SHOPPING SPECIALTIES : “We wanted to expand the space, and we want to be a destination place, where customers can come to find a great selection of furniture, including our signature barnwood tables, as well as a variety of gifts of all kinds.” Kristin and Ron Menapace, owners of Homestead Princeton, are delighted to offer customers an intriguing selection of holiday shopping opportunities.

By Jean Stratton

As the song says, “We need a little Christmas…,” and perhaps now more than ever during this year of our discontent.

And indeed, Christmas has come to Homestead Princeton at 300 Witherspoon Street.

Decorated trees, holiday displays, Santas and snowmen, angels and elves, fragrant candles and musical snow globes — and more — all capture the season at this very inviting store.

“I think people are starting to decorate earlier this year,” says co-owner Kristin Menapace. “They want their house to be special and festive, especially now with the virus.” more

SUPER SHOPPING SOURCE: “The store is open for everyone. This is a destination place, and customers are coming from all over the area, including Princeton. People know they can get a good price. There is always a good deal here,” says Annie Fox, resource development director, Habitat for Humanity Burlington and Mercer Counties. Shown are Habitat for Humanity personnel and Hamilton community representatives at the Hamilton Habitat for Humanity ReStore’s ribbon cutting in Independence Plaza, 2465 South Broad Street.

By Jean Stratton

Anew shopping opportunity is available at the Independence Plaza at 2465 South Broad Street in Hamilton.

Not only does it offer a wide variety of household items and building supplies at discounted prices, it is also a means to help the Habitat for Humanity program.

The Hamilton Habitat for Humanity ReStore is part of the retail operation, which provides funds to help support the overall Habitat for Humanity (HFH) program.

Established in 1976 in Americus, Georgia, HFH was founded by Millard and Linda Fuller, who developed the idea of ”partnership housing.”

Affordable Houses

The concept centered on those in need of adequate shelter working side by side with volunteers to build decent, affordable houses. They would be constructed at no profit. New homeowners’ house payments would be combined with no-interest loans provided by supporters and money earned by fundraising to create “The Fund for Humanity,” which would then be used to build more homes. more

BETTER BUILDING: “We do everything from historic renovation to modern glass and steel projects. As we near a quarter of a century of restoring, adding on to, and building some of Princeton’s most distinguished homes, the gratification that comes from collaborating with area architects remains as strong as ever.” Tom Pinneo (far right), co-owner with Chris Myers (second from right), of Pinneo Construction, is shown with the Pinneo team at a recent project.

By Jean Stratton

Authenticity, transparency, collaboration.

These are the core values, the foundation of Pinneo Construction.

When Tom Pinneo established his company in 1996 at 372 Wall Street, these principles were uppermost. “My partner Chris Myers, who joined me in 2002, and I have been deliberate in creating a process-driven company that prioritizes financial transparency and collaboration with our clients and their architects. This sets us apart.”

A lot sets Pinneo Construction apart, including the background and experience of its owner. A graduate of Princeton High School and Middlebury College, Tom Pinneo earned an M.A. in Eastern Asian studies from Stanford University. more

SUPERIOR SOLUTIONS: “We are a client-based interior design practice, providing cutting-edge solutions for interior design dilemmas. We provide constant, clear communication of the design process every step of the way.” Freda Howard of Freda Howard Interiors LLC looks forward to helping clients with her design expertise. (Photo by Frank Digiovanni).

By Jean Stratton

Dealing with dreams and making them come true is Freda Howard’s business. Taking someone’s vision and creating a new design that reflects what was only an ephemeral hope and turning it into reality is a very special skill.

“Enjoyment of the space is the goal,” she points out. The design must work for the client and reflect their way of life.”

Owner of Freda Howard Interiors LLC at 195 Nassau Street, Howard was interested in design at an early age. Growing up, she enjoyed trying out color combinations and new furniture arrangements.

“I was interested in design as a young girl,” she recalls. “I liked color and seeing how things could be put together and arranged. Also, my mother sewed, and made draperies, and I learned from her.” more

DIRECT RELATIONSHIP: “I want to help people with their quality of life. It was my dream to become a country doctor and be able to help patients the way I want to care for them. There is a direct relationship between the patient and me. There are no intermediaries, and helping them get well is my only concern.” Dr. William P. Boxer is shown treating a patient in his home office in Pennington.

By Jean Stratton

A doctor who makes house calls? In 2020? This is news many people thought they would never hear again!

But William P. Boxer, MD, FACP will indeed come to see a patient at home, and this is part of the reason he decided to relocate his practice to Pennington this year.

“I wanted to have a home office, and I wanted to be able to offer home visits, explains Dr. Boxer. “I also came to New Jersey for the lifestyle, more land, the schools, and a slower pace. It fit in with my hope to be a country doctor.”

He does practice out of his home office in Pennington, where he lives with his wife and five children on a spacious property he calls Triple Creek  Family Farm. more

FARM STYLE: “We are set apart because of our focus on Central European food, our special burgers, and our unique recipes. We grow most of the ingredients for everything we make right here on our farm — including our purple beets!” Maria and Otto Zizak, owners of the new Ottoburger restaurant in Hopewell, are shown on their farm. (Photo by Jeffrey E. Tryon)

By Jean Stratton

We offer healthy comfort food. It is delicious food that tastes good and is good for you.”

Otto and Maria Zizak are enthusiastic about their new Ottoburger restaurant, which has just opened at 21 East Broad Street in Hopewell. And in the short time it has been open, the customers are equally enthusiastic, lining up to enjoy the indoor and outdoor dining or taking home a special burger.

Growing up in what was formerly Czechoslovakia, Otto and Maria have known each other since the second grade. The importance of eating good food, with healthy ingredients was always emphasized.

“My family were food people,” says Otto. “We enjoyed cooking, and eating good food.” more

HELP AND HEALING: “My services give my patients the best chance of not only healing, but achieving and maintaining optimal health so that they are not just ‘getting along,’  they are truly thriving.” Steven Hoffman, owner of Princeton Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, treats patients with a variety of medical conditions.

By Jean Stratton

Some people go to law school or business school; others learn on the job; still others go from career to career, seeking the right fit.

But not many find their occupation unexpectedly in a serendipitous moment, as Steven Hoffman did.

“I came to acupuncture through martial arts,” he explains. “I had jammed my thumb, and it was wrapped in a bandage when I came to my martial arts class. The instructor, also a trained acupuncturist, looked at it and said, ‘I’ll fix that!’

“He did, and it was instant relief. That was my introduction to acupuncture.” more

CUSTOM DESIGN: “Period Architecture considers the character of a region to unite architectural traditions of the past with contemporary lifestyle and technology. Our clients are looking for timeless design, and our designs transcend period styles and trends.” The architects at Period Architecture, 53 Church Road in Malvern, Pa., are proud of the variety and high quality of their work, including such projects as the state-of-the-art residential interiors and exteriors shown here.

By Jean Stratton

Designs that stand the test of time…

Custom quality designs dedicated to providing style with a statement…

Designs that are unique and yet appropriate to the surrounding  landscape…

This is the hallmark of Period Architecture.

Opened in 2010 in Malvern, Pa., by co-founder and President Joseph Mackin Jr. and co-founder and Vice President Jeffrey Dolan, the firm is known for its ability to work in a number of different styles and periods of architecture. It can create designs rooted in time-honored traditions that will accommodate 21^st-century lifestyles.

“Our goal is to remain an advocate for enduring architectural design and create beautifully livable spaces for our clients,” explains Jessica Fogle, associate principal and marketing director. “Working with the existing landscape allows a new home to look and feel as if it has always been there. In homes with unique features, finding cohesion with the surroundings is imperative to ensuring a timeless design.” more

PIZZA PERFECTION: “Our aim is to offer the most delicious homestyle food with fresh organic ingredients and the time-honored method of terracotta oven cooking. We are proud to bring our artisanal pizza and specialty dishes to all our customers.” Tino Procaccini, chef/owner of Tino’s Artisan Pizza Co., is shown with one of his signature pizzas in the popular Kingston pizzeria.

By Jean Stratton

Benvenuta! Buon Appetito!

This invitation to enjoy lunch or dinner at Tino’s Artisan Pizza Co. has welcomed customers for the last nine years. Located at 4428 Route 27 (Main Street) in Kingston and initially known as Osteria Procaccini, it introduced many diners to Neopolitan-style pizza, which is cooked in terracotta ovens from Italy at very high temperatures.

“Because of the high heat, up to 800 degrees, the pizza cooks very fast — in 90 seconds, and this brings out the flavor more intensely,” says owner/chef Tino Procaccini.

Offering high quality food has been his focus since 1999, when he and his brother John Procaccini opened La Borgata Ristorante & Pizzeria in the Kingston Mall. Still in college at the time, Tino attended classes every morning, and then spent afternoons and evenings in the kitchen at the restaurant.

The work ethic has always been a very important concept in the Procaccini family, he notes. His parents had come to the U.S. from Italy 48 years ago, and as boys, he and his brother helped out in their father’s landscaping company. more

THE PLACE TO DANCE: “In the classes, everyone wants to do well, so when they see they are making progress, they work harder. The greater portion of our students are serious about it,” says Douglas Martin, who, with his wife Mary Barton, owns and directs Martin Center For Dance. Shown are advanced students in the Modern Technique class.

By Jean Stratton

“Dancing is the loftiest, the most moving, the most
beautiful of the arts, because it is no mere translation
or abstraction from life; it is life itself.”

“The Dance of Life”

—Havelock Ellis

Such thoughts are not only for professional dancers, who devote themselves totally to their art, but to those amateur dancers, young and old, who love to dance to the music and aspire to be the best they can be.   

All these dancers are happy to know that the Martin Center For Dance is now open and offering ballet instruction at all levels. Beautiful dancing makes the music sing, and when done really well, it flows like a dream. The instructors at the Center know all about that.

Located at 11 Princess Road in Lawrence Township, the Center is owned and directed by the husband and wife team of Douglas Martin and Mary Barton.

Both are experienced professional dancers, choreographers, and teachers, who are joined at the Center by faculty members and former dancers and choreographers Mary Pat Robertson, Maria Youskevitch, and Kirk Peterson. more

OPEN-AIR ENTHUSIASM: “We believe every detail counts. When we are designing, creating, and installing your patio, outdoor kitchen, walkway, landscape lighting, or a new varied landscape for your yard, our team pays attention to every detail from start to finish. We bring our experience and expertise to every project, and make your dream a reality.” Brian Knisely, center, owner of Cedar Creek Landscapes, is shown with manager Daniel Reed, left, and operations manager Rob Cortina at one of their projects.

By Jean Stratton

From the age of 18, Brian Knisely knew he wanted to have his own company and provide customers with beautiful outdoor living opportunities, whether with handsome hardscapes or lovely landscapes.

That dream came true more than seven years ago when he opened Cedar Creek Landscapes in Pennington, with headquarters on Pennington Titusville Road. It was the culmination of many years in the landscaping business, with time spent mastering  the work — from in-the-field training and hands-on application to sales and administration.

“I grew up in Pennington, and worked for landscape companies in the area from the time I was 18,” says Knisely. “We worked across the board, including landscaping, hardscaping, and maintenance. I learned all aspects of the business and got a real overview.”

His background and success in sales was also helpful, giving him an added dimension as he took the big step in opening his own firm. His careful planning and experience set the foundation for a successful business adventure. more

PERSONAL SERVICE: “It’s important to do something for yourself, especially now during the virus. it’s really more of a necessity now, not a luxury,” says Beata Giermasinka, owner of Amber Spa in Pennington. Here, hairstylist Kasia Hoff is shown cutting a client’s hair in the new outdoor tent enclosure.

Soothing and calming, yet revitalizing and rejuvenating at the same time.

This is what customers have come to expect at Amber Spa in Pennington.

The full-service spa/salon opened in 2002 at its current location, 16 Main Street, and since then has been providing clients with state-of-the-art face, body, and hair care. Facials, massages, wraps, haircuts and color, manicures, pedicures, facial and body waxing, tanning, and makeup applications are all available.

The eight highly qualified staff members specialize in all of the above treatments, with customer-pleasing results, and the warm and welcoming atmosphere invites clients to relax, and for an hour or two, forget the ever-present “To Do” list. more

AL FRESCO:  “Everyone appreciates the way pedestrian traffic has opened up on Witherspoon Street. People are really enjoying coming together and eating outside. As owners of Olives, we are thankful and grateful for the way the town has allowed us to adapt to these changing times.”  Adam and Nick Angelakis, co-owners of Olives Gourmet Bakery & Deli, along with the Verganelakis family of Colonial Farm in Washington Crossing, look forward to more customers enjoying Olives’ outdoor dining opportunities. Tables are set up outside Olives’ entrance.

By Jean Stratton

The Witherspoon streetscape is now filled with intriguing scenes and scenarios as people enjoy the many outdoor dining opportunities now available. The street’s new traffic pattern has made it possible for more outdoor tables and attractive settings to line the thoroughfare.

Since state rules have prohibited indoor dining because of COVID-19, restaurants have had to adapt and meet the moment with new possibilities.

Olives, the popular Gourmet Bakery & Deli at 22 Witherspoon Street, is one of those that now offers dining al fresco, and co-owners and brothers Adam and Nick Angelakis are pleased with the result, and also that Princeton officials have stepped up to make it happen.

“I want to give credit to Mayor Lempert and the Princeton Council,” says Adam Angelakis. “They worked hard to make outside dining possible, and they have worked closely with the business community.” more

OPEN AIR SETTING:“It is very important to me that my clients feel comfortable and safe, and I was trying to think of ways to offer other opportunities for them during this time of the virus. Creating an open air massage room seemed like a good idea. People are enjoying outdoor dining; I knew they would enjoy outdoor massages too, especially in a beautiful park-like setting.” Ellen Kogan, owner of Tranquility Den Massage in the Princeton Shopping Center, is shown outside the spa. (Photo by Charles R. Plohn)

By Jean Stratton

Ellen Kogan saw a need, and filled it with a creative solution. Owner of Tranquility Den Massage in the Princeton Shopping Center, she wanted to assure clients of a safe and sound environment, where they could relax and rejuvenate.

After being closed since March due to the state regulations surrounding COVID-19, Tranquility Den Massage re-opened the end of June.

“In difficult times like these, business owners need to pivot and adapt to the current conditions,” she explains. “When some clients indicated they might not be comfortable indoors, it gave me the idea of adding an outdoor setting.”

Massage therapy is now more important than ever, she believes. It can calm the mind and soothe the soul as well as alleviate troublesome physical conditions. more

MEMORIALS AND MONUMENTS: Sutphen Memorials Inc. has been helping families design and create granite, marble, and bronze memorials for five generations. “We are here to help people through the difficult process of monument selection with our personal service and experience.” Douglas G. Sutphen Sr. (right) and Douglas G. Sutphen Jr., owners of Sutphen Memorials Inc., are dedicated to serving their customers with thoughtfulness and expertise.

By Jean Stratton

Memorializing one’s final resting place is a nearly universal — yet often postponed — practice. No one really wants to face this particular inevitability, so putting off the decision is not unusual.

On the other hand, says Douglas G. Sutphen Jr., co-owner with his father Douglas G. Sutphen Sr. of Sutphen Memorials Inc., many people with a more practical bent do plan ahead and select a monument or headstone before the need actually arises. Whether simple or elaborate, whimsical or poignant, it will reflect their final wishes and how they want to be remembered.

“Some people purchase the plot in the cemetery and the monument at the same time,” he points out. “Often, older people will decide on monuments ahead of time. It is really easier on the family if the decision has been made before.

“If it wasn’t selected before the death, however, I will often suggest that the family wait for a while before deciding, maybe a couple of months. This way they can make some notes, and think about how the person would want to be remembered, his or her interests, personality, etc.” more

ELECTRICAL EXPERTISE: “The needs of every customer are important to us at Cifelli Electrical Inc. We do every kind of job, including residential and commercial, and customers know they can rely on our knowledge and service.”Co-owners Mike Twarkusky and Anthony Tallone and office manager Carole Twarkusky look forward to continuing to serve clients throughout the Princeton area. (Photo courtesy of Cifelli Electrical Inc.)

By Jean Stratton

Always important, peace of mind in one’s home is especially crucial today as so many of us are spending many more hours home-bound during the coronavirus pandemic.

Making sure that the electrical system, including the home wiring, plugs and switches, fuse panel, circuit breaker, etc. are all in good repair is essential to home safety.

Cifelli Electrical Inc. has been providing reliable service to Princeton area customers since 2004, when Mike Twarkusky and Anthony Tallone established the company. Even before, dating back 50 years, it was a Princeton mainstay under the auspices of owner and founder John Cifelli.

“Both my co-owner Mike Twarkusky and I started at Cifelli in 1986,” says Tallone. “We were still in high school when we began working for John as apprentices. Then we both went on to further our education and become electricians.” more

RIDE IN STYLE: “People love getting on a bike. All our bike classes are currently outside, and cyclists of every ability come and have fun. They also love our pink and white bikes,” says Cassandra Orson, owner and founder of Forever Hart Fit, located at Route 130 in Robbinsville. Shown is a group enjoying the favorite FHF Cycle Fit class.

By Jean Stratton

“Our goal is to help you to be the best version of YOU!”

Cassandra Orson, owner and founder of Forever Hart Fit (FHF), loves what she does. Helping her clients become fit while having fun within a warm, welcoming atmosphere is her priority.

“We are set apart from other fitness facilities,” she believes. “We’re a lifestyle, not a gym. We have chandeliers and crystal accessories. It’s a boutique feel, and we totally emphasize the highest levels of cleanliness in every way.”

Established three years ago, Forever Hart Fit has a unique story, and is a reflection of how sometimes a positive result can unexpectedly emerge from a tragedy.

Predominantly Pink

“I had lost my baby son Hart, and the studio is in his memory, and named for him,”  explains Orson. “I will hold the love and inspiration of my child forever in my heart, and this strength, growth, and love that has been created with the studio is something I want to share as my mission with you.”

Located at 1179 Route 130 North, Unit 2, in Robbinsville, the studio is indeed unlike other fitness facilities. Its decor, with a prominent pink presence, is inviting, especially to the predominantly female clientele. Its stylish chandeliers and crystal accessories are not seen in many fitness establishments.

The focus on a warm, welcoming atmosphere for everyone, along with a positive flow of energy, is reported by many clients on numerous avenues of social media and via word-of-mouth. Positive reviews for FHF abound. more

BEST BATHS:  “Our showroom is currently focused on the bath, but we will be expanding the area to accommodate a variety of kitchen products. When people come in, they will find a complete showroom, with all the choices and high quality products they need.” Jill Jefferson-Miller, owner of Jefferson Bath & Kitchen, is shown by a display of Jaclo products, including tubs, toilets, and shower accessories.

By Jean Stratton

Staying put for the past several months has led many homeowners to think about a face lift!

Not necessarily a bit of “nip and tuck” here and there around the eyes or to firm up that softening chin line — although those are certainly options too.

But more to the point, many people are thinking of ways to create a new look in the house — specifically, the bath and kitchen. Both are hot spots for upgrades.

Improvements to these special places have long been known to boost sale prices for homeowners wishing to sell. But, on the other hand, isn’t it appealing to make some changes just for your own enjoyment? Especially during times that have brought added stress to everyday lives.

Soothing Sanctuary

Jefferson Bath & Kitchen, located at 29 Airpark Road, Floor 2, is just the place to find everything from a new shower head or sink to a bath tub, toilet, or all of these if you are ready for a complete remodel.

Indeed, the bathroom of today is bigger and better than ever. It can be decorative as well as functional, and can provide a spa-like atmosphere, a sophisticated sanctuary allowing soothing relaxation in freestanding tubs, multi-function showers featuring different water pressure and spray patterns, such as “massage,” “rain,” and “champagne bubbles.”

The possibilities are quite remarkable. Sinks and tubs are available not only in the typical porcelain but in marble, granite, onyx, and bamboo.

There are also toilets with heated seats, automatic open/close lids, hygienic cleaning wands, and warm air dryers. more

SUCCESS STORY: “We offer fresh ingredients from local sources. Everything is healthy and sustainable. Our specialties are made-to-order crepes and our homemade jams, but we also have seasonal soups and salads.” The owners of Jammin’ Crepes are pleased to offer outside dining and takeout service according to the current New Jersey state regulations. Shown, from left, are owners Kim and Amin Rizk and Kathy Klockenbrink.

By Jean Stratton

For the past six years, it has been the place to meet a friend for breakfast, lunch, or just a quick afternoon treat.

Success stories like that of Jammin’ Crepes are unique. A favorite from the day it opened its doors in 2014, its popularity continues to grow and grow.

Established by Kim and Amin Rizk and Kathy Klockenbrink, it was initially introduced at several farm markets, including West Windsor and Princeton, in 2011.

“We emphasized good fresh food, especially crepes, all made to order, as well as our homemade jams and pickles. The farm markets were a very good showcase for us, and people enjoyed seeing us make the crepes,” says Kim Rizk. more

CREATIVE COLOR: “I like the idea of making art more accessible to people. All ages enjoy coming to Color Me Mine, including kids from 3 and up, as well as their parents and grandparents. They all like to come and paint and create!” Krystal Spadafora, second from right, owner of Color Me Mine in the Princeton Shopping Center, is shown with her husband and co-owner Tom Spadafora, and their three children, from left, Erik, Emily, and Katy.

By Jean Stratton

Explore your inner artist! Release your creativity! Are you ready?

These opportunities are waiting for you at Color Me Mine, the “Paint Your Own Pottery” studio in the Princeton Shopping Center.

Originally opened March 19, “it got off to a great start,” says owner Krystal Spadafora, and then COVID-19 forced a changed in everyone’s lives, including owners of business establishments, and the business was put on hold.

“We were so encouraged with the initial response from customers, and also, all the other Shopping Center merchants were so welcoming,” reports Krystal, who co-owns the business with her husband Tom Spadafora.

“Now, we are so happy to reopen. We look forward to sharing all our programs and workshops with customers and encouraging them to create and have fun.” more

SPRING SPLENDOR: “We have quality products, and customers know our reputation and that they can count on us for helpful and knowledgeable service. We look forward to helping people grow their gardens.” Jeff Baumley, owner of Baumley Nursery, Landscaping & Garden Center, is shown beside a variety of shade-loving plants.

By Jean Stratton

“The flowers appear on the earth;
The time of the singing of the birds is come;”

—Song of Solomon

Indeed, in the midst of this season “of our discontent,” the flowers are here, and the birds and pollinators are helping to ensure that more blossoms will thrive and continue to provide beauty to the land.

And this is always important at Baumley Nursery, Landscaping & Garden Center. For more than 30 years, owner Jeff Baumley has been helping customers take home the right plants for the right space, and encouraging homeowners to learn about the proper care and maintenance of their new acquisitions.

Any visit to the Garden Center at 4339 Route 27, just past Kingston, is time well spent, both to appreciate the splendid display of flowers and plants in all colors and sizes, and to meander along attractive brick pathways, and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.

Customers also appreciate the convenient arrangement and identification of the products, including helpful explanatory information.  more

LEGAL EXPERTISE: “In our family law practice, we have developed a strong focus on the individual. The center of our legal universe is our client. We are focused on meeting the client’s needs from the first phone call through to the resolution of the matter.” Attorneys, from left, Grace Dennigan, Mia Cahill, and Elizabeth (Beth) Smith, are partners in the Dennigan Cahill Smith law firm.

By Jean Stratton

First and foremost, attorneys Grace Dennigan, Mia Cahill, and Elizabeth (Beth) Smith are there to help. When clients seek their family law services, whether for divorce, domestic abuse, child custody, financial issues, or divorce mediation, the partners and staff at Dennigan Cahill Smith (DCS) are skilled advocates on their behalf.

The firm was founded in 2006 by Grace Dennigan and Mia Cahill. Beth Smith joined in 2008, becoming a partner in 2012. They are experienced litigators, negotiators, and mediators, and the firm, located at 12 Roszel Road, Princeton, has an excellent reputation among both its clients and within the legal community. It represents clients primarily in Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Burlington counties.

An added dimension is that DCS is an all-female-owned and managed law firm. This has not deterred male clients who comprise half of the roster of clients.

“Both male and female clients have said that the idea of a strong female firm is appealing to them — based on their own perceptions on how they view us, and the qualities they are looking for in an attorney,” says Beth Smith. “Who doesn’t want a strong group of women in their corner?” more