THE HEALING TOUCH: “Helping Hands” are the focus at Alchemy Mind and Body Spa. “We are experts at what we do. But knowing the best techniques is only part of the process. We are also here to make you feel great. Whether you’re here for a one-hour service or an entire day, your happiness is of utmost importance.” Owner Denyse Thedinga is shown near a Buddha replica in the waiting room, which helps to create a sense of serenity and relaxation. (Photo by Julie Dassaro)

By Jean Stratton

The healthy benefits of massage and facials are well known, and you will definitely be in good hands at Alchemy Mind and Body Spa in Kingston,

Once considered a luxury, massage and facials are now thought of as essential by many. More and more people are discovering not only the benefits for their skin, but also for their state of mind.

As owner Denyse Thedinga points out, “The benefits of massage and facials include relaxation and stress relief. It is important to relax and take a moment for yourself, especially with the stresses in the world today.” more

GORGEOUS GOWNS: “The entire selection is yours for an exclusive and private bridal shopping experience. Before you say ‘I do,’ say ‘Yes to the dress’ at Princeton Bridal!” Matija Tomasello, owner of Princeton Bridal, is shown by a selection of exclusive and hand-curated wedding gowns.

By Jean Stratton

Whether it is for the traditional June wedding or the popular October wedding day — or any date in between — in addition to their partner, the bride’s No. 1 choice is the dress!

Brides-to-be now have a special opportunity to select the wedding gown of their dreams at Princeton Bridal in the Princeton Shopping Center.

Opened last August, the shop is filled with 50 to 75 stunning wedding gowns of all styles. Owner Matija Tomasello is an experienced bridal consultant, who offers private appointments for the brides. Her goal is to provide a warm and welcoming event leading to the very special upcoming moment in the life of the client.

As she explains, “My business model was to have a very personal relationship with clients, and all by appointment. I only see one bride at a time, and each session is an hour and a half. Sometimes, she will bring her mother, sister, or best friend, and I have room for four people to be here together. We also offer our guests refreshments.” more

SETTING THE TABLE: “We are a third generation family-owned small business and the premier importer of Japanese tableware and gifts to the U.S. We bring the best of Japan home, so you can too!” Husband and wife team Bob Matsukawa and Heidi Moon are co-owners of Miya Table & Home on Palmer Square.

By Jean Stratton

When it’s time to set the table, and you want it to have extra special appeal, head over to Miya Table & Home at 27 Palmer Square West.

Opened in its current location in 2021, this charming shop is filled with an engaging selection of tableware predominantly from Japan, as well as an eclectic and wide-ranging mix of other items.

The family business dates back to 1947, when current owner Bob Matsukawa’s great-uncle Chosuke Miyahira (also known as “Mr. Miya”) opened a flower shop in Manhattan. In time, Matsukawa’s father joined the business, and they began importing goods from Japan. As American interest grew, the focus on Japanese and Asian products, in particular tableware, became a priority. Miya was one of the only companies importing housewares from Japan. more

’TIS THE SEASON: Montgomery, the 2 1/2-year-old alpaca, and Marie Voorhees, owner of Hidden Spring Lavender & Alpaca Farm, are all decked out for the holidays. Montgomery was the first baby alpaca born at the farm.

By Jean Stratton

Avisit to Hidden Spring Lavender & Alpaca Farm engages on many levels. It’s a chance to spend time in the relaxing atmosphere of a country setting with fields of fragrant lavender. Opportunities for shopping are abundant in the special Gift Shoppe, and then there are the alpacas!

Twenty-three alpacas live at the Hidden Spring Farm and are a captivating attraction for enthusiastic visitors, who may even schedule a 20-minute walk with one of these appealing animals.

Opened in 2014, and located at 890 County Route 601 in Skillman, it was the dream of Marie Voorhees. After a career in the corporate world, she decided to head in a new direction. She and her husband Steven purchased her parents’ 25-acre farm, and it was the perfect spot for a new adventure.

“When we came to live here, I wanted to have something pretty out front,” she explains. “It had to be animal resistant because of the deer and rabbits, and lavender is resistant.” more

TEAM WORK: Collaboration is key at HomeCare Veterinary Clinic. Veterinarians, vet technicians, and all the staff work together to ensure the best care for their patients at this private practice. “Many veterinarian practices are corporate-owned today. I wanted to have a private practice, which offers a more personal approach for patients and clients,” explains owner Dr. Patti Maslanka, VMD. She is shown at right in the foreground, with staff members, including Dr. Meredith Schepp, DVM, third from left, and Dr. Amy Schein, DVM, fourth from left. Luna, the 8-year-old pit bull/cattle dog mix, is a welcome visitor.

By Jean Stratton

When you share your home with a companion animal, it can provide great happiness, along with infectious, ongoing fun. There are challenges too. Puppies love to chew just about anything, including your favorite shoes! Cats enjoy appropriating the furniture as their preferred scratching post, in addition to climbing up the curtains for further entertainment. True animal lovers tend to take such exploits in stride.

And there can be illnesses and injuries, requiring capable and compassionate care. Having the services of qualified and experienced veterinarians is crucial to your pet’s health and well-being. more

POSITIVE CHANGE: “Our dedicated staff specializes in comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological testing and treatment for school age children and adults of all ages. We believe in a personalized approach, which is direct, problem-oriented, and solution-focused, and which can be individualized and/or family oriented.” Shown, from left, are Bridget Mayer, Psy.D.; Kaitlin Riegler, Ph.D.: and Rosemarie Scolaro Moser, Ph.D. of the Princeton Neuropsychology at RSM-Sports Concussion Center of New Jersey.

By Jean Stratton

Winter blues, ADHD, PTSD, depression, anxiety, chronic headaches, autism, learning and memory difficulties, dementia, concussions, difficult behaviors, and personality changes — all of these conditions may be related to neuropsychological problems. And they are all the types of disorders that can be assessed and treated by the Princeton Neuropsychology at RSM-Sports Concussion Center of New Jersey.

Located at 100 Canal Pointe Boulevard, Suite 210 at the MarketFair Mall, the center focuses on evaluation and treatment of a very wide range of cognitive, emotional, and physical disorders that are often inter-connected.

Established in 1999 by Director Rosemarie Scolaro Moser, Ph.D., it offers the hope of positive change for people of all ages who are coping with many mental and physical challenges. more

FINANCIAL FOCUS: “We work with clients to help them make sound financial decisions. We are advocates for them, and we have long-term relationships. Underlying everything is our desire to help people meet their financial goals.” Shown, from left, are financial advisors Michael G. Petrone, CFP, JD; Thomas M. Petrone, CLU; and Andrew Petrone of Petrone Associates Financial Advisors, the longtime family business founded by President Thomas M. Petrone.

By Jean Stratton

For 53 years, Petrone Associates Financial Advisors has been helping clients navigate their finances and guiding them to a successful outcome and future.

Such important work has become even more necessary today as people are dealing with challenges on many levels. Recovering from the aftermath of a worldwide pandemic, coping with inflation, uncertainty over taxes, worries over technology, and climate change are all foremost.

On a more personal level, it can include anxiety over the next paycheck, protecting income, funding college costs, long-term health care planning, or anticipating retirement needs.

Whatever one’s financial status, these are all concerns that require careful attention. more

PLANT-BASED: “The vegan diet is plant-based with no meat, fish, poultry, or dairy products. Interest is growing, and I thought there was a need for it in Princeton. There is really nothing like our restaurant, a full-scale vegan restaurant, in the area.” Chef Omer Basetemur, owner of Planted Plate, is shown in front of the restaurant’s colorful full-size mural, featuring a rain forest/jungle background and the Princeton tiger looking on.

By Jean Stratton

If dining out is on your menu, and you are ready to experience a variety of new tastes, the Planted Plate restaurant can become your new “go to” eatery.

Located at 15 Spring Street, this vegan restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and takeout with wide-ranging culinary choices. it was opened in 2021 by owner/chef Omer Basetemur, and it has consistently increased its customer base as more and more people are enjoying its intriguing variety of plant-based options.

Basetemur is especially happy to have opened Planted Plate in his hometown. “I grew up in Princeton, and I really liked the idea of having a restaurant here. Princeton is a good match for a vegan restaurant,” he says.

Bastemur’s culinary history has an interesting origin and evolution. After graduating from Princeton High School, he headed to the Jersey Shore, where he worked in a vegetarian restaurant. Not a practicing vegetarian at the time, he began to appreciate its benefits. “I saw its healthy aspects, and it became part of my diet,” he explains. more

PHYSICAL THERAPY FOCUS: “Innovative Physical Therapy and Fitness Center provides patients with the highest standard of care and cutting edge techniques that can maximize the body’s ability to move, heal, and perform at an optimal level, and takes a one-on-one approach that focuses on patient education — not only for treatment but also for prevention.” Suresh Babu, PT, DPT, MS, (right) founder and CEO of Innovative Physical Therapy and Fitness Center, and Laura Wong, PT, DPT, clinical director, look forward helping patients regain a full quality of life.

By Jean Stratton

It’s the back; no, the neck. Or is it that troublesome knee, shoulder, or hip?

Whatever the problem and whether it stems from overdoing it on the tennis court, golf course, soccer field, or the myriad other ways one can put too much pressure on all those joints, help is at hand.

Innovative Physical Therapy and Fitness Center (IPTFC) opened at the Princeton Shopping Center in May, and is ready with an expert staff and state-of-the-art equipment to help patients find the road of recovery.

Founder and CEO Suresh Babu, PT, DPT, MS, established the first IPTFC in Edison in 2011, followed by another in Kendall Park in 2012. Princeton is the third location, and he looks forward to a special association with the community. more

CREATIVE CHOICES: “There is no other store in the mall like us. Our vibe is different from anything here, and we really fill a need. Customers will find a great eclectic selection — cards, candles, coloring books, candy, kids’ items, and much more. Our motto is ‘Everything you want … and didn’t know you need!’” Bailey Cookman, owner of twine., is shown in the store’s new location in the Quaker Bridge Mall. She is holding Scrabble coasters, made locally by Yardsale Press.

Colorful and cool, eclectic, entertaining and energetic! This is the new twine. shop, now open in the Quaker Bridge Mall.

Following in the footsteps of the flagship twine. in Hopewell, this new shop offers the signature aesthetic of the original, but with an added sensibility of color, activism, and popular culture. more

BBQ BONUS: “The recipe is simple: freshly made food, local ingredients, and special homemade sauces. We are offering great BBQ, inspired by our chef, ‘Mama Sally,’ along with the well-known hospitality that characterizes Local Greek,” explains Tony Kanterakis, owner of Local Greek Restaurant Group and the new Local BBQ in Hopewell. Shown is chef and catering director “Mama Sally” Kornegay.

By Jean Stratton

Tony Kanterakis, owner of Local Greek Restaurant Group, knows what works.

“Food brings people together, and that has always been our target in the Local Greek Family. That is what we want to keep doing by adding Local BBQ.” more

MUSIC APPRECIATION: “At our Summer Festival, we try to broaden the participants’ minds by including various speakers and lecturers as well as pianists and piano pedagogues. All classes and events will be open to the public, and we hope everyone can visit us, see the metamorphosis of the young pianists, and experience beautiful music-making with us.” John Perry and Mina Hirobe-Perry, directors of the John Perry Academy of Music, are shown with Seiji, their 6-year-old son.

By Jean Stratton

“We are the music-makers, And we are the dreamers of dreams.”

—Arthur William Edgar O’Shaughnessy

Something special will be available in July for all those who love to make music and for those who may be dreaming of doing so someday.

The John Perry Academy of Music (JPA) is scheduling its International Summer Music Festival July 2 through July 14 at The College of New Jersey, located at 2000 Pennington Road, Ewing Township.

It is the first time the prestigious event will take place in New Jersey. After many years in Los Angeles, John Perry and Mina Hirobe-Perry, directors of the Academy, have relocated to Princeton.

“A festival of this type offers the opportunity for the talented music student to immerse himself/herself in an intense music performance program without the distractions of other subjects, other classes, and all other competing demands on their time,” explains John Perry. “There is no question that one walks away from this experience greatly enriched and knowledgeable about the art of music.” more

HELPING HANDS: “It’s very important to provide fresh seasonal food to families who need it. This is our mission. Our primary focus is for families with children in Princeton Public Schools.” Shown are the team members who guide and operate the Princeton Mobile Food Pantry. From left are Wendy Wilton, Debbie Bronfeld, Liliana Morenilla, Dafna Kendal, Shilpa Pai, Sharon Litvinsky, Mandy Arshan, Amy Lansky, and Jennifer Lea Cohan. Missing from the photo is Jackie Swain.

By Jean Stratton

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, that’s the only thing that ever does.”

—Margaret Mead

How to translate that conviction into action? Some people see a need and don’t know what to do about it. Some are unaware of the need. Others see the need and find ways to address it.

The last statement is the story of the Princeton Mobile Food Pantry (PMFP) and the remarkable team that created it, and continues to make it happen.

In 2007, Princeton resident and volunteer Liliana Morenilla became aware of students who did not have enough to eat.

“I was volunteering at Johnson Park Elementary School translating for Spanish-speaking parents,” she explains. “There was constant mention of food insecurity in their homes. One day, I had to separate two little ones who were fighting for a granola bar. What started the fight was that the kids never had snacks from home, and were hungry.” more