Education

Cedar Hill Prep's Graduation Keynotes Prove the Power of a Strong Foundation

When Cedar Hill Preparatory School's Class of 2026 took the stage for their 8th Grade Graduation Ceremony, they didn't just hear from their principal and founder — they heard from three alumni who walked the same halls and went on to do extraordinary things.Nishta Gangeddula, Class of 2017, returned as a keynote speaker now studying at Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, sharing how her years at CHP shaped the discipline and curiosity that carried her into medicine. Myles Parker, Class of...

Education

A Champion in Every Arena: Cedar Hill Prep's Vallabh Vijayaraj Makes National History

Somerset, NJ — May 2026 — On May 21, a sixth grader from Somerset quietly made history.Vallabh Vijayaraj, a student at Cedar Hill Preparatory School, was named National Champion at the US Geography Bee 2026 — the pinnacle of academic geography competition in the country. Days later, he returned to the stage to claim Third Place at the National Geography Bee on May 24, confirming what his school has known for years: this is a young scholar of exceptional depth, focus, and range.But Vallabh's...

Education

Cedar Hill Preparatory School Celebrates Outstanding Student-Athletes at Annual Athletic Banquet

SOMERSET, NJ — May 29, 2026 — Cedar Hill Preparatory School (CHP) honored its dedicated student-athletes and coaches last night at its Annual Athletic Banquet, capping off a remarkable year of competition, sportsmanship, and growth across the school's thriving sports programs.From the soccer pitch to the track, the volleyball court to the tennis courts, CHP student-athletes demonstrated the same qualities in competition that define a Cedar Hill education: perseverance, teamwork, and an...

Education

Cedar Hill Preparatory School Student Competes at 98th Scripps National Spelling Bee

There's a moment every speller knows — standing at the microphone, the word hanging in the air, the silence of a room waiting. For Yajur Subramaniam, that moment came on one of the biggest stages in academic competition.The seventh grader at Cedar Hill Preparatory School in Somerset recently competed in the 98th Scripps National Spelling Bee, held at the iconic DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. Yajur earned his spot among hundreds of the nation's most accomplished young spellers...

Health + Wellness

Leading with Purpose

In a field that often balances science, compassion, and real-world complexity, Samantha R. Smalley is part of a new generation of clinicians pushing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) toward a more ethical, individualized, and child-centered future.Now serving as Chief Clinical Officer at Success on the Spectrum in Bridgewater, Smalley’s work is rooted in a simple but powerful philosophy: everything she does is for the kids.A Foundation Built on ExcellenceSmalley’s path began at Rutgers Graduate...

Entertainment

Step Into a Nostalgic Pop Culture Past

At YESTERcades Somerville Article by Richard Chachowski | Photography by YESTERcades of Somerville In an era when most video games are played at home, arcades can feel like a relic from another time. But places like YESTERcades in Somerville make a strong case for why the experience still matters—especially for dads who grew up on joystick battles, pinball runs and the kind of friendly competition that does not happen through a headset. For a Father’s Day outing, that nostalgia is part of the...

Entertainment

Jersey Roots. Global Reach.

Jordan Gershowitz on Crafting Iconic Entertainment for a New Generation Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Jordan Gershowitz Before he was writing for one of the most iconic live entertainment brands in the world, Jordan Gershowitz was a kid in South Jersey staging a one-act play about the trial of Benedict Arnold. Born in New Brunswick and raised in Westampton, Gershowitz credits New Jersey with shaping his creativity. In middle school, he wrote and directed his first production...

Health + Wellness

Hands-On Healing, Built on Trust

Julio Solano brings a personalized approach to massage therapy in Hillsborough Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Raquel Brennan For Julio Solano, wellness has never been about quick fixes. It is about time, attention and understanding the body as a whole. That philosophy guided Julio from an early interest in holistic therapy to building a massage practice rooted in care, consistency, and connection. His introduction to wellness began at home. Growing up, sports injuries were not...

Professional Services

A 76-Year Legacy: Angelone’s Florist

Four generations of family, flowers and community connection in the heart of Raritan Article by Kristi Sellers | Photography by Angelone's Florist, Michael Lago Creative Company In the heart of Raritan sits a business that has shaped life’s most meaningful moments for generations: Angelone's Florist.  Angelone’s florist has been far more than a flower shop, it has served as a lasting expression of family, resilience and community connection. More than seven decades ago, James and Lena...

Local Services

Reader's Choice

GENTS EDITION —JUNE 206 Article and Photography by Bridgewater City Lifestyle Strength, style and precision define this month’s celebration of the modern gentleman. From grooming and wellness to hospitality, recreation and everyday essentials, Bridgewater residents recognize the local businesses that help men look sharp, feel confident and move through life with ease. Our Readers’ Choice: Gents Edition reflects the voices of locals who value quality, consistency and trusted service. With...