Cover Artwork By Andrea Gianchiglia AUTUMN'S ALLURE FEATURING The Wine & Dine Directory COMMUNITY NEWS Hard Cider for Heart Healing by Heartworks HOME IMPROVEMENT Here's Why You Shouldn't DIY! PLAY TO WIN Details on page 6! Bernards-Ridge Edition VOLUME XCI SEPT/OCT/NOV 2023 Bernardsville, Basking Ridge, Bedminster, Mendham, Far Hills, Peapack/Gladstone, Chester, Morristown
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THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION PAGE 6 SEPT/OCT/NOV 2023 The Coffee Shop Page 17 Gill St. Bernard’s Page 27 Bedminster ON-SITE Drapery Care Page 48 Advanced Frequency Energy Spa Page 59 Community News-Heartworks Page 12 AUTUMN’S ALLURE Pages 14-23 KIDZ CONNECTION Pages 24-27 Teen Voice Page 24 Family Adventures Page 28 Lawyer’s View Page 29 SENIOR LIVING Pages 30-32 Senior Corner Page 30 Slice of Life Page 32 HOME & DESIGN Pages 38-49 Hints For The Home Page 39 Home Improvement Page 46 Creative Corner Page 51 HEALTH & WELLNESS Pages 52-61 Mind The Mind Page 54 Health Hotline Page 56 Medical Minutes Page 60 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Pages 62-63 Andrea Gianchiglia is best known for her animal/pet portraiture. Her passion of painting animals of all types comes through in her representational-style, reflecting mostly on their eyes, which she feels is the window to the soul. Her soul. Her preferred mediums are oil, paint, and pastel. preferred mediums are oil, paint, and pastel. She graduated from the University of Hartford and She graduated from the University of Hartford and majored in illustration and art history, but found she much preferred the fine art world. She exhibits her work ferred the fine art world. She exhibits her work throughout the country at various museums, galleries and private venues and is a member of the Society of Animal Artists and the Pastel Society of America. Andrea is an art instructor at the Visual Art Center of New Jersey, The Center for Contemporary Art and conducts her own virtual classes where she can reach students internationally. She is a featured artist on “Craftsy.com” and with PleinAir Magazine’s founder, Eric Rhaods. She enjoys being spread the love of art that teaching has allowed her to do. teaching has allowed her to do. Andrea resides in Hunterdon County, NJ with her husband and three sons, enjoying every moment to its fullest and teaching the importance of pursuing your dream. of pursuing your dream. You can see Andrea’s work online, at her studio, as well as Studio 7 Fine Art Gallery, where she is represented in Bernardsville, NJ. Inspiration piece: As a mother of three boys, my life is organized chaos in a nutshell. Motherhood for me has been a collaboration of bliss, pride, fear, exhaustion and so much more and I wouldn’t change it for the world. It was only suiting to have the boys col- pride, fear, exhaustion and so much more and I wouldn’t change it for the world. It was only suiting to have the boys collaborate with me with one of my final pieces of my most recent collection. This collection began unknowingly with my obsession of painting cows when I was pregnant with my first. The connection with these colossal, strong yet endearing soft animals was immense. I wanted to capture all the emotions into one piece and I think collectively we did it successfully! THE CONNECTION MAGAZINES TEAM Donna Reina, Georgeann Agaisse, Heather Silver, David Pereyra, Patty Herman, Alicia Singman Scan our QR Code to visit our Instagram 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 Borrow a Bow Wow Fake Ad in our June issue is Julie Gerke of Basking Ridge! Julie won a gift card to Biagio’s Bakery in Stirling, NJ! 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... Welcome to our captivating September issue. As we bid farewell to the summer sun and embrace the crisp, fall air and warm hues that em- body the spirit of this seasonal change, we bring you an array of your neighborhood musts, insightful articles and so much more. Autumn is a season of change, a time to refresh and renew. In keeping with this spirit, we encourage you to explore the offerings from our supportive advertisers. They are local businesses that share our commitment to quality and service, ensuring you receive value for your trust and patronage. Each advertiser has been carefully selected to enrich your autumn experience, offering products and services that resonate with this time of year. So whatever you’re seeking-the perfect fall fashion, a cozy home upgrade, a restaurant, a new after school enrichment program or a tutor for your children-our advertisers have you covered. To connect with each other please join me in supporting Heartworks-a non-profit organization, made up of a dedicated group of women who use their talents, strengths and recourses for those in need,whether battling an acute illness, injury or facing grief. Heartworks can aid in providing comfort and support. Please read about the organization in our Community News Article. With the kids headed back to school and out of the house, now is a good time to work on home improvement. Gail Bicknell has mapped out the perfect plan to help you keep to your budget when renovating. Read our Hints for the Home column to stay on track. In addition, read our Teen Voice column, written by one of our own local teens, sharing her insights and helpful hints on school locker dos & don’ts. Calming the Chaos, might be a good way to describe Andrea Gianchiglia’s life, as the mother of three boys, but it is also the title of our cover art! Andrea worked on this piece with her children. They created the colorful background and she painted the beautiful cow with her calf. Her inspiration came from the emotions associated with being a mom-such as bliss, pride, fear and more. She says of her painting, “The connection with these colossal, strong, yet enduring, soft animals was immense.” As the leaves turn and we settle into the serene rhythm of fall, let’s remember to support each other and the businesses that make our community vibrant and unique. Thank you for your continuous readership and support. Here’s to the brilliant colors of fall, the joy of discovery, and the comfort of community. With Warm Regards, Anna Petro, Publisher A Note From Our Publisher... CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Eileen Barna, Kathleen Bartlett, Gail Bicknell, ASID, CAPS, Kaylynn Ebner, Sandra Fava, Mitch Frieber, Carolyn Hanson, Joanne Kleinle, Ellyn Mantell, Katrina Musto, Dr. Michael Osit, Riya Ramani, Deborah Schader, Dr. Vince Sferra, Eric Solotoff the majored in illustration and art history, but found she much pre
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THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION PAGE 12 SEPT/OCT/NOV 2023 theconnectionsnj.com COACHES NEEDED! Location: Basking Ridge, Bernardsville, Far Hills, Branchburg, Somerville, Bridgewater, Raritan & Hillsborough. Runs 75 minutes twice a week for 10 weeks. Days are up to coach availability. If YOU could help not just one girl but 20 gain a stronger sense of identity and greater selfacceptance, would you? Inspire Greatness GOTRCNJ – Donna York, Executive Director, donna.york@girlsontherun.org . 908.642.4321 Visit: www.pinwheel.us/volunteer/index/Newcoachfall23CNJ or Scan the QR code Volunteering for Girls on the Run of Central NJ will change your life as much as the girls you coach! What Volunteer Coaches need to know: • The GOTR program is for girls in grades 3-5. • Coaches determine the days and times of week that work best for them. • GOTRCNJ will provide a two-hour training (combination of in-person & on-line) prior to the start of the Fall Program, week of 9/18. • Coaches Do Not need to be a runner or have experience. All sites have 2 coaches. • GOTRCNJ staff will be available during the program to assist you. • GOTRCNJ will provide all program materials. Cadicina Law, LLC primarily practices in the area of divorce, family law, domestic violence, prenuptial/post-nuptial agreements and related matters dealing with alimony, custody, child support, and equitable distribution along with dissolution of domestic partnerships, civil unions and same sex divorces. The firm has developed an excellent reputation in family law, has been recognized in various publications, our attorneys serve on various family law committees and lecture for County and State Bar Associations. Cadicina Law, LLC continues to serve clients in Morris, Somerset and the surrounding Northern New Jersey counties. The firm also performs complex family law mediations and arbitrations for private clients and court appointed assignments. Please visit our website and social media sites to obtain more information about the firm and members. MATRIMONIAL & FAMILY LAW Cadicina Law, LLC 36 Cattano Ave., 6th Floor, Morristown, New Jersey 07960 TEL: 973-270-9166 FAX: 973-843-6072 cadicinalaw.com Angela M. Scafuri, Carly DiFrancisco, Joseph P. Cadicina, Pasqua Cadicina, Nicola Cucciniello Office Location: Founded in 2003, the Heartworks Foundation started with women coming together in a living room to explore ways that they could each share their own talents, interests, strengths, and resources to help others experiencing an acute illness, injury, or grief. Four years later, Heartworks formally became a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization and has since been able to show love and support to well over 1,400 individuals and families. Their mission: To maintain the palpable kindness and connection that our country experienced following the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In the words of founder, Megan McDowell, “We all experience loss and struggle in this lifetime, most people who donate to Heartworks do so because they know the power of receiving during these times and want others to be able to have an expense or helpful service covered.” The Heartworks House on Morristown Ave. in Basking Ridge, where 5 meetings a year are held, all open to the public, is where women gather to pray for and support families living through their first year of grief or illness. Heartworks offers financial support in the form of checks, meals, cleaning services, lawn maintenance, or any specifics that could possibly make that year easier in any way. It offers ways for people to reach out to those they know who are living with grief and illness. Heartworks also hosts Local Veterans Post 7858 for their monthly meetings. “Heartworkers” serve the men catered food, ensuring them that their sacrifices have not been forgotten. This monthly gesture is a way to keep in the forefront of the foundation’s mind that it is not everywhere in the world that women can gather freely together, without the fear of persecution, and to honor those who fought for this freedom. Heartworks simply could not continue to have an impact on our community without the support from donors. Donations (big and small) are all equally important and always appreciated. The annual fundraising event, “An Evening at the Cider Mill”, will be held at the Burnt Mills Cider Mill in Bedminster, NJ, on Friday, September 15, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This is an incredibly fun, informal evening with music and hard cider, celebrating a powerful mission. Tickets are just $50 to ensure that anybody who wants to attend can afford to attend. Tickets and Sponsorship Opportunities can be reserved on the Heartworks website at www.njheartworks.org. Please also visit the website to refer any local family living through the first 14 months of grief, injury, or illness. Hard Cider for Heart Healing by Heartworks NEWS COMMUNITY
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AUTUMN’S ALLURE EAT, DRINK & CELEBRATE PAGE 14 theconnectionsnj.com DON’T RISK LOSING PRICELESS MEMORIES! CREATE YOUR DIGITAL LEGACY! Convert your old media to a digital format and enjoy your family videos on your TV. No DVDs required! -Rigatoni in Tomato Basil - Soup or Salad -Half Rack of Ribs BERNARD’S CAFÉ Join the BRBA and be a part of a growing local business network. Our mission is to drive local business growth through bringing businesses and the community together. Take advantage of networking, referral, advertisement, sponsorship, and volunteer opportunities. Learn and grow by building new relationships, tapping into others member’s experiences, and attending educational sessions. We look forward to seeing you at our next event! e look forward to seeing you at our next event! earn and gr y building new r , tapping in and attending educational sessions. We look for e look for VISIBILITY NETWORKING COMMUNITY ● ● PROMOTING LOCAL BUSINESS PROSPERITY AND CONNECTIONS
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AUTUMN’S ALLURE EAT, DRINK & CELEBRATE PAGE 16 theconnectionsnj.com For More Informa�onVisit www.bedminster.us Follow us on Instagram @BedminsterFarmersMarket Like us on Facebook Bedminster Farmers Market Saturdays, May 27 –October 28 (9 am to 1 pm) Saturdays, November 4 –December 9, (10 am to 1 pm) River Road Park (at the corner of Routes 202/206 South & River Road) Sports card store offering baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, pokemon cards, memorabilia, hobby wax, single cards, retail and supplies. 253 S. Main Street, Manville, NJ 08835 908-842-2400 Open Monday-Saturday (11am-6pm) bookwormbernardsville.indielite.org thebookworm99@outlook.com Expires 11/15/23 Expires 11/15/23 Expires 11/15/23 37 Open Mon-Sat 10-5 We Order Daily
AUTUMN’S ALLURE EAT, DRINK & CELEBRATE PAGE 17 theconnectionsnj.com BERNARDSVILLE, NJ Serving Breakfast & Lunch OPEN 7 DAYS FREE DELIVERY!!! The Coffee Shop has become synonymous with Bernardsville. Quality ingredients and meticulous preparation is what sets us apart. We have been feeding more than four generations. (908) 766.6806 23 Olcott Square Bernardsville, NJ 07924 Enjoy the great food from The Coffee Shop in your home or office. For your benefit & ours, please place your online order from our own safe & secure website and receive 10% OFF your first order online! www.TheCoffeeShopBernardsville.com Delivery available Monday thru Friday from 6:00 AM-3:00 PM The Coffee Shop of Bernardsville Undergoes Major Expansion After more than 100 years, The Coffee Shop of Bernardsville continues to delight diners with delicious made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch meals from pancakes and eggs to burgers and gyros. With a newly expanded dining room, The Coffee Shop has tripled in size since January 2023, and it now offers seating for about 120 guests. There’s also an outdoor patio for eating al fresco under shady umbrellas in the Historic Downtown Olcott Square. And r e a s Avgousti, The Coffee Shop’s owner, says this dining spot has had a rich history as a popular Bernardsville eatery since the 1930s. The walls and decor show some of this tradition with decades-old photos of Bernardsville from years ago. The restaurant has even been frequented by local celebrities such as John F. Kennedy, Jr. and boxer Mike Tyson. Diners today can add their own pictures on the wall with a Polaroid camera that the restaurant keeps handy. Andreas notes that some of their regular diners come into The Coffee Shop to eat several times a week, while others have a tradition of visiting the restaurant generation after generation. “It’s so special to see parents and grandparents bringing in the kids,” says Andreas. So, what makes The Coffee Shop continue to be a community staple after all these years? According to The Coffee Shop’s manager, Aime, the restaurant is like a white-glove diner-with impeccable service, a beautiful and clean dining room, and fresh, made-toorder meals. The cooking staff arrives in the wee hours of the morning to prep for the day. “The food is delicious and extremely consistent,” she says. “Your favorite meals will be excellent time and time again.” Aime says some of the most popular items come from the breakfast menu. “The pancakes are big and fluffy and delicious,” says Aime, noting that diners can pick from traditional buttermilk or unique options like Oreo cookie, coconut, or pancakes stuffed with Nutella and fruit. She adds that the rich, buttery French toast is amazing: “It’s made daily with Brioche bread, and we have several options to choose from.” For diners looking for a more savory breakfast, there are more than a dozen different omelets on the menu, including the Meat Lover’s omelet, the Mexican omelet, and the Corned Beef and Swiss Cheese omelet. When it comes to lunch, diners will have plenty of options to pick from, including crisp entree salads, fresh wraps and sandwiches, and juicy burgers. You can also enjoy homemade soups and gyros. Another special aspect of The Coffee Shop is how it supports the local community by sponsoring events and offering discounts to local heroes like police officers. “Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, we handed out water and toilet paper when there were shortages,” says Andreas. “And the community supported us in return. We didn’t even take a hit during the pandemic.” The Coffee Shop is located at 23 Olcott Square in Bernardsville. Dining hours are Mondays to Sundays, 6:00 am to 3:00 pm. In addition to in-person dining, breakfast and lunch are available for pickup and local delivery. The full menu and online ordering are available at www.thecoffeeshopbernardsville.com. 23 Olcott Square Bernardsville, NJ 07924 908-766-6806 thecoffeeshopbernardsville.com COMMENDS CONNECTION By Kaylynn Ebner
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AUTUMN’S ALLURE EAT, DRINK & CELEBRATE PAGE 23 theconnectionsnj.com Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, Closed Monday Open for Lunch & Dinner Outdoor Patio Dining Taking Reservations for All Special Occasions 908-615-3003 mianonnascucina.com 380 US 206, Flanders, NJ 07836 CHRIS CREE, NJ'S ONLY MASTER OF WINE WINNER: WINE SPECTATOR RESTAURANT AWARD! Serving Our Customers with the Freshest Ingredients & Brightest Flavors from Thailand Featuring our Executive Chef Chai Yo Thongpanich Open 7 Days a Week Serving Lunch & Dinner NOW OPEN IN BERNARDSVILLE 80 Morristown Road Bernardsville, NJ (908) 502-5795 Hillsborough Location 649 Rt 206 Hillsborough, NJ 08844 (908) 904-8038 Skillman Location 1378 Rt 206 Suite 13 Skillman, NJ 08558 (609) 285-2955 15% OFF ONLINE ORDERS use code GRAND for BERNARDSVILLE LOCATION ONLY Exp 11/15/23. Not to be combined with other offers Visit our website at www.rickysthai.com Scan to order online Giorgios Pappas Furrier 914 Mt. Kemble Avenue Morristown, NJ 07960 973-425-1111 www.giorgiospappasfurrier.com Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm • Private Parking Re-Styling Re-Sizing Re-Lining Repairs Cold Storage Cleaning & Glazing Custom Designs PRE-SEASON SALE
KIDZ CONNECTION PAGE 24 theconnectionsnj.com European Fencing School High quality group & private lessons Custom - made program for kids and adults In the future: Help your High School Team! Fence for a College (NCAA Fencing Scholarships Available) Make the Junior Olympics! Improve your coordination and concentration World – Class coaches at Medeo are ready to work with beginner to elite fencers! For more info call: (973) 317- 6446 email: medeofencing@aol.com • www.medeofencing.com USFA PREMIER FENCING CLUB HOME OF NATIONAL CHAMPIONS AND US TEAM MEMBERS Brand new, fully air-conditioned, State-of-the-Art Medeo Fencing Studio with 23 FIE grounded metal strips 3E Chimney Rock Road, Suite B, Bound Brook, NJ 08805 Open 6 days a week Monday thru Saturday For more info call: (973) 317- 6446 Middle school is a lot different than elementary school. Probably everyone who has made the transition can agree. You get opportunities to do sports and clubs, you can sit at lunch with whomever you want, and you get to switch classes. There is one more thing that makes middle school different from elementary-lockers. Your locker is your own personal storage room in school. Now, there is no wrong way to organize and use your locker, but there are certainly ways that are more effective and efficient than others. Throughout sixth and seventh grade, people have always told me that my locker is so organized. Many have asked how I keep it that way for the whole year. The trick is you have to be committed to keeping it organized. Now, you are probably thinking, “Why do I even need an organized locker?” It really helps because you can find things more easily and quickly. Another benefit is that during locker cleanout, which is before winter and spring break, you can get done a lot faster. Also, it helps because at the end of the year, your locker becomes easier to pack up since there is no excess clutter. Here are my tips on keeping a well-organized and functional locker. First, instead of one shelf, I have two shelves in my locker. You still could make it work with just one, but I find two is much easier. Second, each shelf in my locker is designated for a particular use. It might be notebooks, folders, or other things. Also, do not be afraid to use the bottom of the locker, it gives you even more area to put your stuff. The top shelf of the locker is good for small things, like pencil cases or a water bottle. Another piece of advice is to use the hooks. I put my lunch box on one, my jacket on one, and my backpack on the third. With the backpack, you kind of need to wedge it in the locker. Backpacks are prone to getting caught in the locker so be careful. Before you close your locker, check for straps sticking out so your locker door does not get stuck. Something else I recommend is putting papers in a folder. Loose papers very commonly clutter lockers. Another big thing is to never leave food in your locker overnight. The next day, you will find bugs, which is not fun to clean out. My final suggestion is to enjoy styling your locker and make it yours! Put up some decorations! Have fun! Lockers can be really exciting for both people who are new to middle school or even for people who have been there for a year or two. I hope you take my advice, whether you are brand new to having a locker, or if you are looking to make your locker more organized and your own! Riya is an 8th grade student at Warren Middle School. She is a competitive dancer at Rising Stars Studio of Dance and her favorite style of dance is tap. Riya also enjoys listening to music, swimming, and creative writing. She is very excited to share her ideas for school organization as she starts her 8th grade year. Locking Up Organization Throughout sixth and seventh grade, people have always told me that my locker is so organized. Many have asked how I keep it that way for the whole year. The trick is you have to be committed to keeping it organized. TEEN VOICE By Riya Ramani
PAGE 25 KIDZ CONNECTION theconnectionsnj.com A private occupational therapy practice serving children from infancy to adolescence. SPECIALIZING IN: • Self-regulation • Emotional regulation • Social participation • Relationships • Sensory processing & integration • Self-help • Fine & gross motor skills • Visual perceptual skills Christine A. Boffa, MS, OTR/L - Pediatric Occupational Therapist 1201 Mount Kemble Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960 973-349-6707 | www.rwplayspace.com
KIDZ CONNECTION PAGE 26 theconnectionsnj.com YOUR FUTURE BEGINS NOW. RESERVE YOUR PREFERRED DATE! admissions@aose.info 973.290.5225 Discover why the Academy experience is everything you’ve been looking for. Explore more at an Open House: OCTOBER 15 NOVEMBER 2 To learn more visit our website: wompys.com
PAGE 27 KIDZ CONNECTION theconnectionsnj.com Bright Beginnings Inspiring Futures Information Sessions September 28 · Middle & Upper School October 24 · Middle & Upper School November 16 · Lower School Preschool to Grade 12 Gladstone, NJ Coeducational · Nonsectarian · College Prep Register, apply, or learn more! · gsbschool.org · 908-234-1611, ext 245 gives students the ability to not only pursue their personal passions but to build confidence and achieve a well-rounded education.” Project-based programs such as the Lower School’s Biome Project and the Middle School’s environmental STREAMS program strengthen students’ skill sets while broadening their worldview. In the Upper School, the historic Spring Unit enriches the traditional academic curriculum by providing a unique two-week immersive study experience that involves local, national, and international travel. Student-led service initiatives, award- winning performing arts, fine arts, and athletic programs are also an integral part of the educational experience. The campus is home to a 450-seat performing arts and community center, as well as state-of-theart athletic facilities for 41 teams across 15 sports, many of which have garnered both state and national recognition. For many families, GSB is the right fit because of the school’s emphasis on community and meaningful relationships. “Our teachers expect a lot from their students in the classroom and, at the same time, they get to know them on a personal level,” says Director of Enrollment Management Pamela Fiander. “Faculty regularly attends performing arts and athletic events because they’ve developed relationships with their students and want to support them.” At its core, GSB encourages students to expand learning beyond the classroom, to step outside of their comfort zone, and to discover who they are. With a strong focus on character, and social-emotional development, students are well-prepared for college and a meaningful life. Whether they attend GSB for 15 years or for three, our students know that Gill St. Bernard’s will always feel like home, and this gives them the clarity and confidence to explore a world of possibility. Gill St. Bernard’s (GSB) is one of only a handful of independent, college-preparatory schools in New Jersey to offer preschool through grade 12 on a single campus. With 208 acres, a working farm, two trout streams, a large pond, and a two-acre garden, hands-on experiential learning is built into the GSB curriculum at every stage of the educational journey. “Gill students are exposed to a rigorous academic program that combines thoughtful classes with inspiring art courses, top-tier athletic programs, and unique experiential learning opportunities,” says Head of School Sid Rowell. “This purposeful balance By Kathleen Bartlett Exploring a World of Possibilities “Gill students are exposed to a rigorous academic program that combines thoughtful classes with inspiring art courses, top-tier athletic programs, and unique experiential learning opportunities,” says Head of School, Sid Rowell. COMMENDS CONNECTION 25 St. Bernard’s Road Gladstone, NJ 07934 908-234-1611 gsbschool.org
THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION PAGE 28 SEPT/OCT/NOV 2023 theconnectionsnj.com NOW OPEN! Our new state-of-the-art hospital is open! Services include: Like and Follow us on Facebook By Joanne Kleinle Historical Visits in the Somerset Hills The Somerset Hills area is such a beautiful, country-like location, steeped in history, especially from the Revolutionary War period. The fall is one of the best times to explore our colorful landscape and the tales of what took place here. So now that the kids are back in school and the days are getting a little shorter and cooler, why not plan a few activities with the kids on the weekends that will help them to appreciate the beauty and history of where they live? I find that one of the best ways to get kids (and adults) interested in a place is to know anecdotes about it before going. Here are the stories behind some cool local places that you should visit with the family this fall. The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge-The Great Swamp, as locals call it, is almost 8,000 acres of protected land sheltering a wide range of habitats and almost 12 miles of hiking trails. It spans both Morris and Somerset Counties and is a popular place to get away and take a walk in nature in any season. But did you know that it also is the site of a local ghost story and inspiration for one of America’s most beloved books? The legend of the Headless Horseman, which was immortalized in 1820 by Washington Irving’s short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and has inspired countless movies and theater productions, actually took place in our own Great Swamp. In the late 1770s, at the height of the Revolutionary War, Basking Ridge was at the heart of the conflict. Legend has it that one night, three Hessian soldiers were passing through Basking Ridge, probably on what is now Maple Avenue, when they were attacked by village Patriots. One of the soldiers was on horseback and had his head almost severed from his body, but his lifeless body stayed on the horse as it ran into what is now the Great Swamp. The horse later reappeared, but the Hessian’s body was never recovered. There have, however, been sightings of his ghost in the Swamp on moonlit nights. Morristown National Historical Park-This beloved National Park, which is right on our doorstep, turns 90 this year! It includes Ford Mansion, which was Washington’s Headquarters during the harshest winter of the war, and Jockey Hollow-the encampment where the American soldiers encamped during the coldest, snowiest winter on record. Tours of the mansion are available with a guide and are free, but limited in number. They are available at the front desk of the Headquarters Museum on a first come first serve basis. Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/ morr/index.htm. If you go to Jockey Hollow, be sure to learn about the family that owned the largest farm in that area at the time of the encampment-the Wick family. Their farmhouse is still there. They had five children. One of them was Tempe. She was a young girl who was an amazing rider and loved horses. The story goes that she had an impressive horse. One day when she was out riding, some soldiers tried to take her horse from her. She not only outrode them, but she also outsmarted them. They followed her to her house. Instead of putting the horse in the barn, she walked him right into her house and kept him there for days until all was clear. They never found the horse, never thinking to look in the house! See more about her story at the following link: https://www.usgenwebsites.org/NJMorris/history/tempewick The best way to explore Morristown National Park with kids is to take advantage of the Junior Ranger Program. There are activities divided into three groups to cater to different ages. The program offers fun activities for the kids to complete while exploring the Park, and when completed, they earn their “Junior Ranger” badge. It is a great way to learn about the park and have fun at the same time! Go to https://www.nps. gov/morr/upload/MORR-Junior-Ranger-Web. pdf for more information. There are lots more interesting stories about the places that we drive by every day. If ghost stories are your thing, check out the Top Ten Haunted Tales from the Somerset Hills on the Mr. Local History website at https://www.mrlocalhistory.org/haunted/ and drive around to see them during the day or at night-if you dare!! Who says history has to be boring? Sometimes the stories about the places around us just make everything more interesting! I find that one of the best ways to get kids (and adults) interested in a place is to know anecdotes about it before going. ADVENTURES FAMILY
The current economic climate has made divorcing parties more vigilant than ever about the value and disposition of their marital assets. Here are a few methods and concepts that may help divorcing parties streamline the process of dividing their marital personal property—or personalty—during a divorce. Make Lists and Take Pictures of Your Personal Assets Having an inventory allows you and your spouse to review the assets available for distribution. Inventories also serve as a way for parties to understand what items you can agree on. Pictures can be used to illustrate whether items have been moved, have gone missing or were inadvertently omitted from a list. Account for Depreciation The majority of your possessions have depreciated significantly. Remember to account for that in your internal calculation of who is getting what value. While you may feel you are not receiving as much as you would like from some of your items, provided your “accounting method” is consistent, you do not stand to lose as much as you might fear by accepting that the purchase price is not necessarily the current value. Agree on What Should Be Appraised Items of significant value that cannot be agreed upon should be appraised. The main issues to address are what items you and your spouse think need to be appraised, who bears the cost of the appraisal and how an appraiser is chosen. Your attorney can provide insight into how appraisal costs should be divided and provide you with the names of appropriate appraisers. Create a Valuation Methodology It is imperative to bear in mind the potential difference in the replacement value of your assets and their actual resale value. When getting something appraised, find out both how much you could sell it for on the day it is appraised and how much replacing it would cost. There are also two common methods to be used when there is disagreement. The first is alternate selection. In this method, the parties literally go asset by asset, taking turns choosing, until all the assets are divided. In the second, one party makes two lists accounting for all of the property, ostensibly of equal value. The other party, however, gets to choose which list they want. When You Cannot Agree, Use a Neutral Mediator or Arbitrator Using a neutral third party will save you money, time, and hassle. Rather than both you and your spouse paying your attorneys to listen to you bicker about personalty, choose one party to make decisions regarding the division of assets. Make the arbitrator’s or mediator’s decision binding. This process is generally more expedient and less expensive. Know Your Motivation In most cases, there are two primary motivating factors affecting parties’ behavior as they attempt to divide their personalty: emotion and economy. Both will play a role, but they cannot be allowed to overwhelm decision-making. Being cognizant of your motivations, even if you cannot control them, will allow you to step back and consider whether fighting about a particular item will help or hurt you in the long run. For more information on these and other questions regarding divorce in New Jersey, contact Fox Rothschild Family Law attorneys resident in the Morristown office, Eric Solotoff at esolotoff@foxrothschild.com or (973) 994-7501; or Sandra Fava at sfava@foxrothschild.com or (973) 994-7564. By Eric Solotoff and Sandra Fava In most cases, there are two primary motivating factors affecting parties’ behavior as they attempt to divide their personalty: emotion and economy. Both will play a role, but they cannot be allowed to overwhelm decision-making. LAWYER’S VIEW Tips for Dividing Marital Property THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION PAGE 29 SEPT/OCT/NOV 2023 theconnectionsnj.com
theconnectionsnj.com SENIOR LIVING PAGE 30 GET TO KNOW Lantern Hill DISCOVER VIBRANT SENIOR LIVING 846773 Lantern Hill® is New Providence’s premier senior living community featuring: • A variety of stylish apartment homes • The perfect location close to everything • Resort-style amenities and services • Services to enhance your well-being New Providence LanternHill.com Learn more today! Call 1-800-807-7022 for your free brochure. Stimulating our senses as we age is an important goal, and there are countless ways to have fun doing so. We can listen to music to improve our sense of hearing. Or taste different foods to encourage our taste buds. Feeling textures or sensuous fabrics stimulates touch, while smelling fragrances challenges our sense of smell as we get older. The ability to see, however, seems to be a major key to maintaining independence, and there are countless ways to “build that muscle.” Our daughters brought coloring books and markers to their grandmother on one of their visits to Chelsea at Warren. My mother-in-law was thrilled with the gift, but I wasn’t certain she would take the time to actually accustom herself to using them. Just last week, though, months later, when my husband visited Mom, she was coloring and very proud of her accomplishments. She was always artistic and tried her hand at painting throughout the years. But this is a new experience. Like every hobby, it takes patience and practice to see the results one desires. Keeping one’s brain active and engaged is a challenge for seniors, but repetitive activities certainly help. Focusing on the picture, deciding what colors to use, staying within the lines (if that is one’s goal), and planning the next place to color-all take concentration and attention, as well as imagination. Many facilities have arts and crafts centers that become a gathering place. Creating with one’s hands feels very engaging-even for those with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. People share their lives as they are painting, coloring, or doing other creative activities. Watching others create is also motivating and enjoyable, and often provides ideas for future projects. The addition of music stimulates the auditory system, as well. The brain responds well to soothing sounds, and equally well to a rhythmic beat. A few safely placed candles provide scent which aids the olfactory system, and even petting a dog provides tactile sensation. Imagine engaging and enhancing the five senses in one wonderful session, and taking back a beautiful picture to one’s room. What a fantastic reminder of the talent and focus we still have! Keeping one’s brain active and engaged is a challenge for seniors, but repetitive activities certainly help. By Ellyn Mantell Coloring the World for Seniors SENIOR CORNER
theconnectionsnj.com SENIOR LIVING PAGE 31 Coming to Basking Ridge in Fall 2023! 3066 Valley Road Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 908-651-9170 | ArborBaskingRidge.com/Connection Arbor Terrace, Central New Jersey’s 5-star senior living community, offers the luxurious lifestyle you’ve been looking for. Situated within minutes of downtown Basking Ridge, your life at Arbor Terrace will be nothing short of elevated, upscale, and full of excitement! We have the concierge services and trained staff to fit every unique lifestyle — from assisted living to dedicated memory care and everything in between. Arbor Terrace is opening in Basking Ridge in Fall of 2023. Reserve your view today! Call our information center at 908-651-9170 to schedule a private showing or stop by to meet our experienced team. ASSISTED LIVING BRIDGES MEMORY CARE
theconnectionsnj.com SENIOR LIVING PAGE 32 Advertising Deadline October 16th 908-903-1799 info@theconnectionsnj.com theconnectionsnj.com Happy Holidays! NEXT ISSUE NOVEMBER By Ellyn Mantell Watching babies is so compelling and breathtaking. I never seem to get my ll. I am not speaking of taking care of babies, not at this point in my life. I have done my share, between babysitting as a preteen and teenager, raising my daughters, and helping to care for my grandchildren. Those were all cherished moments. But as a septuagenarian, babies somehow look different to me today. Yes, they are all beautiful, plump, and cherubic, and they appear to have the softest and most wonderfully scented skin. I, of course, am not in a position to actually feel or smell the beautiful strangers, but I take note of all of this. What is the most magnetic, however, is their wonder, and it is that wonder that keeps me mesmerized. When we began to travel by plane, I noticed the friendly skies were lled with young families. Observing them, I found myself grateful for not having to carry or transport a car seat, stroller, diaper bag, etc. These families seemed to simply roll with the myriad of cumbersome items necessary to care for their infants or toddlers. Those days were clearly in my rearview mirror. Once we were seated, however, I began to look around at them and watched their interaction. Cuddling, snuggling, and nuzzling aside, these families were involved in entertaining and educating their young. Many spoke with their children as if they understood some concepts I had a dif cult time imagining they did. Continuing to observe and study the families, I saw the electronic devices pulled from their diaper bags (which were much more elaborate and glamorous, or simply more utilitarian than in my mama days). What caught my interest and pleasure was the attention and delight of the babies and toddlers! Immediately, after their initial excitement at seeing the “toys” they became calm, attentive, and clearly interested in what was in front of them. Continuing to peer into “a day in the life” of the family, I noticed that the tiniest little fingers grasped for the devices, and at only months old, began to touch and even make swiping motions. Was it my imagination, or did they even wait to hear a positive word from their parent? My happiest trips include having a family sit near me so I can continue to observe this new life exploring their surroundings. The transition from the open space in the airport to confinement in a seat on their parent’s lap is made easily by being held securely by mom or dad. It still amazes me that babies and toddlers will pick up a piece of food with their tiny fingers, find their mouths and chew before doing it again. These instincts continue to be miracles for me. Intellectually, I know this is how the circle of life continues; survival is ingrained in us, but watching it at this point in my life entertains and warms me. Mother Nature gave us the greatest gift in her infinite wisdom. The desire to protect our young is enormous. I never questioned that as a mom or grandma (GUMMY ELLYN). But it is a gift of aging to look at the next generations with confidence... knowing the world will be welltended to in their capable hands. One of My Favorite Things to Do: Watch Babies …it is a gift of aging to look at the next generations with con dence...knowing the world will be well-tended to in their capable hands. SLICE OF LIFE
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