Scotch Plains, NJ May 2026

MORE THAN A PLACE. A PURPOSE.

Because Community is Stronger when Everyone Belongs

Many people know the Y as a place to swim, exercise, or connect—but fewer realize that the Y is a nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated to strengthening our entire community.

At the Y, access matters. We work every day to ensure individuals and families can participate in programs that support health, confidence, connection, and belonging. Through our Financial Assistance Program and community partnerships, we remove barriers so that everyone has the opportunity to thrive – regardless of income or circumstance.

This is what it means to be a mission-driven organization, where everyone belongs and all are welcome.

Learn how the Y ensures everyone in our community has the opportunity to belong.

The Sisterhood of Women

Hello Scotch Plains-Fanwood Neighbors and Friends!

Not gonna lie - this is our favorite issue...the Women's Issue! We consider ourselves very lucky to be in the company of so many inspiring and amazing women living and working in our community. Years ago the concept of "women helping women" was elevated, but the fact of the matter is that we've always helped one another. It is just a given.

As Sisters, Partners and Friends we are inspired by the concept of "sisterhood". Sure, we are actual sisters - but we share a sisterhood with so many others too. Remarkable women who inspire, lead, create, and uplift. From local entrepreneurs to mothers, sisters, mentors, and friends, women shape our communities in ways big and small, often quietly, sometimes boldly, but always powerfully. This issue celebrates that spirit—showcasing women who have built businesses from scratch, women who champion causes, women who support each other through networks of sisterhood, and women who remind us that leadership and compassion are not mutually exclusive. Cheers to celebrating women—today, tomorrow, and every day.

TERRY AZAD & VERONICA KAUTZ, PUBLISHERS

@SCOTCHPLAINSCITYLIFESTYLE

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Veronica Kautz | veronica.kautz@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Terry Azad | terry.azad@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Terry Azad

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Terry Azad, Chelsea Doyle of C Paige Photography, Jessica Reiss Photography, 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.

Proverbs 3:5-6

inside the issue

ALL POINTS LEAD TO COMMUNITY

Sisterhood in Action

1: Local Business Owner Kara Shovlin gives a tour of Beem Light Sauna in Fanwood ahead of Grand-Opening. 2: Students from Mount Saint Mary participate in the St. Paddy's 5K hosted by Superhero Events for Operation Smile. 3: Local friends celebrate Galentine's in style at Darby Road. 4: The Compass Casino Crew post for a picture after a successful night of fundraising! 5: Hope and Sophia enjoy warm weather and mother-daughter time to celebrate Sophia's Sweet 16! 6: Beautiful friends inside and out! 7: Happy Mother's Day to the best mom in the world.

Full Service Divorce & Family Law Firm

Serving Scotch Plains, Mountainside, and Beyond

In every stage of life, family is at the center of what matters most. As mothers, daughters, sisters, and aunts, we understand the deep connections that shape our lives, and the challenges that can arise when those relationships are tested. At Ross & Calandrillo, family is not just an area of law we practice; it is something we genuinely respect, protect, and fight for every day.

Our areas of expertise include:

• Family Law and Related Matters: Divorce, custody, support, and more.

• Simple Wills: Protect your loved ones with a straightforward estate plan.

• Residential Real Estate Closings: Guiding you through seamless home buying or selling.

While we proudly embrace a female-forward perspective (grounded in empathy, strength, and understanding) our firm is committed to representing and supporting all individuals. Family law impacts everyone, and we believe that every client deserves to feel heard, respected, and confidently represented.

business monthly

A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Ross & Calandrillo recognized on prestigious Super Lawyers 2026 List

Family Law practice, Ross & Calandrillo, located in Mountainside, announced that every one of their attorneys has been recognized on the prestigious Super Lawyers 2026 list. This distinction reflects more than legal skill; it speaks to their individual and collective dedication and integrity. "We don’t just practice family law, we respect it and fight for it. We understand that behind every case is a real family, a future, and deeply personal stakes". Congratulations to our exceptional attorneys on this well-deserved recognition.

Scan to read more

Faith Delaney Named Executive Director of Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce

After serving in a variety of roles over the last eight years, Faith Delaney is named Executive Director of The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce following Lew Kimble's retirement. While Lew will continue to serve as an advisor, Faith and dedicated colleague Charlotte VanWhy will be a powerhouse team serving the local business community.

Scan to read more

The College Club of Fanwood Scotch Plains Hosts Annual Fund Raiser

Marie Leppert has been a member of the College Club of Fanwood-Scotch Plains (a local non-profit providing scholarships for women attending college) for over 73 years, The club raises money for local women while also providing free events and interest groups for members. This year's major fundraiser, "A Broadway Matinee" will be a spring luncheon held on April 26th at The Westwood in Garwood from 12-4 pm. Please visit fspcollegeclub.org to request a ticket, to donate, or to join.

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.

MiraVieSenior Living.com

ALL POINTS LEAD TO COMMUNITY

THE POWER OF INTENTIONAL CONNECTION AT COMPASS SCHOOLHOUSE

ARTICLE AND

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY TERRY AZAD

Joyous. That is the one word I would use to describe the Compass Schoolhouse located at 125 Elmer Street in Westfield, NJ. It was a grey and rainy Monday morning when I visited. Elsewhere in the world people were feeling the Monday doldrums - but not here. At Compass Schoolhouse, the teachers, staff, parents and students all arrive like it is the Best. Day. Ever.  Because it is. And it will be again tomorrow.

It does not take long for me to understand why everybody is so excited. At exactly 8:40 AM every day, the doors to this adorable white historic schoolhouse open to a stream of families doing “dropoff”. Elsewhere in the world this process is programmatic, stressful and hurried - but not here. At Compass Schoolhouse the entire staff of teachers and administrators is out front ready to greet every single student with what feels like their own personal ticker tape parade. There are smiles, hugs, and personalized check-ins: “How was Pittsburgh this weekend?”, “Did you feed your new puppy this morning?” “Happy Birthday Juliette!” “Wipe your feet so you don’t slip.” The familiarity is obvious, as is the mutual adoration, as each student is personally escorted into the building to their classroom by a Compass professional. It is clear that the teachers and staff are engrained in the lives of the families they serve. They know these kids. They love these kids. These are "Compass Kids".

The joy I witness is authentic - but also intentional. It is the result of over four decades of purposeful community building. Bonds formed not only between teachers and students but across the entire staff, between the students themselves and among the parents, many of whom become lifelong friends. Perhaps most notable is the strong sense of community Compass Schoolhouse has created within Westfield and the surrounding towns. Director Shelly Wyand, a Scotch Plains resident, explains that the support of the community around the schoolhouse is pivotal to the core values they strive to instill in each student. She describes the "Compass Cares initiative" which focuses on giving back to the greater community as a means of demonstrating the school’s commitment to a family-centric environment. Staff, students and parents work together to support local non-profit organizations like

“Moms Helping Moms” with diaper drives and fundraising. They participate together in activities like rock painting for hospital patients, and this May they will host “Playfest in the Park” - a free event to all families in the community.

I did not want this high energy, happy (still rainy!) Monday morning to end, so I invited myself in to indulge in more of the joy being served by Shelly and Assistant Director Elayne Edmonds (another Scotch Plains resident). The two women share an equally positive disposition - the kind you feel from someone that loves the work that they do - and the people they do it with. “I started as a Volunteer in the lunchroom and then as the Enrichment Coordinator before taking on the role of Director in 2020,” says Shelly. She credits Elayne with being the “heartbeat” of the school and I catch nearby staff nodding in agreement. Over half of the 55 staff members at Compass Schoolhouse started as parents before moving into professional roles and Elayne is no different. Her first child enrolled in 2014 and she’s been there ever since. In between impromptu student visits to their office (Little Joey lost his first tooth and HAD to show them!) Shelly and Elayne start my

CONTINUED >

lesson. I learn that Compass is a Preschool, not a daycare; There are 155 enrolled families and 188 children. And while Compass Schoolhouse just celebrated its 10-year anniversary, the programs that preceded, have existed since 1982. They relay all the ways Compass Schoolhouse is special - and intentional. Even the word “schoolhouse” was chosen to reflect the small, home-like environment purposefully designed for children encountering their first learning experience. Kids between 12 months and 5 years enjoy age appropriate, play based classrooms for math, science, dramatic play, music, and creative art. Teachers inspire children to explore, make choices, and gain independence. "A lifetime of learning comes from a love of learning," says Elayne. Compass wants students’ early development and education to be a time of fun, warmth, security, exploration, and discovery. Foundational to their curriculum is “the power of play” where children make discoveries, build knowledge and learn to self-regulate and interact with others in socially appropriate ways. This approach sets all Compass kids up for success as they transition to kindergarten and beyond. But make no mistake “play is serious work,” laughs Shelly.

I see this firsthand when I sit in to observe Head Teacher Stacy Gunther’s classroom for 3-year-olds where the kids are just sitting down to Circle Time. There is a star on the carpet for every child; a means of providing visual direction, consistency and order. They are playing “Find the Lucky Card” (which is the number 12 today) and Ms. Stacy places a pile of white index cards face down on the carpet in a pile. Each student takes a turn picking a card (thereby teaching them how to wait their turn) and reporting back to the class the number they picked. They must then place the card face UP in chronological order as a clever means of teaching them numbers and counting. Ms. Stacy has been a teacher at Compass for over 25 years, yet she interacts with her class with the joy of a first-year teacher. Her expertise and experience is obvious, yet  somehow still outshined by the love and care she shows each child. When I meet

with her outside of the classroom she confirms her love not just for the students, but for her colleagues (“we look after one another” she says) and for the families. “I was at dinner last night and ran into three moms whose kids attended Compass nine years ago. They have been the best of friends since they met here, and while their kids go to different schools now, they remain the closest of friends too. This is the community we pride ourselves on - a community that creates lifelong friendships.

A COMMUNITY OF PARENTS.

In the spirit of intentional community, Compass organizes family events and parent-only nights, like the annual Casino Night Fundraiser. I am lucky enough to score an invite to this event, complete with table games, food, drinks, raffles and tricky trays. In between poker hands and roulette spins I ask parents what they like most about Compass Schoolhouse. Mom Kami S says, “I trust them. My children are safe," and then gushes when she says, "It literally feels like they are making the world a better place.” Jessica Cohen, mom of two from Scotch Plains says “the teachers are phenomenal, nurturing and engaged - always bringing in new ideas.” And Lauren Riccio, mom to three Compass students (aged 5, 3 and 1) reiterates the one thing I heard from every single parent I spoke to “they treat my kids like their own.”

AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY

Interested in being a part of this special community? Visit www.compassschoolhouse.com or call 908.232.2084 and arrange for a tour. Compass offers a variety of flexible programs and schedules to suit families' individual needs. Enrichment programs offer an optional extended day for preschool students. Subjects such as math, science, theatre arts, movement, technology, and engineering are explored in small group settings. And…registration is now open for Compass Camp - a 3-week program that starts after the final day of school. Teachers and seasonal counselors (many of them past students!) engage in a variety of theme-based activities, such as water play, arts and crafts, and movement. This year the 2026 themes are Space Explorers, Animal Planet and Happy Birthday America.  The COMMON theme is guaranteed summer fun!

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

Sisterhood in Action

Three local stories - from business to family - showing the power of women lifting each other up.

ARTICLE BY TERRY AZAD | PHOTOGRAPHY AS NOTED

If you want to see sisterhood in action, skip the group chat and head straight to The Zap Group—where collaboration isn’t just a buzzword, it’s practically a sport (and yes, they’d win).

Led by Scotch Plains local Rachel Schwartz, this all-female marketing powerhouse has built something rare: a team that manages to be both wildly effective and genuinely supportive. Think less “cutthroat agency energy” and more “we’ve got your back—but also your brand voice, social strategy, and last-minute campaign panic.” It’s the kind of place where humor is celebrated, deadlines are met, and no one hoards the good snacks or the good ideas. The creative force behind the sassy and highly recognizable Shovlin Mattress Factory campaign works with an equally supportive client base. “We have a strict “no jerk policy” says Rachel.

What makes The Zap Group such a standout example of sisterhood isn’t just that it’s women-led—it’s how those women show up for one another. They celebrate both professional and personal wins loudly, troubleshoot challenges together, and somehow turn high-pressure client demands into moments of collective creativity instead of collective chaos. (Okay, maybe a little chaos—but the fun kind that ends with Cosmopolitans at the local pub.)

And while their clients benefit from sharp strategy and standout results, the real story is behind the scenes: a group of women building each other up while building a business. In an industry that doesn’t easily offer seats at the boardroom table, The Zap Group is busy pulling up extra chairs.

Proof that when women work together, they don’t just succeed— they multiply the success. And make it a lot more fun along the way.

If sisterhood had a flavor, it would clearly be chocolate - specifically, the kind you might find in a Jersey Girl Chocolate bar - selling at retail stores across the Garden State.

When Nicole Edelson, a born-and-raised New Jersey native, purchased the beloved brand in 2024, she didn’t just take over a chocolate company—she adopted a legacy rooted in local pride and community connection.  But in true Jersey Girl fashion, she set out to elevate the offering. This included a complete brand refresh, the addition of new products like chocolate covered pretzels and non-pereils, a custom built Jersey Girl bike for special occasions and events - and most notably, a new storefront located in Basking Ridge.

While there is plenty of chocolate at the shop, there is also a wide variety of Jersey girl merchandise like sweatshirts, key chains, hats and beanies. But what makes Nicole’s space so special is what else is on offer. Products made by other women-owned businesses, alongside her own. She promotes the businesses - and the women that own them - with sincerity and passion. It’s retail—born from sisterhood.

Nicole herself brings heart to the mission. A former educator and mom of five, she stepped into entrepreneurship with a desire to build something meaningful while staying rooted in family and community.  And that intention shows. The store isn’t just curated—it’s thoughtful. Each product feels like a nod to another woman’s dream, another late night, another leap of faith.

There’s something quietly powerful about that. In a world where business can feel competitive, Nicole’s approach is collaborative: more “come stand with me” than “watch me succeed.”

It’s the kind of place where buying a gift also feels like casting a vote—for creativity, for local talent, and for women who choose to lift as they climb. And yes, the chocolate is excellent. But the real sweetness? That’s the sisterhood.

CONTINUED >

Scotch Plains Fanwood is full of amazing real-life sisters (ahem). But few stand out as much as the Drivas sisters from Scotch Plains: Stefini (21), Zoe (18), and Sophia (16). Whether you’ve seen them in the neighborhood, or in the halls of Mount Saint Mary Academy, or on a sports field / stage - you can’t help but see the quiet strength that can only come from knowing there is someone that will always have your back.

The Drivas girls describe themselves as bonded. The kind of bond that comes from nightly sleepovers, inside jokes, and endless posed photoshoots. Time at home together inevitably spent making music videos and dances choreographed by eldest sister Stefini - later performed in grand fashion for their parents and family.

The bond between the girls is so tight that they all cried for hours every day leading up to Stefini’s departure for college. “While it obviously changed the day-to-day of our lives, we have honestly never been closer. We are constantly using our group chat and FaceTime to update each other on even the most insignificant things,” says Stefini. And while she admits they still get teary eyed when she returns to school after a visit, they have full confidence in the bond she calls unbreakable.

Middle sister Zoe calls her sisters her built-in best friends. “People joke about how the middle is “forgotten child,” but the truth is I have it the absolute best. Having both an older sister and a younger sister has shaped me into becoming a more flexible and understanding person. The close relationship we have is my greatest blessing,” says Zoe

Youngest sister Sophia shares how being the youngest of three sisters has shaped the way she has carried herself throughout her life. “My sisters have always been my biggest role models, walking the path before me so I can find my own way. I often find myself copying them, whether it's clothes, food, or even mannerisms. Their support and love have not only taught me confidence, resilience, and the importance of lifting others up, but have also given me the foundation that helps me approach situations and grow into the best version of myself.

“At the end of the day, it is us against the world. We will always be there for each other.” “

Wow.

Like most sisters, the Drivas girls share a few unspoken rules. “You have no choice but to laugh at yourself. We love to tease each other, so there is no other choice than to accept it and know that it comes with the most love possible says Stefini.

Once again baby sister Sophia brings it home when she says, “At the end of the day, it is us against the world. We will always be there for each other”.

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family law family first

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED EXPERT LEGAL COUNSEL FROM A TEAM THAT UNDERSTANDS WHAT’S AT STAKE

ARTICLE BY

TERRY AZAD |

ROBYN ROSS, ESQ. | CO-FOUNDER AND FIRM PARTNER | DAUGHTER AND SISTER

Law firm Ross & Calandrillo, located at 200 Sheffield Street in Mountainside, NJ knows that being a premier family law firm starts with how they show up for their own families. Founders Robyn Ross, Esq. and Elizabeth Calandrillo, Esq. opened their own practice because they wanted the flexibility to make decisions that they felt were best: for their team, their clients - and most importantly, their families. To that end, they were very intentional about creating an environment that was different from other firms - one that empowers working mothers and helps women thrive. “It doesn’t have to be difficult,” says Robyn. “What do people need? If it is possible, why not give it to them?”

ELIZABETH CALANDRILLO, ESQ. | CO-FOUNDER AND FIRM PARTNER | MOM TO ALEX AND MARC

As a mother to two young adults, Elizabeth Calandrillo draws on her own experiences as a young mother who relied heavily on family support to maintain her career. “If I did not have my parents to take care of my kids, I would not have been able to work” she says. She is now dedicated to providing that same support back to other families in a different capacity.

“Professional excellence and parenthood should never be mutually exclusive” continues Liz. “There are so many kinds of families - and they all need support in different ways. We see it every day in the work we do, so why wouldn’t we foster different levels of support here in the office?” Whether kids are two, or twenty-two, they still need their mom.

SHARI LEE GENSER, ESQ. | FIRM PARTNER | MOM TO PATRICK AND MAGGIE

Shari Lee Genser joined the firm in 2022 after taking time off when her children were born. She had previously worked with Robyn and Liz and considered them both mentors. When she shared that she was ready to return to work, the partners wasted no time in recruiting Shari. “My priorities changed but my ambition remained” she says. “I became an attorney to help people, and I still wanted that - but I needed to work at a pace that worked for me, and my family.” Initially returning in a part-time role, she transitioned to a full-time schedule in 2023. Turns out the pace that works for Shari is lightning fast, as she was named Partner in 2024 (just one of her many career ambitions). Shari finds that her work in family law makes her a better mother, and being a mother makes her a more empathetic advocate.

ALLISON HOLZMAN, ESQ. | MOM TO NOAH AND JORDAN

A self-professed "Queen of Multi-Tasking," Allison Holzman has over 24 years of matrimonial experience and joined the firm in 2024. A Scotch Plains resident and mother of two sons at Evergreen Elementary School, Allison knows how to manage her time across priorities. She values the camaraderie of a female-led firm where colleagues support one another’s career and family goals. “We’ve become mom friends as well as colleagues” says Allison. At work Allison is most passionate about helping her clients get to the finish line of their divorce journey. “You’ve done the hard partyou’ve made the decision. But you’re still a family so let’s get to the part where you can move on”. Her clients continuously express gratitude to Allison for seeing them through to the life they now enjoy.

MELISSA GLUCK, ESQ. | MOM TO

JEREMY AND ALANA

Melissa Gluck specializes in custody disputes and appreciates the firm's "family first" philosophy, which allows her to manage her professional and personal responsibilities interchangeably. At Ross & Calandrillo, the focus is on results rather than strict office hours. Melissa even keeps toys in her office for times when moms need to bring their kids to the office. “We cover for each other and we don’t feel like we have to choose” she says. “We celebrate each other, we give each other friendship. And grace. Our jobs are hard enough - why make parenting harder?”

JODI ARGENTINO, MS, ESQ. | MOM TO JOSI, RYAN AND BRANDON

With over 24 years of experience, Jodi Argentino joined the firm in 2024, finding a professional home that supports them both as an attorney and a coach for divorcing families. The firm’s culture of mutual respect and flexibility even allowed them to move their family to Portugal while maintaining both practices. “I absolutely love the people I work with…they ferociously take care of me” says Jodi. She loves the free flow of ideas and the willingness to make changes without egos interfering. “They treat us all like capable, adult human beings and support us unequivocally.”

Founded on the principle that professional excellence and parenthood should never be mutually exclusive, the firm has cultivated a supportive, flexibile environment for their team.

CHRISTINA SALVIA, ESQ. | MOM TO LORELEI

Christina Salvia sought the firm’s flexibility after having her daughter, finding it to be an environment where she could work at a pace that suited her family needs without sacrificing future career growth. “This is the best place I have ever worked” she says. “Our clients are often fighting for their families, and I had to fight for mine”. She values the authentic empathy and understanding found at the firm, particularly enjoying the mommy advice when Lorelei gets “spicy”!

Invest in Smarter Power for

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s, she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MAY 2ND

Playfest by Compass SchoolHouse

Mindowaskin Park

Save the Date for Playfest! Join Compass SchoolHouse for our first annual Playfest in the Park at Mindowaskin Park on May 2nd! A funfilled day of play for families supported by local businesses!

MAY 2ND

Scotch Plains Farmers Market Opens for the 2026 Season!

430 Park Avenue - Municipal Parking Lot | 8:00 AM

Welcome back to Scotch Plains’ incredible Farmers' Market - celebrating 35 years of Jersey Fresh and local - with a roster of over 40 "Best of the Best" Vendors.  Come enjoy live music, fresh produce and culinary delights.  Open every Saturday from 8 am - 1 pm, rain or shine. The season runs through the last Saturday before Thanksgiving.

MAY 2ND

Fanwood Scotch Plains Rotary Club Hosts Mental Health Awareness Fair

Town Hall | 9:00 AM

Experience a morning of wellness, self-care, and community at the Mental Health Awareness Fair on May 2nd from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. This special event is brought to you by the Township of Scotch Plains in partnership with FSP Rotary, Resolve Community Counseling, and Lifestyle Studio to promote mental well-being and kindness. Let’s break the stigma and encourage self-care!

MAY 3RD

The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce Hosts Annual Spring Fling!

Downtown Westfield: Central Avenue and Quimby Street | 10:00 AM

Spring Fling Street Fair in Westfield promises to deliver an array of exciting new attractions and all the favorites from years past such as a kid's zone, including carnival rides, face painting, henna art, and boardwalk-style games. Join the fun from 10AM - 5PM. Attendees can expect an expanded lineup of live music, great food vendors and a designated seating area in the beer garden.

MAY 7TH

WCEC Women’s Pitch Competition

290 W. Mount Pleasant Ave, Livingston | 8:30 AM

2026 WCEC Women's Business Center Pitch Competition  scheduled for May 7th from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Eisenhower Corporate Campus in Livingston, NJ! Join for a light breakfast & networking with small business owners, community stakeholders, coaches, and more. Watch new small business owners present their pitches to the audience for constructive feedback, with awards being given to the top pitches of the day and to key supporters of the small business community.

MAY 25TH

Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade

Fanwood Memorial Library - Forest Road; Scotch Plains Gazebo - Park Avenue; LaGrande Park | 9:00 AM

Join neighbors and friends in honoring Fanwood and Scotch Plains' fallen heroes with a wreath ceremony, rifle salute and TAPS, first at 9:00 AM at Fanwood Memorial Library followed by a 10:00 AM ceremony at the Scotch Plains' Gazebo on Park Avenue. Immediately following will be a parade that proceeds south on Park Avenue into Fanwood, ending at La Grande Park.

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