Home + Design

Elevate your Style with Tile

Zabrina Castaneda, Owner of The Tile Concierge, shares tile trends that elevate your home Article by Terry Azad When it comes to home design, few materials have the power to transform a space quite like tile. Whether you're renovating a bathroom, updating a kitchen backsplash, or creating a show-stopping entryway, the right tile can instantly elevate the look and feel of your home. According to Zabrina Castaneda, owner of The Tile Concierge in Westfield, today's homeowners are embracing...

Home Services

Family Style

More than junk removal. John Valenti is building a family legacy with Go Garbage Article by Terry Azad | Photography by Photos by Craig Smith For most people, getting rid of unwanted furniture, construction debris, or years' worth of clutter is a chore they'd rather avoid. For John Valenti, it's an opportunity to help people move forward. As the founder of Go Garbage in Union County, John has built a business that does far more than haul things away. His company provides demolition, junk...

Home + Design

The Finishing Touch

Elevate Every Room with The Blind Dept. & More Article by Terry Azad | Photography by Craig Smith of Photos by Craig Smith When it comes to transforming a home, homeowners often focus on new furniture, fresh paint, or decorative accents. But one of the most impactful design elements is often overlooked: window treatments. The right blinds, shades, or shutters don't just provide privacy—they frame a room, soften natural light, improve energy efficiency, and instantly elevate the overall...

Professional Services

The Latest Chapter in a Family Story About Striving, Showing Up and Never Living Small

If you believe in such things as the Universe at work, it seems that She was very busy about two years ago. That’s when sisters Veronica Kautz and Terry Azad were presented with a fabulous business opportunity — one that would also benefit the residents of Scotch Plains and Fanwood.At a time when changes in their professional lives shifted their worlds — Terry had spent nearly thirty years as an executive at commercial real estate firm JLL, and Veronica had built a career in sales that began, as...

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...