THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION PAGE 6 APRIL/MAY 2026 8 Medical Minutes: Performance Ortho 10 Estate Planning: Norris McLaughlin P.A. 11 Financial Forum: Shapiro CPAs 12-21 SPRING: SHOPPING, DINING, BEAUTY & EVENTS 12 WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS DIRECTORY 14 Style. Print. Purpose: David J. Marzano 17 Community News: Wagner Farm Arboretum and Gardens 20 Slice of Life: Ellyn Mantell 23-24 SENIOR LIVING 24 Senior Corner: Ellyn Mantell 29-35 HOME & DESIGN 34 Hints for the Home- Fair Street Interiors 36-39 KIDZ CONNECTION 36 Creative Corner: Carolyn Hanson 37 Family Adventures: Joanne Kleinle 38 Teen Voice: Eshaan Patel 39 Commends: HudsonWay Immersion School 40-43 HEALTH & WELLNESS 40 Campers & Caviar: Serafina Valentine 42 Health Hotline: Natural Medicine & Rehabilitation 48 Mind the Mind: Dr. Michael Osit 44-45 HOUSES OF WORSHIP: FAITH, HOPE & JOY 46-47 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Gretchen Foss Thomas Title: A Mouse and His Pancakes Gretchen Foss Thomas is an artist and a lover of storytelling. When she was very young, her father (known in her family as Grandpa Jack) told her stories about a small mouse whom he named Georgie Creepmouse. Georgie had many adventures, and his stories were told and retold as the family grew. During her career as an elementary and preschool teacher, Gretchen found ways to work stories of all sorts into her teaching. Georgie Creepmouse’s adventures were featured each year in her preschool classes. Later, Gretchen rekindled her interest in art and began to draw the mouse character she’d met long before in her father’s stories. She studied with former Warren artist Mindy Lighthipe and refined her skills. The mouse drawings seemed to center around food, and so Gretchen decided to produce a cookbook of traditional recipes for her family. This drawing, entitled A Mouse and his Pancakes, became the title illustration for the section on breads. Currently, Gretchen is editing and illustrating her father’s stories and producing books for future descendants of Grandpa Jack to enjoy. Gretchen now lives in Warren, NJ, with her husband, her cat, and untold numbers of “creepmice.” You can contact her at creepmouse21@gmail.com. THE CONNECTION MAGAZINE'S TEAM PUBLISHED BY Georgeann Agaisse, Heather Silver, 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 Chocolate Detox Center in the February issue is Jessica Bof Warren. Jessica won a gift certificate to Bar Cilento. Next Issue JUNE! Advertising deadline May 11, 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... A Season of Renewal & Celebration Welcome to the Warren-Watchung edition of our April issue! As the days grow longer and the sunshine begins to warm our neighborhoods again, spring brings with it a wonderful sense of renewal. After the quiet of winter, there is a new energy in the air. People are getting outside, gathering with friends and family, and enjoying everything our communities have to o er. This season is especially meaningful to me personally. This year, Mother’s Day will be a particularly special celebration in my family, as both of my daughters have recently become mothers themselves. Becoming a grandmother has been such a joyful and emotional milestone. Watching my daughters step into motherhood and seeing the bond that is already forming with the next generation reminds me just how powerful and beautiful family connections truly are. Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate those bonds, whether it’s sharing a special brunch or dinner, finding the perfect gift at a local boutique, or giving the special women in your life a day of well-deserved pampering at one of our wonderful local salons and spas. Throughout this issue, you’ll find many local businesses ready to help you make the day truly memorable. We are also proud to feature our Women-Owned Business Directory, highlighting the incredible women who have built, nurtured, and grown businesses right here in our own neighborhoods. As a woman business owner myself, I know firsthand the dedication, perseverance, and passion it takes to build something meaningful. Supporting these businesses means supporting families, dreams, and the strength of our local community. In addition, this issue includes our Faith, Hope & Joy - Houses of Worship section, o ering readers a place to connect with churches and services during the Easter season. For many, this is a meaningful time of reflection, faith, and gathering with loved ones. Our adorable cover is graced with a whimsical painting of an endearing mouse napping atop a stack of flu y pancakes. Our cover artist, Gretchen Foss Thomas, was inspired by stories told by her father of a small mouse named Georgie Creepmouse. She titled the piece, A Mouse and His Pancakes. While there are many wonderful articles in this issue, don’t miss our Campers & Caviar column. Ms. Valentine discusses the importance of setting boundaries - something we can all reflect upon and improve at. It may be di cult, but it will be one of the best acts of selflove you can carry out! So, get outside, enjoy the sunshine, explore your community, and support the wonderful local businesses that make it thrive. Stay local - and #TellThemWeSentYou! Wishing you a beautiful spring and a very Happy Mother’s Day. All the best, Anna Petro Publisher, The Connection Magazine A Note From Our Publisher... CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gail Bicknell, James J. Costello Jr., Carolyn Hanson, Joanne Kleinle, Ellyn Mantell, David J. Marzano, Dr. Joseph Mejia, Dr. Michael Osit, Eshaan Patel, Dr. Vince Sferra, Robert Shapiro, Serafina Valentine
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