Fitness

Reclaiming Your Health After 40

How to Combat Aging Through Strength Training and Healthy Living Article by Tony Bianchino | Photography by Craig Smith Writer and fitness expert, Tony Bianchino, is the owner of Out Run Your Fork Personal Training in Westfield, NJ. For over 37 years he and his wife, Melissa, have been helping people over 40 lose weight, get strong, and increase energy without risking injury. Together they have taken a responsible, human-centered approach to designing fitness and nutrition programs that...

Health + Wellness

Nurturing Care in Playful Spaces

Creating Supportive Environments for Children's Health and Growth Article by Dr. Blair Rolnick Bee Kind Pediatrics new developmental patient rooms, designed by Dr. Rolnick herself, create age-appropriate environments that cater to the unique needs of children and adolescents. These thoughtfully crafted spaces foster a sense of safety and comfort, significantly reducing anxiety associated with medical visits. By incorporating engaging themes and interactive elements, these rooms encourage...

Health + Wellness

Mental Health Moves

Helpful tips from Bartley (Buddy) Zucosky of Arbor Counseling Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Craig Smith One It’s okay to get anxious, and a lot of times it's about expectations - I expect this to happen, or I feel like I'm expected to do this.  Evaluate how many things you feel obligated to do versus how many things you actually want to do. If you find yourself doing more obligations than wants, a lot of anxiety is going to come from that.   Two Another way to cut down on...

Life + Culture

Wolves Basketball Academy

How a Scotch Plains resident was inspired by his son to create a place for all kids to be their best Article by Erica Landis | Photography by provided Saturday mornings are Jeff Mayerson’s favorite time of the week. Arriving extra early to the gymnasium at The Newmark School, Mayerson, a 27-year resident of Scotch Plains, begins setting up stations for that morning’s clinic of Wolves Basketball Academy. Before the joyous sounds of children, volunteers, and basketballs fill the gym, Mayerson...

Sports + Recreation

Necessary Roughness

Jaliyah Richards is calling an audible on people’s expectations of who belongs on the gridiron Article by Carly Okyle | Photography by Craig Smith Jaliyah “Jelly” Richards, a 15-year-old sophomore at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, is not one to sit on the sidelines, but for a while, she had no choice.    On TV, she watched the Pittsburgh Steelers. In life, she watched her older brothers -- Mekhi, 18, and Jayden, 17. It made her interested in the game, but she wasn’t content to be a...

Food + Beverage

PBNJ Bowl Recipe

Soul Bowls' delicious and nourishing bowl packed with superfoods, fresh fruit, and a creamy peanut butter drizzle! Photography by provided Ingredients: 2 cups of acai base 1/2 cup homemade granola (or your favorite store-bought granola) 1/2 banana, sliced 5-6 strawberries, sliced 1/4 cup raspberries  2 tablespoons peanut butter  1 tablespoon agave nectar  Instructions: Pour the açaí base into a bowl, spreading it evenly. 2. Sprinkle a generous layer of homemade...

Travel

Escape the Cold: Find Sunshine

Cure those winter blues with a tropical getaway Article by Shari Erasmus | Photography by provided As a travel advisor, I love helping my clients find the perfect winter getaway. With winter’s chill approaching, there’s no better time to escape to the sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean. Here are just a few fabulous hotels I can book for you, complete with exclusive extras! Jumby Bay, Antigua , is a true tropical paradise, perfect for both families and couples. This private island resort...

Home + Design

The Gift of Creativity

Celebrate the holidays with DIY gifts from the heart Article by Carly Okyle When Patrice Chatman first entered AR Workshop in Westfield -- the company she’s owned since September 2023 -- she was working in corporate America and looking for a creative outlet.  “I came across AR Workshop through a friend,” Chatman explained. “I’m not artsy and I’m not crafty but I took a hand lettering workshop. I didn't get it.” She lacked ability but compensated with determination and open-mindedness. “We...

Life + Culture

When Duty Calls

Honoring our local heroes who can't be home for the holidays Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Photos by Craig Smith For many, holidays are about spending time with family and friends. Whether that includes opening presents, enjoying a wonderful meal, or just sitting around reminiscing, these days are special and often a break from the everyday hustle and bustle.  However, there are many people who don’t always get to celebrate these joyous occasions. Here, we meet three such responders...

Life + Culture

There’s H.O.P.E. Up On The Hill

The girls of Mount Saint Mary Academy make giving to the local community fun Article by Erika Landis | Photography by provided Serenely perched up on a hill overlooking Route 22, Mount Saint Mary Academy is anything but removed from the community. The spirit of giving is alive and well year-round thanks to the H.O.P.E. Club, the school’s popular after-school activity. The acronym stands for Helping Other People Everywhere and focuses its work on community outreach. Mount Saint Mary Academy, a...