THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION PAGE 6 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2025 8 Commends: Mellow Pet Grooming & Spa 9 Financial Forum: Shapiro CPAs 11 Community News: JFS 12 Lawyer’s View: Fox Rothschild 14-23 SHOPPING, DINING, BEAUTY & EVENTS 14 Valentine’s Day Gift Inspirations 16 Fashion Flash: Tea & Oranges 18 Family Adventures: Joanne Kleinle 22 The Art of Living: Barry Farber, Diamond Minds 24-25 KIDZ CONNECTION 24 Teen Voice: Adithya Bharath 25 Camp Confidential: NJ Camp Fairs 26-28 SENIOR LIVING 26 Senior Corner: Ellyn Mantell 28 Slice of Life: Ellyn Mantell 37-48 HOME & DESIGN 39 Commends: Flemington Tile Supply 41 Commends: Alber’s Fireplaces 42 Hints for the Home: Fair Street Interiors 43 Commends: Bee Organized 44 Home Improvement: TrueLeaf Kitchens 47 Commends: Kope Electric 50-57 HEALTH & WELLNESS 50 Medical Minutes: Janjua Facial Surgery 52 Food for Thought: Lori Kolodin 54 Health Hotline: NMR 56 Mind the Mind: Dr. Michael Osit 57 Ask the Eye Doctor: Bedminster Eye & Laser Center 58-59 COMMUNITY CALENDAR 60 Commends: Unique Outdoor Lighting Serena Bocchino Title of Artwork: Waves of Joy Serena Bocchino is an American artist who works primarily in abstract painting and sculpture. Her style, shaped by influences such as Abstract Expressionism, modern dance, and jazz music, blends improvisation with technical precision. Bocchino’s practice is driven by her experience with synesthesia, a condition that links her perception of sound to color and form. Her passion for art began at an early age, growing up in a creative household where she was introduced to both music and visual arts. She went on to study at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she was mentored by several prominent artists, including Polish colorist Wojciech Fangor and painter Susan Rothenberg, whose mentorship continued into the 1990s. After earning her Master's degree at New York University, Bocchino’s work started gaining attention in the New York art scene. In 1987, she was selected for the PS1/MoMA International Studio Residency, an opportunity that led to her first international exhibition in Rome. She has since been recognized with awards such as the Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts Grant, and her work has been exhibited in both national and international venues. Bocchino’s art often explores the relationship between music and visual art, reflecting her interest in movement, sound, and the blending of these forms. She continues to experiment with color and space in her work, focusing on her synesthetic experience of “seeing sound.” Her recent projects include public art installations, international exhibitions, and collaborations with musicians, highlighting the ongoing evolution of her practice. THE CONNECTION MAGAZINE'S TEAM PUBLISHED BY Donna Reina, Georgeann Agaisse, Heather Silver, Patty Herman, Alicia Singman The Connection Magazine P.O. Box 4081, Warren, NJ 07059 908-903-1799 | info@theconnectionsnj.com Somewhere in this magazine is aFAKE AD. Spot it and send your answer, along with your name, city or town and phone number to: spotthefake@theconnectionsnj.com or play online at theconnectionsnj.com The WINNER of the Rolling in the Dough Fake ad in the November issue is Darcey Brooten of Peapack.. Darcey won a gift certificate to Portofino Restaurant in Morristown. Next Issue April! Advertising deadline March 21, 2025 SPOT THE FAKE! Disclaimer: The views expressed in the articles are the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Connection Magazines. We publish all advertisements, editorials and other content in good faith. We cannot guarantee or accept liability for the accuracy of the claims made by the advertisers. ON OUR COVER Highlights... Happy New Year! As we say goodbye to last year, let’s look ahead to a bright and promising year filled with opportunities, connections, and community spirit. With February upon us, we’re excited to bring you The February issue of the Bernards-Ridge Connection, your trusted resource for all things local. This month, we celebrate the joy of shopping small and supporting the incredible businesses that make our community thrive. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, whether you’re looking for a unique treasure, a personalized touch, or simply the convenience of shopping close to home, our local businesses are ready to help you find the perfect gift. Their personalized service and commitment to quality set them apart—and they’re right here in your neighborhood. In addition to celebrating local businesses, The Connection Magazine is your onestop guide for all your needs, whether you’re exploring health and wellness, financial planning, real estate, home remodeling, or decorating ideas. Looking for fun ways to make the most of these winter months? Be sure to explore our Community Calendar in print or online! It’s packed with exciting activities for children and adults alike. Winter is the perfect time to discover all that our community has to o er, and we’re here to help you stay connected to the best events and happenings. Learn all about how to use SnapChat safely from our talented teen writer, Adithya Bharath, a student at Basking Ridge High School. He points out that, Snap Chat is simple fun, and fleeting, but there are risks. Our Teen Voice writer covers all the caveats to be aware of when using this popular app. Now is the time to start planning summer camp for the kids. Camp brings fond memories of making friends, learning new things and being independent. Please read our Camp Confidential column to discover all the benefits of attending camp. NJ Camp Fairs has camp fairs already in place (see the schedule in the article) to help you decide which camp is best suited for your child. The artwork on our cover was created by Serena Bocchino. The piece, Waves of Joy, is from her Porcelain Series, in which she incorporates pieces of porcelain into the paint. The colors of this piece reflect the hues she encountered during her travels to China. Serena is inspired by “exploring the connection between sound, color, and movement,” which is a function of her synesthetic experience of “seeing sound.” As we embark on this New Year together, I want to take a moment to thank you, our readers, for your continued support. It’s your enthusiasm for local businesses and your commitment to our community that inspire us to create a magazine that truly connects us all. Here’s to a February filled with love, connection, and plenty of local discoveries. Keep this issue of The Connection Magazine at your fingertips, on your co ee table or kitchen counter, as your go-to guide for everything you need, all in one place. We’re proud to be your partner in making this community a wonderful place to live, work, and play. Warm wishes, Anna Petro Publisher, The Connection Magazine A Note From Our Publisher... CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Adithya Bharath, Eileen Barna, Gail Bicknell, Linda DiBias, Kaylynn Ebner, Barry Farber, Tanveer Janjua, MD, Joanne Kleinle, Lori Kolodin, Jessica Diamond Lia, Ellyn Mantell, Katrina Musto, Lawrence Najarian, MD, Lisa Ortenzio, OD, Robert Shapiro, Dr. Vincent Sferra, Eric Soloto , Gary Steck, Margot Zigmont
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