Celebrating Gratitude
Thankful for Our Community
In our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook the many blessings that surround us, but it’s important to pause and acknowledge the abundance of kindness, support, and connection that defines our community.
Thankfulness has a profound impact on our well-being. When we express gratitude, we shift our focus from what we lack to what we have. This practice not only fosters positivity within ourselves but also strengthens our bonds with others. I encourage everyone to take a few moments each day to reflect on what you are grateful for, whether it’s a friendly smile, a helping hand, or simply the beauty of nature around us.
I am thankful for the businesses in town that provide exceptional goods, services and community support. In this issue, I'm excited to highlight the ways they serve our community and what they are thankful for.
Let’s also remember to share our gratitude with those who enrich our lives. A simple thank-you can brighten someone’s day and remind them of their importance in our community. Together, we can create a culture of appreciation that uplifts us all.
Wishing you all a season filled with joy, connection, and gratitude.
LYNN HARRIS, PUBLISHER @SCOTCHPLAINSCITYLIFESTYLE
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Lynn Harris | lynn.harris@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Kevin Harris | kevin.harris@citylifestyle.com
INTERN
Sophia Mekbeb
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Hazel Nussbaum
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Carly Okyle, Sue Baldani, Sophia Mekbeb
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Elena Goggin, Craig Smith
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
inside the issue
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Financial advisor Jose Monroy is thankful for his beautiful family. 2: Brian Cohen and Alicia Holden at the East 2nd Street Block Party and Car Show on September 14th. 3: Residents at Mira Vie enjoyed making pizza with Domingo from Fabio’s Bistro. 4: Members of the Fanwood Rescue Squad offered tours of their rig at Fanny Wood Day. 5: Junior Jammers at “Kups for Cancer” lemonade stand raised money for local families affected by cancer. 6: Local cub scouts sell popcorn outside Darby Rd. to fundraise for their organization. 7: The community celebrated the opening of the new Fanwood Memorial Library on September 15th.
@ALICIA_HOLDEN_REAL-ESTATE
@FANWOOD, NJ
@JOSE H. MONROY JR
THERESA GUERRIERO
JAM KANCER IN THE KAN MAGDA FINNERTY FANWOOD MEMORIAL LIBRARY
business monthly
In N Out Dog Wash’s Paw-fect New Location
In N Out Dog Wash has expanded with a new location at 427 Lake Avenue in Colonia. Owner Mike Kelly, who first opened his Garwood facility in 2011, continues his mission to deliver top-quality self-service pet washing and grooming. Known for dedicated staff and affordable, high-standard care, the new Colonia locale promises even more happy pups and satisfied owners.
Scan to read more
Mr. Tech Brings Cutting-Edge Repairs to Fanwood
Fanwood's newest one-stop shop for all things digital, Mr. Tech, opened its doors recently with a grand opening. Owner Eugene Oppido and Mayor Colleen Mahr celebrated the ribbon-cutting occasion at 222 South Ave, located directly across from Fanwood Train Station. Specializing in new and used electronic sales, Mr. Tech offers a wide range of training courses and high-quality repairs at competitive prices.
Mount Saint Mary Academy's Directress Celebrates Her 25th Year!
Sister Lisa D. Gambacorto, RSM, ED. S. marks her 25th year as Directress of Mount Saint Mary Academy. She serves as both President and Principal in her role at the Academy. Sister Lisa has fearlessly and compassionately devoted herself to the mission of educating young women to reach their potential. She is the ninth and longest-serving Directress in the Academy's 116-year history.
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BRING THE HEAT
HOTWORX Fitness Studio in Garwood Warms Your Body and Soul This Season.
ARTICLE BY CARLY OKYLE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELENA GOGGIN
As the temperatures drop for the fall, HOTWORX Garwood is heating up. Less than a year after opening the infrared exercise space -- Robin Pritzlaff and her husband Donny officially opened for business in January 2024, with the grand opening happening in March -- membership is growing monthly. Robin Pritzlaff is not surprised at all by the fast-growing popularity.
“My family just loves the holiday season, and we make it special for us, and I felt like making it special for other people.”
“We were so excited to bring HOTWORX to the community because we personally experienced how the infrared just changes your life,” she said. “My husband loves saunas so when he went to see a friend in North Carolina they visited a HOTWORX and he was immediately hooked. My older daughter went to a franchise in Arizona when visiting our younger daughter at a Scottsdale dance academy. Both of my girls realized the benefits of using the infrared saunas to feel great and recover.”
While there were other HOTWORX franchises out west and down south, Robin and Donny opened one of the first franchises in New Jersey, and Robin believes that opening in Garwood was hugely
beneficial. “I think Garwood is the perfect location,” she said. “It’s an ideal location for everyone that lives in Union County. We are conveniently placed in Garwood Plaza and there’s free parking, which is always an added bonus.” She also shared that she’s hoping to open a second location in New Jersey.
While exercise was not new to the Pritzlaffs -- Robin worked as a pilates instructor, Donny coaches wrestling, and their daughters are also physically active -the infrared was a revelation. According to the website, “Infrared energy has the effect of strengthening and activating the regenerative processes in the human body.” Infrared is said to be helpful in muscle recovery, detoxification, cellulite reduction, and other benefits.
Yet, Robin says that at first, people weren’t sure what an infrared sauna was. Free trials brought in some newcomers. Now, the isometrics classes are full, and people who hadn’t worked out for years previously are coming in three to five times per week. For $79 monthly, clients have unlimited access to weight training and classes such as High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) -- “HIIT means cardio,” Pritzlaff explained -- pilates, yoga, and more. “It’s not for everyone,” she said. “You’re working out in 125 degrees. Most people love it. They’re hooked. Our members are wonderful and they spread the word.”
For the holiday season, she plans to continue mobilizing the community. As she’s done for the past six years, she’ll spread the holiday spirit to those who need it most. She has a connection to a shelter in Elizabeth, New Jersey. “I am tied to the St. Joseph’s giving tree,” Pritzlaff explained. “We start working at the end of November, putting together gifts with volunteers. Every holiday, I make all the bags for the children, so I'm going to get my Hotworx members involved by asking them to bring donations to the studio so they can help too.” If altruism isn’t enough motivation, she plans to use HOTWORX to provide extra incentives. “There’s a raffle for people that bring in a donation. If new members enroll, the rate will be discounted,” she said.
“In one goody bag, a child might receive a toy along with some gum, toothbrush, notepad, pen, an outfit, pajamas, socks, a hat and gloves. Adults receive a gift card, an outfit, a hat, gloves, socks, and toiletries,” she continued. “My family just loves the holiday season, and we make it special for us, and I felt like making it special for other people. Everybody deserves a special thing like this.” As in her professional work, Pritzlaff’s charitable endeavor will keep people warm, both in body and in spirit.
CULTIVATING GRATITUDE AND THANKFULNESS THROUGH MEDITATION
FANWOOD’S DHAMMAKAYA MEDITATION CENTER PROVIDES A SPACE FOR ALL TO REFLECT
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELENA GOGGIN
In a world that often feels overwhelming, the Dhammakaya Meditation Center offers a sanctuary for the mind and spirit. Founded on the principles of relaxation and clarity, this meditation style is not only about finding inner peace but also about nurturing a deep sense of gratitude and thankfulness for the present moment.
“ TAKE A DEEP BREATH BEFORE YOU START ANYTHING AND LET IT BECOME YOUR HABIT AND A PART OF YOUR LIFE .”
“Relaxation is the key,” says Pat Inlarp, who, along with Buddhist monks, guides the classes in its Fanwood Midway Avenue location. “When you’re calm and relaxed, you gain more positivity. I like to say that meditation leads to wisdom. You can see the reality around you because your mind is clearer. When your mind is clear, you think better.”
At its core, Dhammakaya meditation emphasizes focusing on the center of the body. “Everyone can learn to meditate,” Pat explains. “You just follow the guidance, and breathe in, breathe out, and breathe in again, and then you stop and focus on the
center of your body.” This simple yet profound practice encourages participants to connect with their inner selves, fostering a sense of tranquility and mindfulness.
“Practice regularly when you are working or going to school,” Pat advises. “Take a deep breath before you start anything and let it become your habit and a part of your life.” By integrating mindfulness and gratitude into daily routines, individuals can create a foundation of resilience and positivity. Simple practices, such as pausing to acknowledge something you’re grateful for each day, can profoundly impact your mindset.
The Dhammakaya International Meditation Center invites everyone to explore this transformative journey. With classes designed for all experience levels, the Center emphasizes that the path to mindfulness and thankfulness is accessible to everyone. The Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday sessions are for adults, and young children can take part in the Parent and Child Mindfulness class. Teen Mindfulness and Senior instruction are also available, and there are Zoom classes as well.
On Sundays, classes are mainly for Buddhists, many of whom come from Thailand. “If you are non-Buddhist and want to experience it, we have translation through the radio,” says Pat.
There’s a full moon meditation every month as well. “That is very powerful, because everyone in the 19 centers across America is meditating at the same time. So more than a thousand people together.” As a non-profit, The Dhammakaya Meditation Center accepts donations to participate in classes and workshops.
“It is a very peaceful place,” says Pat. “We're happy to be here in this nice community and we're happy to share our knowledge and teachings.” In a society that frequently encourages distraction, Dhammakaya meditation stands as a reminder of the power of presence, urging us to slow down, breathe deeply, and cultivate a heart full of thankfulness.
The market may change often, but your important financial goals probably don’t.
We believe the best way to build and preserve your financial future is by taking a long-term approach to investing. That’s why we don’t follow investment fads.
No matter what your path forward looks like, we’ll work with you every step of the way to develop thoughtful, tailored strategies. So you can see the road ahead and move along it with confidence.
Our process? We listen. Really listen. Stop by.
Jose H Monroy Jr, CFP®
2277 South Avenue Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
908-518-0788 John M Capeci
Smart Money Moves
LET AN EXPERT GUIDE YOU ON YOUR FINANCIAL JOURNEY
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG SMITH
When it comes to financial management, it’s best to consult with an experienced professional. Professional financial advisors can help make planning for the new year and into the future both seamless and effective by taking into account their clients’ particular lifestyles, ages and goals. Here, we introduce you to one.
John M. Capeci
FINANCIAL ADVISOR WITH EDWARD JAMES
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A FINANCIAL ADVISOR, AND WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT IT?
I've always been interested in finance and with the premise of helping people navigate the financial markets and achieve their goals. For more than 30 years, it’s been a joy to work with different people, learn about them and their families, and then put together strategies that work for them.
Over the past decade in particular, there's been an incredible focus on individuality. When it comes to retirement, some people want to live a quiet lifestyle, while others want to travel and see the world. For younger couples, it’s more about long-term goals, making sure they have coverage in case something happens to their partners, and helping kids save for college. So, my goal is to find out what they're trying to achieve in life.
WHY DID YOU WANT TO BECOME A PART OF THE TEAM AT EDWARD JONES?
I joined the firm on February 20, 2018. Edward Jones really attracted me because it’s a privately held company and it's a partnership. Even though it's a big company – there are offices across the country - it’s run like a family-type business. There's incredible emphasis on working with individuals and understanding what their goals are. I like the culture and the people.
Having an office in Fanwood was also appealing. I get to work in the community in which I live.
SINCE THIS IS OUR THANKFUL ISSUE, WHAT ARE YOU MOST THANKFUL FOR IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE?
I really enjoy what I do, and I have a great business partner in my branch office administrator Jennifer Mongold. We’re a fantastic team. She knows what I'm thinking and I kind of know what she's thinking. I don't ever have to worry if I'm out of the office and something comes up because I know she’ll be able to handle it. She also lives locally and has a great family.
I’m thankful for our wonderful clients too, and we really like working with them. It's a collaborative effort and we form true relationships. It makes the day joyful.
AND WHAT ARE YOU MOST THANKFUL FOR IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE?
I’m a divorcee, but my partner Nancy and I have been together for over 10 years. We're blessed with four really wonderful kids aged 16 to 20 between us. Nancy's youngest, Erica, is at the high school, my daughters Dina and Gianna are at Penn State, and Nancy’s son Andrew is at TCU in Texas. Everybody gets along well, and watching them grow up and now move on to their college careers has been rewarding. We’re also fortunate to live in a very nice community.
To find out more about John, and for help with your financial journey, go to EdwardJones. com/US-EN/Financial-Advisor/John-Capeci.
“I’m thankful for our wonderful clients too, and we really like working with them. It’s a collaborative effort and we form true relationships. It makes the day joyful.”
Since 1959, the doctors and team members of Dentalcare Associates have been dedicated to excellence in dentistry and we cordially invite you to join our dental family. All phases of dentistry are offered in a comfortable, modern office setting. Our goal is to provide our patients a healthy smile for a lifetime!
DENTALCARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY
Preventive care • Checkups and cleanings
Tooth Whitening • Cosmetic Bonding
Porcelain Veneers • Ceramic Crowns
Invisalign clear aligners
Implant supported crowns and bridges
Periodontal (gum) treatment • Extractions
Emergency services
DENTURES AND SAME DAY REPAIRS
Full and partial dentures
Flexible partials • Implant overdentures
Laboratory on premises
All repairs schedule permitting
• New patients welcome
• Day and evening appointments
• Afternoon appointments for students walking from School One, Nettingham, St. Barts, SPFHS
• Participating with most insurance carriers
• Flexible payment options for every budget
Dr. Robert V. Scalera, Jr. Dr. Lara Merker
(Periodontal and Implant Specialist 5798) Dr. Maureen Maximos
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG SMITH
“I’m thankful for our patients and for our team. It’s all about working towards a common goal, and it’s really fulfilling.”
Personalized, Professional Therapy
Finding the Source and Providing Relief from Discomfort
Unfortunately, healthcare has become somewhat of a numbers game - get as many patients in and out as fast as possible. Jay and Kate Neiswinter, physical therapists from Scotch Plains, wanted to change that in order to get to know their patients on a deeper level. So, they opened Individual Physical Therapy six years ago.
“Our first office was in Gillette, and we started with one table in a five hundred square feet former nail salon,” says Jay. Thanks to their personal philosophy and high-level of expertise, the practice grew fast. In 2022, they opened another office in Westfield, and last December, added an office in Scotch Plains.
“We now have a full team,” says Jay. “We have therapists that specialize in TMJ, in gait and balance disorders, orthopedics, neurological disorders, and more.”
Each patient is seen one-on-one usually with the same therapist who gets to know them, not just as a patient, but as a person. “We try to figure out the source
of their issues,” says Kate. “We're able to spend time and problem solve to make a difference and see what their long-term potential is. We give them back control over their lives.”
The couple truly loves what they do. “I'm thankful for our patients and for our team,” says Jay. “It's all about working towards a common goal, and it's really fulfilling.”
Kate adds “I'm thankful for the relationship that Jay and I have too, because I don't think we'd be where we’re at in any aspect of our lives if we weren't a good team. We feel really blessed at the end of the day.”
They’re also thankful for their healthy and happy children: 7-year-old Ellie and 3-yearold Travis, and not to be left out, 14-year-old Murphy, their lab-schnauzer mix.
“We love our careers, friends, family and our community,” says Jay. “Life is pretty good right now.”
IndividualPT.com
Savory Thanksgiving Tradition
CELEBRATE COMFORT FOOD AND COMMUNITY WITH SAVORY SELECTIONS CATERING & POP-UP’S DELICIOUS DIRTY RICE RECIPE!
ARTICLE BY SOPHIA MEKBEB
Since 2009, Savory Selections Catering has been a beloved part of the Scotch Plains community. The enterprise is co-owned by Felton Jones, a former youth basketball coach. Alongside his wife, Jill, and son, Ryan, Felton pours his heart into every dish, crafting traditional comfort food that brings the community together. Located at 1731 East Second Street, Savory Selections not only caters events but also hosts exciting pop-ups. They invite everyone to gather around the table this Thanksgiving to enjoy their signature vegetable dirty rice recipe!
ingredients
• 3 cups White Rice (any of your favorite non flavored rice)
• ¼ cup any Hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tsp Sage
• 1 tsp Thyme
• 1tsp Sea or Kosher Salt
• 1tsp ground black Pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Chopped or minced fresh garlic
• 1 cup Chopped Onion (size to your liking)
• 2 cups small Broccoli Florets
• 1 medium head of Cauliflower, cut into small florets
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup Sliced baby bella mushrooms
• 1 cup Sliced Red & Green Peppers (size to your liking)
• Serves 5 as a side dish
directions
Dirty vegetable mix
1. Steam broccoli and cauliflower until slightly cooked, set aside
2. Saute onions and garlic in olive oil until onions/ garlic is caramelized
3. Add peppers and carrots, sautee for approximately 5 min
4. Add mushrooms, steamed cauliflower & broccoli
5. Add butter, hot sauce, pepper, ground sage, ground thyme, olive oil, sea salt, paprika
6. Stir over low heat, preventing to overcook,
7. To stop the cooking, take off stove.
8. Gradually Mix in the rice-with rice mix more or less rice as you prefer. There is no prescriptive amount of rice to add.
This is a very scalable recipe and can be customized based on the level of flavor and rice needed. Do it your way!
Recipe provided by Savory Selections
SAVORY SELECTIONS DIRTY RICE
NOVEMBER 9TH
Fanwood Performance Series
Kuran Cultural Arts Center a.k.a. The Carriage House - 135 Watson Road, Fanwood | 7:00 PM
Danni Nicholls' music has been described as "smoky soul, folk-pop and heart-wrenching alt-country, all in a rich voice." Matt Cook writes songs that range from melancholic to exuberant, drawing influence from artists such as Brian Wilson and Ben Folds. Make reservations by emailing your name, show date and # of seats to fanwoodperformance@gmail.com. Admission: Suggested donation $15 adults / $10 seniors, students, CASH ONLY. Doors open 6:30 p.m.
NOVEMBER 17TH - 23RD
SPF Scholarship Foundation’s 4th Annual SPF Restaurant Week: Dining for Dollars
Participating Scotch Plains & Fanwood Restaurants
Local restaurants will donate 10% of your dine-in or takeout check to the SPF Scholarship Foundation. They include Max's Pizza and Bistro, Darby Road Pub, First Option Juice Hub, Houdini Pizza Laboratory, Fabio's Bistro, Rocko's Ice Cream, Nick's Pizza and Deli and Scoops Creamery.
