TWO IN ONE: “We offer two concepts on one site: Poké Mahi and Fresca Bowls,” says Samoil (Sani) Risteski, manager of the Poké Mahi, Fresca Bowl restaurant. A variety of innovative dishes offers an intriguing dining experience, with healthy choices that taste good! The attractive and informal setting invites customers to embark on a new dining journey.

By Jean Stratton

People want to get out and be together in a restaurant — have human contact. This is so important. We are ready to offer them high quality, healthy food in a great setting, and welcoming atmosphere.”

Samoil (Sani) Risteski, manager of Poké Mahi, Fresca Bowl at 142 Nassau Street (former location of Hulit’s Shoes) is enthusiastic about the new restaurant’s very positive reception.

“We opened in September, and have had an excellent response. We already have many repeat customers, and we expect it to get even better as the warm weather arrives, and we can have both indoor and outdoor eating, as well as takeout.”

Poké Mahi, Fresca Bowl is a franchise operation, with locations along the East Coast. Princeton is the first in New Jersey, and is a top-notch spot, reports Sani. “Princeton is a great location for us. People here are interested in exploring new dishes, new tastes, to see what something is like. They like to try new things.” more

FABRICS AND FURNISHINGS: This Wesley Hall wing chair (shown in front and rear views) at Artéé Fabrics & Home features plaid wool upholstery with equestrian-accented leather banding on the back. Behind the chair is a selection of special leather samples. “This chair offers a modern silhouette and a unique look, with a classic style fabric, given a modern twist,” says interior designer and Artéé store manager Barbara Campbell.

By Jean Stratton

Color is key at Artéé Fabrics & Home!

Vivid, vibrant — in all shades, patterns, and textures — the fabrics create a vista of eye-catching combinations.

Opened last November at 102 Village Boulevard in Forrestal Village (the former location of Calico Corners), Artéé’s is one of 15 stores first established by Artéé and Shekhar Mehta 12 years ago.

Featuring fine fabrics for draperies, bedding, and more, the Princeton showroom also offers custom furniture and accessories, including artwork and lighting. Comforters, throws, decorative pillows, upholstered headboards, and other specialties are also available.

“The fabrics are the main attraction,” reports interior designer and store manager Barbara Campbell. “There is a great variety, and many have a modern flair and are imported from India.” more

KEEP MOVING!  These assisted living residents of Greenwood House Senior Healthcare are enjoying an energetic morning “Sittercise” chair exercise session. “Our residents keep moving,” says Greenwood House Executive Director Richard Goldstein. “Movement is very important. Our residents get up and out of bed, get dressed, and keep moving!”

By Jean Stratton

Since 1939, Greenwood House Senior Healthcare has been caring for elderly individuals, initially for those of the Jewish faith, and now for those of all faiths.

Established by the Trenton Ladies Sick Benefit Society, a charitable humanitarian organization, it offered people who required medical, nursing, and personal care a safe and secure environment.

Originally located on Greenwood Avenue in Trenton, it moved to its current home at 53 Walter Street in Ewing in 1974.

What started as a local home for the Jewish elderly with 25 residents is now a highly respected non-sectarian senior health care organization for 125 residents. It offers an entire continuum of care, including long term care, skilled nursing, respite care, home care, an assisted living facility for private residents, rehabilitation care programs for a variety of conditions, physical, occupational and speech therapy, home-delivered Kosher meals on wheels, and hospice care. more

LEGAL EXPERTISE: “Since 1929, Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman (PR&A) attorneys have worked hard to build a track record of honest, smart, and responsible legal representation. We have earned the respect of family law courts, judges, and other New Jersey family law attorneys. We offer one of the largest family law departments in central New Jersey, and have established a statewide reputation of excellence.” Shown are attorneys in the PR&A family law department. Top row: Managing partner and department chair John A. Hartmann III, partner Lydia Fabbro Keephart, and partner Nicole Huckerby. Bottom row: Associate Jennifer Haythorn and associate Jillian Frost Kalyan.

By Jean Stratton

If the future of a marriage or domestic relationship is in doubt, or clearly headed for disruption, the parties most often seek the help of an attorney.

The lawyers who assist clients in divorce cases are specialists in family law. This is difficult work, but it is also satisfying in a very important way. The cases these attorneys deal with are very human, complex, and often emotionally disturbing. Helping clients navigate these severely stressful experiences and move on to a new future makes a difficult job worthwhile.

Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman (PR&A) has been providing this kind of expert legal representation since 1929. Founded by George Pellettieri, it began as a general law firm in Trenton. In 1934, Pellettieri was joined by attorney Ruth Rabstein, who later became his wife. They were a potent team, and the firm gained a reputation for helping individuals in the community, and not institutions.

Committed to assisting working men and women who might be without means to pay, especially during the Great Depression, PR&A was often reimbursed with chickens, homemade pies, and other goods and services. more

HIGH TECH: “We offer expert computer service and repair but we’re not here just to fix computers,” explain Chris and Allison Rush, the husband and wife team who own Technician X. “First and foremost, we are here to help people. We are primarily a customer-focused business.” Shown is a statue of Albert Einstein seated in front of the Technician X location.

By Jean Stratton 

The mysteries of cyberspace can be solved at Technician X!

How is your little corner of this miraculous, mystifying, magical, but often frustrating, world?

Is your computer up to snuff? Or is it too slow, unreliable? Does it ever crash? Or — really bad news — suffer from a virus? How about the printer? Erratic, quirky? And then, the smartphone. All systems go — or not?

If any of the above resonates with you, help is at hand.

Computer Network   

Technician X, located in the Village Shoppes at Montgomery center at 1378 Route 206 South in Skillman, has been helping customers update, repair, and maintain existing computers, as well as buy new or refurbished models, for more than 20 years.

Owners Chris and Allison Rush and their staff of professional technicians can answer questions, solve problems, set up a new computer network for businesses and residences, and provide comprehensive computer service.  more

FASHION FORWARD: “We have always offered a high level of choices. The quality of our designs and collections and the concept of our business  have never changed. We will always continue this.” Rachel Reiss, owner of Hedy Shepard LTD, is shown with her late mother Lynn Rabinowitz, who was co-owner of the popular women’s shop for 20 years.

By Jean Stratton

Hedy Shepard LTD is a longtime Princeton favorite.   

This popular women’s shop at 175 Nassau Street, always in the forefront of fashion, offers a dynamic selection of all-occasion clothing — career to evening, sophisticated, and very wearable.

No question about it. Hedy Shepard LTD is the place to be for the fashion-conscious woman of today!

Despite a pandemic and the challenges of online shopping (and winter storms!), this special store remains a go-to resource for women who want stylish and unique fashion.

Originally opened in 1987 by Hedy Shepard, it became the fashion focus for new owners Lynn Rabinowitz and her daughter Rachel Reiss in 2000. The mother-daughter team operated the store together until Lynn’s death last year. more

HELPING HANDS: “People can come and get something really nice for a very reasonable price, and all the funds go to HomeFront to benefit their clients.” Shown from left are volunteers and curators at the HomeFront Pop-Up Shop in Hopewell. Also pictured is Jim Baxter, owner of the building. Front row: Betty Smith, Anita Trullinger; Back row: Ruthann Traylor, Baxter, and Anne Battle.

By Jean Stratton

Hope and love are on display at the HomeFront Pop-Up Shop at 31 West Broad Street in Hopewell.

This is truly an example of looking out for others and helping them in times of need. Located in the storefront belonging to Jim Baxter of Baxter Construction, the new shop has a story to tell.

Since founding his company in 1981, Baxter has helped clients enjoy the comfort of their homes for nearly 40 years. He understands the importance of family and relationships, and how COVID-19, with its accompanying struggle and suffering, has intensified the focus of the home as a safe haven.

He was shocked when he watched a TV news broadcast before Thanksgiving, and saw a very long line of cars all waiting at a food pantry in northern New Jersey. more

HANDSOME HOMES: This splendid townhouse is one of the 45 homes available at The Townhomes at Riverwalk, a 55 + active adult community in Plainsboro.

By Jean Stratton

Every detail has been carefully thought about. Every amenity is provided, and everything can be customized to personal taste.

The Townhomes at Riverwalk, a group of 45 homes located at One Riverwalk in Plainsboro, are now ready for occupancy. An active adult community for those 55 and older, this is a unique opportunity featuring a club membership program, which offers shared amenities and services with the neighboring rental community, Ovation at Riverwalk.

“Sharing the clubhouse amenities is a new concept in New Jersey,” explains Anna Shulkina, realtor at Re/Max of Princeton, who is the listing agent for the Riverwalk Townhomes, “This is really a special benefit of living here. As club members, residents can enjoy the restaurants, gym, swimming pool, library, game room, etc. The monthly maintenance fee includes access to all these club amenities.”

Owned by MVB Riverwalk Urban Renewal LLC, which is headquartered in Philadelphia, The Townhomes is a grouping of eight buildings, including four different home models. They offer owners opportunities for customized materials, a variety of cabinet and countertop colors, and floor plans. more

TEST OF TIME: “I have been involved with the company for 40 years, and it’s great fun! I still have the passion to help someone realize their dream of a new kitchen or bath or a new look with flooring,” says Joe Rossi, owner of Regent Flooring Kitchen and Bath in Pennington. “Our customers know that when they come here, we will be honest and up front, and offer our years of experience and knowledgeable service.” Shown is the company’s spacious showroom on Route 31 North.

By Jean Stratton

Personal attention, a knowledgeable staff, longtime experience, hands-on help and advice, and of course, quality products — these are the ingredients that make a successful business, and one that stands the test of time.

In the case of Regent Flooring Kitchen and Bath, it just gets better and better! The independent, family-owned business will celebrate its 58th anniversary this year.

Opened in 1963 by Felix Rossi and his partners, its initial focus was on flooring, including wood, tile, and carpet.

“My father and grandfather were born in Italy,” says current owner Joe Rossi, son of Felix. “In the early days, the store was a much smaller operation. It basically opened in one room, and now we have expanded into a spacious showroom, including a brand new addition to our kitchen and bath section. We still offer a complete line of flooring, and we also now have window treatments, and an increasing focus on kitchen and bath remodeling.” more

HEALTH AND WELLNESS: “Our philosophy is that it is easier to keep you healthy than to get you healthy after you become sick. So we have a great focus on preventive medicine and lifestyle modification to maximize health. We are also well-equipped and experienced to diagnose and treat illness, and help people restore their good health.” Jerrold S. Gertzman, MD, is a primary care physician and division director for Primary Care of the Capital Health Medical Group.

By Jean Stratton

Staying well and healthy is uppermost on all our minds — probably more than ever before as we continue to cope with COVID-19. Practically no one in the U.S. has experienced a pandemic of this magnitude (very few people are still alive who remember the deadly flu pandemic of 1918). The current ordeal has brought seemingly unending challenges.

All those who have worked hard to help us through this nightmare deserve our admiration and appreciation.

Of course, that includes all the heath care workers who, day in and day out, save lives.

The Capital Health Medical Group, an affiliate of Capital Health Medical Center, is committed to providing patients with the best care available. With locations in and around Mercer and Burlington Counties as well as Bucks County, Pa., it offers an extensive network of care, including more than 400 physicians and other providers who offer primary, specialty, and surgical care. 20 of the locations are for primary care, and 85 primary care physicians are affiliated with the Group. more

“JAZAMILY” TEAMWORK: “We’re a specialty toy store, with the focus on fun and quality. It’s an eclectic mix, with items to appeal to all ages — from babies and toddlers to teens and even young-at-heart adults!” Joanne Farrugia and Dean Smith (foreground), co-owners of jaZams toy store, are shown with members of the “jaZamily” team.

By Jean Stratton

JaZams is a magical store!

Nothing is more fun than a toy shop, and this one is filled with creativity, imagination, and colorful toys galore.

During its 25-year history, jaZams has earned an outstanding reputation and built a loyal, ever-expanding clientele.

Founder and co-owner Joanne Farrugia opened the store in the Montgomery Center in 1996, and moved to Palmer Square in 2000. It has been in its current location at 25 Palmer Square East since 2008.

An independently-owned store, it is facing the challenges so many brick-and-mortar establishments are coping with today. COVID-19 brought with it an onslaught of difficulties, but, even before that, online shopping competition was creating its own hurdles.

jaZams continues to prevail, however, and although it was closed from March to June due to COVID, it operated its online business with its website, and also established a busy curbside pick-up service.

“We were fortunate to keep busy then, and we also delivered within an 8-mile area (and still do),” reports Farrugia. more

LUXURY LIFESTYLE: “We’re a newer concept because all our units are rentals. This was a market need. People are enjoying the benefits of not having to be responsible for all the things that go with running a house.” Ken Butler, MA, CCM, general manager of Ovation at Riverwalk in Plainsboro, is enthusiastic about this new active adult community. Shown is the sophisticated, state-of-the-art modern new building.

By Jean Stratton

Ovation at Riverwalk is a unique rental community for active adults, ages 55 and up. Located at One Riverwalk in Plainsboro, it is operated by SageLife, a developer of adult communities, and it is expected to open for residents in 2021. Applications and deposits are being accepted now.

“We are set apart from other adult communities,” explains Ovation General Manager Ken Butler, MA, CCM. “One, we are a rental community with flexibility, offering short term and long term leases, Two, we have fully-staffed amenities and services, a professional team of housekeepers, maintenance help, fitness and lifestyle coaches, and concierge service.

“In addition, the Ovation membership program offers a lifestyle that is like that of a private club. Our clubhouse, which is just for residents and their guests, offers all the services and amenities people will welcome. Our services and hospitality will be like a country club.”

Another important feature of the new community is its location very near the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center campus just off Route 1 in Plainsboro. It is just a short walk away from the Merwick Care & Rehabilitation Center, and is situated alongside the Millstone River, with an opportunity for many scenic walking trails along the river. more

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