Issuu

THE STYLE ISSUE

S E P TE M B E R 2 02 5

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

The Style Issue

September 2025 PUBLISHER

Veronica Kautz | veronica.kautz@citylifestyle.com

Hello Scotch Plains-Fanwood! This month, we enter September in Style! We all celebrate our own unique style. But style is more than what we wear—it’s how we express who we are. People may notice us for our personal style but they remember us for how we make them feel. In this issue we explore Style while also paying homage to local businesses that focus on their version of the same. We welcome Ethan Allen's new Design Center and revel in their Designer's Timeless trends. We open our hearts to the healthy lifestyle provided by the Lambros sisters through their flagship Soul Bowls store on Mountain Avenue. We recognize that style is ageless as we learn more about Brandywine Senior Living Mountain Ridge. We also want to acknowledge that our community has its own style. We are kind. We are generous. We help those in need. This was on full display after the recent storms and flooding. Countless community members offered assistance when needed - showing up for one another without being asked. Because selflessness never goes out of style. We will celebrate the contributions of our community in our upcoming November Gratitude Issue. Please reach out to share your stories with us!

CO-PUBLISHER

Terry Azad | terry.azad@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Terry Azad 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

Cheers!

CEO Steven Schowengerdt COO Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

TERRY AZAD, VERONICA KAUTZ @SCOTCHPLAINSCITYLIFESTYLE

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

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

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 SE PT EMBER 2 0 2 5 | ST Y L E

30 22 Featured

22 26 30 6

Feed Your Soul

Sisters Michelene and Alicia Lambros Share a Healthy Lifestyle with Soul Bowls

Hand Painted Love Stories

On the Cover

Departments

Scotch Plains’ local artist Zahra Batool designs custom handpainted wedding dresses through ZB Couture

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Must See FOOD + BEVERAGE

Inspired By EDUCATION

Local Limelight STYLE + BEAUTY

Local’s Choice LOCAL SERVICES

Decor Trends HOME + DESIGN

Events

ZB Couture delivers custom luxury wedding & formal wear

Seniors Live in Style

Brandywine Mountain Ridge provides seniors with surroundings and activities that suit their individual needs and style

Interior Design: Trendy VS Timeless

Making today’s hottest items part of your forever home

Photography: Josh Thomas @amphetamean

Mount Saint Mary Academy SAVE THE DATE FOR OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, October 19 • CAMPUS TOURS • PRESENTATIONS ON ACADEMIC, ATHLETIC, and EXTRACURRICULAR OFFERINGS • A SPEECH FROM OUR DIRECTRESS, SISTER LISA GAMBACORTO, RSM, ED.S. REGISTRATION OPENS IN SEPTEMBER! www.mountsaintmary.org

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SEPTEMBER 2025

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

7 6

1: How cute is Cody from Clark? 2: Band New Yacht City rocks out at Fanwood’s Fan Jam 3: Air yoga enthusiasts enjoy a class at Air Aerial Fitness in New Providence. 4: OBJ with SPF residents at Fanatics Fest 5: Watchung Mayor Ronald Jubin celebrates Ethan Allen’s Grand Opening with CEO Farooq Kathwari. 6: Frank Lettera kick starts Patrick’s Downtown Race to Summer 5K 7: Grace and Rewa are sweet AND sixteen CONTINUED >

C I T Y SC E N E

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city scene CONTINUED

14 13

8: Deborah Lampley celebrates the new location of 101 Mobility in Piscataway 9: Scotch Plains Police partner with The Red Cross to provide disaster relief to local residents 10: The American Red Cross provides relief at SPFHS following the flooding 11: Ethan Allen’s Ribbon Cutting Celebration! 12: Ashley and Tami Bowling at Ellen’s Stardust Diner where Ashley performed! 13. Young volunteers plant a garden at St. Bart’s Church to help feed families in need. 14: Carol Berger and Theresa Mitchell enjoy Fanwood’s Ladies NIght Out.

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SEPTEMBER 2025

Envision your son at saint joe’s

business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Designer Sadaf Morbelli opens Stone + Birch Interiors

Take the next steps towards your son’s future by attending Open House. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Stone + Birch Interiors opened July 17th at 500 Central Ave in Westfield. Founded by Principal Designer Sadaf Morbelli, it's a full-service design and build studio creating beautiful, functional spaces for intentional living. With a background in finance and over a decade in interior design, Sadaf brings a refined, collaborative approach—blending warm neutrals and organic textures for timeless, tailored results. Her team ensures every project is executed seamlessly from concept to completion.

Scan to read more

Pre-Register at: www.stjoes.org/openhouse

Want to be featured?

Metuchen, NJ | admissions@stjoes.org 12

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ SCOTCH PL AI NS

SOUL BOWLS A Whole Mood in a Bowl Craving something fresh, wholesome, & plant-based? Pull

Ethan Allen Celebrates Grand Opening of New Design Center Fresh off a weekend of Grand Opening festivities that culminated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 23, Ethan Allen now offers complimentary interior design service, custom furniture, and luxury home décor at its new Watchung Design Center, located at 1605 U.S. Hwy. 22. Named America’s #1 Premium Furniture Retailer by Newsweek, the furniture maker has been recognized for product quality and craftsmanship since 1932, and they’ve been part of the Watchung community for 50+ years.

Amanda Dawn Hudes is Smiling Through Chaos Local resident and "Boy Mom" to two sons, Amanda Hudes, is the owner of “Smiling Through Chaos” recently named one of the top Event and Wedding Planning businesses in the tri-state area. Amanda's eye for detail and reputation for customization has made her into one of the most sought after Planners. From beach weddings to ballroom extravaganzas to intimate backyard affairs and everything in between, the focus with Smiling Through Chaos is always YOU.

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Layer it up – Fresh fruit, chopped tiny for the perfect bite. Choose from strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pineapple, mango and kiwi.

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Add the crunch – Our house-made granola, 100% raw, plant-based, and made fresh in-house daily

•

Drizzle your favorite butter – Almond butter (100% raw), creamy peanut butter, or our signature house-made Soultella, made with organic cacao & chopped hazelnuts

•

Made with love & intention – Every bowl is crafted to nourish your body and soul.

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FEED YOUR SOUL

Sisters Michelene and Alicia Lambros Share a Healthy Lifest yle with Soul Bowls ARTICLE BY TERRY AZAD PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG SMITH

M UST SE E | FO O D + BEVERAGE

On any given day you can walk in to Soul Bowls on Mountain Avenue in Scotch Plains and feel instantly uplifted by the vibrant walls, and equally colorful bowls, smoothies and juices that are lovingly prepared for your body (and soul).

“Their shared passion for clean eating is rooted in their belief system to spread kindness and compassion to humans and animals alike.” The place is a reflection of local sisters and owners, Michelene and Alicia Lambros, both bright and spirited souls in their own right. They are naturally beautiful and happy people; the kind of beauty that radiates from the inside out with goodness. And they are unknowingly mood setters, instantly changing the vibe of any room they enter. In a good way. In the best way. It all started in 2017 when Michelene spotted a hot pink school bus. A Creative Soul, Michelene saw an opportunity to transform that bus into a fully outfitted food truck that would take her passion for a

healthy lifestyle and turn it into a business. The food truck went on to become a popular stop for many at the Scotch Plains Farmers Market where Soul Bowls gained a strong following of customers. This success led to the opening of the Scotch Plains storefront in 2019. But there was a missing ingredient; that is until Alicia, a Clever Soul, partnered with her sister as co-owner to lead operations and streamline the business for future growth. With replicable practices in place, the sisters opened a second location on Pearl Street in Metuchen, a great addition to a growing food and dining scene.

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The sisters complement each other in every way. Michelene studied nutrition at Montclair State University while Alicia studied Marketing at Kean. Michelene is decisive, Alicia strategic - and they both trust their gut. Their shared passion for clean eating is rooted in their belief system to spread kindness and compassion to humans and animals alike. This is at the core of their innovative menu of healthy and delicious plant-based specialties. All of the menu items at Soul Bowls are “gifts from Mother Earth”. Fresh, plant-based, organic ingredients containing no dairy, food dyes, or high processing. Their signature bowls eat like a meal simultaneously filling cravings AND bellies. “It's all about the layering” they say. Hearty, soulful ingredients that start with a base layer of Acai, Banana Whip, Coconut or Pitaya. This is followed by a wide variety of fresh fruits and topped off with a choice of over fifteen "extras". With menu items like “Stay Classy”, “Vaykay”, “The Middle Child” and “This is how we Brew It”, placing an order at

All of the menu items at Soul Bowls are “gifts from Mother Earth.” Soul Bowls produces smiles across both sides of the counter. Trademarked ingredients like “Suntella”, “Sonola” and “Soul Brew” put the sisters’ clever stamp on menu staples. Soul Bowls is a local, family owned and operated business. The bond between the sisters is unbreakable. They don't just love each other, they honor each other through this partnership. In the last few minutes of our meeting, I learn that their mother also works for the business. She makes all of the baked goods and works behind the counter. I see her serving a long line of local high school students their favorite after school nourishment. And I see the origin of the sisters' natural beauty that radiates from the inside out. “Your mom is stunning” I say. The sisters nod and say “She is a good soul. The best soul”.

M UST SE E | FO O D + BEVERAGE

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THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF

S t . J o s e p h ’s High School St. Joseph’s High School in Metuchen promotes well-rounded men inside and outside of the classroom

ARTICLE BY TERRY AZAD | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

I NSP IR E D BY | EDUCATI ON

St. Joe's Students complete Service Trips twice a year

St. Joseph High School in Metuchen prides itself on the caliber of young men it graduates into the world. They provide strong building blocks in academics, leadership, character formation, service and brotherhood to be a man of the future, ready to make a difference in the world. Perhaps most importantly, they give young men empowerment; empowerment to make decisions for themselves that reflect the type of man they want to be. The type of man they are proud to be. Since its formal opening in 1961, the St. Joe’s experience has been rooted in the Catholic tradition of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. As soon as you step onto the 71-acre campus you see signs of this rich tradition. Most notably is the Seal of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart that is melded into the floor of the entryway foyer. It is not protected by a gate or guard, but nobody walks over the seal. Students, teachers, faculty - everyone walks around it. Brotherhood is respected, protected and in the heart of every student. It is about the bonds of a shared experience. Having one another's backs. Rooting for each other. Friendship. Graduates of St. Joe’s become brothers for life. Admissions Director Miguel Cabrita is also an Alumni having graduated in 1991. He recalls his own experience of attending, because his parents “sent” him there for the benefits of a good education and life experience. As an only child, he felt the brotherhood immediately. He recalls finding friends he would not have otherwise met. Boys from different backgrounds soon became his circle. The teachers were attentive to him and guided him towards new experiences including volleyball, a sport that remains a big part of his life to this day (Miguel coaches the St. Joe’s three-time state champion boys volleyball team). Today, as Admissions Director, he says the students are leading the charge! They hear and learn about St. Joe’s, they attend “Freshman for the Day” and they advocate for themselves to attend. “I love to see a boy’s eyes light up when they get to THEIR space. Whether it be the Science Lab, the Robotics studio or the E-Sports Lounge, their face changes when they see the thing that affirms their belonging here”. And that is the crux. Boys with interests across a wide variety of interests are also brothers. He is clearly proud of the character building he sees in the young men attending his alma

Miguel Cabrita, Class of '91

CONTINUED >

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mater. Everyone here is a Falcon. Whether you bowl, play chess, act in the drama club, play football or debate at Model UN - the boys are rooting for each other. The environment allows for the boys to put guards down and be themselves - and accepting of each other’s differences. He gets a little choked up when he says “kids can be themselves here - as brothers they protect each other. They all bleed green, they are all Falcons.” While Brotherhood is the foundation, the building blocks of character formation, leadership and service are vital to a student’s journey. With a student/teacher ratio of 15:1, and a robust team of counselors, coaches and staff (collectively called “Partners in Mission”) students receive personal and guided attention to support their achievements. This goes well beyond academics with St. Joe’s champion athletics teams and a wide variety of clubs, activities and service opportunities that help them find their passions. And if a club does not exist, students are encouraged and empowered to start something new! St. Joe’s believes strongly in fostering a service mindset in the students as well. Through annual service trips, campus ministry, volunteerism opportunities and transformational retreats, students are encouraged to serve their communities. They develop life skills that help them grow into valuable members and leaders, outside the classroom.

I NSP IR E D BY | EDUCATI ON

Of course the Academic programming is a building block that serves as a driving force in the success of a St. Joe’s graduate. Personalized learning and the ability to choose a track based on their chosen field of study prepares students for college, giving them a distinct advantage. This continues to differentiate the young men as they pursue their career. Dedicated guidance counselors assist students from Day 1 and throughout their tenure at St. Joe’s. Many students need help adjusting to high school, prioritizing academics and activities, and developing good study habits. They provide an abundance of resources to assist students in assessing potential career opportunities based on interests and strengths, and they guide each individual student through the college admissions process from standardized test prep to applications and recommendations. All of this yields results! The average accepted scholarship awarded to a St. Joe’s student exceeds the four-year tuition total making it a great return on investment. But that is just the numbers. The young men at St. Joe’s graduate with the ability to navigate life’s challenges through character, leadership and a lifelong brotherhood. The true return on investment is seen in the transformation of a boy into a well-rounded, compassionate and grounded man of the future.

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L D O E V T E N I

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Scotch Plains resident Zahra Batool is living out her girlhood dream of becoming an artist. As a Master Designer, and Founder / CEO of ZB Couture, she creates hand painted wedding dresses and made-to-order gowns for bridals and formal occasions. Each gown offers timeless and classic beauty through Zahra’s intricately hand-painted motifs on luxury fabrics of the highest quality. Every ZB Couture gown starts with a concept inspired by nature. Zahra designs her floral motifs and then works for 30—40 hours rendering the motifs onto her fabric using the finest fabric paints and pencils. Each design is custom made and every dress silhouette results in a couture gown that enhances and complements the wearer. And because Zahra’s designs are timeless, her gowns are often worn again and again. Visit ZBCouture.com to schedule your free consultation today.

ZB Couture delivers custom luxury wedding & formal wear PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY ZAHRA BATOOL

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | STYLE + BE AU T Y

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Seniors Live in Style Brandywine Mountain Ridge provides seniors with surroundings and activities that suit their individual needs and style If you are considering long term care for yourself or your loved one, visit Brandywine Mountain Ridge by Monarch in Watchung for a glimpse of what is possible. The grounds are immaculate, and the interior shared spaces feel like a high-end hotel. There is a refreshment station as soon as you enter, offering fruit infused water; a bright and airy lounge filled with seniors enjoying an organized game of cards and Bingo. The traditional pub with Grand Piano hosts daily happy hours and the occasional wine tasting. And the calendar of events, thoughtfully prepared by Activities Director, Leslie Adams, is jam packed with ”Save the Dates”. Whether it be a meeting of the Literature Club in the Bistro Cafe, Karaoke in the Courtyard, a Cooking Demo in the Dining Room or flower planting in the Garden, all of the spaces here are filled with Life. Laughter. And Love. The seniors that live here are clearly enjoying life together. They watch movies, stroll the manicured walking

ARTICLE BY TERRY AZAD PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

LOCA L’S CH OICE | LO CAL SE RVICE S

paths and take group excursions to local shops and restaurants. Brandywine Mountain Ridge knows that you don’t lose your sense of style when you become a senior. As a luxury senior living community, Brandywine promises the highest-quality, most personalized care and support within a beautiful, vibrant environment that caters to the unique tastes, interests and styles of their senior community. Understanding that age does not define experience, Brandywine offers six (6) levels of care, from independent living to assisted living to memory care, all complemented by life enrichment opportunities that are plentiful. There is a definitive culture here, carefully nurtured by a staff of long-term employees and amplified by the seniors themselves. They are living their best lives. Still.

The Lounge at Brandywine

Executive Director Nicole Puccia with Poker Club President Elio

This does not happen by accident. A clear differentiator to Brandywine Mountain Ridge is the leadership provided by Executive Director, Nicole Puccia. Having started her career in nursing, she knew early on that she wanted to work with the senior community. “It fulfills me,” she says with great certainty. Having spent time as both the Assistant Director of Nursing and Director of Nursing at Brandywine communities, she has personally overseen residents’ personal care, medical necessities, and the activities of daily living. She understands how important it is for a senior, and their family, to have peace of mind around life care. To that end, Brandywine has licensed nurses on-site 24/7. The care for Assisted Living residents is provided with respect for ability, designed to stay in the background—present when needed, invisible when not. Oftentimes this means assistance with medications, dressing and daily tasks. All the while providing physical and occupational therapy services as needed, to give longevity to independence when possible. Nicole’s nursing expertise is second only to her leadership. She has empowered her team and the residents to contribute to the culture and success of the facility. She leads a robust number of department heads, nurse aides, dining staff, grounds people and hospitality personnel. She takes care of the people - that take care of the people. While still serving as the Director of Nursing, the role of Executive Director became available. She was nervous for the interview – but when she left her office to go meet the Regional Director, the halls were lined with

BINGO!

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staff members offering her their resounding endorsement. Many of the employees here have ten, fifteen, even twenty years of tenure. They stay because of the culture sustained by her continued leadership. They stay because she gives them her trust, and a voice. The workplace satisfaction and continuity is felt by the residents. They all have favorite aides and favorite waiters they look forward to seeing every day. The voice of the residents is heard too. There is a Resident’s Council and a Dining Experience Committee, both meeting regularly to share their feedback and effectuate change when needed. And then there are the families of the residents. Nicole understands the emotional toll long term care decisions can have on the families of loved ones. She spends time with each one, holding weekly meetings and calls as they navigate needs and services. She sends out weekly communications to both residents AND their families as a means of transparency and connectivity.

Friendships abound at Brandywine

Culinary delights for Alzheimers Awareness

The Courtyard hosts barbeques and cornhole tournaments

Executive Director, Nicole Puccia, leads a robust number of department heads, nurse aides, dining staff, grounds people and hospitality personnel. She takes care of the people - that take care of the people. I spoke to Elio, a resident of Independent Living while his wife is a resident of Memory Care. Brandywine offers them the ability to be together, while living in different rooms suited for their individual needs. Elio is an avid card player and often drives to Warren to honor the weekly game he started with friends when living there. Now, he hosts games three times a week to meet the demand of the residents, now his friends. “I have so much fun playing here, with so many people new to card games. I hope I can keep up with the demand” he says laughing. For more information on Brandywine Senior Living visit www.brandycare.com/community/mountain-ridge or call 908.754.8180

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Quality Dental Care

Providing Healthy Smiles for 65 Years OU R SER VI CES

Full Exams, X-Rays & Cleanings | Crowns, Bridges & Veneers

10% OFF

INVISALIGN | TEETH WHITENING | VENEERS

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567 Park Ave, Scotch Plains, New Jersey 07076 908-322-7800 | www.njdentalcare.com

Invisalign | Dental Implants | Teeth Whitening

Night Guards & Snore Appliances | Full & Partial Dentures OU R DOCTOR S Dr. Maureen Maximos - General Dentistry Dr. Lara Merker - Periodontal & Implant Specialist Dr. Marina Ibrahim - General Dentistry

EXCEPTIONAL INDEPENDENT LIVING l ASSISTED LIVING l MEMORY CARE

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.

CALL TO LEARN MORE & TOUR TODAY AT 908.654.5200

295 South Avenue Fanwood, NJ 07023 MiraVieSenior Living.com

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Calista Sofa

INTERIOR DESIGN: TRENDY VS. TIMELESS MAKING TODAY’S HOTTEST ITEMS PART OF YOUR FOREVER HOME

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ETHAN ALLEN’S WATCHUNG DESIGN TEAM

We’ve all fallen head over heels for something trendy, spent big to bring it home, and discovered it wasn’t so great after all. With furniture or home décor, those missteps can take a big bite out of your wallet.

D E C OR T R E N D S | HO M E + D E SIGN

That’s why working with an interior designer can be a huge advantage, explains Lisa Matrale, a design consultant at Ethan Allen in Watchung. “A good designer steers people away from purchases they’ll regret, while bringing in what they love in a way that will stay relevant for years to come.” At Ethan Allen, clients can come into the Design Center to work with a designer, but they can also make at-home appointments and schedule virtual appointments. Design service is offered at no extra charge—an incredible value—and includes 3D planning to help clients visualize their projects, as well as the chance to review hundreds of fabric, leather, and finish options for creating custom furniture. We asked Lisa and her fellow Watchung design consultants, Lizette Louis and Stephen Kimak, to share trends that they love now—and that you can love forevermore. The team agrees: “Our goal as designers is to help you discover your signature look, incorporating trend pieces that will have staying power for years to come.”

Nadia Console

CURVES EVERYWHERE

Lizette says curved furniture is all the rage, and for good reason: it’s such a positive for a space’s function and feel. “Curved pieces like our Calista sofa soften a room’s angles, encourage natural traffic flow, and give the whole space a cozy feel.”

RETRO NODS

With so many design trends having come and gone—think art deco, midcentury, industrial— Lizette says clients love to mix and match pieces from all kinds of eras. “I steer them toward something with retro charm that still has a sleek, transitional feel, like our Nadia console. The glass tabletop compartment says ‘1800s curio table,’ but those clean lines will never go out of style.”

CONTINUED >

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LIGHT WOOD FINISHES

Lisa says her clients are asking for lighter, more organic-looking wood finishes in all kinds of rooms. “A light finish lets the wood grain show through, giving piece more of a connection to nature,” she says. “These finishes serve as neutrals in a room’s palette, and their natural vibe feels fresh and modern.”

SCANDINAVIAN FORMS

Stephen notes that clients feel more forward with color, but they still like clean, simple lines—and Scandinavian styles fit the bill. “Pieces like our Arya bed, because they’re simple, will work no matter how your décor changes around them.”

D E C OR T R E N D S | HO M E + D E SIGN

Ayra Bed

RICH COLORS

When we asked Stephen what’s trending, he had two words: more color. “Clients are loving warmer shades like terracotta and goldenrod, and I want to make sure they’re going to love those colors over the long haul.” He says keeping big-ticket pieces neutral while using bold colors in accents—think drapery, throw pillows, or artwork—gives clients an out whenever that warm palette no longer feels right. “That said, if you

want bold upholstery, go for it. Dip your toe in with an accent chair or plunge into the deep end with a red velvet sectional.” Transform your home with Ethan Allen’s complimentary design service. Visit the Design Center in Watchung at 1605 U.S. Hwy. 22, call 908.754.7200, or email watchung@ethanallen.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2025

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S AU G U ST 2 9 T H - S E P T E M B E R 1ST

St Bart's Unico Italian Festival St. Bart's the Apostle RC Church, 2032 Westfield Avenue, Scotch Plains A beloved tradition since 1974, Scotch Plain's annual Italian Festival over Labor Day Weekend brings family, friends, food, and fun! Enjoy Italian cuisine, live entertainment, amusement park rides and family-friendly games. In addition, the festival will continue to raise funds for local scholarships and community events organized by SP-F UNICO and St. Bart's. The renowned Super 50/50 raffle (over $76,000 last year) will be announced at the festival's grand finale on Monday, September 1st, at 8:00 PM. SE PT E M BE R 1 3T H

Fanwood Performance Series: Sara Hodd & The Drive and Brooke Annibale Kuran Cultural Arts Center, 135 Watson Road, Fanwood | 7:00 PM The Fanwood Performance Series launches its Fall Concerts on Saturday, September 13th at the Kuran Cultural Arts Center (a.k.a. the Carriage House), on the grounds of Fanwood Borough Hall. Sarah Hodd's powerhouse vocals and soulful songwriting will be performed with her band, The Drive. Singer-songwriter-guitarist Brooke Annibale will feature newly finished material and songs spanning her multi-record catalog. Admission is $15/ adults, $10 for students/seniors; Cash at door. SE PT E M BE R 1 4 T H

Fanny Wood Day Intersection of South Ave. & Martine Ave. | 10:00 AM Fanny Wood Day is much more than just a street fair. Shop with local exhibitors - Visit the South Ave. train station parking lot for the Kids Zone - Grab some delicious food from one of the many food exhibitors and trucks - Enjoy live music from local bands. Customer parking is available on the north side train station. SE PT E M BE R 1 5T H

St. Joe’s in Metuchen Kicks Off “Freshman for a Day” 145 Plainfield Ave. Metuchen, NJ 08840 | 8:00 AM Saint Joseph, a private all-boys Catholic prep school in Metuchen, NJ, invites 8th graders to be a Freshman for a Day—attend classes, meet teachers, and experience the Brotherhood. Students also have the chance to complete their interview during the visit. Freshman For a Day begins on September 15th. Schedule your visit today! SE PT E M BE R 2 7 T H

3rd Annual Union Catholic Food Truck Festival (Rescheduled) Union Catholic: 1600 Martine Avenue Scotch Plains | 12:00 PM The third annual Union Catholic Food Truck Festival has been rescheduled to Saturday, September 27th, 2025 from 12:00 - 5:00 pm. Get ready for an unforgettable day of food, fun and community spirit, featuring a variety of delicious food trucks, live music, a beer and wine garden, children's activities and more! Tickets are $6/each. Proceeds support Union Catholics athletic programming. NOVE M BE R 2 0 T H

Save the Date! Mount Saint Mary Legacy of Excellence Gala The Park Savoy, 236 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park | 6:00 PM Join us for an evening of celebration and gratitude as we honor the legacy we have created while envisioning the future that lies ahead. To register to attend or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please visit mountsaintmary.org or email Kathleen Staudt, Director of Institutional Advancement, at kstaudt@mountsaintmary.org

EVE N TS

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