THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION PAGE 6 SEPT/OCT/NOV 2025 8 Commends: Eileen Terri - Flowers, Gifts & Decor 10 Financial Forum: Shapiro CPAs 12 Family Law: Cadicina Law, LLC 14 Commends: Mark’s Auto Service 16 Community News: Literacy Volunteers of Somerset County 17 Lawyer’s View: Fox Rothschild 18-21 BACK-TO-SCHOOL 19 Family Adventures: Joanne Kleinle 20 Commends: HudsonWay Immersion School 22-26 AUTUMN’S ALLURE Shopping, Beauty, & Dining 22 Library Lowdown: Friends of Bernards Township Library 24 Mission In Motion: Natasha Adiga, Knit Crochet 26 Slice of Life: Ellyn Mantell 27-28 SENIOR LIVING 28 Senior Corner: Ellyn Mantell 33-42 HOME & DESIGN 34 Home Improvement: TrueLeaf Kitchens 36 Home Improvement: Buy-Rite Overhead Doors 38 Hints for the Home- Fair Street Interiors 43-51 HEALTH & WELLNESS 43 Medical Minutes: Janjua Facial Surgery 44 Health Hotline: Community in Crisis 46 Health Hotline: NMR 47 Fall In Love With Life: Serafina Perrotto 48 Food for Thought: Lori Kolodin, MPH, RD 50 Mind the Mind: Dr. Michael Osit 51 Ask The Eye Doctor: Bedminster Eye & Laser Center 52 Community News: Jewish Family Service 54-55 COMMUNITY CALENDAR 56 Real Estate Corner: KW Metropolitan-Crawford & Lorenzo 56 Creative Corner: Carolyn Hanson Patti Kaufman Title: Coastal Reverie…. Medium: 14X14 Acrylic painting on Canvas Patti Kaufman is an abstract artist whose work explores the intersection of memory and emotion. Drawing from personal experiences, Patti uses vibrant colors and sweeping strokes to transform memories into expressive compositions. Each painting represents moments frozen in time, where emotions are distilled into vivid colors. Her work invites viewers to engage not only with the visual elements but with the personal narratives embedded in each piece. By abstracting memory details, Patti creates space for reflection and interpretation, encouraging others to see their own stories within her art. Patti’s exhibitions have earned her recognition for her unique approach to abstraction and her ability to evoke powerful emotional responses. Her art is a testament to the transient nature of human experience, where memories constantly shift and reimagine themselves. “As an abstract artist, I believe in art’s power to inspire and create positive change. I dedicate a portion of my art sales to nonprofit organizations. Giving back is a core part of my journey—each piece has a purpose beyond the canvas.” Patti is based in Morristown, NJ, and is the volunteer president of CURE for IBD. She enjoys exercise, meditation, reading, writing, and cherishes time with her adult sons. THE CONNECTION MAGAZINE'S TEAM PUBLISHED BY Donna Reina, Georgeann Agaisse, Heather Silver, Patty Herman, Alicia Singman, Jeanette Vogel, Pramisa Tamsina 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 Professional Queue Standers in the June issue is Diane Wolfe of New Providence. Diane won a gift certificate to Gabagool Deli in Berkeley Heights. Next Issue November! Advertising deadline October 24, 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... Welcome to the Bernards-Ridge edition of the September 2025 issue of The Connection Magazine. As the golden days of summer wind down, we welcome the crisp air and cozy charm of fall. The season brings a refreshing shift… changing leaves, layered sweaters, apple-picking adventures, and pumpkin-flavored everything that fills us with warmth and nostalgia. At The Connection Magazine, we’re embracing the beauty of autumn and all it has to o er. From decorating your home to refreshing your wellness routine, finding thoughtful seasonal gifts, or discovering hidden gems in our community, this issue is your go-to guide for fall inspiration. Be sure to check out our Autumn’s Allure section, filled with seasonal tips, local resources, and services to help you make the most of this time of year. Our Back-to-School section is also here to support students and families as they dive into another successful new school year. As we ease into the season of giving, we also invite you to explore the many nonprofit organizations featured throughout this issue. Fall is a wonderful time to get involved and lend a helping hand, making a di erence close to home and connecting with your local community. Are you in full “fall-swing” yet? Cooler days, longer nights, sweater weather, and Halloween! Joanne Kleinle shares a fun, festive, and autumnal event in our Family Adventures column. Each year Wagner Farms in Warren celebrates the season with Brite Nites. And it’s also a fundraiser! Show your support and have a magical night out with your little ones, older ones and the whole family, because there is something for everyone to enjoy! Get a vitamin D tutorial from Ellyn Mantell in our Senior Corner column. Ellyn points out the importance of this powerful nutrient for all people, but in particular, for seniors who may not have regular access to the sun. She urges seniors to prioritize getting some sunshine each day. In addition, she recommends foods high in vitamin D and possibly supplementing under the direction of a doctor. As we wrap up summer, what better way to bid adieu, than by gracing our cover with a landscape painting titled, Coastal Reverie. The artist, Patti Kaufman, was inspired by her “deep connection to the coastlines” she has always been drawn to. She chose to use “…rich greens and blues to reflect the dance between land and sea.” The various hues in the sky portray the dynamic horizon with its constantly changing colors. This painting has a very peaceful, calming e ect on the viewer, making one wish summer would never end! As always, when you visit a business you discovered through The Connection, let them know you saw them here and #TellThemWeSentYou! Wishing you a joyful and inspiring autumn-filled with color, comfort, and community. Warmly, Anna Petro Publisher, The Connection Magazine A Note From Our Publisher... CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Natasha Adiga, Chris Baggio, Eileen Barna, Gail Bicknell, Natalia Black Nick Concilio, Sabrina Concilio, Carolyn Hanson, Dr. Tanveer Janjua, Joanne Kleinle, Lori Kolodin, Jessica Diamond Lia, Peter Lorenzo, Ellyn Mantell, Katrina Musto, Dr. Michael Osit, Serafina Perrotto, Dr. Vince Sferra, Robert Shapiro, Eric S. Soloto Photographer: Panos Stogioglou
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