The Connections Warren-Watchung Edition June/July/August 2023

Welcome to our 2023 Summer Issue of the Warren-Watchung Connections! Now that our days are longer, make the most of the “lazy days of summer." It’s the perfect time to sit back and enjoy the warmth of the sun, while making memories with family and friends. In this issue you will find some great ideas for adults, children, couples and families. Whether you’re interested in a day trip, fun activities, shopping, or a new dining location, we’ve got you covered. How about a drivable vacation this summer! Check out our Summer Section to find a great place to visit for a day or weekend trip, only a car ride away. Or, stay more local and go on a shopping spree! Many of the diverse stores are getting new summer merchandise in…peruse the bounty that awaits you! Summer is the perfect time to take a break from cooking! The restaurants are not as crowded and are ready to give you a warm welcome and excellent service. Bonus-many of them provide outdoor dining!! We couldn’t have made it any easier for you to find an amazing restaurant to try with Your Guide to Summer Dining Section. There are many dining options, and the best part is that they are local! Please read the Community News article, “Mount Bethel Village." Mount Bethel Village provides day and residential programs for our community members with special needs. It features Mr. Jason Mross, a resident at Mount Bethel, and his colorful paintings. Hello, parents, this article is for YOU! Need a new place to visit that will keep your kids interested and be fun and exciting? “Battling the Boredom Blues," our Family Adventures column, has several unique suggestions. What says summer more than beautiful, blossoming flowers? Our cover is titled, Hydrangea and is painted by Michael J. Martin. He says of these gorgeous flowers, “They are fragrant reminders of that quiet solitude in a shaded garden where one contemplates summer activities or a good book.” We thank our readers who love reading our PRINT magazines and also thank those who can easily navigate the vast DIGITAL space to enjoy the issue. To make it easier for our digital readers, there is a FREE digital subscription. Get instant access, anytime, anywhere! The subscription link is: theconnectionsnj.com/subscribe-to-our-magazines. We truly do CONNECT you to your communities! Have a safe and enjoyable summer! Sincerely, Anna Petro, Publisher It’s the journey, not the destination…a lifelong pursuit of painting has guided this artist’s expression goals. A native of New York City, over the past 30 years, Michael has studied at some of these notable art institutions: The Arts Student League in New York and The Summit Center for Visual Arts. He has also been tutored by a variety of private and professional instructors including, Everett Raymond Kinstler. He is a member of the Chatham Art League and the Portraits Society of America. He has had exhibits at the Lundt-Glover Gallery and the Chatham Borough Gallery and at the following Libraries: Morris County, Bernards Library and Frelinghuysen Arboretum. In addition, he has exhibited at the Palmer Museum. Michael focuses exclusively onoil painting, enjoying the inspiration from many of the old masters. When painting, inspiration is key. He looks for the strong contrasts and focuses on the center of attention. Michael establishes a basic outline and lets the creativity flow. The adventure of applying paint to a canvas provides the inspiration to the artist. He uses palette knives at key points in the painting in order to let the colors mix visually. He keeps the shadows cool and transparent, but applies opaque highlights. He says, “The painting has to move the viewer.” Landscapes, Still Lifes, Portraits...He enjoys them all! HIGHLIGHTS... THE CONNECTION'S STAFF ON THE COVER 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 any liability for the accuracy of the claims made by our advertisers. PUBLISHED BY Connection Magazine, LLC • P.O. Box 4081 • Warren, NJ 07059 908-903-1799 • info@theconnectionsnj.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS... Gail Bicknell, ASID,CAPS, Jane Cooperman, Dr. Andrea S Freeman, VMD, MS, Carolyn Hanson, Joanne Kleinle, Ellyn Mantell, Dr. Michael Osit, Dan Rosenberg, Deborah Schader A NOTE FROM OUR PUBLISHER... Pets’ Health-Kind Veterinary Care Center .............................. Page 10 BERKELEY HEIGHTS SECTION................................................ Page 11 SENIOR LIVING SECTION..................................................Pages 12-13 Senior Corner............................................................................. Page 12 Community News-Mount Bethel Village ................................. Page 15 SHOPPING, BEAUTY & EVENTS SECTION.......................Pages 16-21 Family Adventures..................................................................... Page 18 YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER DINING.................................Pages 22-27 HOME & DESIGN SECTION...............................................Pages 33-43 Hints for the Home: Fair Street Interiors................................. Page 36 HEALTH & WELLNESS SECTION.......................................Pages 44-52 Lessons from a Life Coach: Jane Cooperman.......................... Page 44 Mind the Mind........................................................................... Page 46 Medical Minutes-Psychiatric & Behavioral Health................... Page 50 Slice of Life................................................................................. Page 51 Random Connections. ............................................................... Page 52 Community News-Performance Rehabilitation. ...................... Page 53 COMMUNITY CALENDAR..................................................Pages 54-55 Creative Corner......................................................................... Page 56 WE'RE HIRING! BECOME A PART OF OUR TEAM Advertising Sales Rep. Needed send resume to: info@theconnectionsnj.com Founded by the Late Robin Fand OFFICE MANAGER Donna Reina EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Georgeann Agaisse SOCIAL MEDIA & PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Heather Silver ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Patty Herman ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Alicia Singman Somewhere in this Magazine is a FAKE AD. Spot it and send your answer, name, city and phone number to: Spotthefake@theconnectionsnj.com or play online at theconnectionsnj.com Congratulations to everyone that spotted Look To The Palm in our April issue! AND THE WINNER IS… John & Alex Maloney of Warren. They won a gift certificate to Adam's Fine Clothing. SPOT THE FAKE! Michael J. Martin www.oil-portraits-by-mike. com/home mjjmartin@comcast.net

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