Life + Culture

Achieving the American Dream

From Italy to the United States, a local family continues a legacy of hard work and determination Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Craig Smith When Rocco and Maria DiFrancesco emigrated from Italy to America in the 1970s with their two young children, they were seeking a better life filled with opportunities. Through unwavering determination and hard work, they achieved their dream of owning their own business—Park Avenue Shoe Repair, which has since become a beloved local...

Event Planning + Services

Modern Arrangements, Timeless Service

How we gather to remember our loved ones is changing. Memorial Funeral Home in Fanwood is listening. Article by Erica Landis | Photography by Jessica Reiss Photography Tom Keiser Jr., a life-long resident of Scotch Plains, sees the community from a unique vantage point. Like his father and grandfather, Tom is the owner of the Memorial Funeral Home in Fanwood, which has been serving the community since 1928.  “The community is at the center of our work and we really value feedback we get from...

Food + Beverage

A True Labor of Love

Melody DeGaetano combines her knowledge of nutrition with her love of connection at Bernadette. Article by Carly Okyle | Photography by Chelsea Doyle As a registered dietician, Melody DeGaetano is well aware of what scientists call the “bliss point” - perfect combination of sugar, salt, and fat that a brain reacts to - as well as the necessity for healthy sustenance. The small plates at her French Mediterranean restaurant, Bernadette, offer both. “I operate from a standpoint of quality vs...

Life + Culture

Honoring a Hometown Hero

Recognizing a veteran for his dedication to his country Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Craig Smith On Saturday, December 14, 2024, the Scotch Plains community gathered to honor one of its own, Harry T. Ramsey, during a Wreaths Across America event at the Scotch Plains Baptist Church on Park Avenue. Joe McCourt, a U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War, served as master of ceremonies.    PFC Ramsey, a United States Army veteran of World War II and Purple Heart recipient, made the...

Life + Culture

Pancake Breakfast for a Cause

Enjoy pancakes, raffle prizes, and community fun while supporting the Scotch Plains Volunteer Rescue Squad. Article by Sue Baldani, a life member of the SP Rescue Squad The Scotch Plains Volunteer Rescue Squad will hold its 15th Annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at its headquarters, located at 1916 Bartle Avenue in Scotch Plains. This beloved community event, hosted by the Scotch Plains Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary, is a fun-filled morning...

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...

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...