THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION PAGE 6 NOV 2025-JAN 2026 8 Financial Forum: Shapiro CPAs 10 Medical Minutes: Performance Ortho 14-28 HOLIDAY CHEER 14 WINE, DINE and have a GREAT time! 16 Community News: HOME of Somerset County, Inc 20 Creative Corner: Carolyn Hanson 24 Slice of Life: Ellyn Mantell 26-27 Holiday Shopping Guide 29-31 KIDZ CONNECTION 29 Commends: Hillsborough Pediatric Dentistry 30 Teen Voice: Jia Fletcher 31 Family Adventures: Joanne Kleinle 32-38 HOME & DESIGN 32 Hints for the Home: Fair Street Interiors 36 Real Estate Corner: Wiseman 39-41 SENIOR LIVING 39 Senior Corner: Ellyn Mantell 40 Commends: Heath Village 42-49 HEALTH & WELLNESS 42 Mind the Mind: Dr. Michael Osit 44 Fall In Love With Life: Serafina Perrotto 45 Food for Thought: Lori Kolodin 46 Health Hotline: SRB Philanthropy Corp 48 The Art of Living: Barry Farber, Diamond Minds 49 Health Hotline: NMR 50-51 COMMUNITY CALENDAR 52 Houses of Worship: Faith, Hope, Joy Sherri Ehrlich Flames of Change Medium: 40 x 30 inches, Mixed Media Acrylic on Canvas Sherri Ehrlich is a multidisciplinary artist, musician, and educator whose work embodies a lifelong devotion to creativity and connection. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she grew up immersed in the city’s vibrant artistic energy, studying graphic design and illustration at Pratt Institute and San Francisco City College, and later completing a degree in Liberal Arts and Humanities as well as a mini-MBA in digital marketing. Ehrlich’s paintings are known for their expressive layers, bold color palettes, and lyrical movement, often reflecting the rhythms of music and the cycles of nature. She works in mixed media blending acrylics, collage, graphite, and metallic leaf to create pieces that capture both spontaneity and harmony. Each canvas becomes a conversation between color and emotion, reflecting her belief that art is a bridge to beauty, balance and human connection. In addition to her visual art, Sherri is a singer, composer and co-leader of the Sherri Pie Band, performing across New Jersey and New York. She is also the founder of Vibrant Activities and Honey Child Music, initiatives that bring the arts into schools, senior communities, and cultural spaces. Currently based in Monmouth County, New Jersey, she continues to create work that inspires joy, reflection and vitality. THE CONNECTION MAGAZINE'S TEAM PUBLISHED BY Donna Reina, Georgeann Agaisse, Heather Silver, Patty Herman, 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 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 The WINNER of the Sock Sleuther's in the September issue is Tara Murphy of Branchburg. Tara won a gift certificate to Masa Sushi in Branchburg. Next Issue February! Advertising deadline January 9, 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... November is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s the start of the holiday season and a reminder to gather, give thanks, and cherish traditions that bring us closer together. As The Bridgewater-Somerville Connection arrives in your home, I hope it inspires gratitude, joy, and a spirit of giving. I invite you to explore our Faith, Love, Joy section, which o ers a curated selection of places to worship and reflect. These are wonderful spaces to find peace, inspiration, and connection during this special time of year. As we celebrate the season, let’s also remember the importance of supporting our local small businesses. Our Holiday Shopping Guide highlights entrepreneurs who bring unique treasures to our neighborhoods. Whether you’re searching for meaningful gifts, holiday services, or something special for yourself, these local businesses o er goods and experiences that truly reflect the heart of our community. For those looking to enjoy a night out, our Wine & Dine Directory showcases some of the best restaurants in the area, organized by town, for easy planning. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday party, enjoying a date night, or gathering with friends, you’ll find plenty of delicious options close to home. This season is also a time to give back. In Community News, learn about HOME of Somerset County (Housing Outreach Multifaith Empowerment), an incredible organization helping families and individuals facing homelessness find safety and stability. Your support, whether through time, donations, or spreading the word, can truly make a di erence and help our neighbors be “home for the holidays.” With the holidays approaching, we all know how easy it is to overeat and not make the healthiest choices. In our Health Hotline by Dr. Sferra, a comprehensive approach to lifestyle management of diabetes is explored. Diabetes has become quite prevalent and is of great concern if healthy life choices are not employed. His article will be of value to all readers-not just those with diabetes, as his recommendations are healthy ways of life for everyone, which include proper eating habits, exercise, sleeping routines, and stress management. The mixed media piece on our cover was created by Sherri Ehrlich. It is titled Flames of Change. The vibrant colors of fall are prevalent in the piece-shades of orange, magenta, rust, beige, and chartreuse. Sherri says, “The layered colors reflect the transitions of the seasons… symbolizing the ever-shifting cycles of life.” Her artwork shows the connection between people, nature and spirit in this inspiring abstract. We’re excited to share that we’ve expanded our social media presence and are now on TikTok! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for all things local, from new businesses and community events to special features and highlights. Have a favorite local spot? Let us know, and we’ll be happy to feature them! And when you visit our advertisers, be sure to #TellThemWeSentYou! Whatever holiday you celebrate, may it be filled with love, laughter, and special moments with those who matter most. From our family to yours, and all of us at The Connection, we wish you a warm and joyful holiday season. Happy Holidays, Anna Petro, Publisher A Note From Our Publisher... CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gail Bicknell, Doug Dzwonczyk, Barry Farber, Jia Fletcher, Carolyn Hanson, Joanne Kleinle, Lori Kolodin, Ellyn Mantell, Dr. Joseph Mejia, Dr. Michael Osit, Serafina Perrotto, Deborah Schader, Dr. Vince Sferra, Robert Shapiro, Johanna Wiseman
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzA2NDY0