THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION PAGE 6 SEPT/OCT/NOV 2026 theconnectionsnj.com 8 Medical Minutes: Performance Ortho 10 Jetsetter’s Journey: Rainbow Travel 14-20 AUTUMN'S ALLURE: EAT, DRINK & CELEBRATE 14 WINE & DINE DIRECTORY 17 Commends: AccuTax Services, LLC 18 Family Adventures: Joanne Kleinle 19 Community News: Jewish Family Service 20 Creative Corner: Carolyn Hanson 21-27 HEALTH & WELLNESS 21 Health Hotline: Natural Medicine & Rehabilitation 22 Mind the Mind: Dr. Michael Osit 26 Food for Thought: Lori Kolodin 28-30 BACK-TO-SCHOOL 28 A Poet’s Playground: Hamsini T. 28 Teen Voice: Michelle Loia 29 Connection Community Champions: STEMsters 30 Shelf Awareness: Charlotte Mitchell & Ameya Ram 31 Community News: Somerset County Sheriff’s Office 32-39 HOME & DESIGN 32 Hints for the Home: Fair Street Interiors 34 Real Estate Corner: Johanna Wiseman 38 Slice of Life: Ellyn Mantell 39 Campers & Caviar: Serafina Valentine 40-41 SENIOR LIVING 40 Community News: Heath Village 40 Senior Corner: Ellyn Mantell 42-43 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Debora Thedinga Title: Something to Crow About Medium: oil Debora Thedinga is an award-winning artist whose vibrant paintings capture the beauty of the world around her. Growing up between the Watchung Reservation and the Great Swamp, she has always been inspired by the surroundings of her native New Jersey. Debora pursued her formal art education at Rowan University, complemented by various workshops and courses with contemporary artists around the country. These experiences enriched her technique and expanded her artistic vision. She now splits her time between her homes in New Jersey and Florida, where she continues to find constant sources of inspiration for her work. You can view more of her paintings on Facebook and Instagram and on her website: www.DeboraThedinga.com THE CONNECTION MAGAZINE'S TEAM PUBLISHED BY Georgeann Agaisse, Heather Silver, Alicia Singman, Jeanette Vogel, Kristi Abbey, Max Silver 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 Flip Flop Finders is Michelle R. Michelle won a gift card to Gimmee Gimmee Tees in Somerville. Next Issue November! Advertising deadline October 23, 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... It’s hard to believe that summer is already coming to a close. It always seems to go by much too quickly, especially for me, since summer is my favorite time of year! While I’m never quite ready to say goodbye to the long, warm days, there is something special about the arrival of fall. Fall brings us back to familiar routines as children head back to school, schedules fill up, and our days begin to feel a little more structured again. The days grow shorter; the air becomes cooler, and the thing I most look forward to about the season is that first crisp scent of autumn in the air. Soon, the leaves will begin changing into beautiful shades of red, orange and gold, and weekends will be spent picking apples, exploring pumpkin patches, enjoying fall festivals and discovering all that our local communities have to offer. Welcome to the Bridgewater-Somerville edition of our September issue! Our Autumn’s Allure section is filled with seasonal ideas, tips and resources to help you make the most of this beautiful time of year. You’ll also find plenty of reasons to seek out some of the hidden gems right here in our communities. Our Health & Wellness and Senior sections focus on caring for ourselves and our families, from dental and eye care to mental health awareness and nurturing our bodies, both physically and emotionally. Read our Back-to-School pages featuring teen writers from the community! A Poet’s Playground captures the feeling of heading back to school in poetic verse. Teen Voice describes the mission of its writer, Michelle Loia, in creating The Bloom Project-a nonprofit initiative celebrating disadvantaged teens. And don’t miss, Shelf Awareness. The authors recommend 5 thrillers that are great reads for teens and adults alike. Finally, learn all about STEMsters, in our Community Champions column. Local teen, Iona Nandy, inspires children to gain a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). And as we look ahead to the holiday season, our Home & Design section offers inspiration and resources for home improvements, seasonal maintenance and getting your home ready for the busy months ahead. It’s never too early to start! The curious rooster on our cover was painted by Debora Thedinga. Her inspiration for the piece was pulled from her experience of keeping chickens for several years. She titled it, Something to Crow About. Her painting truly captures the charm and spirited nature of this bird! I love the way the warm slate background contrasts perfectly with the bright feathers and deep crimson of his comb. I always learn so much from reading the many articles within the magazine and hope you do so as well! Turn to page 8 for a deep dive into chronic knee pain. In their article, “Bone-onBone Knee Pain Does Not Always Mean Knee Replacement,” the doctors at Performance Ortho explain that it is important to work with physicians that prescribe treatments based on the whole patient-not just X-rays, as the goal is keeping “patients out of surgery while restoring function and mobility.” If you love lighthouses and the mystique that surrounds them, please read our Family Adventures column by Joanne Kleinle. This feature highlights the upcoming “Lighthouse Challenge” along the New Jersey coastline. It is a wonderful activity for all ages, and the perfect reason to extend your shore visits into the fall. I hope you enjoy this issue, support the wonderful local businesses within our pages, and take some time to enjoy everything this beautiful season has to offer. When visiting our featured advertisers, please let them know you discovered them through The Connection Magazine. #TellThemWeSentYou! Shop Local. Dine Local. Support Local. Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy and colorful autumn! Anna Petro Publisher, The Connection Magazine A Note From Our Publisher... CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gail Bicknell, Carolyn Hanson, Joanne Kleinle, Lori Kolodin, Michelle Loia, Ellyn Mantell, Charlotte Mitchell, Iona Nandy, Melissa O’Selmo, Dr. Michael Osit, Ameya Ram, William Schievella, Dr. Vince Sferra, Hamsini T., Dr. Chris Thomas, Serafina Valentine, Johanna Wiseman
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