Travel

Casa di Amici

Where friends become family, and all "framilies" are welcome! Article by Stephanie Padula | Photography by Cherry Home Designs Our casa is your casa! Christine Escribano from Cherry Home Designs and John Pizzi from Casa Construction welcome vacationers to their stunning historic Victorian estate, which is located just 3 short blocks from the beach in Cape May County. The fully restored vacation home can accommodate up to 24 guests with its 8 spacious bedrooms. This house is for making...

June 2024

Travel

The Luxury of Customized Travel

Savannah ghost hunting...cherry blossoms in Japan...yoga retreat in India...Create your dream trip! Article by Erica Landis | Photography by Chelsea Doyle Shari Erasmus wanted to explore a career change. She’d been working as a speech pathologist for over 25 years, later working in special education advocacy, before taking a break to focus on her family. Combining her innate wanderlust and love of helping others, she founded Inspired Escapes by Shari in February 2023, and hasn’t looked back...

June 2024

Home Services

Selling Scotch Plains

Get to know Mary DePaola, a realtor with an intimate knowledge of and love for Scotch Plains. Article by Carly Okyle | Photography by Chelsea Doyle Mary DePaola is well-traveled. She grew up in her mother’s hometown in Oklahoma, and after attending college in Nashville, Tennessee, she packed her bags and left for New York City, where she worked as a structural engineer. She’s journeyed to Ireland and Italy. Yet, she describes herself as “a die-hard Scotch Plains girl.”  “I didn’t [grow up...

June 2024

Home + Design

Explore Your Dream Home Options

Renovate or build to get the exact house you desire Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Chelsea Doyle With over 40 years of experience in the home renovation and custom-home building industry, Ethan Schoss has done it all. “When I started out as a carpenter’s apprentice, I carried lumber, swept floors, and learned the skills that I have today,” he says. Schoss Construction was founded in 1996, and for 30 years has provided home renovations and custom-home building. Even now, Ethan still...

June 2024

Life + Culture

Joe Schott - 102 & Counting

A Century of Learning, Resilience, and Connection Article by Aruna Krishnan | Photography by Craig Smith In the heart of Fanwood, Joe Schott, born on February 19th 1922, stands as one who exemplifies integrity, humility, and resilience I met Joe at his home in Fanwood for our interview. As I approached the house, Joe came out to greet me. He stood tall, smiling as he welcomed me in. Once we settled down to talk in his living room, Joe began by saying, “Thank you for doing this.”  When Joe...

June 2024

Shopping

Farm to Table

Join your friends and neighbors at the Scotch Plains Farmer's Market! Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Joan Marie Photography Now in its 32nd year, the Scotch Plains Farmers’ Market continues to draw large crowds with its great variety of merchandise. Every Saturday from May through November, the Market transforms the downtown municipal parking lot into a festive and fun atmosphere where neighbors catch up with neighbors, find the best products that New Jersey has to offer, and are...

June 2024

Home Services

Family Tree / Business

Caffrey Tree and Landscaping has its roots in Scotch Plains since 1978, with the second generation now enjoying the fruits of success. Article by Carly Okyle | Photography by Joan Marie Photography Bob Caffrey, 68, calls himself a Scotch Plains boy, despite his current residence in North Plainfield. He grew up in town and lived there until he was 30, and he started his business there, Caffrey Tree and Landscaping, in 1978. Working for himself was a matter of practicality rather than passion...

May 2024

Auto + Marine

Driving Success

Three friends from high school turned a mobile, part-time gig into a business that has grown and matured with them. Article by Carly Okyle | Photography by Joan Marie Photography When Jonathan “Jay” Nevius, Rory McQuillan, and Darien Gomez started their detailing business as teenagers in high school, they ran it out of their cars, driving around Union County after school and during the summers to people’s homes to clean cars.  “A lot of it in the beginning was self taught,” says McQuillan...

May 2024

Event Planning + Services

Join the Club

World-class entertainment and fun for people of all ages Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Chelsea Doyle In 1908, when R.W. Nelson arrived at the Westfield train station, he had no idea he would become a part of golf history. He moved onto a huge parcel of land in Scotch Plains, and in 1916, hired renowned architect Albert Tillinghast to design a golf course.  Since then, Shackamaxon Country Club has been a staple in the town. When it was acquired by Heritage Golf Group in 2020, it...

May 2024

Fitness

Feel Better, Feel Younger, Age Better

You’re never too old to get fit Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Chelsea Doyle When Martin and Kim Musikant of Cranford opened Active Life Fitness in Garwood in 2015, they wanted it to be a place where older people would feel comfortable, get fit, and make friends. “What separates us is the atmosphere and the age demographic,” says Martin.  Membership is only open to those aged 40 and older. The other thing that makes Active Life stand out is the personalized attention everyone...

May 2024