Local Services

Readers' Choice

THANKFUL EDITION—NOVEMBER 2026 Article by Bridgewater City Lifestyle Some of the most meaningful parts of life come from the people and places that support us along the way. This month’s Readers’ Choice: Thankful Edition recognizes the local professionals, organizations and businesses that help Bridgewater families feel cared for, supported and connected. From services that make everyday life a little easier to organizations creating lasting change, these honorees reflect the many reasons...

Food + Beverage

Crispy Pork Schnitzel With Braised Cabbage

Discover chef David Burke’s take on a timeless Central European classic, pairing golden pan-fried cutlets with traditional braised red cabbage. Article by Recipe by Chef David Burke I get a kick out of schnitzel. It’s a fun word to say—the way you have to maneuver your tongue and jaw to get it out with conviction, whether in Wiener or another variation. It’s delicious to eat. The term comes from the Middle High German snitzel , meaning “slice,” referring to thin cutlets used for cooking...

Local Services

Business Built Caring

Richard and Kellie Bogda build a business of gratitude and community. Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Rich Silivanch When you hire a home services company that promotes personal development for their employees and has a position called “Director of Feel Good,” you know you will be in good hands. For the past three decades, Richard Bogda, president of Service Professionals in Union, and his wife, Kellie, have grown their residential plumbing and HVAC company based on...

Professional Services

Insurance With Integrity

Personalized insurance guidance built on education, trust and lasting relationships. Article by Brooke Boyer | Photography by FWT Insurance Services For Fred Torlucci, founder and owner of FWT Insurance Services, helping people make sense of complicated decisions has become the foundation of his work. His approach is personal, educational and built around a philosophy he describes simply as “insurance with integrity.” There’s also a new name behind the familiar business. Formerly Fred...

Local Services

Beyond the Field

Former NFL player Carlton Agudosi is using lessons, challenges and opportunities of his football career to inspire the next generation. Article by Brooke Boyer | Photography by Cortney Torres Photography, Carlton Agudosi For Carlton Agudosi, giving back is about more than coaching young athletes or teaching the fundamentals of football. It is about showing up, listening and passing along lessons that took years to learn. A Somerset County native and Franklin Township resident, Agudosi knows...

Education

A World of Traditions Comes Together at Cedar Hill Prep

SOMERSET, N.J., October 26, 2026 — Flags from around the world stretched across the gymnasium at Cedar Hill Preparatory School, while tables filled with family recipes, colorful displays and traditional attire transformed the space into a celebration of cultures and community.On October 23, students, parents and teachers gathered for the school’s annual Multicultural Night, an evening that brought families together to share the traditions, flavors and stories that connect them to their...

Home Services

What Should You Bring to Your First Kitchen Design Consultation?

Many homeowners wait longer than they need to before meeting with a kitchen designer.They think they need finished plans. They think every appliance needs to be selected. They think every finish, countertop, cabinet color, and hardware detail needs to be figured out before the first conversation.The good news is that you do not need to have every answer before you begin.A first kitchen design consultation is not about showing up with a perfect plan. It is about starting the conversation with the...

Education

Reading Doesn’t Stop at Third Grade

For many parents, the early elementary years bring a clear milestone: My child can read.But what happens after that?By middle school, reading looks very different. Students are no longer simply being asked to understand a story or identify the main idea. They are expected to read complex texts, interpret evidence, understand different perspectives, make connections across subjects, discuss ideas, and communicate what they think.In other words, reading becomes the way students learn.And that is...

Food + Beverage

The Sweet Potato, Two Ways

Discover the surprising history, versatility and delicious possibilities of sweet potatoes, from savory sides to decadent desserts and everything between. Article by Recipe by Chef David Burke With the arrival of fall, sweet potatoes are about to have their annual moment. So this felt like the perfect time to show just how versatile they can be. Sweet potatoes have a bit of an identity problem. They’re not potatoes. They’re not yams. Yet somehow, they’ve spent centuries being mistaken for...

Food + Beverage

City Lifestyle Restaurant Month

Celebrate local dining with special perks and exclusive giveaway prizes Article by Brooke Boyer | Photography by Provided Get ready to taste the best of New Jersey! During our annual City Lifestyle Restaurant Month, top local spots are serving exclusive perks curated for our readers throughout October. From hidden gems to upscale favorites, every meal is a chance to celebrate local flavor. Asbury Ironbound Cider Address: 360 County Road 579, Asbury, NJ 08802 Website: ...