The Connections Bridgewater-Somerville Edition June/July/August 2023

Welcome to our 2023 Summer Issue of the Bridgewater-Somerville Edition! Now that our days are longer, make the most of the “lazy days of summer.” It’s the perfect time to sit back and enjoy the warmth of the sun, while making memories with family and friends. In this issue you will find some great ideas for adults, children, couples and families. Whether you’re interested in a day trip, fun activities, shopping, or a new dining location, we’ve got you covered. How about a drivable vacation this summer! Check out our Summer Section to find a great place to visit for a day or weekend trip, only a car ride away. Or, stay more local and go on a shopping spree! Many of the diverse stores are getting new summer merchandise in…peruse the bounty that awaits you! Summer is the perfect time to take a break from cooking! The restaurants are not as crowded and are ready to give you a warm welcome and excellent service. Bonus-many of them provide outdoor dining!! We couldn’t have made it any easier for you to find an amazing restaurant to try with Your Guide to Summer Dining Section. There are many dining options, and the best part is that they are local! Please read the Community News article, “Mount Bethel Village.” Mount Bethel Village provides day and residential programs for our community members with special needs. It features Mr. Jason Mross, a resident at Mount Bethel, and his colorful paintings. Hello, parents, this article is for YOU! Need a new place to visit that will keep your kids interested and be fun and exciting? “Battling the Boredom Blues,” our Family Adventures column, has several unique suggestions. Crystal Zhang is our cover artist. She attends Bridgewater-Raritan High School where she is currently enrolled in an AP Studio Art Class. I love the way she combined many shades of blue and rose to create the forms on the canvas. Her painting is entitled, Aromatic. Crystal’s inspiration for the piece was, “…strong light…hard edges and fascinating color complexities, especially in skin tones.” We thank our readers who love reading our PRINT magazines and also thank those who can easily navigate the vast DIGITAL space to enjoy the issue. To make it easier for our digital readers, there is a FREE digital subscription. Get instant access, anytime, anywhere! The subscription link is: theconnectionsnj.com/subscribe-to-our-magazines. We truly do CONNECT you to your communities! Have a safe and enjoyable summer! Sincerely, Anna Petro, Publisher Crystal Zhang is a current student in Mrs. Stutzman’s AP Studio Art class at BridgewaterRaritan High School. She has always enjoyed artistic activities such as singing and drawing. She says, “Art has always been a creative outlet for me because it allows me to express ideas that are difficult to articulate with words. Creating art is a liberating and fulfilling experience that has greatly shaped this portion of my life.” Her favorite mediums to work in are acrylic paint and alcohol markers because of their flexibility and versatility. Crystal is especially interested in using her art to spread a positive message to others or shed light on social movements and other important topics. In the future, she hopes to study psychology and political science. HIGHLIGHTS... THE CONNECTION'S STAFF ON THE COVER 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. PUBLISHED BY Connection Magazine, LLC • P.O. Box 4081 • Warren, NJ 07059 908-903-1799 • info@theconnectionsnj.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS... Gail Bicknell ASID,CAPS, Kaylynn Ebner, Dr. Andrea S Freeman, VMD, MS, Jennifer Halmi, Carolyn Hanson, Sherry Kevoe, Joanne Kleinle, Marla Lecin, Ellyn Mantell, Dr.Michael Osit, Deborah Schader, Dr. Vince Sferra, Johanna Wiseman A NOTE FROM OUR PUBLISHER... Chicken Holiday ....................................................................................Page 14 Congregation Knesseth Israel..............................................................Page 24 Floor Coverings International...............................................................Page 29 Promenade Smiles Family Dentistry.....................................................Page 37 Pets’ Health : Kind Veterinary Care Center...........................................Page 8 Senior Corner.........................................................................................Page 10 SHOPPING, BEAUTY & EVENTS SECTION ................................Pages 12-17 YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER DINING ...........................................Pages 18-22 Pets’ Corner: My Dogs Got Class.........................................................Page 23 KIDZ CONNECTION SECTION ....................................................Pages 25-26 Family Adventures.................................................................................Page 26 HOME & DESIGN SECTION .........................................................Pages 27-35 Hints for the Home: Fair Street Interiors.............................................Page 28 Real Estate Corner: Johanna Wiseman................................................Page 30 Community News: Mount Bethel Village.............................................Page 33 HEALTH & WELLNESS SECTION .................................................Pages 36-41 Mind the Mind.......................................................................................Page 36 Health Hotline: Natural Medicine & Rehabilitation............................Page 38 Medical Minutes: Psychiatric & Behavioral Health..............................Page 40 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ............................................................Pages 42-43 Slice of Life.............................................................................................Page 44 Creative Corner.....................................................................................Page 44 WE'RE HIRING! BECOME A PART OF OUR TEAM Advertising Sales Rep. Needed send resume to: info@theconnectionsnj.com Founded by the Late Robin Fand OFFICE MANAGER Donna Reina EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Georgeann Agaisse SOCIAL MEDIA & PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Heather Silver ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Patty Herman ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Alicia Singman Somewhere in this Magazine is a FAKE AD. Spot it and send your answer, name, city and phone number to: Spotthefake@theconnectionsnj.com or play online at theconnectionsnj.com Congratulations to everyone that spotted Look To The Palm in our April issue! AND THE WINNER IS… Leah Papp of Bridgewater Leah won a gift certificate to Sabor Tico in Bridgewater. SPOT THE FAKE! Crystal Zhang Bridgewater-Raritan High School

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