Travel

Water Water Everywhere

Journey into summer with a road trip to these family favorite destinations Article by Terry Azad | Photography by As Noted Page 1 inset Lake George, widely known as the Queen of American Lakes , is 32-miles of crystal clear water surrounded by the picturesque Adirondack Mountains.  Approximately 200 miles from Union County, NJ, Lake George has become the “happy place” for many families, spanning multiple generations. While Lake George Village is a tourist destination, one needs to travel...

Travel

Explore wellness and renewal on a Canyon Ranch Retreat

Where tranquility meets tailored wellness programs to inspire balance and lifelong vitality Article by Tara Phillips “Set wide the window. Let me drink the day.” Edith Wharton’s words capture the soul-nourishing essence of a day spent at Canyon Ranch, a tranquil haven tucked into the Berkshires town of Lenox, Massachusetts. As you ascend the gravel drive, glimpses of the Bellefontaine mansion reveal the splendor of Wharton’s Gilded Age, setting the tone for your mind and body reboot. Here...

Arts + Culture

Voices of Valor

Local vets discover their musical talents and a new way to heal Article by Terry Azad | Photography by Craig Smith On the evening of February 10, 2025, ten brave combat veterans gathered in a conference room at Lyons VA Medical Center, where many of them also live.  They are from different backgrounds and generations but the bonds formed between them are clear.  Friends and family are also there, to support their loved one in their ongoing journey to heal. But, how do we heal?  That is the...

Education

The Pride of Lion Nation Athletics

Athletic Director Denise Materia retires from The Mount after 40 years Article by Michelle Daino While shopping at the old Sears department store across Route 22 in Scotch Plains, a 22-year-old Denise Materia stared up at Mount Saint Mary Academy in wonderment, her eyes full of admiration and curiosity. The building seemed to be a beacon of something new, something promising, a place full of hope.  “I was mesmerized by it,” said Denise. “I could have never imagined the path that my life would...

Food + Beverage

The Distinct Beauty of Bourbon

Meet Dan Amatuzzi, Scotch Plain-Fanwood's Resident Wine and Spirits Expert Article by Dan Amatuzzi | Photography by Provided Page 1 Dan Amatuzzi is the Vice President of Beverage at Eataly, overseeing wine and beverage operations across its North America locations. He lectures and teaches on wine throughout the country and has been featured in leading media publications including NBC’s The Today Show, Bloomberg Radio, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Food and Wine. His published...

Sports + Recreation

Golf's Quirky Cousin

Local friends create their own version of Disc Golf Article by Alan Bastable | Photography by Terry Azad PAGE 1 Text: Alan Bastable is the Executive Editor of Golf.com and a proud Scotch Plains resident. He wrote and published this article in 2020, and it is as much of a homage to friendship as it is to the game of Disc Golf.  We are proud to reprint it here today.  Readers interested in playing disc golf can visit Oak Ridge Park in Clark for a beautiful (actual!) course.   PAGE 2 Text ...

Education

BUILDING Community

The new Fanwood Memorial Library is a vibrant community hub Article by Sophia Mekbeb | Photography by Tom Kranz Fanwood’s community spirit has always shone brightly, but the recent transformation of the Fanwood Memorial Library has taken that spirit to a whole new level—from mere renovation to reinvention. Replacing a building that had served the town for nearly three-quarters of a century, the new 15,000-square-foot facility is a modern marvel of accessibility, design, and community...

Food + Beverage

Dairy Queen: A Love Story

A Family's Love Melts a Community Article by Terry Azad | Photography by Craig Smith and Donna Albanese When Joseph Albanese took Adele DeMaio out on their first date in 1948, they were both teenagers. Today, at the age of ninety-five, Joseph still remembers the movie they saw, and even the row where they sat. In an effort to impress her, Joseph took Adele out for ice cream after the movie ended. But the banana split she wanted was twenty-five cents, and he did not have enough money. So, the...

Health + Wellness

A Legacy of Healthy Smiles

Dr. Maureen Maximos assumes ownership of Dentalcare Associates and continues a legacy of healthy smiles. Article by Terry Azad | Photography by Craig Smith Dentalcare Associates has been a staple in Scotch Plains for over 65 years. With strong ties to the Scotch Plains Community, Dr. Robert Scalera founded his solo dentistry practice here in 1959. His son, Dr. Robert Scalera, Jr., joined the practice in 1983, and the two built a family practice that would serve four generations of patients. ...

Local Services

Cheers to Jersey Girls!

Meet the Women behind Vodka Salad: New Jersey's favorite craft cocktail. Founded, owned and led by women. Article by Terry Azad | Photography by Craig Smith Homer and Bart Simpson insist you can't win friends with salad.  Local New Jersey entrepreneurs, Allie Sabol and Haley Telling from Summit, NJ, prove that you can!   As neighbors that became fast friends, Allie and Haley would enjoy cocktails in their backyards while sharing the details of their lives. They’d inevitably wind up in one...