Scotch Plains, NJ February 2026

The Love Local Issue cover artwork lovingly created by local artist Michele Sobel

FEBRUARY 2026

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

Feeling the Local Love

The best part of publishing Scotch Plains City Lifestyle is meeting so many inspiring people and having the chance to share their stories. It has been a joy to see so many new retailers and businesses opening up in our community recently. Hard working neighbors and friends investing in our town and fulfilling their dreams. There’s something special about the places that know our names, remember our orders, and wave when we walk through the door. This issue is dedicated to Love Local—a celebration of the small businesses, entrepreneurs, and neighbors who give our community its heart and soul.

Loving local is about more than where we shop or dine; it’s about the relationships we build and the pride we feel in the place we call home. Owning a small business takes courage. It requires strength, persistence and patience. And of course, financial investment. When we support local, we’re returning that investment back to our community and creating our own story - built on appreciation, connection and mutual success.

In these pages, you’ll meet the people behind the businesses and organizations who make our town thrive. Their stories remind us that local success is personal, and every purchase, recommendation, and kind word truly matters. Thank you for choosing to read, support, and love local with us. Together, we’re keeping our community vibrant—today and for generations to come.

Cheers!

VERONICA KAUTZ & TERRY AZAD, PUBLISHERS

February 2026

CO-PUBLISHER

Veronica Kautz | veronica.kautz@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Terry Azad | terry.azad@citylifestyle.com

INTERN

Eric Kautz

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Terry Azad, Eric Kautz

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Photos by Craig Smith

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

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.

Rest, relax, and feel the local love from the Shovlin family.

beem® Light Sauna is bringing a new kind of local wellness to Fanwood this winter with red light therapy designed to support recovery, ease everyday aches, and help you feel more energized and better rested, day and night. Owned and operated by Kara Shovlin, beem® is family-run and community-focused, offering simple, feel-good care close to home. Founding lifetime memberships are available now for those ready to make wellness part of their everyday routine.

Shovlin Mattress Factory has been handcrafting comfort for our community for decades, bringing local love into every stitch. As a family-owned New Jersey manufacturer, we design and build custom mattresses in our own factories using premium, American-sourced materials, with no shortcuts and no cutting corners. It’s quality sleep made to last, created right here at home to help our neighbors rest better every night.

The Greatest Rotary Club in the Universe

Fanwood-Scotch

New Kids on the Block

Scotch

1: Mount Saint

hosted the Legacy of Excellence Gala at the Park Savoy Estate. 2: The Royal Stage School of Music performs for seniors and dignitaries.

Club teaches students to crochet and donates the items to pediatric patients. 4: Ping Pong Champion Sean Chin celebrates with his team! 5: Rotary Club members break bread with the Rosers at favorite haunt, Fabios. 6: The Rotary Club’s annual Toy Drive makes local kids’ wish lists come true! 7: The Caffrey Family generously donate a 25-foot Norwegian Spruce to Scotch Plains Township.

business monthly

Mount Saint Mary Academy Raises $1,500 for Hurricane Relief

When news broke that Hurricane Melissa reached Category 5 and forecasted to devastate the lives of those in its path, students from Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung sprung immediately into action. Members of the Academy’s Student Council, Peer Ministry, and Peer Facilitators collected approximately $1,500 for fellow Mercy Education schools in Jamaica in need of urgent assistance. Pictured Left to Right: Aashrita Banerjee, Madilyn Zatorski Meghan Dwyer and Grace Kelly.

Scan to read more

Michele Sobel Fine Art adds local love to your luxury items

Scotch Plains resident and bespoke artist, Michele Sobel of Michele Sobel Fine Art designs and hand paints custom artwork on clients’ designer bags and accessories. Michele paints everything from classic stripes and initials, to pop art, realistic florals, and even clients’ jewelry. The sky is the limit when you work directly with the artist to design your very own “wearable art!” Visit www. michelesobelfineart.com for more info.

Come See Mira Vie!

Mira Vie at Fanwood is located in the center of the quaint town of Fanwood and is within walking distance to the train, post office, restaurants and shops! With individualized plans and purpose-built communities, our uniquely comprehensive professional support services are provided respecting our residents’ independence and integrity.

AT 908.654.5200 295 South Avenue Fanwood, NJ 07023

MiraVieSenior Living.com

Theresa

A.

Mitchell,

CPA,

CFP expands practice to include wealth management services

Terry Mitchell, Owner of Theresa A. Mitchell, CPA Ltd., has expanded her current tax planning/preparation services to include holistic financial planning and asset management to individuals, families and small businesses. Through her affiliation with independent broker-dealer World Investment, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of World Investment Advisors, LLC, clients get the same strength and backing as a large national wealth management firm but with the personalized level of service they've come to expect from a local business.

Sunrise Cellars Gets a Fresh New Look

If you haven’t been in since the redesign, it’s worth a visit. Sunrise Cellars feels like a fresh addition to the neighborhood, even though it’s been part of Westfield for years — and it’s exciting to see a local business invest so much heart into creating something special for the community. When you step into Sunrise Cellars — whether in Caldwell, Westfield, or through our app — you’re not just buying a bottle. You’re discovering a story, a craft, a connection. Wine is evolving, and so are we. But one thing won’t change — our belief that wine should feel personal, never transactional.

THE GREATEST ROTARY CLUB IN THE UNIVERSE

FANWOOD-SCOTCH PLAINS ROTARY CLUB PUTS SERVICE ABOVE SELF FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND THE WORLD

ARTICLE BY ERIC KAUTZ

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Since 1905, Rotary clubs have been built on the idea of service above self. As a global humanitarian organization with more than 32,000 clubs, over 1.2 million volunteer members work together to serve their local communities, and improve the world. For the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Club, that idea has grown into something deeply rooted in the impact that comes from care. They are the self-proclaimed “Greatest Rotary Club in the Universe,” a title claimed not in pride, but in purpose.

For nearly 90 years, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains chapter has shown up where it matters most - whether it's supporting neighbors at home or reaching those in need around the world.  Club President Julie Murphy describes how the Club’s work spans both the everyday and the extraordinary from providing basic necessities to neighbors in need to playing a role in the global effort to eradicate polio. “Locally, we’ve promoted mental health awareness, raised nearly $50,000 each year for local scholarships and another $70,000 to protect women in Uganda.” Each effort reflects a simple love for community. It’s hard to believe so much impact can come from just four meetings a month, but “it’s the people behind the mission who make it possible,” says Julie.

The Rotary also connects the community through events like Trunk or Treat and their regular food drives as well as popular fundraisers like Dueling Pianos, Casino Night and their annual luminary sales. Today, with 55 members, the Fanwood Scotch-Plains Rotary Club continues to serve with the same heart it always has.

Looking ahead, the club believes its future depends on the next generation. That belief comes to life through the Interact Club at Scotch Plains–Fanwood High School, where 50 student members bring fresh ideas, energy, and passion for service. Deanna Dell Bene, a natural fit for the role, leads the Interact Club. Once the youngest President in Fanwood–Scotch Plains Rotary Club history, Dell Bene’s connection to service began long before leadership titles. One afternoon at the Stage House Tavern, a simple flyer caught her eye with the message “Service Above Self” and she immediately sought out membership. A decade later, she has found a home in Rotary and a way to give back to the town that had already given her so much.

Steve Goldberg, the club’s active membership chair, understands the challenge of attracting younger members, but remains optimistic when he hears innovative ideas from younger voices in the community. A proud Rotarian for 17 years, Goldberg believes listening to the next generation is key to sustaining the club’s future and welcomes their membership. “When you join FSP Rotary and get involved in the amazing work that our club does, you have the opportunity to develop lifelong friendships while doing great things in our community and throughout the world. What can possibly be better than that?” Goldberg shared.

For a glimpse of the impact the younger generation can have through Rotary, look no further than Dell Bene. She leads the club’s annual holiday toy drive. In 2025 Dell Bene collected toys, funds and sponsorships to bring joy to 43 local families in need. “We’ve made children’s wish lists come true. I could not be more grateful to this amazing community,” she gushes. Deanna understands that generational differences are no matter when they all share the common love for community and helping others. “Rotary gives young people a place CONTINUED >

“When you join FSP Rotary and get involved in the amazing work that our club does, you have the opportunity to develop lifelong friendships while doing great things in our community and throughout the world.”

to grow while giving back. Through service, I’ve expanded my own work, contributed to meaningful projects, and built relationships that truly last a lifetime,” she said.

Dell Bene’s Rotary journey was initially sponsored by former Scotch Plains Mayor Al Smith, who has spent the past 11 years with the club and is a two-time past president. While serving as Mayor, Smith often turned to Rotary not just as an organization, but as a partner working side by side to support neighbors in need and help shape the Scotch Plains community. Smith leaned especially on the Rotary Club during the pandemic, working alongside members to make masks and support the community through an uncertain time that earned the mayor the nickname “Mr. Essential.”

Nearly a century of service has shaped lives locally and around the world. Guided by longtime members and energized by young leaders, the Fanwood Scotch-Plains Rotary Club lives up to its bold claim of being the “Greatest Rotary Club in the Universe,” showing that dedication and heart can leave a lasting legacy.

To learn more about the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary and inquire about membership, visit their website at FSPRotary.Org

ERIC KAUTZ

Eric Kautz is a Scotch Plains resident and intern for Scotch Plains City Lifestyle Magazine. Currently a Junior at St. Joe’s High School in Metuchen, Eric hopes to study journalism in college and pursue a career in sports broadcasting. Eric’s previous work can be seen in TheTap, as he has served as a writer and photographer.

New Kids on the Block

SCOTCH PLAINS FANWOOD'S NEWEST BUSINESSES OPEN THEIR DOORS WITH "THE RIGHT STUFF!"

ARTICLE BY TERRY AZAD | PHOTOGRAPHY AS NOTED

A thriving business community means a thriving community, period. Join us in giving a warm welcome to the new businesses investing in our town and opening their doors (and hearts!) to a grateful community. Shop local and show your support!

Left Page: 387 Oyster House and Bar serves fresh seafood and craft cocktails at 387 Park Avenue. Local Owners Max Perrone, Bruno of Nostimo’s in Kenilworth and Chef Frank Pascale have created a new local hot spot for cozy vibes and friendly service.

On this Page: Tahra and Donnell Wright open “Bubbles and Baskets” on 2nd Street in Scotch Plains providing full service drop-off laundry and dry cleaning services to busy friends and neighbors. Real Hot Yoga and Beem Light Sauna open up at the new Soho development located on South Avenue in Fanwood. Kick your Health & Wellness into high gear with a steamy yoga class or mat pilates from new owners Matt and Alex Delaney. Or try one of

the many therapies being offered at Kara and Ron Shovlin's newest Fanwood venture. With 8 treatment rooms, clients can relax, rejuvinate and repair from the inside out. Both Real Hot Yoga and Beem Light Sauna are offering membership deals.

Right Page: The beloved Godwit Food Truck expands its presence with their beautiful new coffee shop located at 2015 Westfield Avenue in Scotch Plains. With the highest quality coffee and a cozy setting to meet friends or work, Godwit continues to deliver warmth to the Scotch Plains Fanwood community.

On this page: Fanwood welcomes Double Jelly - the brainchild of local resident, Helen Zimmerman. Having moved here with her children four years ago, Helen knew she wanted to open a business to serve an unmet need. Having sourced the highest quality ingredients for her customers, Helen serves up hard-to find beverages like Bubble Tea, Dirty Soda, Matcha and Cold Brew. Double Jelly is a vision to behold across the beautifully designed space and in each product lovingly made by a local workforce. Helen's vision came to life by partnering with local Interior Designer Kerri Brencsons and

renowned Architect Jim Rosenthal. The result is a delight to all the senses! With Korean and Asian Street Food influences, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu!  Try the Vanilla Ube Swirl ice cream or the Ready for Confetti Egg Waffle (pictured) or the Mango Bingsu Cup (pictured). Made with sweet snowy coconut milk, lychee jelly, and plenty of mango popping boba!

Join us in giving a warm welcome to the new businesses investing in our town and opening their doors (and hearts!) to a grateful community.

Virtual Reality Tour

Step inside. Explore what’s possible.

Then, come see it for yourself.

Schedule a Viking for a Day visit.

CAFFREY:

cultivating landscapes and community BOB

Caffrey Tree and Landscape has served our community for over 45 years

Bob Caffrey started Caffrey Tree & Landscape in 1978, building the business from the ground up with a focus on quality workmanship and personal integrity. Over the years, his company has grown from a modest tree service into a comprehensive landscaping and tree care provider, earning a reputation for reliable service and deep expertise. Today the business carries a strong A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, a testament to its long-standing commitment to customer satisfaction.

Caffrey’s commitment extends beyond customer service as seen through their generous community involvement. Their philosophy has always been that strong roots create strong communities — both in landscapes and in the neighborhoods they serve. Whether it’s through volunteering, supporting local organizations, or donating their expertise and services, they are happy to give back. In 2025 Caffrey Tree & Landscape received formal recognition for their contributions in both North Plainfield and Dunellen. At the latter, they planted over fifty flowering trees all around town. Trees that brighten up the downtown area, high school grounds, and town parks. But, their most visible contribution stands over 25 feet tall in the Village Green of our very own Scotch Plains Township.

When Bob Caffrey saw that the Scotch Plains Township Christmas Tree was deceased and slowly dying, he didn’t just offer to take it down. He bought and donated a Norwegian Spruce that he dug out himself from an old Christmas Tree Farm in Pittstown, NJ. “I have a lot of history here,” he says. Having grown up in Scotch Plains, Bob went to Park Middle School (now Nettingham) and Scotch Plains Fanwood High School. He has decorated the town’s Christmas tree for decades - a service he reserves only to close friends as a favor. “It’s not my favorite work,” he laughs.

So what is I wonder?  Caffrey Tree & Landscape offers a comprehensive range of services in landscaping, tree care, and plant health care. With over 45 years of experience, the “fun stuff” resides in their landscape design and maintenance solutions, including renovations and upgrades. I mean, who doesn’t love a good before and after project?  Caffrey knows that a thoughtfully designed landscape can transform a home’s outdoor space into a vibrant and welcoming environment. Their planting services focus on creating beautiful, sustainable landscapes that reflect the owner’s style and require minimal maintenance. Caffrey’s favorite work is to bring a vision to life with the perfect plants, trees, and shrubs.

For those neighbors looking to upgrade their landscape design Bob recommends starting early. Engaging a landscape architect like Caffrey during the winter means you’ll have the first pick of plants and plantings in the Spring. Plants are selected for their suitability to a property’s specific conditions, such as soil type, sunlight exposure, and climate. They use native and drought-resistant plants that need less water and upkeep, making it easy to care for. Caffrey is committed to preserving a property’s beauty while keeping safety and sustainability at the forefront of everything they do. Caffrey has removed 12,000 hazardous trees - but planted over 30,000 trees and shrubs. “We’re always looking to replenish the carbon footprint,” says Bob.

While certainly not fun - Caffrey Tree & Landscape also provides 24/7 service for emergency services when needed - and in 2025, local residents needed a lot!  Several devastating storms and floods left significant property damage and displaced families from their homes. Caffrey’s urgent response services allow families to move from damage control to construction so they can get back home faster. Their ISA-certified team provides same-day storm damage cleanup and emergency tree removal, clearing fallen trees, hazardous limbs, and blocked driveways with the right equipment (including cranes when needed). And while they can’t prevent storms, they can help minimize the risk of damage through preventative tree care. Carolyn, a Scotch Plains resident had storm damage with several trees down and a tree puncturing their roof, attic,

BOB CAFFREY

Through more than 45 years of dedication to craftsmanship, customer service, and community engagement, Bob Caffrey has built a legacy that extends far beyond landscaping. His work exemplifies how a family-owned, locally dedicated business can thrive by prioritizing quality, trust, and personal care — shaping not just outdoor spaces, but the lives of those who enjoy them.

“Mr. Caffrey was present every day of the job. His kind, professional, and understanding manner was much appreciated during a time of crisis.”

and bedroom ceiling. “Mr. Caffrey responded quickly to my phone call and was out the next morning (a Sunday) with a full crew to begin work on removing an 80+ foot pin oak from my roof and other trees from my property. They worked for three days to remove all the downed trees and debris and even had to bring in a crane to pull the tree branches off the roof. Mr. Caffrey was present every day of the job. His kind, professional, and understanding manner was much appreciated during a time of crisis.” It is workmanship and responsiveness like this combined with their commitment to reliability and honest business practices that has made them a trusted neighbor to many.

Caffrey Tree & Landscape is a truly local, family-oriented business. Alongside Bob are family members like his wife Karen and long-time team members who help ensure consistent communication and a customer-first mindset (we’re talking about you Lisa!) This close-knit structure allows clients to work directly with people who understand the company’s history, values, and standards.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS!

Degree Wellness Westfield is a modern, science-backed wellness studio focused on helping our community feel better, recover faster, manage stress, and look their best. We offer cryotherapy, infrared sauna, cold plunge contrast therapy, IV drips, red light therapy, compression, and oxygen bar services. Our goal is to make high-quality wellness and whole-body rejuvenation accessible to everyone in the community.

SOUNDS GOOD TO ME!  YOU’RE CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION. WHEN DO YOU OPEN?

Spring of 2026! I cannot wait to share our unique offerings. We blend recovery modalities with a warm, accessible, community-focused environment. We’re not a spa and we’re not a medical clinic—we sit right in the middle, offering results-driven services that help people feel better, recharge, and improve overall wellbeing in a welcoming and personal setting.

I COULD USE ALL OF THAT RIGHT NOW!

Yea. Many people don’t realize how quickly some of these services can help. Even one cryotherapy session can leave you feeling a little clearer or more energized that same day.

Publisher SPOTLIGHT SERIES

WHAT INSPIRED THE NAME “DEGREE WELLNESS?”

Degree Wellness is a franchise, but my C-Corp— DaniDrew Wellness Partners Inc—is named after my children, Dani and Drew. They were the inspiration behind this entire journey. It was through them that I realized how much stress I was carrying, and how much I wanted to show up better—calmer, healthier, and more present. Wanting to become the best version of myself for them (and for me) is what ultimately led me to open this business.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AS IT RELATES TO OWNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

I’m most proud that I actually took the leap of faith to do this. For years I knew I needed a change, but making a major life pivot isn’t easy. Opening this business represents choosing growth, choosing health, and choosing a new path for myself and my kids.

TIME FOR RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS!  BEST ADVICE RECEIVED?

Focus on your why. The rest will follow.

FIRST JOB?

Stock boy at Nobody Beats the Wiz (among many other jobs).

WHAT'S A FUN FACT MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I LOVE to cook. My kids love my sous vide to cast iron Ribeye steak.

IF YOU COULD HAVE A SUPER POWER….?

Who wouldn't want to fly?

TAYLOR HAM OR PORK ROLL?

Taylor Ham

NAME A NJ LANDMARK EVERYONE SHOULD VISIT AT LEAST ONCE?

I LOVE THE BEACH. I grew up near the beaches of Long Island but I've fallen in love with the Jersey Shore. Name your town. Asbury, Pt Pleasant, Cape May, LBI.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU’VE LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF FROM OWNING THIS BUSINESS?

One. Foot. In. Front. Of. The. Next. One. Breath. At. A. Time.