THE PREMIER LGBTQ BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
NORTHERN NEW JERSEY Vol. 4
SCAN QR CODE TO VIEW THIS ISSUE ONLINE Bar Guide & Event Schedule
TABLE OF CON TENT S See this issue online at
ourcommunityusa.com/NorthJersey4
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About Northern Jersey
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Bar Guide
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Restaurant Guide
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LGBTQ Organizations & Attractions
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Events Schedule
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Business Directory
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ABOUT N. NEW JERSEY LGBTQ North New Jersey North New Jersey has no shortage of LGBT-friendly cities. Asbury Park, Lambertville and Ocean Grove to name a few. The LGBT community can find the most support in Jersey City, New Jersey. In fact, Jersey City, has been given the title of the “Queerest City in America” by LGBT Magazine. The Garden State’s second biggest city has a number of lesbian bars, available LGBT bed and breakfast hosts, trans pride parades, festivals, and more. Jersey City also boasts the largest LGBT community in the state. Asbury Park was a sleepy little Jersey Shore community until the gay community discovered it and turned it into the bustling resort town that it is today. Asbury Park is experiencing a resurgence as visitors from New York and other big cities rediscover it as a fabulous weekend getaway. Like any resort town, Asbury Park is most vibrant during the spring and summer seasons, but you’ll find a significant amount of active gay locals all year round. It won’t be hard to find gay-friendly venues in this vacation town.
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Excerpt from gaycities.com
RESTAURANT GUI DE 1 South Contemporary American dining plus a sushi menu with a big patio & live music. 1 W S Orange Ave, South Orange, NJ
Basin Bar All organic juice/smoothie bar w/ vegan goodies & South American beverage delights. 603 Mattison Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
Langosta Lounge Trendy boardwalk restaurant. 1000 Ocean Aveenue, Asbury Park, NJ
Dino’s On Main Marketplace Bravo Italiano Bistro & Market. 300 Main Street, Asbury Park, NJ
Moonstruck Jersey shore favorite w/ popular cocktail bar. 517 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
Brando’s Citi Cucina Soulful Italian cuisine cooked to order. 162 Main Street, Asbury Park, NJ
Taka Modern Japanese cuisine. 632 Mattison Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
Trattoria La Sorrentina Brick-oven pizza, panini & pasta. 7831 Bergenline Ave, North Bergen, NJ
The Chat & Nibble Gay-owned eatery with a downhome feel. 932 Asbury Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
Bareli’s Upscale Italian restaurant w/ club feel, deep wine list & live piano music on weekends. 219 Route 3 East, Secaucus, NJ
Munch Innovative eats at this Asbury Park restaurant. 632 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
Bosphorus Bargain-priced, freshly made Turkish dishes. 32 N Beverwyck Rd #1, Lake Hiawatha, NJ
Stella Marina Bar & Restaurant Boasting lovely ocean front views, convenient beach front location & extensive wine menu. 800 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
Tapas De España Tapas & Iberian dishes paired with Spanish wines, sangria, and weekly flamenco dancing. 7909 Bergenline Ave, North Bergen, NJ
Jimmy’s Cozy Italian restaurant. 1405 Asbury Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
Seafood Gourmet Inc Cozy seafood market offering cook-at-home seafood & a casual BYOB option. 103 W Pleasant Ave, Maywood, NJ
McLoone’s Asbury Grille Upscale waterfront dining. 1200 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
Nagoya Japanese Restaurant Family-friendly Japanese place offering cooked fare & an all-you-can-eat sushi special. 278 N Ave E, Westfield, NJ
Frank’s Deli & Restaurant No-frills deli 1406 Main Street, Asbury Park, NJ
Paisano’s Classic Italian dishes in a warm space with a back patio & BYO alcohol policy. 132 Park Ave, Rutherford, NJ
Twisted Tree Cafe This charming cafe serves delicious vegetarian food and fresh baked goods. 609 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
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2019 EVENT SCH E DULE November
and much more. Details and tickets at eventbrite.com.
NOV 9 12:00PM NEWARK HARVEST FEST Learn how to revitalize your community with a mini-grant and celebrate the cutural history of the city of Newark with a performance from Shabaz HS Marching Band, Tales of the Lenape Natives, pie eating contests, sack & egg races, tug of war, raffles, food and prizes. Details at eventbrite.com.
NOV 15-17 SUGARLOAF CRAFT FESTIVAL Meet 300+ curated artisans and shop their NEW work for 3 Days Only. Don’t miss this fun and interactive shopping experience! With art, gifts, fashion, jewelry, home decor, furniture and much more, there’s something for everyone at Sugarloaf Crafts. Get a head start on your holiday shopping, sample small batch specialty foods, watch live art demonstrations and take a FREE painting class. Enjoy interactive theater for the kids. It’s simply the best place to shop for those special things that you can’t find online! Learn more at sugarloafcrafts.com.
NOV 9 INDIE BINGE FEST The 2019 INDIE BINGE is the next logical step to the predecessor event North Jersey INDIE ROCK FESTIVAL, and of the Jersey City/North New Jersey music scene. Keeping it even more accessible, to the folks who have participated and been fans, will be a welcomed adjustment and surge of even better energy. Tickets sold at songkick.com.
NOV 16 NEW JERSEY VEGFEST The New Jersey VegFest is an showcase of vegan food and drinks from around the Garden State. The event features over 200 vendors. Past speakers have included T. Colin Campbell, Dr. Joel Fuhrman, Dr. Joel Kahn, panels on food justice, chef demos and live local music. Learn more at visithudson.org.
NOV 14 NJ’S MODERN DANCE FESTIVAL Your Move is New Jersey’s awardwinning annual modern dance festival, designed to support inventive choreographers from New Jersey, New York and beyond. Family friendly! Learn more at arthouseproductions.org/ pages/yourmove.
NOV 23 JERSEY CITY WINE FEST Get Ready to travel on a world tour of wines! Over 100 Varieties to try all on the beautiful Jersey City Waterfront. Sip your new favorite while enjoying the magnificent view of one World Trade Center.
NOV 15 REAL CANNABIS ENTREPRENEUR CONFERENCE The only event focused on providing real life, step-by-step, how-to information about breaking into the Cannabis Industry. Featured tpics and presentations include DBC product line: Learn the secrets to sourcing and starting your own lucrative CDB product line, How to start a dispensary, Edibles & infusions, Smoke and Headshop, Cannabis investing, how to get funded
Wine is not all we have! There are some local brews and spirits too! Pair it all with Live music, interactive games, amazing merchants and delicious food vendors. Get ready to snuggle up with a delicious red or a crisp white this November! All Sales are Final! Get your tickets at eventbrite.com.
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BAR GU ID E Club Feathers Buzzing gay nightclub featuring DJs, dancing & drag shows, plus go-go boys & bar food. 77 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge, NJ
913 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ Mickey’s Bar & Grill Chill haunt offering buffalo wings & other pub grub, plus happy hours, karaoke & TVs showing sports. 601 Riverside Ave #136, Lyndhurst, NJ
Valetodo Nights Fabulous Drag shows & professional GoGo Dancers. 1300 Summit Avenue, Union City, NJ
Andy’s Corner Bar Relaxed, unpretentious locale featuring ontap & bottled craft beers, plus top-shelf liquor. 257 Queen Anne Rd, Bogota, NJ
Black Bear Bar & Grill Lively 2-level bar & grill on Hoboken’s main drag, with plenty of drink specials & TVs for sports. 205 Washington Street, Hoboken, NJ
Just Jake’s Popular restaurant offering American pub grub & a hopping bar scene, with live music on weekends. 30 S Park St, Montclair, NJ
Pint Neighborhood joint offering a wide range of American craft brews, plus jumbo “fishbowl” cocktails. 34 Wayne Street, Jersey City, NJ
Just Grapes Wine Bar Lounge Sangria, wine, tapas, pizza & fondue served in an easygoing hangout with rustic decor. 213 US-46, Elmwood Park, NJ
Paradise Over-21 nightclub & gay bar with entertainment such as karaoke nights, live music & drag shows. 101 Asbury Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
Barcade Festive venue pairing classic video games with craft ales, plus familiar pub grub in an airy locale. 163 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ
Georgies Low-key gay hangout offering pub fare & cocktails, plus pool & karaoke, go-go boys & live music. 810 5th Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
Tierney’s Tavern Irish bar with 2 floors features burger & bar menu, darts, live music & comedy, plus a jukebox. 138 Valley Rd, Montclair, NJ
Rio Lounge Stylish nightclub with Brazilian, Latin & American music plus tapas, happy hour & themed nights. 618 Market Street,Newark, NJ
NJ Bar & Grill Casual, family-friendly joint offering globallyinspired American eats, happy hours & trivia nights. 100 Randolph Ave, Mine Hill Township, NJ
QXT’s Night Club Alternative club spinning cutting-edge dance music until the early morning in an industrial space. 248 Mulberry Street, Newark, NJ
Blitz Sportsbar Sports bar serving American & Portuguese bites in warm, cozy digs with TVs & a pool table. 5317, 179 Wilson Ave, Newark, NJ
Watermark Upscale lounge with mixed crowd. 800 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen American restaurant including a raw bar, a rathskeller & a lounge, all set in a 1917 landmark. 110 South St, Morristown, NJ
Wonder Bar Quirky bar with frequent live music, TV sports & a dog friendly patio with designated play times. Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
Jamie’s Upscale Italian cigar bar for classic dishes (mostly pastas) & prime T-bones, porterhouses & fillets. 915 Bloomfield Ave, Clifton, NJ
The Stone Pony National acts headline this rocking, historic music club known for launching Springsteen & Bon Jovi.
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2019 EVENT SCH E DULE December
adults alike are touched by this tale of Christmas spirit. Learn more at brownpapertickets.com.
DEC 3 8:00PM DOWNTOWN NEWARK HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY Join the Newark Downtown District and the New Jersey Devils for this annual fun-filled holiday event. The lighting of the tree is accompanied by kiddie train rides, a bounce house, live music and more. Prudential Center’s Championship Plaza, 232 Market Street, Newark, NJ.
DEC 14 HOLIDAY SIP ‘N’ SHOP Finish (or start) your holiday shopping with a glass of wine and a nibble! Choose from our selection of original art, home decor, and vintage items! 372 Pacific Avenue, Jersey City. DEC 15 WIZARD FEST For those of you who thought you’d missed out on your acceptance letter, we are pleased to announce you have mail! Grab your cloaks, brooms and wands, this is the Wizarding Event of the Year! Wizard Fest is throwing a Yule Ball at FM Restaurant Bar and Lounge with an evening full of trivia, games, contests and more! Errol the Owl’s delivering cheap presale tickets and special ticket options to join the festivities! Reminder: Wizard Fest is 18+ and you have to be 21 to drink the butterbeer! Learn more at eventbrite.com.
DEC 7 10:00AM HOBOKEN SANTACON CRAWL Picture thousands of Santa’s running wild through the streets of Hoboken and having access to some of the best bars you can imagine - that’s exactly what you’ll get with this great event. Known to always be the most joyous event of the holiday season, New Jersey Santa’s are taking over Hoboken this December. If you were looking for a event then this is the one you don’t want to miss. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
DEC 16 HOLIDAY CELEBRATION The hottest party of the season! This event will bring our community together for music, dancing, and art highlighting talented performers and amazing artists from our season’s programming.
DEC 13 7:00PM JERSEY CITY NUTCRACKER Jersey City Nutcracker tells the story of two children’s urban holiday adventure leading them through fantasy, adversity and celebration and teaching them lessons about friendship and community along the way.
This promises to be an exciting fun filled evening! Food is being catered by Ruth Chris and our headliner performer is Janice Robison (X Factor UK) AND Gene Simmons of KISS has donated a signed “Axe” guitar for our silent auction. We’ll also be featuring incredible JCTC talent and giving awards to outstanding contributors to the Jersey City arts and theater community. Tickets available at eventbrite.com.
Choreographed and directed by Nimbus Artistic Director Samuel Pott, this adaption of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic is performed by a stand-out cast of professional dancers from Nimbus Dance Works joined by youth and adults from the community as they portray familiar characters such as the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Rat King, and Drosselmeyer - all with a Jersey City twist! Amidst colorful sets, costumes, a brightly adorned tree, youth and 22
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2019-20 EVENT SCHEDULE February
DEC 17 HOBOKEN HOLIDAY MARKET Over 20 local vendors and boutiques will be at Birch selling unique gift items where you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list. This event is the perfect way to personalize your holiday shopping and support local vendors. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
FEB 1 GREAT BEER EXPO The biggest names in brewing are getting ready for New Jersey’s biggest pre-game tailgate party. Selected as one of the “TOP TEN NJ EXPOS” by BestOfNJ.com, the 10th annual Great Beer Expo is a pay-one-price beer tasting extravaganza showcasing more than 70 breweries—local hometown Jersey favorites, awardwinning American craft breweries, and international trend-setters—offering tastings of more than 150 beers in all. Learn more at greatbeerexpo.com.
DEC 21 10:00AM KWANZA FAMILY FESTIVAL Don’t miss NJPAC’s annual Kwanzaa Family Festival. The fun includes crafts, West African dance and drums, Kwanzaa ceremony and storytelling, arm knitting, snacks, performances and more. Learn more at mommypoppins.com.
FEB 8 ALL SHOOK UP It’s 1955, and into a square little town in a square little state rides a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets. Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, this hipswiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy will have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Don’t Be Cruel.” Get your tickets at eventbrite.com.
January JAN 19 3:00PM SPRING AWAKENING The winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, told by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater through what Entertainment Weekly called, “the most gorgeous Broadway score this decade,” Spring Awakening explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with a poignancy and passion that is illuminating and unforgettable.
FEB 8 APHRODISIACS: COCKTAILS, CANNABIS & CHOCOLATE Savor in a gourmet tasting menu crafted with passion enhancing dishes served with wine pairings. Indulge in unlimited premium cocktails, and an introduction to the Chef’s signature cocktail the “ French Kiss”.
The landmark musical is an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality, and rock and roll that is exhilarating audiences across the nation like no other musical in years. Learn more at eventbrite.com. JAN 25 BOOZIN’ IN YOUR ONESIE BAR CRAWL The world’s most confortabke bar crawl. The weather is cold and you want to be comfy... what better way to be than boozin’ in your onsie. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
An intimate evening of live jazz, sultry vocals, erotic poetry, live body painting, romantic ambience and exquisite decor. Chef Nik plans to fire up foods that fires up desire and put Sex on the Table! *must be 21 years old to attend. *Tickets are non refunfable, but transferable. Learn more at eventbrite.com. 26
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2020 EVENT SCH E DULE FEB 9 GREAT BRIDAL EXPO Meet the national and local businesses you need, face-to-face, that can make your wedding dreams come true. Attend & receive a $200 GIFT CARD, chances for 2 FREE Wedding bands & FANTASTIC prizes. Check our sweepstakes page for a chance to WIN YOUR HONEYMOON! Learn more at eventbrite.com.
and Willie Reale, this whimsical show follows two great friends – the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad – through four fun-filled seasons. Tickets sold at eventbrite.com. MAR 7 OFFICIAL HOBOKEN LEPRECON CRAWL St. Paddy’s Celebration as Hoboken unites in solidarity to offer a great package for those who wish to celebrate in style and tradition. It’s been a long winter and at HobokenStPatricksDay. com, we’re definitely ready for the spring to come and the St. Patrick’s Day festivities to get under way. Details at eventbrite.com.
FEB 11 ART & CRAFT SHOW The Art and Craft Show will display products like ceramic, jewelry, digital, photo, fiber, metalwork, sculptures, glass, mixed media, wood, graphics, painting and much more. Details at 10times.com.
April
FEB 19 HAIR WE GO AGAIN During this event, we will celebrate the beauty of curls and textures from all ethnicities and genders, and what it means to “go natural” and “be natural” in today’s society. The event will feature a HAIRspiration show, hair care videos, head scarf demos, hair experts, The Style Booth, and the Candid Corner.
APR 4 BOOZIN’ THROUGH THE 90S BAR CRAWL Hoboken, dig through your closet, lace up your high tops join us as we go Boozin’ Through The 90’s. Dig through your closet, lace up your high tops & come dance the day away while listening to *NSYNC, Run DMC, Brittany Spears & Hanson.... mmm bop! Register at eventbrite.com.
The event will kick off with story-time to help all children in attendance love and appreciate their natural curls too! It will be a beautiful day to remember as we ERASE shame and stigma, and provide Education, Resources, Affirmation, Support and Empowerment. Details at eventbrite.com.
APR 11-12 INDIA FAIR Highlights Of India Fair Include Showcasing Of Art, Culture And Heritage, Ample Opportunities For Commerce And Business Networking, Enjoy The Best Indian Cuisine, Experience The Best Entertainment Including Dancing, Bhangra, Dhol, Masti, Bollywood And TV Artists, Live Singers And Fashion Show To Showcase The Best Designer Dresses. Learn more at indiafair.org.
March MAR 1 A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD A hit on Broadway, A Year with Frog and Toad was nominated for three Tony Awards – including Best Musical. Based on Arnold Lobel’s well-loved books, and featuring a hummable score by Robert 30
LGBTQ COM MU NI TY ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS
Hudson Pride Connection Center LGBT community center providing support, services and resources. www.hudsonpride.org. 32 Jones Street, Jersey City, NJ
North Jersey Pride LGBT events and activities to promote inclusivity, equality, awareness. www.northjerseypride.org. Phone: 124 Dunnell Rd, Maplewood, NJ
GAAMC Not-for-profit volunteer-run organization that provides social, educational, and outreach programs. www.gaamc.org
Qspot LGBT Community Center Providing resources, referrals, education, and outreach. Phone: (732) 455-3373 | www.qspot.org 66 S Main St, Ocean Grove, NJ
Garden State Equality New Jersey’s largest LGBT organization Headquarters - 1408 Main Street, Asbury Park, New Jersey North Jersey Office - 40 S Fullerton Avenue Montclair, New Jersey www.gardenstateequality.org Newark LGBTQ Community Center Community center providing safe space, programs, and services that support the well-being of the LGBTQ community. Phone: 973-424-9555 | www.newarklgbtqcenter.org Location: 11 Halsey Street, Newark, NJ North Jersey Gay Lesbian Bowling LGBT Sponsored Bowling League. Phone: (201) 452-4216 | www.njglb.net 291 Bloomfield Ave #2, Nutley, NJ The Pride Center Serving the LGBTIQQA community 25 years as a resource and service center. www.pridecenter.org. 85 Raritan Ave #100, Highland Park, NJ Phone: 732-846-2232
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BUSINESS D IRECTO RY APPLIANCE SERVICE Pete’s Major Appliance Co.................................................. 35
HAIR REMOVAL European Wax Center.............................................back cover
ARCHITECTURE O&S Associates................................................................... 23
HOSPICE Hospice of New Jersey....................................................... 28
AUTO DEALERSHIP Garden State Honda........................................................... 15 Mercedes Benz of Paramus...................................................1 Teterboro Auto Mall............................................................ 25
INJECTABLES Etoile Cosmetic Medicare Studios...................................... 31 INSURANCE Certified Financial Services - George Siderias.................... 28 Certified Financial Services -Vincent Blazewicz................... 29 Derek Vannelli - State Farm................................................ 10 EA Boniakowski Real Estate | EAB Insurance Group.......20-21 Glenn Nataupsky - Mutual of Omaha & Liberty Mutual..... 24 Joseph Adamo - State Farm................................................ 15 Muller Insurance...........................................................32-33
BANKING TD Bank America’s Most Convenient Bank......................... 36 BIRTHDAY PARTIES Fun Time Junction....................................... back inside cover CABINETRY Cabinets To Go...............................................................12-13
KITCHEN & BATH SHOWROOM Anew Kitchen & Bath.......................................................... 19
CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT Fun Time Junction....................................... back inside cover
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Carolle Huber Landscape Architecture............................... 31
CLOSETS Interior Motif......................................................front cover, 9
MED SPA Etoile Cosmetic Medicare Studios...................................... 31
CONTRACTORS RD & Son Contractors | All American Cabinet & Closets...... 28
NON-PROFIT Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey........................... 35
CUSTOM CABINETS & CLOSETS RD & Son Contractors | All American Cabinet & Closets...... 28
OFFICE FURNITURE 247 Installers...................................................................... 27
CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENT Interior Motif......................................................front cover, 9
OPTOMETRIST Dr. Abraham Alboher OD.......................................................3
ENGINEERING O&S Associates................................................................... 23
PET ADOPTION & RESCUE St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center.................................... 37
ESTATE PLANNING Law Office of William J Torre............................................... 35
PLASTIC SURGERY The Robert Zubowski Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery............................... 10
EVENT PLANNING Parties Unplugged............................................................. 37
PROBATE Law Office of William J Torre............................................... 35
FAMILY LAW The Law Office of James P Yudes PC................................... 25 The Law Office of Melanie L Ryan....................................... 18
PROBATE & GUARDIANSHIPS The Law Office of Melanie L Ryan....................................... 18
FINANCIAL ADVISOR Certified Financial Services - Meredith Mesherry............... 28 Certified Financial Services -Vincent Blazewicz................... 29
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Connie Calabrese- Denali Property Management Inc...........5
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION TD Bank America’s Most Convenient Bank......................... 36
PSYCHOTHERAPY Caaron Willinger LCSW....................................................... 31
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BUSINESS D IRECTO RY REAL ESTATE EA Boniakowski Real Estate | EAB Insurance Group.......20-21
ROOFING Roof 4 Roof | Certified Remodeling..........................16,24,27
RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY The Robert Zubowski Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery............................... 10
SIDING & CERTIFIED REMODELING Roof 4 Roof | Certified Remodeling..........................16,24,27 SOCIAL SERVICES Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey........................... 35
REMODELING: INTERIORS & EXTERIORS Roof 4 Roof | Certified Remodeling..........................16,24,27
WEDDING & EVENT VENUE The Grove............................................................................ 17
RESTAURANT & BAR Steel Wheel Tavern................................................................7
WILLS & TRUSTS The Law Office of Melanie L Ryan....................................... 18
RESTAURANT INSURANCE Cove Agency Inc.................................................................. 37
WINDOWS Roof 4 Roof | Certified Remodeling..........................16,24,27
RESTAURANTS Villa restaurant Group........................................................ 11 RETIREMENT PLANNING Next Generation Services LLC......................front inside cover
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