Scotch Plains, NJ August 2024 by City Lifestyle

The Dog Days of Summer

Celebrating the Joy Kids and Pets Bring to Our Community

This issue is one of my favorites. I suppose because of the immense joy that children and pets bring to their families and communities.

From playing soccer at the park to participating in local art classes, it is rewarding to watch the kids in our community explore and learn about the world around them. With their boundless energy and enthusiasm, they remind us all to approach life with curiosity and joy. It's inspiring to see how these young individuals are shaping the future of our community through their creativity, kindness, and determination. As we watch them grow and develop into thoughtful individuals, we can't help but feel hopeful for what lies ahead.

Pets in our community play a vital role in bringing joy and companionship to families of all shapes and sizes. From loyal dogs taking walks with their owners in the neighborhood to chirping birds keeping residents company at home, these furry (or feathery) friends contribute to the vibrant fabric of our community. Not only do pets provide emotional support and comfort, but they also promote social interaction among neighbors as they stop to chat during their daily strolls or a trip to the farmer's market.

We hope this issue inspires you to take notice of the sights and sounds of the children and pets out and about in our neighborhoods as you enjoy the summer months!

LYNN HARRIS, PUBLISHER @SCOTCHPLAINSCITYLIFESTYLE

August 2024

PUBLISHER

Lynn Harris | lynn.harris@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Stephanie Padula | stephanie.padula@citylifestyle.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Kevin Harris | kevin.harris@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Carly Okyle, Erica Landis

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Craig Smith Photography, Chelsea Doyle

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

Balancing Motherhood and Fitness

Lauren

Fostering a Love for Learning

Brace(s) For Smiles

city scene

@ALICIA_HOLDEN_REAL_ESTATE

1: Realtor Alicia Holden celebrates daughter, Angelina’s graduation from SPFHS. 2: Jaidyn Cohen secured first place for her floor routine at the State Gymnastic Championships. 3: Kids line up for the 1-mile kids race at the Patrick’s Downtown Race to Summer. 4: SPFHS graduate, Chef Londrel Geller, hosted a chicken parm sandwich pop-up at the Salad House. 5: The Manvilles, Bianchinos and Kim Musikant enjoy the cheese and wine magazine partner event. 6: Mount Saint Mary Academy students visit the Blarney Stone during a school trip to Ireland. 7: Christine Escribano and John Pizzi of Casa, hosted our partner event at Cherry Home Designs.

business monthly

THE Destination for Antique Collectors

New Business Alert!! Vintage on Park is a multi-dealer shared space located in the heart of Scotch Plains, dedicated to providing an unparalleled selection of antique, vintage, and unique items. Vintage on Park promises to be a haven for collectors, enthusiasts, and anyone looking for that special something. With a constantly evolving inventory sourced from the best dealers, Vintage on Park is the ultimate destination for those who love the past and are looking for that one-of-a-kind piece to make their space truly special.

One Bite - Everybody Knows The Rules

The secret is out! Now the rest of America knows what us locals have known for the past 6 years: Massa has the best artisanal Roman square pizza around! It has received a high ranking of 8.1 from Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports, who shared that the “gigantic” pizza “lives up to the hype.” What makes this pizza so special is that Massa allows 72 hours for the dough to reach its full potential and uses 3 times as much dough for one pizza compared to a standard pizza. Go check them out!

Protecting PetsOutdoors and IN!

The world’s first electronic pet containment system - Invisible Fence, was an idea that came from a traveling salesman in 1973 to find a way to protect family pets from the dangers that came from leaving home. Over 50 years later, not only does The Invisible Fence of Union County help your pet roam the outdoors safely, it also offers smart, simple, customizable indoor solutions to protect your pet… and your home.

Balancing Motherhood and Fitness

ARTICLE BY ERICA LANDIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

LAUREN STONE BRINGS HER LOVE OF BARRE3 FROM CALIFORNIA TO WESTFIELD.

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“Motherhood shouldn’t be an obstacle to a workout.”

The path from devotee to studio owner was logical. Lauren Stone was a 1st grade teacher -living in California - when she first tried a Barre3 class with her fellow elementary school teachers.

“We had a Groupon for this new fitness class that sounded interesting,” Stone said. Right away, she was hooked, going to the Barre3 studio regularly. A few months later, Stone and her husband, Darrell, found out they were expecting their first baby. Stone continued her workouts through pregnancy until pre-eclampsia forced her to stop.

With baby Evelyn to care for, Stone left teaching and was looking for ways to stay in shape mentally and physically. “I did occasional running with the baby stroller or an at-home video workout solo -but I really missed my community at Barre3.”

To combat that new mom isolation, Stone went back to Barre3 not only because she liked the method but because of the childcare available during class. “It was an outlet socially and physically- a total game changer in how I felt. I decided to train to become an instructor just shy of Evelyn’s first birthday.”

Two years after her first daughter was born, Stone was pregnant again with daughter Madelyn. This pregnancy was easier, and Stone continued to take and teach classes until the day before giving birth!

“Barre3 really helped with labor and delivery, for sure. We do a lot of squats, lunges, deep core work, pelvic floor exercises - I felt a big difference in the birthing process with my second child.”

With two small children and no family support close by, the couple felt the pull back to the East Coast where they both are from. With a six-week-old and two-yearold, they moved across the country, settling in Westfield for its walkable neighborhoods and downtown.

Deciding to open her own studio, Stone found a great location and signed the franchise agreement in February of 2020. Then… Covid.

Stone became a one-woman show - holding virtual and outdoor classes in September 2020. The studio doors officially opened in November 2021, and currently teaches 30 classes per week with many offering a childcare option for less than the cost of a babysitter.

“We accept babies as young as six weeks with a maximum of five kids per class and a dedicated childcare person. Even an hour’s break for a mom can be huge in the course of a day. By joining a studio, you’ll meet other moms you wouldn’t necessarily meet working out on your own.”

Modifications are a pillar of Barre3 classes with different options for every body. The workout is low impact, focusing on building strength through slow intentional movements.

Fostering a Love for Learning

A METHOD THAT ENCOURAGES GRATITUDE, ACCOUNTABILITY AND INTEGRITY IN CHILDREN

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEA DOYLE

Cristina DaCruz, a social worker, and Cynthia Vanadium, a mental health clinician, met over a decade ago. They both collaborated professionally with the same goal - to protect those who cannot protect themselves: children.

Cynthia developed a passion to provide children the security she didn’t have as a young girl. Cristina was raised in a loving family, yet witnessed the trauma others experienced and became determined to be the change in this world.

Cristina knew Cynthia had the devotion to help others as she did and Cristina knew that Cynthia could offer the support as an educator as well. It was in graduate school at Columbia University to become a clinical psychologist that Cynthia was first exposed to the Montessori philosophy as part of Child Centered Therapy. It so intrigued her that she took additional educational courses so she could be properly trained.

When Cynthia became pregnant with her first child, the idea to open a school incorporating this philosophy began to really take root. At that time, Cynthia was running five mental health departments and working as a college professor, but she wanted a place where she could be with her child and establish a safe and secure environment for other children too.

After extensive research, Cynthia and Cristina discovered Scotch Plains Montessori. In business for many years, Cynthia and Cristina bought it in 2018. “I started my first day of the job with my six week old, and the rest is history,” Cynthia shares.

For those who aren’t familiar with the Montessori Method, it’s all about children choosing and focusing on various learning stations such as math, science, practical life, and writing, according to their interests. “A traditional Montessori is completely self-directed, which is great, but our approach is that while we include the main areas of Montessori, we also believe in the importance of teacher-led instruction,” says Cynthia. “Most of our students go into the Scotch Plains school system, so we don't want it to be a new experience for them to follow a lead teacher.”

Due to this blended approach, the women have developed a thorough education training approach for their team. Cynthia states, “You could have all the degrees in the world, and you could be an excellent educator, but if you don't enjoy being with kids most hours during the day, it's irrelevant.”

Classes are organized depending on the students’ ages, which range from infant to age 6, but they’re also tailored based on students’ inquisitive interests and social skills. Parents receive report cards that record children’s milestones and teachers’ impressions, and the lines of communication are always open. Questions and/or concerns are responded to in a timely manner. When it comes to safety, it isn’t all about emotion - it also includes practical measures. “We take safety to a different level,” Cynthia says. “Our instructors go through a thorough background check. Also, we require staff members to be CPR certified and retrained every year instead of the required two years.”

“A traditional Montessori is completely self-directed, which is great, but our approach is that while we include the main areas of Montessori, we also believe in the importance of teacher-led instruction .”

“The school is safe, clean and puts my mind at ease knowing that my 15-month old daughter is in their care. My now seven-year-old daughter attended preschool here and it still feels like family after all these years.”

Scotch Plains Montessori School also offers breakfast, lunch, and snacks. “We incorporate an etiquette piece with those, where we all sit down, wait for one another, and give thanks. That’s another part of the Montessori philosophy - to ensure that you incorporate the values of gratitude, accountability and integrity.”

The reviews they receive warms their hearts. One parent remarks, “Scotch Plains Montessori is amazing. All of the staff is warm, loving, and caring.” Another comments, “The school is safe, clean and puts my mind at ease knowing that my 15-month old daughter is in their care. My now seven-year-old daughter attended preschool here and it still feels like family after all these years. The staff are still the same, which speaks for the atmosphere and support they're given by the thoughtful and highly knowledgeable owners.”

Today, Cristina and her husband have two children, and she is the on-site co-director supporting her team and the school director. Cynthia and her husband have four children, and she is now opening another school in Texas. “We firmly believe continuing Dr. Montessori’s legacy by role-modeling behaviors of integrity and respect is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our children,” she says.

ScotchPlainsMontessori.com

WEEKEND TRIPS WITH THE KIDS

For a weekend getaway with my family we have two requirements- there must be plenty of activities to keep the kids occupied and it must be within reasonable driving distance. Two of our favorites are the Kalahari Pocono Mountains Resort and Rocking Horse Ranch.

Sitting 90 miles northwest, Kalahari Pocono Mountains Resort is a vacation destination in itself. With a giant indoor waterpark, large arcade (my kids’ favorite), multiple restaurants, and hotel all under one roof, it has something for everyone. The waterpark is the main attraction and it always delivers. It’s a well-staffed, safe park with shallow pools for little kids and large water slides and wave pools for the bigger kids (and adults!).

Rocking Horse Ranch is another all-in-one vacation destination. Set in rural Highland, NY about 90 miles north, Rocking Horse Ranch provides an “all-inclusive” family vacation with all meals and attractions included. Upon pulling up to the property you immediately feel like you are at a dude ranch, but it’s much more. With activities like horseback riding, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, live entertainment, and even laser tag, you’ll be booking your return trip before you check out (like we did!)

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RESORTS AND TO BOOK VISIT:

Kalahari Pocono Mountains Resort: www.kalahariresorts.com/ pennsylvania/

Rocking Horse Ranch: www.rockinghorseranch.com

ARTICLE BY LYNN HARRIS

Publisher’s picks for a weekend away with the family.

Mining for gemstones at Rocking Horse Ranch

Enjoying the indoor water slides at Kalahari Pocono Mountains Resort

Brace(s) For Smiles

AS AN ORTHODONTIST, BREE SCHUSTER GIVES PATIENTS THEIR BEST SMILES AND REASONS TO SHOW THOSE SMILES OFF.

ARTICLE BY CARLY OKYLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG SMITH

Bree Schuster got her braces late -- toward the end of high school -- but might have found her calling early. She remembers the orthodontist she went to at that time, Dr. Scott Newhart. “He wore jeans to work, always carried a coffee cup around, and wore Hawaiian shirts never buttoned up all the way,” she said.

“He was the first adult [I knew] who really loved his job, and I thought, ‘I want that job because I want to love my job, too.’” Having practiced orthodontics for 15 years, she loves the job as much as her teenage self imagined. “I tell people all the time, I think it's the best job in the world,” she said. “My greatest joy is watching my patients grow and change.”

These changes can be both physical and emotional. “People come in with dental anxiety,” Schuster explained. “They start out anxious, and by the end they enjoy coming in. I see a lot of my patients when they're really young and by the time they're done they're teenagers so they're physically and mentally so different.”

Her patients have included her own two children, now almost 16 and 13. That, too, led to a change. “Before [my children] did treatment, a lot of my understanding … was from people reporting back,” she said. “Once I… got to see it first-hand, it gave me better insight. It's helped me to be more empathetic not only with the patients but also with their parents.”

Still, Dr. Schuster admits that while the appliances today are smaller and more comfortable, and technology like digital impressions and 3D printing can streamline treatment, the treatment goals and technique remain relatively unchanged. Also consistent is the patients’ desire for individuality. “Kids still coordinate rubber bands,” Schuster said. “Some kids really take it seriously.”

The staff make sure to encourage patients’ creativity. She mentioned one patient who said he wanted “galaxy colors” and another who asked for different colors on every tooth. “We really want to make it fun for them,” she said. To that end, patients who complete their course of treatment get their picture put on the Smile Wall and receive a goody bag of formerly forbidden treats like popcorn, bubble gum and gummy worms.

Since 1959, the doctors and team members of Dentalcare Associates have been dedicated to excellence in dentistry and we cordially invite you to join our dental family. All phases of dentistry are offered in a comfortable, modern office setting. Our goal is to provide our patients a healthy smile for a lifetime!

DENTALCARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

Preventive care • Checkups and cleanings

Tooth Whitening • Cosmetic Bonding

Porcelain Veneers • Ceramic Crowns

Invisalign clear aligners

Implant supported crowns and bridges

Periodontal (gum) treatment • Extractions

Emergency services

DENTURES

AND

SAME DAY REPAIRS

Full and partial dentures

Flexible partials • Implant overdentures

Laboratory on premises

All repairs schedule permitting

• New patients welcome

• Day and evening appointments

• Afternoon appointments for students walking from School One, Nettingham, St. Barts, SPFHS

• Participating with most insurance carriers

• Flexible payment options for every budget

Dr. Robert V. Scalera, Jr.

Dr. Lara Merker

(Periodontal and Implant Specialist 5798)

Dr. Maureen Maximos

WWW.JOANMARIEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

BE E K IND PEDIATRICSSEES KIDS

In the last one hundred years, a visit to a doctor’s office has undergone many changes - some for the good and others for the notso-good. “I really wanted to get back to a time when people had a relationship that was directly with their pediatrician,” says Dr. Blair Rolnick. That goal inspired her to open Bee Kind Pediatrics, an intentionally small practice in Westfield a year and a half ago.

THIS FORMER ER PEDIATRICIAN IS SLOWING DOWN A FAST-PACED WORLD

ARTICLE BY ERICA LANDIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEA DOYLE

Electronic medical records revolutionized medical practices by keeping health information centralized, but codes and documentation also became a time-consuming focus when it came to billing insurance. Dr. Rolnick wanted a practice that dedicated time to her patients – not a computer screen. The only way to achieve that was by cutting out insurance.

Direct primary care can be hugely beneficial in pediatrics. “Doctors spend about 15 minutes in the room with a patient. That's not enough time in my opinion to talk about sleep, development, and nutrition, just to name the basics. These things are so important in preventing healthcare issues and improving quality outcomes for our children.” A child’s well visit at Bee Kind lasts about an hour and a half with a sick visit at about an hour. A newborn’s first visit can be up to two hours.

Bee Kind offers comprehensive care for one all-inclusive membership fee. Dr. Rolnick sees two common threads in the families choosing to transition to Bee Kind. “They’re usually part of a big practice and not seeing the same pediatrician every visit. They want to have consistency with their pediatrician. Or it's a matter of feeling that they want more access to their child’s doctor.” Dr. Rolnick addresses those concerns in a few unique ways. Parents can text her directly with questions and concerns - even encouraging teenage patients, with parental consent - to reach out to her directly with questions.

While Dr. Rolnick designed her practice to have that old-fashioned feel, she utilizes innovative technology as well. Bee Kind offers a convenient telehealth service that uses AI to send real-time information like heart and lung sounds, ear and throat readings, and more directly to the doctor. “That's another way that people can interact with me without necessarily coming in and a great use of technology,” she says.

Bee Kind’s goal is to address all areas of development. “We do a lot of our adolescent skin care for acne. I think it's an underserved area of pediatric medicine. Many adolescents suffer from severe acne, which can affect their mental health and overall wellbeing.”

Screening for anxiety and depression is another critical area. Having that extra time with a child is crucial. “Because we know the earlier you pick these things up and appropriately intervene– the better the healthcare outcomes are.” "I truly feel in my heart that we would all be much better doctors if we had more time to devote to our patients - if we are not burdened by some many tasks that are not directly related to patient care and could focus on a few hundred instead of thousands of patients.”

b3 Mindful Flow | Dynamic and breathdriven, this practice improves mobility and increases stability, while promoting active recovery and fostering harmony in the body.

Balanced in body, empowered from within: The transformative power of our workouts is more than physical - and extends far beyond the studio. Barre3 isn’t just about the time you spend strengthening and balancing your body; it’s about the empowerment you carry with you the rest of the day.

You’ll love it because it can stand on its own, or you can stack it with one of our other workouts - b3 Signature, b3 Cardio, or b3 Strength “I dealt with Jay. They did a

908.264.8038

barre3.com/studio-locations/westfield

VENDORS WE Love PAW-SITIVELY 5

2 3 4 5

Local Pups Treat Their Owners to a Day at the Scotch Plains Farmers’ Market

ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE PADULA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

CRAIG SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

1: Louie really digs Aunt Vickys Bickys’ Pedro Peanut Butter Dog Treats!

2: Charlie’s parents’ favorite item is Tree City’s Jalapeño Vodka

3: Olive’s parents think that Ort Farms is PAW-SOME!

4: Winnie’s parents love The B’s Cheese’s Cheddar!

5: Severus’s parents’ favorite items are Hoboken Farms’ Chocolate Croissant and Beach Bee’s Hard Cider

Have questions about withdrawing funds, conver ting your account or generating income?

Gain experienced guidance while ensuring your retirement accounts are following your investment strategy Contact us today, and let’s make sure you’re still on the right track.

Jose H Monroy Jr, CFP®

Financial Advisor

2277 South Avenue

Scotch Plains, NJ 07076

908-518-0788

John M Capeci

Financial Advisor

250 South Ave, Suite 101 Fanwood, NJ 07023

908-288-7094

AUGUST 1ST

Garden State Jazz Orchestra

Alan M. Augustine Village Green - 430 Park Ave, Scotch Plains, NJ | 7:00 PM

Township of Scotch Plains Presents: 2024 Summer Concert Series. Bring your lawn chair and/or blanket to the Alan M. Augustine Village Green and listen to Garden State Jazz Orchestra.

AUGUST 6TH

National Night Out

La Grande Park - 204 La Grande Ave, Fanwood, NJ | 6:00 PM

The annual National Night Out celebrates the community’s bond with our police, fire and EMS responders, all of whom will be represented at this event.

AUGUST 6TH

Movies Under the Stars

La Grande Park - 204 La Grande Ave, Fanwood, NJ | 8:15 PM

Bring a blanket and/or a low beach chair and enjoy watching Elemental!

AUGUST 7TH

AR Workshop Westfield

226 N Ave W, Westfield, NJ | 7:00 PM

AUGUST 13TH

Movies Under the Stars

La Grande Park - 204 La Grande Ave, Fanwood, NJ | 8:15 PM

Bring a blanket and/or a low beach chair and enjoy watching Trolls Band Together!

AUGUST 18TH