Bridgewater, NJ March 2024

Home is Where Your Story Begins

Home. So much contained in that little four letter word. Home is our grounding. Our base. Our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. And while the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable.

Author Wendy Wunder said, “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” As we thought about home, we wanted to highlight what makes it special to our readers. That of course includes the food and drinks, the aesthetic and design, but most importantly—the people.

We moved into our current home in Martinsville exactly a year ago, and what a year it has been. Time flies when you’re having fun. Our girls have become the neighborhood explorers, conquering the park and neighborhood pool. This place is not just a house; it’s a haven of memories.

In this past year, we’ve unraveled the tapestry of Martinsville life, getting to know the heartbeat of the village through its businesses and the vibrant characters who call it home. We’re delighted to share our journey with you.

We feel like the lucky ones as we got to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise Bridgewater and hope the small lens into their lives and work brings people in this community together.

As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you—in your city, neighborhood and, most of all, your home.

Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art or an accessory in their home. We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in Bridgewater and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thanks for letting us be a part of your home.

Happy March!

@BRIDGEWATER_SOMERSET_HILLS

March 2024

Jake Slowinski | jake.slowinski@citylifestyle.com

Tiffany Slowinski | tiffany.slowinski@citylifestyle.com

Patti Zielinski | patti.zielinski@citylifestyle.com

Kristin Kosmoski | kristin.kosmoski@citylifestyle.com

Katherine Zycband

Donna Gioia Volpe, Brian Gornick, Jillian Spencer

city scene

HOM E SAFE

HOW TO BE

PROACTIVE—RATHER THAN REACTIVE— IN CARING FOR YOUR HOME

Costly repairs resulting from

preventable situations are every homeowner’s nightmare.

You make appointments for annual physicals for your family. You take your car to your mechanic for servicing. So, you understand that regular check-ups are key to preventing more major issues in the future. But what about your home?

Costly repairs resulting from preventable situations are every homeowner’s nightmare. Andy Barresse, owner of Halo Home Maintenance in Somerville and a contractor for about four decades, has seen homeowners’ anguish and launched a franchise—Halo Home Maintenance—to do something about it.

Here’s how it works: Each season, a Halo maintenance expert arrives with a 50-point checklist to inspect homes for potential problems. “We do things like check the wear-and-tear of gutters, roof and siding, check the electrical outlets,

pull out stoves and refrigerators to clean coils, clean dryer vents, check for fire hazards and insects, and show homeowners where to shut off the water if there is a leak,” he says.

While the experts inspect the property, they also clean—everything from the gutters and windows to power washing the house. If a problem is found, Halo will fix it at a reduced rate or Barresse will give homeowners referrals to trusted licensed professionals like plumbers and electricians who he has worked with over the years.

“We keep homes running safely and efficiently and looking their best,” says Rose Marie Iskowitz, co-owner. “When people buy a home, they get it inspected, move in and many don’t do anything for ten to 20 years—until things start to fall apart.”

One of the leading causes of fires is clogged dryer vents.

Consider: Your window and door insulation eventually disintegrates, caulking around bathtubs wear, fire extinguishers expire, batteries in smoke detectors die and lint builds up in dryer vents, causing a potential fire hazard (a situation made even worse if you have expired extinguishers). “One of the leading causes of fires in New Jersey is from dryer vents that get clogged from not being cleaned out,” Barresse says. “They get full of flammable things like lint, money, crayons and wrappers. Also, when the dryer is not venting properly, you run the risk of having gas come into your home. Since your dryer will not run as efficiently, your clothes will take longer to dry and your utility bills will be more expensive.”

Safety is a concern for the experts at Halo, who check for invisible hazards. “You cannot smell carbon monoxide gas; every house should have a working carbon monoxide detector,” Barresse says. “In one home I inspected, the vent to the furnace was dislodged from the hot water. The residents reported smelling rotten eggs, but it was gas.”

Other maintenance can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars down the road. For example, Barresse notes the importance of properly cleaning gutters. “We spend all day cleaning the leaves and making sure all the seams are sealed properly so that the water runs away from your house and doesn’t rot your soffits,” he says.

What about your attic and basement? Halo inspects for insects and animals that can cause damage. “Do you see stains on

your walls? Only a third of the time is this from water. The other two-thirds is from mice. We inspect so you can call an exterminator before they burrow and get into your walls and ceilings,” he says.

Halo also is licensed in mold remediation. “If you are on the maintenance program and we find mold in your house, we will take care of it at a far lesser cost,” Barresse says.

Iskowitz is also a client. “My husband and I are not handy or have a lot of time, so this service gives us peace of mind,” she says. “One of the things that I love most is when Halo comes out in the spring and power washes the green mildew off my home exterior, deck and walkways and does a Windex rinse on the windows. It just freshens everything up.”

“A number of clients use us to care for vacant vacation homes or rental properties,” Barresse says. “That gives everyone peace of mind. It makes landlords and their renters very happy.”

If you are getting ready to list your house for sale, Halo can help get it ready for market. “Instead of doing the four seasons plan, we can come out and do all of the items on the list in a couple of days and get your house ready to be shown,” Barresse says. “We also will identify potential issues that you can correct before the inspector comes and notes it on the inspection report, possibly jeopardizing the entire sale.”

See the 50-point home maintenance list at Halo Home Maintenance at HaloHomeMaintenance.com. CONTINUED >

C omprehensive m edi C al C are

Raritan Family Health Care is the most accommodating and accredited family healthcare facility in Central NJ. We provide exemplary personalized service in a welcoming atmosphere.

We proudly offer same day appointments and extended early morning/evening/weekend hours for your convenience.

Welcome, this is our family caring for your family.

Continuing Tradition

ALTE EXTERIORS CELEBRATES A FATHER-SON LEGACY OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY

Daniel Alte, owner of Alte Exteriors in Somerville, is proud to follow in his father’s footsteps—on a roof. Jeff Alte, now retired, founded the company in 1970. Since then, the company has grown to be a leading expert in residential roof replacement and repair, as well as siding, gutter and skylight installation.

He notes that if it has been 15 to 20 years since you have replaced your roof, it’s likely time to schedule a roofing contractor to talk about replacement. “Although asphalt is most common, people should consider cedar shake, copper, slate and standing seam metal accents to give homes up-to-date curb appeal,” he says. “My favorite shingle color is charcoal since it looks good for the longest amount of time and can match almost any siding color.”

Alte takes pride in educating people so they don’t make costly mistakes. He notes a few indicators that your roof needs the attention of a professional: water leaks and moss. According to the American Institute of Architects, roughly 40 percent of all building issues are due to water intrusion— usually from the roof. Roof leaks can occur from clogged gutters, damaged skylights, improperly sealed chimneys, damaged shingles or roofing nails or metal corrosion if you have a metal roof.

People should consider cedar shake, copper, slate and standing seam metal accents. My favorite shingle color is charcoal since it looks good for the longest amount of time and can match almost any siding color.

“If you get a leak, get a bucket under the drip to prevent water damage, then figure out where the water is coming in,” Alte says. “Feel for wet spots and listen for drips. When you find the leak, tarp the area to stop the water from seeping through the rest of your house. Then, call a professional roofer to assess the damage and make necessary repairs. It’s important to take care of even a small leak as soon as possible before it becomes a significant and costly problem if left unaddressed.”

CONTINUED >

According to the American Institute of Architects, roughly 40 percent of all building issues are due to water intrusion—usually from the roof. Roof leaks can occur from clogged gutters, damaged skylights, improperly sealed chimneys, damaged shingles or roofing nails or metal corrosion.

Moss can happen in places of high humidity and on roofs covered by a tree canopy or dense foliage, especially those made of wood or shake shingles. “As it grows and spreads, moss not only retains moisture, but it also causes shingles to lift and allow water to seep in, encouraging wood rot and causing further deterioration of the shingles and decking,” Alte says. “If you’ve found yourself with a growing green problem on your home’s roof, contact a professional roofing specialist to help with this mitigation process.”

In an homage to his father, he shares some vintage Alte photos from the late 1970s and ’80s.

Learn more about roofing and siding at AlteExteriors.com

CONTINUED >

Back-in-the-Day Brownies

Recreate Memories of Baking Brownies with Your Mom with Your Own Kids

For Katherine Zycband, pastry chef of Even More Epic and Epic Cookies in Somerville, brownies were a huge part of her childhood and her introduction to baking. “It was the first thing I made by myself and before that, I made them with my mother,” she says. “I loved choosing my favorite add-ins and trying different toppings. My brownie of choice had chocolate chips added and was topped with sprinkles, but I loved to experiment with icing, peanut butter, cream cheese, different flavored chips and all the candy toppings I could find.”

Now, as a professional pastry chef and mom, she enjoys making brownies with her children. “A brownie is childhood and love rolled into one — the ultimate nostalgic confection,” she says.

ingredients:

• 4 eggs

• 5 oz Dutch process cocoa

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp instant espresso powder

• 1 tbsp vanilla

• 8 oz butter

• 9 oz sugar

• 8 oz brown sugar

• 8 oz all-purpose flour

• 1–2 c chocolate chips

method:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350° F and grease a 9x13 pan. Set aside.

Step 2. In a bowl, add eggs, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, espresso and vanilla. Beat everything together on medium speed for about 1 minute or until smooth.

Step 3. Melt butter in a microwave safe dish or over low heat in a saucepan. Then add sugars and stir to combine.

Step 4. Add the butter and sugar mixture to the egg/cocoa mixture, stirring together until smooth.

Step 5. Add the flour and chocolate chips. Stir to combine or until smooth.

Step 6. Pour batter into a prepared greased 9x13 dish.

Step 7. Bake the brownies for 28 to 30 minutes.

Step 8. Test brownies with a toothpick. A small amount of crumb will come out on the toothpick, but it shouldn’t look wet.

Step 9. Let cool before cutting and serving.

See more brownie ideas at EvenMoreEpic.com.

When it comes to kitchen design, the team at Heart Kitchens prioritizes functionality and personalized design in their approach. Steve Niedzielski, owner and lead designer, and Francine DeMarco, design director, understand that a kitchen is not just about aesthetics; it’s about catering to the specific needs and habits of the people who use it.

Before you start thinking about finishes, tiles and color, take a hard look at how you intend to use the space. It is a process that Niedzielski and DeMarco use to guide clients from the free onehour consultation to the 3-D renderings that show how the kitchen will look through the execution of the final design.

CONTINUED >

“This is a collaborative process,” Niedzielski says. “Once we understand how they live in their kitchen, we present them with options that they did not even know existed but will change their life.”

Their focus on understanding how the space will be used and who uses it—from the number of people in the family to their cooking habits—is crucial to the process. By asking these questions, they can tailor the design to ensure that it not only looks amazing but also works seamlessly for the homeowners.

Their attention to detail—from measuring pot heights for efficient storage to considering lighting that complements the kitchen's colors—showcases a commitment to excellence. Countertop appliances are hidden with clever storage solutions, equipped with outlets, for a clean, accessible look that maximizes the space. Under- and in-cabinet lighting illuminates traditionally dark spaces in the kitchen. Plus, their emphasis on low-maintenance surfaces and easy-to-clean materials highlights their practicality in design.

Their Somerset showroom serves as a resource for clients, offering a hands-on, interactive experience to visualize and select elements for their dream kitchen. “Our collaborative and meticulous approach has been geared toward creating kitchens that are both stunning and highly functional,” Niedzielski says.

Get inspired at HeartKitchensNJ.com

A kitchen is not just about aesthetics; it’s about catering to the needs and habits of those who use it.

MARCH 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MONDAYS IN FEBRUARY

Monday Morning Storytime

Barnes & Noble, Somerset Shopping Center, 319 Rte. 202/206, Bridgewater | 10:00 AM

Kick off your week with some fun: Bring your little ones to enjoy a fun story and snack. Stores.BarnesAndNoble.com

THURSDAYS

Trivia Game Night TGI Fridays

TGI Fridays, 395 U.S. 202-206, Bridgewater | 8:00 PM

Grab your most entertaining friends and test your knowledge. TGI Fridays in Bridgewater hosts the Trivia Game Night every Thursday. TGIFridays.com

THROUGH MAY 26TH

Jan Huling: Everything is Alive

Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Rd., Morristown

“Everything is Alive” taps into the whimsical, mythical elements of Jan Huling’s work and transforms the museum into a living wonderland where visitors can encounter one of her creations around any corner. MorrisMuseum.org

MARCH 2ND

Rhythm Journey (San Jose Taiko)

Raritan Valley Community College Performing Arts Center, 118 Lamington Rd., Branchburg | 8:00 PM

San Jose Taiko has captivated global audiences and critics alike with the powerful and propulsive sounds of  taiko, the Japanese drum.  rvccarts.org

MARCH 5TH

NJAJE State Preliminary Jazz Band Festival

Bridgewater-Raritan High School, 600 Garretson Rd., Bridgewater | 5:00 PM

The New Jersey Association for Jazz Education hosts school bands vying to participate in the official jazz festival sponsored by this state organization devoted solely to jazz education. njaje.org/Jazz-Ensemble-Festival

MARCH 7TH

Drag Queen Fundraiser

Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, 775 Talamini Rd., Bridgewater | 7:00 PM

Win a beautiful designer bag and support the JCC’s Special Needs Programs. Bring your friends and come out for a night full of laughs, luck and beautiful designer bags. ssbjcc.org

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events

MARCH 7TH

Grey Man Group

Green Knoll Grill, 645 Rte. 202/206, Bridgewater | 6:00 PM

Enjoy a night of your favorite rock music with the Grey Man Group, fronted by Jimmy Leahey, who has played with John Waite, Glen Burtnik, Dennis DeYoung, Gloria Gaynor and more. GreenKnollGrill.com

MARCH 10TH

Food ’N Fun

Ted Blum 4-H Center, 310 Milltown Rd., Bridgewater

Food ’N Fun is a food-themed event open to all Somerset County 4-H clubs. Participants share their creativity by selecting a theme and planning a menu and table setting around that theme. 4HIsTops.org

MARCH 10TH

Somerville Saint Patrick's Parade

Downtown Somerville | 1:30 PM

More than 20,000 people attend the Saint Patrick’s Parade in Somerville—one of New Jersey’s largest celebrations of the day.  SomervilleSaintPatricksParade.com

MARCH 12TH

Bridgewater Woman’s Club Monthly Meeting: Historian Paul Soltis

PeopleCare Center, 120 Finderne Ave., Bridgewater | 9:30 AM

The program following the meeting will feature Paul Soltis, historian at the Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage state historic sites, who will speak about Rev. Jacob Rutsen Hardenbergh, founder and first president of Queen’s College, which is now Rutgers.  BridgewaterWomansClub.org

MARCH 22ND

Kimberly A. Nelson Foundation Sing-Off

Bridgewater-Raritan High School, 600 Garretson Rd., Bridgewater | 7:30 PM

The 11th annual Bridgewater Sing-Off will showcase the singing of local talents while raising funds for the Kimberly A. Nelson Foundation, which honors the memory of this talented and beloved member of the BRHS Class of 2010 through scholarships and financial support of music programs. KimsWay.org

MARCH 22ND

John Stanley Performance

Mexicali Brews, 3366 U.S. 22, Branchburg | 5:00 PM

Kick off your weekend early with guitarist John Stanley, who performs live as you dine. MexicaliBrewsNJ.com

realty report

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 12/24/23 - 1/24/24. DOM is Days on Market.