Issuu

M A R C H 2 02 1

HOME + DESIGN

Home Sweet Home

K I T C H ENS AN D BAT HS WI T H FIVE S TAR H O M E REM O D EL I N G HALO H O M E M AI N T ENAN C E: YO U R H O M E'S G UARD IAN AN G EL LI F E + C U LTU R E B RIAN WO LT M AN PROVI D ES M O R T G AG E ADVI C E FO R 2021 FOOD + DRINK L E ARN T O C O O K WI T H G I R AS O L E C U CI NA I TAL IANA

HUNTERDON FAMILY MEDICINE AT BRIDGEWATER Hunterdon Family Medicine at Bridgewater is part of a network of family practices operated by Hunterdon Healthcare throughout Hunterdon, Warren, Somerset and Mercer counties with locations close to where you live and work. We pride ourselves on keeping you healthy.

CALL AND SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. TWO LOCATIONS: 250 Route 28, Suite 100 908-237-4135 1251 US Hwy 22 West 908-237-4005

Learn more now at: HunterdonHealthcare.org/HunterdonFamilyMedicine

Hunterdon Healthcare Your full circle of care.

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WAYS E V I R |D VERS TIONS A A | P V O G N | SIDIN OR RE ATIOS I G R E N I T X |P ROOF AND E SERVICES R O I INTER NDYMAN HA 8

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H O N E S T Y, K N O W L E D G E , D E D I C A T I O N - A PA R T N E R S H I P F O C U S E D O N S U C C E S S -

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©2016 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in New Jersey and Rockland County, New York, a leading residential real estate brokerage company, operates approximately 56 offices with approximately 3,000 affiliated sales associates serving all communities from Rockland County, N.Y. to Monmouth County, N.J. Coldwell Banker Residen-tial Brokerage in New Jersey and Rockland County, N.Y. is part of NRT LLC, the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage company.

E X C L U S I V E L I S T I N G S I N B R I D G E W AT E R

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embracehomeloans.com/location/new-jersey/basking-ridge 180 Mount Airy Road Basking Ridge, New Jersey 07920

Embrace Home Loans, Inc. NMLS # 2184 Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance; 25 Enterprise Center, Middletown, RI 02842; Phone 800.333.3004

John Adams | Loan Officer

NMLS ID # 1765038 ph: 800.333.3004 x3695 | c: 908.463.1734 jadams@embracehomeloans.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

MARCH 2021 PUBLISHERS

Jake Slowinski | jake.slowinski@lifestylepubs.com Tiffany Slowinski | tiffany.slowinski@lifestylepubs.com

Home: Where Our Story Begins

AD DESIGNER

Miranda Read L AYO UT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee

HAPPY MARCH, BRIDGEWATER! Does your living space need an update? This

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

month is the perfect time to start looking for a new home or begin a renovation

Toni Porrello, Patti Verbanas

project that you’ve had your mind on for awhile. Home projects can feel overwhelming. Our advice: take it one step at a time. If you

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rachel Gallic Photography, Tier One Ventures LLC

have multiple rooms that you want to remodel, ask yourself which one will make the biggest difference in your overall life? Start with that, and you can always pause before beginning the next thing. The pandemic brought us all a lot of life changes. If you’re working from home, maybe it’s time to put in a home office? Spending a lot of time in your backyard? It might be a worthy investment to upgrade your outdoor living space. Feeling the space crunch of having so many people in our house all the time, we recently decided to add a playroom to our basement. We now have a place to send the kids so we can get some peace and quiet — or at least that was what we envisioned. Our four-year-old still likes to bang the door down while we’re on Zoom calls. Thinking of ways to pay for that remodel? In this month's Financial Buzz, our resident mortgage expert, Brian Woltman, gives some helpful tips on how to finance

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

that dream remodel.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

If you want to move to a new house, whether to downsize or expand, check out

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

some of the real estate agents featured in this month’s issue to help you find exactly

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

what you are looking for. They keep telling us that the market is HOT right now and

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

houses that are priced correctly are getting multiple offers.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

While you’re cleaning things out, you may find that you can repurpose some of your old stuff into furniture and decor that matches your new look. For inspiration, browse through some of our DIY projects on CityLifestyle.com. 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Your home should be your sanctuary. We hope the tips and tricks sprinkled throughout this issue help you turn your home into exactly what you want it to be. Tiffany & Jake Slowinski, Publishers

CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater ON THE COVER Kitchen designed by Fortunato Architecture PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL GALLIC PHOTOGRAPHY 6

Bridgewater Lifestyle | March 2021

Proverbs 3:5-6 Bridgewater Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Bridgewater areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Bridgewater Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE MARCH 2021

FEATURES 16 Kitchens and Baths On Time and on Budget with Five Star Home Remodeling

22 Your Home's Guardian Angel Halo Painting Company and Halo Home Maintenance Make Your House Look Stunning While Remaining Problem-free

28 Open It Up! Fortunato Architecture Transforms a Midcentury Ranch Into a Dream Home

28 36

36 Mortgage Advice for 2021: The Hottest Market in Real Estate History

DEPARTMENTS 6

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Local Limelight

22 Locally Owned 28 Open House 36 Financial Buzz 40 Culinary Creations 44 Renovate & Refine 47 Realty Report

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GOOD TIMES 1.

Atlantic Health System Opens Vaccination Mega Site in Morris County The County of Morris and Atlantic Health System joined New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy in a huge step forward in the fight against COVID-19 by officially opening the doors to the Morris County Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Center. Housed in a former Sears store at the Rockaway Townsquare Mall, they deliver thousands of vaccine doses a week in accordance with the phased eligibility system provided by the state.

1. Governor Murphy

Spring is in the Air...Join Now! The member experience goes beyond golf at Raritan Valley Country Club. It is our rich history, picturesque setting, sense of community, and extensive activities and amenities that make RVCC Somerset County’s premier private country club.

JOIN BEFORE MARCH 31ST AND RECEIVE: ∙ Two months complimentary dues ∙ A New Member Perks Pack valued at over $300 - including a golf lesson for two, guest passes, tennis lessons and more!

∙ No food minimums ∙ Exclusive access to extraordinary golf and lifestyle benefits throughout the world with Troon Privé Privileges

B ON US Pay your annual dues up-front and receive additional golf guest passes! S C H E D U L E A P E R S O N A L T O U R A N D E X P L O R E O U R M E M B E R S H I P O P P O R T U N I T I E S T O D AY !

To learn more, please call or email (908) 722-2000, ext. 207 membership@rvcc1911.org 747 State Route 28, Bridgewater, NEW JERSEY · rvcc1911.org

Bridgewater Lifestyle | March 2021

Be Curly. Be You. BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

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AROUND TOWN

ZONED SPORTS ACADEMY ALUM PREPARES FOR 5TH SEASON WITH ROCKIES In 2015 Mike Nikorak was drafted by the Colorado Rockies organization in the first round. He spends his off-seasons at Zoned Sports Academy in Bridgewater with his brother, Steve Nikorak. Together with Duke Baxter, they run the pitching program and oversee velocity and arm care development. Last season over 50 kids attended this program. No stranger to Zoned, when Mike was in high school he played for the Zoned Redhawks travel baseball program. Mike is excited to be entering his fifth season with the Colorado Rockies.

THE JCC COLLECTS 527 COATS TO BENEFIT JERSEY CARES The Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community

Center

(JCC)

Bridgewater

recently held a coat drive and collected 527 coats to benefit Jersey Cares. The JCC is excited to more than double its original goal of collecting 200 coats and thanks JCC members and the 12

Bridgewater Lifestyle | March 2021

community for their donations! Jersey Cares, a nonprofit organization established in 1993, recruits and engages volunteers in rewarding, effective efforts that address community-identified needs.

BRIDGEWATER RESIDENT INITIATES EXCITING APPROACH TO SKATEBOARDING: LEARNING IS RAD! The newly formed BR Skateboarding offers instruction for all ages. Owner Jennifer Loughran, formerly of Uptown Skate School in Manhattan, was inspired by the Friday night lights battle cry, “We Are BR!” that originated with her freshman class the year Bridgewater's two rival

Get Ready for Spring Call for our Keratin Smoothing Deal!

schools, East and West, united as one. It is the idea of unity and community that drives BR Skateboarding. “I can teach anybody! I've gotten thousands of kids rolling and I feel good about it,” says Jennifer. Her goal is to make skateboarding more accessible to the community. Learn more at facebook.com/brskateboarding.

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES PROFESSIONALS OF THE YEAR Patricia Morales and Peggy Prezioso, school nurses at Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School, have been selected as the 20202021 Educational Services Professionals of the Year. Morales and Prezioso, both graduates of

Being Beautiful at Beverly Hills Hair Studio... Informative stylists through education and communication

We Take the Highest COVID-19 Precautions

Temple University, credit their success in keeping the school open to the SCVTS administration, Linkages staff, and the school physician, Dr.

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Ehrlich. “The communication and assistance is

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stressful school year.” CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater

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Bridgewater Lifestyle | March 2021

Thank You for Voting Us “Best Senior Living Community” It’s our privilege to care for our patients and residents like members of our own family.

Bridgeway Care & Rehab Centers

Avalon Assisted Living Residences

Voted a 2020 Top Workplace

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ARTICLE PATTI VERBANAS | PHOTOGRAPHY TIER ONE VENTURES LLC

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

KITCHENS AND BATHS 16

Bridgewater Lifestyle | March 2021

ON TIME AND ON BUDGET WITH FIVE STAR HOME REMODELING

MICHAEL AND LISA DEGENNARO ARE NO STRANGERS TO REMODELING. Over the years, the Branchburg couple has remodeled kitchens and bathrooms in their home and the home of Michael’s mother. In 2020, they decided it was time to remodel the kitchen and bathroom in the Whitehouse Station townhome they own and where Lisa’s mother, Angie Daniels, resides. “We want my mom to enjoy her space and have a design that spans the test of time,” Lisa says. A contractor recommended Five Star Home Remodeling in Bridgewater, and once they spoke to President Larry Hopkins, they were sold on working with him. “We liked Larry’s sincerity and knowledge,” Lisa says. “He listened to us and gave suggestions to make our vision more economic and functional. For example, I wanted a tall pantry in the bathroom for towels, but he explained that it would close off the room and recommended we put cabinets on the side instead, which was a better design.”

CONTINUED >

Before the kitchen renovation

CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

Since the project required a complete gutting of both rooms, Angie moved in with the DeGennaros, which meant that having the project done on schedule was important. “Larry said it would take six weeks: He started and finished on the days he said he would,” Lisa says. “I have never experienced that with other remodeling projects.” This professionalism has been longhoned. Larry has been in the housing industry for more than 30 years, previously serving as a manufacturer’s representative selling building supplies to area contractors and doing retail sales for a national chain home remodeling company. In 2002, he took his destiny into his own hands and founded Five Star Home Remodeling. The company focuses on kitchens and baths and any projects associated with the job, such as additions or merging two bedrooms to create an en suite bathroom with walk-in closets. The company also buys homes to renovate for resale. Larry runs the company with precision, heeding his mission of getting projects done on time and on budget. Many professionals who work with him have been part of the Five Star Home Remodeling team for over a decade. Over the years, Larry built a business respected by clients as well as by the industry: Remodeling Magazine has recognized Five Star Home Remodeling on its list of “Most Successful Remodelers in America.” Communication with clients is the key to this success. “Remodeling is a process, not an event. It starts with the initial phone call and managing clients’ expectations about what can be done within their budget. I’ve been in the business long enough to tell clients how their project will go and how much it will cost,” Larry says. “When we agree to a project, nothing gets started until everything is in the house and has been inspected for quality.”

Bridgewater Lifestyle | March 2021

Before the bathroom renovation

Lisa was especially pleased with Larry’s reliability

a “spa-esque” bathroom with grays and whites to

and responsiveness. “His coordination of everyone

brighten it and make it look spacious. Larry added

from contractors to inspectors was impressive,” she

elegance with clean lines, accomplished by an under-

says. “We had zero downtime and a flawless execution.”

mount bathtub and frameless shower stall.

When interviewing remodelers, Larry recommends

To harmonize the kitchen’s gray-and-white palette

people inquire if the company has done that type of

with the townhome’s warm colors, the couple selected

project, how it handled challenges, and how long it

a quartz countertop and backsplash with hints of

took. Feeling at ease is important too. “These people

brown, which softened the cool tones. Since the cabi-

are going to be in your house for six to eight weeks. Do

nets reached the kitchen’s 9-foot ceilings, Larry placed

you trust them?” he asks.

glass doors on the uppermost level with lighting. “This

Lisa adds that people should price products on

adds an accent to the room, which makes it look twice

their own to have realistic financial expectations

as big,” he says. “It sets the tone for the whole kitchen.”

before talking to remodelers. “Don’t get into the pitfall

During the remodel, Angie approved design choices

of watching home shows and think you can remodel

but was not allowed to see the project until it was

your house for the price they say — they couldn’t be

complete. “When she walked into her home for the

more wrong,” she says.

first time, she gasped,” Lisa says. “Every day she still tells me something new she loves about the remodel.”

A NEW LOOK Lisa and Michael had a clear concept for Angie’s kitchen and bath, which Lisa sketched out. They wanted

To learn more about what Five Star Home Remodeling could do for your home visit fivestarhomeremodeling.com. CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater

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The Premier Place To Learn, Love & Grow! Schedule your personal tour! Contact Early Childhood Director Sara Wasserman. 908.443.9022 • SWasserman@ssbjcc.org Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center 775 Talamini Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 • ssbjcc.org

Bridgewater Lifestyle | March 2021

Margot Hamel Independent Sales Agent 203 S. Main St., Manville

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Free to Be Your Best You IN A SENIOR LIVING VILLA THE DELANEY OF BRIDGEWATER

NOW OPEN! You know what you want, and villa living at The Delaney of Bridgewater is just your style! You’ll be proud to entertain in the privacy of your well-appointed villa—complete with the luxury of provided housekeeping, lawn service and home maintenance. No worries about missing out on any excitement, because exceptional community amenities, social opportunities and hospitality services await just steps from your door. If extra support is ever needed, assisted living and memory care options are also available—and all lifestyles, including villa living, require no upfront entry charge, just a simple monthly rent.

Call (732) 733-4568 to learn more about villas at The Delaney of Bridgewater. 901 Frontier Road | Bridgewater, NJ 08807

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LOCALLY OWNED

Your Home's Guardian Angel HALO PAINTING COMPANY AND HALO HOME MAINTENANCE MAKE YOUR HOUSE LOOK STUNNING WHILE REMAINING PROBLEM-FREE

ARTICLE PATTI VERBANAS PHOTOGRAPHY TIER ONE VENTURES LLC

Bridgewater Lifestyle | March 2021

" Our mission: W e t ake c are of your home, like a guardi an angel." -A ndy Barresse ANDY BARRESSE, OWNER OF HALO

stories about how our guy with a shield

PAINTING COMPANY IN SOMERVILLE,

would come and protect their homes.”

GREW UP IN THE BUSINESS. As a teen-

Three years ago, a devastating loss

ager, he worked for his uncle’s painting and

changed the course of Andy’s business:

wallpapering company. “He treated me like

his beloved 6-month-old granddaughter,

a son and was a great mentor,” Andy says.

Rosalie, passed away from leukemia. Not

“I learned from his expertise and saw how

long after, his children started asking about

he made people happy just by making their

the “home guardian” work he did for clients.

homes the way they wanted. I thought: I

They had an idea: Launch a family home

can do the same thing and make people

maintenance business based on Andy’s

happy all the time.”

“guardian” work and name it “Halo” as a trib-

Andy

founded

Barresse

Custom

ute to Rosalie, their baby “angel.”

Interiors in the early 1990s when he was just

“Our mission: We take care of your

23. It was a business grounded in the skills

home, like a guardian angel,” Andy says.

learned from his uncle and steered with the

They launched Halo Home Maintenance,

discipline he developed while serving in the

and Andy changed his business name to

U.S. Army. He took pride in the fact that his

Halo Painting this past year to reflect the

children, Andrew, Heather, and Kylie, would

new family brand.

ride along with him on jobs from time to time

Andy likens the maintenance business

— adventures that Andy later discovered

to the routine service checks people do

had great meaning for them.

for their cars. Each season, a Halo main-

As Andy formed trusted relationships

tenance expert arrives with a checklist to

with homeowners, they started asking if

inspect homes for potential problems. “We

he could do “odds and ends” work that

also do things like check the wear and tear

they couldn’t find anyone else to do. “It

of their gutters, roof, and siding; check

was all little things — like watching the

the electrical outlets; pull out stoves and

house when a client was away, cleaning

refrigerators to clean coils; clean dryer

their gutters, power washing, and turn-

vents; check for fire hazards and insects,

ing off the water — that a regular painter

and show homeowners where to shut

normally wouldn’t do,” he says. “My kids

off the water if there is a leak,” he says.

called it the ‘Home Guardian Business.’

While they inspect the property, they also

They would draw cartoons and write

clean — everything from the gutters and CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

Rosalie — The Barresse Family's Guardian Angel

Bridgewater Lifestyle | March 2021

BASEBALL & SOFTBALL TRAINING FACILITY

windows to power washing the house. If a problem is found, Andy gives homeowners referrals to trusted licensed professionals like plumbers and electricians

GET READY FOR THE SEASON

who he has worked with over the years. In addition to serving current homeowners, they also work with real estate agents to help stage properties and with new homeowners to get their property in shape for move-in. TIPS & TRENDS FOR HOME PAINTING If you’re looking to rejuvenate your home with paint, Andy says preparation — fixing imperfections and sanding the walls until they are smooth — and having the right tools for the job on hand before you start is key. With decades of experience in painting home interiors and exteriors, Andy has seen many trends come and go. Currently, white-and-gray and white-

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on-white-on-white with three different sheens are popular styles. “People are flowing the gray-and-white color scheme in all rooms on a level, with white ceil-

NOW ENROLLING FOR SPRING TRAINING PROGRAMS

ings, white trim and a light French gray or ‘greige,’ which is a blend of beige and gray,” he says. “The best rooms for the all-white scheme are those with features like ornate trim, crown molding, raised paneling, a chair rail or beadboard. Use flat paint on the ceiling, semi-gloss on the trim and matte on the walls. In the right room, it’s a great look.” To learn more visit

Educate | Motivate | Dominate

(732) 537-1770 WWW.ZONEDINC.COM 24 KEARNEY ST BLDG E BRIDGEWATER, NJ 08807

halopaintingcompany.com. CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater

Let us help you bring your dream renovation to reality. On time, on budget — every time!

Complete Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Service: Kitchens, Bathrooms, Renovations Fully Insured | Many References Available | Contractors # 13VH01067200

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Locally Owned & Nationally Known

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City Lifestyle YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

Each Visiting Angels agency is independently owned and operated. Lic. #HP0166900

Bridgewater Lifestyle | March 2021

F A M I LY O W N E D & O P E R A T E D • P R O F E S S I O N A L • A LW A Y S O N T I M E

Call Andy,

He’ll Get it Done Right.

When You Have an Important Legal Matter …It Matters to Us

(908) 797-3579 HaloPaintingCompany.com

www.vellasinger.com

Maureen E. Vella has over 35 years of experience in all aspects of Family Law & Estate Planning.

MAUREEN E. VELLA ESQ.  (732) 494-8200 Serving all of Somerset County

CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater

OPEN HOUSE

house details: + 4 Bedrooms + 5 Bathrooms + Contractor: ANI Builders + Year Built: 1950 + House: 2,167 square feet originally, expanded to 3,171 square feet, plus 320 squarefoot, three-car garage + Features: Vaulted ceilings, skylights, in-ground pool, finished attic playroom with spiral staircase, home office connected to master bedroom with spiral staircase, and finished, walk-out basement

ARTICLE PATTI VERBANAS PHOTOGRAPHY RACHEL GALLIC PHOTOGRAPHY

FORTUNATO ARCHITECTURE TRANSFORMS A MIDCENTURY RANCH INTO A DREAM HOME FEATURING OPEN SPACE THAT'S BATHED IN NATURAL LIGHT 28

Bridgewater Lifestyle | March 2021

Open It Up!

“ T h e g r e a t e s t t h r i l l fo r m e i s w h e n p e o p l e s e e t h e b e fo r e - a n d - a f t e r o f p r o j e c t s .” — D a n Fo r t u n a t o o f Fo r t u n a t o A r c h i t e c t u r e

PRISCA LEE AND RONNIE TAM HAD BIG VISIONS FOR

the side, launched his own residential architecture company

THE MIDCENTURY RANCH ON A SECLUDED ACRE IN

three years ago. “I always had a yearning for residential archi-

PRINCETON THEY PURCHASED IN 2018: A LOT OF LIGHT

tecture, and I build as well,” he says. Dan and his son, Daniel,

AND AN OPEN FEELING.

also formed a spin-off company, FCF Construction, with Daniel

The Canadian couple who was moving to the United States

building from Dan’s designs.

from Belgium, rented an apartment as they searched for an

Fortunato Architecture, which is licensed in New Jersey, New

architect who could realize their concept for expanding the

York, and Pennsylvania, specializes in custom residential archi-

three-bedroom, three-bath home with an in-ground pool. When

tecture, including new home construction, additions and alter-

they met Dan Fortunato of Fortunato Architecture, they instantly

ations, and kitchen, bath and basement remodels. The company

felt a connection. “His ideas aligned with ours, and we liked his

also offers interior design and works with landscape architects.

approach,” Ronnie says.

Architecture has always been in Dan’s blood. “My mom got

Dan, who has 35 years of experience doing commercial proj-

me LEGO and Lincoln Logs — things that I could put together

ects for architectural firms and doing residential projects on

— and dad was handy. I developed a knack for it,” he says. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater

OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)

“H is ideas a l igned w ith ou rs, a nd we l i ked h is approach.” —R on n ie Ta m, Homeow ner

“In the third-grade spelling bee, one of the words was

expand the house up or out. To maintain the character

‘architecture,’ and I was the only one who could spell it.

of the neighborhood and capitalize on opportunities to

I always knew what I wanted to do.”

increase natural light afforded by reconfiguring the attic,

In high school and college, Dan gravitated toward jobs

Dan recommended extending the footprint of the house.

in architecture firms. “I’m a big believer in hands-on expe-

“I’m a big proponent of vaulted ceilings,” Dan says.

rience, which is why I like to be in the field,” he says. “I like

“Unless you want an attic, you can use that space

to see the construction and know how it was put together.”

and volume.” He vaulted the entire ceiling from the

Prisca and Ronnie appreciated Dan’s hands-on

entrance to the living area — dining room, living room

mentality and approachability. They knew they wanted

and kitchen — and added skylights to bathe the space

the basement finished, but were weighing whether to

in natural light.

Bridgewater Lifestyle | March 2021

He created a unique space in the remaining part

To enhance the home-pool experience, Dan created an

of the attic above the bedrooms. “He added a spiral

outdoor access to a “changing room” bathroom on the

staircase that goes from a bedroom to a furnished

first floor. Other details included raising the floor of the

attic area with skylights that the children use as a

sunken living room so that it was level with the rest of the

playroom,” Ronnie says.

house and adding a three-car garage.

Another spiral staircase leads from the master bed-

In addition to the typical code issues that arise with

room to Ronnie’s home office in the finished basement.

projects, there was an unusual challenge: large rocks

The basement also includes an art room for Prisca, with

in the expansion area. “We moved a lot of the rock, but

a door to the back yard, a studio for their children who

used the ones we couldn’t as part of the foundation,”

like to dance, and a bathroom — one of five in the house.

Dan says.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater

OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)

Bridgewater Lifestyle | March 2021

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Construction began in April 2019 and was finished by January 2020, Ronnie says. “We saw the drawings, but seeing the final product is different,” he says about the first time his family saw the finished home. “It was a dream come true.” “The greatest thrill for me is when people see the before-and-after of projects,” Dan says. (Check out the article on CityLifestyle.com to see before photos of this remodel.) He notes that the openness that Prisca and Ronnie requested is popular. “People ask me to take out a room to expand the space, to tie the dining room to the living room. This is why kitchen islands are huge: When you entertain, everyone stands around the island.” Dan advises homeowners considering an expansion or new construction to call

Ages 6 Weeks to 6 Years Open daily from 6:30AM - 6:30PM

an architect before calling a builder. “I will go through the project requirements, ask for a property survey and check zoning to see if the work can even be done and be done on budget,” he says.

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FINANCIAL BUZZ

ARTICLE TONI PORRELLO

Mortgage Advice for 2021: THE HOTTEST MARKET IN REAL ESTATE HISTORY

What should you look for in a mortgage company when you are ready to get a pre-approval?

BRIAN

WOLTMAN

BRIDGEWATER GRADUATE RARITAN

NATIVE

OF HIGH

AND

BRIDGEWATERSCHOOL

AND

We’re currently living through the hottest market in real estate history. Rates are at

MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY WHERE

all-time lows, houses have never been more in demand. To get your offer accepted

HE MINORED IN INFORMATION

you have to find ways to stick out in a crowd. Buying a home is emotional and the

TECHNOLOGY AND RECEIVED A

FOMO (fear of missing out) can be real. If you choose the right mortgage planner,

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they’ll get you the information you need quickly and guide you on how to make your

IN ECONOMICS. He currently resides

offer look strong compared to the others. Most importantly, they’ll close you on time

in Mendham with his wife Marie and

with little to no stress. The team you put around you — attorney, realtor and mortgage

daughter Brielle. He has over fifteen

planner — will dictate the experience you have. Choose wisely; your team matters!

years of experience in the mortgage

What programs are available for renovation loans?

Renovation loans have been growing in popularity since we all started quarantin-

ing. A reno loan allows you to add any work you want to do to your house (even a pool) into your loan and draws are given after closing to help you pay your contractor as the work is completed. The most commonly used programs are the conventional

industry and has recently received the following accolades: + Mortgage Executive Magazine Top 1% Mortgage Originator in America 2019, 2020 + Scottsman Guide Verified Top Producer in America 2019, 2020 + National Mortgage News Top Originator in America 2019, 2020 + New Jersey Magazine 5 – Star Lender 2021

HomeStyle loan and the FHA 203(k) renovation mortgage. Reach out to your mort-

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gage planner if you’re considering this and they’ll discuss the projects you want to

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complete, the cost, and what effect it would have on your monthly mortgage pay-

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Bridgewater Lifestyle | March 2021

In COVID times, many people may have struggled to pay their mortgage. Could you still get approved for a loan if you are in forbearance?

The forbearance programs have been an ongoing and constantly evolving issue for the

mortgage industry, especially during these times. Depending upon the type of loan you have, the options for coming out of forbearance and refinancing can differ. In a conventional loan, it can be as easy as catching up on the missed payments, or making three consecutive payments once the forbearance is over. An FHA loan could be much longer depending on the type of refinancing that you’re trying to do. Consult your mortgage planner before signing those forbearance papers to make sure you’re making the right decision for your future. If you can make your mortgage payment, always make it. Forbearance should only be used if it’s truly needed, not to just skip out on a few mortgage payments. The ramifications of utilizing it could affect

the plans you have for your home in the future.

Any tips for our readers? If you own a home, do look into refinancing if your rate is over 3.25%. There can be

real tangible benefits to it. Don’t sit on the sidelines; this is the cheapest money you’ll ever be able to borrow in your life! Take advantage of it and put yourself in a better situation. You can buy your first home or investment property, or refinance to a lower term and pay your house off sooner. The benefits are endless in a market like this, but the worst thing you can do is nothing! CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater

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CULINARY CREATIONS

Pla nti n g R oots ARTICLE PATTI VERBANAS PHOTOGRAPHY RACHEL GALLIC PHOTOGRAPHY

ON MARCH 15, WHEN RESTAURANTS HAD TO SHUT DOWN DUE TO THE PANDEMIC, THE PHONE AT GIRASOLE CUCINA ITALIANA IN BOUND BROOK STARTED RINGING OFF THE HOOK. “I must have gotten about 15 to 20 calls that day asking if we were open for takeout,” says owner Rob Russo. “We had not been thinking about doing takeout, but customers were saying, ‘Please stay open. We will support you.’ I was overwhelmed.” Girasole remained open for takeout on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for four months, and at noon each day, the phone started ringing with customers calling for their nightly orders. “I was blown away by their loyalty,” Rob says. “When we opened up the patio in July, the customers came and sat under the tent even though it was incredibly hot and very uncomfortable. When I say I have the best customer base I mean that. I am blessed.” Such customer loyalty comes from decades of Russo hospitality, where for the past 24 years patrons have been treated as if they were guests in their home — just as Rob’s father, Alfonso, approached customers in his restaurant in Italy. Alfonso’s dream was destroyed in 1980 when the 6.9-magnitude Irpinia-Basilicata earthquake devastated their area of Southern Italy. Alfonso moved his family to New Jersey, where they had relatives. Rob was 12. The stay was meant to be temporary, but seeing new opportunities, they decided to remain. Alfonso started cooking in some of the area’s finest restaurants. All the while, Rob grew up, watching his

Bridgewater Lifestyle | March 2021

FOR CLOSE TO A QUARTER-CENTURY GIRASOLE CUCINA ITALIANA HAS BEEN TREATING CUSTOMERS AS ONE OF THE RUSSO FAMILY

Girasole Cucina Italiana Owner Rob Russo

father and yearning to join him. In 1996, they decided to go into business together and opened a restaurant on West Union Avenue. Rob proposed the name “Girasole” (“sunflower” in Italian). “I love sunflowers, and it occurred to me I could use the colors — yellows, browns and greens — as the restaurant color scheme,” he says. “We knew the name was hard to pronounce, but that’s part of the fun: We can teach customers the proper way to say it, and they get a kick out of it.” (Want to know how to properly say the name? Visit Rob!) Their concept: simple, but delicious Italian dishes with the best ingredients that are made-to-order. They buy the best meat and purchase the freshest catches from the fishmonger, such as swordfish, red snapper, tuna, monkfish, and lobster tails. Although Alfonso passed away in 2018, his influence lives on. “It was a privilege to work with my father,” Rob says. “Every day I learned something — up to the last day. He always reminded me of the importance of hospitality and buying the best ingredients. I do what I truly love. There’s nothing that I want to do more than come to this building every day and serve my customers.” Experience the deliciousness that is Girasole yourself. Visit girasoleboundbrook.com.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater

CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

SALMONE ALLA GRIGLIA

+ 2 salmon fillets (6 oz) + 1 cup cleaned spinach + ½ cup dry white wine + ½ stick unsalted butter (cubed) + 1 clove minced garlic + ¼ cup cream + 20 capers + 4 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice + Salt and pepper to taste + Olive oil 1. Season salmon fillets with olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill or pan sear fillets - 3 minutes each side. 2. In a separate pan, saute spinach with 2 pats of butter and a pinch of garlic. Set aside. 3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the lemon juice, white wine, and garlic to a boil for 3 minutes until it reduces and thickens. Add cream and continue to boil for one more minute. Reduce the heat to low, add butter in pieces, whisking as you go, allowing for butter to dissolve. Season with salt and pepper. 4. Position spinach in center of plate, place salmon on top of the spinach, and immediately trim the plate in a circular motion with the sauce and garnish with capers.

Salmone Alla Griglia

Bridgewater Lifestyle | March 2021

Gamberi Caprese

GAMBERI CAPRESE + 6 large shrimp + 1 cup arugula (washed) + 2 slices fresh mozzarella (cubed) + 8 cherry tomatoes (cut in half) + 2 tbsp lemon juice + 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil + 1 clove fresh garlic + Salt and pepper to taste 1. Season the shrimp with fresh garlic, salt, pepper and olive oil. Grill and set aside. Note: if you cannot grill, you can pan-sear the shrimp. 2. In a large bowl, combine arugula, cubed mozzarella and cherry tomatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste and mix with remaining olive oil and lemon juice. 3. Evenly distribute the arugula mixture into the center of each plate. Garnish each salad with 3 grilled shrimp and enjoy! CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater

get the look

RENOVATE & REFINE

WITH HGTV + DIY NETWORK’S ‘BARGAIN MANSIONS’ DESIGNER TAMARA DAY

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

02 Season 3 Episode 11

Season 3 Episode 10

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Bridgewater Lifestyle | March 2021

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Season 3 Episode 12

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REALTY REPORT NEIGHBORHOOD

REALTY REPORT BRIDGEWATER

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

37 Harry Road

$370,000

$405,000

109%

74 Bond Street

$375,000

100%

2.1

181 Victoria Drive

$389,900

$400,108

103%

435 Somerville Road

$399,000

$375,000

94%

120

2.1

721 Chimney Rock Road

$424,900

$433,000

102%

1.1

1402 Stech Drive

$425,000

$435,000

102%

2.1

26 Charlotte Drive

$449,900

$461,000

102%

110 Loft Drive

$465,000

$458,000

98%

116

2.1

1002 Walcutt Drive

$474,900

$467,000

98%

1.1

270 Carber Street

$480,000

$475,000

99%

374 Hannah Way

$489,900

$482,500

98%

2.1

614 Talamini Road

$489,900

$500,000

102%

485 Foothill Road

$509,900

$515,000

101%

123 Linden Street

$550,000

$525,000

95%

2.1

1118 Sky Hill Road

$569,000

$550,000

97%

4 Craft Farm Road

$580,000

$585,000

101%

2.1

119 Timothy Place

$589,000

$584,000

99%

2.1

75 Twin Oaks Road

$599,900

$575,000

96%

2.1

1037 Washington Valley Road

$624,900

$600,000

96%

2.1

17 Ardmaer Drive

$625,000

$670,000

107%

2.1

60 Huntley Way

$650,000

$685,000

105%

3.1

304 Raymond Court

$675,000

$670,000

99%

3.1

293 Barrington Drive

$725,000

$705,000

97%

2.1

31 Duval Street

$730,000

$717,000

98%

227

3.2

$1,250,000

100%

4.1

843 Bluestone Lane

This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Garden State Multiple Listing Service (GSMLS), LLC which does not guarantee nor is any way responsible for its accuracy. Data provided by the GSMLS, LLC may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. This data is a sampling of sales from 12/23/2020 – 1/25/2021. DOM is Days on Market.

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Opening

SOON