Cover Artwork By Ericka Gorrin VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT INSPIRATIONS Love Your Local Businesses! COMMUNITY NEWS Impact100 Garden State: Empowering Change, One Grant at a Time THE ART OF LIVING 3 Keys to Living a More Balanced and Rewarding Life PLAY TO WIN Details on page 6! VOLUME XCVII FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 Warren-Watchung Edition Warren, Watchung, Martinsville, Stirling, Millington, Gillette, Green Brook, Basking Ridge, Berkeley Heights, New Providence
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THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION PAGE 6 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 Buy-Rite Overhead Doors Page 26 Lauren Roth – Weichert Realtors Page 28 Gopi Yoga Center Page 43 Homework Helpers Tutoring Company Page 51 RSW Euro Repair Page 56 Community News: Impact100 Garden State Page 10 Ericka Gorrin Ericka Gorrin, a resident of Watchung, established herself as a nationally recognized wildlife and botanical artist. Her works have been in final judgment rounds for the U.S. Postal Service duck stamp competitions, displayed by The Audubon Society and Ducks Unlimited, and appear in prestigious collections throughout the country. Ericka has a degree in commercial art and a master’s degree in art education. She was an art educator for 32 years and takes great satisfaction in mentoring many wildlife artists. More of Ericka Gorrin’s work can be found at arterickadelong.weebly.com. THE CONNECTION MAGAZINES TEAM Donna Reina, Georgeann Agaisse, Heather Silver, Patty Herman, Alicia Singman 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 TheWINNERof the Defined Designed Fake Ad in our November issue is Mary Ann Wood of Watchung! Mary Ann won a gift from Orangetheory Fitness in Warren. 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... Welcome to the Warren-Watchung Edition; our first issue of the New Year! As we bid farewell to last year, we extend our warmest wishes for a happy New Year filled with abundant blessings and prosperity. In this issue, we invite you to explore the vibrant local businesses in our community. These dedicated entrepreneurs are eager to bring you their unique products and services. By supporting them, you not only contribute to the growth of our neighborhoods but also foster a sense of unity and togetherness. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, our magazine features a special page dedicated to helping you find the perfect gifts for your loved ones. Discover creative ideas and thoughtful gestures that will make this day of love truly memorable. As Easter approaches early this year, we encourage you to take a moment to reflect on Faith, Love and Joy. Our magazine o ers a curated selection of places where you can find solace and inspiration during this sacred time. Impact100 Garden State is calling all amazing women to join them on their journey towards empowering women’s philanthropy. Read our Community News article to discover how a group of women who donate their time and money to create grants for nonprofits can make such a di erence in the lives of underserved populations. Celeste Campos, vice president of Impact100, shares some of the projects they have worked on recently-truly admirable! Have you made your New Year’s Resolutions? Please read our Health Hotline column. It’s a timely and apropos piece written by Irene Lebbad from The Center for Intrapersonal Wellness. Irene discusses goals, meaningful changes, fear, and gaining control over one’s life. She advises against making the same goals every year and lists suggestions to get you started on making your resolutions a reality! New Jersey Redheads is the title of the watercolor painting on this issue’s cover and is painted by Ericka Gorrin of Watchung. It is part of a series of paintings featuring waterfowl seen on the New Jersey and Pennsylvania flyaway. The male, with its bright red head, contrasts with the mostly brown-colored female. Ericka is inspired by elucidating her subjects’ environment and personalities through her art to the viewers. Let us remember to shop local and support the small businesses that form the backbone of our communities. By doing so, we not only uplift our local economy but also create a stronger, more connected community for all. Wishing you a wonderful start to the New Year ahead! Warm regards, Anna Petro A Note From Our Publisher... CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gail Bicknell, Isla Burns, Nick Concilio, Barry Farber, Josh Goodkin, Carolyn Hanson, Joanne Kleinle, Irene C. Lebbad, MSW, LCSW, Trish Mahoney, Ellyn Mantell, Dr. Michael Osit, Robert Shapiro, CPA, ABV, Shaina Sherman, Dr. Claudia Tamas, Celia Turello VALENTINE’S SECTION Shopping, Dining, Beauty & Events Pages 12-19 Family Adventures Page 16 HOME & DESIGN SECTION Pages 20-28 Financial Forum: Shapiro CPAs Page 20 Hints for the Home-Fair Street Interiors Page 23 SENIOR LIVING SECTION Pages 34-37 Slice of Life Page 34 Senior Corner Page 36 Community News: Jewish Family Service Page 39 HEALTH & WELLNESS SECTION Pages 40-49 The Art of Living Page 40 Health Hotline: Advanced Frequency Energy Spa Page 41 Mind the Mind Page 42 Medical Minutes: Performance Rehabilitation Page 45 Health Hotline: NMR Page 46 Creative Corner Page 48 Health Hotline: Center for Intrapersonal Wellness Page 49 KIDZ CONNECTION SECTION Pages 50-52 Teen Voice Page 52 WORSHIP PAGE: Faith, Love, Joy Page 53 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Pages 54-55
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THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION PAGE 8 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 theconnectionsnj.com Libby Hontz 0RUWJDJH /RDQ 2IILFHU - - PGGJDF 908-581-9554 DFMM libby.hontz@usbank.com NMLS# 602511 Tony Clintock 1DWLRQDO 5HWDLO 6DOHV (VP q (DVW 732-841-4677 tony.clintock@usbank.com NMLS# 837683 Mark Ward %UDQFK 0DQDJHU Construction Certified - - PGGJDF 908-500-5114 DFMM mark.ward@usbank.com NMLS# 624105 Jack Kuriloff Sr. Mortgage Loan Officer 908-991-4872 PGGJDF 908-304-2162 DFMM jack.kuriloff@usbank.com NMLS# 624275 Marc Bauer 0RUWJDJH /RDQ 2IILFHU 908-991-4867 PGGJDF - - DFMM marc.bauer@usbank.com NMLS# 624089 Christopher Wolf Mortgage Loan Officer 973-630-1808 PGGJDF 973-723-0110 DFMM christopher.wolf1@usbank.com NMLS# 624978 Your U.S. Bank mortgage team is here to help you buy, build, or borrow. 152 Liberty Corner Road, Warren, NJ 07059 Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Visit usbank.com to learn more about U.S. Bank products and services. Mortgage, home equity and credit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC. ©2023 U.S. Bank
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THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION PAGE 10 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 theconnectionsnj.com In the heart of New Jersey, a transformative force is at work: Impact100 Garden Impact100 Garden State. This all-woman, all-volunteer philanthropic powerhouse channels the collective strength of local women to bring about meaningful change. Founded on the simple yet powerful idea that women, by pooling their resources, can make a significant impact on their community, Impact100 Gar- Impact100 Garden State has awarded more than $3 million in grants to northern New Jersey nonprofits since 2013. “Each member contributes $1,000 annually,” explains Impact100 Garden State Impact100 Garden State President Debby Seme, a Martinsville resident. “These individual contributions are then combined to create high-impact grants for nonprofits that are making a difference in their community.” The organization’s service area includes Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, and Union counties. Three nonprofits working within Somerset County have been recipients of major grants: Frontline Arts, Middle Earth, and Norwescap. Frontline Arts engaged 400 veterans in their therapeutic art program, which culminated with over 1,000 visitors able to view the art projects that were the outcome of this grant. Middle Earth for Big Dan’s Bike Shop implemented an innovative program aimed at teaching bicycle mechanics, business operations, and employment-related skills to at-risk youth. The program was conducted in partnership with Raritan Valley Community College’s Enactus Club. Twenty-one at-risk youth completed the project training. Norwescap extended programming to women who lost employment or in a low-income bracket but seeking more gainful employment to support their families. The Impact100 Garden State grant enabled 75 women to successfully complete the program while also supporting Somerset County’s underserved Hispanic population. Thanks to our grant, Norwescap has been able to get additional funding so that the program continues to help women become self-sufficient. Merit grants were also given to Adult Day Care of Somerset County, Bonnie Brae, and Community in Crisis. Connecting Women, Changing Lives The grants channel funds to organizations addressing the needs of underserved populations in the areas of Arts & Culture, Children & Families, Education, Environment, Preservation & Recreation, and Health & Wellness. “The beauty of Impact100 Garden Impact100 Garden State lies not only in its financial impact but also in the democratic process that guides its grant-making,” Seme explains. Through a rigorous grant review process, members evaluate proposals, conduct site visits, and engage in thoughtful discussions to select the finalists. Major grant recipients are selected by a vote of the entire membership. Since its founding in 2013 with 135 charter members, Impact100 Garden State Impact100 Garden State has grown consistently each year. For 2023, the organization achieved a record high of 375 members and distributed $375,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations. “Our experience shows that a group of women working together can change the world and have fun doing it,” says Seme. “Working with some of the most incredible women on the planet, women who are smart and caring and fun, I have been able to witness firsthand the impact that collective giving can have. We empower women to become significant givers and philanthropists in their communities.” Impact100 Garden State will hold its “Big “Big Reveal” event, which announces the 2024 membership and the amount of this year’s grant pool, on Thursday, March 7. Women who are interested in attending this event or learning more about Impact100 Impact100 Garden State can write to member@impact100gardenstate.org. Celeste is the Vice President of Impact100 Garden State mpact100 Garden State and a Warren Township resident. COMMUNITY NEWS... Impact100 Garden State: Empowering Change, One Grant at a Time By Celeste Campos CONNECTING WOMEN. CHANGING LIVES. JOIN US. www.impact100gardenstate.org SAL’S AUTO BODYINC. Serving Your Community for 54 Years 315 HIGHWAY 22 (EAST BOUND) • GREEN BROOK HOURS: M-F 8 AM - 5:30 PM Closed on Saturdays NJ License No. 00342A www.salsautobodyinc.com info@salsautobodyinc.com Where quality repairs are no accident (732) 968-2214 • Collision Specialists • Custom Painting • Paintless Dent Repairs We work with all insurance companies for appraisals and repairs.
Find All This Love At: www.theconnectionsnj.com SHOPPING, DINING, BEAUTY & EVENTS PAGE 11
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theconnectionsnj.com HOME & DESIGN PAGE 21 Sports card store offering baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, pokemon cards, memorabilia, hobby wax, single cards, retail and supplies. 253 S. Main Street, Manville, NJ 08835 908-842-2400 Open Monday-Saturday (11am-6pm) Receive 10% off when you spend $50 Mannyspaint@gmail.com Fax 908-561-2415 DO THE RIGHT THINGTHE FIRST TIME! No Deposit or Payments Until Work is Finished asAgreed RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL Lic. # 13VH04910000 Free Estimates Fully Insured Water Damage Repairs Any Interior or Exterior PAINTING of $1000 or more Any Interior PAINTING of $400 or more Any Interior PAINTING of $3000 or more Any Exterior PAINTING of $3000 or more www.MannysPainting.net High Quality Work at Reasonable Prices Plenty of References 100% Customer Satisfaction is our Priority All jobs owner supervised & nished on-time MANNY’S PAINTING MORE THAN 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE INTERIOR / EXTERIOR Staining • Power Washing • Paper Removal Sheetrock • Spackle • Decks All types of Molding Installation COMPLETE HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICE 200 OFF 75 OFF 500 OFF 600 OFF Cannot be combined with any other offer. Exp. 3/31/24 Cannot be combined with any other offer. Exp. 3/31/24 Cannot be combined with any other offer. Exp. 3/31/24 Cannot be combined with any other offer. Exp. 3/31/24 908-405-1701 We Honor Any Competitor''s Local Coupons $ $ $ $ 36
theconnectionsnj.com HOME & DESIGN PAGE 22 /ÀiV Ê À>ÃÊUÊ ÀÞÊ7iÃÊ i>`iÀÊ À>Ê*«iÃÊUÊ-ÌÀÊ À>à >ÃiiÌÊ7>ÌiÀ«Àv} À>>}iÊ-Ü>ià -Õ«Ê*Õ«Ê*Ìà ÀÛiÜ>ÞÊ À>ÃÊÊ >ÜÊ À>à >ÌV Ê >Ãà 908.322.9617 The work we leave behind is our business card. Price, quality, detail and cleanliness is our reputation. From the equipment we use, to the finished work, you'll know you are trusting your home's beauty to professionals. galbraithlandscapeconstruction.com
theconnectionsnj.com HOME & DESIGN PAGE 23 Fair Street Interiors Gail Bicknell, ASID, CAPS 908.334.1953 fairstreetinteriors.squarespace.com Design for Interiors and Home Modifications A new year always brings thoughts of improvement and change. That’s why we make resolutions and clear out the old to make room for the new. 2024 has some exciting possibilities for the home! Eat-in kitchens continue to increase in popularity. The kitchen has always been the heart of the home, where people gather and share. Less formal eat-in areas reflect a more casual and family-oriented lifestyle many clients are looking for. Consumers seem to be eliminating formal dining rooms in new builds and often repurposing existing dining rooms in older homes. Oftentimes a wall can be removed to open a dining room to the kitchen and create a larger, more welcoming space. I’m seeing a lot of special vintage pieces take center stage in rooms. From a unique chair or trunk to a statement console table; mid-century Modern, Victorian or rustic, a statement piece you’ve inherited~ or one you find and love~ can elevate a room in interest and originality. Hand thrown, oversized ceramics in lamp bases, vases and accessories add scale and texture. Chunky pieces look comfortable and casual and add visual weight and interest to a space. Cork is a classic material that’s reemerging this year. The soft colors and patterns in cork blend beautifully with many other textures and you’ll see it in flooring, fabrics, wallcovering and even in small accent pieces this year. In furniture, last year’s clean geometric lines and reeded surfaces have given way to organic curves which soften spaces and add to the flow of rooms. Look for softer, rounded curves in both upholstery and case pieces in 2024. If you’ve shopped for outdoor furniture in the past few years you’ll realize it’s getting hard to tell from furniture designed for interior spaces! Classic lines, beachy silhouettes and comfortable soft seating are popular. Particularly if your home has a covered patio or breezy outdoor room, summer furniture has become an important category for many higher end furniture retailers. And this light look isn’t just for summer-season spaces. Cane and rattan beds, dressers and tables are popular in apartments and homes, even in cooler climates. If you’re watching interior trends on social media, two things you’re probably seeing a lot of are embellishments and Grandma-Chic and they can complement one another. Trim is huge~ tassels, ball fringe, tapes and edging, which work perfectly with the patterns, subtle colors and touches of femininity in Grandma-Chic spaces. Damask fabrics will be prominent in lampshades, window treatments, wallcoverings and even ceramics. Particularly in bedrooms, these trends will elevate and glamorize a room. My favorite trends usually revolve around color and 2024 is full of it. Pantone selected Peach Fuzz as its color of the year, which is a warm and velvety blush tone perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms, maybe even a foyer? Dark rich muddy tones, particularly deep browns are going to be seen. Check out Behr’s Cracked Pepper. And finally, greens are back and big. Both Dutch Boy and Graham and Brown selected gorgeous greens, Ironside and Viridis, as their colors of the year. Verdant, rich, muted comforting greens inspire growth, promote calm and bring the outdoors in. Let’s freshen up! Ready to update the heart of your home? I’d love to talk with you! Email: fairstreetinteriors@gmail.com Visit our website: fairstreetinteriors.squarespace.com Design Trends for 2024 By Gail Bicknell HINTS HOME FOR THE Graham & Brown Century Furniture
theconnectionsnj.com HOME & DESIGN PAGE 24 NJ Master Plumbing Lic. #8853 / HVAC Lic. #6465 N.J. Contractor Lic # 13VH00152900 COLIN MACMANUS GARC Roofing Specialist $250OFF NEW ROOF $250OFF Window Installation (Min. 5 Windows) $250OFF GUTTER INSTALLATION 908-526-0072 cell: 732-266-7833 GreatAmericanRoofingCompanyNJ.com Warren, NJ Roofing Gutters Siding Windows COVERING AMERICA, ONE ROOF AT A TIME. Expires 3/31/24 Expires 3/31/24 Expires 3/31/24 Kitchen Caulking Bathroom Caulking Window Caulking 3/31/24 3/31/24
theconnectionsnj.com HOME & DESIGN PAGE 25 As mortgage brokers with over 25 years experience, we have a close relationship on both a personal and professional level with a select group of Private Individuals who lend THEIR own money. The benefit of dealing with Virtue is the ease of communication. We are in continuous communication with these individuals to enable us to close deals quickly! Terms: 6 TO 18 MONTHS INTEREST-ONLY PAYMENTS (between 10-14%, annualized) during the term of the loan. Additional Collateral May be Required Maximum LTV 70% Private Equity Lenders A short term unconventional loan could be enough to kick start your credit into high gear so you are able to achieve approval of conventional lending within 6 to 18 months. WHEN TEMPORARY SHORT TERM UNCONVENTIONAL LENDING MAKES “PLAIN” SENSE WWW.VIRTUEFUNDING.NET Please email detailed Scenarios to EFK.VIRTUEFUNDING@GMAIL.COM Virtue Funding, LLC NMLS: 26308 Edward Koster, Broker NMLS: 271012 1200 Morris Turnpike Suite 3005, Short Hills, NJ, 07078 • 908-656-2048
theconnectionsnj.com HOME & DESIGN PAGE 26 Friendly In-Home Service COMPUTERS MOBILE TUTORING WiFi (908) 242-3322 | MyTechGuy.com | 8 Mtn. Blvd, Warren Founded by my father and grandfather, Buy-Rite Overhead Doors Buy-Rite Overhead Doors has been a family-run business for over sixty years. During our development as a company, we have grown from a modest startup to a trusted local partner for all things garage doors. Over the decades of business, we have helped thousands of homeowners upgrade their homes and alleviate the burden of stress that can come with a broken garage door. We pride ourselves on taking the hassle out of these situations with a team of trained technicians who can diagnose and fix a wide range of problems that can affect your garage doors. From day one, we at Buy-Rite Buy-Rite have set out to create a company that not only fixes garage doors but also builds lasting relationships with customers. Based in Warren for the entirety of our operation, we understand the need for reliable service in a timely and efficient manner. We specialize in all manners of services for garage doors, ranging from general maintenance and tune-ups to full installations of garage doors and garage door openers. When our customers call in for their services, trained office members are here to help with the situation at hand, as well as quickly being able to schedule and send out our technicians promptly. What truly sets us apart from larger competitors is the personalized approach to customer service. Understanding the needs and CONNECTION COMMENDS stress that can come with a broken ga From state-of-the-art garage door openers to smart door systems, we integrate the latest products to guarantee that your garage door is both a barrier for protection as well as a gateway to a smarter, more connected home. wants of our customers is imperative, and we take pride in delivering tailored solutions to assist in their processes. Recognizing the diverse needs of our clientele, we offer a range of options that are custom-built to the exact specifications of your garage doors. Whether it’s a residential project requiring a blend of aesthetics and security or a commercial venture demanding heavy-duty functionality, we strive to meet the unique requirements of every customer. Customization is not an option at Buy-Rite; it is our standard, and we pride ourselves on ensuring that your garage door is as distinctive and custom as possible. Bringing a sense of security and safety to our customers’ homes is one of our core principles at Buy-Rite Buy-Rite and we strive to ensure that the best possible care is taken. In a world where technology is constantly evolving, so too are our garage door solutions. From stateof-the-art garage door openers to smart door systems, we integrate the latest products to guarantee that your garage door is both a barrier for protection as well as a gateway to a smarter, more connected home. Nothing is more imperative than keeping your family safe, and we share that very same sentiment as a family-run business. Discover the difference at Buy-Rite Buy-Rite Overhead Doors. Elevate your space with garage doors that not only provide functionality but also provide you with security and comfort for the entirety of your home. Transform your garage into a statement piece with us and open the door to a new era of style, technology, and personalized service. Join the growing community of satisfied customers who have chosen Buy-Rite Buy-Rite as their premier choice for garage doors. Buy-Rite Overhead Doors By Nick Concilio Office : 908-300-8200 Nick’s Cell: 732-859-1265 BuyRiteOHD.com
theconnectionsnj.com HOME & DESIGN PAGE 27 G A R A G E D O O R S S A L E S • S E R V I C E • R E P A I R S � The Garage Door Specialists � New Door Installations � Genie & LifeMaster Opener Repair � Broken Springs, Cables and Tracks Office: (908) 300-8200 • Cell: (732) 859-1265 www.buyriteohd.com Testimonial “We recently purchased and had installed five Coachman Series garage doors for our home renovation. If you are in the market, our recommendation is to check out Buy-Rite Overhead Doors in Manville. It was a First Class experience throughout the entire process. The price was the best around and the customer service experience was all I could have hoped for….Megan as Customer Rep, and install technicians Nick and Tom made for a seamless experience. Five stars to this company across the board.” ~Jeanne Jensen Nick Concilio, owner
theconnectionsnj.com HOME & DESIGN PAGE 28 Meet Lauren Roth Lauren Roth, a distinguished real estate broker whose exceptional skills and qualities have made her a standout figure in the industry. With over 20 years of experience, Lauren has earned acclaim as one of the most sought-after real estate brokers in the region. She consistently achieves top-ranking status within Weichert as well as within the local community. She has ranked in the top 1% of Weichert agents year after year and continues to win numerous awards and recognitions. Lauren specializes in all price ranges and tailors her strategies to provide her clients with a customized experience for a successful transaction. As a Warren resident for 23 years, her deep understanding of the area and expertise are unmatched. Leveraging extensive market experience, advanced technology skills, and comprehensive advertising programs, Lauren ensures a meticulous approach to every detail in the process of buying or selling a home. She is characterized by her unwavering integrity, dedicated service, profound knowledge of both the community and market, effective negotiation prowess, and a commitment to surpassing customer expectations. She is a trusted professional known for delivering outstanding service and results to her clients. Check out her reviews on Zillow to see exactly what Lauren’s clients have to say about their experiences with her! Constantly working to improve her ability to represent her clients, Lauren has earned several designations including Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA), Certified Relocation Specialist, and Certified Real Estate Divorce Specialist, just to name a few. These certifications underscore her commitment to being well-equipped to handle any situation that may arise in her clients’ real estate journeys. Lauren does not work alone, though. She has assembled a team of trusted professionals to help her clients through the process. She has contractors who she trusts for repairs, skilled stagers who make the homes look like the “after” shots on HGTV specials, photographers adept at capturing rooms at the best angles and in the best light, and real estate attorneys who she knows will represent her clients’ best interests. The most important thing, however, is that Lauren is with you every step of the way. She is committed to personal service and recognizes that no tools or technology can replace the individual agent who takes the time to listen and truly guide clients through their real estate experience. Lauren ensures she is always reachable and responsive, making her clients’ concerns her priority. Lauren’s proven track record, coupled with a curated team of experts and a dedication to excellence, makes her the go-to real estate professional in the region. So, if you are thinking about selling your home or if you are a buyer looking for your dream home, reach out to Lauren at Weichert Real- Lauren at Weichert Realtors anytime at 908-377-9899 and experience the difference of working with a true industry leader. Let Lauren turn your real estate goals into reality! COMMENDS Celebrating 20 Years in Real Estate CONNECTION 61B Mountain Blvd. Warren, NJ 908-377-9899 LaurenMRoth.com Lauren Roth
COMPASS RE IS PROUD TO CONGRATULATE Cherie Berger Team Licensed Real Estate Salespersons cheriebergerteam@compass.com M: 908.410.0931 | O: 973.310.6816 2VO VOoWO OoUOo 2OBa Wp B sOBa dT oOB_ OpsBsO BUObsp BT _WBsOM zWsV dalBppà dalBpp Wp B _WKObpOM oOB_ OpsBsO Jod^Oo BbM BJWMOp J| OntB_ VdtpWbU dlldostbWs| _Bzpà Ö/dtoKO / / àà ø àà #1 Cherie Berger has earned the Platinum Level 14 Years in a Row. The Cherie Berger Team .OB_ psBsO UObsp b 9BooOb œ 9BsKVtbU do 2dsB_ BbtBo| Û ø OKOaJOo Û daJWbOM /B_Op 8d_taOÖ 9O sVBb^ B__ dT dto ToWObMp BbM K_WObsp Tdo sVOWo sotps BbM ptlldos dT sVO VOoWO OoUOo 2OBa
From 2,965 square feet up to 4,147 square feet, these luxury townhomes will offer incredible comfort & versatility Starting at $1,095,000 • 2 Car Garages • 2/3 Bedrooms • Walkout Basements • Decks and/or Patios • 3+ Spa-Like Bathrooms • Designer Kitchens To Inquire please contact our sales office at 908-754-1100 or any of our agents. Ashley Schaller Cell: 908-377-3267 ashley@paulanthonyagency.com Marissa Paolella Cell: 908-938-8232 marissa@paulanthonyagency.com VIRTUAL TOUR Ready To Buy Your Next Home? Come Preview the Enclave at Brookside • Starting at $1,799,000 Watchung Mountain Villas, Mountain Blvd., Watchung NJ Almost Sold Out – Only 2 Units Left! Charles Lane, Green Brook $1,595,000 5 Bedrooms, 4.1 Bathrooms 4,200 Square Feet
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theconnectionsnj.com SENIOR LIVING PAGE 34 It seems that there are more choices we need to make, and they have a greater impact than ever before. While listening to my chosen news programs highlight what I believe to be true, another program may highlight a different view. Every day, I speak with friends whose belief system is contrary to mine, and contrary to what I have chosen to trust as true. And yet, since I respect and admire my friends, I have to strive harder to feel secure in my assessment of situations. Reading what is available, listening to podcasts, and expanding my knowledge all have become tasks I face as overwhelming, yet necessary. My brain doesn’t want to challenge or emotionally depose everyone or everything. My generation had so many fewer choices to make. We had radio when we were children, then black and white television for the financially comfortable, and then color television for the more affluent. We watched entertainment on television. Ed Sullivan entered our living rooms on Sunday nights with comedians, magicians, vocalists, and yes, Elvis Presley, and then, The Beatles! There were sitcoms that had us believe that every family but mine lived the perfect life, and by that, I mean, all problems were solved within 30 minutes. Even the news was a watered-down version of reality. We never saw violence until the Civil Rights Movement or the Vietnam War-at least not to my memory. Riots like Kent State were excerpted to only show students holding STOP THE WAR signs, until the death of four students by the Ohio National Guard during a rally opposing the expanding involvement of the United States in Cambodia. Today, I feel that choosing a cable news station, like so many other subtle choices we make, has become a symbol of our political leanings, and once we declare allegiance to that station, it becomes a betrayal to watch anything else. We are so polarized that we almost have to apologize for our thoughts when in a group that clearly sees the world through a different lens. Moving to a new community last year taught me that I must make the choice to listen, observe body language, and read between the lines before entering a political conversation. Riding in a new couple’s car en route to a restaurant for dinner can give me insight into how they view the same world in which we live. Many meals have teetered on becoming distasteful if certain subjects arise. Choosing to “agree to disagree” has become a mantra, if not a battle cry. Families have deteriorated because of the political divide, and that actually hurts my heart. Members are choosing to believe their way of thinking is more important than another’s way of thinking. How can that be fair? How can we devalue someone close to us for not seeing something the same or even similar? Are we so certain we are right that we would, in fact, rather be right than be loving to each other? I have seen this over and over again over the past several years. It feels as if many will regret their actions when they awaken from their fever dream and have lost relationships that cannot be brought back to life. I am choosing to listen, value, and accept the rights we all have to our beliefs. Here is hoping others will do the same. It feels as if society really needs that to flourish. At least, that is how I choose to see it! SLICE OF LIFE Making Choices By Ellyn Mantell We are so polarized that we almost have to apologize for our thoughts when in a group that clearly sees the world through a different lens.
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