The Connections Warren-Watchung Edition Feb-Mar 2024

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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