THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION PAGE 6 NOV 2025-JAN 2026 8 Lawyer’s View: Fox Rothschild 10 Financial Forum: Shapiro CPAs 12-27 HOLIDAY CHEER 12 WINE, DINE and have a GREAT time! 14 Creative Corner: Carolyn Hanson 16 Slice of Life: Ellyn Mantell 20 Fashion Flash: Adam’s Fine Clothing & Tuxedo 24 Family Adventures: Joanne Kleinle 26-27 Holiday Shopping Guide 29 Community News: HOME of Somerset County 30-33 SENIOR LIVING 30 Commends: Heath Village 33 Senior Corner: Ellyn Mantell 34 KIDZ CONNECTION 34 Teen Voice: Jia Fletcher 43 Commends: Bernardsville Centre 44-54 HEALTH & WELLNESS 45 Health Hotline: Ellie Mental Health 46 Food for Thought: Lori Kolodin 48 Health Hotline: SRB Philanthropy Corp 50 Mind the Mind: Dr. Michael Osit 51 The Art of Living: Barry Farber, Diamond Minds 52 Fall In Love With Life: Serafina Perrotto 53 Health Hotline: NMR 54 Ask The Eye Doctor: Bedminster Eye and Laser Center 56-57 House of Worship: Faith, Hope, Joy 58-68 HOME & DESIGN 65 Hints for the Home: Fair Street Interiors 70-71 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Gina Leone Middings Title: Fawn Frenchie’s Gaze Medium: Colored Pencil Gina is an award-winning artist who specializes in realistic animal and canine portraiture. Her passion for animal art was evident at an early age, and her hands-on experience showing dogs gave her a deep understanding of animal form and structure. A graduate of Pratt Institute with a BFA in Illustration, Gina created the artwork for the Visualization of the Official Dachshund Standard and is also the author of two step-by-step tutorials on how to draw a realistic dog. Her work was featured in the June 2025 issue of CP Magic! Magazine. While she works in a variety of traditional mediums, she began drawing primarily with colored pencils in 2019 and offers commissions to private collectors. Gina’s work has been collected by dog enthusiasts, breeders, and private collectors across the U.S. and abroad. Her style is realistic, but she goes beyond capturing a likeness; she strives to express the true essence of her subjects, which brings each portrait to life. To view more of her work or join the mailing list, visit: www.ginaleonefineart.com. Follow her on Facebook or Instagram at: @Gina Leone Fine Art. THE CONNECTION MAGAZINE'S TEAM PUBLISHED BY Donna Reina, Georgeann Agaisse, Heather Silver, Patty Herman, 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 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 Sock Sleuther's in the September issue is Kerry Stockdale of Basking Ridge. Kerry won a gift certificate to the Pretty Pink Rooster in Bernardsville. Next Issue February! Advertising deadline January 9, 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... November is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s the start of the holiday season and a reminder to gather, give thanks, and cherish traditions that bring us closer together. As The Bernards-Ridge Connection arrives in your home, I hope it inspires gratitude, joy, and a spirit of giving. I invite you to explore our Faith, Love, Joy section, which o ers a curated selection of places to worship and reflect. These are wonderful spaces to find peace, inspiration, and connection during this special time of year. As we celebrate the season, let’s also remember the importance of supporting our local small businesses. Our Holiday Shopping Guide highlights entrepreneurs who bring unique treasures to our neighborhoods. Whether you’re searching for meaningful gifts, holiday services, or something special for yourself, these local businesses o er goods and experiences that truly reflect the heart of our community. For those looking to enjoy a night out, our Wine & Dine Directory showcases some of the best restaurants in the area, organized by town, for easy planning. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday party, enjoying a date night, or gathering with friends, you’ll find plenty of delicious options close to home. This season is also a time to give back. In Community News, learn about HOME of Somerset County (Housing Outreach Multifaith Empowerment), an incredible organization helping families and individuals facing homelessness find safety and stability. Your support, whether through time, donations, or spreading the word, can truly make a di erence and help our neighbors be “home for the holidays.” Be sure to read our Family Adventures column featuring the best ice rinks in the area. Whether you choose to skate indoors or out, Joanne Kleinle has got your winter ice skating choices covered. Aside from being fun for all, ice skating o ers health advantages in that it can reduce stress, help with balance, and improve cardiovascular wellness. Gather your friends and family and enjoy the winter season on the ice! How adorable is the French Bulldog on our cover! The title of the piece is Fawn Frenchie’s Gaze and was drawn in colored pencil by Gina Leone Middings. She is currently working on a collection of drawings celebrating the top ten most popular dog breeds. This Frenchie’s expressive eyes proclaim a loyal heart. Gina says of her drawing, “Working with colored pencils allowed me to capture the subtle textures of its short coat and the devotion in its eyes.” We’re excited to share that we’ve expanded our social media presence and are now on TikTok! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for all things local, from new businesses and community events to special features and highlights. Have a favorite local spot? Let us know, and we’ll be happy to feature them! And when you visit our advertisers, be sure to #TellThemWeSentYou! Whatever holiday you celebrate, may it be filled with love, laughter, and special moments with those who matter most. From our family to yours, and all of us at The Connection, we wish you a warm and joyful holiday season. Happy Holidays, Anna Petro, Publisher A Note From Our Publisher... CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gail Bicknell, Doug Dzwonczyk, Barry Farber, Jia Fletcher, Carolyn Hanson, Joanne Kleinle, Lori Kolodin, Jessica Diamond Lia, Ellyn Mantell, David J. Marzano, Daniella Mironski, Dr. Lawrence V. Najarian, Dr. Lisa Ortenzio, Dr. Michael Osit, Serafina Perrotto, Deborah Schader, Dr. Vince Sferra, Robert Shapiro, Eric S. Soloto
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