OPTIMUM EYE CARE: “We are dedicated to providing each patient with the best care possible and an excellent office experience. We have high end state-of-the-art equipment, and we strive for perfection in every way.” Board certified ophthalmologist David Mostafavi M.D., founder of Mostafavi Eye Princeton, is shown with his wife Rachel Mostafavi, who is office manager and administrator.

By Jean Stratton

The advances in the equipment and technology surrounding ophthalmology care have been truly amazing.

As remarkable as they may be, however, the need for a skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced physician at the helm is crucial.

Patients in Princeton are glad to know that board certified ophthalmologist David Mostafavi M.D. is such a physician.

Founder of Mostafavi Eye Princeton, he opened his practice at 300 Witherspoon Street, Suite 203, in August 2022. It is located just to the rear of the popular Homestead Princeton furniture and gift store. more

IN THE ZONE: “Our parks are full of one-of-a-kind attractions designed to push your limits, allow you to fly higher, and just have tons and tons of fun! The only way to understand it is to come experience it. So rally your crew and let’s go!” This invitation is from Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Hamilton Township. Shown on the right is a photo of the popular Air Court, where players can practice trampoline-assisted soccer and basketball. This is just one of the many popular activities available every day.

By Jean Stratton

Fun is everywhere at Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Hamilton Township. This special place offers opportunities for kids and adults to fly high, float free, and just jump up and down on springy floors and ubiquitous trampolines.

And if that is not enough to keep you moving, you can also climb walls and towers, navigate obstacle courses, hit and miss at classic trampoline dodge ball, drop into thousands of foam-filled cubes, play trampoline-assisted soccer and basketball on the Air Court, and have endless fun with foam-filled Boulder Balls.

An independently owned franchise, Sky Zone opened in 2018 at 17 Quakerbridge Plaza Drive.

“We are set apart,” points out General Manager Joshua Harry. “There is nothing like us in Mercer County, and we have been very encouraged with the response. We see more and more people coming all the time, and we have lots of repeats.” more

EXCELLENCE IN ART: “Our mission is to bring exceptional quality instruction to artists working in the classical disciplines of drawing, painting, and sculpture. Our students maintain the link to an unbroken chain of training that began hundreds of years ago, and has been passed from teacher to student for generations.” Anna Neis, right, founder and director of the Princeton Academy of Art, and Kelsey Doherty, Academy manager of operations, look forward to helping students achieve their artistic potential.

By Jean Stratton

Works of art resonate with people in many ways. There is a unique communication between artist and beholder. The artist has sought to express his or her vision, and the viewer’s response and perception vary according to a whole range of life conditions and circumstances. Thus, it becomes a very personal, often thought-provoking, and even challenging experience.

Before an artist can create such a work of art, serious study, training, and application are required.

“Artists need more than surface knowledge to progress beyond natural ability and a sharp eye,” points out Anna Neis, founder and executive director of the Princeton Academy of Art (PAA). “Creativity and self-expression are vitally important forms of communication for an artist, but before reaching the point where they can define themselves with complexity, they have to know the building blocks. Learning visual art is similar to learning a verbal language or how to play an instrument. Students must practice. That is what we are here for.” more

GREAT GIFTS: “We want to offer clients more opportunities, including quality gifts for  every occasion and at varied price points,” says Anne Russell, Hamilton Home executive vice president for marketing and branding. She is excited about Hamilton Jewelers’ new division, Hamilton Home. Shown is a display of the wide range of items, including home decor and housewarming, entertainment and barware, wedding and baby gifts, and linens, all within a charming setting.

By Jean Stratton

A successful business always finds new ways to remain successful. It offers customers new opportunities, new choices, new items — even a new direction.

Hamilton Jewelers is a case in point. One of Princeton’s most successful businesses, it celebrated its 110th anniversary last year, and is renowned for its selection of high quality and unique jewelry.

Not only that, it is a true family business, with four generations of the Siegel family having been active participants in leading the business to success.

Located at 33 Witherspoon Street, its latest enterprise, Hamilton Home, opened in November of 2022, and offers an extensive array of home decor and gift items. more

TOP-NOTCH TENNIS: “There have been various local tennis camps, including Nike, in the past, but to bring the Rafa Nadal Academy Camp from Mallorca is truly something unique and special. We thought there was a need for a specialized tennis camp with proven methodology both on and off the court.” Marta Ramos is president of Athena Programs, which is partnered with the Rafa Nadal Academy in bringing the Academy’s special training program to The Lawrenceville School this summer. She is shown with a number of coaches from the Rafa Nadal Academy.

By Jean Stratton

Young tennis players are excited about a new upcoming opportunity this summer. The Rafa Nadal Academy Camp, in partnership with Athena Programs, will be on-site at The Lawrenceville School July 24 through July 29. The chance to improve their game and maximize their potential is awaiting them.

Headquartered in Mallorca, Spain, the Rafa Nadal Academy Camp now offers six locations at private schools in the U.S., including in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and now New Jersey. more

HEALTHY BENEFITS: “The hemp plant has more than 100 different chemical compounds. It can address a variety of health-related conditions. It is a natural, good, healthy way to help an array of problems.” Phil Rutman, owner of Native Ceuticals, is enthusiastic about his CBD (cannabidiol) products made from the hemp plant.

By Jean Stratton

“My goal is to educate people about the benefits of Native Ceuticals,” says Phil Rutman.

Owner of Native Ceuticals, located at 1273 Route 206 (State Road),  Montgomery Township, he looks forward to introducing people to the company’s  products, which he believes will improve health problems.

“I want to help people gain an understanding about the benefits of CBD (cannabiodiol) and these products,” he explains. “They have nothing to do with marijuana, do not cause a high, and are not addictive. There are multiple derivatives from hemp, offering a beneficial herbal alternative for treatment of many health problems. This is a growing industry. CBD has been legal since 2018.”  more

SUMMER SESSIONS: “I am looking forward to hearing and seeing the teachers and children learning, discovering, and working together through play both inside and outside on the YWCA grounds.” Tara O’Shea is the director of The Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center at YWCA Princeton, the Youth Program, and also head of the YW Summer Program.

By Jean Stratton

YWCA Princeton has a proud history. For more than a century, it has provided programs and activities for women and families. Established in 1922, it was originally located on Nassau Street, moving to its current site at 59 Paul Robeson Place in 1958.

Since the 1970s, the YWCA Princeton has offered summer programs for children, including both indoor and outdoor activities.

Tara O’Shea has been associated with the YW since 1996, and has served as head of the Summer Program since 2005, as well as overseeing The Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center at the YW, and the Youth Program.

This year the Summer Program will begin June 20, continuing through August 25. Girls and boys from age 2 and a half through 12 are eligible to participate, and the variety of activities will appeal to children of all ages, points out Haley Gorda, YWCA Princeton communications and marketing manager. more

PAVING POSSIBILITIES: “Calvary Paving & Sealcoating is an independent family-owned business. We are a full service asphalt paving company, and we treat your driveway as if it were our own,” says owner Jimmie Harrison. Shown is a recently completed driveway in the area.

By Jean Stratton

Even though it is February, the unusually warm temperatures hint of spring. Spring cleaning and home improvement projects come to mind, and it’s not too soon to consider the state of your driveway.

In the same way it affects roads, winter, with fluctuating cold and warm temperatures, can be hard on driveways. Especially if they are older, and haven’t had recent maintenance attention, wear and tear takes its toll. Cracks, crumbling, and rough patches can appear, not only lessening eye appeal, but even causing hardship on tires.

Jimmie Harrison, owner of Calvary Paving & Sealcoating, is ready to help! He has a long history in the paving business, having received hands-on training from his father and grandfather.

“I really started helping out when I was 4 years old,” he says with a smile. “I definitely started young!” more

FABULOUS FLORALS: “My arrangements are very personalized, truly one-of-a-kind. Everything is made in-house, and I always try to create something special for the customer.” Michael Piccioni, co-owner of Wildflowers of Princeton Junction, is pleased to create imaginative arrangements, such as those shown here, and he is proud of the firm’s exceptional and long-standing reputation.

By Jean Stratton

“To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wildflower.”

—William Blake

Flowers are a gift on so many levels. Whether carefully planned as part of a backyard landscape, or blooming free and unrestrained in a meadow, or as artfully designed arrangements and bouquets created by professional florists, they are a continuing miracle of beauty and enjoyment

Especially appreciating this wonder of nature is expert horticulturalist Michael Piccioni. Co-owner with Ed Getty of Wildflowers of Princeton Junction, he has a long history in the floral industry.

Originally from Pottsville, Pa., he grew up in a family steeped in the natural world. “My grandfather, who emigrated from Italy, was a farmer, and I grew up surrounded by gardens, From the age of 10, I also helped out in my aunt’s flower shop, and it was all very natural to me.”

He went on to study horticulture at Penn State, and then worked in a flower shop in Philadelphia before he and Getty opened Wildflowers in 1985. Getty specializes in the administrative end of the business, as well as providing technical and lighting services at events. more

POSITIVE PLANNING: “My main purpose is to guide my clients to a positive financial outcome. For each client, I set up a personalized plan, and together, we revise it every year. With my experience, I try to help them achieve their goals.” Annie Hung-Scanga, CPA, MBA, CKA, owner and managing member of Atlantis Accounting, specializes in tax preparation, tax and financial planning, small business consulting, estate planning, and trusts. She looks forward to introducing new clients to her services.

By Jean Stratton

Peace of mind.

Who doesn’t wish for such a welcome state of well-being?

Every era, every age faces its own challenges, but right now, we seem to have our full share. Turmoil throughout the world, including severe political division right here at home; cultural unrest; climate change with its extreme weather patterns; uneasiness about new technology and where it is leading us; cost of living increases; growing disparities between rich and poor — the list goes on.

And the personal financial troubles. Waking up in the middle of the night worrying about feeding the family, paying the rent, having enough resources to send the children to college, trying to save money before retirement — these are concerns that torment many people today. more

FAMILY PRIDE:  “I am very proud of our company’s longevity — now 76 years! Continuing our family tradition is especially fulfilling, and I feel I am the custodian for the next generation. And now my son, Paul Jr., is in the business, and we look forward to continuing to enjoy our work and provide an important service for our clients. We are a family business in every way.” Paul Pennacchi (left), president of A. Pennacchi & Sons Masonry Restoration & Waterproofing Company, is shown with his son Paul Jr., who is vice president.

By Jean Stratton

Paul Pennacchi Sr. loves what he does. He enjoys the interaction with his co-workers, clients, his many and varied projects, and he is proud of the longtime family business, which he now heads.

A. Pennacchi & Sons Masonry Restoration & Waterproofing Company is a thriving organization that has benefited from the hard work and dedication of each generation that contributed to its success.

Now headquartered in Hamilton, it was established in 1947 in Trenton by brothers Anthony and John Pennacchi. Its storied history actually began earlier when Gaetano Pennacchi arrived from Italy in 1918, and settled in Trenton.

“He was a mason,” explains Paul Pennacchi,” and he started helping his neighbors with repair work on their houses. It was a side trade for him since he also worked full-time for General Motors, but it grew into a real business.” more

BEST PLACE: “We plan an improved inventory, with more choices, good prices with a wider range, higher quality, better products, and excellent customer service. Now Costello’s Ace is the Place!” Peter Schluter, managing partner of Costello’s Ace Hardware in Princeton, and Jean Irizarry, housewares manager, are shown near a display of popular housewares.

By Jean Stratton

What is it about hardware stores that is so intriguing to so many people? All those gadgets and tools! From screwdrivers and shovels to pruners and paint brushes to brooms and bird feeders to hoses and hammers, grills and garden ornaments — it is an endless supply of basics and more.

Nowhere is this more visible than at the new Costello’s Ace Hardware Store in the Princeton Shopping Center. Formerly Smith’s Ace Hardware, the store became home to new owners in October 2022.

Longtime and loyal Smith’s Ace customers will be pleased that another family business is setting up shop after George Smith and his brothers were in charge for 20 years.

“Costello’s and Princeton are a good fit,” points out Peter Schluter, Princeton Costello’s Ace managing partner. “Our CEO is Michael Costello, son of the founder Vinnie Costello. It’s a real family-owned and operated business. Vinnie opened the first store in Long Island in 1976, and now Costello’s has 46 Ace stores from Long Island to Virginia. We really are the ‘Helpful Place.’

“We are also very pleased with our Princeton Shopping Center location, with its convenient setting and free parking.” more

DINING OUT: “People like to come here. We have so many regulars and lots of people come in at least once a week and even more often. Our restaurant is really about friends and family. Folks come in for a great dinner, and often find people they know. They all enjoy talking to each other. It’s a very friendly, relaxed setting.” Faith and Bob DeJean (second and third from left), owners of One 53 Restaurant – Bar, are shown with their longtime staff.

By Jean Stratton

It is still the same excellent restaurant, known for delicious dining and attentive personal service.

Nothing has changed except the new owners.

“When we bought it, the message from the regular customers was: ‘Don’t charge a thing!’ That was the rule for the new acquisition — same great food, same staff, same service,“ says One 53 Restaurant – Bar’s new owner Bob DeJean.

A favorite Rocky Hill dining spot, located at 153 Washington Street since it opened in 2006, the restaurant has an exceptionally loyal clientele.

“The former owners were our friends, and we had been coming here for a long time,” adds DeJean. “It’s been our favorite restaurant for 16 years, and we think it is the best restaurant in the area within 30 or 40 miles.” more

EXCELLENCE AND EXPERTISE: “Jewelry is a keepsake. It can be passed down from generation to generation. It may commemorate a special occasion, an important moment and memory. This is why it means so much to people.” Gary Berezowsky, owner of Garbo Jewelers, is shown by a display of high quality pieces, including a two-tone mosaic necklace, Baroque pearls, 18-karat multi-color Tahitian and South Sea pearls, and a 14-karat yellow gold necklace with industrial-inspired interlocking links.

By Jean Stratton

It’s good to know that in our current era when “fast and furious” seems to be the dominating force, there are still places, concepts, and visions that do stand the test of time.

Garbo Jewelers is such a place. Located in the Montgomery Shopping Center on Route 1 North, it has a story to tell, and a continuing focus on high quality jewelry and knowledgeable, friendly service and advice.

Its history dates to 1982, when owner Gary Berezowsky opened his first jewelry store in Avenel. A master goldsmith and appraiser, he decided to move to the Princeton area in 1997, and Garbo Jewelers has been a mainstay for his many loyal customers.

The full service store offers a wide selection of jewelry, including Berezowsky’s own custom designs well as on-premises repair service. more

PERFORMING ARTS: “At the Hopewell Theater, we provide a place for emerging and established talent to perform in a world-class theater right in the heart of Hopewell, a place where our patrons and artists feel welcome and well taken care of by our staff who provide real hospitality.” Hopewell Theater Executive Director Sara Scully is shown in front of the theater. Its upcoming season offers a variety of eclectic entertainment. (Photo by Kendra Thatcher)

By Jean Stratton

“Another opening; Another show!”

This refrain highlights the varied entertainment agenda at the Hopewell Theater at 5 South Greenwood Avenue in Hopewell.

The storied theater has a long and intriguing history, dating to 1880. Originally known as Columbia Hall, it served as a community center with a lyceum-style theater, and hosted lectures, performers, and films on its second floor until 1939. The first floor was used for community groups, the fire department, and Borough council meetings.

In the 1940s and ’50s it became known as the Colonial Playhouse, and underwent an extensive renovation. Throughout the 1950s, it was a movie theater.

A complete change in operation occurred in 1960, when the building was purchased by George Gallup, CEO of the locally-based Gallup Poll Group. It was used to conduct public polling until 1984. At that time, it reverted to its original theatrical purpose. Bob and Julie Thick purchased the building, and further modified the interior to support the Off-Broadstreet Theatre, a dessert theater featuring live stage productions and children’s shows. more

BEST TRACTORS: This 4610 M 4×4 Hi Crop model, suitable for tillage and planting, is one of many tractors available at Belle Mead Garage. Also known for pre-owned automobiles, rentals, and car service, the company expanded into tractors several years ago. “We are always ready to help customers with advice about the best tractor for their needs and purposes,” point out owners Kip Higgins and Chris Carnevale.

By Jean Stratton 

That familiar adage “When one window closes, another opens” has certainly proved true at Belle Mead Garage. The longtime and highly respected automobile dealership is celebrating its 95th anniversary, and with a new and very successful component to its business — tractors!

Some businesses and organizations — like people — stand the test of time. Some don’t. In recent times, it seems that the business and commercial landscape changes almost in the blink of an eye.

It is all the more remarkable when a business continues to grow and evolve, despite setbacks and new challenges. Such an enterprise is the aforementioned Belle Mead Garage, located at Route 206 and Station Square in Belle Mead. It has been at that location since 1927, when Leroy Higgins opened it as a service station and car dealership, and lived in the attic of the original building.

Three generations of the Higgins family have seen to it that their reputation has remained intact through all the ups and downs of the automobile industry. Paramount is their love of the business, and a willingness to address unforeseen issues that come along. more