Finance + Legal Services

Renovations & Equity

Investing in your home equals great returns Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Joan Marie Photography Whether new construction, renovations or additions, investing in one’s home will bring great rewards not only while living there, but also when it comes time to sell.  “We build wealth through equity,” says Jack Bonomo of Bonomo & Sons, Inc. in Clark. “When we do a renovation on a home, it will add more value than what we charge.” Bonomo's current renovations include a full-home...

March 2024

Local Services

The Keys To Your Dreams

Investing in real estate is one smart move Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Joan Marie Photography When it comes to investing in real estate, there are quite a few options. So, let’s break it down and see what might work best for those thinking about putting their money into the market.    Family Home When looking to buy a family home, you want it to be a place that you can enjoy for many years, whether by yourself or while raising a family. But, you also want to make sure it’s a...

March 2024

Finance + Legal Services

Building Wealth While Building Community

When it comes to finances, invest in an expert Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Craig Smith With all the investment opportunities available, most people find choosing where to put their money overwhelming. There are so many variables to take into account, including age, lifestyle and goals. Fortunately, there are experts who can assist with making these decisions. “Before we pick any type of investment or any type of a plan going forward, we sit down with our clients to understand...

March 2024

Finance + Legal Services

A Healthy Investment

Dr. Robert V. Scalera, Jr. explains how proper dental health can last a lifetime Article by Carly Okyle | Photography by Craig Smith A lot has changed since Dr. Robert Scalera, Sr. founded Dentalcare Associates at 567 Park Avenue in Scotch Plains 65 years ago. To begin with, his son -- who grew up just two doors down from the practice -- is now the director.  While digital dentistry has improved over the years, it still comes down to the basics. In this case, basic homecare refers to brushing...

March 2024

Home + Design

Home Safe

How to be Proactive—Rather than Reactive—in Caring for Your Home Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Ninth Note Media You make appointments for annual physicals for your family. You take your car to your mechanic for servicing. So, you understand that regular check-ups are key to preventing more major issues in the future. But what about your home?    Costly repairs resulting from preventable situations are every homeowner’s nightmare. Andy Barresse, owner of Halo Home Maintenance in...

February 2024

Food + Beverage

A Perfect Mixture of Ingredients

Building friendships around delicious food and crafted cocktails Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Joan Marie Photography When Antonino (Nino) Locascio took over ownership of Grano Pizzeria & Italian Tavern in Scotch Plains in 2022, he had already been in the restaurant business for over 20 years. Along with his ability to offer outstanding customer service, he’s also known for new and innovative menu ideas and his adaptability to current food trends.    “I've been in all facets of the...

February 2024

Shopping

A Sound Sleep

Comfortable, customized mattresses and bedding that are just right for your needs Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Joan Marie Photography A bedroom should be an oasis - a place to get away from it all. It should look great and most importantly, be comfortable. Of course, the star of any bedroom is well, the bed.  If we don’t have sufficient rest, it affects every part of our lives. This is where the right mattress and pillows can make a huge difference. Family-owned-and-operated Orange...

February 2024

Home + Design

Home Design Trends by Grace & Chaos

Local Interior Designers, Sara and Emily, Share Their Favorite Materials and Finishes Article by Sara Yengle and Emily Palazzolo Velvet- Although velvet seems hard to maintain, it's actually a really versatile material that looks beautiful and warm while also being a durable and forgiving fabric. Veneer Tables - Veneer replicates the look, texture and colors of real wood but provides a tough surface that stands up to all the life events that happen in our spaces.  Boucle- A soft...

February 2024

Local Services

Layers of Beauty

An artist who brings his creations to life and celebrates the magic of coming together Article by Sue Baldani For Ricardo Roig, being creative is a way to make sense of the world and at the same time make it a more wonderful place to live. “Art really has the power to uplift and bring people together, and so not only do I do that authentically by being an artist, it’s just who I am,” he says. “It has always been a part of me.” Growing up in Westfield, he loved to sketch people he knew...

January 2024

Life + Culture

Service Above Self

Make a difference in your community Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Craig Smith Founded in 1938, the Rotary Club of Fanwood-Scotch Plains has been helping support local communities, our neighbors, and those in need around the world through a broad range of educational, humanitarian and cultural programs. Its mission: To provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. ...

January 2024