THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION PAGE 6 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2026 8 Medical Minutes: Performance Ortho 10 Commends: Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum 11 Financial Forum: Shapiro CPAs 12 Commends: Rainbow Travel 15-29 SAVOR SUMMER: SHOP, DINE & EXPLORE 15 Connection Community Champions: SAFE (Somerville Alliance for Food Education) 16 Creative Corner: Carolyn Hanson 18 WINE & DINE DIRECTORY 20 Somerset Spotlight: Somerset County Park Commission 22 Campers & Caviar: Serafina Valentine 23 Commends: Warren County Farmers’ Fair 24 Miles of Meaning: Jewish Family Services 26 Family Adventures: Joanne Kleinle 29 Slice of Life: Ellyn Mantell 30-33 KIDZ CONNECTION 30 Wisdom Meets Youth: Ellyn Mantell 31 Teen Voice: Anishka Suhas 32 Shelf Awareness: Sonia Prabhakar & Isabella Santos 32 A Poet’s Playground: Tanush Mukherjee 34-37 HEALTH & WELLNESS 34 Mind the Mind: Dr. Michael Osit 35 Health Hotline: Natural Medicine & Rehabilitation 36 Food for Thought: Lori Kolodin 38-39 SENIOR LIVING 38 Community News: Heath Village 40-45 HOME & DESIGN 40 Hints for the Home: Fair Street Interiors 42 Real Estate Corner: Johanna Wiseman 46-47 COMMUNITY CALENDAR 48 Inside Real Estate: Red Door Real Estate Danella Haro-Aguayo Title: Old Colonial Door Medium: Watercolor Traditional Fine Art Danella Haro-Aguayo is an artist, illustrator, and art teacher passionate about bringing beauty, emotion, and a sense of calm into everyday life through watercolor. Her work goes beyond painting—it is about creating pieces that inspire joy, peace, and connection within the spaces we live in. Originally from Peru, she grew up surrounded by rich culture, colors, and textures that shaped her love for creativity and her artistic vision. Now, based in New Jersey, she finds endless inspiration in nature—from the Atlantic coast to quiet forests and changing seasons. With over 12 years of experience as an Interior Designer, she understands how deeply our surroundings affect our well-being. Today, she blends that knowledge with the soft, flowing magic of watercolor to create art that feels warm, meaningful, and timeless. Her style combines realism with the subtle magic of nature, creating artwork that brings stillness, warmth, and beauty into everyday life. THE CONNECTION MAGAZINE'S TEAM PUBLISHED BY Georgeann Agaisse, Heather Silver, Alicia Singman, Jeanette Vogel, Pramisa Timsina The Connection Magazine P.O. Box 4081, Warren, NJ 07059 908-903-1799 | info@theconnectionsnj.com Somewhere in this magazine is a FAKE 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 One & Done Window Cleaning is John C of Somerville. John won a gift certificate to Uncle Julio's Mexican in Bridgewater. Next Issue SEPTEMBER! Advertising deadline August 10, 2026 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... As summer begins, our communities come alive with outdoor dining, local events, and family fun. The Bridgewater-Somerville edition of our June/Summer issue is filled with local businesses, restaurants, activities, and services to help you make the most of the season. One of our featured sections this summer is our special Wine & Dine Directory, highlighting many outstanding restaurants throughout the communities we proudly serve. Whether you are revisiting a favorite spot or trying somewhere new, summer is the ideal time to enjoy local dining and support the businesses that make our towns unique. We are also proud supporters of Warren Restaurant Week and encourage our readers to participate in the Restaurant Passport Program and experience the wonderful restaurants featured throughout the event. Warren Restaurant Week takes place from June 12-26. Please see featured ads from participating restaurants in our Warren edition, as well as online. Summer is also the perfect time to refresh your home, complete projects, explore camps and tutoring programs, and discover new local services. Whether you are dining out, planning summer activities for your family, or looking for trusted local professionals, we hope this issue becomes your guide all summer long. The intriguing painting on the cover of this issue was painted by Danella Haro-Aguayo. Titled Old Colonial Door, this piece invites the viewer to wonder what lies beyond and the stories that could be told from what has occurred within. Danella explains she was inspired, "by my deep belief that age does not lessen value-it reveals it." Danella’s words of wisdom ring true! America turns 250 this summer! To help you celebrate this milestone, our latest Family Adventures column features an extensive guide by Joanne Kleinle. The article includes a curated list of places to visit and ways to celebrate, all while incorporating fascinating historical context. We invite you to read the full column to start planning your commemorative trips and activities. Happy 250th, America! Please read our Miles of Meaning column by Walter Yosafat of Jewish Family Services. It is a touching story of giving back to this social service agency in a way that has so much significance. Walter’s parents were Holocaust survivors, and JFS was there to provide the care, support, coordination and resources that made it possible to move to Ohio. Years later Walter donated his prized possessions-a VW Bug and Bus-to the same agency that helped his family. Please consider donating to help fund essential services for other families in need. Most importantly, we encourage everyone to continue supporting local businesses. When visiting our featured advertisers, please let them know you discovered them through The Connection Magazine. #TellThemWeSentYou! Your support helps strengthen the businesses and communities we all love. Shop Local. Dine Local. Support Local. Wishing you and your family a safe, happy, and memorable summer! Warm regards, Anna Petro A Note From Our Publisher... CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gail Bicknell, Carolyn Hanson, Joanne Kleinle, Lori Kolodin, Ellyn Mantell, Chris Milan, Tanush Mukherjee, Edward P. Nugent III, Dr. Michael Osit, Sonia Prabhakar, Isabella Santos, Dr. Vince Sferra, Robert Shapiro, Anishka Suhas, Dr. Chris Thomas, Serafina Valentine, Johanna Wiseman, Walter Yosafat
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