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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