THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION PAGE 6 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2026 7 Commends: Cadicina Law, LLC 10 Lawyer’s View: Fox Rothschild, LLP 11 Financial Forum: Shapiro CPAs 12-24 SAVOR SUMMER: SHOP, DINE & EXPLORE 14 Family Adventures: Joanne Kleinle 16 WINE & DINE DIRECTORY 18 Creative Corner: Carolyn Hanson 20 Somerset Spotlight: Somerset County Park Commission 21 Commends: Warren County Farmers’ Fair 23 Commends: Denim Wars, a novel 29-31 KIDZ CONNECTION 29 Teen Voice: Anishka Suhas 30 A Poets Playground: Tanush Mukherjee 30 Slice of Life: Ellyn Mantell 31 Shelf Awareness: Sonia Prabhakar & Isabella Santos 32-37 HEALTH & WELLNESS 33 Campers & Caviar: Serafina Valentine 34 Health Hotline: Natural Medicine & Rehabilitation 36 Mind the Mind: Dr. Michael Osit 37 Food for Thought: Lori Kolodin 38-43 HOME & DESIGN 40 Real Talk: Marie Young 42 Hints for the Home- Fair Street Interiors 44-45 SENIOR LIVING 44 Community News: Heath Village 44 Senior Corner: Ellyn Mantell 46-47 COMMUNITY CALENDAR 48 Commends: Rainbow Travel Catherine Polcaro Title: Blue Morpho with Orchids Medium: 12x16” Oil on canvas I am New Jersey born and bred, having grown up in Bergen County and now residing in Morris County for the past 30 years. I studied Fine Arts and received a bachelor’s degree in art from Skidmore College. I worked in the graphic design and editorial design fields for many years after graduating college. I returned to school at The College of St. Elizabeth earning a master’s degree in education and my NJ teaching certification. It may sound cliche, but art has always been an important part of my life. As a child I was always drawing and continue to do so, in fact I now teach Drawing at Morristown High School. I have been working as an Art Teacher in the district for almost 20 years. In my free time I paint in oils and watercolor. I am a member of the NJ Art Association, a wonderful group of artists, participating in their exhibits throughout the year. I am honored to say I have earned several awards at the NJAA shows. I live in Chatham with my incredibly supportive husband Jim and son Jimmy. We love to support local musicians and attend local shows often. Jim and Jimmy are both great guitarists, playing in their spare time when they are not protecting the health of the nation with their plumbing business, Power Plumbing! Email: cpolcaro34@gmail.com Instagram: @cp.artist Facebook: Catherine Polcaro THE CONNECTION MAGAZINE'S TEAM PUBLISHED BY Georgeann Agaisse, Heather Silver, Alicia Singman, Jeanette Vogel, Pramisa Timsina The Connection Magazine P.O. Box 4081, Warren, NJ 07059 908-903-1799 | info@theconnectionsnj.com Somewhere in this magazine is a FAKE 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 One & Done Window Cleaning in the April issue is Johanna W. of Bernardsville. Johanna won 2 tickets to The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey in Madison. Next Issue SEPTEMBER! Advertising deadline August 10, 2026 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... As summer begins, our communities come alive with outdoor dining, local events, and family fun. The Connection Magazine’s June/Summer Bernards- Ridge edition is filled with local businesses, restaurants, activities, and services to help you make the most of the season. One of our featured sections this summer is our special Wine & Dine Directory, highlighting many outstanding restaurants throughout the communities we proudly serve. Whether you are revisiting a favorite spot or trying somewhere new, summer is the ideal time to enjoy local dining and support the businesses that make our towns unique. We are also proud supporters of Warren Restaurant Week and encourage our readers to participate in the WARREN PASSPORT PROGRAM and experience the wonderful restaurants featured throughout the event. Warren Restaurant Week takes place from June 12-26. Summer is also the perfect time to refresh your home, complete projects, explore camps and tutoring programs, and discover new local services. Whether you are dining out, planning summer activities for your family, or looking for trusted local professionals, we hope this issue becomes your guide all summer long. A magnificent butterfly graces our cover. It is an oil painting by Cathy Polcaro of Chatham. The many shades of blue found in the butterfly contrast beautifully with the peaches and pinks that make up the orchids. She originally painted this as a gift for her husband and says, “tropical orchids symbolize love, romance, strength and endurance while the blue morpho butterfly denotes protection and the grantor of wishes.” It is aptly titled, Blue Morpho with Orchids. America turns 250 this summer! To help you celebrate this milestone, our latest Family Adventures column features an extensive guide by Joanne Kleinle. The article includes a curated list of places to visit and ways to celebrate, all while incorporating fascinating historical context. We invite you to read the full column to start planning your commemorative trips and activities. Happy 250th, America! For endless ideas of summer activities, please read our Somerset Spotlight column. It was put together by the Somerset County Park Commission, and it is chock full of ways to enjoy nature, stay active and connect with your community. Be sure to take part in the diverse range of programs offered through Labor Day. Discover the best spots for hiking, biking, and golfing and start planning for various summer events and festivals. The column also features several parks available to rent for private parties/special occasions. Be sure to get out and enjoy all Somerset County has to offer! Most importantly, we encourage everyone to continue supporting local businesses. When visiting our featured advertisers, please let them know you discovered them through The Connection Magazine. -#TellThemWeSentYou. Your support helps strengthen the businesses and communities we all love. Shop Local. Dine Local. Support Local. Wishing you and your family a safe, happy, and memorable summer! Warm regards, Anna Petro A Note From Our Publisher... CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gail Bicknell, Barbara Davis, Carolyn Hanson, Joanne Kleinle, Lori Kolodin, Jessica Diamond Lia, Ellyn Mantell, Tanush Mukherjee, Dr. Michael Osit, Sonia Prabhakar, Isabella Santos, Dr. Vince Sferra, Robert Shapiro, Eric S. Solotoff, Anishka Suhas, Serafina Valentine, Marie Young
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