon appétito!
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ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
Reservations For Two Dreamy destinations for couples looking to get away.
Finding a life partner just might be easier than finding someone you can travel with. Pace, patience and priorities all matter when organizing itineraries, straddling time zones and navigating new places. Do you like languid mornings with room service, wide sandy beaches and white-glove service? Or, do you prefer watching the sunrise in hiking boots, launching into eye-opening excursions and digging to find that hidden gem of a restaurant that serves local food to locals? When the stars align, both partners have an affinity for generally the same kind of vacation, or are willing to compromise. Enjoying travel with your mate is the icing on the (wedding) cake. Here are a few ideas for fabulously romantic getaways. Bon Voyage!
Traveling can be as stressful as it is sublime. Exhausting as it is inspiring. Traveling as a couple requires additional planning and communication with a healthy dose of patience. Much like marriage! But, waking up in a faraway place, exploring unknown terrain together and leaving your routine and all its trappings behind can be therapeutic. You both can take on new roles and release tired habits.
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Write new vows over lunch or take a random nap because you can.
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Share planning and talk about your goals for the trip. Do you want to completely unplug or will one of you need excellent wifi to call into a few meetings?
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If you’re parents, consider setting boundaries for texting and phone calls so you can put the phone away and immerse in one another. Let the kids know you will be checking your phone at a certain time each day (and stick to that). Let the grandparents or caregivers handle the day to day drama.
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Take turns charting a course for the day. On day one, you check museum opening times, get the timed tickets and find a nearby spot for a healthy lunch. On day two, you sit back and let your partner call the Uber and source out the perfect shopping district, walking distance to a park. Enjoy the ride, either way.
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T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L
Four Seasons Bora Bora FourSeasons.com/BoraBora
Privacy and so much blue water. Bora Bora, French Polynesia At the Four Seasons Bora Bora, bucket list overwater bungalows line a glassy lagoon, inviting early-morning swims off your own private dock with a bright breakfast table set on your patio overlooking Mount Otemanu. The morning air is like silk, with a lithe breeze promising more of the same. Later, meander down the shady paths of the resort to the Te Mahana Spa. With breathtaking lagoon and Pacific Ocean views from twin infinity pools, the treatment begins with local juices and fruit, a foot massage, and then continues with rebalancing rituals starring indigenous ingredients like skin-smoothing, Tahitian-black-pearl powder and detoxifying algae sourced from the ocean. A full body scrub, massage, and hour-long soak in a coconut bath will leave you thankful and grounded. You can connect with the underwater world by snorkeling with a resident marine biologist and leave a legacy by grafting coral to repopulate the sun bleached lagoon. Dinners at the Four Seasons Bora Bora offer the ultimate date night experience, and a private moonlit swim is the perfect nightcap.
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The Willows TheWillowsPalmSprings.com
A secluded escape surrounded by mountains. Palm Springs, California With only 17 guest rooms, The Willows feels like an exclusive private hideaway where you expect to see celebrities around the pool or world leaders hiding behind newspapers at the three-course breakfast on the patio. Originally a millionaire’s private luxury hideaway the Italianate style mansions were built side-by-side for best friends, captains of industry where they entertained movie stars and political giants. Dr. Albert Einstein and his wife were frequent guests. The seclusion, though just blocks from the Palm Springs village, is intoxicating. You’ll meet the most interesting people at the complimentary afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres in the charming sitting room and find a new friend in one of the many engaging reads on the shelves dotting the thoughtfully renovated property. Rooms include oversized tiled showers, priceless antique pieces and a turndown service to make you feel like the royalty you are. Situated at the base of rugged Mt. San Jacinto with views of the Coachella Valley, The Willows is a perfect base for exploring the Palm Springs mid-century architecture of Hollywood titans or hiking the Andreas or Big Morongo Canyons or nearby Joshua Tree. Open September through May.
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T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L
The Willows is a perfect base for exploring the Palm Springs mid-century architecture of Hollywood titans or hiking the Andreas.
Home is where the heart is -I am your matchmaker.
Make Your Move with Mary! Contact me whether you are selling or searching for your dream home.
Mary DePaola Broker Associate ABR, PSA, RENT, SRES
Cell: 908.963.8673 Office: 908.233.5555 marydepaola.com
Let’s work together. Cell: 908.451.1454 Fax: 408.458.8722 Matthew.Kiss@grarate.com VISIT MY WEBSITE
Matthew Kiss
VP of Mortgage Lending NMLS#22785
16 Arcadian Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652 GRA NMLS ID #1598647 For Licensing, visit www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org Operating in the state of New York as GR Affinity, LLC in lieu of legal name Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC.
FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SC OTC HP L A I N S
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ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
BECAUSE. CHOCOLATE. C h o c o late Fond ue • 2 cups heavy cream • 1 pound premium semisweet chocolate (recommended: Lindt or Callebaut) • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract • 1 tablespoon brandy • Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, brownies, waffles, marshmallows, Oreos, pound cake, pretzels or any other dipping item of your choice! Put approximately four inches of water in a saucepan and bring to a slow boil. Place a mixing bowl on top and pour in the heavy cream. Let heat. Or, use a double boiler. Meanwhile, break up or chop the chocolate into small pieces. When the cream feels hot to the touch, add chocolate and whisk until smooth. Whisk in vanilla and brandy (optional). Pour into the fondue pot and light the handy fuel underneath. Keep the flame low as not to burn the fondue. Arrange dippers on a platter and enjoy. For the grown-ups, a spiked chocolate drink from our friend, Martha Stewart.
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LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | FOOD + BE VE RAGE
The Spiked Jo n es • • • •
1/2 cup milk 1 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup whole coffee beans 2 ounces semisweet chocolate (61% Valrhona), chopped • 2 tablespoons Kahlua • 1 teaspoon confectioner's sugar • 1 tablespoon dark chocolatecovered coffee beans, chopped In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, 1/2 cup cream, and whole coffee beans. Bring to a simmer, turn off heat, cover, and steep beans for 1 hour. Strain liquid and return to saucepan; discard beans. Bring the milk-and-cream mixture back to a simmer, add chocolate, and whisk until incorporated. Remove from heat; whisk in Kahlua. Whip remaining 1/2 cup cream and the confectioners' sugar until soft peaks form. Divide the hot chocolate between 2 cups and garnish each portion with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of chopped chocolate-covered coffee beans.
When my kids were little, we would address valentines to classmates, deliver flowers to neighbors and decorate the house with hearts and snowflakes (cut from white coffee filters). For dinner, I would make their favorite meal: dessert! Why not? I'd melt chocolate (the good stuff) and let them line up their dippers. They thought dessert for dinner was magical. Of course, I'd fed them a protein-packed after-school snack and served "dinner" early so they could get their sugar wiggles out before bed. Delightful! Happy Valentine's Day!
HOC ATEC LATE FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SC OTC HP L A I N S
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FEBRUARY 2024
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, and 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
567 PARK AVE SCOTCH PLAINS ACROSS FROM NETTINGHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL
908-322-7800 WWW.NJDENTALCARE.COM 32
EVE N TS
events A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S
FEBR UARY 13TH
Galentine’s Day Dinner Grano Pizzeria & Tavern | 435 Park Ave Scotch Plains Gather your best gal pals for a night out to celebrate love and friendship! Themed drinks will be offerred and a special dinner, prepared by Chef Nino, will be served. www.granoitaliantavern.com
FEBR UARY 23 R D
SPF Athletic Boosters Club Fundraiser Italian American Club | 1976 Valley Ave Scotch Plains | 7:00 PM Live music by local cocktail rock band, Amp’d. Tickets cost $50 and include beer and wine. Outside food is permitted. www.spfathleticboosters.org
FEBR UARY 25TH
Special Needs Resource Fair JCC of Central New Jersey | 1391 Martine Avenue Scotch Plains | 10:00 AM A wide variety of specialties including ABA services, adaptive programs, dentists and orthodontists, recreational programming, residential services, sensory supportive interior design, special needs products, summer camp programs, supported employment and more! www.jccnj.org/snresourcefair/
DAY SPA F E BRUA RY 2 5T H
Scotch Plains Rescue Squad Auxiliary Pancake Breakfast Scotch Plains Rescue Squad | 1916 Bartle Ave Scotch Plains | 8:00 AM The Scotch Plains Rescue Squad’s annual pancake breakfast fundraiser will include all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage, along with coffee and juice, for $7 per person entry fee (children 5 and under eat free). There will also be a raffle for baskets, which are filled with gifts and goodies donated by the community and area businesses. www.scotchplainsrescuesquad.com
F E BRUA RY 2 8T H
“Mental Health Crisis and How You Can Help” Presentation Darby Road Pub | 450 Park Ave Scotch Plains | 6:30 PM Join the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Rotary Club for training sessions on how to help identify mental health crisis situations and provide resources. The cost is $35 and the training benefits are priceless. www.fsprotary.org/events/
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for first time guests for Premium or higher services (normally $129 & up) Use promotion code SPALIFE during booking by phone Offer can’t be used with other promotions
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spaviadayspa.com
// 732.540.1600
C l a rk C om m on s Shoppi n g C en t er
1255 Raritan Road, Clark, New Jersey FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SC OTC HP L A I N S
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SE RV IC E a b o v e SE L F
Founded in 1938, the Rotary Club of FanwoodScotch Plains has been helping support local communities, our neighbors, and those in need around the world through a broad range of educational, humanitarian and cultural programs. Its mission: To provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. “The club was formed to get together and be a force to do good,” says Mary DePaola, who became a member back in 2009 when she was serving on the Scotch Plains Township Council (she later became the mayor). Its 47 regular members and six honorary members come from all walks of life and professions and have many different passions. “If you have a passion, come to the Rotary,” says its president and former Scotch Plains mayor, Al Smith. “We have the group that can help you get it done.” The club is always looking for new members who want to carry out its mission. The group meets four times a month and at different times of the day and evening, so it’s convenient for all schedules. To learn more and/or become a member, go to FSPRotary.org.
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I NSP IR E D BY | L I FE + C ULT U RE
UPCOMING EVENTS: El Centro Food Pantry in Plainfield– food distribution the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month Mental Health Crisis and How You Can Help presentation at Darby Road on February 28 at 6:30 pm 50/50 Raffle – Tickets sold at various locations around town from April through May Find more details about these events on its Facebook page Facebook.com/FSPRotary?ref+ts
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG SMITH
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206 Westfield Ave. Clark, NJ
Your Home’s Guardian Angel Take advantage of our Annual Home Maintenance Plan and keep your house running safely, efficiently and looking its best!
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B EC AUSE YOUR S MI L E IS OU R PASSION We have been proudly serving the dental needs of the Scotch Plains/Fanwood area for almost 25 years. Our office prides itself on being a welcoming, friendly, and fun place that strives to make our patients love coming to the dentist. We see patients of all ages and are always welcoming new patients to our dental family.
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Robert J. Martino, DDS | Allison C. Sceppaguercio, DMD
drmartinodentist.com | 732-382-8280 152 Central Ave, Clark, NJ 07066 FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SC OTC HP L A I N S
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