MAKING A STATEMENT: “We have many choices at our shop, a little bit of everything, including clothes, accessories, and gifts. From candles and jewelry to smudging kits, clothing, and handbags, we make gifting easy. You can do more than one thing here — buy something special for yourself or a welcome gift for someone else.” Brooke Ciali, owner of Statements Boutique, is shown enjoying the shop’s opening day, surrounded by an eclectic, engaging array of products.

By Jean Stratton

Charm, vitality, and freshness highlight Statements Boutique, the special women’s shop at 195 Nassau Street.

Filled with options and opportunities, it offers choices to dress for success, dress to impress, and certainly to make a statement — always with comfort the key, and with the customer’s individuality and style the main priority.

“We are set apart by our look,” explains owner Brooke Ciali. “It’s sort of a trending vibe. Something new and different. We have all independent designers from the U.S., and we emphasize eco-friendly items and sustainability. We always take into consideration the customer’s unique style and find what is best for her.

“Our styles are informal to dressy, with dresses, tops, blouses, T-shirts, sweaters, and also jeans and tights. We have shoes, including sneakers and flip-flops, and a full range of accessories: belts, hats, scarves, and lots and lots of jewelry.” more

FAIR SKIES AHEAD: “In 1985, when we moved here, we had no idea we were carrying forward the torch of aviators from 1911 at this site. We think those early aviators would be very pleased with the expansion of the runway, taxiway, lighting system, hangars, and all the navigational aids that have come into being.” Ken Nierenberg, right, manager of Princeton Airport, is also very proud that his son Jack, left, is now the third generation of the Nierenberg family to help guide and maintain the airport’s highest professional standards. They are shown beside a Cessna-172, one of the instruction planes.

By Jean Stratton

“Come fly with me,

“Let’s fly, let’s fly away!”

And as the song continues,

“Once I get you up there, where the air is rarefied,

“We’ll just glide starry-eyed…..”

If that sounds intriguing, you don’t have to fight the traffic to Newark Liberty, Kennedy, or even Trenton-Mercer Airport. Princeton Airport and Flying School is just around the corner at 41 Airpark Road.

And the opportunities are equally intriguing: flying lessons, rentals, hangars in which to park your own plane, and an extraordinary history. more

BRANDYWINE LIVING: “I  enjoy helping families find the best place for their loved ones. I introduce them to Brandywine and help to make sure they will be comfortable.” Hilary Murray, Brandywine Living Serenade at Princeton’s director of community relations, is shown with staff members, from left: Welcome Coordinator Casey Bonchi; Murray; Corporate Sales Specialist Christy Esandrio; Executive Director Shanna Garland; and Business Office Manager Christine Dandridge.

By Jean Stratton

Almost anything at any time will be available at Brandywine Living Serenade at Princeton. Do you want the butler to arrange transportation or bring lunch to your apartment? Or do you prefer to eat in the dining room at any time of your choice? A late riser? You can have brunch at noon or lunch at 4, and wine with dinner!

It’s all about choice at Brandywine Living Serenade at Princeton.

This upscale senior living residence, located at 775 Mount Lucas Road, is set to open in late spring or early summer. Brandywine Living acquired Acorn Glen, formerly at this location, and has totally transformed and renovated that facility.

“It has a whole new look,” says Hilary Murray, Brandywine Living Serenade at Princeton director of community relations. “We have a large wooded area, landscaping with colorful gardens and plantings, and pleasant walking trails. The inside has handsome appointments and beautiful decor.” more

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PERFECT PAPER PRODUCTS: “There is really something about coming into a store and actually seeing the items firsthand. Also, the staff can help with questions people may have and offer advice. It’s much more personal, and we enjoy talking with our customers and getting to know them.” Chelsea Muro, manager of the Paper Source, is shown near a display of many of the store’s popular products.

By Jean Stratton

Writing a note or letter, sending an invitation, or an important message via pen and paper is still the choice of many people today. Even in a time with a plethora of electronic communication devices, there is something special about this “vintage” style of connection.

Chelsea Muro can vouch for this — as manager of the Paper Source at 42 Witherspoon Street, she sees daily evidence of the ongoing popularity of paper products.

“Even in the digital age, people still want to write a note on paper. It is really more personal and meaningful that you took the time to do it. We have a full range of styles and companies for note cards and stationery, including Crane and Rifle Paper Co. The latter also offers jewelry, purses, and even wallpaper, all in wonderful designs. We also have our own exclusive Paper Source brand of cards, stationery, and invitations.” more

TEMPTING TASTINGS:  “We are always planning to expand with new acquisitions and openings,” says Eben Copple, Genesis Hospitality Group’s director of hospitality. Proof Pizza on Nassau Street is one of Genesis’ popular eateries. Shown in the photo are such favorites as the Porky Pie (top left), Autostrada (top right), and Puglia Pie (bottom left). Both slices and pies are on the menu, and made with the freshest ingredients.

By Jean Stratton

New acquisitions, new ideas, and new concepts are the driving force behind Genesis Hospitality Group.

Headquartered in Hamilton, the company owns more than nine restaurants, bars, bakeries, inns, and boutique hotels in the area. In Princeton, the number includes The Peacock Inn, Chez Alice, Bread Boutique, and Proof Pizza.

Its first acquisition was the Washington Crossing Inn in 2009, followed by The Yardley Inn, Di Bartolo European Bakery in Haddonfield and Collingswood, and recently the Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn.

A division of Genesis Biotechnology. which is also headquartered in Hamilton, Genesis Hospitality came about because of the intention of Genesis Biotechnology’s CEO Eli Mordechai, Ph.D., to offer diversity and explore new concepts. more

FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS: “We have flowers for every occasion, from showers, weddings, and anniversaries to Mother’s Day, birthdays, and graduations, including formal arrangements or informal bouquets. People can also just stop in and get one rose or assorted cut flowers as a hostess gift or special remembrance,” explains Kathleen Angelinovich, manager and floral designer at Vaseful Princeton Flowers & Gifts. She is shown with David, a staff member and team leader at the shop.

By Jean Stratton

In these last lingering days of winter, Vaseful Flowers & Gifts offers a touch of spring.

Filled with a vista of colorful blooms and blossoms of all kinds, it provides customers with a wonderful selection of flowers for all occasions. And a special spring reminder is the shop’s display of pussy willows and the similar purple heirloom branches. Irresistible to many customers!

Opened in June 2019 at 305 Witherspoon Street, Vaseful is unique in a special way. Owned by Community Options Enterprises, it offers training and employment opportunities to young adults with disabilities, and helps them to become an integrated part of the business, interact with customers and co-workers, and build self-confidence.

A sign in the store reminds everyone of this underlying concept, “In this office — We are Helpful. We achieve Goals. We are Courteous. We are Patient. We work Together. We are a TEAM.” more

SUCCESS STORY: “We have become a community hub. People love to come in and see what’s new. We rearrange everything each week, and new items are always coming in. We are so grateful to those who donate and to the shoppers, who have continued to keep us going and support HomeFront in this way.” Shown are volunteers at HomeFront’s Treasure Trove shop in Hopewell. From left are Sue Karr, Martha Blandford, Ruthann Traylor, Annie Battle, Lillian Rankel, Vivienne Wingard, and Helen James (foreground).

By Jean Stratton

HomeFront’s Treasure Trove — Buy something you love, support a cause you believe in.”

This sentiment is proving irresistible to the many shoppers who have discovered the special items and warm atmosphere at HomeFront’s Treasure Trove, the shop at 31 West Broad Street in Hopewell. Filled with an eclectic array of art, furniture, pottery, glassware, and much more, it benefits the HomeFront programming fund.

Not only is it a true success story, it truly is the gift that keeps on giving on so many levels — to the community, to donors who know that their donation will find a new home, and ultimately benefit HomeFront.

“Since we opened a little over a year ago, we have raised $175,000 for HomeFront, a testament to the goodwill and generosity of so many people,” says Annie Battle, HomeFront volunteer and curator and organizer of the shop. more

SPARRING PARTNERS:  An extensive selection of workout and training opportunities are available at NexT Fit Clubs. Shown here is a personal trainer helping an energetic member “learn the ropes” during a training session.

By Jean Stratton

Ready for some exercise? The winter chill may not beckon you outdoors for a quick walk or bike ride, but an alternative is there, and the time is now!

A new year can launch a new beginning, and NexT Fit Clubs at 390 Wall Street offers a complete range of strength and cardio equipment, personal training, and classes.

“January is a big time for new members,” says owner and president Kevin R. Price. “People want a new start for the new year after all that holiday eating. They’re ready for a healthier lifestyle.”

Opened in October 2019, the club welcomes clients of all fitness levels and all ages. Whether you want to lose weight, tone up, lower cholesterol, or get ready for summer swimsuits, there will be a program for you. All shapes and sizes welcome! more

FUN AND FUNCTION: “As a modern lifestyle brand, Toobydoo is designed for babies, boys, and girls, from infants to age 14. We believe in beautiful designs that are always fun and functional. Come see us at Toobydoo!” Sonja Lips (right), co-owner, with her husband Paul, of Toobydoo on Palmer Square, is shown with her staff. They are enthusiastic and ready to help with a full range of imaginative shopping ideas.

By Jean Stratton

Creativity. Imagination. Personality.

With all due respect to the digital age, you will not find the import of these expressions and the images they evoke online. Words and pictures, perhaps, but they are, after all, one-dimensional. Online shopping and the convenience and quick click of the keyboard cannot duplicate the real thing, and seeing it firsthand. No touching, tasting, trying on!

Where you will find creativity, imagination, and personality vividly brought to life is within the walls of Toobydoo. The baby and children’s clothing and toy store at 59 Palmer Square West is filled with style and spirit, and a visit there will guarantee a fun shopping experience.

It begins with the windows. Filled with colorful, eye-catching displays, they invite you to come in. more

“ARTIST’S LIFE”: “Art needs to be out in the world, interacting with people. When you bring a work of art into your home, you are allowing a new spirit to become part of your life,” says artist Jessie Krause, a member of Princeton Makes Artist Cooperative. Shown is one of her acrylic paintings, a cyclist in front of East Pyne Hall on the Princeton University campus.

By Jean Stratton

We are a community of artists from all over the world, all of whom have an artistic vision, and work in varying styles. There is a group dynamic here that enhances the creative process.

“You hear the sound of creativity, the sound of community, the sound of making things together. You’ll hear a sewing machine, a potter’s wheel, and all in a workshop environment. We’re like an art market. We are very accessible with a whole range of art and a wide range of prices. Art is affordable here. And the public can come in and see real people making real things in their studio. We’re part of the real world.”

Artist Jessie Krause is very proud of Princeton Makes, the Artist Cooperative in the Princeton Shopping Center. An organization of 30 artists, the cooperative offers them the opportunity both to showcase and sell their artwork and also to have studio space for their creative endeavors.

Opened in September, it was founded by stained glass artist Jim Levine, former interim director of the Arts Council of Princeton. more

By Jean Stratton

If you are moving, you want to seal the deal as soon as possible, and under the most auspicious and least stressful circumstances.

No mistake about it, buying or selling a house requires fortitude!

Why not have the very best help available as you navigate this daunting procedure?

Help is at hand!

The Mercer County Association of Top Producers is an organization consisting of high level real estate agents and brokers from many area firms.

To qualify, an agent must have received the prestigious New Jersey Association of Realtors (NJAR) Circle of Excellence Award, Bronze level; and have produced $2.5 million in sales for the year, or 17 units (sales or rentals). There are currently 66 members, and only 5 percent of all members of the Mercer County Board of Realtors have achieved membership.

Elite Group

Since the organization’s establishment more than 30 years ago, it has completed over 1,754 transactions totaling $726 million.

“It is an honor to be part of the Association,” says vice president of the Association Board Lisa LeRay. A broker sales agent with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox & Roach, Realtors, headquartered in Pennington, she has been a member of Top Producers for 12 years.

“We meet once a month, and it is very beneficial for the agents to network with the other top producers. We discuss and share information about the market, new listings, and we can learn from each other. For example, one agent’s client may be looking for a specific kind of house, with certain details, and another agent may know of one and can make suggestions. I have become a better agent by being a member of this organization.

“Knowing that you are in an elite group with people who you can learn from, but also that motivate you to be an excellent real estate agent, is invaluable.” more

TEAM WORK: “Our goal is to provide the absolute pinnacle of food quality and services. Our logo is pineapple (the Colonial universal sign of welcome) and tulips (traditional flowers from Holland that represent the Dutch family of John Blaw, the settler of Blawenburg).” Jennifer Cifelli, far left, owner of the new Blawenburg Bistro, is shown with staff members, from left,  Rebecca, Kenia, and Kelly.

By Jean Stratton

I am glad to come to work every single day! And I am here every day. I am inspired by this opportunity.”

The many customers of the Blawenburg Bistro share owner Jennifer Cifelli’s enthusiasm. They are coming from all over the Princeton area and beyond, stopping in for coffee and a croissant early in the morning as they commute to work, or later in the day for a leisurely lunch.

Opened in April, the Bistro is a dream come true for owner Cifelli, who always loved cooking, but who took a detour before owning her own restaurant. She had a previous career as a teacher, but as she says, “I wanted to make a change, and this was the time to do it. I was always interested in cooking and different kinds of food. I was a foodie from day one!

“Also, we found just the right location at 391 County Route 518 in the Blawenburg Village section of Skillman. Our iconic corner building has a long history over more than 250 years. It has been a post office, general store, dry cleaner, deli, antique shop, newspaper headquarters, dog groomer, catering company, and cafe. We are proud to have a legacy of successful and welcoming businesses that have come before us. We want to keep that tradition.” more

IN THE MIDST OF HISTORY: Shown is the historic Colonial era Cranbury Inn. As owners and innkeepers Tom and Gay Ingegneri point out, “The Inn is really its own entity, with a history and stories to tell. We are just its stewards. It is a joy to own such an historic, well-loved entity. We think of it as a home away from home for our guests, and we are proud to be its stewards. We especially love to see the young people and students visit and become interested in its history.”

By Jean Stratton

A Colonial-era inn still fulfilling its purpose: serving customers high quality dinners, celebrating weddings, hosting banquets — and more. This is a rarity today, and all the more reason for it to be acknowledged and commemorated.

With changing tastes and customs, and altered community styles and landscapes, changes come along quickly, almost before we know it. The Cranbury Inn, located at 21 Main Street in Cranbury, has stood the test of time, and continues to offer its customers the highest standards of service and cuisine.

Its history is a story in itself.

In the mid-18th century, taverns were built in the Cranbury area to meet the needs of travelers passing through the region, often on their way from New York to Philadelphia, or in the opposite direction. What is now The Cranbury Inn has been functioning as a place to eat and drink since at least 1750. more

A TRUE TREASURE: “Customers are enjoying coming in again. They really like to see things firsthand. We also have online shopping, but many of our customers have fun coming into the shop and enjoying the in-store atmosphere.” Debra Lampert-Rudman (left), curator of education and public programs at Morven Museum, and Kathy O’Hara, hospitality manager and buyer for The Morven Museum Shop, are enthusiastic about the shop’s treasure trove of gifts. They are shown at Morven’s annual “Festival of Trees” holiday event.

By Jean Stratton

It has been called “the best kept secret in town.” The Morven Museum Shop at 55 Stockton Street, next to Morven Museum & Garden, is filled with a selection of delightful items in a wide price range.

With the holidays fast approaching, it is the perfect place to find a special gift. The selection is indeed a treasure trove of surprises for friends and family, and all in a variety of styles and signature specialties.

The shop itself is a fascinating piece of history. Dating to 1844, the building was formerly Morven’s Wash House.

“The concept of the shop is to carry on Morven’s mission and to promote New Jersey culture and history and the Morven Garden,” explains Hospitality Manager and Buyer Kathy O’Hara, who has been with the shop since it opened in 2005. more