12-22 PE

Tisthe season for Christmas shows, carol singing, gift giving, and winter activities in the Princeton region.

For in-depth listings of holiday happenings in the area, check out the holiday preview in the December 7 issue of the Echo’s sister paper, U.S. 1, and the weekly calendar at www.princetoninfo.com/events.

Some highlights include: Ice skating on the square returns. Palmer Square’s “eco-friendly” outdoor synthetic skating rink, located on Hulfish Street behind the Nassau Inn, will remain open until Sunday, February 26.

While doing your holiday shopping in the square, look out for a capella carolers and a strolling Santa on Saturdays and Sundays between noon and 2 p.m. The schedule includes Saturday, December 3, Jersey Harmony Chorus; Sunday, December 4, The Princeton Tiger Tones; Saturday, December 10, Harmonics Quartet; Sunday, December 11, Courtney’s Carolers; and Saturday and Sunday, December 17 and 18, Spiced Punch.

The Jewish Center of Princeton hosts the annual menorah lighting in Palmer Square on Tuesday, December 20, from 4 to 5 p.m. The Hanukkah celebration includes music, food, and fun.

Palmer Square also gets in the Christmas spirit with carols on the green led by

the Princeton Brass Band on Christmas Eve at 4:30 p.m. A visit from Santa concludes the free festivities. www.palmersquare.com

Morven Museum & Garden’s annual “Festival of Trees” display is on view Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., through January 8, 2023. The museum’s galleries, mantels, and porches have been artfully decorated for the holidays by local businesses, garden clubs, and nonprofit organizations. www.morven. org

Westminster Choir College of Rider University’s popular holiday concert, “An Evening of Readings and Carols,” returns on Friday and Saturday, December 9 and 10, at 8 p.m. at the Princeton University Chapel. Tickets are $25 to $70 for the show of holiday music and readings, featuring performances by Chapel Choir, Symphonic Choir, Jubilee Singers, and the Westminster Choir. www.rider.edu/arts

The Arts Council of Princeton’s Artist Chalet Winter Village is back in Hinds Plaza through Saturday, December 24. Chalets are open for business from noon to 6 p.m., with live entertainment available on select evenings. www.artscouncilofprinceton.org

@capitalhealthnj

HEALTH HEADLINES

BI-MONTHLY NEWS FROM CAPITAL HEALTH

Capital Health Medical Center

Earns ‘A’ Grade for Quality from The

Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell was awarded an ‘A’ from The Leapfrog Group’s fall 2022 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. This national distinction recognizes Capital Health’s achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and error in the hospital.

“Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell is a one of the region’s leading hospitals and home to dynamic services such as our Cancer Center, the Josephine Plumeri Birthing Center, and minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery with the da Vinci® Surgical System,” said Al Maghazehe, president and CEO, Capital Health. “Our most recent ‘A’ grade from the Leapfrog group show residents in our community that we remain committed to providing our neighbors and their families the best possible care when they need it most.”

“Our continuous drive to improve quality and safety outcomes is woven into the fabric of our organization through our just culture as well as our ISO 9001 certification and on-site surveys with DNV,” said Dr. Mark Arcaro, vice president of Clinical Performance at Capital

– Hopewell

Leapfrog Group

Health. “And while we are pleased to earn this latest recognition from The Leapfrog Group, it also motivates to keep looking ahead to meet and exceed national standards of care.”

The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over thirty national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harms to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

“I applaud the hospital leadership and workforce for their strong commitment to safety and transparency,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “An ‘A’ Safety Grade is a sign that hospitals are continuously evaluating their performance, so that they can best protect patients. The team at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell should be extremely proud of their dedication and achievement.”

What is a Whipple Procedure? Frequently Asked Questions

After a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, patients naturally want to know what treatment options are available to them. The single most effective pancreatic cancer treatment option is surgery.

One particular complex and technically demanding surgery, called a pancreaticoduodenectomy, is one of the surgeries used for longterm control of pancreatic cancer. More commonly referred to as the Whipple procedure, this surgery may extend the person’s life and, for some, may be the best chance at a cure.

If you or someone close to you has recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, here are some important questions you may be asking:

What is the pancreas?

The pancreas is a gland about six inches long that sits in the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach. It plays key roles in producing enzymes and hormones that help digest food. It also produces insulin and glucagon to help regulate blood sugar levels.

What is pancreatic cancer?

Because the pancreas has a number of different cells, each can bring about a different type of tumor. The most prevalent is from the cells that line the pancreatic duct, and often there are very few to no symptoms. There are some, however, you should be aware of, and include:

… Loss of appetite or unintended weight loss

… Abdominal pain that radiates to your back

… Light-colored stools

… Dark-colored urine

… Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)

… A new diabetes diagnosis, or existing diabetes that’s become difficult to control

… Nausea or vomiting

What is the Whipple procedure?

The Whipple procedure involves removing the head, or the wide part, of the pancreas next to the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. Then, the duodenum, some of the common bile duct, the gallbladder and possibly some of the stomach are all removed. Once that’s done, the surgeon reconnects the remaining intestine, bile duct and pancreas. It’s currently one of the only surgeries that can offer a potential cure for pancreatic cancer.

Who is a good candidate for the Whipple procedure?

Determining the right type of surgery for pancreatic cancer is largely based on the tumor’s location. The Whipple procedure is considered for tumors located at the head of the pancreas that have not spread to other parts of the body.

What is recovery like for the Whipple procedure?

Every person responds differently to surgery, and it depends on how it is performed. For a Whipple procedure performed as traditional open

Dr. Cataldo Doria, medical director of Capital Health Cancer Center and an internationally renowned hepato-pancreato-biliary surgeon, offers robotic-assisted Whipple procedures to treat pancreatic cancer.

surgery, a patient generally takes about four weeks to reach complete recovery. This type of surgery generally requires a hospital stay of about four days, though this varies from person to person. Specially trained surgeons are able to offer a minimally invasive option through the da Vinci Surgery System robotic-assisted Whipple procedure. This approach reduces recovery time for patients.

Your surgeon will want you to be up and walking almost immediately after surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots or a pulmonary embolism.

Are there common complications to this surgery?

As with any surgery, there can be complications, which may be minor or major. Those include bleeding, infections, clots, pneumonia or heart attacks. They can also include trouble with the stomach emptying itself after meals.

Your surgeon should be able to manage most of these complications without the need for another surgery.

Who should perform the Whipple procedure?

The Whipple procedure is a complex and technically demanding surgery. However, extensively trained surgeons at Capital Health Cancer Center are certified and experienced at such a high level that the National Pancreas Foundation recognized them as a Center of Excellence for treating pancreatic cancer-related illnesses.

Patients who are good candidates for the Whipple procedure should choose a surgeon who has extensive experience with this type of surgery and has performed numerous Whipple procedures. Patients should also select a hospital large enough to care for Whipple procedure patients post-operatively, and are used to managing any post-surgery complications.

The decision to select a surgical team is a very important one. The team at Capital Health Cancer Center is here to help you. If you’d like to make an appointment, please call 609.537.5000 or visit CapitalHealthCancer.org.

Capital Health Launches Advanced Simulation Training Center

Mobile Lab Provides Cutting-Edge Clinical Training for Health Care Providers and Community Health Education

Capital Health recently announced the launch of its new Advanced Simulation Training Center, a mobile simulation laboratory that provides state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary clinical training for physicians, nurses, emergency medical service providers, and other staff. The initiative was made possible through more than $500,000 of federal grant funding secured by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), who was recognized for her role in the project at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Capital Health Regional Medical Center.

“As part of our mission to improve services for urban and suburban patients, Capital Health has made a commitment to becoming a leading academic health center for the region,” said Al Maghazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health. “The Advanced Simulation Training Center is the latest demonstration of that commitment. Any great endeavor such as this requires strong partners, and we are grateful for the support of Rep. Watson Coleman, whose decades of hard work, experience, and commitment to our community helped bring this initiative to life.”

“For over 125 years, Capital Health has provided high-quality medical care to local residents. I am so grateful that some of our country’s finest medical professionals are right here in Trenton and this new mobile lab will help reach further into our neighborhoods to better serve some of our most vulnerable populations,” said Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman.

Capital Health’s Advanced Simulation Training Center is a mobile facility that can be driven directly to learners to provide enhanced, customized instruction to doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other staff at or near their place of work. The 40-foot unit has two large, independent simulation rooms equipped with manikins

Capital Health Simulation Coordinator Paul Morer demonstrates one of the simulation rooms to Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Dr. Robert Remstein, Chief Academic Officer (Capital Health) aboard the Advanced Simulation Training Center.

(life-sized models of human bodies) to simulate real patient scenarios. Instructors in two central control rooms create situations that learners will see in real life, document their performance, and provide meaningful feedback. Simulation training like this promotes learning through active hands-on experience in a risk-free environment while supporting the development of teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills.

Capital Health will use the Advanced Simulation Training Center to provide safe training in advanced cardiac life support, interventional procedures, management of acute hemorrhagic crises, childbirth, infant resuscitation, team care and other areas to prepare the next generation of its medical staff. Additionally, the simulation labs will be used for process improvement, medical error investigation, and research to help Capital Health continue to advance health care quality, safety, and best practices. On top of its clinical training mission, the Advanced Simulation Training Center will provide health education and wellness screenings at local community-based events.

Capital Health – Virtual Primary Care, part of Capital Health Medical Group, offers telehealth services to individuals in New Jersey and Pennsylvania (ages 16 and older) who wish to receive support in managing common health issues from the comfort of their home or anywhere in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

“Throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Capital Health Medical Group providers have conducted thousands of patient visits in a virtual setting,” said Dr. Michael Stabile, a board certified family medicine physician at the Capital Health Primary Care – Hamilton office. “As a result, our team is thoroughly prepared to provide outstanding, high quality health care services at a time and place most convenient for patients located in New Jersey or Pennsylvania – whether they are at home or on the go.”

Capital Health’s team of more than 35 virtual primary care providers can address a wide range of health conditions, including (but not limited to) symptoms of COVID-19, sinus problems, upper respiratory infection, sore throat, urinary tract infection, cough, flue, rash, common cold, eye infection, and more.

While Capital Health – Virtual Primary Care is designed to serve as an online platform to host sick visits, patients have the ability to schedule an in-person, follow-up visit with the same providers they see during their video visit at one of the many Capital Health office locations across the Mercer, Bucks, and Burlington county region.

To learn more or to request an appointment, visit capitalvirtualcare.org or scan the QR code to complete the online form.

Check your internet connection. Wi-Fi on wired connection is strongly preferred for a great video visit experience.

Use headphones. Cut down on any background noise and help keep the conversation with your health care provider private.

Please be patient! Video visit traffic may be high as clinicians work to provide care for patients during the current health crisis, so some appointments may run a few minutes behind schedule. A provider will be with you as soon as possible!

During virtual care visits with patients who aren’t feeling well, our clinicians address symptoms of numerous health conditions and issues, including but not limited to:

COVID-19

Sinusitis

Upper respiratory infection

Sore throat

Urinary tract infection

Cough

Influenza (Flu)

Rash

Common cold

Yeast infection

Allergies

Eye infection

Insect bites

Nausea

Back pain

Tick bites

On the Cover

Plate Expectations: Restaurants that Set the Stage for a Memorable Meal

BY GEORGE POINT

When dining out, as in most aspects of life, first impressions count big time by setting expectations of what’s to follow. If you stop to think about it, dining out is theater, and a restaurant is a stage set. Consciously or not, when you approach a dining venue for the first time and walk through the front door, you’ve already begun to anticipate what’s in store.

The website of Absolute Commercial Interiors, an English commercial interior design firm, notes in a blog post that “the ambience in a restaurant plays an undeniably significant role in shaping your customers’ overall dining experience. Ambience ties the cuisine, service, and environment together to define your diners’ perception of your restaurant.”

Some restaurants simply do a better job than others in managing diners’ expectations and making their décor an integral part of fostering an appreciation for their cuisine. Here are just four of the many examples of eateries in our area that have managed to achieve just that.

Note that before you visit, you’re encouraged to peruse the full menus for each that are posted on their websites, as well as to verify opening and closing times. Reservations are also highly recommended.

Kristine’s

In its décor and cuisine, Kristine’s in downtown Princeton clearly aspires to create the look and feel of a casual yet elegant French dining spot — and manages to do a highly satisfying job on both counts. Considerable effort has been spent on the details of the exterior and interior design, doing so in ways that appear both obvious and subtle to the eye.

Approaching Kristine’s from Hinds Plaza, one is drawn to the cafe curtains, the inviting blue and white striped awnings emblazoned with “Kristine’s” in distinctive script. The “Bienvenue (‘Welcome’) Kristine’s” on the window glass beckons as you pass by the outdoor dining area to the double entry doors on the south corner of the brick structure.

A more subtle design element, intentional or not, is the simple semi-circular awning over the entry, a sly visual reference to the Art Nouveau canopies covering access to the Paris Metro.

SIX09

Community News Service

9 Princess Road, Suite M Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Phone: (609) 396-1511

News: news@communitynews.org

Events: events@communitynews.org

Letters: jgriswold@communitynews.org

Website: communitynews.org

Facebook: facebook.com/mercereats Twitter: twitter.com/mercerspace

Six09 is inserted into each of Community News Service’s nine hyperlocal monthly publications. Over 125,000 copies are distributed each month in the Greater Mercer County, N.J. area.

TO ADVERTISE call (609) 396-1511, ext. 110 or e-mail advertise@communitynews.org

An award-winning publication of Community News Service, LLC. © Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.

CO-PUBLISHER

Jamie Griswold CO-PUBLISHER Tom Valeri MANAGING EDITOR, METRO DIVISION Sara Hastings ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Thomas Fritts

PRODUCTION MANAGER Stacey Micallef DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL INITIATIVES Joe Emanski

EDITOR

Rebekah Schroeder ARTS EDITOR Dan Aubrey AD LAYOUT & PRODUCTION Stacey Micallef

Stop Your Pain. Start Your Life.

Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute

Taking the Fight Against Chronic Pain

27 different therapies available to patients, Dr. Patel offers a range of treatments, often combined to attack highly specific causes of pain. Among the most promising and innovative treatments:

to New Levels

Botox for migraines. Stem cell injections to regenerate tissue and organs. Gummy Bears infused with THC. Platelet-Rich Plasma to treat conditions from sports injuries and wounds to hair loss from chemotherapy. These are just a few of the cutting-edge therapies used by Dr. Ronak Patel, the founder and medical director of Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute in Plainsboro.

“Many of these treatments may come as a surprise to patients suffering from chronic pain, especially those who think that their pain — and poor quality of life — is something they have to endure,” Dr. Patel notes. A double board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist, Dr. Patel focuses on treating pain in the back, neck, face, and joints as well as pain related to cancer and chemotherapy.

With so many different pain-causing illnesses, injuries, and conditions, treatments must be carefully customized to fit the needs of each individual patient. Dr. Patel partners with orthopedists, physical and occupational therapists, and chiropractors to provide a variety of approaches and treatments. With

Regenerative Medicine/ Stem Cell Therapy. Regenerative medicine is a fastgrowing, highly developed treatment that helps the body heal or rebuild itself. Dr. Patel uses stem cell therapy to treat ailments, particularly low back or neck pain, caused by degenerative vertebral discs or joint pain in the shoulders, hips, or knees caused by osteoarthritis. The patient’s stem cells are removed, purified, concentrated, and injected into the injured or weakened tissue. Stem cell therapy can also speed recovery and help avoid surgery.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). A favorite treatment for sports injuries, PRP uses the patient’s blood to produce a platelet-rich plasma that targets a host of chronic and acute pain conditions, including muscle strain, arthritis, tendinosis, cartilage injuries, joint inflammation, and wound care. The treatment is also used in orthopedic and plastic surgery. By synthesizing platelets and releasing proteins, PRP can aid in generating new tissue. And it has helped chemotherapy patients grow back hair faster and thicker.

Cannabis Therapy. The legalization of medical marijuana has brought new treatment options. “We are very excited by the potential of cannabis-based treatments and we comply fully with New Jersey’s evolving regulations,” says Dr. Patel. He uses a local dispensary to provide treatments, which include edibles such as gummy bears and cannabis-based rubbing and vaping oils.

Minimally Invasive Therapy. Dr. Patel offers a wide variety of minimally invasive therapies. These include epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, and spinal cord stimulation for patients suffering from chronic neck and back pain stemming from herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis. His goal is to help his patients avoid surgery and at the same time regain functionality.

Thanks to these and other game-changing treatments, pain levels can be greatly reduced or eliminated and quality of life enhanced. Says Dr. Patel, “Stop your pain. Start your life.”

666 Plainsboro Road, Suite 100D Plainsboro. 609-269-4451 www.njpaindoc.com

Dr. Ronak Patel

continued from Page 2

The restrained design choices in the din ing room evoke Paris without crossing over into kitsch. The petite floor tiles are set in a pattern that makes them seem to swirl across the room. Fluted glass shades adorn the overhead lighting. The horseshoeshaped bar, replete with bentwood stools, conveys the look of the zinc-topped bars in many establishments found throughout La Belle France. The artwork adds to the feel ing that you’ve been transported back to Paris in the 1930s.

In short, Kristine’s manages to be invit ingly French in appearance, an especially remarkable feat considering that the space housed a boutique in its previous incarna tion. But it’s the ambient sound of Kristine’s that seals the deal.

The sound system may be playing the strains of Bal-musette, a style of French instrumental music usually featuring an accordion that became popular in Paris in the 1880s. Or you may hear the little spar row Édith Piaf proclaiming “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien,” Charles Trenet crooning “La Mer” (long before Bobby Darin made the English version a hit in the U.S.) or per haps the iconoclastic folk singer Georges Brassens singing a tune you’re probably better off not understanding the words to.

And the conversations of the patrons din ing at adjoining tables can be part of the charm of Kristine’s as well, as likely to be in French as English.

The menu at Kristine’s reads like a hit parade of well-curated French favorites that regulars have come to expect: onion soup, foie gras torchons, moules et frites, duck confit, steak frites, as well as vegan and glu ten-free options. General manager Branden English notes that cool weather additions may include burgundy beef, cassoulet, boudin noir, and lamb shank.

Underscoring Kristine’s French pedi gree is the restaurant’s selection of French wines and spirits, with knowledgeable staff

eager to make recommendations; for exam ple, Branden is certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, a global provider of wine and spirit education for professionals and enthusiasts.

Bon appetit!

Kristine’s, 51 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., then 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 609-924-3339 and kristine sprinceton.com.

Local Greek

Do an online search for “typical Greek taverna” and you’ll see that Local Greek, at 44 Leigh Avenue in Princeton, has fulfilled the promise that owner Tony Kanterakis made upon opening its doors in Novem ber 2017 — an assurance that, when visit ing, customers can “escape Princeton” and enter Greece.

Despite the un-Greek presence of Tor tuga’s Mexican Village, another neighbor hood mainstay, across the street, that state ment still rings true. Nearly five years later, Local Greek continues to be a neighbor hood gathering place to enjoy Greek cui sine in a setting with the authentic spirit of a cozy local hangout on a Greek isle.

As reported in U.S. 1 soon after the res taurant opened, the look of Local Greek is a big part of its appeal, from the sun-washed white and blue exterior and inviting out door seating to the rustic wooden tables and floors, white subway tile, and white washed walls within — not to mention the welcoming attitude and efficient service of the staff. You may hear the strains of Greek music in the background, but at a volume that permits quiet conversation.

At the time, Kanterakis reflected on the spirit of Greek culture that he had worked to bring to Local Greek. “I think a lot of the Greek words on the walls explain what’s

important about Greek culture,” he noted, “the warmth and hospitality of the Greek people, the attitude that strangers are friends you haven’t met yet.”

To cite one example, a sign over the entrance to the side dining room proclaims that ‘the secret ingredient is always love,’ and three Greek words and their defini tions hand-painted on the wall expand on the sentiment; ‘Filoksenia – An act of hos pitality, a warm welcome,’ ‘Kefi – The spirit of joy and enthusiasm in which good times and passion for life are experienced by an abundance of excitement, happiness and fun,’ and ‘Meraki – The soul; creativity or love put into something: the essence of yourself put into your work.’

It would be impossible to quote the extensive menu here, a well-curated selec tion of soups, salads, appetizers, meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes that range from old favorites (avgolemono, dolmades [stuffed grape leaves], gyro platter, souvlaki, bak lava) to more upmarket entrees like shrimp flambé, whole grilled branzino and top ping out at a substantial mixed grill platter ($74.95). Local Greek is BYO, or patrons may choose from the offerings of Old York Cellars in Ringoes.

Perhaps the best example of “plate expectations” is the string of Greek letters diners pass under that proclaims, “We are all family.”

“When strangers to a Greek town wan der by, it’s not unusual for locals to invite them in and share their hospitality,” Kanter akis explains. “That’s the feeling I’m trying to create here — to capture the spirit of the Greek people.”

Local Greek, 44 Leigh Avenue, Princ eton. Monday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesday to Friday, noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.to 8 p.m. 609285-2969 and localgreeknj.com

Note: Tony Kanterakis has four other

Greek-themed restaurants, including Greek Bites and Loco Cheese in Princeton, Local Greek Lambertville, and Local Greek Seafood in Hopewell. Visit eatlocalgreek. com for details.

AJA Asian Cuisine and Lounge

Diners in the area with very long memo ries may recall that 1736 Route 206 in Mont gomery was once the address of the County Line restaurant, back in the day when a slab of prime rib served with a wedge of iceberg lettuce topped with blue cheese dressing was considered the height of haute cuisine. Come to think of it, that combo still sounds mighty tasty. The County Line is long gone, replaced by a succession of eateries in what turned into a hard-luck location.

Perhaps that’s why koi are a recurring presence in the current establishment at that address, Aja Cuisine and Lounge. In Japan, koi, a colorful relative of the com mon carp, serve as a symbol of good luck and determination in the face of hard times.

Koi have been reported to live as long as two centuries; perhaps they are the good luck charms that will ensure Aja’s longev ity, given that there are koi abound at Aja, most notably in the large pottery vessel next to reception that contains live fish lan guidly lazing about.

Koi also appear on assorted fine china serving pieces, and three koi, writ large, circle gracefully on the wall behind the sushi bar. Uniformed itamae (sushi chefs), donned in their caps and tunics, silently and methodically go about their work.

Koi aside, it’s hard to know where to begin to describe Aja’s lavish décor. The quality and quantity of detail one dis

Toast to a French meal at Kristine’s, left and middle, or settle in for some traditional hospitality at Local Greek, right, to get a sense of community with your atmosphere.

PLATE,

The best care for your heart, and for everyone in it.

Leaders in emergency and elective angioplasty.

Ever feel tightness in your chest when going up a flight of stairs, or short of breath after carrying in the groceries? These can be signs of coronary artery disease. If you think you may be at risk, you should talk to a cardiac specialist at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton. At RWJBarnabas Health, we perform more elective and emergent procedures than any other health care system in New Jersey. Our heart team can clear blocked or narrowed arteries to safely restore blood flow to your heart. Schedule an appointment with one of New Jersey’s top cardiac specialists at rwjbh.org/heart

covers while meandering through the multi-roomed, multi-themed interior is astonishing.

Push the beautifully carved hardwood push plates affixed to the entry doors and note the display of dozens of abaci on the wall to your right. Asian artwork and statuary of all sizes are strategically placed throughout, well-positioned to encourage appreciation by their patrons — almost like wandering through an art gallery.

Many of the interior walls of Aja are finished in small, smooth river stones, with thousands of them set in plaster. Apart from the strips of neon that define the various dining areas, the soft indirect lighting succeeds in giving what would otherwise be cavernous spaces a hushed ambiance and an intimate feel.

The lighting, combined with the use of Asian hardwood accents, river stone, and slate floor tiles, work together to convey the impression that Aja is a place for serious dining. With a mix of spacious booths and tables, it’s no wonder that in the cooler months, seats near the working fireplace are sought-after spots.

The décor continues down to the stairs leading to the lower-level lobby, additional party rooms, and even the restrooms; all are tastefully designed and realized.

There is no shortage of dining options for parties of every size. In addition to the main dining room, Aja sports a sushi bar and cocktail bar, as well as the (lavenderbedecked) Lavender room and the (very red) Mandarin rooms, which may be booked singly or in combination for private events.

And then there are Aja’s menu offerings, too numerous to enumerate in this limited space and best perused at your leisure online.

There you’ll find enough soups, salads, sushi, sashimi, rolls, wok and grilled selections, noodle and rice dishes, bento boxes, and dessert choices to keep you occupied for a while.

Looking for a low-risk introduction to

Aja? Stop in for lunch and choose from a selection of reasonably priced dishes that include salad, soup, and a main course.

My friend and longtime Princeton resident Marty, one of my go-to experts on all things Japanese, especially enjoys the sushi/sashimi luncheon special; 4 pieces of sushi, 8 pieces of sashimi, and a spicy tuna roll for a very reasonable $23.

AJA, 1736 US 206, Montgomery. Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. then 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. then 4:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Saturday, 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; and Sunday,

12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Full bar service available. 908-262-2512 and ajamontgomery. com.

El Tule

If you’ve only experienced Lambertville as a Delaware River town characterized by the charming 19th century structures along Bridge Street, take the first right after turning in off Route 29.

On your left, you’ll happen upon the bright orange, black, and green sign on a

AJA Asian Cuisine and Lounge in Montgomery, left , and El Tule Mexican & Peruvian Restaurant in Lambertville, right, sport both inviting interiors and extravagant exteriors.

The Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey (YOCJ) provides many opportunities for students to take their skills, passion and talent to new musical levels, including master classes with professional musicians, concert performances, chamber music opportunities and more! YOCJ features three orchestras, as well as small ensembles for brass, percussion, woodwinds, saxophone and flute.

Upcoming events:

• Saturday December 10, 7:30pm Winter Small Ensemble Concert at Community Middle School, Plainsboro NJ

• Sunday January 15, 3pm & the 8pm Winter Large Ensemble Concerts at Kendall Hall, TCNJ. The 8pm concert features Billy Hunter, Principal Trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra

New Student Auditions:

•Tuesday January 31 and June 6, 2023 For more information, visit https://yocj.org/

one-story building boldly proclaiming it to be the home of El Tule Mexican and Peru vian Cuisine.

Walk past the row of picnic tables and catch a glimpse of the patio dining area at the rear, festooned with twinkly lights crisscrossed overhead and on the fence that encloses the space.

As you step inside, witness the bright colors abound; orange predominates on the walls and on the red-bordered menus and includes other bright colors as well, reflecting the natural dyes from native plants and the earth that color the tradi tional clothing of both countries.

One wall is covered with concert post ers in dayglo colors announcing appear ances by Peruvian musicians, singers, and composers of contemporary and tradi tional Andean music, like Peruvian singer-

composer Dina Paucar and the dazzling Andean orchestra Super Briliantes del Ande.

The background music reflects the décor as well, played at a festive yet com fortable volume. Rustic floor tile, dark brown tables, and comfortable chairs com plete the picture, giving El Tule the look and feel of a neighborhood establishment you might find in Oaxaca or Cuzco.

And then there’s “El Tule” itself, the tree logo that appears throughout the restau rant and on the t-shirts worn by Jack, the owner, and his staff.

It’s a graphic reference to El Árbol del Tule, Spanish for ‘The Tree of Tule,’ a massive Montezuma cypress located in the center of Santa María del Tule in the Mexican state of Oaxaca said to have been planted 1,400 years ago by Pechocha, a priest of the Aztec wind god Ehecatl.

As with the décor, El Tule comes by the

authenticity of its cuisine honestly. Relo cating from Peru in 1992, the Egoavil and Anguino families present a Mexican Latin fusion menu, guided by chefs from the Egoavil and Anguino families. Peruvian chef Carmen Egoavil has built on the culi nary skills she learned from her mother, while chef Said Anguino crafts the Mexi can side of the menu with interpretations of traditional recipes.

The menu includes a selection of veg etarian, seafood, and meat dishes. Cevi che includes ceviche limeno (corvina fish, sweet potatoes, Peruvian corn) and cevi che mixto (corvina fish, shrimp, octopus, and calamari), “Flavors of Peru” includes coliflor saltada tacu (vegan wok stir-fried cauliflower and fresh vegetables, served over Peruvian beans and rice) and lamb stew tacu tacu (boneless lamb slowly cooked for 48 hours in a sauce of Peruvian panca peppers and Chicha de Jora (a beer

made from fermented maize).

Mexican specialties include spinach and crab enchiladas, tampiquena (marinated ribeye topped with guacamole), and more.

There’s also a good selection of large and small plates to share, and a non-alco holic drink selection that includes Inca Kola, Jamaica tea, and Chicha Morada (purple Peruvian corn, pineapple, a “hint of lime, and a hint of cinnamon”).

A ‘Locals Night Special’ on Wednesday evenings offers three courses, plus a com plimentary margarita for just $30. Che vere! (‘Awesome’).

El Tule Mexican & Peruvian Restau rant, 49 N. Main St., Lambertville. Tues day to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sun day, noon to 9 p.m. BYOB. 609-773-0007 and eltulerestaurant.com.

Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute

Treating Pain with PRP and Stem Cell Therapy

Pain.

It gnaws at you. It drains you. It becomes the focus of your life.

Experiencing a few pain-free moments can be euphoric; it makes you realize how long you’ve been living with aches and pain. You might wonder how you can find a solution to relieve the pain and regain your freedom from discomfort.

Dr. Ronak Patel at Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute wants you to know there are two new revolutionary answers to pain relief.

Both platelet-rich therapy — otherwise known as PRP — and stem cell therapy give patients new hope by using the body’s powerful healing power to accelerate the battle against pain. Dr. Patel has seen incredible success implementing these cuttingedge treatments on hundreds of patients suffering from pain-related issues.

So if you are suffering from any of the ailments below, there’s a lifeline.

• Osteoarthritis

• Rotator cuff tear

• Back pain

• Meniscus tears

• Tennis elbow

• Disc herniations

• Tendonitis

• Neck pain

Here’s the best news: Neither PRP or stem cell therapy involves drug use with side effects or any surgical procedures.

Both PRP and stem cell treatments use the body’s own healing resources to repair diseased or damaged tissue — and the results are quite remarkable.

PRP therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets and growth factors into damaged tissue to

stimulate the faster growth of new healthy cells. Platelets are cells that prevent and stop bleeding. If a blood vessel is damaged, the body sends signals to our platelets to get on the job and start the healing. Some call platelets the body’s natural bandage. So how does PRP therapy work? It’s basically drawing a one small vial of blood from the patient and then using a centrifuge to turn it into a potent and concentrated form of platelets. It is then injected back into the patient. Think of it as a boost of your own blood — only superpowered. Recovery time for PRP therapy is far shorter than for surgery. Patients usually experience soreness for a week or so, but the gradual improvement soon begins. Unlike

a steroid shot, which gives you immediate relief and quickly wears off, a PRP patient will see pain symptoms improve over a period of months, and up to 80 percent of patients will see relief for up to two years.

Stem cell therapy can be an even more powerful way to harness the body’s healing power. Stem cells are the building blocks for every cell in our body. These powerful cells can be harvested to produce powerful new cells to fight inflammation and disease.

For those suffering from osteoarthritis, stem cell therapy has proven very effective. That’s because the stem cells may help develop new cartilage cells and suppress inflammation. Stem cells can be harvested through a sample of body fat or bone marrow or be harvested from donated umbilical cord tissue.

And yes, you can even augment PRP therapy with stem cell therapy for an even bigger boost!

Stop wondering if you’ll have to live with your pain forever. Contact Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute today at 609-269-4451 or go to www.njpaindoc.com to book an an appointment and learn more. See ad, page 3.

THE GIFT OF A SMILE

With the end of the year in sight, now is a great time to assess your family’s unmet dental needs. Consider your annual benefits that expire at the end of the year. Contact us to help you plan your New Year smile!

Dr. Irving Djeng • Dr. Lauren Levine • Dr. Michael DeLuca • Dr. Matthew Etter • Dr. Kevin Collins • Dr. Deolinda Reverendo

Hamilton Dental Associates

Don’t Let Your Annual Benefits Go to Waste!

Every year, thousands of people sit on their dental insurance and benefits until the new year rolls around, los ing out on their past year of cover age. While some may use it to cover routine dental checkups, most pay for these yearly benefits without ever using them, leaving them unused and therefore going to waste. Instead of eating it as a sunk cost, consider scheduling some dental work with Hamilton Dental Associates!

Dental insurance can be much less confusing for patients to understand compared to medical insurance. The language used in dental insurance policies directly tells people what procedures receive coverage, how much you have to pay, and how much the insurance provider pays. How ever, people wind up leaving money on the table when their insurance plan rolls over at the end of the year. Whatever the difference between their maximums and what they spent on dental procedures is, they lose that money. To maximize the benefits of their dental insurance plans, patients need to understand what is currently offered, what kind of procedures are offered, and how much their insurance will cover.

Knowing Your Coverage. Most dental insurance plans follow the 10080-50 structure. They will cover 100% of the costs of minor procedures such as bi-yearly visits, teeth cleanings, x-rays, and dental sealant procedures. For things such as cavity fillings, root canals, and gum disease, your insur ance will cover around 80% of the total cost after the deductible is met. The major procedures like crowns, bridges, inlays, or dentures will only

have about 50% of the procedure covered. Knowing how much your in surance will cover helps you plan out your visits and maximize the money still left on your account before losing it at the end of the year.

What If I Have an FSA Account?

Flexible Spending Accounts, or FSA, are provided through employersponsored insurance plans and are designed to help provide flexibility in how you pay for specific procedures. During your enrollment period, you select which FSA account you want and determine how much money is in that account. These pre-tax dollars come out of your paycheck over the year and are then used to help cover the cost of these procedures.

The FSA plans work similarly to a debit card in that the money in the account can be withdrawn to cover the expenses. However, like other benefits, once the new year comes and the plan rolls over into 2021, you lose whatever balance is left on the FSA account. This is why you should take the time to plan out what dental procedures you need done throughout the year and do what you can to maxi mize the money in your FSA account.

Where Do I Go From Here? That’s the most important question right now. Since you only have a set amount of time left in the year to utilize your den tal insurance benefits to their fullest, don’t wait!

We can help you schedule your routine checkups, schedule any ad ditional dental work you may need, and work with your insurance provider to figure out how much is covered and what you need to pay out of pocket. We’re an in-network option for various insurance plans and can work with plans that offer out-of-network ben efits. Contact our team to learn more about how we can help today!

Visit Hamilton Dental Associates today, and come see what all the smiles are about! See ad, page 10.

AllCure Spine and Sports Medicine

Helping seniors find the right diagnosis and right treatment

AllCure Spine and Sports Medicine is a multidisciplinary family practice that has been in business for over 10 years. Over the past decade, the senior community has been a big portion of our patient demographic. We hear many different complaints week to week, but one of the biggest complaints we see with our seniors is balance and gait dysfunction. As our bodies get older, degenerative changes take place, which can lead to a host of symptoms taking away from your quality of life. This can lead to loss of balance, decreased range of motion, decreased strength, trouble with gait mechanics, and much more. Here at AllCure, we provide the proper imaging and testing to help us diagnose these common complaints before they become debilitating. We always say that a small problem will remain small if it’s treated early

RWJ Hamilton

7 Keys to a Woman’s Healthy Heart

Heart disease, the leading cause of death for women in the United States, can be insidious, creeping up slowly and seemingly without warning. Often it can be “silent,” too, with no obvious symptoms at all—until a crisis or emergency, like a heart at tack, strikes. “Fortunately, there are steps women can take to help prevent heart disease,” says interventional cardiologist Edward Wingfield, MD, Medical Staff President at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility. “Awareness is important, but it’s not enough to just be aware of risk factors. Women need to be proactive when it comes to their self-care and overall healthcare.”

Here are seven things women can do to help prevent or reduce their risk of heart disease:

1. Monitor Your Blood Pressure. “High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, so get your blood pressure checked regularly,” says Dr. Wingfield. “If it’s high, talk to your doctor about how to lower it. There are many ways to get those numbers down.”

2. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet. Re duce sugar and salt and eat a diet that

enough. We strive to get ahead of each patient’s chief complaints and provide a comprehensive plan of care. One of the major issues seniors face is getting a proper diagnosis early enough to find effective treatments. In many cases we see that patients are given a prescription for medication that will only treat the symptoms, but not the root cause.

contains whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and that’s low in saturated fats and cholesterol. A Mediterranean diet is a healthy option to consider.

3. Avoid Overeating. In addition to causing weight gain, eating heavy meals and large portions causes your body to work overtime and increases your heart rate. Fatty meals are par ticularly taxing.

4. Exercise. Take a walk, ride a bike, swim, dance— just get mov ing, and aim for at least a half-hour of moderate exercise per day, incorpo rating strength training twice a week. “Be sure to check with your healthcare provider about a regimen that’s appro priate for your specific health needs,” advises Dr. Wingfield.

5. Quit Smoking. Just do it. After one year, your risk of developing heart disease will be cut by 50 percent.

6. Manage Stress. Stress can have a profound effect on your heart health by inducing the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which in turn cause an increase in blood pressure and injury to the inner layer of your heart vessels (endothelium) leading to a heart at tack. Yoga and meditation are just two things that can help with managing stress. Speak to your provider about other options.

7. Sleep Well. Sleep is important

This will lead to worsening symptoms over time and keep patients from an active and independent lifestyle. We pride ourselves in making tailored treatment plans to fit each patient’s individual needs and impairments. There is no one-size-fitsall approach to healthcare and each patient should be treated with that mindset.

We strongly feel that a multidisciplinary approach is the best way to get patients the care they need and the relief they deserve in a safe, fast, and efficient manner. Our experienced team of providers consisting of chiropractors, physical therapists and acupuncturists collaborate on each case to get the patient the best plan possible to achieve their goals.

We do accept Medicare! We find that most of our Medicare patients don’t have to pay a dime out of their pocket, rather just commit the time and effort.

Please give us a call today and we would be happy to hold a free 10 minute consultation for you or a family member to make sure that you are comfortable and get the correct information to make an important decision for improving your health and quality of life. We look forward to hearing from you!

AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine, 140 Cabot Drive, Suite A, Hamilton. 609-528-4417. www. allcurespineandsports.com. See ad, page 9.

but it’s not just about getting enough sleep, which for most adults is about seven to nine hours per night. Getting enough restful, restorative sleep is what matters. Go to bed at about the same time every night; sleep in a cool, dark room; and turn off electronic devices like cell phones and tablets.

Though there is some overlap in the symptoms of heart attack in men and women, women have some dif ferent symptoms, many of which can be subtle or may be attributed to just aches and pains, the flu or heartburn. But if you think you’re having a heart attack, call 911:

• Jaw, neck or upper back pain

• Chest pain

• Chest tightness

• Pain in the shoulder or arm

• Nausea or vomiting

• Dizziness or fainting

• Cold sweats

• Shortness of breath

• Pain or pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen • Indigestion

Wingfield, MD

McDougall, Integrative RN, and spon sored by Robert Wood Johnson Uni versity Hospital Hamilton Community Education. Registration is required for this program. Register online at rwjbh. org/events or call 609-584-5900 and dial “1” to reach Health Connections.

“LOVE

YOUR HEART” DISCUS SION GROUP

All are welcome to come out on Thursday, December 8, 10 to 11 a.m., as we explore the connection between food and mood, along with a recipe tasting and discussion. Unhealthy nutrition and difficult emotions, such as depression, can often put us at risk for heart disease. Hosted by Patti

Whoever your heart beats for, our hearts beat for you.

To connect to a top cardiovascu lar expert at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, call 888723-7123 or visit rwjbh.org/heart.

To learn more about Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, visit rwjbh.org/Hamilton or call 609586-7900. See ad, page 5.

Edward

Brothers Anthony Alfieri, DC, left, and Victor Alfieri, DPT.

Jan: 9, 23 Feb: 6, 20 Mar: 6, 20 Apr: 3, 17 May: 1, 15, Jun: 3, 12, 26

Jul: 10, 24 Aug: 7, 21, Sep: 9, 18 Oct: 2, 16, 30 Nov: 13, 27 Dec: 11, 30

Jan: 2, 16, 30 Feb: 13, 27 Mar: 13, 27 Apr: 10, 24 May: 8, 22 Jun: 5, 19

Jul: 3, 17, 31 Aug: 14, 28 Sep: 11, 25 Oct: 9, 23 Nov: 6, 20 Dec: 4, 18

Jan: 10, 24 Feb: 7, 21 Mar: 7, 21 Apr: 4, 18 May: 2, 16, 30 Jun: 13, 27

Jul: 11, 25 Aug: 8, 22 Sep: 5, 19 Oct: 3, 17, 31 Nov: 14, 28 Dec: 12, 26

Jan: 3, 17, 31 Feb: 14, 28 Mar: 14, 28 Apr: 11, 25 May: 9, 23 Jun: 6, 20

Jul: 8, 18 Aug: 1, 15, 29 Sep: 12, 26 Oct: 10, 24 Nov: 7, 21 Dec: 5, 19

Jan: 4, 18 Feb: 1, 15, Mar: 1, 15, 29 Apr: 12, 26 May: 10, 24 Jun: 7, 21,

Jul: 5, 19 Aug: 2, 16, 30 Sep: 13, 27 Oct: 11, 25 Nov: 8, 22 Dec: 6, 20

Jan: 11, 25 Feb: 8, 22 Mar: 8, 22 Apr: 5, 19 May: 3, 17, 31 Jun: 14, 28

Jul: 12, 26 Aug: 9, 23 Sep: 6, 20 Oct: 4, 18 Nov: 1, 15, 29 Dec: 13, 27

Jan: 5, 19 Feb: 2, 16 Mar: 2, 16, 30 Apr: 13, 27 May: 11, 25 Jun: 8, 22

Jul: 6, 20 Aug: 3, 17, 31 Sep: 14, 28 Oct: 12, 26 Nov: 9, 25 Dec: 7, 21

Jan: 12, 26 Feb: 9, 23 Mar: 9, 23 Apr: 6, 20 May: 4, 18 Jun: 1, 15, 29

Jul: 13, 27 Aug: 10, 24 Sep: 7, 21 Oct: 5, 19 Nov: 2, 16, 30 Dec: 14, 28

Jan: 13, 27 Feb: 10, 24 Mar: 10, 24 Apr: 7, 21 May: 5, 19 Jun: 2, 16, 30

Jul: 14, 28 Aug: 11, 25 Sep: 8, 22 Oct: 6, 20 Nov: 3, 17 Dec: 1,15, 29

SERVICES

Senior Concierge. Let me be your helper. In the home or on the road. Part-time/Day or evening. Very good references. Call Mary anne, 609-298-4456.

F,D,Mason Contractor, Over 30 years of experience. Brick, Block, Stone, Concrete. No job too large or small. Fully Insured and Licensed. Free Estimates 908-3855701 Lic#13VH05475900.

Are you single? Try us first! We are an enjoyable alternative to online dating. Sweet Beginnings Matchmaker, 215-539-2894, www. sweetbeginnings.info.

WANTED TO BUY

Wanted: Baseball, football, basketball, hockey. Cards,

autographs, photos, memorabilia. Highest cash prices paid! Licensed corporation, will travel. 4thelovofcards, 908596-0976. allstar115@ verizon.net.

HappyHeroes used books looking to buy old Mysteries, Science Fiction, Children’s Illustrated, kids series books (old Hardy boys-Nancy Drew-Judy Bolton- Dana girls, WITH DUSTJACKETS in good shape), Dell Mapbacks - Good Girl Art PULPS - non-sports cards, good conditioned pre 1975 paperbacks old COLLIER’S. Call 609-619-3480 or email happyheroes@gmail.com

Cash paid for World War II military items. Helmets, swords, medals,

To book a classified ad in this section, please email your text and any other information to mdurelli@communitynews.org. Classifieds run at 75 cents per word with a $20 minimum per month. For more information, call 609-396-1511, ext. 105.

etc. Call 609-581-8290 or email mymilitarytoys@ optonline.net

Cash paid for SELMER SAXOPHONES and other vintage models. 609-581-8290 or email mymilitarytoys@ optonline.net

WANTED- QUALITY CAMERAS AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT, FOUNTAIN PENS AND OLDER WATCHES FAIR PRICES PAID CALL JAY-609-6899651.

COMMERCIAL SPACE

Doctors Office Suite Turn-Key Ready in Hamilton, Mercer County NJ approx. 1405+/- SF for lease. Fully furnished. $2,550/mth. DiDonato Realty 609-5862344 Marian Conte BR 609-947-4222.

Office Space For Rent :

Pennington ground floor office space 32 N Main Street. Share with clinical psychologist and real estate management company. Private entrance, off street parking. 305-968-7308

Princeton Commercial Retail Spaces for Lease: Various Locations in Town. Please Contact: Weinberg Management. WMC@collegetown. Text 609-731-1630

VACATION RENTALS

Florida Beach Rental: Fort Myers Beach 1br vacation condo on the beach, flexible dates available. Call 609577-8244 for further information

BUSINESS FOR SALE

Salon for sale- excellent opportunity. Priced to

sell. Relocating out of state. Large space, great potential. Call 609-4620188.

CEMETERY PLOTS

For sale double depth cemetery plot. Location Princeton memorial park, Gordon Road, Robbinsville. Call 609259-7710.

National Classified Health & Fitness

Dental insurancePhysicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www. dental50plus.com/ads #6258

Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds.

Free info kit. Call 877-9299587 Miscellaneous Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-7611725

november december

A Holiday Tradition

9am-3pm

9am-6pm 9am-6pm 9am-6pm

9am-6pm 9am-6pm 9am-6pm

FARMS

CEDARVILLE FARMS (WEST) - Cabbage, cauli ower, leeks, broccoli, apples, Asian pears, Brussel sprouts, and tomatoes.

CRANBERRY HALL FARM - Locally grown/raised vegetables and beef. Christmas wreaths and holiday sprays.

PINELAND FARMS - 609-392-1550 Homemade “from scratch” pies, breads, candy & caramel apples. Christmas orals, wreaths, grave blankets, and hand cra ed bows.

RUSSO’S FRUIT & VEG FARM - Wreaths, poinsettias, grave blankets, kissing balls, white pine roping, cider donuts. Still available: yams, sweet potatoes, apples, carrots, beets, and apples.

TERHUNE ORCHARDS - 609-695-7855 Fruit pies, apple cider & donuts, organic produce and herbs, fresh apples, and wine.

ZELL’S FARM - 908-444-2367 O ering fresh and dried exotic mushrooms, pastured eggs, chicken, and duck.

9am-6pm 9am-6pm 9am-6pm 9am-3pm

9am-6pm 9am-6pm 9am-6pm

9am-3pm 9am-6pm 9am-6pm 9am-6pm 9am-6pm 9am-2pm

9am-6pm 9am-6pm 9am-2pm

EATERIES

HAMBONE OPERA 609-325-7357 Cherry wood smoked brisket, ribs, and chicken; homemade sides. Food Network-NJ winner-50 States of BBQ.

KAFE’ KREYOL - Delicious Caribbean soul food. Oxtail, curry chicken, rice & beans.

KING FOODS - 609-989-1047 Fried chicken, take-out platters, fresh chicken plus a wide selection of salads and desserts.

LADY & THE SHALLOT - 609-955-1120 Plant based vegan clean comfort foods! Tacos, our famous street spuds, sandwiches, chili, soups, salads, raw juices, teas & infused waters.

SAVORY LEAF CAFE - 609-557-7585 100% plant based comfort foods such as cheesesteaks, hamburgers, bu alo chick’n sandwiches, and homemade baked treats. All deliciously vegan.

PURVEYORS & PROVISIONS

BABE & BANGLE BOUTIQUE - Handmade accessories & Beauty products, genuine crystals & stones (Tiger’s Eye, Jade, Red Coral).

CARTLIDGE’S QUALITY MEATS - 609-396-3966 Now taking Christmas orders: prime rib, smoked hams, tenderloin, pork roast, homemade fresh pork roll.

CREATIVE WRAPPING - 609-519-4814 Don’t be overwhelmed; let us wrap your holiday gi s & food baskets!

LUNA ROSSA SHOP - Hand-tooled leather and vegan leather handbags, Paparazzi jewelry. O ering 10% o with this ad, see our $5 specials.

MICHAEL’S SWEET LISA - Premier artisan of gourmet sweet & salty kettle corn, made the old fashioned way. Hand-cra ed joy made in the heart of historic Trenton. A big bowl of LOVE, especially for you.

MR. G’S COUNTRY STORE - Wide variety of dry goods, groceries, snacks, cleaning products & household items, all at low prices.

OUT OF STEP OFFBEAT BOUTIQUE & GENERAL STORE - 609-245-2987 Year round gi shop featuring items from nearly 100 small businesses, artists, and markers including specialty foods, unique home decor, regional art, handmade goods, & more.

THE PIE’D PIPER A Gourmet Shop 609-775-5087 Artisan pies, desserts & baked goods; pierogi, kielbasa & Polish specialties. Authentic prepared foods & catering.

PULASKI MEATS - 609-599-4206 Fresh & smoked kielbasa, homemade pierogi, stu ed cabbage, babkas, strudel, and blintzes. Polish favorites year-round.

RECOVERY IS ESSENTIAL - Recover to Uncover the Truth www.recoveryisessential.com.

ROSE BOUTIQUE LLC - Unique clothing, jewelry, and accessories from around the world. Fine quality and best prices.

SO SPLURGE - Extensive selection of customized gi s, home décor, apparel, and marketing merchandise for personal and/or professional use along with superior customer service. Shop So Splurge!

TEA-FOR-ALL - 609-577-8038 Discover the Trenton Farmers Market and Tea-For-All will help you discover your tea! Tea and herbs from around the globe.

THE WATCH & CLOCK DOCTOR 609-396-1116 Antique and cuckoo clock repair specialists; we repair all watches and clocks; batteries and bands while you wait.

WIN, PLACE & SMOKE - 609-695-0206 Tobacco, smokeless tobacco, and accessories. Lottery tickets and snack foods.

By Rebekah Schroeder

The sensation of waking up to see rays of light streaming in from the outside can start your day with an equal glow of positivity. But when the wintry weather does not want to cooper ate, or if you happen to pass a wall before a window, rise and shine to a painting with a sunny disposition that brings warmth to those colder, earlier hours of the morning.

Self-taught artist Shiranie Perera cre ates acrylic paintings with intense, emo tive hues in the form of sunsets or abstract patterns. Her piece “Hiru Sevaya,” Sinhala for “sun rise,” melts from oranges and yel lows into a sea of red, the rippling waves reflecting color in the sky.

“I don’t use too many dull colors. I want people to be uplifted by looking at a paint ing. That’s my idea — if you want to get up in the morning and you see a nice piece, you feel good about it,” Perera said, rein forcing that feeling with similar composi tions in her own bedroom.

Perera, who is originally from Sri Lanka, spent roughly 25 years living in Princeton before recently moving to Lawrenceville, where she now has her own studio and gallery at 21 Craven Lane. “Shirankala” is the permanent home for all of Perera’s 80-

plus paintings, with the name a combina tion of hers, Shiranie, and the word “kala,” or “art,” in Sinhala.

Now, 14 of Perera’s paintings are on dis play in the office lobby of Songbird Capi tal, an investment services firm located at 14 Nassau Street.

The exhibit opened November 19 and is accessible to the public on Saturdays from 1 to 6 p.m., as well as by appointment on Thursdays and Fridays from 5 to 6 p.m. To schedule a time to visit, contact Perera by phone at 609-331-2624.

Jie Hayes, the founding principal and portfolio manager of Songbird, personally asked Perera to display a number of paint ings in her office through the holidays.

This “thrilled” Perera, who met her while working at the boutique below Songbird, Orvana London, which special izes in handcrafted textiles and artisan apparel. Before Orvana relocated to Nas sau Street, owner-designer Alka Mattoo launched it as a pop-up in Palmer Square, then as a storefront on Chambers Street (see the Echo, October 2018).

What brought the two parts of the building together was a September day when Perera gave Hayes a business card for her gallery. While she had initially planned for a quick visit, Hayes ended up

spending nearly three hours with Perera, calling the experience “mesmerizing.”

Hayes proposed that Perera could use the space at Songbird Capital to show her work. During a pause in the installa tion process, Hayes confessed that in the morning after her studio visit, she was so moved by the paintings she described as “captivating and liberating at the same time” that she picked up her guitar and played again.

“That itself was telling me, ‘you need to paint more.’ It inspired her,” Perera said, grateful for the opportunity to spark an other person’s imagination. “If somebody wants to get inspired [and] do something that they like to do — it need not be paint ing, it can be something different — then my message to them is you have to do it.”

Perera’s primary medium is acrylics on canvas, but she also enjoys using wood from time to time; according to the artist, the latter material requires primer, a “lot of paint,” and can be difficult to frame.

“When I grew up in Sri Lanka, things were not that easily available. Everything was expensive,” Perera explained, which kept her from pursuing her passion. She has “always loved” art since childhood, of ten mixing vibrant colors or using markers to scribble for fun. She was eager to learn

more about painting in her earlier school years, but once she grew older, classes on the subject were no longer offered.

Just like you, we recognize that color brings out the best in a fabulous hair cut. Goldwell products are gentle on the hair follicle and provide vibrant color with long lasting results. Through innovative technologies, superior formulas and unsurpassed results, Goldwell is the brand of choice to many discerning stylists and creative colorists throughout the world.

Artist Shiranie Perera.

But that did not stop her from experi menting with less expensive alternatives like chalk, even if the medium was never as rewarding as the acrylics she now gets to use.

After Perera received a degree in ac counting and economics from the Univer sity of Peradeniya, she married her hus band, Priyantha. The two of them moved to the United States together in 1983, where Priyantha continued his studies at Michigan State University.

As self-described “poor students” liv ing on a stipend, the couple was able to get by, but Shiranie could not further her own education in America given the steep price of college credits.

“I regret it, and I don’t regret it,” Per era explained, noting that she did already graduate from an institution in Sri Lanka and feared that any financial complica tions would prevent her from living out another dream of hers — becoming a mother.

The Pereras welcomed a daughter, Dilshanie, and moved to New Jersey in December of 1997. There, Shiranie post poned her painting endeavors to work for Lisa Jones, the owner of a Witherspoon Street retail store by the same name that sold jewelry and accessories. Jones closed the business in February of 2018 amid ris ing rent prices and the shuttering of sev eral other smaller shops, leaving 11-year employee Shiranie with newfound free time.

By this time, Priyantha was an execu tive at a global reinsurance intermediary. Dilshanie had graduated from Princeton High School, moved out, and enrolled at the University of Chicago. This was the open window, sunlight and all, that Shira nie went for.

“I thought when I lost my job, ‘this is

the chance; I need to do it,’” she said, not ing that when she started out, the couple downsized from their first home to a smaller two-story apartment in Palmer Square. The arrangement presented dif ficulties, but Perera remained determined and carried on painting even after taking on another part-time position.

Perera would make multiple trips downstairs to the basement floor, where to properly store her pieces, she had to “put everything down and bring it back in the evening” after work. “You can travel with the wood pieces, but [when] you take canvas, you have to be very careful, so you don’t get any holes or anything like that,” Perera said.

Despite feeling “restricted,” she gained more confidence in her skills along the way. Shiranie explained that both Priyan tha and Dilshanie were “very supportive,” which encouraged her to keep going de spite any bumps in the road.

Shiranie’s family members, includ ing Dilshanie’s husband, Phil Friedrich, have helped to name all of her paintings. Dilshanie, who earned a PhD in anthro pology at Stanford and now lives in New York with Phil, is a climate humanities

postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Sci ence and Society at Columbia University, as well as a lecturer in the department of anthropology.

“I never thought I could do this,” Perara said, whether that was in terms of afford ability or timing, noting that her family’s best interests always had to come first. “Otherwise, everybody has to pitch in and do [more], but [Priyantha and Dilshanie] are over the top, always helping me… without them, I couldn’t have done it.”

When the apartment was no longer feasible for Shiranie and Priyan tha, the Pereras bought a new house in Lawrenceville just before the COVID-19 lockdown. During the pandemic, Shiranie could focus on her pieces instead of wor rying over her husband because Priyantha was able to work from home.

“Actually, it was very peaceful for me to work with my art,” Shiranie explained, the “freedom” of expression giving her a way to relax further.

Using the internet as a tool, Perera could build a platform through her gallery website, www.shirankala.com, and view online exhibitions from artists she ad

mired. Shiranie fondly remembers that in the past, she would travel with Priyantha to see some of these inspirations in physi cal museums, too.

“Rothko is my favorite,” Perera said, cit ing additional figures like Henri Matisse and Jackson Pollock as influences even if her own artistic approach does not exactly match theirs.

Rothko might have refrained from de fining his personal style, but he is most famous for his color field paintings, an offshoot of abstract expressionism “char acterized by large areas of color, typically without strong tonal contrasts or a defined point of focus,” according to the MoMA website.

Some of Perera’s works even include geometric shapes reminiscent of Rothko, particularly in “Trio,” which features three shapes — one rectangular is evocative of Rothko’s signature shape, yet much longer and readily overlapping others in thick, bold lines of red.

“Doing abstract work, there’s no limit. You can stop anywhere you want. But whereas if you’re doing a portrait or some thing like that, that has to [look like] that person, or, if you’re doing a scenery, it has to look like that scenery. With abstract painting … it’s limitless,” Perera said.

Now, she has a spacious studio and gallery where there is “plenty of room” for her passion. Her rules are simple, no matter the complexity of the piece; if she hangs it and “is not happy” with the result, she just “paints over it” until that feeling changes.

“In life, there’s so many hurdles you have to jump [through], but when you’re alone and looking at a painting, if it feels good to you, then it’s good,” Perera said.

“Sometimes people have lots of things to do with their lives. It’s so hectic, and you look at a painting or a picture … and then you feel relaxed.”

Perera is candid in saying that while she does view her endeavors as a long-awaited escape, she also wants to hear the opinions of people who view or purchase the paint ings.

“I think that’s a good thing. That’s why, I think, painters paint — because they want to give a message,” Perera explained, adding that a musician once told her that three paintings she had purchased “sang to her.” “She said, ‘I see music in these three paintings,’ so that in itself is so interesting to me. But I like people to give feedback; then you want to paint more.”

While “Ness” is another natural scene, Perera’s palette changes in tone, with blue occupying the top half of the composi tion before being greeted by familiar yel lows encroaching on a black beach. But this time, Shiranie paints a promontory, a headland or cliff leading into a body of

PERERA,

Perera’s ‘Trio,’ left, and ‘Gateway,’ opposite page.

Princeton, NJ $1,050,000 Princeton Office 609.921.1050

MLS# NJME2014492

Princeton, NJ $2,950,000 Alana Lutkowski 908.227.6269

MLS# NJME2022072

water, to provide visual contrast.

Others, like “Gateway,” are less defined, giving the artist the ability to make shapes her centerpiece, then invite spectators to apply their perspectives to the paintings. Everyone can see abstract work differ ently, so as Perera’s exhibit at Songbird Capital continues through December, she is eager to share this selection of works with Princetonians and hear thoughts as vibrant as her use of colors.

“I am so happy with what I have done thus far,” Perera said. “It’s very relaxing to me, and I enjoy every piece that I have

done.” If it dawns on you to ask the artist herself to pick one of them over another, though, her response will be as humble as it is illuminating.

“I don’t want to say that because the other paintings will get mad,” Perera ex plained with a laugh. “They’re all my fa vorites.”

For more of Shiranie Perera’s work or inquiries, see her website at www.shi rankala.com or visit in person at the Shi rankala Art Gallery at 21 Craven Lane in Lawrenceville.

Princeton, NJ $1,325,000 Santina ‘Sandy’ Beslity 609.577.6626 MLS# NJME2021382

Princeton, NJ $3,000,000

Barbara Blackwell 609.915.5000 MLS# NJME2006388

Princeton, NJ $2,895,000

Cheryl Goldman 609.439.9072 MLS# NJME2023700

Princeton, NJ $2,895,000

Jane Henderson Kenyon 609.828.1450

MLS# NJME2017808

Princeton, NJ $3,200,000

Maura Mills 609.947.5757

MLS# NJME2018298

Princeton, NJ $4,999,000

Princeton Office 609.921.1050

MLS# NJME2016538

callawayhenderson.com 609.921.1050 | 4 NASSAU STREET | PRINCETON, NJ 08542

Real estate office dives into abstract art with ‘Intersection’

ome real estate offices lure you in with images of extravagant man sions up for sale. Others leave the art of home sales to the agents and trans form their office spaces into veritable art galleries.

The offices of Berkshire Hathaway Fox & Roach at 253 Nassau Street have taken the latter approach.

“Intersection: Four Voices in Abstrac tion,” on view through January 27, fea tures the work of Hunterdon Museum member artists Terri Fraser, Jim Irvine, Florence Moonan, and Catherine Suttle. Each has a history of receiving awards, selection for multiple exhibitions, and being acquired for private collections. An artists’ reception takes place Sunday, December 4, from 2 to 5 p.m.

“With this group of four very distinct voices, I wanted to not only explore the more tangible intersection of their vo cabulary through materials and tech nique, but also the broader context of how we all commune at the crossroads of our collective, creative unconscious as audience, critic, curator and creator,” cu rator David Lawson said. “I believe that in that space, there is a shared conversa tion that connects, engages, and elevates

us. I do hope you’ll enjoy the collection from this viewpoint and find your own ways of connecting the myriad elements at play.”

Terri Fraser shares stories through vi

sual art. She loves the interrelationship between nature and humanity and is for ever looking for new ways to reveal their influences on each other. “When I create, I feel my way through the tensions and

At left, Jim Irvine’s ‘Spring Forsythia,’ mixed media.

interactions of the natural and human worlds colliding, overlapping, expand ing, projecting — ultimately giving voice to a myriad of vibrating networks.” Each work has its own story, like each human. Acknowledging this and allowing each to be heard is her way of unveiling connec tions between them, and, between them and herself.

Jim Irvine remembers starting his cre ative journey early, using a paper clip to etch into doorways. His goal is to create art that engages the viewer, by exploring tension between opposing forces of the natural and abstract, the emotional and representational — as well as that be tween layers of paint, color, white space and mark-making. These relationships produce something a bit unexpected, in viting one in until they can almost touch it.

Florence Moonan’s career dates from the late 1980s and includes painting, mixed media and sculpture. She is noted for her tactile abstract Venetian plaster paintings. The driving force behind her work is a narrative drawn from her per

sonal history, the natural world, travel, and above all, music. Her creative process involves tapping into her instincts to discover and create an expressive language using color and texture. The unique qualities of Vene tian plaster, her current medium of choice, allow her to produce surfaces that reveal fragmented patterns and rich textures.

Catherine Suttle draws from painters of the mid20th century, primarily, Abstract Expressionists. The post-painterly abstractionists attract her because of the way they force viewers to challenge expectations. She draws upon Milton Avery’s compositions of simple shapes, awkwardness, and harmonious combinations.

Richard Diebenkorn’s “New Mexico” paintings influ ence the way her paintings are layered, revealing an underlying structure in untethered space. The outcome of drawing upon these artists are paintings that focus

Above, Catherine Suttle’s ‘Blue Center Hall,’ left, oil, oil pastel, and graphite; and Florence Moonan’s ‘Over and Under,’ mixed media.

on the potency of color; provide surprise in an envi ronment of equilibrium; and engross the viewer who notices the subtle nuances that inhabit the field.

Intersection, The Gallery at Berkshire Hathaway Fox & Roach, 253 Nassau Street, Princeton. On view through Friday, January 27. Artists’ reception Sunday, December 4, 2 to 5 p.m.