THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION PAGE 6 APRIL/MAY 2025 8 Medical Minutes - Performance Ortho 11 Roofing Revelations - Best Choice Roofing 12 Commends - Crown Veterinary Specialists & Associates 14 Family Adventures – Joanne Kleinle 14-20 SHOPPING, DINING, BEAUTY & EVENTS 16 Creative Corner – Carolyn Hanson 18 Slice of Life – Ellyn Mantell 21-23 KIDZ CONNECTION 21 Commends - Cambridge School 23 Commends - Greater Somerset County YMCA 29-33 HEALTH & WELLNESS 29 Mind the Mind – Dr. Michael Osit 30 Health Hotline - NMR 32 Food for Thought - Lori Kolodin, MPH, RD 34 WOMEN OWNED DIRECTORY 35-45 HOME & DESIGN 38 Real Estate Corner - Johanna Wiseman 40 Community News - Mansion in May 42 Hints for the Home - Fair Street Interiors 46-47 COMMUNITY CALENDAR 48 HOUSES OF WORSHIP FAITH, HOPE, JOY Kate Griffin Title of Artwork: Boots Medium: Acrylic paint on 6x6" stretched canvas. Kate Griffin is a New Jersey-based fine artist. In 2009 she graduated from New Jersey City University with her BA in Drawing & Painting and K-12 Teaching Certification. That year she began teaching at Watchung Hills Regional High School in Warren, New Jersey, and since then has taught almost all of the art electives offered with a focus on painting at the foundations, intermediate, honors and Advanced Placement levels. Since 2019 she has been the advisor of the National Art Honor Society, which encourages art students to share their passion and talent for the arts with their school community. In 2016 she earned her Master’s degree in Studio Art from Kean University. Since then she has been regularly creating and showing work at group and solo exhibitions all over the state. As a way to focus more on her individual painting practice, Kate challenged herself to complete one painting per week for the entire year of 2024. Following themed prompts, each of her 52 paintings, 6x6” in size, explored still life, landscapes and portraits. Boots is #49. The entire body of work, A Year in the Making, can be viewed on her website: www.paintingwithbrains.com or on her instagram @paintingwithbrains. THE CONNECTION MAGAZINE'S TEAM PUBLISHED BY Donna Reina, Georgeann Agaisse, Heather Silver, Patty Herman, Alicia Singman The Connection Magazine P.O. Box 4081, Warren, NJ 07059 908-903-1799 | info@theconnectionsnj.com Somewhere in this magazine is aFAKE AD. Spot it and send your answer, along with your name, city or town and phone number to: spotthefake@theconnectionsnj.com or play online at theconnectionsnj.com The WINNER of the Bespoke Butler ad in the February issue is Yamila Izquierdo of Bridgewater. Yamila won a gift certificate to Sabor Tico in Bridgewater. Next Issue June! Advertising deadline May 23, 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... Spring has sprung, bringing with it the warmth of the sun, longer days, and a renewed sense of energy! As we step into this vibrant season, we also celebrate the many new businesses that have recently opened their doors in our community. We’re excited to bring you the April issue of our Bridgewater-Somerville Connection, your trusted resource for all things local. This issue is particularly special as we shine a well-deserved spotlight on Women-Owned Businesses. Inside, you’ll find a dedicated directory featuring the incredible women who have built and nurtured businesses right here in our neighborhood. As a fellow woman-owned business, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to these inspiring entrepreneurs for their hard work, dedication, and the invaluable services they provide to our community. I encourage you to stop by to support them, help these businesses thrive, and #TellThemWeSentYou! We are also thrilled to highlight Mansion in May, a remarkable event that transforms a historic estate into a breathtaking design showcase, all in support of Morristown Hospital. This extraordinary fundraiser, led by a women’s organization, brings together talented designers who pour their creativity into making this event a true masterpiece. Be sure to explore our Home & Design section, where you’ll find a feature on Mansion in May, as well as some of the incredible designers who contributed to this year’s transformation. Please take some time to read our articles. They are filled with valuable information and written by experts in their fields. You will be glad you did! Roofing Revelations is a new column by Dennis Bree, Owner of Best Choice Roofing-Jersey Shore. Find out how to avoid insurance cancellation, why and when to replace a roof and how to take action through inspections, maintenance or replacement. In keeping with the theme of spring, it is time to get outdoors and admire all of nature’s grandeur. What better place than Duke Farms in Hillsborough! Read our Family Adventures column by Joanne Kleinle and discover all that this gorgeous estate has to o er. As Joanne puts it, Duke Farms, “is a magical place to simply enjoy nature, art and history.” Boots is the title of our cover art. It was painted by Kate Gri n using acrylic paint on canvas. It was Van Gogh’s painting, A Pair of Shoes, painted in 1887 that inspired Kate to paint her very own and much loved Dr. Martens boots. I am sure they bring back fond memories for many of our readers! This issue is packed with valuable editorial content and business spotlights to help you discover the best local services—whether you're looking for health and wellness providers, home improvement experts, kid-friendly resources, or senior services, we have you covered. Warm regards, Anna Petro A Note From Our Publisher... CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gail Bicknell, Dennis Bree, Kaylynn Ebner, Barbara Gallo, Carolyn Hanson, Joanne Kleinle, Lori Kolodin, Ellyn Mantell, Jenayah Mathis-Minnigan, Dr. Jopseph Mejia, Dr. Michael Osit, James Preimesberger, Dr. Vince Sferra, Johanna Wiseman
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