NEW LOOK: A new roof provided a handsome new look to this house in Hamilton. Expert Chimney & Roofing is known for its expertise in chimney, roofing, and masonry work.

By Jean Stratton

A new chimney? A new roof? New front steps?

If any of these are on your list, Expert Chimney & Roofing is at your service.

Headquartered at 0-02 Fair Lawn Avenue in Fair Lawn, this family business was opened in 2000 by Myrtezan Iseberi. Today his two sons, Eric and Tony, are the owners, and along with their brothers, are continuing what their father began.

“This is a real family business,” they explain. “Our father entrusted it to us. There are four brothers and our nephews working together, and also on different crews depending on the job that day. We help people all over New Jersey with our quality service.” more

SINGING IN THE AIR: “We want to educate people and introduce them to this wonderful art form. Part of our program is to help people learn about and understand the art song.” Alta Malberg, president, co-founder, and co-artistic director of The Federation of the Art Song, is shown with vice president, co-founder, and co-artistic director Martin Néron.

By Jean Stratton

“If music be the food of love, play on.”

–William Shakespeare

Music. It is everywhere, and touches us all.

From rap, rock, and pop to country, folk, and blues to Broadway show tunes and jazz to hymns, anthems, and opera, there is a song for everyone. more

COLLEGE QUEST: “Higher education is not only about where you go, but also who you want to be in the world. When approached well, I believe the college admissions process can be one of the most significant opportunities for students’ intellectual and emotional growth.” Benjamin Caldarelli, founder of Benjamin College Consulting, is enthusiastic about helping students navigate the college admissions journey.

By Jean Stratton

Strategist. Mentor. Counselor.

These are some of the designations which identify Benjamin Caldarelli in his mission to help students gain admission to college.

But they are not all. As founder of Benjamin College Consulting, he is adviser, coach, collaborator, educator, motivator, encourager, and especially, listener.

All of these identities form the mosaic in which Caldarelli guides his clients on a journey of opportunity and challenge to a successful college admissions destination.  more

“SMALL FUND, BIG IMPACT”: “‘Small Fund, Big Impact’ is our motto, and it’s so true! For 18 years, our Johnson Park Koko Fund has assisted Johnson Park students experiencing financial hardship by subsidizing enrichment programs they can join.” Koko Fund co-chairs Philip Arnold and Deirdre von Roemer are proud of the fund’s contributions in offering students an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities.

By Jean Stratton

If you don’t have students attending Johnson Park (JP) Elementary School, the Koko Fund may be unknown to you.

But it is such an important program, providing opportunities and enrichment to so many children, that it won’t remain unknown for long. Its impact continues to grow, as new students become involved and the community helps provide needed support.

What is it and how did it begin? First of all, Koko is a gorilla! That is: the large stuffed animal version which is the Johnson Park mascot. It reminds the students to: “Be Responsible. Be Respectful. Be Safe. Be Kind. Be Successful.” more

HELPING HANDS: “We make sure that our atmosphere offers everyone a sense of belonging and getting along. We take into consideration everyone’s personality as we help them develop skills to participate in activities and work projects to create useful products,” report founders Violetta and Sergio Neri and founder and executive Svein Hansen of Pennington Adult Living Services (PALS). Shown, in foreground from left, are PALS participants Nicole, Jack, and Keller. Seated at top are David and Robert.

By Jean Stratton

You never can predict how one step, one decision can set in motion a series of events that lead to something unexpected, and yet with ramifications that will benefit people for years to come.

Consider PALS: that is, Pennington Adult Living Services. This organization offers programs, activities, and learning opportunities for adults with special needs. Founded in 2017 by Sergio and Violetta Neri and Svein Hansen, it has filled an important need for adults with a variety of conditions and challenges, including the autism spectrum, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and seizure disorders, among others. more

FOR YOUR PLEASURE: The pleasure of pasta is definitely on the menu at Pastiamo Pasta Bar & Café. “My idea is to provide an authentic Italian dining experience by serving fresh and dry pasta, antipasti, and dolci in the traditional Italian style, with recipes from the north, center, and south of Italy,” says chef and owner Francesca Casapietra. “Lovers of Italian pasta will find the right place here at Pastiamo, where the unique taste of each dish comes from the use of only high quality ingredients and the passion for authentic fresh cuisine.”

By Jean Stratton

Homemade Italian specialties are the attraction at Pastiamo Pasta Bar & Café in the Princeton Shopping Center. Opened in November 2023, with its grand opening this past February, it already has a group of enthusiastic diners.

“We have repeat customers, and they are coming from all over the area,” says chef and owner Francesca Casapietra, “Once they come in, they come back!”

Born in Genoa, Italy, Casapietra, came to the U.S. 10 years ago, and settled in Princeton with her family. “We liked Princeton’s international flavor,” she says. “I had always enjoyed cooking with fresh, healthy ingredients, and pasta was a specialty. In Italy, everyone enjoys pasta. It can be the first course, with tomato or other sauces, and then followed by meat, cheese, vegetables, and fruit.” more

DEFINITIVE DENTISTRY: “When you visit Den Tull, your comfort is our primary concern. We offer everything dental — a routine checkup to ensure complete oral health, fixing or replacing teeth, cosmetic dentistry, and emergency pain relief.” Dr. Janak Tull, DMD, of Den Tull Dentistry is shown at the office in front of a multi-colored acrylic rendering of an elephant, which he painted himself.

By Jean Stratton

There are many interesting people in the world, and Dr. Janak Tull, DMD, is surely one of them. His skill set is wide-ranging and impressive.

An experienced and highly qualified dentist, he is also an accomplished painter, jewelry maker, and clothing designer. In addition, he has developed a modification of reverse hologram printing done with a UV printer on customized material that he engineered specifically for the printing process. more

CRAFT COSTUME PARTY: “We have a staff of long-standing. Some have been here as long as 35 years; others 15 and more. We are a real team. Everyone is ready to help out, and we also have fun together,” says Lorrie Janick-Adelberger, co-owner and managing partner of Craft Cleaners. Costumed as The Mad Hatter, she is third from left. Other staffers, celebrating the “Alice in Wonderland” Halloween theme, are, from left, Robert Scott-VanHorn (The Caterpillar), Rebecca Scott (Queen of Hearts), Linda Ragnoli (White Rabbit), and Traci Skodacek (Cheshire Cat).

By Jean Stratton

For more than 60 years, Craft Cleaners has kept Princeton’s clothes in tip-top condition.

Founded by John Janick in Princeton Junction, it moved to its current 225 Nassau Street location in 1964, where it handles all the cleaning services.

A favorite mainstay of Princeton for many years, Craft continues to be a family business, with John’s son Tom Janick and Lorrie Janick-Adelberger as co-owners. The company is known not only for its high quality cleaning, but also for its focus on customer service. more

SUCCESS STORY: “We are looking forward to getting back to our original concept and vision of Ottoburger. We will offer accessible value-based real food, with friendly service in an informal, down-to-earth atmosphere.” Maria and Otto Zizak are shown in the new location of Ottoburger, their popular restaurant, which will also have some surprises in its spacious location.

By Jean Stratton

There is a new look at 65 East Broad Street in Hopewell. Ottoburger, the popular restaurant that closed in 2022, is back! It just reopened this month in expanded quarters at the site formerly occupied by the Brick Farm Market.

“There were so many disappointed customers when the original Ottoburger closed, and we kept getting inquiries about it,” says owner Otto Zizak. “People started coming even before we had opened! Now they’re coming all the time. We are so glad to be back!” more

“NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS”: “With HIP, there is a network to help people navigate the difficulties they have ensuring safe housing. We help them to realize that they don’t have to do it all by themselves. Help is there for them.” Lori Troilo, executive director, and Tom Pinneo, board chair of Housing Initiatives of Princeton (HIP), are engaged in helping to provide transitional housing for individuals in need.

By Jean Stratton

When the news of the day seems relentlessly negative, we tend to forget or may not even know of the many acts of generosity and kindness provided by individuals and organizations throughout the Princeton area.

One such organization is Housing Initiatives of Princeton (HIP), which focuses on helping those in need to find transitional housing and assisting them to build a better future.

A roof over your head! Such a basic need, and yet for so many, it is not something they can count on.

In a place like Princeton this is shocking — not a situation one would expect, and yet it is happening. Some people are homeless or at risk of homelessness, living temporarily in motels, in cars, or unsuitable and unsafe buildings. Fortunately, HIP is one of the organizations at the forefront trying to find solutions. more

FAMILY FOCUS: “Over the years, both shop owners and customers have often become great friends. It has been so rewarding on so many levels,” says Sloane Browning left, who manages The Tomato Factory in Hopewell. She is shown with her mother, Mary Ann Browning, who established The Tomato Factory with her husband Maurice Browning in 1964. They are proud to be celebrating the company’s 60th anniversary.

By Jean Stratton

What’s new? What’s old? What’s hot? What’s best?

Whatever it is, you can find it in Hopewell’s Tomato Factory, located at 2 Somerset Street.

Long a favorite of customers from Princeton and beyond, it is a cooperative featuring 18 different shops all conveniently located under one roof. more