THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION PAGE 6 NOV 2024-JAN 2025 11 Financial Forum: Shapiro CPA 12 Commends: Cadicina Law 13-33 HOLIDAY CHEER 13 Wine, Dine & Have a Great Time Guide 16 Family Adventures: Joanne Kleinle 18 Creative Corner: Carolyn Hanson 20 Fashion Flash: Adams Fine Clothing 23 Commends: Sovereign Artisan 25 Commends: Couture Traders 28 What About Wine: Cree Wine 30 Home For The Holidays 32-33 Unwrap Joy & Shop Small Directory 34 Commends: NC Interiors 47 Lawyer’s View: Fox Rothschild 48-56 HEALTH & WELLNESS 48 Health Hotline: NMR 50 Ask the Eye Doctor: Bedminster Eye & Laser 52 Medical Minutes: Janjua Plastic Surgery 54 Mind the Mind: Dr. Michael Osit 56 Food for Thought: Lori Kolodin, MPH, RD 57-59 SENIOR LIVING 58 Senior Corner: Ellyn Mantell 59 Slice of Life: Ellyn Mantell 60 Teen Voice: Pranati Misra 61 Community News: JFS 62-71 HOME & DESIGN 67 Home Improvement: TrueLeaf Kitchens 70 Hints for the Home: Fair Street Interiors 72-73 Houses of Worship: Faith, Hope, Joy 74-75 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Andrea Giordano Title of Artwork: Tree of Dreams Formally educated in Biology, Andrea is predominantly a self-taught artist, who brings her love of the natural world to the canvas. Born and raised in New Jersey, she frequents parks and coastal regions, to observe and photograph nature. As a student, Andrea achieved balance between art and science by choosing art electives throughout her scientific education. It was not until years later, after teaching biology in graduate school, working in the pharmaceutical industry and eventually changing course to stay home and raise her children, that she truly cultivated her painting skills. Andrea paints in oil, acrylic and watercolor media. Her works range in style from representational to abstract and include such genre as butterflies, birds, marine life (including turtles, sharks, bony fish, mollusks and fossils), botanicals, still life, coastal landscapes, folk art, seasonal and whimsical scenes. The artist maintains an in-home studio and an online art & gift gallery. Her artwork and products are available for purchase online at www.agfineartgallery.com as well as a sampling that is available in-store at The Rebecca Collection in Bernardsville. Beyond painting, she also enjoys photography, scenic drives, ballet and yoga, but most of all, spending time at home with her family. 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 TheWINNERof the Fifty Is Fabulous ad in the September issue is Christine Voegeli of Basking Ridge. Christine won a gift certificate to Craft Hair Studio in Bernardsville. Happy New Year! Next Issue February Advertising deadline January 10, 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... As we step into the heart of the holiday season, it’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration. The November issue of the Bernards-Ridge Connection arrives in your home during a season filled with joy, traditions, and togetherness. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or simply savoring the beauty of winter, this special time brings opportunities to connect with loved ones and embrace the spirit of giving. Please see our Faith, Love, Joy section, which o ers a curated selection of places where you can find peace and inspiration during this joyful time. During this season, let’s celebrate what makes our community so special—our local businesses! As you prepare for the holidays and the cheerful weeks ahead, we invite you to embrace the spirit of shopping small and supporting the entrepreneurs who bring unique treasures to our neighborhoods. Our Unwrap Joy & Shop Small business listing is here to connect you with local merchants who can make your holiday shopping truly special. Small-Business Saturday is November 30, a day dedicated to showing support for local businesses. But don’t stop there—let’s make shopping local a year-round habit to keep our community thriving. Complete your day of shopping by participating in one of the many festive celebrations, joyful gatherings, and unforgettable experiences catalogued for you on our Home for the Holidays page. If you're in the mood to relax and celebrate with family and friends, check out our Wine, Dine & Have a Great Time directory, featuring some of the best restaurants around town. Gift cards to these local spots make wonderful holiday presents, too! Speaking of wine, let Chris Cree, of Cree Wine, guide you through your celebratory feasts with the perfect wines for the holidays. Read the What about Wine column to discover his favorite best buys. He also recommends finishing your meal with a dram of port! Once again, Joanne Kleinle has scoped out the perfect way to spend the day celebrating the holiday season with your family. Lights, lights, lights! Read the Family Adventures column to discover where you can view a spectacular display of holiday lighting whether you choose to visit Essex County here in NJ, Brooklyn, NY or Berks County, PA. These seasonal light extravaganzas will illuminate you with joy! The enchanting Tree of Dreams graces our cover this issue. It is an acrylic on canvas painted by Andrea Giordano. Her artwork was inspired by the movie created from the famous Roald Dahl story, The BFG. Andrea says, “This whimsical piece represents a cherished memory for me personally having been motivated to paint it by an experience I shared with my children.” May this festive season bring you great peace and joy! The Connection Magazines wish you a warm and wonderful holiday. With gratitude, Anna Petro A Note From Our Publisher... CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Eileen Barna, Gail Bicknell, Dr. Jeremy Cohen, Chris Cree, Carolyn Hanson, Dr. Janjua, MD, Joanne Kleinle, Lori Kolodin, Ellyn Mantell, David J. Marzano, Pranati Misra, Lawrence Najarian, MD, Lisa Ortenzio, OD, Dr. Michael Osit, Robert Shapiro CPA, Eric Soloto , Pieter Jansen van Rensburg, Greg Waxberg
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