THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION PAGE 6 NOV 2025-JAN 2026 8 Medical Minutes: Performance Ortho 10 Financial Forum: Shapiro CPAs 13 WINE, DINE and have a Great time! 14 Commends: Celestino’s Pizza 16 Commends: Sweet Touch 19 Commends: Dogtopia of Berkeley Heights 13-43 HOLIDAY CHEER 20 Fashion Flash- Adam’s Fine Clothing & Tuxedo 32-33 Holiday Shopping Guide 34 Creative Corner: Carolyn Hanson 44-45 SENIOR LIVING 44 Senior Corner: Ellyn Mantell 45 Slice of Life: Ellyn Mantell 46 Community News: HOME of Somerset County, Inc. 47-56 HEALTH & WELLNESS 48 Commends: Suburban Eye Institute 49 The Art of Living: Barry Farber, Diamond Minds 50 Health Hotline: NMR 52 Fall In Love With Life: Serafina Perrotto 53 Health Hotline: SRB Philanthropy Corp 54 Food for Thought: Lori Kolodin 55 Health Hotline: Center for Interpersonal Wellness 56 Mind the Mind: Dr. Michael Osit 57-59 KIDZ CONNECTION 58 Teen Voice: Jia Fletcher 59 Family Adventures: Joanne Kleinle 60-67 HOME & DESIGN 65 Hints for the Home- Fair Street Interiors 68-69 Houses of Worship: Faith, Hope, Joy 70-71 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Alex Bigatti Title of artwork: Curiosity à la Carte Medium: Oil on canvas Maria Alejandra (Alex) Bigatti holds a degree in Architecture from the School of Architecture and Urban Planning at the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina, where she was born and lived until marrying and moving to the United States. She worked as an architect in Southern California for several years before relocating to New Jersey and starting a family. Alex works across a variety of media including watercolors, acrylics, ink, and oils, creating both abstract and figurative pieces. She also sculpts in clay and plasticine, developing her skills both independently and under the guidance of established artists. Over the years, she has been a member of the Center for Contemporary Art, Farmstead Arts Center, NJ Plein Air Painters, and has served on the leadership team of ARTsee, a grassroots art organization. She is an award-winning artist and the recipient of the 2017 Bernards Township Individual Mayor’s Art Award. Her work has been featured in both juried and non-juried exhibitions and is part of private collections in the United States and abroad. Alex currently resides in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, with her husband. Website: www.alexbigattiart.com THE CONNECTION MAGAZINE'S TEAM PUBLISHED BY Donna Reina, Georgeann Agaisse, Heather Silver, Patty Herman, 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 Sock Sleuther's in the September issue is Susan Hain of Stirling. Susan won a gift certificate to Warren Barbeque in Warren. Next Issue February! Advertising deadline January 9, 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... November is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s the start of the holiday season and a reminder to gather, give thanks, and cherish traditions that bring us closer together. As The Warren-Watchung Connection arrives in your home, I hope it inspires gratitude, joy, and a spirit of giving. I invite you to explore our Faith, Love, Joy section, which o ers a curated selection of places to worship and reflect. These are wonderful spaces to find peace, inspiration, and connection during this special time of year. As we celebrate the season, let’s also remember the importance of supporting our local small businesses. Our Holiday Shopping Guide highlights entrepreneurs who bring unique treasures to our neighborhoods. Whether you’re searching for meaningful gifts, holiday services, or something special for yourself, these local businesses o er goods and experiences that truly reflect the heart of our community. For those looking to enjoy a night out, our Wine & Dine Directory showcases some of the best restaurants in the area, organized by town, for easy planning. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday party, enjoying a date night, or gathering with friends, you’ll find plenty of delicious options close to home. This season is also a time to give back. In Community News, learn about HOME of Somerset County (Housing Outreach Multifaith Empowerment), an incredible organization helping families and individuals facing homelessness find safety and stability. Your support, whether through time, donations, or spreading the word, can truly make a di erence and help our neighbors be “home for the holidays.” For our readers who enjoy crafting, Creative Corner by Carolyn Hanson presents the most adorable project: knitting a chicken…an “Emotional Support Chicken” to be exact! Don’t miss out on this fun read that provides both a craft and humor throughout. If you know someone who can use a little extra emotional support, consider giving this project a go and gift it when it’s complete. The beautiful painting gracing our cover is titled, Curiosity A La Carte and was painted by Alex Bigatti. She was inspired by a walk back to her hotel in Arles, France. Such a simple scene-a man carrying groceries perusing a restaurant menu-can bring forth “…something quietly cinematic…the solitude, the stillness, the subtle drama.” She described it as “a little story unfolding in a single moment.” We’re excited to share that we’ve expanded our social media presence and are now on TikTok! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, andTikTok for all things local, from new businesses and community events to special features and highlights. Have a favorite local spot? Let us know, and we’ll be happy to feature them! And when you visit our advertisers, be sure to #TellThemWeSentYou! Whatever holiday you celebrate, may it be filled with love, laughter, and special moments with those who matter most. From our family to yours, and all of us at The Connection, we wish you a warm and joyful holiday season. Happy Holidays, Anna Petro, Publisher A Note From Our Publisher... CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gail Bicknell, Doug Dzwonczyk, Barry Farber, Jia Fletcher, Carolyn Hanson, Joanne Kleinle, Lori Kolodin, Irene C. Lebbad, Ellyn Mantell, David J. Marzano, Dr. Joseph Mejia, Katrina Musto, Dr. Michael Osit, Serafina Perrotto, Deborah Schader, Dr. Vince Sferra, Robert Shapiro
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