VOLUME LVIII APRIL/MAY 2022 Bridgewater, Branchburg, Hillsborough, Martinsville, Raritan, Somerville Bridgewater-Somerville Edition WOMEN-OWNED Celebrating the Accomplishments of Local Businesswomen PET'S HEALTH Veterinary Exams: Why They Matter SENIOR CORNER Socializing so Important for Seniors PLAY TO WIN! Details on page 6
for the 9th year in a row! BRIDGEWATER 9 WOODWARD DRIVE SOLD! BRIDGEWATER 1881 MIDDLEBROOK ROAD SOLD! BRIDGEWATER 636GLENRIDGEDRIVE.COM SOLD! WARREN 6LAURIELCOURT.COM SOLD! GREEN BROOK 400 WARRENVILLE ROAD SOLD! GREEN BROOK 16 WARREN AVENUE SOLD! BASKING RIDGE 25 AMHERST DRIVE SOLD! BASKING RIDGE 73 DEER RIDGE SOLD! BRIDGEWATER 1770CEDARCRESTROAD.COM SOLD! MARTINSVILLE 2229 WASHINGTON VALLEY ROAD SOLD! … … … WATCHUNG - Fabulous farmhouse style colonial featuring large updated kitchen, 2.1 updated baths, 4 bedrooms situated on a private wooded acre walking distance to community pool, playground, and community center. WWW.101APPLETREEROW.COM LONG HILL - Recently built, open floor plan, affordable 3 bedroom, 2.1 bath home within walking distance to NYC train and downtown, situated on a dead end street. WWW.457ELMSTREET.COM
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2 Hawkes Court, Bridgewater FOR SALE 126 Lorhan Drive, Piscataway UNDER CONTRACT 242 Laurel Court, Whitehouse SOLD 51 Junco Court, Readington SOLD 73 Vanderveer Avenue, Somerville UNDER CONTRACT 16 Seville Drive, Somerville SOLD 27 Mallard Court, Readington SOLD 2 Heller Drive, Bridgewater SOLD 83 East Main Street, High Bridge SOLD 346 Cynthia Lane, Bridgewater SOLD 24 Hillcrest Road, Martinsville SOLD 208 Riverview Road, Bridgewater SOLD 25 Frohlin Drive, Bridgewater SOLD 1203 Breckenridge Drive, Branchburg FOR SALE 1 Cavalier Court, Flemington UNDER CONTRACT 7 Paige Place, Flemington UNDER CONTRACT Sandra O'Keefe and Johanna Wiseman Sandra O'Keefe NJAR Circle of Excellence Sales Award Platinum Level 2021 We provide expert assistance, personal service, and great results! From sale preparation to closing, we are ready for your call.
THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION PAGE 6 APRIL/MAY 2022 theconnectionsnj.com As the new publisher of The Connection Magazines, I would like to greet all of our loyal and engaged readers and assure them of my commitment to keeping the LOCAL businesses and readers CONNECTed through our LOCAL-FOCUSED and MULTI-PLATFORM approach. I have had the privilege to learn the power of CONNECTIONS from our late publisher, Robin Fand, and am dedicated to producing the same high-quality magazines as we have for the past two decades. As a community magazine, we will continue our goal to be the preferred choice for businesses to market their brands and for readers to look for everything related to LOCAL shopping, dining, and activities. Just as spring brightens up everything around, so will this robust issue filled with new and updated information about: • Casual and fine dining • Things to do and trips to take in and around NJ • Home improvement & design trends • Senior living • Summer programs for kids, and more. Check out our dedicated SPRING section. Find out from your favorite local businesses about the latest apparel & design trends and gift options. In this issue, we are celebrating women business owners who with their grit and determination have sailed through tough times or have had the vision to see opportunity and launch a new business. As a woman business owner myself, I am extremely proud to feature each one of them. Please look for the WOMEN-OWNED logo on their ads. Bridgewater-Raritan High School student, Rachel Ou’s artwork entitled, “Blueberries” graces the cover. Here’s what inspired Rachel to create this piece: “In the springtime, my mother loves growing flowers and fruits in our backyard garden. One day, as I plucked some blueberries from its vines, and set it down on wooden planks of our porch, I was touched by the nuances of the blue color and texture. Wanting to capture the beauty of the fruit, I quickly sketched the image and took a picture.” Please read her impressive bio on page 8. • IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY with your cooking prowess. Print out easy-to-use tried and tested RECIPES from our ONLINE RECIPE BOOK. theconnectionsnj.com/category/recipes • COUPONS ON THE GO! Have LOCAL coupons handy exactly when you need them. Check our DEALS & STEALS theconnectionsnj.com/deals-steals • Join the die-hard fans of our SPOT THE FAKE ad contest – look for the fake ad in any of our three magazines and submit it to connectionsnj@gmail.com or play online. theconnectionsnj.com/spot-the-fake-ad-form/ • Find articles on Health & Wellness, Senior Living, Cutting-Edge Medical Technology, Family Law, Travel & more on our Blog - written by industry experts, they are loaded with information and insights. theconnectionsnj.com/latest-news Don’t forget to FOLLOW our social media handles. We truly do CONNECT you to your communities. Sincerely, Anna Petro Publisher TABLE OF CONTENTS FOUNDER Robin Fand PUBLISHER Anna Petro OFFICE MANAGER Donna Reina EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Jody Varvaro DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER Prachi Jain ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Patty Herman, Alicia Singman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gabriell Budoff, APRN, Chris Cree, Patricia Diesel, Keri English, Carolyn Hanson, Leora W. Isaacs, PhD., Ellyn Mantell, Kurt Matthews, CCP, CCR, NFI, Dr. Michael Osit, Shalina Rajamani, Goldie Ribiat, Dan Rosenberg, Deborah Sacks-Wilner, Mark Sloss, Johanna Wiseman, PUBLISHED BY Connection Magazine, LLC • P.O. Box 4081 • Warren, NJ 07059 908-903-1799 info@theconnectionsnj.com 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 any liability for the accuracy of the claims made by our advertisers. Somewhere in this Magazine is a FAKE AD. Spot it and send your answer, name, city and phone number to: Spotthefake@theconnectionsnj.com Subject Line: FAKE or play online at theconnectionsnj.com More than 300 people took part in our Spot The Fake Ad Contest in the February-March issue. Congratulations to everyone who “spotted” I For An Eye. The winner, selected randomly from a list of all those who entered and provided the correct answer, is Alyssa Geibel of Somerville. The winner received a gift from Gimme Gimme Tees in Somerville. SPOT THE FAKE! PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE ON THE COVER Rachel Ou........................................Page 8 CONNECTION COMMENDS Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa.................................Page 20 Midtown Chimney Sweeps. ...........Page 46 WOMEN OWNED DIRECTORY......Page 10 KIND Veterinary Care Center........Page 12 SPRING SECTION – Eat, Drink & Celebrate. .......... Pages 14-18 What About Wine...........................Page 15 HEALTH & WELLNESS SECTION.................................. Pages 20-26 Psychiatric & Behavioral Health.....Page 23 Medical Minutes – NMR.................Page 24 Creative Corner..............................Page 25 Organize That – Keep it Simple.....Page 26 Financial Forum – Wilde Capital Management...........Page 31 Community News – Jewish Family Service.....................Page 32 HOUSES OF WORSHIP – Faith, Hope, Joy.............................Page 33 Slice of Life......................................Page 34 KIDZ CONNECTION SECTION...Pages 35-37 Mind the Mind................................Page 36 Family Adventures..........................Page 37 SENIOR LIVING SECTION...........Pages 38-41 Random Connections. ....................Page 38 Senior Corner..................................Page 40 Health Hotline - APro/Application Pros....................Page 41 HOME & DESIGN SECTION... Pages 42-49 Real Estate Corner Johanna Wiseman...........................Page 44 COMMUNITY CALENDAR. .........Pages 50-51 Knit Crochet with Love. .................Page 52 As a community magazine, we will continue our goal to be the preferred choice for businesses to market their brands and for readers to look for everything related to LOCAL shopping, dining, and activities.
THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION PAGE 8 APRIL/MAY 2022 theconnectionsnj.com Rachel Ou is a current student in Mrs. Stutzman’s AP Art class at Bridgewater-Raritan High School. She has been creating art ever since she learned to use a pencil. Rachel says, “To me, art represents freedom and is a form of communication through which I can express my perspective of the world. It is also an outlet through which I can channel my creativity.” Her favorite medium to work with is acrylic paint because it requires one to be deliberate and bold. In the future, she would like to work at the intersection between art and technology. Be sure to read the inspiration behind the artwork in the Publisher’s Message on page 6. RACHEL OU “To me, art represents freedom and is a form of communication through which I can express my perspective of the world. It is also an outlet through which I can channel my creativity.” Safely Socializing Puppies We have everything your dog needs! • Day Training/Socialization • Puppy Kindergarten • Basic Obedience Training for all ages • Private Instruction - at our facility or in-home Check our website for a full list of current offerings www.mydogsgotclass.com 908-334-1043 info@mydogsgotclass.com 830 US Highway 202/206 North, Bridgewater Adrienne Kepp, CPDT-KSA Owner 5 Year Anniversary
Warren Resident since 1985. Devoted to serving the needs of buyers and sellers for over 23 years! Closed over $63 Million of Business in 2021! Fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Tagalog (Filipino) NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence Sales Award®: (Distinguished Sales Club Member) Platinum Level: 2021-2012 (10 consecutive years), 2010, 2005, 2004 • Gold Level: 2011, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2003 Diamond Club, Circle of Legends Featured Listings 9 Stoningham Drive Warren - $2,289,000 4 Hayduk Drive Edison - $1,799,999 FOR SALE 16 Willow Woods Trail Warren - $2,300,000 FOR SALE FOR SALE 2 Shawnee Court Basking Ridge UNDER CONTRACT 12 William Penn Road Warren 7 Railroad Place Bridgewater COMING SOON 3 Cardinal Drive Warren - $1,495,000 FOR SALE 18 Ridge Road Green Brook - $1,100,000 FOR SALE 1 Spruce Lane Warren - $890,000 FOR SALE COMING SOON
The Connection Magazines spotlights local Women in Business We celebrate the strength and perseverance of women entrepreneurs who have either started new businesses or steered their existing ones in the right direction. Their leadership is even more noteworthy given the socio-economic upheaval of the last 2 years. Join us in commending these trailblazing women! Celebrating Women-Owned Businesses! 908-823-4946 happinestantiques.com MARYANN MCKEAN 877-999-3225 sharon.colucci@archivalcompany.com archivalcompany.com SHARON COLUCCI 908-359-7771 bandchillsboroughflorist@gmail.com bandchillsboroughflorist.com ALINA FLOREA 908-578-0825 bfsc05@verizon.net baylesfamilyspeechcenter.com DENISE FAVOR BAYLES 908-725-8666 allercare177@gmail.com DR. KRISTINE KROL 908-722-2226 branchburgpediatricdentistry.com 908-255-4075 branchburgsbest.square.site 908-642-1226 keepitsimplenow@gmail.com patriciadiesel.com 908-528-3307 kiersonfarm.com 732-469-4424 doc@drnicolepadovan.com drnicolepadovan.com 908-450-7474 urbanchaosnj.com 908-333-3416 @nourish.lift.1 908-333-2995 soultripnj.com 908-725-3000 brafflaw.com 908-450-7416 reviveconsign.com 908-526-0602 laasje@aol.com personalizedpara.com 908-615-2498 globalhrconcepts.com concierge-4-hire.com 908-448-8083 acruztherapist.com BERNADETTE LAPENA, DDS ARCHANA DEVI, DDS NICOLE TUCKER PATRICIA DIESEL NIKKI HARRISON NICOLE PADOVAN-LAGRASTA, DMD PA VIVIAN EJIOGU AIME VALERIO VIVIAN CAMINNECI JESSICA MAGLIARO BRITTANY BURTON LAURA WOLFE LONI MENDEZ ANGELA C. CRUZ, LMFT 908-903-1799 info@theconnectionsnj.com theconnectionsnj.com ANNA PETRO 908-334-1953 fairstreetinteriors@gmail.com fairstreetinteriors.squarespace.com GAIL BICKNELL ASID, CAPS Fair Street Interiors 732-484-1743 info@kindveterinarycare.com kindveterinarycare.com DR. ANDREA FREEMAN ADRIENNE KEPP, CPDT-KSA DONNA LEVINSTON BRAFF, ESQ. 908-334-1043 info@mydogsgotclass.com mydogsgotclass.com 908-236-7665 info@saharapools.com saharapools.com DONNA FROSCHHAUSER Classieux Concierge, LLC
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THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION PAGE 12 APRIL/MAY 2022 theconnectionsnj.com Living with an animal is special. You form a special bond with them, but also get to know their unique behaviors, routines, and even their quirks. When owners express concern that their pets are not acting themselves, this is always something that I take seriously. Unfortunately, it can take an advanced disease or an awful lot of discomfort for a happy-go-lucky dog to stop eating his favorite treat, playing with a favorite toy, or wagging his tail. And cats can be even more stoic. By the time owners notice abnormalities, some pets can be in the advanced stages of a disease. It’s always devastating when pets become ill, but it’s even more heart-breaking knowing that if we had just detected the disease sooner we might have been able to treat it more effectively. This is why veterinary exams should not be reserved only for sick pets. A veterinary physical exam is truly nose-to-tail. It begins with my own observations of my patient – their body language, how they move and also utilize my senses to smell, feel, and listen to them. Patients who have abdominal pain or back pain stand and move in characteristic ways to prevent themselves from exacerbating their pain. A patient’s breath may exude an odor to alert me of an infection in the mouth, but there is also a characteristic breath smell of kidney failure and another for undiagnosed or unregulated diabetics due to the production of ketones (molecules produced when insulin levels are low). Even from across the room, different breathing sounds can be heard associated with problems of the upper airway (nose, mouth, windpipe) and problems that affect the lungs. With a stethoscope, other subtleties can be heard including abnormal heart rhythms, heart murmurs which may suggest the presence of a leaky heart valve or other heart diseases, and also the rumblings of the intestinal tract which may suggest whether food is moving through properly or not. During the exam, instruments are used to look within the eyes and ears to detect other abnormalities. Palpation, the process by which veterinarians methodically feel our patients, allows us to detect lymph node enlargement, tumors in and under the skin as well as within the abdomen and rectum, but also pain, joint swelling, and abnormal movement of a joint that might suggest an injury. Ideally, the physical examination is normal and when performed routinely with bloodwork to test organ function, provides me with some comfort that all is well. When the physical examination is not normal, it may provide a diagnosis but it doesn’t allow me to determine the most appropriate tests to perform next. Thorough physical examination by a veterinarian is recommended yearly for all pets. Because pets age much more quickly than we do, twice yearly exams are recommended for those over eight years of age. Routine veterinary visits allow for collaboration with pet parents to discuss their observations and to determine the best preventative care plan for each individual pet. Early detection of disease allows us the opportunity to treat and cure, or in other cases to at least slow the progression of chronic disease, so that pets can live longer, healthier, and happier lives. And that’s what matters most. VETERINARY EXAMS: WHY THEY MATTER By Dr. Andrea S. Freeman, VMD, MS Because pets age much more quickly than we do, twice yearly exams are recommended for those over eight years of age. Palpation, the process by which veterinarians methodically feel our patients, allows us to detect lymph node enlargement, tumors in and under the skin as well as within the abdomen and rectum, but also pain, joint swelling, and abnormal movement of a joint that might suggest an injury. Pets’ Health
THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION PAGE 13 APRIL/MAY 2022 theconnectionsnj.com Rapid and PCR COVID 19 testing NOW AVAILABLE! 20 Minute Test. SAME DAY RESULTS Why pay a higher co-pay for urgent care when you can see the physicians you know and trust at a medical practice you feel comfortable in? 257 US-22 East Green Brook, NJ 08812 Tel: 732.968.7878 256 US 206 South Hillsborough, NJ 08844 Tel: 908.262.2263 myfamilycaremd.com Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-9pm • Saturday-Sunday 8am-5pm Michael Klele M.D. Rosalie Adox P.A.C Stephanie Zottolli P.A.C Lucy Tasharofi P.A.C John Chafos M.D. Jaime Ligot M.D. Steven Risman M.D. Geroge Paroulek M.D.
Spring EAT, DRINK & CELEB TE!
theconnectionsnj.com EAT, DRINK & CELEBRATE PAGE 15 One of my favorite signs of spring’s arrival is when the newest crop of crisp, dry refreshing rosé wines start showing up as winter fades away. Practically a ritual in the cafés and bistros from Paris to the Cote d’Azur, these quintessential summer wines initially met with some resistance here in the States, with memories of assorted “pop” rosé wines from our youth, mostly sweet and often sparkly, leaving a bad taste behind. Yet each year more and more wine lovers have shed their fear of “drinking pink” and discovered the beauty of these versatile summer wines, and today rosé is massively popular. But there are two sides to that story. With its explosion in popularity, the rosé category has become overcrowded, with many johnny-come-lately producers jumping on the bandwagon. To put it kindly, many of these are less than great. At Cree Wine Company we take the extra effort and taste and approve every rosé wine we sell (tough job but someone has to do it!) The result is a curated selection of the best of the best, whether it is a $9 rosé from the Languedoc or Spain or the top notch classic wines of Bandol and Cassis, we only sell the very best. Generally inexpensive to moderate in price, rosé wines are perfect companions to summer’s more casual entertaining and lighter cuisine. They are great with all kinds of summer fare including salads, grilled summer vegetables, grilled fish or chicken, and cheeses, charcuterie and more. They are also great all on their own on a warm summer afternoon or evening! Somewhere between reds and whites in style, rosés are typically light to medium in body, crisp and wonderfully refreshing -- with a trace of tannin from their red wine lineage. Contrary to popular belief, almost all are actually quite dry. Rosés can range in color from pale pink to brick/salmon, to a light ruby red, and offer flavors and aromas that range from raspberry and strawberry notes to citrus, melon and tropical fruits. Their individual styles are determined in large part by the grapes from which they are made and the regions where they are grown. While rosés don’t strictly have a season, the new vintage starts to arrive in late March/early April, and are mostly consumed through Labor Day. They are generally best drunk young to capture their vibrant youthful freshness. A few exceptions include the rosé wines of Bandol that can be better with a little time in bottle, Lopez de Heredia, who doesn’t even release them until they have many years of cask and bottle age, and Château de Simone from Provence. So, this summer lose your fear of the pink and enjoy - but don’t wait - the best are as fleeting as summer itself! Visit us online at CreeWineCo.com for our complete inventory of summer rosés, or better yet stop in, have a bite to eat and a flight of our newest arrivals and taste, learn, and try before you buy in our Wine Bar and Tasting Room! Christopher Cree MW is the founder and Managing Partner of the Cree Wine Company, a Wine Bar, Wine School, Event Space and Online Wine Seller located in the Historic Perryville Inn in Hampton, NJ. In 1996, he became only the thirteenth American to have passed the Master of Wine Examination since it was first given in London in 1953. Today, there are 418 active Masters of Wine worldwide, with only 56 located in the US. ROSÉ ALL DAY By Chris Cree MW While rosés don’t strictly have a season, the new vintage starts to arrive in late March/early April, and are mostly consumed through Labor Day. They are generally best drunk young to capture their vibrant youthful freshness. A few exceptions include the rosé wines of Bandol that can be better with a little time in bottle, Lopez de Heredia, who doesn’t even release them until they have many years of cask and bottle age, and Château de Simone from Provence. Somewhere between reds and whites in style, rosés are typically light to medium in body, crisp and wonderfully refreshing -- with a trace of tannin from their red wine lineage. Contrary to popular belief, almost all are actually quite dry. What About Wine? | Wine Bar Tasting Room Wine Classes Private Event Space Purchase Online | NJ ‘S ONLY MASTER OF WINE CHRIS CREE SHARES HIS CURATED SELECTION OF WINES | START YOUR PERSONAL WINE PROFILE AT: CREEWINECO.COM | 908.200.7772 167 PERRYVILLE RD, HAMPTON, NJ 08827 (Previously The Historic Perryville Inn) An Extraordinar y Wine Experience
theconnectionsnj.com EAT, DRINK & CELEBRATE PAGE 16 Buckets of Chicken Buffalo Wings Dinner For Two Expires 6/13/22. Not to be combined with any Expires 6/13/22. Not to be combined with any Expires 6/13/22. Not to be combined with any Expires 6/13/22. Not to be combined with any Expires 6/13/22. Not to be combined with any Expires 6/13/22. Not to be combined with any Expires 6/13/22. Not to be combined with any other offer. Valid at Bridgewater location only. other offer. Valid at Bridgewater location only. other offer. Valid at Bridgewater location only. other offer. Valid at Bridgewater location only. 8 Pc. Chicken 13.50 12 Pc. Chicken 20.25 16 Pc. Chicken 26.95 20 Pc. Chicken 33.50 Larger Quantities Available 16 Buffalo Wings 18.50 27.50 52.95 103.95 24 Buffalo Wings 48 Buffalo Wings 100 Buffalo Wings Larger Quantities Available 8 Pieces of Chicken Single French Fries or Mashed Potatoes Plus 1/2 lb. of Salad of Choice 17.95 Family Chicken Fiesta 12 Pieces of Chicken Double Order of French Fries or Mashed Potatoes Plus 1 lb. of Salad of Choice 28.50 COUPONS CAN BE USED MULTIPLE TIMES CHICKEN • SEAFOOD • RIBS CATERING AND PARTIES Chicken Jubilee other offer. Valid at Bridgewater location only. 16 Pieces of Chicken 1 lb. Salad of Choice Triple Order of French Fries or Mashed Potatoes Plus 6 Rolls NOW 38.95 Variety Plan 732-469-4111 V iew ou r menu and add it iona l coupons on ou r website www.chickenholidaybridgewater.com Open 7 Days a Week Sun.-Thurs. 10:30am-8pm; Fri. & Sat. 10:30am-9pm 691 E. Main Street, Bridgewater 1/4 mile west of TD Ballpark other offer. Valid at Bridgewater location only. 24 Pieces of Chicken 3 lb. Salad of Choice 12 Dinner Rolls $51.95 Economy Plan other offer. Valid at Bridgewater location only. Ask About DAILY DINE IN Specials Monday-Friday Party Packages Available for Home & Office Parties 12 Pieces of Chicken 10 Pieces Flame Broiled Ribs Choice of 40 Shrimp in a Basket or 10 Jumbo Shrimp $59.95 Happy Easter! Mother's Day is May 8th OPEN MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND GimmeeGimmeeTees.com You can personalize your own garments! ALL SIZES & C OLORS AVAILABLE AFFORDABLE PRICES! Family Fun Community Events Sports Birthdays Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Artwork Promotion Team Building Company Logos, etc. Ÿ Ÿ Serving Somerset County for over 11 years! Order a personalized Mother's Day T-Shirt High Quality, Long Lasting Garments FRESH PASTA MADE DAILY • No Antibiotics & No Hormones on our own Pasture Raised Beef, Chicken, Turkey & Pork • Over 65 years of experience with butchering • Farm Fresh Produce, Eggs & Dairy • Homemade Prepared Meals & Fresh Salads • Homemade Ice Cream & Italian Bakery 803 US Highway 202 S, Neshanic Station, NJ 08853 908-237-1301 • vacchianofarm.com Courteous Service - Quality Meats - Homemade Prepared Foods YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCE LOCAL DINING LOCAL SHOPPING LOCAL ACTIVITIES Give Us A FOLLOW @connectionmag
theconnectionsnj.com EAT, DRINK & CELEBRATE PAGE 17 Owner Alina Florea • Flower Designer 908.359.7771 601 Rt. 206, Hillsborough, NJ 08844 B&C Hillsborough Florist • Mother's Day • Special Occasions • Birthdays • And more... bandchillsboroughflorist.com Visit our website to see our wide selection of flower arrangements to make your occasion memorable! APlma7358@gmail.com Is your car ready for your spring & summer travels? Experience the tranquility of nature on 10 acres of exquisite grounds. Elegant Accommodations • Retreats Weddings • Elopements • 6 Private Cottages, plus 8 Guest Rooms in the Manor House. Your Faraway Place, Close to Home Woolverton Inn Bed & Breakfast 6 Woolverton Rd. • Stockton, NJ 08559 609-397-0802 • www.woolvertoninn.com
theconnectionsnj.com EAT, DRINK & CELEBRATE PAGE 18 THE TRADING POST • Gifts • Clothing • Accessories BAKERY • CANDY • CHEESE • CRAFTS • MEATS • POULTRY • PRETZELS • PRODUCE • SEAFOOD • SUSHI • JEWELRY • GENERAL MERCHANDISE MARKET HOURS Thurs: 10am-6pm, Fri: 9am-6pm, Sat: 8am-3pm 908-806-8476 19 Commerce Street, Flemington (behind ShopRite) THE JEWELRY EXCHANGE 908-685-3030 FLEMINGTON PRODUCE 908-237-0888 ESH’S SEAFOOD SALADS 908-806-3555 LIL’S SOFT PRETZELS & ICE CREAM 908-806-0334 ROLL ‘N SUSHI 267-577-1685 STOLTZFUS FRESH& BBQ POULTRY 908-806-8676 MARTY’S CANDIES & CANNED GOODS 908-806-6071 ESH’S CRAFTS 908-806-3555 LAPP'S FRESH MEATS 908-806-8476 BECCA’S BAKERY 908-806-3904 BEILER’S CHEESE & PICKLES 908-806-6071 VISIT OUR SITE: WWW.FLEMINGTONFARMERSMARKET.COM A Pinch of LOCAL FLAVOR Apple Cake INGREDIENTS INSTRUCTIONS Submitted by: • Cream butter and sugar. • Add eggs, flour, baking powder and baking soda. Dough will be thick like cookie dough. • Combine apples into dough mixture with a wooden spoon. • Press dough into a 9 x 13 greased pan. • Sprinkle with 1 tsp cinnamon and 2 tsp sugar. • Bake at 350 degrees for 40 - 45 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. • 2 cups sugar • 1 cup butter (2 sticks) softened • 2 cups flour • 1 teaspoon baking powder • ½ teaspoon baking soda • 2 eggs • 4 cups apples cut in small cubes
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theconnectionsnj.com HEALTH & WELLNESS PAGE 20 Volunteer Board Members Needed Tri County Care Management Organization (TCCMO) is a 501(c)(3) agency contracted with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (NJ DCF) to serve youth aged 5-21 with mental health, behavioral, intellectual, and developmental challenges, or substance use challenges in Hunterdon, Somerset, and Warren Counties. Tri County Care Management Organization understands that the family matters. The TCCMO Board of Directors comprises leaders from the nonprofit and for-profit sector who are dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission. We are working to ensure we have a diverse board of directors from our three-county service area to represent the children and families living in Somerset, Hunterdon, or Warren County. Board members serve a 3-year term, with 2 consecutive terms allowed. Responsibilities include: • Being an advocate of TCCMO and its mission • Becoming knowledgeable of the Board’s legal and ethical responsibilities • Developing an understanding of TCCMO’s budget, budget development and financial position If you have an interest in serving on the board of this vital organization and live, work, or worship in one of the 3 counties mentioned above, please contact Lynne Eaton at Lynnegeaton@gmail.com. www.tricountycmo.org 3322 Route 22 West, Suite 1207-1208, Branchburg, NJ 08876 908-218-0300 908-218-0301 (fax) www.branchburgoralsurgery.com We Accept Most Major PPO Dental Plans Karl Maloney, D.D.S. Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon Wisdom Teeth Dental Implants Bone Grafting General Anesthesia 3D Cone Beam CT Jaw Surgery Oral Pathology Facial Trauma Following all CDC & ADA guidelines for COVID-19 After two long years of tentative living, society is once again focusing on self-care and wellness. While our emphasis here at Hillsborough Hand and Stone is always on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it has been wonderful to see our clients coming back to their regular massage and skincare routines in full force these past months. There are so many benefits to the services we offer and after a stretch of fearful existence, this year is proving to be a time of healing and regeneration for us all and we look forward to providing the services you need to stay on your path to wellness. Massage is known for its many beneficial components; including lowering stress, increasing relaxation and better quality of sleep, improving mobility and reducing pain, and it can even boost immune function. But did you know that we have customized massage treatment plans that are built according to your needs? For example, someone who works in front of a computer screen all day may experience the phenomenon known as tech neck; where the neck and shoulders hold tension and cause pain. Our massage therapists will customize treatment plans individually and often incorporate stretching into your appointment for lasting results that you can maintain from home. In addition, we offer service enhancements to relax, revive and treat pre and post workout needs as well. Sports massage and Theragun Percussive Therapy are popular at our Hillsborough location for our many athlete clients needing to prepare for and recover from all kinds of events. Our licensed MTs work with you before and after your activities whether they are golf tournaments or triathlons. Himalayan Stones and CBD oil is a winning combination for many regular clients looking to decrease inflammation and sink into their downtime feeling amazing. At Hillsborough Hand and Stone, we offer skincare and waxing for all skin types and our licensed estheticians create specific treatment plans that work best for each individual client. Adapting a regular skincare routine is valuable in many ways, including, of course, looking fabulous, but also protecting the skin from harmful toxins and pollution that we face in our daily lives. Our facial appointments are customized for your specific needs and can be tailored to address concerns such as mature skin, sensitivity and rosacea, oily, dry, or combination skin, even hyper-pigmentation. We offer enhanced facial treatments including microdermabrasion to remove dead layers and revitalize the appearance of dull skin. Our NuFace enhancement lifts and tones the skin by pushing a micro-current to the facial muscles for a painless face lift effect. Each mask we offer has its own benefit; some examples are soothing oatmeal, plumping collagen and even detoxifying charcoal. At Hillsborough Hand and Stone, we also offer LED light treatments and will soon be featuring Cryotherapy for the face and for the body. We are excited about this new addition to our spa! More details will be available soon, and we look forward to sharing more new things with you this year. We look forward to your next visit and to helping you in your journey to wellness. Once you have experienced your customized massage and developed a fitness routine for your skin, you will be feeling healthy, happy and ready to thrive! We will see you soon! STAY ON THE PATH TO WELLNESS WITH HILLSBOROUGH HAND AND STONE By Keri English Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa - Hillsborough 649 Route 206, Hillsborough NJ 08844 (908) 281-0001 handandstonehillsborough.com Commends Connection Did you know that we have customized massage treatment plans that are built according to your needs? For example, someone who works in front of a computer screen all day may experience the phenomenon known as tech neck; where the neck and shoulders hold tension and cause pain. Each mask we offer has its own benefit; some examples are soothing oatmeal, plumping collagen and even detoxifying charcoal.
theconnectionsnj.com HEALTH & WELLNESS PAGE 21 Massages, Facials, Waxing Ask about our Loyalty Rewards Lifestyle Program ALLOW US TO HELP YOU FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE! Hillsborough Hand and Stone (908) 281-0001 649 Route 206 Hillsborough, NJ 08844 handandstonehillsborough.com Join Retro Today and Start Getting Results! A Retro Fitness Gift Card makes the Perfect Gift for Father’s Day, Birthday, Anniversary, High School & College Graduation! Follow us for fitness tips, motivation, and special offers! #getreal $O ENROLLMENT (3) 1 HOUR PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS $180.00 (for new PT clients, introductory rate) 908-722-1046 908-829-4423 Tanning
theconnectionsnj.com HEALTH & WELLNESS PAGE 22 Angela C. Cruz LMFT Emotional Health Center Couples and Individual Therapist Do not give your past the power to de ne your future “I am not what happened to me, I amwhat I choose to become.” – Carl Jung Over fteen years’ experience working with individuals and couples. My specialty is working with couples and individuals struggling with anxiety. My goal is to help couples feel empowered and put them on a positive path to growth and well-being so they can work through di cult situations of the past and to better understand and resolve challenges in their relationship. I o er a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my clients’ needs to help attain the personal growth they’re striving for. • Couples Therapy • Marital Therapy • Relational Issues • Individual Therapy • Anxiety • Depression 150 West End Street Suite 9 Somerville, NJ 08876 180 Tices Ln Suite 104E East Brunswick, NJ 08816 908-448-8083 www.acruztherapist.com www.drjimchiro.com Limited Hours - Call for Appointment We've got your back during COVID-19 Official Chiropractor of the Somerset Patriots Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees
theconnectionsnj.com HEALTH & WELLNESS PAGE 23 Have you noticed that even as life normalizes, you might not feel like you did prior to March 2020? We are all grateful to be attending events, spending time with friends and family, and seeing people’s smiling faces. And even so, we might not feel good. As I searched for answers to explain this post pandemic phenomenon, I came across a series of articles published by the NY Times. On December 30, 2021, Dani Blum and Farah Miller provided a summary of these articles as a list of advice titled “How to Improve Your Mental Health in 2022.” The following is an excerpt from their article. 1.Give your feeling a name. Adam Grant said, “Languishing might be the dominant emotion of 2021.” People certainly knew they were feeling some kind of way, but it wasn’t burnout or depression or even boredom. “Languishing is the neglected middle child of mental health,” Dr. Grant wrote. “It’s the void between depression and flourishing — the absence of well-being.” 2. Find meaning in everyday activities. There are simple steps you can take to recharge your emotional batteries and spark a sense of fulfillment, purpose and happiness. The psychology community calls this combination of physical, mental and emotional fitness “flourishing.” One easy way to get there is by doing your everyday activities with more purpose. Something as simple as cleaning the kitchen or doing yard work, or even washing your pillowcases, can build toward a sense of accomplishment. 3.Allow yourself to grieve ‘small’ losses. In the hierarchy of human suffering during the pandemic, a canceled prom or vacation or lost time with grandchildren may not sound like much, but mental health experts say that all loss needs to be acknowledged and grieved. We need to give ourselves permission to mourn, Tara Parker-Pope wrote in an article about disenfranchised grief. “Once you accept that your grief is real, there are steps you can take to help you cope,” she said. “Consider planting a tree, for example, or finding an item that represents your loss, like canceled airline tickets or a wedding invitation, and burying it.” 4. If you need one, take a ‘Sad Day.’ When your brain and body need a break, taking a mental health day off from work or school can help you rest and recharge. As one clinical psychologist said: “You wouldn’t feel bad about taking time off when sick. You shouldn’t feel bad about taking some time off when you’re sad.” Try not to spend the day checking your messages or feeling guilty. Make a plan to do something that will help you recharge. 5. If you can, give back. Well before a pandemic tore people away from their loved ones, experts were warning of “an epidemic of loneliness” in the United States. A potential cure? Kindness toward others, Christina Caron wrote in an article about the benefits of volunteering. Research shows that giving back can improve our health, ease feelings of loneliness and broaden our social networks. Set a small goal, like volunteering once a week, or even once a month, and building from there. MentalHealthNJ.org is now accepting applications for the Steven R. Budoff Mental Health Educational Scholarships. Psychiatric and Behavioral Health Solutions MENTALHEALTHNJ.ORG AND PSYCHIATRIC AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SOLUTIONS PRESENT TIPS FOR LIVING IN POST-PANDEMIC NJ By Deborah Sacks-Wilner How to Improve Your Mental Health in 2022 1.Give your feeling a name. 2.Find meaning in everyday activities. 3.Allow yourself to grieve ‘small’ losses. 4.If you need one, take a ‘Sad Day’. 5.If you can, give back.
theconnectionsnj.com HEALTH & WELLNESS PAGE 24 FREE new patient consultation to learn drug-free allergy relief options NMRnj.com/appointment-request SURVIVING SEASONAL ALLERGIES Somerset | 908-252-0242 Relieve your allergies without feeling drowsy, dizzy or fatigued. By Dr. Vince Sferra, Natural Medicine & Rehabilitation Allergy seasons have many suffering from a stuffy, runny, or congested nose, itchy and watery eyes, scratchy throat, sneezing, sniffling, coughing, and overall fatigue. If you are looking for non-pharmacological treatment options to help relieve your allergies without feeling drowsy, dizzy, or having an impaired motor function, and dry mouth, it’s time to explore alternatives to conventional allergy medications. Seasonal allergies develop when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the environment. When the immune system overreacts, it, along with our nervous system, releases histamines and other chemicals causing these allergy symptoms. Spinal misalignments and spinal joint stiffness along with irritated nerves around the spine can reduce neurological function, impede the effectiveness of our immune system, and cause an increase in allergy symptoms. Chiropractic care reduces the stress on the spine and nervous system which can help the nerves and as a result, the immune system, function more effectively. You may already know which triggers from the environment make your symptoms worse, but you may also have a genetic predisposition to experiencing allergy-like symptoms. Therefore, a neurological exam by a functional medicine doctor will help them investigate what triggers and causes your symptoms in order to develop an individual treatment plan specific to your needs. Physical exercise can get your blood pumping and enable you to move allergens through the bloodstream quickly. Stagnant allergens can settle in the sinuses and cause inflammation. Physical therapy treatment can open those sinuses for better drainage which means less pressure in your face, fewer headaches, and the ability to breathe through your nose again. Learning exercises to strengthen your diaphragm muscles may also help you breathe better. Diaphragmatic breathing not only strengthens your diaphragm but is also a great stress-reduction technique. Biofeedback therapy can be used to manage your rate and method of breathing and your body’s response to stress. Stress can wreak havoc on the immune system making your allergies even worse. Learning ways to detox your body will also help to speed up the elimination of allergens through the kidneys and skin. The body has its own natural daily cleansing process to eliminate or filter out allergens and toxins through the use of the liver, lungs, kidneys, colon, intestines, and skin. Certain food can help reduce allergy symptoms, by reducing inflammation and boosting your immune system. Supplements and probiotics may need to be added to complement a healthy diet to further help support the immune system during allergy season. By having good nutrition and learning how to detox our homes for a healthy living environment thereby exposing ourselves to the least amount of environmental toxins, we will enable our body to do its detoxing job well! Acupuncture is another non-pharmacological treatment option that addresses the underlying imbalances within the body causing allergic reactions. Acupuncture supports the nervous and immune systems, can help decrease inflammation, and increases blood flow to help detoxify and eliminate allergens in the body. If you are seeking to alleviate seasonal allergy symptoms, there are many drug-free options to help you manage your symptoms. Call Natural Medicine & Rehabilitation for a FREE new patient consultation at 908-252-0242 or visit NMRNJ.com/appointment-request Physical therapy treatment can open those sinuses for better drainage which means less pressure in your face, fewer headaches, and the ability to breathe through your nose again. Diaphragmatic breathing not only strengthens your diaphragm but is also a great stress-reduction technique. Spinal misalignments and spinal joint stiffness along with irritated nerves around the spine can reduce neurological function, impede the effectiveness of our immune system, and cause an increase in allergy symptoms. SEASONAL ALLERGIES
theconnectionsnj.com HEALTH & WELLNESS PAGE 25 CALL 908-279-7740 NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Or Visit Our Website www.NewLifeWeightLossNJ.com 3 Mountain Blvd., Warren, NJ 07059 LOSE THE FAT AND KEEP IT OFF! LOSE UP TO 20-40 LBS IN 40 DAYS If you have ever knitted a random project with variegated yarn, you have experienced the unfortunate situation where instead of the colors spreading out they begin to align with the same color stacking above and below in a puddle of color. This continues until the shaping of your project changes or the color shifts ever so slightly. This giant unwanted splotch is called “pooling” and in most cases, it’s something one tries to avoid. I recall using my favorite Red Heart variegated yarn in all the saturated ROYGBIV colors and dreading the splotch but not knowing how to avoid it other than making a knot on the wrong side to move the color along. Times have changed and yarn companies began using a process called “space dying” (nothing to do with NASA). Space dyeing is a purposeful method of dying the wool in a long-g-g-g repeat (like 10 yards) before the same color pattern comes back around. Then the yarn companies introduced patterns that used the planned pooling to make designs. Some sock yarns use this space-dyed process to create stripes and designs without the need for multiple colors changes, avoiding the “tangled bobbins” used for making argyle socks. These spacedyed yarns are called “self striping” making sock projects fun and engaging while you watch how the color patterns emerge and the design changes. These yarns can also be used for baby sweaters or hats. Pooling designs go beyond socks. Noro yarn makes self-striping yarns with a 40+ yards repeat that makes beautiful shawls, purses and sweaters. I especially like the effect of using this yarn with an Entrelac design. Entrelac is a method of knitting squares in a basketweave design that uses up each color so the garment appears to be made of individual diamonds of different colors, yet it’s all one space dyed skein. See the Lady Eleanor Entrelac Shawl by Kathleen Power Johnson on Ravelry.com. Prism Yarn has several variegated yarns, Madison and Valhalla, that use a stacking method of knitting to make a planned pooling design. This works by first casting on stitches until you have reached the end of one full repeat. Count the # of stitches across all the colors before the repeat (say 72 stitches). So if making a cowl, double this number and add a few stitches if you want the design to move to the right (so the cast on would have 72 x 2 + 2 stitches). Try the 7501 Color Stacked Cowl or Reversible Wrap by Laura Bryant on Ravelry.com. Recently, I was introduced to Assigned Pooling patterns by the Barker Wood Yarn company (barkerwool.com). Their method uses unique stitching in the section where the chosen color appears creating a random design. The Calico Shawl looks like a field of wildflowers. I love the spontaneity and random appearance of the colorwork. The idea is to knit until you reach the accent color, then create the decorative stitch using up all of the accent color and then return to the basic stitch. Several patterns are available from the designer that use this technique, but you can certainly create your own design. I decided to try it for myself using variegated yarn in my stash. - Choose a variegated yarn that has a contrast between the chosen accent color and the other colors. [Note: Do not choose black to be the accent color; it could look like crawling bugs; not a favorable look.] - Each time that color appears, create a decorative stitch, like a bobble, that uses all of that color. Then continue knitting. - Once complete, move all the decorative stitches to the right side. If too much of the accent color begin to pool in one section, push several to the opposite side. Here is my sample showing 3 different looks: (1) plain knitting, (2) assigned pooling using a bobble as the accent stitch, and (3) a combination of 1 and 2. I chose fuchsia/orange to be the accent color since it’s the color that appears least. It’s important to use an accent stitch that uses all of the accent color. Try this technique with a simple triangle scarf like Simple Sideways Triangle Scarf by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas on Ravelry.com If you have ever knitted a random project with variegated yarn, you have experienced the unfortunate situation where instead of the colors spreading out they begin to align with the same color stacking above and below in a puddle of color. YOU’RE THE BOSS OF YOUR KNITTING: VARIEGATED YARNS AND THE POOLING EFFECT By Carolyn Hanson
theconnectionsnj.com HEALTH & WELLNESS PAGE 26 The Only ProgramYou Will Ever Need To Get Organized INTRODUCINGMindful Tools For Organized Living Education Beyond the Classroom • IN-PERSON or VIRTUAL tutoring •Weeknight orWeekend availability •Will connect with child’s teacher to identify goals for student growth and progress • Consistent communication with parents about child's progress • Currently a 4th grade teacher at East Brunswick Public Schools • Graduate of The College of New Jersey with Masters in Special Education and Bachelors in Elementary Education with concentration in STEM Experience: Call me for more information and scheduling 908-938-6989 briannam.petro@gmail.com Ms. Brianna Petro TUTORING SERVICES for elementary-aged students (pre K-6) in math Following COVID-19 guidelines Creating Confidence, Encouraging Resiliency and Keeping Learning Fun! Many people struggle with clutter but they don’t have to. There are options to live clutter free. Yet, people still struggle. Why is that? It’s a question that I have asked myself for years. In fact, I was so intrigued by this question that I found myself on a quest to find the answer. I soon found that this one question was packed with more than I bargained for. This question posed other questions, unleashing my deep desire to better understand: • Why are so many people depressed? • Why do we feel anxious? • What are we all so afraid of? • Why is there so much imbalance in the world? • What is the human spirit capable of? Over the years, I have received countless emails from people asking: What’s the secret to living a clutter-free life? With each inquiry, my quest grew deeper. I wanted to help these people. I wanted to get them to a place where they could live in a home that was neat, clean and organized. I wanted them to stop worrying and feel at peace. And most of all, I wanted their pain to go away. It broke my heart to see them suffer. I wish I could tell you that I was able to figure out all the answers, but there are still many questions that remain. However, this spiritual journey that I speak of has served me well. It has provided a richer understanding of why some people choose to free themselves of clutter while others remain stuck. Yet, that didn’t stop my quest for trying to help those who are still struggling. With over 20+ years of experience, I created a program that is proven to empower you, give you more energy and provide the peace of mind you need to finally get organized for good! Mindful Tools For Organized Living is the most elite and complete, step-by-step program that will help you overcome your stress, overwhelm and procrastination. All that is required is a few necessities: • You show up • You are committed to growing • You keep an open mind • You embrace coaching But, don’t just take my word for it. The testimonials speak for themselves. Satisfied customers who are happy, relieved and clutter-free will gladly share that Mindful Tools For Organized Living is the only program you’ll ever need to create the joyful environment (and life) you always dreamed of. You can learn more here: https:// mindfulness.patriciadiesel.com/mindfulness Why are so many people depressed? Why do we feel anxious? What are we all so afraid of? Why are there so many imbalances in the world? What is the human spirit capable of? STRUGGLING WITH CLUTTER? HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT By Patricia Diesel
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