Arts + Culture

Crafting With Crazy

Local Mom of Two Gets Her Creative Juices Flowing With the Kids Article by Jenn Talis | Photography by Terry Azad DIY Milk Carton Bird Feeder Turn an empty milk carton into a cozy bird feeder and create a fun family project that helps local wildlife. It's an easy way to recycle, get creative, and enjoy birdwatching right from your own backyard. What You'll Need Empty milk carton X-acto knife or box cutter (adult use only) White paint Markers and/or paint for decorating String or...

Professional Services

Who Let The Dogs Out?

Meet the pets staying safe and active with Invisible Fence of Union County Article by Terry Azad | Photography by Casey Orr of Casey's Photography When Diane Nigam’s beautiful Ragdoll kitten, Chance, began venturing beyond the family’s backyard in Westfield, she knew exactly who to call: Mike “The Dog Guy” Kelly of Invisible Fence of Union County. Mike had been helping Diane with her pets for years. Initially, she turned to Invisible Fence for her two dogs, Chloe, a sweet Goldendoodle, and...

Education

Beyond Admissions: A Legacy of Connection

For Thirty-Five Years, Donna Toryak Has Opened the Door for Generations of Mount Saint Mary Students Article by Michelle Daino | Photography by Photos by Craig Smith For the past thirty-five years, Director of Enrollment Donna Venezia Toryak has been welcoming students to her beloved alma mater, Mount Saint Mary Academy. For decades, she has woven one of the richest and most enduring threads into the Academy's tapestry—a thread of hope, tradition, strength, and integrity. It is a thread that...

Life + Culture

Who Can Resist Thse Puppy Eyes?

The Dogs of Scotch Plains-Fanwood Say It All With Their Eyes Article by Terry Azad | Photography by Provided If you are a dog owner you have had full blown conversations with your pup. Sure, maybe they can't actually speak - but they say everything they need to with their eyes. Let's see what these Scotch Plains Fanwood dogs have to say: 1. "I am not actually a dog. My name is Glen. Glen Schwartz. Pleased to make your acquaintance" 2. "Pleeeeeease? Please can I jump on the chair...

Life + Culture

Scotch Plains-Fanwood Celebrates Student Standouts

Article by Terry Azad Mike, Mia and Alex Savare: I am going to come right out and say it -I am in awe of the Savare triplets: Mike, Mia and Alexandra. I am in greater awe of their parents who are about to send three children - at the same time - off to three different universities in three different states to pursue three very individual passions. It is impressive to say the least. I originally reached out to mom Jodi Savare when I learned her daughter Alex was named Valedictorian of VoTech...

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...

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...

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

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...