theconnectionsnj.com HOLIDAY CHEER PAGE 24 AUTHENTIC PERUVIAN STYLE CUISINE CUSTOMER FAVORITES: Lomo Saltado Chaufa Pollo a la Brasa | 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 Closed Monday Tuesday-Saturday 11am-9pm Sunday 11am-8pm HOURS: 46 W. Somerset Street, Raritan 908-210-9588 iving in a part of the country where many people are retired, it is natural to look at me and assume I am one of them. Although I have my hair dyed to a shade closest to my natural color, wear clothes that are considered “hip”, workout every day to maintain stamina and muscle tone, I am an older woman. Equally to the point, I no longer always receive a paycheck for the effort I put forth in my endeavors. And yes, that could be the end of the discussion. However, despite my lofty age, I choose to think of myself as vital, engaged and having much more to contribute to society than ever before in my life. Perhaps that emanates from the reality I almost died several times in my forties, lost over twenty years of my life suffering from bowel issues which were, thankfully, resolved by my ileostomy. Making up for lost time may be a piece of what drives me, but continuing to be relevant is the over arching thought in my mind, each and every day. The places I now put my energies are varied and extremely satisfying! They are curated from opportunities available to those of us of a certain age. Please understand that I am not unique. These opportunities are omnipresent. This summer, I facilitated a fourweek, ninety-minute class at Osher Lifelong Learning on the campus of Florida Atlantic University on “Being a Woman in 2025”. I will facilitate it again in March, changing the year to 2026. It will bring different challenges to the table, I assume, including understanding and adapting to artificial intelligence. The beauty of the experience was becoming intimately involved with amazing women who had much to share and were comfortable doing it in the safe space we created. Additionally, every Thursday morning, I travel to the high school of the incredible young lady I mentor through a program entitled Take Stock in Children. We meet during her lunch time and discuss her goals, thoughts, and dreams. The program provides all she needs to be successful in her high school career, positioning her to obtain a two-year scholarship, (which has the potential to be a free ride all four years) to a college in Florida. She has the opportunity to become the woman she desires, and I am so proud of her! Society needs young people determined to reach and exceed their potential. I am equally proud of the friends I have recruited to join me as mentors. We share the amazing feeling of doing for another what will help them do for others. There are many more commitments I have made to fulfill myself at this stage of life. Perhaps you, too, have a calling to spread your wings. If so, I encourage and support you…there is no time like NOW! SLICEOFLIFE You Must Be Retired! By Ellyn Mantell L
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