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

THEATRE MAGIC: “We are proud of what we do, which is to offer you and your family a high quality convenient alternative to Broadway theater in New York City, and other theaters in New Jersey and Philadelphia,” says M. Kitty Getlik, artistic director of Kelsey Theatre, located at Mercer County Community College. “Our semi-professional theatre center offers musicals, plays, comedies, drama, children’s theater, dance programs, and music concerts year-round. And we try very hard to keep it all affordable for your budget.”

By Jean Stratton

The play’s the thing” at the Kelsey Theatre!

Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the 399-seat theatre, located at Mercer County Community College (MCCC), 1200 Old Trenton Road, has a proud history of offering high quality productions.

Much of the theatre’s success is due to the longtime involvement of artistic director M. Kitty Getlik, who joined Kelsey’s operation a few years after its establishment in 1972-73.

Starting as stage manager, she has seen it grow into an important resource for theater-goers. more

FAMILY TRADITION:  “We are so happy that we could raise our children here, and that we could have a business in which all our family could be involved. It has been wonderful to do something with our lives to make the community better and that people enjoy and appreciate. It’s very special.” Pam and Gary Mount, owners of Terhune Orchards, are shown with the family’s second and third generations, all doing their part at the farm.

By Jean Stratton

Terhune Orchards is a favorite place not only for Princetonians but for many other loyal customers from farther away. People come from all over to enjoy this special haven at 330 Cold Soil Road. As many as 500,000 a year actually visit, and return again and again.

Emphasizing the unique bounty of each season, this country farm is a local treasure year round. Community and families gather to enjoy great food, fresh fruits and vegetables, friendly farm animals, and wine tastings in the wine barn from the farm’s own vineyard winery.

The evolution of Terhune Orchards into a major example of modern farming began 47 years ago, when Pam and Gary Mount purchased Terhune’s, which had been established in the early 1920s. Just home after three years in the Peace Corps in Micronesia, the Mounts saw a “For Sale” sign at the orchard, and decided to buy it. more

HOMEOWNER HELP: “We provide quality home repair, maintenance, and management services for homeowners. We can handle projects of all sizes, and with our maintenance program, we can find things that could become a problem that the owner didn’t know about.” Jim Baxter, left, co-founder and owner of Total Home Manager (with Ray Disch), is shown with office manager Pamela S. Beer and project manager Peter Parker.

By Jean Stratton

Tired of having to worry about the leak in the roof, cleaning the gutters, shoveling snow, waiting for the plumber, or painting the house? Don’t worry. Help is at hand — and peace of mind!

Total Home Manager (THM) can make this happen. And you don’t have to move; you can stay in your house, and you are relieved of stress and strain and all those pesky details that accompany home ownership.

As its name suggests, Total Home Manager is prepared to take complete control of maintenance, repair, and management of whatever problems and needs arise.   

Established by Jim Baxter, owner of Baxter Construction, and entrepreneur Ray Disch in 2009, it is headquartered at 31 West Broad Street in Hopewell. more

BEST BOOKS:  “We are an independent, family-owned bookstore, with books, new and used, both of general and of specialized interest, including many books you can’t find elsewhere. As an official bookstore for Princeton University, we also specialize in academic books for students and scholars.” Dorothea von Moltke, an owner of Labyrinth Books, is shown in one of her favorite places.

By Jean Stratton   

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.”

—Stephen King

It certainly is true that a book can take the reader to a magical place, on an exciting adventure, or into a territory filled with new, perhaps unexpected, ideas and treasures.

As Dorothea von Moltke of Labyrinth Books explains about the store’s name, “We think of it as getting lost in order to find what you didn’t expect.”

Opened in 2007 at 122 Nassau Street, the store is owned by brothers Cliff and Peter Simms and Dorothea von Moltke.

After a number of years in New York City, with a location near Columbia University, Labyrinth had an opportunity to become the official bookstore for Princeton University. Princeton seems to be the perfect match not only for the academic books, but also for an independent bookstore offering a wide variety of books for all readers, notes von Moltke. more