THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION PAGE 6 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2026 8 Medical Minutes: Performance Ortho 10 Financial Forum: Shapiro CPAs 12-17 TASTE OF WARREN- TWO WEEKS TO DINE 18-31 SAVOR SUMMER: SHOP, DINE, & EXPLORE 18 WINE & DINE DIRECTORY 22 Miles of Meaning: Jewish Family Services 24 Commends: Warren County Farmers’ Fair 25 Family Adventures: Joanne Kleinle 26 Somerset Spotlight: Somerset County Park Commission 31 Creative Corner: Carolyn Hanson 32-37 HEALTH & WELLNESS 32 Commends: Glorified Writing, LLC 33 Health Hotline: Natural Medicine & Rehabilitation 34 Slice of Life: Ellyn Mantell 35 Commends: Jacqueline Gomes Nutrition 36 Mind the Mind: Dr. Michael Osit 38-40 KIDZ CONNECTION 39 Shelf Awareness: Sonia Prabhakar & Isabella Santos 40 Teen Voice: Anishka Suhas 40 A Poet’s Playground: Tanush Mukherjee 41 Commends: Rainbow Travel 42 SENIOR LIVING 42 Senior Corner: Ellyn Mantell 43-49 HOME & DESIGN 48 Hints for the Home- Fair Street Interiors 50-51 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Alla Levit Title: Vanitas: Abundance Beneath the Light of Eternity Medium: Oils Hi, I’m Alla Levit—Glen Rock, New Jersey’s favorite (and not the only) Eastern European, code-wrangling, hockey-momming, paint-splattering enthusiast. My origin story involves crossing an ocean, and I’ve since leveled up to corporate programmer by day, household referee by night, and travel-obsessed artist in whatever moments are left. My three boys are my greatest masterpiece-a chaotic, energetic triptych that spends most of its time on a hockey rink. They keep me busy, proud, and caffeinated. Travel is my creative fuel, and painting is my therapy. After decades of dabbling, I’ve gone from “occasional hobbyist” to “woman on a mission” in the last three years—my brushes are now as busy as my schedule. I work in acrylics and oils, turning everything I love—landscapes, flowers, the sea, my chaos—into colorful evidence on canvas. I’ve even braved a few art expos (without hiding behind a potted plant!), and it’s been a joy to share my work and meet fellow art lovers. Each painting is a little piece of my world. I hope it makes you smile, pause, or see something beautiful on your own every day. 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 One & Done Window Cleaning in the April issue is Joanne F of Millington. Joanne won a gift certificate to Kreations by Anne. Next Issue September! Advertising deadline August 10, 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... As summer begins, our communities come alive with outdoor dining, local events, and family fun. The June/Summer Warren-Watchung edition of The Connection Magazine is filled with local businesses, restaurants, activities, and services to help you make the most of the season. We are especially excited to be a sponsor of the very first Warren Restaurant Week! This special event is a wonderful opportunity to explore local restaurants, enjoy new dining experiences, and support the businesses that help make our community so special. Be sure to pick up a Restaurant Passport Book from the Warren Township Library, visit participating restaurants, get it stamped, and enter for a chance to win prizes. Our Wine & Dine Directory highlights dining destinations throughout the many communities we serve, encouraging readers to explore and support local restaurants all summer long. Summer is also the perfect time to refresh your home, complete projects, explore camps and tutoring programs, and discover new local services. Whether you are dining out, planning summer activities for your family, or looking for trusted local professionals, we hope this issue becomes your guide all summer long. Our cover art is an oil painting by Alla Levit, entitled Vanitas: Abundance Beneath the Light of Eternity. She was inspired by the Flemish old masters’ use of “luminous glazes, patient layering of light and quiet symbolism.” This piece draws you in with its soft, inviting colors and play of light on the fruits, leaves and wine glass. Alla points out, “what appears as a simple harvest becomes a meditation on grace, reminding us that all earthly richness exists beneath a higher truth.” America turns 250 this summer! To help you celebrate this milestone, our latest Family Adventures column features an extensive guide by Joanne Kleinle. The article includes a curated list of places to visit and ways to celebrate, all while incorporating fascinating historical context. We invite you to read the full column to start planning your commemorative trips and activities. Happy 250th, America! For endless ideas of summer activities, please read our Somerset Spotlight column. It was put together by the Somerset County Park Commission, and it is chockfull of ways to enjoy nature, stay active, and connect with your community. Be sure to take part in the diverse range of programs o ered through Labor Day. Discover the best spots for hiking, biking, and golfing, and start planning for various summer events and festivals. The column also features several parks available to rent for private parties or special occasions. Be sure to get out and enjoy all Somerset County has to o er! Most importantly, we encourage everyone to continue supporting local businesses. When visiting our featured advertisers, please let them know you discovered them through The Connection Magazine. #TellThemWeSentYou! Your support helps strengthen the businesses and communities we all love. Shop Local. Dine Local. Support Local. Wishing you and your family a safe, happy, and memorable summer! Warm regards, Anna Petro A Note From Our Publisher... CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gail Bicknell, Carolyn Hanson, Joanne Kleinle, Ellyn Mantell, Dr. Joseph Mejia, Tanush Mukherjee, Dr. Michael Osit, Sonia Prabhakar, Isabella Santos, Dr. Vince Sferra, Robert Shapiro, Anishka Suhas, Walter Yosafat
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