Love Local
FOOD + BEVERAGE
VALENTINE’S DAY DATE NIGHT
LIFE + CULTURE
REPAIRING SHOES, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY
HONORING A HOMETOWN HERO
FEBRUARY 2025
Loving Local: A Celebration of Community, Flavor, and Connection
It's easy to overlook the simple joys that come from supporting local businesses. But there’s something special about connecting with the places and people who make up our neighborhoods, and that’s exactly why "loving local" means so much to me.
Local businesses are the heartbeat of any community. They’re the small coffee shops where you know your barista by name, the family-owned restaurants that serve up meals with a side of care, and the markets where you can taste the difference in fresh, locally sourced produce. Every dollar spent at these businesses doesn’t just help an entrepreneur thrive; it strengthens the fabric of the entire community. The owners, employees, and customers become part of a shared story — a story that’s rooted in passion, commitment, and a love for what’s truly meaningful.
So, the next time you’re deciding where to shop, eat, or relax, remember that loving local is about more than just convenience — it’s about connection. It’s about lifting each other up, celebrating what makes our communities unique, and creating something that goes beyond business. Let’s cherish those little spots that make us feel at home, one visit at a time.
After much reflection, I’ve made the decision to pursue a new opportunity and will be stepping down as publisher. It has been an incredible honor to serve in this role, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support throughout my time here. I’m excited to pass the torch to two new individuals who will continue to build on the magazine’s legacy, bringing fresh perspectives and renewed energy to our publication. I hope to see you around town “loving local”!
LYNN HARRIS, PUBLISHER @SCOTCHPLAINSCITYLIFESTYLE
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Lynn Harris | lynn.harris@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Kevin Harris | kevin.harris@citylifestyle.com
INTERN
Sophia Mekbeb
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Erica Landis, Carly Okyle
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Craig Smith, Jessica Reiss Photography, Chelsea Doyle
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Proverbs 3:5-6
Achieving the American Dream
Arrangements, Timeless
Jose H Monroy Jr, CFP®
Financial Advisor
2277 South Ave
Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
908-518-0788
jose.monroy@edwardjones.com
John M Capeci
Financial Advisor
250 South Ave, Ste 101 Fanwood, NJ 07023
908-288-7094
john.capeci@edwardjones.com
At Ross & Calandrillo, we are dedicated to providing exceptional legal services with a personal touch. With decades of experience, we offer compassionate and effective representation tailored to your needs. Our areas of expertise include:
• Family Law and Related Matters: Divorce, custody, support, and more.
• Simple Wills: Protect your loved ones with a straightforward estate plan.
• Residential Real Estate Closings: Guiding you through seamless home buying or selling.
Conveniently located in Mountainside, we are proud to serve the Scotch Plains community with integrity and personalized attention. Let us handle the legal details so you can focus on what matters most.
business monthly
ROUNDUP
Pop Art NJ Inspires Creativity in Kids
Pop Art NJ, founded by Scotch Plains mom of two Laura Simko, launches a 6-week kids’ art class series in collaboration with Party on Prospect in Westfield, NJ. This creative series introduces children to iconic 1950s and 1960s artists like Warhol, Lichtenstein, and Pollock, while encouraging self-expression through hands-on projects. Laura is passionate about fostering creativity in kids, offering them a fun, inspiring space to explore their artistic potential and create their own masterpieces.
J.Bone’s Barbecue: Authentic Southern BBQ from TV Producer to Pitmaster
J.Bone’s Barbecue, a new restaurant and catering service in Westfield, NJ, is founded by Scotch Plains resident Jordan Mallari, a former TV producer who spent years filming BBQ Pitmasters and learning from renowned pitmasters. After two decades in television, Mallari is excited to bring his passion for authentic Southern barbecue to the community, offering smoked meats and unique dishes inspired by regional BBQ techniques from across the U.S.
Shovlin Mattress Factory Donates 98 Mattresses to Local Veterans
Throughout November, in honor of Veterans Day, Shovlin Mattress Factory, located in Fanwood, offered customers the chance to buy a USA-made mattress for local veterans at Valley Brook Village in Basking Ridge for just $100, with Shovlin covering the rest. The community raised $6,700, enabling the donation of 98 mattresses.
Photography by @jbonesbarbecue
Photography by Ron Shovlin
ACHIEVING THE AMERICAN DREAM
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG SMITH
FROM ITALY TO THE UNITED STATES, A LOCAL FAMILY CONTINUES A LEGACY OF HARD WORK AND DETERMINATION
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 establishment.
“We came from Montazzoli, and we had relatives already living here,” says their daughter, Anna Fabiano, who was just 11 years old at the time. Her brother Joe was only 9. The family arrived with no knowledge of English, but their eagerness to adapt and build a life in America drove them to succeed.
Rocco, a skilled mason, continued working in his trade until an injury forced him to reconsider his career. One day, an acquaintance from their hometown in Italy offered a shoe repair business for sale. Although Rocco and Maria knew nothing about shoe repair or cobbling, they decided to take a leap of faith and purchase the business. “They needed to support their family,” says Anna. “It’s the resilience of immigrants - wanting a better life and being willing to work hard to achieve it.”
The family jumped right into learning the ropes of the new business. They hired a skilled employee to guide them at first, and the local customers helped them learn English. “They learned both the business and the language, and they ran the shop for over 30 years,” says Anna. “The business became the foundation for our family’s future.”
Over the years, Park Avenue Shoe Repair became known for its expertise in shoe and leather repairs, including everything from handbags to UGG boots and sneaker cleaning. While Rocco and Maria truly enjoyed running the business, especially interacting with their loyal customers, by 2007 they were ready for retirement.
Rocco, knowing how vital the shop had become to the community, asked Anna if she would be willing to take over. He didn’t want the shop to close, especially since there were so few shoe repair shops left in town. In the 1970s, Anna recalls, there were three such businesses in town. Now, Park Avenue Shoe Repair is the only one still standing. The trade has dwindled as fewer people are willing to take up the craft of cobbling.
“When my father asked me to take over, I was working full-time, and my husband was preparing for retirement,” says Anna. “But we decided to keep the business alive and carry on the legacy.”
The shop now serves a diverse customer base, ranging from the older generation who prefer to repair shoes for comfort, to younger professionals who want to protect their expensive footwear investment. “We see a lot of customers who buy resale items and want to give them new life,” she says. “They bring in shoes to be stretched, repaired, and/or cleaned.”
Despite the evolving needs of customers, the shop’s core equipment and atmosphere have remained almost unchanged. “Kids come in and are amazed by the machines,” says Anna. “They’ve never seen a shoe repair shop before.”
The shop’s nostalgic charm is a big part of its appeal. “My dad even fixed the floor using old soles from shoes, and it’s still there today. The smell of the leather and the old-time feel - it’s something people love.”
Park Avenue Shoe Repair is a symbol of resilience and community, and Anna and her husband Nick have hopes for it to continue in the family. Their son, Marc, a physical education teacher and wrestling coach at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, has expressed an interest in keeping the business alive. “We’re hoping our children will be the next generation to take over and keep it going,” she says.
The sense of pride and satisfaction the family feels is reflected in their customers. “When they come in and say, ‘These shoes look brand new,’ it’s such a good feeling,” says Anna, smiling. “They always walk out happy, and that’s what matters most.”
Park Avenue Shoe Repair is more than just a business - it’s a legacy of hard work, perseverance, and love for the community that has supported it for so many years. With the next generation eager to carry it forward, the future of this cherished institution looks as bright as ever.
NJShoeRepair.com
“THE BUSINESS BECAME THE FOUNDATION FOR OUR FAMILY’S FUTURE.”
cpaigephotography.pic-time.com
MODERN ARRANGEMENTS, Timeless SERVICE
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 people” Tom said. “Things have changed dramatically in our profession – especially after the pandemic, and I’d like to believe that we are leaders in the community when it comes to helping people through challenging times like the death of a loved one.”
Originally located in Plainfield, Memorial Funeral Home in Fanwood was designed and built by Tom’s father from the ground up in 1980. It was the first funeral home in the area that was specifically designed to function efficiently as a funeral home – as opposed to the traditional old homes that were converted into funeral homes. The goal was for every detail of this warm, comfortable, and fully handicapped accessible space would help mourners honor their loved ones in the most comfortable setting.
HOW WE GATHER TO REMEMBER OUR LOVED ONES IS CHANGING. MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME IN FANWOOD IS LISTENING.
“Although we work with all the local churches and temples, religious services are not as prevalent as they once were. So, we pay attention to that. We often host celebrations of life, as opposed to the traditional religious services with the deceased present. Our community has become more diverse and younger, and we made some physical changes to our funeral home with a complete renovation in 2021 with those families in mind. We wanted a bright and comfortable space,” Tom explained, referring to the recent renovations.
Comfort is tangible in the close groupings of soft couches and chairs instead of rows of seats that can make conversation difficult. This way, small groups are talking and connecting over the person they’ve lost.
“Covid restrictions for funerals showed all of us how important it is for people to gather and remember together. Hugs are really important.”
Setting Memorial apart from other funeral homes is their café area. In 2019, New Jersey was one of the last states to repeal a law which banned food or drink from being served in funeral homes. Visitors may have traveled long distances, and the café area can be set up with coffee, snacks, and sandwiches for them to enjoy. The café can also provide a private space just for the family to take a breather without needing to leave the building.
Tom’s daughter, Katie, also felt the generational pull to serve her community. After graduating from Brooklyn Law School and working in family law and mediation, Katie found law wasn’t as fulfilling as her previous parttime work at the funeral home.
“I found the common denominator, helping people, combined with my love of our family business really pushed me in this direction. I love finding different ways to help people honor their loved ones and also help the business evolve,” Katie said.
“And it's nice to have youth, especially when it comes to technology,” Tom added, referring to the importance of livestreaming services and putting together video memorials from photos.
“When a death happens, some people want to know every detail from that first phone call they make to us. And other people are just in a head spin. And so, we go slow, taking it one step at a time,” Tom explains. “We try to be very good listeners and intuitive to what people need - whether that first phone call is 9:30 on a Monday morning or 3 o'clock in the morning over the weekend.”
“COVID RESTRICTIONS FOR FUNERALS
Preplanning your arrangements is something Tom strongly suggests when he does presentations within the community. There are many financial as well as emotional benefits to preplanning and Memorial is well versed and happy to answer any questions.
In addition to supporting the community in sad times, Tom is also a longtime member and past president of the FanwoodScotch Plains Rotary Club and serves as the chairman of the Rotary Garbe Scholarship Fund. Tom has also participated in Century for the Cure, biking 100 miles in a single day to raise money for the Cancer Institute of New Jersey.
Serving the community, along with Tom and Katie, are Laura Mann, who serves as manager of the funeral home. After graduating from Mount St. Mary Academy and Loyola University, Laura, decided to pursue a career as a funeral director. Originally from Plainfield, Laura recently moved to a new home in Scotch Plains with her husband and daughter.
For more information or to discuss your funeral and memorial needs, please reach out at (908) 322-4350 or visit www.fanwoodmemorial.com
Google Reviews
A True Labor of Love
ARTICLE BY CARLY OKYLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEA DOYLE
MELODY DEGAETANO COMBINES HER KNOWLEDGE OF NUTRITION WITH HER LOVE OF CONNECTION AT BERNADETTE.
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. quantity,” she explained. “You're still exciting your brain and palate but the portion size makes it so that you're not overindulging. Everything is quality and almost everything is made from scratch down to the dipping sauce…except ketchup. What you’re having is truly crafted and not just purchased.”
Though the Valentine’s Day menu hadn't been finalized at the time of reporting -- the focus was still on getting through Christmas and New Year’s -- DeGaetano had some ideas. “Oysters are a fan favorite for sure, and we'll definitely have a special cocktail that's geared toward [the holiday] in terms of what the taste and name of it is.”
Beyond crafting the menu and cocktails, DeGaetano picks everything from the scented candles and toilet paper in the
bathroom to the outlet covers. “Don’t even get me started on the lightbulb,” she said. The seemingly endless decision making is worth it for the joy DeGaetano gets from the work. “The nature of a small business owner is you have to take on just about every role. The only thing I cannot do is bartend,” she said.
When asked what she loves about owning restaurants, Melody DeGaetano recounts two stories, one from each of the two businesses she owns. “The first year that we were open at Black Drop it was Thanksgiving morning, and an older gentleman was alone reading the paper. Later, a second gentleman also sat down reading the paper alone and I introduced them. They started talking…and now they play chess together on weekends,” DeGaetano said. Then, she recounted a recent evening at Bernadette. “There was a group of women at the restaurant celebrating nothing at all,” she begins, “and the restaurant was full of laughter. [Co-owner Ryan Hampton and I] didn't just create a restaurant, we created a space for people to connect.”
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 ultimate sacrifice for his country in Normandy, France, on July 29, 1944. In recognition of his service, Warren Street, where PFC Ramsey once lived, will now also be known as Harry T. Ramsey Lane. Signs have been placed on Warren Street at the intersections of Coles Avenue and Rose Street. His name will also be added to the War Memorial in the center of town.
This recognition began with the dogged research of Westfield resident, Brian Mueller. In 2020, he watched a 1964 documentary marking the 20th anniversary of D-Day, and as General Eisenhower and Walter Cronkite walked through the rows of graves at the American Cemetery in Normandy, Cronkite read some of the names of the soldiers buried there. One of those names was Harry Ramsey from New Jersey.
“That's what started the whole thing,” says Brian. “I started digging, talked to his nephew Tom [Ramsey], and confirmed that that was his uncle. I ultimately found he was from Scotch Plains.”
He also went to the War Memorial in the center of town but didn’t see Ramsey’s name. He set out to rectify this situation and make sure the veteran was recognized for his service.
It took about four years to gather all the records, and Brian never realized his research would culminate in such an honor to Ramsey. “I'm happy to see this happen, and I'm also happy that it's during the 80th anniversary of D-Day.”
Even though Brian isn’t a veteran, he’s a treasurer of the Association of the United States Army that supports Army veterans, soldiers that are deployed, and their families.
“I was just shocked when Brian contacted me,” says Tom, who drove up from Atlanta for the event. “I knew about the Walter Cronkite/General Eisenhower documentary because I watched it with my dad as a child.” They were both surprised when Harry’s name was mentioned.
“When Brian told me what he was trying to do, I offered to help in any way I could. I had some genealogy records, but not a lot.”
“When you place a wreath on a veteran’s tombstone, say his name aloud. Because, when you say their names aloud, you keep them alive, you remember their sacrifice.”
Tom’s father, John, was also a veteran and he and his brother Harry enlisted when they were in their 30s. “They were over there serving because they wanted to.”
While in town, Tom had the opportunity to go by and look at the house on Warren Street. “I can picture my dad in that house,” he says.
“I like what Mr. McCourt said at the end of his speech,” says Ernie Hernandez, a member of the Veterans Advisory Board in town, which was instrumental in providing this recognition. “When you place a wreath on a veteran's tombstone, say his name aloud. Because, when you say their names aloud, you keep them alive, you remember their sacrifice.”
So, next time you’re driving around town, visit these signs and take a moment to remember.
Pancake Breakfast for a Cause
Enjoy pancakes, raffle prizes, and community fun while supporting the Scotch Plains Volunteer 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 of delicious food, camaraderie, and community support.
Each year, locals look forward to this event, and it has become a tradition for families, friends, and neighbors to come together to enjoy a hearty meal and contribute to a great cause. The Pancake Breakfast is an all-youcan-eat event featuring hot, fluffy pancakes, sausage, coffee, and juice. The cost is just $7 per person, and children 5 and under eat for free. It’s an affordable, family-friendly way to enjoy a Sunday morning while supporting a vital local organization.
Beyond the delicious breakfast, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a raffle featuring a variety of gift baskets. These baskets are generously donated by community members and local businesses, and they are filled with exciting items like gourmet treats, spa products, home goods, and more. Raffle tickets are available for purchase, giving everyone a chance to win while helping raise funds for the Scotch Plains Volunteer Rescue Squad.
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI, A LIFE MEMBER OF THE SP RESCUE SQUAD
This annual Pancake Breakfast is more than just a meal—it’s an opportunity to give back to the community. All proceeds from the event benefit the Scotch Plains Volunteer Rescue Squad, a nonprofit organization that provides emergency medical services to the residents of Scotch Plains and surrounding areas. As a volunteer-run organization, the Rescue Squad relies on donations and community support to continue providing life-saving services. The Auxiliary, which organizes this event, plays an essential role in fundraising and supporting the squad's mission.
To make this year’s event even more exciting, the Auxiliary is collecting donations for the gift baskets that will be raffled off. Community members are encouraged to contribute new items for themed baskets, including:
• Baking • Wellness • Gardening • Sports • Pets • Health • Children • Scrapbooking • Coffee/Tea • Comic Books • Arts and Crafts • Italian Dinner • Games • Vacation • Holiday Items • Crazy Socks
Donations of baskets and ribbon for packaging are also welcomed. Please note that no shoes, clothing, or stuffed animals will be accepted. If you’re feeling creative, consider assembling your own themed basket to donate—this could be a great project for a family, scout troop, or other local group looking to give back to the community.
Donations are being collected at the Squad building on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., through February 15, 2025. Your contributions will help make this year’s raffle bigger and better than ever.
For those with mobility challenges, the event is fully accessible, and downstairs dining will be available.
In addition to the breakfast and raffle, the Auxiliary is always looking for new members to join their efforts. If you’re interested in becoming part of this important group, you can pick up an application at the Squad building or reach out via email at SPRSAuxiliary@scotchplainsrescuesquad.com.
Whether you’re a long-time supporter or a first-time visitor, the Scotch Plains Volunteer Rescue Squad’s Pancake Breakfast is an event you won’t want to miss. Come out with your family and friends for a delicious meal, a chance to win fantastic prizes, and a wonderful way to give back to the community. Your support helps ensure that the volunteer rescue squad can continue to provide critical services to those in need.
THE SCOTTSDALE LURE OF
The endless skies of blue are interrupted only by cacti rising majestically from the ground, arms reaching skyward, and palm trees, which are often adorned by lights that twinkle when the sun sets. There are vistas of open desert, rising mountains, and even the lush green of the locale’s many golf courses. And, of course, there are the vibrant shopping, dining, art, and event scenes, too.
Scottsdale is a city located in Metro Phoenix in Arizona, which as a whole is nicknamed “The Valley of the Sun” for its more than 330 days of sun each year—one of the reasons the area is a draw for visitors. With few rainy days, it’s easy to plan your daily activities without worry. Yes, though, the summer gets hot. But the rest of the year? Perfection.
Scottsdale is a mix of a resort destination, city, and suburbs, with more open desert the further north you venture. To the south is Downtown Scottsdale—also known as Old Town Scottsdale—which is a mix of old Southwestern charm
BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN
(including the legendary cowboy saloon, Rusty Spur Saloon); modern eateries from famed chefs; lots of shopping at small boutiques and specialty shops; the Arts District , which is filled with art galleries; and even tasting rooms from Arizona wineries located along the famed Scottsdale Wine Trail
Nearby is Scottsdale Fashion Square , one of the nation’s premier shopping destinations. While you’ll find many usual retailers there, there are also more than 40 luxury brands, including Christian Louboutin, Bottega Veneta, and Louis Vuitton.
Heading north are open-air shopping destinations Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons , which sit across the street from each other. Take the afternoon or evening to stroll through, exploring the shops, restaurants, and activity destinations such as the indoor mini-golf destination Puttshack . What else is there to see and do? Plenty.
FROM RELAXATION TO SHOPPING TO GOLF TO SIGHTSEEING, THIS DESTINATION HAS IT ALL
PLAY
Like golf? There are more than 200 golf courses in the Scottsdale area. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, there is a course for you. One of the most popular in the area is the TPC Scottsdale as it is the locale of the WM Phoenix Open, the most-attended golf tournament in the world.
For most of the year, Scottsdale boasts warm temperatures, making spending a day splashing in a pool a perfect choice. Many local resorts have pool areas that feature fun extras such as water slides, lazy rivers, and even a cooled sand beach. And even if you’re not an on-site guest, you can often purchase a day pass to be on-site through ResortPass.com.
Of course, there’s also plenty of outdoor recreation in Scottsdale. Pinnacle Peak in North Scottsdale is a popular mountain to hike (as is the iconic Camelback Mountain, which is located in nearby Phoenix), and the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt is a park and trail system spread over 11 miles. Kids love McCormickStillman Railroad Park , which boasts a small-scale train that circles the park and plenty of play areas.
A destination filled with numerous attractions is A rizona Boardwalk , a center that includes Butterfly Wonderland , OdySea Aquarium , Ripley’s Believe It or Not! , Museum of Illusions , and more.
CULTURE
The beauty of Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert led famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959), to build Taliesin West , his winter home and desert laboratory, in a mountainside in East Scottsdale. Today, there are daily tours of the UNESCO World Heritage site, and events are offered often.
However, Wright’s architecture isn’t the only art in the area. Beyond the Arts District in Downtown Scottsdale, there is public art all around the city, from sculptures to murals, so definitely keep your eyes open!
There are also museums such as Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West , a Smithsonian Affiliate, which showcases items from the Greater Western region, and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art , affectionately known as SMoCA.
On Thursday evenings, there’s a free public ArtWalk in the Arts District, where galleries stay open later. Wander the streets and galleries, often against a backdrop of live music and even artist appearances.
NEARBY
While there’s so much to do, see, and experience in Scottsdale proper, there’s also much to see nearby. Make sure to experience the Musical Instrument Museum (affectionately known as the MIM), which is the world’s only global instrument museum. Desert Botanical Garden features an array of desert plants, and Phoenix Art Museum has an impressive collection of art. And, of course, the Phoenix Zoo is a perfect place for both kids and adults alike.
FEBRUARY 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 1ST
UC Class of 2029 Registration Celebration Day
Union Catholic High School 1600 Martine Ave, Scotch Plains | 11:00 AM
Union Catholic welcomes the Class of 2029 at the Registration Celebration Day on February 1, 2025. Newly accepted and registered students will come together to celebrate their UC journey, meet future classmates, and experience the vibrant UC community as they take their first steps toward becoming part of the Union Catholic family.
FEBRUARY 4TH, 11TH, 18TH
Stitch
and Sip at the
Fanwood Library
Fanwood Memorial Library | 5 Forest Road Fanwood | 1:00 PM
Bring your knitting, crocheting, sewing projects and a drink in a sealed container and work on your project in the company of others while enjoying a cup tea or coffee. Please note that this is an informal meetup where crafting materials and formal instruction are not provided.
FEBRUARY 23RD
Scotch Plains Volunteer Rescue Squad’s Annual Pancake Breakfast
1916 Bartle Avenue, Scotch Plains 8:00 AM
All-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage, along with coffee and juice, will be offered for just a $7.00 per person entry fee (children 5 and under eat free). There will also be a raffle for baskets, which are filled with gifts and goodies donated by the community and area businesses. This event is hosted by the Scotch Plains Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary, which raises funds for the volunteer squad.
SUMMER CAMP SUMMER CAMP
