Food + Beverage

Summer Boost for Kids

These super simple 3 ingredient popsicles are bursting with berry and chia goodness! Article by Kim and Tina Tiny Sprouts Organic Superseed Boosters are not your regular bag of seeds. Each unique blend is fortified with vegan vitamin D & probiotics, which are essential to the health & well-being of children.  These Berry Chia Popsicles are refreshing, healthy, and delicious - the perfect summertime treat for your little one. Age: 6M+ Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 60 minutes Total Time: 1...

Life + Culture

A Pool of Memories

A grateful community reflects on 73 years of summer fun at Highland Swim Club Article by Terry Azad | Photography by Neal Fitzsimmons and HSC PAGE 1 Almost 75 years ago Jane Britten of Westfield NJ told her husband Stan they needed a pool. Not one that would eat up precious space in their own backyard, heavens no. But one that could be built as a private club for friends and local families to share. Jane was determined, and after convincing Stan, the twosome recruited five other couples to...

Local Services

Who Let The Dogs Out?

Article by Terry Azad | Photography by Craig Smith Before business owner Mike Kelly became affectionately known as "Mike the Dog Guy," his life was marked by deep connections with some unforgettable four-legged companions. First there was Sally, then Buttons, Dreyfus, Oliver, Gordo, and Tuffy—all different breeds and sizes, but equally adored. Tuffy holds a special place in Mike’s heart after he discovered the poor pup living under a crate in the Bronx.  And while Mike may have done the...

Education

Scotch Plains Fanwood Celebrates 2025 Student Standouts

The future is bright as we recognize the achievements of our community's youth Article by Marin Pecarsky | Photography by Provided 1. Janae Barnes – Union County Vocational-Technical School Janae Barnes, a graduating senior at the Academy for Allied Health Sciences (UCVTS), has received the Marie Leppert Scholarship, honoring students who, like Marie, are deeply committed to community service. Janae is president and co-founder of the Black Student Union at UCVTS, a cadet EMT with the South...

Education

The Music Man

Band teacher Joseph Reo retires after forty years of bringing music into the homes and hearts of our community Article by Therese Azad and Grace Arnold | Photography by Craig Smith, Charlie Jackson Joseph Reo enters the Terrill Middle School auditorium on June 11th as he usually does for the Coles Elementary year-end band concert. He is dressed in all black, a departure from the tropical floral patterns he typically dons. He is followed by one hundred plus excited 4th graders, eager to show...

Life + Culture

Puppy Love

Scotch Plains Fanwood neighbors share their puppy love stories Article by Local Fur-Moms and Dads This is Rocky, a four and a half year old Labradoodle who has brought such joy to our family. Rocky loves his daily walks around Fanwood, playing fetch and hanging out with his doggie friends Jojo, Kaya and Amber.     -          Richard Diamond After a friend’s dog had a litter of eight pups Fur-Mama Melanie brought her kids to visit and snuggle with them every night.  Not surprisingly, they...

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...