The Connections Bernards-Ridge Edition June/July/August 2023

Welcome to our 2023 Summer Issue of the Bernards-Ridge Edition! Now that our days are longer, make the most of the “lazy days of summer.” It’s the perfect time to sit back and enjoy the warmth of the sun, while making memories with family and friends. In this issue you will find some great ideas for adults, children, couples and families. Whether you’re interested in a day trip, fun activities, shopping, or a new dining location, we’ve got you covered. How about a drivable vacation this summer! Check out our Summer Section to find a great place to visit for a day or weekend trip, only a car ride away. Or, stay more local and go on a shopping spree! Many of the diverse stores are getting new summer merchandise in…peruse the bounty that awaits you! Summer is the perfect time to take a break from cooking! The restaurants are not as crowded and are ready to give you a warm welcome and excellent service. Bonus-many of them provide outdoor dining!! We couldn’t have made it any easier for you to find an amazing restaurant to try with Your Guide to Summer Dining Section. There are many dining options, and the best part is that they are local! Please read the Community News article, “Mount Bethel Village.” Mount Bethel Village provides day and residential programs for our communitymembers with special needs. It features Mr. Jason Mross, a resident at Mount Bethel, and his colorful paintings. Our Pets’ Corner column has an informative article on the behavioral changes in pets that can arise with the change in seasons. Be a good petparent and read the article to see how you can ease your pet into summer with advice from My Dog’s Got Class trainers. Cheetah-loving James Fiorentino has made Connection’s history by gracing our cover with his black and white, Portrait of a Cheetah. James says of his magnificent piece, "I wanted to paint a portrait using just black watercolor… This is a great example of my photo realism in watercolor.” We thank our readers who love reading our PRINT magazines and also thank those who can easily navigate the vast DIGITAL space to enjoy the issue. To make it easier for our digital readers, there is a FREE digital subscription. Get instant access, anytime, anywhere! The subscription link is: theconnectionsnj.com/subscribe-to-our-magazines. We truly do CONNECT you to your communities! Have a safe and enjoyable summer! Sincerely, Anna Petro, Publisher James Fiorentino is an American artist who currently resides in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. He is a master in watercolor and his works of art have been internationally recognized. At the age of fifteen, James Fiorentino became the youngest artist ever to be featured in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum for his likeness of Reggie Jackson. In 1998, James also became the youngest artist to be inducted into the prestigious New York Society of Illustrators, along with such artists as Norman Rockwell and Andrew Wyeth. He is also a member of the Salmagundi Club in NYC. James attended Drew University and was the starting shortstop through all four years of his college career. He has painted for many legends of the past and stars of today, including Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, Cal Ripken Jr., Arnold Palmer, Muhammad Ali, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Tiger Woods. James has painted and illustrated some of the most recognized faces in the world (Presidents, Nobel Peace Prize Winners, CEO's and political icons), using his self-taught watercolor expression. His works include landscapes, portraits, seascapes, still life, and animals and have been showcased in museums, galleries, and private collections across the globe. His story has been told on national television and in the pages of magazines, books, and newspapers. James’ work has won numerous awards and can be seen nationally in books, magazines and on trading cards. His work has also been featured on national products including trading cards for Topps, Upper Deck, and Kelloggs. James’ art and story have been carried on international and national television shows, and in magazines and newspapers. He is a member of the New Jersey Watercolor Society, Garden State Water Color Society, American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, Society of Animal Artists and Artists for Conservation. James is also a trustee of the Raptor Trust of NJ and D & R Greenway Land Trust. His next exhibit, “An Elite View”, will be at Studio 7 Fine Art Gallery in Bernardsville from May 5 to July 8, 2023. Follow the gallery on Instagram and Facebook. Visit our website: studio7artgallery.com. James’ exhibit will continue to be shown at the Mayo Center in Morristown from July 10- August 22. HIGHLIGHTS... THE CONNECTION'S STAFF ON THE COVER 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 any liability for the accuracy of the claims made by our advertisers. PUBLISHED BY Connection Magazine, LLC • P.O. Box 4081 • Warren, NJ 07059 908-903-1799 • info@theconnectionsnj.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS... Eileen Barna, Gail Bicknell, ASID, CAPS, Sandra Fava, Andrea Freeman, VMD, MS, Carolyn Hanson, Joanne Kleinle, Ellyn Mantell, Dr. Michael Osit, Deborah Schader, Polina Semenoff, CPDT-KA, Dr. Vince Sferra, Eric Solotoff A NOTE FROM OUR PUBLISHER... Pets’ Corner: My Dogs Got Class ............................................ Page 12 Creative Corner......................................................................... Page 13 Lawyers View: Fox Rothschild.................................................. Page 14 Pets’ Health-Kind Veterinary Care Center............................... Page 15 SHOPPING, BEAUTY & EVENTS SECTION . ....................Pages 16-21 YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER DINING ................................Pages 22-26 Community News: Mount Bethel Village................................. Page 27 HEALTH & WELLNESS SECTION ......................................Pages 33-39 Health Hotline: Natural Medicine & Rehabilitation. ............... Page 35 Medical Minutes: Psychiatric & Behavioral Health.................. Page 38 Slice of Life................................................................................. Page 39 SENIOR LIVING SECTION .................................................Pages 40-41 Senior Corner............................................................................. Page 40 HOME & DESIGN SECTION ..............................................Pages 42-51 Hints for the Home: Fair Street Interiors................................. Page 44 Home Improvement: TrueLeaf Kitchens. ................................. Page 46 KIDZ CONNECTION SECTION .........................................Pages 52-53 Family Adventures..................................................................... Page 53 COMMUNITY CALENDAR..................................................Pages 54-55 Mind the Mind........................................................................... Page 56 WE'RE HIRING! BECOME A PART OF OUR TEAM Advertising Sales Rep. Needed send resume to: info@theconnectionsnj.com Founded by the Late Robin Fand OFFICE MANAGER Donna Reina EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Georgeann Agaisse SOCIAL MEDIA & PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Heather Silver ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Patty Herman ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Alicia Singman Somewhere in this Magazine is a FAKE AD. Spot it and send your answer, name, city and phone number to: Spotthefake@theconnectionsnj.com or play online at theconnectionsnj.com Congratulations to everyone that spotted Look To The Palm in our April issue! AND THE WINNER IS… Pauline Pisaneschi of Basking Ridge Pauline won a gift certificate to Great Swamp Greenhouses in Gillette. SPOT THE FAKE! James Fiorentino jamesfiorentino.com

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