Cover Artwork By Susan Rupert NOV 2023-JAN 2025 Bridgewater, Branchburg, Hillsborough, Martinsville, Somerville Bridgewater-Somerville Edition
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THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION PAGE 6 NOV 2024-JAN 2025 8 Financial Forum: Shapiro CPA 10 Community News: Jewish Family Service 14-25 HOLIDAY CHEER 14 Wine, Dine & Have a Great Time Guide 22 Home for the Holidays 24-25 Unwrap Joy & Shop Small Directory 26 Family Adventures: Joanne Kleinle 27-28 KIDZ CONNECTION 27 Teen Voice: Pranati Misra 28 Creative Corner: Carolyn Hanson 29-39 HEALTH & WELLNESS 30 Mind the Mind: Dr. Michael Osit 32 Mind Matters: Stan Popovich 33 Health Hotline: NMR 34 Medical Minutes: Vital Brain & Spine 36 The Art of Living: Barry Farber, Diamond Minds 37 Medical Minutes: Somerville Dental Sleep Medicine 38 Food for Thought: Lori Kolodin, MPH, RD 40-46 HOME & DESIGN 43 Hints for the Home: Fair Street Interiors 44 Real Estate Corner: Johanna Wiseman 46 Community News: Somerset County Sheri 's O ce 47 Slice of Life: Ellyn Mantell 48-49 SENIOR LIVING 48 Senior Corner: Ellyn Mantell 49 Commends: ComForCare Home Care 50 -51 COMMUNITY CALENDAR 52 Houses of Worship: Faith, Hope, Joy Susan Rupert Title of Artwork: A Swanky Confection Susan Rupert is an artist with a curiosity for common household items and the beauty inherent in everyday scenes which inspire her paintings. With unique color combinations and patterns her art is a celebration of these simple things. Whether it’s an ordinary tablescape, still life or shorelines, there’s always an eye-catching color, quirky twist and a sense of realism! Though she works primarily in acrylics, watercolor, and watercolor inks, she loves experimenting with new methods. Born and raised in the New York suburbs, she has resided in Basking Ridge, NJ area for the past twenty years. After more than 25 years as a high-end digital retoucher in the highly competitive NYC advertising industry, she has recently retired and now commits her talents exclusively to her own creations. In addition to her paintings, Susan has extended her art to home products as a natural progression of combining her love of art and home decor accessories. In addition to her artistic journey, she shares her life with her husband of more than three decades and her grown twin sons. She is a gym rat, outdoor enthusiast, and avid golfer Susan enjoys lending her time to volunteering at the local VA and senior center hosting painting events. Susan’s art can be found on her website: susanrupertartworks.com or follow her on Instagram: susanrupertartworks. 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 TheWINNERSof the Fifty Is Fabulous ad in the September issue is Erica and Chris Malley of Somerville. They won a gift certificate to Wine Central in Warren. Happy New Year! Next Issue February Advertising deadline January 10, 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... As we step into the heart of the holiday season, it’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration. The November issue of the Bridgewater-Somerville Connection arrives in your home during a season filled with joy, traditions, and togetherness. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or simply savoring the beauty of winter, this special time brings opportunities to connect with loved ones and embrace the spirit of giving. Please see our Faith, Love, Joy section, which o ers a curated selection of places where you can find peace and inspiration during this joyful time. During this season, let’s celebrate what makes our community so special—our local businesses! As you prepare for the holidays and the cheerful weeks ahead, we invite you to embrace the spirit of shopping small and supporting the entrepreneurs who bring unique treasures to our neighborhoods. Our Unwrap Joy & Shop Small business listing is here to connect you with local merchants who can make your holiday shopping truly special. Small-Business Saturday is November 30, a day dedicated to showing support for local businesses. But don’t stop there—let’s make shopping local a year-round habit to keep our community thriving. Complete your day of shopping by participating in one of the many festive celebrations, joyful gatherings, and unforgettable experiences catalogued for you on our Home for the Holidays page. If you're in the mood to relax and celebrate with family and friends, check out our Wine, Dine & Have a Great Time directory, featuring some of the best restaurants around town. Gift cards to these local spots make wonderful holiday presents, too! Once again, Joanne Kleinle has scoped out the perfect way to spend the day celebrating the holiday season with your family. Lights, lights, lights! Read the Family Adventures column to discover where you can view a spectacular display of holiday lighting whether you choose to visit Essex County here in NJ, Brooklyn, NY or Berks County, PA. These seasonal light extravaganzas will illuminate you with joy! Please read our Community News column to learn specific steps you can take to protect your home during the holidays. The Somerset County Sheri ’s O ce reminds us to be attentive to extra security and safety measures that are necessary during this time. Heed their advice to prevent holiday crime in your neighborhood. The lavish bundt cake on our cover was painted by Susan Rupert. She was inspired to paint it because it was reminiscent of a cake her mother used to make. She says, “The painting evokes thoughts of entertaining, food, family and celebrating the upcoming holidays!” The details of silverware, blue linen napkins, and lemons add charm to this luscious piece of art. May this festive season bring you great peace and joy! The Connection Magazines wish you a warm and wonderful holiday. With gratitude, Anna Petro A Note From Our Publisher... CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gail Bicknell, Dr. Richard Charmoy, Dr. Jeremy Cohen, Barry Farber, Carolyn Hanson, Joanne Kleinle, Lori Kolodin, Ellyn Mantell, Pranati Misra, Dr. Michael Osit, Stan Popovich, Julia Radwanski, William Schievella, Robert Shapiro, Johanna Wiseman
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THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION PAGE 8 NOV 2024-JAN 2025 theconnectionsnj.com 80 years of professional service Financial Planning Wealth Management Tax-Efficient Investing Tailored Service, Disciplined Strategies, and Committed Guidance. Accounting Tax Preparation Tax Planning Estate Planning Accounting Services are provided by Shapiro Certified Public Accountants and not a service provided by Raymond James. Shapiro CPA's and Shapiro Financial Group is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Complimentary Initial Consultation 30 Technology Dr., Warren, NJ 908-222-3770 info@shapirogrp.com The key to your financial success shapirogrp.com Sophisticated expertise for today and future generations. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Shapiro Financial Group is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. fter receiving positive comments on last year’s list, I am pleased to provide my top tax and financial issues for 2024. This year, elections dominated, Mother Nature roared in the Sunbelt, and parts of the world were disrupted by terrible wars. Here at home, in the safety of NJ, we deal with new reporting regulations, tax sunsets, and the prospect of a soft economic landing. New Reporting Regulations Beneficiary Ownership Information (BOI) filing is a new requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). For most, this information needs to be reported by January 1, 2025. Most corporations, LLCs, LLPs and other entities who file documents with the Secretary of State are required to report. “Beneficial owners” of a reporting company under the Act include any individual who owns or controls at least a 25% share or any individual who exercises substantial control over the reporting company. Penalties for non-reporting are stiff, as it is administered by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Many small businesses will need to file. Tax Sunset The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) is the most talked about financial sunset this year. We can help you bring it into focus. TCJA are temporary tax law changes. A little proactive planning can be rewarding for individuals, families, and businesses. TCJA reduced income tax rates and expanded estate and gift tax exclusions. The Act also established the qualified business income deduction and fixed the alternative minimum tax. On the flip side, it eliminated the state and local taxes (SALT) deduction (ouch in NJ and NY). By the time you read this article, the election will have been decided, and we will hopefully have some clarity on the fate of this expiring tax law. Your planning window is now. Buckle your seatbelts and prepare for landing! After the inflation spike and the inverted yield curve, economists predicted negative growth or a recession. In September, the Federal Reserve Bank began to cut interest rates, to the cheers of the financial markets. In the interim, economic growth has proved to be resilient. Many factors will determine if a recession or more inflation can be avoided, as we cross our fingers for the Goldilocks outcome of a soft economic landing. Make it a Stress-Free Tax Season The caring and experienced team at Shapiro CPAs guides clients to a stressfree tax season. We have provided proactive individualized tax management as well as timely and accurate tax preparation since 1937. Each member of the Shapiro CPA team is experienced and equipped to manage the complex needs of successful individuals and closely-held businesses. Clients can choose from a menu of our professional services. Our integrated services have the added benefit of a single point of personal contact with efficient and stress-free tax reporting done electronically by our offices. As a local resident of the community, I enjoy providing timely and helpful information on a wide range of financial issues. I would welcome the opportunity to put my 40 years of unique experience to work for you soon! You should discuss any tax or legal matters with your appropriate professional. This article is not to be construed as written advice or pose any specific recommendations. FINANCIALFORUM Time is Running Out By Robert Shapiro CPA, ABV Owner-Shapiro CPAs community, I enjoy pro 40 years of unique ex After receiving positive com
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THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION PAGE 10 NOV 2024-JAN 2025 theconnectionsnj.com CigeLaw@gmail.com Volunteering Programs supported by Somerset County and the Laurie Foundation omerville, NJ, October 11, 2024- People experiencing food insecurity in Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties were able to prepare traditional foods at this year’s Jewish High Holidays thanks to Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties. JFS leveraged its partnership with Temple Sholom in Bridgewater to distribute grocery gift cards to 75 families served by JFS throughout the three counties. JFS also collaborates with United Way of Northern NJ, synagogues, and churches in the tri-county area to collect and distribute toys and gifts to clients of all faiths and backgrounds during the winter holiday season. JFS partners with the Jewish Federation of West-Central NJ’s Dignity Grows program to pack and distribute high-quality toiletries and menstrual hygiene products. Other collection drives take place to meet the ongoing needs of the community. Temple Sholom collects grocery gift cards year-round and prior to the High Holidays and Passover. Donated gift cards benefit JFS clients, especially those experiencing extended unemployment, the elderly, and families struggling financially. Originating as The work with Temple Sholom and other community partners ensures that JFS can help even more people. About Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties JFS is a nonsectarian social service agency committed to serving the entire community and clients of all backgrounds. JFS works with clients through a continuum of programs, including mental health counseling, Holocaust and senior services, career services, family mentorship, programs for neurodivergent participants, and more. Volunteers of all backgrounds are needed and welcome. Call 908-725-7799, or email admin@jewishfamilysvc.org to get involved. Visit www.jewishfamilysvc.org for more information about JFS. a food package program, gift cards ensure client dignity as they can purchase the food of their choice. “Helping others meet the basic needs of life with dignity is a core Jewish value, dating back thousands of years to the time of the Torah. It’s a mitzvah - not just a good deed, but a commandment, an obligation, and one should not celebrate a holiday without simultaneously helping those in need,” noted Rabbi Dan Selsberg, Temple Sholom, Bridgewater. This year, KAVOD SHEF (Survivors of the Holocaust Emergency Fund), in partnership with the Federation, is providing grocery gift cards to clients in the JFS Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program. KAVOD SHEF, established in 2015 by Seed the Dream Foundation, partners with Jewish Family Service agencies nationwide to financially assist Holocaust survivors with emergency or day-to-day needs. COMMUNITY NEWS... Partnerships Provide Holiday Provisions Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties Leverages Partnerships to Feed Families During High Holiday Season S
THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION PAGE 11 NOV 2024-JAN 2025 theconnectionsnj.com
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theconnectionsnj.com HOLIDAY CHEER PAGE 17 177 Washington Valley Road, Warren • (next to A&G and Dunkin’) While supplies last. No additional discounts. No rain checks. 732-537-0660 Bottles shown may not be included in this offer. *off our regular price. Not responsible for typos Save 25-40% off these 80 terrific wines Reg. Sale 3 THIEVES CABERNET 12.99 7.97 3 THIEVES CHARD 12.99 7.97 3 THIEVES PINOT NOIR 12.99 7.97 90+ CABERNET 14.99 9.97 ACUMA RED BLEND 14.99 9.97 ANTICHE TERRE RIPASSO 16.99 10.97 ATOM CABERNET 14.99 10.97 ATOM CHARDONNAY 14.99 10.97 AUSPICION CHARDONNAY 14.99 7.99 BACKHOUSE CABERNET 10.99 7.97 BACKHOUSE PINOT NOIR 10.99 7.97 BELLES EAUX P/NOIR 14.99 9.97 BIELER CAB BORN TO RUN 12.99 9.97 DAISY PINOT GRIGIO 16.99 10.97 CA FURLAN PROSECCO 14.99 10.97 CALLIA MALBEC 10.99 8.97 CARTLIDGE BROWN PINOT 14.99 8.97 CH MALBAT 14.99 9.97 COCOBON DARK 12.99 7.97 COLOSSAL RED RESERVA 14.99 8.97 DANTE PINOT NOIR 12.99 9.97 FIAMME MONTEPULICIANO 14.99 10.97 FONTANELLES P/NOIR 16.99 10.97 FRESCOBALDI REMOLE 12.99 7.97 GEN 5 CABERNET 14.99 8.97 GEYSER PEAK CAB 14.99 8.97 GEYSER PEAK CHARD 14.99 8.97 GEYSER PEAK S/BLANC 14.99 8.97 GRAYSON CABERNET 14.99 10.97 GROONER VELTLINER 13.99 10.97 GUARDA RIOS RED 16.99 10.97 GUY SAGET PINOT 15.99 10.97 GUY SAGET S/BLANC 12.99 10.97 HAYES RANCH CAB 12.99 8.97 HAYES RANCH MERLOT 12.99 8.97 HIEROGRAM RED ZIN 14.99 10.97 IL CASATO P/GRIGIO 14.99 8.97 IRON SIDE CAB 14.99 10.97 KURANUI S/BLANC 14.99 9.97 L MIGUEL CHARD VIOGN 12.99 8.97 L MIGUEL SOLAS PINOT 14.99 10.97 LEAPING HORSE CAB 12.99 8.97 LES ALLIES PINOT NOIR 12.99 9.97 LINE 39 CABERNET 12.99 8.97 LINE 39 PINOT NOIR 12.99 8.97 LINE 39 SAUV BLANC 12.99 8.97 LITTLE SHEEP CHARD 15.99 9.97 LITTLE SHEEP S/BLANC 15.99 9.97 LULUMI PINOT NOIR 14.99 9.97 MADELEINE BRUT 14.99 10.97 MAHU SAUVIGNON BLANC 14.99 8.97 MARGARET S/BLANC 14.99 7.97 MONTE DEGLI P/GRIGIO 14.99 10.97 NOTES PINOT NOIR 14.99 10.97 PAPI CABERNET 10.99 7.97 PAPI MERLOT 10.99 7.97 PAPI RED BLEND 10.99 7.97 PERRIERE BRUT 15.99 10.97 POVERO DOLCETTO 14.99 9.97 QUINTA DE SETENCOSTA 14.99 10.97 RAYWOOD CAB 12.99 8.97 ROSATI PINOT GRIGIO 14.99 9.97 ROSATI TOSCANO 14.99 10.97 SEASIDE PINOT NOIR 14.99 10.97 SILK SPICE RED BLEND 12.99 9.97 STEMMARI NERO 14.99 9.97 STEMMARI PINOT GRIGIO 14.99 9.97 TERRE BARBERA 15.99 12.97 THE SHOW CAB 14.99 10.97 TOMAIOLO P/GRIGIO 12.99 7.97 TOMAIOLO TOSCANA 14.99 10.97 BADIOLO CHIANTI RES 16.99 10.97 TUTELA PINOT GRIGIO 8.99 6.97 UNSORTED PINOT NOIR 15.99 10.97 VECCHIO MARONE 14.99 9.97 VILLA FASSINI TOSCANA 12.99 8.97 VINHA DA COUTADA VELHA 15.99 7.97 WINDISCH DORNFELDER 15.99 10.97 Reg. Sale • Now through December 15, 2024 • Some of your FAVS from our old High Quality Great Values *
theconnectionsnj.com HOLIDAY CHEER PAGE 18 RC Collectibles CelebratinĴ 10 Year AnniversarƑ! One of the Largest Vintage Sports Card Collections in NJ! We sell a wide array of sports and non-sports memorabilia. CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY December 14, 2024 @10am • Silent Auction ends @3pm • Pack Break starts @3:30pm • Give-Aways All Day! Pick out that special gift and come join the FUN! Featuring GIANTS SUPER BOWL CHAMPS & LEGENDS: Joe Morris, Gary Reasons, Billy Ard, Pepper Johnson. AUTOGRAPHING: 12-3pm. SANTA will be here for pictures! Save the Date: SUPER SUNDAY SHOW, February 9, 2025 Signing by Mookie Wilson | Call for More Information CREATE YOUR DIGITAL LEGACY! Convert your old media to a digital format and enjoy your family videos on your TV. No DVDs required! DON’T RISK LOSING PRICELESS MEMORIES! Do You Love to Read? Don’t Pass this Up! Tangled Hearts is an historical romance filled with intrigue, tragedy, love, passion and psychological drama. It exposes human elements of raw emotion, from lust to love, jealousy and greed, fear and betrayal, hate, prejudice and acceptance. Tangled Hearts starts in 1863 on a battle field of the US Civil War and moves to the historic castle of Dunster England. Lose yourself in the lives and struggles of Anna Pembrook and Alexander Luttrell Duke of Exmoor. Book Review: I spent my lunch hours reading Tangled Hearts and was always late returning to my desk. I just could not put it down. The characters are so real. The author made everything so clear. It was exciting…a real page turner. Highly recommended. My kind of book. Donna K. Book Signing Event-December 14 at: Gallery on Main 30 West Main Street, Somerville 12-3pm Makes the perfect holiday GIFT! Buy the book here: www.ruthaltamurarollauthor.com Tangled Hearts is also sold on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Ruth Altamura-Roll, MA, NCC, LPC is a certified counselor with 40 years of experience and many achievements and accolades. Ruth Altamura-Roll brings her decades of counseling experience to the pages of Tangled Hearts. Buy the Book & Meet the Author! To find out more about Ruth’s services, Soulful, Meaningful, Holistic Counseling, please visit: www.altarollcounselor.com.
theconnectionsnj.com HOLIDAY CHEER PAGE 19 info@clintonbicycleshopllc.com www.clintonbicycleshopllc.com Quality Bicycles, Parts & Accessories Expert Repairs Free Estimates 51 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809 908.735.5451 Regular Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:30-6pm | Saturday 10-5pm “When You’re Visiting Clinton, Please Stop in and Check Us Out!” — Gardner & Rachel LOOKING FOR A BIKE for the Holidays? WE GOT THEM! Bikes for Kids & Adults Come see the Award-Winning GAZELLE E-Bikes Selection! Somerset ValleyPlayers Our 2025 Season* 689 AmwellRoad(Rte514) Hillsborough, NJ 08844-3317 (908) 369-SHOW (7469) www.svptheatre.org Air Conditioned|HandicappedAccessible March 7 - 23, 2025 May 2– 18, 2025 June 23 – 29, 2025 July 25 – August 10, 2025 September 5 – 21, 2025 October 17 – November 2, 2025 December 5 – 21, 2025 *Shows & Performance Dates Subject To Change Made possibleby funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. January 17 – February 2, 2025 Is Proud toAnnounce
theconnectionsnj.com HOLIDAY CHEER PAGE 20 Vaults Wine Storage File Box Solutions STOP IN FOR OUR GRAND OPENING SPECIALS 50% OFF FIRST 3 MONTHS CALL 732-300-1000 3421 Route 22, Branchburg. NJ | Flower Designs by Elena Events Weddings Occasions 215 US 22 East, Green Brook, NJ 08812 www.Ěowerdesignsbyelena.com 732-424-6230 Arthur’s Self Storage
theconnectionsnj.com HOLIDAY CHEER PAGE 21 CHICKEN • SEAFOOD • RIBS CATERING AND PARTIES 691 E. Main Street, Bridgewater 1/4 mile west of TD Ballpark SUPER BOWL Feb. 9, 2025 Place Your Orders Early! Deluxe Plan 732-469-4111 View our menu and additional coupons on our website www.chickenholidaybridgewater.com Open 7 Days a Week Sun.-Thurs. 10:30am-8pm; Fri. & Sat. 10:30am-9pm Taste Tempter Ask About DAILY DINE IN Specials Monday-Friday Sunday Football Specials While Watching the Games 24 Pieces of Chicken 24 Jumbo Shrimp 4 lb. Salad of Choice 24 Dinner Rolls $115.95 50 Pieces of Chicken 6 lb. Salad of Choice 24 Dinner Rolls $132.95 Expires 2/10/25. Not to be combined with any other offer. Valid at Bridgewater location only. Expires 2/10/25. Not to be combined with any other offer. Valid at Bridgewater location only. Expires 2/10/25. Not to be combined with any other offer. Valid at Bridgewater location only. Expires 2/10/25. Not to be combined with any other offer. Valid at Bridgewater location only. Expires 2/10/25. Not to be combined with any other offer. Valid at Bridgewater location only. Expires 2/10/25. Not to be combined with any other offer. Valid at Bridgewater location only. Expires 2/10/25. Not to be combined with any other offer. Valid at Bridgewater location only. SEASON'S GREETINGS Buckets of Chicken Buffalo Wings Dinner For Two $22.50 Family Chicken Fiesta COUPONS CAN BE USED MULTIPLE TIMES Chicken Jubilee 12 Pieces of Chicken $34.95 Double Order of French Fries or Mashed Potatoes Plus 1lb. of Salad of Choice 1lb. Salad of Choice Triple Order of French Fries or Mashed Potatoes Plus 6 Rolls $47.95 $20.75 $30.75 $60.95 100 Buffalo Wings 8 Pieces of Chicken Single French Fries $119.95 16 Buffalo Wings 24 Buffalo Wings 48 Buffalo Wings $16.95 8 Pc. Chicken 12 Pc. Chicken $25.25 16 Pc. Chicken $33.95 20 Pc. Chicken $42.25 16 Pieces of Chicken NOW Larger Quantities Available or Mashed Potatoes Plus 1/2 lb. of Salad of Choice Larger Quantities Available 50 amwellautobody@gmail.com Tesla Certified
theconnectionsnj.com HOLIDAY CHEER PAGE 22 . . Somerville
theconnectionsnj.com HOLIDAY CHEER PAGE 23 IT'S NOT TOO LATE FOR STOCKING STUFFERS! Come in for a gift certificate or to plan a holiday surprise! Serving Bound Brook, Bridgewater, Middlesex and surrounding areas for 60 years! 732-469-1525 For a Personalized Consultation: kendall@blithetravel.com 309 W. Union Ave., Bound Brook, NJ Connect with us on Facebook www.blithetravel.com ALL SIZES & COLORS AVAILABLE AFFORDABLE PRICES! NO MINIMUMS REQUIRED! • Family Fun • Community Events • Sports Think of us for: You can personalize your own garments! Great for holiday gift giving: custom-made t-shirts and hoodies! Create your own GIMMEE GIMMEE TEE! • Birthdays • Artwork Promotion • Team Building • Company Logos,etc. High Quality, Long Lasting Garments Your Design Here GimmeeGimmeeTees.com Tues thru Sat-11 am to 7 pm Serving Somerset County for over 13 Years! We Make Custom Hats TEE! GIMMEE GIMMEE TEE! AUTHENTIC PERUVIAN STYLE CUISINE CUSTOMER FAVORITES: Lomo Saltado Papa a la Huancaina | Dine In/To Go | Daily Lunch Specials: Tuesday-Friday | BYOB | Catering Available for Events / Parties FRESHLY PREPARED IN-HOUSE BY OUR TEAM OF CHEFS Scan for Menu & Website Polllo a la Brasa Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday Closed Monday & Wednesday HOURS: 46 W. Somerset Street, Raritan 908-210-9588 11AM-9PM
ART AG Fine Art Basking Ridge 800-278-2952 ag neartgallery.com Dillon's Fine Art & Framing Bernardsville 908-766-0207 dillons neart.com Great Brook Gallery New Vernon 973-804-6521 greatbrookgallery.com FASHION Adams Fine Clothing & Tuxedo New Providence 908-665-0800 adams neclothing.com ATHLETIFREAK Basking Ridge instagram.com/athletifreak athletifreak.com Boutique Calia Bernardsville 201-874-3444 boutiquecalia.com Gimmee Gimmee Tees Somerville 908-450-7450 gimmeegimmeetees.com Giorgios Pappas Furrier Morristown 973-425-1111 Jules' Closet Warren 908-834-8989 julescloset.com Sneaker Factory Running Centers Basking Ridge 908-542-1212 sneakerfactorynj.com Social Butter y Boutique Basking Ridge 908-991-3830 shopsocialbutter yboutique.com Sovereign Artisan Warren 917-385-9585 IG @sovereign_artisan e Vested Interest Warren 908-647-7336 thevestedinterest.com GIFTS Bedminster Specialty Pharmacy Bedminster 908-396-7000 bedsrx.com Couture Traders Ledgewood 973-500-4224 couturetraders.com Create Studios Basking Ridge 908-367-3991 createstudiosnj.com Edgewood Pharmacy & Boutique Warren 908-754-4400 edgewoodpharmacy.com Henry's Fine Jewelry Basking Ridge 908-903-0390 henrys nejewelry.com Kreations By Anne Warren 908-755-2700 kreationsbyanne.com J. Emanuel Chocolatier Chester 908-955-7591 jemanuel.com R. Weiss Fine Jewelers Bernardsville 908-766-2766 rweissjewelers.com Tons of Toys Bernardsville 908-502-5373 instagram.com/totsbville HOME DECOR Bernards Decorating Bernardsville 908-766-6548 bernardsdecoratinginc.com Classic Home & Garden Far Hills 908-306-0372 classichomegarden.net Harquail Brothers, Inc Summit 908-273-2858 harquailbrothers.com Hibernate Bedding Bernardsville 908-766-5450 hibernatebedding.com Joy of Living Interior Design Basking Ridge 908-647-2800 joyo ivingdesign.com Julian Gage Home Collection Oldwick 908-439-3144 juliangage.com e Decorating Store at Terminal Mills Morristown 908-688-9416 thedecoratingstore-tme.com e Ginger Jar Morristown 917-640-1484 thegingerjarshop.com Window Tailors Berkeley Heights 908-464-0644 windowtailors.net HOME & GARDEN Fernandez & Sons Masonry & Landscaping Morristown 973-267-0666 fernandeznsons.com Flower Designs by Elena Green Brook 732-424-6230 owerdesignsbyelena.com Great Swamp Greenhouse Gillette 908-647-3725 greatswampgreenhouses.com J&M Landscaping & Design Warren 908-232-1171 Martoccia Landscape Services Watchung 908-808-5379 njlandscaping.com Paci c Landscaping & Masonry 732-788-1457 paci clandscapingnj.com UNWRAP JOY Shop Local This Holiday Season This Holiday Season discover the gifts & unique treasures right in your community! Make this holiday special with goods & services that truly reflect the spirit of our community!
PETS Barkley's Marketplace Branchburg 908-997-0506 barkleysmarketplace.com L&B Healthy Pet Markets New Providence/Summit 908-665-8600/908-516-2701 lbhealthypetmarkets.com Well-Bred Premium Pet Products Bernardsville 908-373-2488 wellbredonline.com SALON/SPA Ace Aesthetics Warren 973-769-2782 aceaes.com Advanced Frequency Energy Spa Whitehouse Station 888-460-4050 advancedfrequencyenergyspa.com Alchemy Hair Branchburg 908-595-2965 alchemyhair.online Angela London Hair Studio Mendham 973-434-2121 angelalondonhairstudio.com Arya Nail Lounge Branchburg 908-528-5330 aryanailloungenj.com Aspire Hair Lounge Bernardsville 732-850-2232 instagram.com/aspire.hairlounge Bebe's Nails & Spa Basking Ridge 908-580-8989 bebenailspa.com Blo Blow Dry Bar Bernardsville 908-766-4800 blomedry.com/bernardsville-nj Blue Fountain Day Spa Green Brook 732-424-4100 bluefountaindayspa.com Cra Hair Studio Bernardsville 908-766-4000 cra hairstudionj.com Deep Sea Facial Manville 908-333-0791 mysite.vagaro.com/deepseafacial EDB Med Spa Hillsborough 908-842-8465 edbmedspa.com Elite SkinMD Warren 908-787-8088 eliteskinmd.com Faces Haircutters Warren 732-469-0019 faceshaircuttersnj.com Foxy Salon & Spa Basking Ridge 908-647-7900 G Halo Esthetics & Beauty Warren 908-956-4743 ghalobeauty.com Gatsby Salon Green Brook 732-752-4247 gatsbysalon.com KT Nails Branchburg 908-429-8600 sites.google.com/view/ ktnails-branchburg/home New Jennifer Day Spa Bernardsville 908-363-1877 jenniferdayspa.com Pureluxe II Nail Spa Warren 908-222-8889 pureluxe2023.square.site Slate Medspa Aesthetics Morristown 877-588-4646 slatemedspa.com TRU Salon + Spa Warren/Branchburg 908-753-9878/908-218-9878 trusalonspa.com AND MORE... Archival Company Bedminster 908-367-2001 archivalcompany.com Avant Aerial Studio Somerville 201-667-2485 avantaerialstudio.com Blithe Travel Inc. Bound Brook 732-469-1525 blithetravel.com Don-Tre Driving School 908-376-8118 dontredriving.com Dover Saddlery Branchburg 908-704-0101 doversaddlery.com Nissan of North Plain eld North Plain eld 908-755-6400 nissanofnorthplain eld.com Paul Miller Volkswagen Bernardsville Bernardsville 855-637-9184 paulmillervw.com Penny Lane Records Chester 862-777-1785 @pennylanechesternj Rainbow Travel Chester 908-879-6773 800got2 y.com Raymond McConnell Photography 908-672-3541 photoshootsbyrm.com RC Collectibles Lebanon 908-840-4698 rccollectibles.com Ruth Altamura Roll-Author Flemington 908-237-2899 ruthaltamurarollauthor.com Somerset Valley Players Hillsborough 908-369-7469 svptheatre.org e Bookworm Bernardsville 908-766-4599 bookwormbernardsville.indielite.org Urban Chaos Smoke Shop Somerville 908-450-7474 urbanchaossmokeshop.com SHOP SMALL Support LOCAL Businesses
THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION PAGE 26 NOV 2024-JAN 2025 theconnectionsnj.com CONNECTING WOMEN, CHANGING LIVES We’re growing fast in Somerset County. Join us for a Meet & Mingle to learn more! WRITE TO MEMBER@IMPACT100GARDENSTATE.ORG. t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. As soon as the last of the Thanksgiving leftovers are put away, sparkling lights start to pop up all over town, illuminating the streets and lifting our spirits. You do not have to have to be Clark Griswald or have him as your neighbor to enjoy a great light display. There are many amazing light shows in the area - many free of charge - that are the perfect place to take the family, go with friends, or enjoy a romantic date night and soak up loads of holiday cheer. One of my favorites is The Holiday Lights Spec- The Holiday Lights Spectacular at the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. Every year since 2006, the Turtle Back Zoo has opened its doors and hosted this pop-up event throughout December displaying its holiday finest. It is the perfect way to celebrate the season. During The Holiday Lights Spectacular, The Holiday Lights Spectacular, the zoo is illuminated with over 100,000 lights turning the paths and displays into a winter wonderland. In addition to the 50 winter and animal displays throughout the zoo, visitors can also tour the indoor reptile house and the marine touch tank. Of course, the little ones can also take a ride on the zoo train or the endangered species carousel. The Holiday Lights Spectacular is open 5-9 pm Friday-Sunday, November 22-24, Friday, November 29-Wednesday, December 6th, and Friday, December 6-Tuesday, December 31st. It is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. There is no admission fee, but they encourage you to celebrate the spirit of the season by helping others and bringing donations of non-perishable food, new toys, and/or gently used coats. Check out the website at https:// turtlebackzoo.com/ for more information and a listing of special events like appearances by Santa, food trucks and more. A little further from home, there is an opportunity to view a drive-through lights display at Diggerland in West Berlin, NJ West Berlin, NJ. The cost is $36.99 per vehicle. More information can be found at https://diggerlandusa.com/special-events/holiday-light-show/. Arguably the biggest light show in the area is hosted by the residents of Dyker Heights Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. This festive neighborhood community decks its halls yearly, with each private residence donning thousands of lights for a magnificent display. It is free of charge to walk through the neighborhood, but traffic and parking are tight. Go during the week for the easiest access. Another option is to take a bus tour from Manhattan. It takes about 4 hours and there are restroom facilities on the coaches. See https://www.dykerheightschristmaslights. com/ for more information and pricing. For more information on the event go to https:// www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/ dyker-heights-christmas-lights. About an hour and a half in the other direction is Koziar’s Christmas Village Koziar’s Christmas Village. It began with William Koziar decorating the farm, its paths, and its buildings for his wife and children to enjoy back in 1948, but it has expanded to become what the Pennsylvania Travel Council has deemed one of the top ten travel attractions in Pennsylvania. Display World Magazine has also voted it Best Outdoor Christmas Display in the World. With over a million lights and beautiful Christmas displays, it is something that should not be missed. See https://koziarschristmasvillage.com/ for hours and more details. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, these beautiful light displays will light up your heart this winter. You don’t have to blow out your fuses or fall from the roof to see some lights and get in the spirit of the season, check out one (or more) of these magnificent displays and have yourself a merry little Christmas. Lighting Up Your Holidays By Joanne Kleinle FAMILY ADVENTURES Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, these beautiful light displays will light up your heart this winter. I
PAGE 27 KIDZ CONNECTION theconnectionsnj.com Liberty Ridge Tutoring Serving Northern New Jersey & the US since 2015 Do your children struggle with reading, writing, studying, and organizing their work? Do they experience procrastination or lack focus? Do they need help getting into college? Helping students in grades K - 5, 6 - 8, high school and college. Individualized lessons in comprehension, writing, study skills, time management, school application essays. Your home, public library, Google Meet. Patient and excellent tutor. "She understands the kids' needs and has a personally tailored plan to teach them accordingly." Patient and detailed. "My son has made excellent progress in middle school English language arts. Emily helped him improve skills such as sentence structure, grammar, essay writing, revising, editing, proofreading and reading comprehension. She also taught him new study skills for test preparation." Skillful, knowledgeable, and dependable. "Emily helped to focus my train of thought and weed through the multitude of text I provided her." Knowledgeable and hardworking tutor. "Emily helped me significantly with my college essays. She worked on multiple essays, had great suggestions, and made many grammatical corrections." Emily K. Benjamin, M.S. libertyridgetutoring@gmail.com • 908-625-5852 TESTIMONIALS Quality Musical Instruction for All Ages and Abilities Call us today to set up a trial lesson or to inquire more about home-school and senior citizen discounts. Now in our 28th year! Lessons in: piano guitar voice orchestral strings brass woodwinds i! I’m Pranati and I am a Junior at Ridge High School. I’d love to tell you about an app that I’m developing called Cooly. While most of my friends have kept busy with school and college prep, I have chosen to focus on a different challenge: finding a better way to ship airline luggage across the country. It might not be the usual teenage path, but I have already gained a ton of experience and I believe this experience will pay off down the road. I’ve always had a strong desire to start my own business. Inspired by entrepreneurs like Jan Koum, Richard Branson, and Sam Walton, I realized that starting young could give me a better shot at success. My dad has been my biggest supporter. He often tells me, “You have more opportunities to fail as a teenager; you’re still young and learning.” That resonated with me and encouraged me to go for it. So, I took his advice to heart and started working on a business plan. It took me about five months to develop a solid idea. I finally decided to focus on transporting customers’ airline luggage in a stress-free, reliable way. My goal is to make travel easier and more enjoyable for everyone. I started thinking about what I faced during family trips—like juggling 4-5 suitcases at once. Once I had the idea, I was excited to share it with my parents. I wanted to ensure they were ‘on board’. I knew they would give me honest feedback. They can be critical, but it is always constructive. That is what I appreciate most about them. I sat down with them to discuss the details of my plan, and they listened carefully. Their feedback helped me to refine my concept. After our conversation, I felt a huge wave of relief and excitement. It was official: this was no longer just a dream—it was happening. Feeling energized, I jumped into action. I started brainstorming about ways to attract investors and how to get a website up and running. My goal was to catch people’s attention, so I focused on making the website visually appealing and accessible to everyone. I then needed to determine my price point. My services needed to be affordable, so I created a survey to determine what potential customers would be willing to pay. After analyzing the results, I got a clearer idea of what the average price point should be. Next, I moved on to logistics. I contacted airlines, including Emirates, to see if they’d be interested in collaborating with my start-up. I was thrilled to find that many of them were open to the idea. Their positive feedback motivated me and inspired me to believe that I’m on the right track. I’m still figuring out the next steps for my business, but I genuinely feel like I’m making progress. It’s exciting to think about where this journey could lead. Each day brings new challenges and learning opportunities, but I’m determined to see this through. Ultimately, my aim is to make traveling easier for everyone. I can’t wait to see what my business achieves in the future. This experience is teaching me so much about entrepreneurship, resilience, and the importance of following my passion. I’m ready to keep pushing forward and see where this adventure takes me! My words of wisdom to fellow high school dreamers? All young entrepreneurs should take a chance and follow their passion, fail quickly to gain experience, and try out new things, just like my dad says. Life is all about experimentation! TEEN VOICE A ‘COOLY’ Idea Coming Soon to an Airport Near You By Pranati Misra app that I’m develop H
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