By Sue Baldani

When Kunal Sharma took over Neelam in 2021, he was proud to bring it back into the family after it was sold in 2011. The Indian restaurant has been a beloved staple in Berkeley Heights since 1984, when his uncle decided to bring authentic Indian food to the town. Today, Kunal carries on that tradition.

“The trend in today’s world, especially with Indian food, is fusion – combining it with other cuisines – but within that transition, the authenticity of the recipes is getting lost,” he says. “Indian food has so many spices and flavors, and it’s a process to make just one dish. So, if we do something different, it loses all the shine, all the great flavors that come about.”

Of course, for any dish to taste its best, the quality of the ingredients is of utmost importance. “I do not compromise on the quality of the ingredients,” says Kunal. “I always choose the best produce, meat and spices in the industry, even if it costs more. I want the best for my customers.”

Everything on the menu is made with fresh ingredients, never frozen, and all of the meats come from a Halal butcher shop, so regardless of religion, everyone can eat at Neelam.

Some of the most requested dishes, he says, are Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken, along with the Karahi Chicken and Paneer Makhani. “Palak Paneer is also very popular, as is the Chicken Tandoori Malai Kebab, Samosa and our Beetroot Tikki Kebabs.” There are also plenty of vegetarian options.

Plans are in the works to change up the menu and add some new dishes, but of course, the favorites will still be on there. “We are also planning to introduce lunch platters so people can choose what they want to eat. Right now, we are serving buffet, but sometimes people come in with a mindset of eating a specific dish, and it might not be in the buffet that day since we change the menu daily.”

The restaurant also offers full catering services, and not just in the local area. “We catered an Indian wedding with 400 people in Miami and just did one in Napa Valley. Word of mouth is spreading.”

When Kunal took over Neelam, his wife, Vandana Sharma, an interior designer, used her impressive skills to redesign and create a beautiful, comfortable and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant has a large repeat customer base, with new people coming in all the time.

“It’s not a fancy place; instead, I believe people should say it’s their favorite place. Our customers bring their girlfriends, or their family and kids, and they introduce us to them. It’s a big honor for us, because they want to show them that this is the place they love to go to have lunch or dinner or to celebrate birthdays and other special occasions.”

Kunal and his staff enjoy interacting and building relationships with customers. “We don’t just want to put the food down and leave, we want to understand what their needs are but at the same time give them space. And since it’s BYOB, they can bring their own bottle of whatever they like.”

To enjoy authentic Indian food in a friendly, family-owned establishment, plan a visit to Neelam soon. For more information, go to NeelamRestaurant.com.

Written for The Showcase Magazine in New Jersey.

Invite a master chef into your home and be a guest at your own party

By Sue Baldani

After winning two Food Network competitions, garnering other awards, and owning a couple of restaurants, Chef Lauren Covas is now a full-time in-demand caterer based in Long Branch. Regardless of location or cuisine, she brings parties to a whole other level.

What was your inspiration to become a chef?

I grew up in a very vibrant old school Portuguese family. I’m first generation and, as with a lot of European families, food is the centerpiece of our lives.

My mom and my grandmother are my biggest inspirations. They were always in the kitchen, so that’s where I got my first taste of it. I found such peace in the kitchen, so it just built that momentum for my future.

How do your dishes stand out?

A lot of times food can taste wonderful, but the presentation isn’t so great. I love art and working with my hands, and as a chef, you need both of those skills. You eat with your eyes first.

Everything’s homemade, and I love taking real ingredients and using those in multiple ways. Something as simple as cooking down white beans for a sofrito, or pureeing them for a creamy component of a dish.

Also, for holiday dishes, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel, but you can spruce them up. Everyone’s going to have the traditional sides or the things that they love, but I give them a new little flair.

For example, we can put the butternut squash soup in little shooters and garnish with pomegranate seeds. Or take that baked brie, and make it with a little bit of fresh raspberry compote, using it as a dip for crostini.

What are the advantages of having an event catered?

I take something off your plate and you get to enjoy your own party. We have full service as well as just delivery. We talk about what’s important to you before your event and I make sure that those notes are hit on.

I also give you tips and tricks. You don’t have to spend a fortune to do a great table setting. Use mason jars as your vessel for flowers to give it that rustic vibe, or place a piece of lace on your table as a runner.

Different accent pieces pull the table together and give you that all around total magazine feel. So, putting your appetizers on cake stands give that height difference on your table.

Tell us about your cookbook coming out in 2025.

Not Your Grandmother’s Table is a real homage to my grandmother and my mother and how I was raised. It also shows how I take the traditional dishes I grew up with and spruce them up for a more modern take.

Is your family involved in your career?

Yes, my husband Bill helps me with events when he’s not working, and my kids – Logan, who’s 14 and Gavin, who’s 11 – are both huge helps.

Check out @ChefLaurenCovas and schedule her for your own upcoming party!

Written for Chatham & Short Hills Lifestyle magazine in New Jersey.

Donations Needed for Gift Baskets

The Scotch Plains Rescue Squad Auxiliary is gearing up to host another amazing Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, February 23, 2025. To help make this annual get-together even more fun and exciting, donations are being collected for gift baskets that will be auctioned off during the event.

Only new items will be accepted, and no shoes, clothing or stuffed animals are needed. Please consider donating items for inclusion in the following themed basket prizes:

Baking – Wellness – Gardening – Sports – Pets – Health – Children – Scrapbooking – Coffee/Tea – Comic Books – Arts and Crafts – Italian Dinner – Games – Vacation – Holiday Items and Crazy Socks. Baskets and ribbon would also be very much appreciated.

We also encourage donors to put together their own gift baskets using the various themes above. This would be a great project for a family, a scout troop or other groups that would like to contribute to this worthy fundraiser.

The Auxiliary will be collecting donations on the following dates at the Rescue Squad building at 1916 Bartle Avenue Starting January 18, 2025 through February 15, 2025 on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7:00pm to 9:00pm and Saturdays from 10:00am to 1:00pm.

Thank you for your support!

The Scotch Plains Rescue Squad Auxiliary meets once a month, and its grass roots function is to assist the Squad in many capacities – from holding fundraisers and providing meals during crises to performing outreach to squad and fellow auxiliary members. Members also attend town functions, such as fairs, concerts and holiday events, in order to connect with the community and promote Squad interests.

If interested in becoming a member of the Auxiliary, come by the Squad building one evening to pick up an application, or email SPRSAuxiliary@scotchplainsrescuesquad.com.

Written by Sue Baldani, a life member of the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad

Get into the holiday spirit this season

When Samuel Campbell opened The Thistle Paper Mill in Millburn in 1795, he never could have imagined that it would one day be a beloved place in the community and in the entire state to see Broadway-level shows.

“It’s the best of Broadway in your backyard,” says Cody Andrus, director of marketing and communications for Paper Mill Playhouse. “You don’t have to get on a train into New York City. You can come to Millburn and enjoy the lovely setting of the town and the restaurants along with a great show.”

The tickets are also much more affordable, which allows people from all walks of life to enjoy the arts. “The arts are important at any age, and as you get older, they give you the opportunity to escape day to day life for a few hours,” he says. 

In addition to the plays, Paper Mill offers many classes and summer programs for people of all ages. “Even if you don’t go into this business, it gives you social skills and an appreciation for the world that we live in,” says Cody.

It’s also a great place to get into the holiday spirit. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Musical, based on the 1954 holiday film, is playing through the holidays. “What we’re doing here at Paper Mill is a complete experience where The F.M. Kirby Carriage House Restaurant will have a Christmas menu that’s based around the show, and the whole campus is going to be decorated with lights, snowflakes and Christmas decorations.” You’ll be fully immersed in the Christmas spirit.

Adds Mark S. Hoebee, the director of White Christmas, “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to bring this joyful musical to our stage for all families to enjoy. It has some of the best dancing you’ll ever see, and the infectious Irving Berlin score has truly become a part of America’s holiday soundscape. We have an incredibly talented company of performers, ready to deliver a dynamite experience for everyone who visits Paper Mill Playhouse this December.”

Before the show opened, The Carriage House also hosted Christmas trivia and a murder mystery called Murder Under the Mistletoe. “We also had a Christmas piano bar with Christmas music, and holiday songs to sing along to.”

The restaurant will continue to offer other themed programming geared towards upcoming shows. The Playhouse offers five shows a year, usually lasting for four to five weeks each. The best way to see them all, or even a few of your favorites, is to get a subscription, which offers lower prices per ticket, a fixed seat, and the ability to exchange tickets if you can’t make a scheduled show.

There are still plenty of fantastic shows coming up. Mystic Pizza, based on the popular 80s movie with Julia Roberts, will open in January. It will be followed by the world premiere of Take the Lead, a brand new musical based on the true story of a former professional dancer who brought ballroom dance into New York City public schools. Closing out the season will be the unforgettable Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

From an actual paper mill to a power-packed playhouse, the building has gone through many changes over the years, and now more are coming. “In October, we kicked off a $43.7 million dollar capital campaign,” says Cody. Along with renovating the dressing rooms and offices, the Carriage House will be completely redesigned and expanded in order to fit more people and host more events.

“The summer after that we start a full renovation of the lobby spaces, so there will be a beautiful open lobby that looks out onto the courtyard, expanded bathrooms and more accessibility.”

Through state and city funds, generous board members and other donors, the playhouse has raised over $30 million so far, but there is still a long way to go. They’re reaching out to other donors, subscribers, and single ticket buyers in order to complete the renovations in the next three years.

To get your tickets for a great show, make a reservation at the Carriage House, sign up for one of the events, and find out more about Paper Mill Playhouse’s capital campaign, go to PaperMill.org or call 973-376-4343.

Written for Chatham & Short Hills Lifestyle magazine in New Jersey.

The people who protect us cannot always be home for the holidays

By Sue Baldani

For many, holidays are about spending time with family and friends. Whether that includes opening presents, enjoying a wonderful meal, or just sitting around reminiscing, these days are special and often a break from the everyday hustle and bustle.

However, there are many people who don’t always get to celebrate these joyous occasions. Here, we meet three such responders who have traded the luxury of holidays off to protect and serve our community.

Andrew Gitto, Patrol Sergeant with the Scotch Plains Police Department

After serving in the United States Marine Corps, Andrew Gitto knew he wanted to continue to be of service to his country, and being a police officer, he felt, was the next closest thing.

“I’ve been a police officer for 10 years,” he says. “I worked with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office for a couple of years before transferring to Scotch Plains in 2017. It’s a great community.”

Now that he has a family, his schedule can be challenging. “I have two-year-old Cooper and nine-month-old Keegan, and my wife Alyssa is great. Being in this job, it’s extremely important to have a strong family at home.”

Together for over 16 years, the couple married in 2020, and they figured out how to make his absences work. “We know my schedule ahead of time, so if I do end up having to work a holiday, we celebrate the day before or the day after,” says Andrew.

As a supervisor, he tries to make it possible for his officers who live in town to stop home on holidays to spend time with their families while listening and responding to calls. 

John Lestarchick, Chief of the Scotch Plains Fire Department

When John Lestarchick joined the Scotch Plains Fire Department in 1985, he was following in the footsteps of his father and brother. Today, John is the chief of the department, answering over 1000 calls a year.

“When I started, there were about 200 calls a year,” he says. “But now, we respond to everything from the most minimal carbon monoxide alarm and automatic fire alarms to medical emergencies and motor vehicle accidents.”

Answering this many calls comes at a price. “When I joined the fire department, I was only 18,” says John. “Back then, running out for calls wasn’t really a big deal, but then my family grew. For my wife Allison and my kids, my having to leave when the pager went off was just a fact of life.” Fortunately, his wife grew up in a family of firefighters, so she understood her husband’s calling.

Today, his kids are grown, but their father’s career has had a big influence in their lives. “My daughter Jane is married to a Jersey City firefighter and my son Raymond is a Westfield firefighter.”

Daniel Sullivan, Chief of the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad

As a teenager in 1970, Chief Sullivan used to ride his bike to the squad building to answer calls. “I was answering about 800 calls a year at that time.”

Today, that number has grown to over 15,000. For his wife, Judy, and kids, Erin and Sean, that meant a lot of missed dinners.

“I married a great wife,” says Dan. “She also belonged to the squad at one point and was a nurse for many years. She understood what I was doing.” In fact, the couple were married on Christmas Eve, and during Christmas dinner with his parents, there was a call and he had to go.

When the kids came along, their dad getting up and running out the door was a normal part of their childhood, and they always managed to work around it. Many times, birthdays and other celebrations took place at the rescue squad when he was on duty.

Even though Dan is a volunteer, he takes his responsibility to the town very seriously. “I believe it’s a vocation,” he says. “If I can’t be with somebody I love, it’s nice to be helping someone who may be having the worst holiday of their life.”

Written for Scotch Plains Lifestyle magazine in New Jersey.

From Taylor Swift and Hermès^® to professional athletes, this gallery hits all the right notes

By Sue Baldani

Swifties have something to cheer about in Chatham. Legends Gallery at Frames on Main is known for its incredible sports memorabilia, but in 2022, the store expanded into the music scene. Last year, owner Greg Dailey brought in some products featuring Taylor Swift and the reaction has been phenomenal.

“We have an original movie poster from the Eras Tour movie, old-school 33 albums airbrushed with her image, and a ‘signed’ acoustic guitar,” he says. “It’s a laminated cover with picture of Taylor, and then this company in Hawaii takes what’s called a cut, and puts that as the pick plate that’s signed by Taylor.”

The airbrushed albums have been such a hit that he’s had to reorder them four times from a little shop in Porto, Portugal, that he found while traveling.

Greg’s been in the framing industry for 30 years, and he says he’s never had a musician or rock band have the impact that Swift has had on his business. “I’ve been framing concert posters, tickets, coasters – you name it – for customers.” He’s also been using these sparkly glitter frames to make the results even more special.

Another new offering that’s creating a lot of buzz is his framed Hermès^® scarves. “I had a customer come in three weeks before Christmas and she bought in three Hermèsscarves,” says Greg. “They had these incredibly vibrant colors on them and we framed them. They were stunning.”

He loved the final product so much that he ordered five more to frame and hang in the store. “I’ve sold four of them so far. Tonia, who works for me and is very creative, did a window with the scarves, Hermèsboxes and drapery. It looked fantastic. People are coming in and we’re selling them.”

Even with all this going on, Greg hasn’t neglected the sports side of his gallery, which carries everything from framed classic sports photos to jerseys, signed baseballs, football helmets, hockey pucks and incredible artwork of athletes in action.

“It has expanded tremendously,” he says. “It’s all over the map. With baseball season here, we’ve been selling more signed baseballs than ever.” Greg also keeps a lot of football merchandise in stock, and often has local players come in to sign autographs and take photos. These events are so popular that the line sometimes goes around to the back of the store.

“I’ve had a bunch of Jets players come in, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, Number 5, a star defensive player for the New York Giants, was here on May 4th.”

Other professional athletes who have taken part in these events include Eli Manning, Mariano Rivera, Carli Lloyd, and  Keith Hernandez. Ticket holders can bring merchandise they bought at Legends Gallery, or elsewhere. The sports merchandise and autograph events make great gifts for Father’s Day and for collectors all year round.

Greg says he’s constantly updating the gallery’s selection, fostering new ideas, and keeping the store interesting. “A lot of my heart and soul goes into this.”

LegendsGallery.net

Written for Chatham & Short Hills Lifestyle magazine in NJ.

Great ambiance and outstanding food will bring diners back again and again

By Sue Baldani

Chef James DeSisto of Laboratorio Kitchen in Montclair is excited to bring his passion for food to a new restaurant in the heart of Maplewood Village. “Growing up, my grandfather had a pizzeria and instead of running around playing, I was always there,” he says. “I fell in love with food at a very young age.” As a chef, he enjoys the challenges and creativity of being in a kitchen, and the fact that every day is different. “It’s never the same, which keeps you on top of your game.”

His new restaurant in Maplewood will be known as Osteria LK. As Chef James explains, “the Osteria in Italy was traditionally a casual place for locals to come together, eat good food, drink wine, and share the news of the day. ‘LK’ is a nod to my restaurant in Montclair.”

Osteria LK, slated to open this summer in the former location of Arturo’s, has been completely redesigned and lovingly refurbished by the building’s owners to create a fresh, warm and inviting atmosphere, and features a 16’ telescoping door which engages the interior with the streetscape of the Maplewood Village. 

The menu will be similar to a traditional Osteria offering elevated Italian food to include house made pastas, fire roasted entrees, an assortment of vegetable plates, seafood, pizza and desert. As with his other restaurant, all of the ingredients that go into his dishes will be top quality, seasonal and locally sourced.

“We work with specialty food purveyors for produce, grains and flour,” he says. “My goal is to create dishes with the best sourced ingredients for everyday dining. We want to create a welcoming spot for people to gather and enjoy simply prepared, delicious food – a place for locals to call home.”

Chef James recognizes that at the heart of any restaurant is its staff, and he is excited about the team he has put together for Osteria LK. “We are like a family who cares deeply about providing not only culinary excellence, but also a warm and happy experience for everyone who walks through our door.” It will, after all, be like a second home for Chef James, as both his wife, Aylin, and daughter, Jesslyn, will be a part of the team. 

“I look forward to giving the people in the community food that’s prepared with love, and when you have that, you have everything,” Chef James says with a smile.

180 Maplewood Ave

Maplewood, NJ

OsteriaLK.com

973-327-2871

Written for Vicinity magazine in NJ.

World-class entertainment and fun for people of all ages

By Sue Baldani

In 1908, when R.W. Nelson arrived at the Westfield train station, he had no idea he would become a part of golf history. He moved onto a huge parcel of land in Scotch Plains, and in 1916, hired renowned architect Albert Tillinghast to design a golf course.

Since then, Shackamaxon Country Club has been a staple in the town. When it was acquired by Heritage Golf Group in 2020, it truly became a world-class venue for playing golf, swimming, celebrating happy occasions, and holding corporate events.

Many upgrades have taken place in the last few years. The ballroom, which can hold up to 325 guests with a dance floor, and the more intimate “Living Room” with its original fireplace, were renovated in 2022, as was the members’ grill, which has a beautiful deck overlooking the golf course.

“We run the gamut with events,” says Shackamaxon’s general manager, Dennis Wuyscik. “We host weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, social events, lifetime milestones and corporate events.” Membership is not required to reserve these spaces.

Membership does come with many privileges though, and there are five different options to choose from to fit your lifestyle and needs. Heritage Plus Members can play at any of its 38 golf courses around the country, including four in New Jersey.

There are also many fun offerings for children. “Recently, we had kids come in for a couple hours to paint pots and watch movies while their parents listened to live music in the grill,” he says.

Heritage is investing heavily in each of its clubs. “We have a young energetic department head staff and we’re striving for excellence and improving every year,” says Dennis. “We’re constantly making the golf, food and service better.”  These improvements came with no assessments, which is very rare in the world of country clubs.

To learn more about Shackamaxon Country Club and how becoming a member can enhance your and your family’s entertainment options, go to ShackamaxonCC.com.

Written for Scotch Plains Lifestyle magazine in NJ.

Solution-oriented routine care makes dogs feel and look their very best

By Sue Baldani

When Marni and David Denenberg were looking for a franchise, they wanted to focus on helping animals. “We’re passionate about dogs and were immediately aligned with Scenthound’s mission to provide routine hygiene and wellness care so dogs live longer, happier lives.” she says.

The first part of the shop name, “SCENT,” is an acronym for skin, coat, ears, nails, and teeth. “Regular bathing, brushing, ear cleaning, nail clipping, and dental care are critical to a dog’s comfort and well-being, and are essential to maintaining their overall health. This applies not just to breeds needing haircuts – all dogs require routine care to stay clean and healthy,” Marni points out that about 80% of dogs will have periodontal disease by the age of 3 if they haven’t had routine cleaning of their teeth.

Two years ago, the couple opened a location in Denville, and a year later, opened another in Morristown. “You walk into a very modern, clean, and attractive ‘scenter’ with an education wall and functional, proprietary products supporting dog health.

Scenthound divides its services into three parts: bath, haircut, and blow-dry, so you only pay for what your dog needs. Dog owners can choose one of three reasonably priced Monthly Care Club memberships – Escentials, Escentials Plus, and Unlimited – but non-members can request services too.

A popular membership is the Escentials Plus, which includes a double bath, ear cleaning, nail clip and teeth brushing, as well as a nail grind and access to a virtual veterinarian 24/7! For dogs bathed several times per month, Scenthound offers an unlimited membership. And another option is a shedding membership for dogs who shed all year-round. “We have an app so people can easily book appointments online, scroll down to review the service menu and then click on the services desired,” she says.

Scenthound also offers blow-drying, haircuts, dental plaque reduction treatments, gland expression, flea/tick treatments and more. The deep condition treatment replenishes and moisturizes both skin and coat, resulting in an extra soft, healthy finish, and the blueberry facial cleanses and exfoliates, which is especially popular for dogs with wrinkled faces.

“All of our services are solution oriented to ultimately have a happy and healthy pup,” says Marni. This begins with selecting from veterinary grade shampoos exclusive to Scenthound. There’s an everyday nourishing shampoo, a hypoallergenic shampoo, an odor neutralizing and a hydrating oatmeal shampoo to address different skin and coat conditions. All are soap, sulfate, and paraben free, and pH balanced for dogs.

Scenthound’s product line, Houndswell, also addresses dogs’ specific needs. Paw Balm is for keeping paw pads, noses and elbows soft and moisturized, Skin & Coat Supplement addresses common skin issues such as hot spots, sunburn, heat rash and allergies, Hemp Calming Aid helping dogs manage stress, nervousness and hyperactivity (while free from grains, corn and soy), and many more wonderful products are available for purchase.

Marni and David strive to provide the same care at Scenthound as they would want for their own dogs. “We have two-year-old Shea, who’s a rescue from Big Dog Rescue Project,” says Marni. “She looks like a golden retriever with short legs. In her free time, she spends time visiting seniors in an assisted living facility. She loves it, and they love her.” They also have an 11-year-old boy named Melo. “He’s a mixture of about 14 breeds, but he looks kind of like a corgi. We adopted him from the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter.”

Services are recorded by a video surveillance system and iPads are utilized next to each tub and in the grooming room to note pertinent observations about the dog’s skin, coat, ears, nails and teeth. This information is later shared in a report card with the pet parent.

The couple also chose to partner with Scenthound because of their Clean Start program. Across the country, Scenters help care for pups in need by donating basic hygiene services to local shelters. “Our dedicated team is proud to participate and helps dogs who are matted and dirty become cleaner and more comfortable and ready to meet a forever family.”

Scenthound, Marni says, seeks to help change how dog parents think about caring for their pups by educating them on the importance of basic hygiene and providing personalized, convenient service. “Our goal is to put the well-being of each dog that comes into one of our Scenters first and create a safe, loving environment with a knowledgeable staff to give all pups, and their parents, the best possible care.”

Scenthound.com/Morristown

Scenthound.com/Denville

Written for Chatham & Short Hills Lifestyle magazine in NJ.

A method that encourages gratitude, accountability and integrity in children

By Sue Baldani

Cristina DaCruz, a social worker, and Cynthia Vanadium, a mental health clinician, met over a decade ago. They both collaborated professionally with the same goal – to protect those who cannot protect themselves: children. 

Cynthia developed a passion to provide children the security she didn’t have as a young girl. Cristina was raised in a loving family, yet witnessed the trauma others experienced and became determined to be the change in this world. 

Cristina knew Cynthia had the devotion to help others as she did and Cristina knew that Cynthia could offer the support as an educator as well. It was in graduate school at Columbia University to become a clinical psychologist that Cynthia was first exposed to the Montessori philosophy as part of Child Centered Therapy. It so intrigued her that she took additional educational courses so she could be properly trained.

When Cynthia became pregnant with her first child, the idea to open a school incorporating this philosophy began to really take root. At that time, Cynthia was running five mental health departments and working as a college professor, but she wanted a place where she could be with her child and establish a safe and secure environment for other children too.

After extensive research, Cynthia and Cristina discovered Scotch Plains Montessori. In business for many years, Cynthia and Cristina bought it in 2018. “I started my first day of the job with my six week old, and the rest is history,” Cynthia shares. 

For those who aren’t familiar with the Montessori Method, it’s all about children choosing and focusing on various learning stations such as math, science, practical life, and writing, according to their interests. “A traditional Montessori is completely self-directed, which is great, but our approach is that while we include the main areas of Montessori, we also believe in the importance of teacher-led instruction,” says Cynthia. “Most of our students go into the Scotch Plains school system, so we don’t want it to be a new experience for them to follow a lead teacher.”

Due to this blended approach, the women have developed a thorough education training approach for their team. Cynthia states, “You could have all the degrees in the world, and you could be an excellent educator, but if you don’t enjoy being with kids most hours during the day, it’s irrelevant.”

Classes are organized depending on the students’ ages, which range from infant to age 6, but they’re also tailored based on students’ inquisitive interests and social skills. Parents receive report cards that record children’s milestones and teachers’ impressions, and the lines of communication are always open. Questions and/or concerns are responded to in a timely manner.  

When it comes to safety, it isn’t all about emotion – it also includes practical measures. “We take safety to a different level,” Cynthia says. “Our instructors go through a thorough background check. Also, we require staff members to be CPR certified and retrained every year instead of the required two years.”

Scotch Plains Montessori School also offers breakfast, lunch, and snacks. “We incorporate an etiquette piece with those, where we all sit down, wait for one another, and give thanks. That’s another part of the Montessori philosophy – to ensure that you incorporate the values of gratitude, accountability and integrity.”

The reviews they receive warms their hearts. One parent remarks, “Scotch Plains Montessori is amazing. All of the staff is warm, loving, and caring.” Another comments, “The school is safe, clean and puts my mind at ease knowing that my 15-month old daughter is in their care. My now seven-year-old daughter attended preschool here and it still feels like family after all these years. The staff are still the same, which speaks for the atmosphere and support they’re given by the thoughtful and highly knowledgeable owners.”

Today, Cristina and her husband have two children, and she is the on-site co-director supporting her team and the school director. Cynthia and her husband have four children, and she is now opening another school in Texas. “We firmly believe continuing Dr. Montessori’s legacy by role-modeling behaviors of integrity and respect is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our children,” she says.

ScotchPlainsMontessori.com

Written for Scotch Plains Lifestyle magazine in NJ.