Food + Beverage

A World of Flavor - Close to Home

Explore global cuisines without leaving town Article by Terry Azad This month, we invite you to explore the world one plate at a time — no passport required. Our community is filled with restaurants serving authentic flavors and traditions from across the globe, from comforting Italian classics and vibrant Mexican fare to fragrant Indian spices, Mediterranean favorites, and fresh Asian dishes. Every local restaurant tells a story through its food, offering a chance to experience different...

Home + Design

Colorado Without Snow

Subtitle: Exploring Denver, Golden, and Breckenridge beyond the slopes Article by Terry Azad Like many travelers heading to Colorado this winter, we arrived with visions of powdery slopes, steaming mugs of cocoa, and days spent skiing through fresh mountain snow. But Mother Nature had other plans. With unusually mild temperatures and limited snowfall, our ski vacation quickly transformed into something unexpected — and ultimately, unforgettable. Instead of focusing on the mountains, we...

Life + Culture

250 Years of History - Right at Home

Explore the rich history of the Scotch Plains Fanwood Community Article by Terry Azad | Photography by Provided his month, Scotch Plains–Fanwood joins communities across the United States in celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Our towns hold some of the richest Revolutionary-era history in Union County — but how many of us truly know the stories behind it? Personally, I didn’t fully appreciate our community’s role in securing America’s independence until my high school son came home from...

Home Services

Explore Life - Not Laundry

Summer Laundry Survival Guide for Scotch Plains and Fanwood Families Article and Photography by Tahra Wright Summer has a way of creating more laundry than any other season. Between beach towels, sweaty sports uniforms, camp clothes, and constant outfit changes, many families find themselves doing laundry almost nonstop. If your laundry pile feels like it’s growing faster than you can keep up with, Bubbles and Baskets' Laundry Room, located at 1814 E. Second Street in Scotch Plains, is here to...

Home Services

Perseverence and an American Dream

Mosquito Joe's Jay Annepu is living the American Dream Article by Terry Azad | Photography by PhotosbyCraigSmith As a community we are all rooting for the small businesses that invest in our town. We see the sweat equity they put into their products and services - and they become a part of our daily lives. Sometimes we get to know business owners personally, learning about their journey - the sacrifices they’ve made - and we root for them even harder. Such is the case with Jay Annepu, owner...

Life + Culture

Girl Dads

These local dads are raising strong independent young ladies - and loving every second. Article by Terry Azad | Photography by Provided GIRL DAD: ANTHONY FIORE You may recognize his name as the Moderator for the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Community Facebook page, or his face as a volunteer at many local events, but for Anthony Fiore, “girl dad” is the role he’s most proud of.  A father to two daughters, Kayla (19), and Kenzie (15), Anthony describes his parenting style as “supportive and...

Life + Culture

Scotch Plains-Fanwood "Girl Dad" Scrapbook

Photography by Provided We see you Girl Dads! Sure, maybe you're not wearing your capes around town, but we still see you! Whether you're cheering on the sidelines, loading the car for family vacation or doing drop offs and pick ups - we see you. Here are just a few of Scotch Plains-Fanwood's greatest dads in action. Happy Father's Day to ALL the dads!  

Home Services

Summer Laundry Survival Guide for Scotch Plains & Fanwood Families

Summer has a way of creating more laundry than any other season. Between beach towels, sweaty sports uniforms, camp clothes, and constant outfit changes, many families find themselves doing laundry almost nonstop. If your laundry pile feels like it’s growing faster than you can keep up with it, let Bubbles and Baskets’ Laundry Room take care of it!Why Summer Creates So Much Extra LaundryWarm weather means more activity:Kids in camp all daySports practices and gamesPool and beach tripsOutdoor...

Education

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...

Life + Culture

Sisterhood in Action

Three local stories - from business to family - showing the power of women lifting each other up. Article by Terry Azad | Photography by As Noted PAGE ONE 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...