October 2019
Dr. Karen DeSimone Delivering Impact Beyond Smiles
Cover photo by Benoit Cortet
A community magazine serving the residents of Hopewell Township, Pennington Borough and Hopewell Borough
Expert Contributors
Lawn and Landscaping Cutting Edge Lawn and Landscaping, LLC
Home Design and Construction A&E Home Design and Construction Greg Fontaine – Owner 2479 Pennington Rd, Pennington, NJ I 609-737-4425 greg.aeconstruction@gmail.com AEconstructionNJ.com
Nick Pirone - Owner 1652 Reed Road, Pennington, NJ I 609-356-3465 nick@ce.land I ce.land.com
Orthodontics DeSimone Orthodontics
Dermatology Windsor Dermatology Alexa Hetzel, Board Certified Physician Assistant 59 One Mile Road Ext., East Windsor, NJ 609-443-0424 windsordermatology.com I #freezefat
Dr. Karen DeSimone, DDS 2 Tree Farm Road, Suite B-200, Pennington NJ 08534 609-737-8000 info@desimoneorthodontics.com www.desimoneorthodontics.com
Medical Center RWJ University Hospital Hamilton 1 Hamilton Way, Hamilton, NJ 08690 609-586-7000 www.rwjbh.org/rwj-university-hospital-hamilton/
Real Estate Gloria Nilson & Co. Real Estate Hopewell Valley 800 Denow Road, Suite N, Pennington, NJ 609-737-9100 www.glorianilson.com
Financial Advisor Knox Grove Financial LLC. Christina Nash – President & CEO 23 Route 31 North, Suite B10, Pennington, NJ 609-216-7440 Christina@knoxgrove.com I knoxgrovefinancial.com
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Hopewell Valley Neighbors publisher: Rachel Donington: 609-462-6786 rdonington@bestversionmedia.com.
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Publisher’s Letter
Publisher: Rachel Donington rdonington@bestversionmedia.com Content Coordinator: Catherine Bialkowski cbialkowski@bestversionmedia.com Designer: Dale Ver Voort Contributing Photographer: Benoit Cortet www.benoitcortet.com Phone: 917-597-6297 benoit@benoitcortet.com Contributing Writers: Mary Galioto, Kenneth Marples, Lisa Wolff Advertising Contact: Rachel Donington Phone: 609-462-6786 rdonington@bestversionmedia.com Feedback/Ideas/Submissions Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are 25th of each month. Go to www. bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to rdonington@bestversionmedia.com. Content Submission Deadlines: Content Due: Edition Date: November 25.................................... January December 25.................................. February January 25............................................March February 25............................................ April March 25.................................................. May April 25...................................................June May 25......................................................July June 25............................................... August July 25.......................................... September August 25.........................................October September 25 ������������������������������ November October 25................................... December
Dear Residents, There is something so unique, so special, about those who live and work in Hopewell Valley, those residents who call our community home, run a business here, and see the faces of their neighbors every day. It’s one thing to work here—we have so many great places to shop and eat, so many offices and technicians that offer services we need every day-—but to live here as well is a whole other ball game. People like Dr. Karen DeSimone, Antimo Iovine of Antimo’s Italian Kitchen, and Steve Zarodnansky of Old Glory Detailing, all of whom we write about in this issue, demonstrate for us why it’s so unique, so heartwarming, to own local businesses that provide for your neighbors. Karen, our featured resident, improves others’ lives and smiles at DeSimone Orthodontics; Antimo creates delicious old-world italian food in a welcoming atmosphere at his Hopewell Borough restaurant; and Steve puts his clients first and brings them joy by improving their cars. In many cases, the people these three residents serve might live right down the road from them; they might be their friends, or their children might go to school with each other. This creates a very special network of people who are there to support one another, all of whom call Hopewell Valley home. I hope these stories encourage you to visit a local business; chances are, it’s run by someone you know. Publisher: Rachel Donington, 609-462-6786
In speaking to Dr. DeSimone, Antimo, and Steve, I began to think about business owners in a new light. Yes, these hardworking people put hours of effort into their work and have refined expertise in what they do; but running a successful business that is truly rooted in the community takes more than that. All three of these Hopewell Valley neighbors give back constantly to the community in which they work and which they call home. They take the time to perceive each of their patrons as individuals--even neighbors or friends. Running a business is more than just being good at what you do; it’s about thinking of others, too. Content Coordinator: Catherine Bialkowski
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. ©2019 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Hopewell Valley Neighbors publisher Rachel Donington: 609-462-6786 rdonington@bestversionmedia.com. Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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7 Tree Farm Rd ., Pennington 609-303-0625 M-TH 11:30am-9pm Fri-Sat 11:30am-10pm • Sun 4-9pm
October 2019
Expert Contributor
Taking the Fear out of Medicare Enrollment By Christina Nash and Bill Stolow | Knox Grove Insurance Advisors, LLC For most people during their workings years, employerprovided medical plans are used for their personal and/or family health coverage. Many times, a true understanding of the coverage and process is left on the back burner. Even if you had a private health insurance policy, it’s likely that what you remember most is the pain of paying the high premiums, deductibles and co-payments. This is common for many clients.
a Prescription Plan, he could see any doctor he chose, get labs and tests covered without co-payments and in the event of a hospitalization or surgery, he wouldn’t find himself in a financial bind. Going through the process, he now has a personal understanding of how our clients feel when they enroll. Bill often gets hugs after the enrollment process is complete because he has taken the stress and anxiety out of the process.
Bill Stolow is our Knox Grove Insurance Medicare Specialist. When we first began offering Medicare Health Insurance Plans here at Knox Grove Insurance Advisers, conversations with beneficiaries usually centered around a lack of understanding of what the coverages would be. Questions like, “Can I see my own doctors?” and “Are my medications covered?” were frequently asked. These are common questions and concerns that reflect the fear people feel when changing medical plans. The transition to Medicare from a plan that you may or may not have liked can be daunting. We realized early on that beneficiaries are bombarded for months with “sales pitches” from numerous sources like TV, radio and direct mailings to name a few. On many occasions a beneficiary would say, “It’s like they’re trying to sell me a used car!” What they really needed was an experienced, friendly voice. Someone who knows them, understands their needs, and has their best interest at heart.
If you are currently a beneficiary, now is a great time to review your current Medicare coverages. The annual enrollment period, October 15 to December 7, is upon us. There have been many changes in plans and coverages and understanding Medicare is an important part of your overall expense management. If you will be turning 65 in the coming months or are 65+ and retiring and leaving an employer plan, now is a good time to meet with us for a complimentary Medicare consultation. Having a personal adviser guide you through the process at no additional cost to you or your Medicare premiums, could result in you wanting to give Bill a hug! Co-written by: Christina Nash and Bill Stolow Knox Grove Insurance Advisors, LLC 2 Tree Farm Road, Suite B100, Pennington, NJ 08534 Please give us a call at 609-216-7440
Over the past few years we have guided our clients through this process with great success. This year, Bill became a beneficiary of Medicare and found out firsthand how it really feels to go through the process. Leaving a private plan with high deductibles, premiums and co-pays was certainly significant, but he realized that with Original Medicare, a Supplement and
vvv Securities and investment advisory services offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Royal Alliance Associates, Inc.
ARE YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH?
Knox Grove Financial can be your guide. Your Path Forward • • • •
Fee-Only Advice Option Core Investment Management Comprehensive Wealth Management Retirement, Tax, and Estate Planning Strategies
YOUR PAT H FORWARD
Christina A. Nash Knox Grove Financial, LLC 2 Tree Farm Road, Suite B100 Pennington, NJ 08534 P: 609-216-7440 F: 609-910-4275 www.knoxgrovefinancial.com Info@knoxgrove.com
Securities and investment advisory services offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Royal Alliance Associates, Inc.
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Knox Grove Financial • Member of the Junior Achievement Advisory Board, Rochester, New York, 1999-2019 • Partner at ITX Corporation, a strategic technology firm; President of Multiply IT, ITX
Corporation’s product development group, 2009-2019 • 2015 Accepted as an Early Decision Candidate to Farleigh Dickinson University • 2015 Accepted as an Early Decision Candidate to Farleigh Dickinson University • Recognized as “A Visionary Entrepreneur who builds simple, useful technology” – the • 2016 Honors College Preparatory Graduate of The Lewis School “I have faith, stubbornness • 2016 HonorsBusiness College Preparatory Graduate of The Lewis School Rochester Journal “I have faith, stubbornness and an education from • 2017 The Lewis School of Princeton Honor Society Inductee and an education from • Acknowledged “executive leadership, innovation and expertise in corporate cultures • 2017 The Lewisfor School of Princeton Honor Society Inductee The Lewis School that The Lewis School that give me confidence.” • 2017 give me confidence.”
development, combining IT design and business growth strategies” Dean’s at Fairleigh Dickinson University • 2017 List Dean’s List at Fairleigh Dickinson University • Creative Problem Solving Institute – Certified Facilitator and “groundbreaking business • 2017 Most Valuable Player for Fairleigh Dickinson Cross Team Team leader” is a strategic consultant to top companies hereCountry and abroad Andrew Andrew McTigue • 2017 Mostwho Valuable Player for Fairleigh Dickinson Cross Country McTigue Fairleigh Dickinson University Fairleigh Dickinson University • Co-founder Board Chairman ofThe Potential Point, LLC where he continues to develop • 2017 Honored Alumniand Speaker, The Lewis School Athletic Awards Banquet • 2017 Honored Alumni Speaker, Lewis School Athletic Awards Banquet Class of 2020 Class of 2020 award winning software to help companies grow high-performance work places, 2005-2019 The Lewis School of Princeton, The Lewis School of Princeton, • Awarded a Full FourYear Scholarship to Fairleigh Dickinson University Fred 2011Beer • Awarded a Full Scholarship to Fairleigh University 2016 2011- 2016 • Completed the FourYear MIT Entrepreneurial Master’s Program asDickinson one of sixty executives worldwide University of Rochester, Class of 1995• Accepted towho were invited to participate all of his top ten colleges • Accepted to all of his top ten colleges “The Lewis “The School Lewis School Westminster School Alumnus, Class of 1991 • CEO and Co-founder of Auragen Communications Inc./Catalyst Direct named one of INC helped me tohelped realizeme to realize Lewis that I should not beSchool Alumnus, 1988 “When I first came to Lewis, frustrated the demands of auditory processing in a Magazine’s 500I was fastest growing by companies, 1995-2006
that I should not be “When I first came to Lewis, I was frustrated by the demands of auditory processing in a afraid School to approach “Lewis was amazingly supportive in building back that situation lecture by longer written researchresearch and managing the course afraid to approach lecture and situation and by longerassignments, written assignments, and managing theload course load success inthat my owncrushed way. confidence got me. Lewis and my parentsin provided success in my from own way. reading.inIreading. avoided whenever II’dcould. However, the work ethic and teamwork that Iwriting avoided writing I could. However, work ethic and teamwork that “I don’t know wherewhenever be today without The the Lewis School. Being there taught Beforefor attending the support me Before to knowattending that I could be successful. Lewis taught me, at I learned Lewis have carried me through as a successful college athlete. Iathlete. know that the that the I learned attoLewis have carried me through asrespect a successful college IIknow me work hard and to value and learning differences. discovered that Lewis, I never thought with my parents’ support, that thought I had great strengths, and if I lessons focused on Lewis, I never I learned my teachers coaches The Lewis School staywill withstay me with in athletics lessons from I learned from my and teachers and at coaches at The Lewiswill School me in athletics about success or that it for my strengths, Iabout could adapt It didn’t matter that I success or my thatweaknesses. it seeing and learning things differently gave me a unique perspective that is vital and in personal yet to come.” and in successes personal successes yet to come.” easily, waswould a reallycome slowwould readercome – I developed easily, great skills for listening in class not only in my career but also in my life.” it came at ifall.” andiftaking notes. Iitlearned to work hard and get good grades. came athow all.” Fred Beer These skills have stayed with me to today.”
53 Bayard Ln, Princeton, NJ |08540 (609) 924 |-8120 | www.lewisschool.org 53 Bayard Ln, Princeton, NJ 08540 (609) |924 -8120 www.lewisschool.org 53 Bayard Lane, Princeton NJ 08540 I (609) 924-8120 I www.lewisschool.org
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October 2019
Antimo’s Italian Kitchen
Business Profile
Delicious, Authentic Food in a Rustic Setting By Catherine Bialkowski
For Antimo Lovine, owner of Antimo’s Italian Kitchen in Hopewell, what he hopes for his customers boils down to one thing: that they’re happier by the end of their meal than when they first walked into the restaurant. With hearty food, engaging company, and a comforting atmosphere, Antimo’s Italian Kitchen has been doing just that for customers since it opened its doors in 1999. Antimo’s personal interest in cooking sparked when he was around five years old; “my family owned butcher shops in Italy and Italian restaurants in America since the 1970s,” he says. “I loved cooking and preparing Italian food at home with my mom and dad.” Today, Antimo estimates that he’s been a lover of food--texture, taste, aroma, overall experience--for 35 years. It’s an extremely important part of his life.
At his restaurant, Antimo puts the same effort into serving customers as he would into creating a special meal for his family. “We make everything from scratch, including our dough, pasta, sausage, sauces, tiramisu, and cannoli,” he says. “We use local produce. We only buy the best ingredients: Bell and Evans chicken, wild-caught Norwegian salmon, wild-caught gulf shrimp.” By investing extra time and money into curating a premium selection of ingredients, Antimo and his team go the extra mile and demonstrate their dedication to their customers. Through food and conversation, they want to provide a pleasant, happy, and unique experience for everyone who steps through their doors. “We try to make every customer feel like family. It makes us feel good, and hopefully the customer, too. I think everyone likes to feel part of a family.” Readers who want to “eat delicious authentic Italian food in a rustic Italian restaurant with a warm-hearted staff,” as Antimo puts it, might just find Antimo’s Italian Kitchen to be just the thing they’ve been looking for; from lobster pescatore, to chicken daniella, to black squid ink ravioli--all tried-and-true fan favorites--the selection of food suits all appetites. “Guests leave happy and satisfied,” says Antimo. “That is the greatest compliment to me and brings me a lot of joy and purpose.”
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‘PALS’ team members at work
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
Antimo’s Italian Kitchen has two dining rooms and an area for outdoor seating located on Broad Street in downtown Hopewell Borough. Visit them for today! For more information, or to book a private event, check out their website at www.antimositaliankitchen. com or call the restaurant at 609-466-3333.
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Resident Feature
DR. KAREN DESIMONE
Delivering Impact Beyond Smiles By Catherine Bialkowski | Photos by Benoit Cortet
W
hen meeting Dr. Karen DeSimone for the first time, one senses an immediate, welcoming familiarity akin to the province of close friends. She’ll offer a handshake, a hug, and you know in an instant what she means when she refers to her patients as her “practice family.” The owner and orthodontist of DeSimone Orthodontics in Pennington, Karen understands the emotional connection that people have to their smiles. The components of trust, self-confidence, and joy are as much a part of her treatment philosophy as straightening teeth. “If you overlook the person to simply ‘move teeth,’ you miss the whole impetus behind their decision to pursue orthodontic care,” she explains. “I’ll never forget an adult patient telling me she thought she ‘would have been a more outgoing, happier child’ if she didn’t have crooked teeth. That’s why I love what I do; I can deliver impact beyond smiles.” This passion to help other people via orthodontistry started for Karen during high school. “I loved the idea that an orthodontist was the diagnostician as well as the clinician, which meant I could follow patients from beginning to end of treatment,” she says. “Seeing the transformation of the smile, and, often, the gaining of confidence of the patient is a reward unique to orthodontics. I also loved the combination of art and science.” Karen loved the idea of working with her hands and “using physics to arrange teeth.” She likens orthodontics to solving a unique puzzle, one that varies with each patient. Karen was also enchanted by theater and the stage during her years at school; today, she considers orthodontics a way to combine her love for productions with her love for science. “Our special patient appreciation events are entertaining and fun; our marketing is a way to be expressive; and Dentalopoly has been a way to be creative as well.” Dentalopoly is a unique and engaging board game, created by Karen, that plays on dental humor (players might land on “Plaque Place”!) and brings dentists, hygienists, orthodontists, dental students, and even patients together to bond and have some fun (the proceeds from purchases are donated to free dental clinics around the world; the game is available on Amazon). Karen’s love for science and theater culminated in degrees in each from Brown University. She met her husband, Sean Bradley, an oral surgeon with Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Central New Jersey, at Georgetown University School of Dentistry. 8
October 2019
Resident Feature
Hopewell Valley is a very special place when you need the support of friends to lend a hand� Karen
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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“We chose to settle in Hopewell Township after searching the northeast for a place to raise a family, start our practices, and make great friends,” she says. “The first time we visited Pennington with our realtor, it was Pennington Day of 1993!” Every Pennington Day since, she has sponsored a booth along Main Street “as a way of giving back to the community that has enriched my family with great teachers and friends and has allowed DeSimone Orthodontics the opportunity to treat many wonderful patients over the years.” She has also had the opportunity to mentor more than 10 high school students who have worked in her office. Additionally, Karen offers, through her practice, a yearly scholarship for a student who is interested in art and science, as she was in high school. She also continues to sponsor local Hopewell Valley sports teams. “I have to say that we always have a winning team! We even brought the tooth fairy to visit every school in Hopewell Valley School District. I’ve had so much fun bringing a play, with costumes, to the elementary schools to show them the physics behind orthodontics and the importance of dental health.” In other words, Karen is extremely involved in—and connected to—her community, as an orthodontist, as a mentor, as a neighbor, and as a mother and wife. “Hopewell Valley is a very special place when you need the support of friends to lend a hand,” says Karen. “Our dearest friends are those we met so many years ago on the sports fields and at our first neighborhood’s cookie exchange. Sean and I could have moved anywhere in the United States to practice, but the charm of Hopewell Valley pulled us here.
After we encountered Pennington Day that fateful day, I knew this was the area that I wanted to practice in and raise a family.” But Karen, like all of us, is only one person; and life tends to pull at us from all directions sometimes. “Arranging teeth into beautiful smiles and arranging a harmonious family life takes teamwork,” she says. “I work with a dedicated and caring team of assistants and administrators in my office as well as a supportive team of family and friends at home. I’m a solo practitioner in my office but at home, it’s a mega partnership with my husband, Sean. We constantly are strategizing how to manage our family and professional lives. When our children were younger, their grandparents were bringing them to piano lessons, our babysitter was helping us with childcare, and friends were carpooling.” It’s empowering to wear so many hats, as Karen does, but no one ever claimed it was easy. Dr. Karen DeSimone of DeSimone Orthodontics is many things: orthodontist, friend, neighbor, wife, mother. She has helped countless patients throughout her years of practice, and changed many lives with her warm and caring approach to what she does. She has brought her love of theater along with her into the science-based world of orthodontistry, and, on top of all this, she has raised four amazing children (Kyra, Ryan, Jason, and Evan) and made a place for herself in the Hopewell Valley community. On a daily basis, she may straighten teeth, but the impact she has had over the years on those who have met her certainly goes beyond smiles.
vvv Dr. DeSimone’s office just underwent a six-month renovation complete with multiple 3D scanners, digital radiology, advanced computer design software and a “smile aisle” filled with prizes and an arcade of video games. “We’ve cultivated a wonderful team of dental assistants and treatment coordinators who want the best for our patients and their families during their experience here,” says Dr. DeSimone. “Our mission here is to make their experience as enjoyable as possible and their treatment affordable as we work within a patient’s budget.” For kids, October means Halloween is just around the corner. For the dental health world, October is National Orthodontic Health Month, a whole month devoted to celebrating healthy smiles, learning more about the benefits of orthodontic treatment, and the importance of good oral health. Visit DeSimone Orthodontics new office at 2 Tree Farm Road, Suite B-200, in Pennington, or give them a call at 609-737-8000.
Jody with the SKIT team in action
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October 2019
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Expert Contributor
Venue at Cobblestone Creek Your Next New Home
By Kim Storcella | Gloria Nilson & Co. Real Estate Looking to downsize? Are you an empty nester? You have made the decision to purchase a home for the next stage of your life. You are near retirement or maybe you already have, so now where do you go? With a limited amount of 55+ homes in Hopewell Valley, where does one go? The answer is somewhere that has much to offer. A place where you can find a quaint downtown with shops and restaurants that line a Main Street. Still within the same county that you have grown to love, and only minutes from historic Princeton and all its offerings. Lawrenceville, with a charm of its own, is home to the exciting new Active Adult 55+ golf course community, Venue at Cobblestone Creekby Lennar. A lifestyle that allows residents to enjoy a spectacular Clubhouse, Fitness Center, pool, and challenging golf course steps from your very own front door. Imagine waking up to the scenic views with all the luxury and convenience of a maintenance free lifestyle. With its convenient location approximately 1-hour from either New York City or Philadelphia, your new place to call home has recreation and entertainment at your fingertips. With multiple units available, you might consider the Cypress model which boosts just over 2,600 square feet. The beautiful open concept kitchen and family room is perfect for entertaining. With vaulted
ceilings and gorgeous marble fireplace, it makes an inviting space. The first floor Master bedroom includes 2 walk-in closets and a luxurious en-suite. The second floor has a loft that overlooks the lower level. This excellent bonus space could easily be used for an office or study. The spacious second and third bedrooms are both located on the second level and both come with large walk-in closets. Lennar is excited to unveil new home layouts featuring elegantly appointed, open-concept townhomes with luxurious finishes, gourmet kitchens, opulent master suites and so much more. Plus, with Lennar’s Everything’s Included Program, every new home at Venue at Cobblestone Creekcomes filled with a high level of upscale features that add style, value, and efficiency to your new home at no additional cost!
vvv Call us to check out this incredible, maintenance free living community at Cobblestone Creek! Gloria Nilson & Co. Real Estate 800 Denow Road, Suite N, Pennington, NJ 08534 609-737-9100
ecause We Care 21 North Main Street, Pennington, NJ 08534
(609) 737-2900
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October 2019
Hopewell Valley Market Activity
Real Estate
AUGUST SOLDS - Homes ADDRESS
157 Moores Mill Mount Rose Rd
BEDS 4
BATHS SOLD PRICE 2
$265,000
36 Diverty Rd
3
1
$265,000
20 Academy Ct
2
2.5
$281,000
210 Route 31N
3
2
$300,000
15 Featherbed Ln
3
1.5
$302,500
21 Pennington Lawrenceville Rd
3
2
$350,000
9 Howe Ct
3
2.5
$355,000
250 Colt St
3
2.5
$375,000
353 Watkins Rd
3
2.5
$389,000
228 Colt St
3
2.5
$452,000
97 Featherbed Ln
3
2
$485,000
11 Cedar Ln
5
3.5
$495,000
113 W Broad St
3
2.5
$499,900
107 Weldon Way
4
2.5
$510,000
15 Pennington Lawrenceville Rd
3
3
$512,500
944 Cherry Valley Rd
4
3.5
$535,000
9 Chadwell Ct
3
2.5
$545,000
ADDRESS
BEDS
21 Brookside Ave
BATHS SOLD PRICE
Multi-family
$545,000
208 Pen View Dr
3
2.5
$595,000
2 Nobadeer Dr
5
3.5
$618,000
17 Burd Street
2
1
$1,500
225 Pennington Lawrenceville Rd
3
1
$1,950
41 Woolsey Ct
3
2.5
$2,350
122 W. Prospect St
3
2.5
$2,500
515 Amberleigh Dr
3
2.5
$2,700
RESIDENTAL RENTALS
A Cob V Ne b en w les ue 55 to a + C ne t om Cre m ek un ity
Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the entire real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.
22 Dogleg Lane, Lawrence Township For Sale
HOPEWELL VALLEY OFFICE 800 Denow Rd, Suite N, Pennington, NJ 08534
609.737.9100 www.GloriaNilson.com
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Calendar of Events
Hopewell
Happenings
Every Saturday in October Pennington Farmers’ Market Bringing together 4 Hopewell Valley local farms and other small businesses every Saturday through the middle of November. Local artists and musicians featured each week, and community groups are provided with a place to reach out to their neighbors. @ Rosedale Mills front lawn, 101 Route 31, Pennington Time: 9am-1pm
Tues., October 1 Color Me Calm – Adult Coloring @ Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street Coloring books and art supplies available all day Fri., October 4 Lego Free Play: Love Legos? Drop by to engage your imagination and creativity with some block building. Develop teamwork skills or build independently. Those who are up to the task may also engage in a special Lego challenge. Ages 5+ @ Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street Time: 4-5pm Fri., October 4 Cruise Night: Classic cars, live music, and street food along town central @ Broad Street, Hopewell Borough Time: 5-8pm Hosted by the Hopewell Borough Economic Development Commission Sat., October 5 Pumpkin Palooza: It’s all about the pumpkin! @ Hopewell Presbyterian Church Time: 10am-4pm Sat., October 5 – Sun., October 6 Tour des Arts: 12th Annual self-guided Artists’ Open Studio Tour @ Hopewell Borough Time: 10/5, 10a-5p & 10/6, 11a-4p www.hopewellarts.com Wed., October 9 Yom Kippur Hopewell Valley Regional School District Schools Closed Fri., October 11 – Mon., October 14 5thAnnual Amazing Pumpkin Carve! @ Woolsey Park, 221 Washington-Pennington Road Ticket prices: Adults: $15; Youth: $5; 4 & under: Free!
Sun., October 13 Time: 11am-6pm
Mon., October 14 Time: 11am-4pm For up-to-date information visit the official Amazing Pumpkin Carve website www. hvartscouncil.org/amazing-pumpkin-carve Sun., October 13 Pennington Parks & Recreation: After-Dark Outdoor Movie @ Kunkel Park, King George Road, Pennington Time: 7:30pm Bring a blanket or chair Mon., October 14 Columbus Day Hopewell Valley Regional School District Schools Closed Hopewell Theater Halloween Fright Fest @ 5 S. Greenwood Avenue, Hopewell Borough Tickets and information, go to www. hopewelltheater.com Thur., October 24 Re-Animator Time: 7pm
Tues., October 29 The Bird with the Crystal Plumage Time: 7pm Wed., October 30 Night of the Living Dead Time: 7pm Wed., October 31 Psycho Time: 7pm Sun., October 27 Halloween Parade @ Hopewell Borough Time: 12:30pm Line up at Train Station Sponsored by the Hopewell Volunteer Fire Department Wed., October 31 Happy Halloween Hopewell Valley!
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Fri., October 25 Donnie Darko Time: 7pm
Let us help promote your local community event! Please join our Hopewell Happenings Page by sending us your Event Listing. Open to all Hopewell Valley organizations, clubs and local businesses. You can email your submissions to rdonington@bestversionmedia.com.
Sat., October 26 Family Matinee: Casper Time: 2:30pm
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October 2019
Expert Contributor
Outdoor Living Spaces By Nick Pirone | Owner, Cutting Edge Lawn and Landscaping
We believe outdoor living spaces are the perfect choice for all homeowners, but we think they are an especially beneficial choice for families. With children and teenagers living at home, adding hardscaping structures to your backyard may be one of the most valuable and useful additions you make to your home. If you are considering the addition of an outdoor retreat to your home, continue reading for five reasons all families should have an outdoor living space. BENEFITS OF A PATIO • Durable Because patios are so durable, they require very little maintenance. Yes, sealing your patio will protect it from outside forces and keep it looking good. But, stone patios and pavers are durable all on their own. • Privacy Patios are designed to sit directly on the ground, so they provide more privacy. Nosy neighbors have to actually climb up onto the fence to catch you on your patio. • Lifespan Quality patio have the tendency to last over 25 years. They continue to maintain their value throughout that time with very little upkeep needed. • Cost Patios can be much less expensive than decks because they are flush to the ground. BENEFITS OF A DECK • Comfort Heat can be excruciating during hot, summer months. Many Hopewell Valley residents prefer to spend summertime outdoors, nonetheless. A wooden deck will absorb the heat naturally, and retain much less of it, keeping you cooler. • View Most custom decks are built up off the ground. With the right landscaping and a little ambiance, this gives you a magnificent view of your yard. • Terrain Some yards are night quite level, and feature uneven terrains.
Decks are great for these situations because they can be installed, by professionals, on any type of land. • Value Wooden decks offer a return on investment for homeowners. • Customizable You can have your wooden deck stained or painted using any shade or color you like. Make it match your home’s exterior design or the theme of your yard’s landscaping. MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING EXPERIENCE • Add a Roof Covering all or part of your deck is expensive, but it is simply the best way to maximize the amount of time you will spend on it. Having a roof opens up so many options, you can add things like ceiling fans, speakers, or a large TV. You can screen it in, or leave it open. You can add heaters or a fireplace to allow use in the spring & fall. If your deck is south-facing, adding a roof will allow you to use it even in the hottest months of summer. • Add a Fire Pit You can have several different types of fire pits installed on your deck. There are gas burning pits that sits on top of the deck, or you can have a paver fire pit that will allow you to burn logs integrated into the deck. • Add a Gate If you have pets or young children, adding a gate at the top of the steps makes a lot of sense. This will give you an outdoor space for the kids to play without you needing to worry about them falling down the steps. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about your outdoor living space and getting it ready for the wonderful Spring season. Give us a call today!
vvv Celebrate our local small businesses. Please contact Nick for more ideas about outdoor living spaces and all your landscaping needs at 609-356-3465 or Nick@ce.land.
Providing Landscape Design, Installation and Maintenance to Pennington NJ and the surrounding towns since 2006…
HOPEWELL’s Premier Lawn and Landscaping Company www.ce.land Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Call Chris Cline’s team! Chris Cline, Agency Owner See how much you could save on your insurance. Get a free quote today!
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Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton: Best in the U.S. for the 7th time Achieving a Leapfrog A for the 7th time underscores Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton’s commitment as a High Reliability Organization (HRO). Through the concerted effort of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton’s physicians, nurses, staff, volunteers and leadership, patients and families benefit from the highest level of quality care and the safest possible hospital experience.
rwjbh.org/hamilton
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October 2019
Business Profile
Old Glory Detailing: Meet Steve Zarodnansky By Catherine Bialkowski
Steve Zarodnansky, owner of Old Glory Detailing in Hopewell Borough, didn’t always make his living in the world of automobiles. Before Old Glory Detailing opened in 2004, he was a Spanish teacher with an interest in-—perhaps even passion for—cars, specifically Porsches, for 17 years. On weekends and evenings, he would practice detailing neighbors’ cars. “I got my first taste of the business doing that,” he says. “I met some great guys who were interested, too. It just kind of grew from there. I still loved the classroom, but I decided to see if I could make this happen, and here we are!” Steve’s favorite part about what he does is seeing the reactions of customers upon their first glimpse at their vehicle after Steve has completed work on it. “Making people happy is the best feeling in the world,” he says. He also loves the work itself; extracting, cleaning, restoring. And Steve isn’t the only one at Old Glory Detailing with a passion for cars. His whole team shares the excitement. “All my technicians are passionate about making people happy,” he says. “We take our jobs very seriously. We are members of the International Detailing Association. We use the best of current technology and chemicals; we really try to stay on top of our game.” Additionally, says Steve, the world of car detailing is a wonderful community, reflecting Hopewell Valley’s own community of friends and neighbors. As members of this community, Steve and his team support local firehouses, give away gift certificates to local businesses, donate to veterans’ charities, and, overall try to be good members of their community. One of their biggest causes has been The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which honors Stephen Siller, a firefighter who lost his life saving others on September 11, 2001. “Through the Stephen Siller Foundation, aid is given to troops, police and firefighters who have been injured in the line of duty,” says Steve. “Since 2016, Old Glory Detailing has had a team participate in the Tunnel to Towers Run that follows the footsteps of Stephen Siller, a firefighter who ran through the Battery Park Tunnel to help at the towers on 9/11, and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Old Glory has raised over $5,600 for the
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
foundation since 2016, and makes a monthly donation to support the ongoing efforts.” At Old Glory Detailing, the staff wants what is best for the customer, and that includes finances. “The first thing we do is we try to make sure we keep their best interest in mind,” says Steve. “We give them a package that is the best value for their money, and we make sure the client understands what we’re going to do and how much they’re paying. We offer custom packages to make sure that what they want done gets done.” Steve and the staff at Old Glory Detailing continue to serve the Hopewell Valley community with the finest service; but, perhaps even more importantly, they do so with a lot of heart.
vvv As residents of Hopewell Valley, we’re so fortunate to have dedicated quality locally owned businesses like Old Glory Detailing. Visit them at their very cool location at 130 West Broad Street in Hopewell, or give Steve a call direct at 609-433-6532.
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2560 Pennington Road, Pennington, NJ www.WilsonApple.com
Wilson-Apple Funeral Home Robert A Wilson, Owner NJ Lic # 2520
609-737-1498 Wilson-Apple Funeral Home
R.Asher Wilson, Manager NJ Lic # 3823/Pa Lic # FD-000766
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hopewellmotors@gmail.com 49 East Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ www.hopewellmotors.com
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Serving Hopewell Township, Hopewell Borough, Lawrenceville, Ewing, Peinnington, Titusville, Blawenburg, and Princeton.
October 2019
Non-Profit Spotlight
Community Conservation
FoHVOS Highlights Hopewell Valley Schools Environmental Student Programs By Lisa Wolff | Executive Director, FoHVOS
Over time FoHVOS has shared the importance of connecting students with nature and discussed environmental initiatives throughout Hopewell Valley. Now it’s time to hear from Hopewell Valley schools about their new exciting facilities, activities, and/ or curriculum that encourage student engagement in conservation. Here are their replies. Bear Tavern Elementary School Principal Chris Turnbull Last year Bear Tavern was named an EcoSchools USA Green Flag school after meeting extensive application and site visit requirements. Our EPA club broadcasts weekly morning announcements and produces movies to improve student recycling, classroom waste, and sustainability efforts. Mrs. Overman, our STEM Facilitator, helped the BT Wildlife Appreciation and Conservation Association clear a Nature Trail and create informational signage about birds and native plants. Generous community members collaborated with us tocomplete the first phase of our Outdoor Learning Area. It includes a pond, greenhouse, certified monarch way-station meadow, and additional areas for classes to meet, reflect and explore. The Cambridge School Finance Director Courtney Peters-Manning, Esq. In the Lower School Farm-to-School class, students learn about plant life cycles throughout the seasons as they plan, grow, and maintain a school garden. The garden is also a registered as a wildlife habitat, as students have constructed birdhouses and shelters for small native animals. The Upper School Environmental Club participated in a beach clean-up effort last spring. Cambridge hosted FoHVOS Kestrel box building to provide habitat for the threatened hawks. All students participate in composting and recycling efforts. Finally, this summer we have installed water bottle fillers to encourage reusable water bottle use. Hopewell Valley Central High School Principal Tana Smith CHSAcademic Essentials program will be working in our new garden, thanks to the planning collaboration with Helpwell.
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
They are linking the vegetation with their curriculum, and connecting with both the recycling club and CHS composting. Our woodworking classes will be building vegetation boxes. CHS AP Environmental classes work on projects including air quality and ways to improve our environment and create PSAs that are shown to the entire student body, focusing on easy ways to ”go green.” Hopewell Elementary School Principal David Friedrich This year at Hopewell Elementary School, we are excited about expanding our farm to school program which supports our commitment to healthy eating, sustainability and STEM instruction. A grant from the Hopewell Valley Education Foundation will permit us to construct an outdoor mud oven so we may prepare homemade flatbreads featuring veggies we’ve grown. In addition, our wonderful PTO has provided funding to install a custom teaching kitchen to help nurture our students’ love for cooking. Painted Oak Nature School Founder Nicole Langdo Through daily interactions with the environment, the school promotes a holistic nature-based education for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and their families that foster deep connections with the natural world and to each other. This school year, Painted Oak will offer many new programs. First grade ”firekeepers,” engage in a forest immersion program and the after-school Coyote Club will engage in outdoor crafts, hikes and campfire time. The Pennington School Headmaster Bill Hawkey New this year will be a ”no idling” campus and no plastic water bottles on campus for sale or use. On Meatless Monday’s nearly all meat has been removed from lunchtime food service.Certified as Schoolyard Habitat, our school gardencontinues to flourish and grow and provides some healthy, nutritious food for our dining hall and residential families. Our recently completed Landscape Master Plan was designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmentally friendly design concepts.
Stony Brook Elementary School Principal Steve Wilfing Stony Brook received our Sustainable Jersey Bronze certification thanks to our extensive green activities. With the support of FoHVOS and generous donations, our 10,000 square-foot Brandon Farms Meadow at Stony Brook has become a popular destination. Teachers, students, and community members can enjoy learning about habitat, stewardship, and sustainability. The establishment of two honeybee hives pairs nicely with the meadow. Beekeeping at Stony Brook will provide an exciting opportunity to positively impact our school and community. Our courtyard garden serves as a backdrop for experiential learning and nutrition education and enhances lessons from history to science to health. Toll Gate Grammar School Principal Jane-Ellen Lennon Our school-wide theme this year, “Discover Your Wonder,” inspires our commitment to sustainability. A Pennington Borough land partnership, Sustainable Jersey bronze certification, and newly developed STEM curriculum, underpin our latest environmental advancements. We are excited about our emerging Outdoor Learning Spaces that are being designed and created by teachers, community members and students. FoHVOS provides ecological support and obtained Pennington Day grant funding. With the Hopewell Valley Regional School District’s first bird blind, constructed by a local Eagle Scout, students and community members can observe local bird species in their natural habitat. Our rain garden will demonstrate stewardship and green infrastructure.
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Proven leader for educating students with: • dyslexia • adhd • executive function challenges • language-based learning differences Grades K-12 100 Straube Center Blvd. Pennington, NJ 609.730.9553 www.thecambridgeschool.org
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