Cover Artwork By: Eileen Bonacci AUTUMN'S ALLURE FEATURING The Wine & Dine Directory COMMUNITY NEWS Hard Cider for Heart Healing by Heartworks HEALTH HOTLINE What, Me Worry? Managing our Anxiety PLAY TO WIN Details on page 6! Warren-Watchung Edition VOLUME XCV SEPT/OCT/NOV 2023 Warren, Watchung, Martinsville, Stirling, Millington, Gillette, Green Brook, Basking Ridge, Berkeley Heights, New Providence
Fall Market 2023 Call for Price 37 Berta Place Basking Ridge FORSALE $1,325,000 13 Blue Jay Court Warren FORSALE $1,250,000 760 Valley Road Watchung FORSALE $469,000 5 Oldwick Road Readington FORSALE $525,000 38 Mountain Avenue Warren FORSALE $1,199,000 128 Mountainview Road Warren FORSALE Call for Details 4 BR 2BA home under $600,000 Bernardsville Coming Soon $1,150,000 17 Crown Drive Warren Under Contract $2,150,000 6 Lexington Drive Warren Under Contract Call for Details Newer 3 BR 3 BA home Raritan Boro Coming Soon $750,000 1001 Vosseller Avenue Martinsville FORSALE $375,000 534 Beverly Avenue Scotch Plains FORSALE Call for Price 4 Ponds Edge Lane Warren FORSALE Roselle Park 329 Chestnut Street 3 Rentals. $2,250-$2,800 FOR RENT $1,100,000 24 Wilderness Trail Warren Under Contract
THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION PAGE 6 SEPT/OCT/NOV 2023 Iggy’s Second Chance-Patricia Paradiso Page 14 duCret Center of Art Page 16 BITS Camp Page 24 Diamond Hill Montessori Page 26 Gill St. Bernard’s Page 27 Bedminster ON-SITE Drapery Care Page 56 Kraus Restoration Page 58 Estate Planning-Gail Abrams Page 10 AUTUMN’S ALLURE Pages 13-21 KIDZ CONNECTION Pages 24-27 Teen Voice Page 25 Family Adventures Page 28 SENIOR LIVING Pages 29-31 Senior Corner Page 30 Slice of Life Page 32 Community News-Heartworks Page 37 HEALTH & WELLNESS Pages 38-49 Medical Minutes : Body Page 38 Health Hotline Page 40 Mind The Mind Page 44 Lessons From a Life Coach Page 46 Medical Minutes : Mind Page 48 HOME & DESIGN Pages 51-61 Hints For The Home Page 53 Creative Corner Page 64 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Pages 62-63 Eileen Bonacci is a local artist residing in Berkeley Heights. She discovered at an early age that she had a natural talent and passion for art. She experimented with various mediums, and decided her favorite was oils. Over the years, she attended various art schools and continues to fine tune her skills at The Center for Contemporary Art. Most of her focus has been on Landscapes, Florals and House Portraits. Eileen and her husband enjoy spending time with their family and traveling abroad. These travels have given her inspiration to capture vacation memories on canvas. After reviewing their vacation photos, she chooses an interesting subject that shows a strong contrast between light and shadows. Some of her favorite locations include Tuscany, Sicily, Amsterdam and of course, New Jersey. Her work has been exhibited at galleries including the Mayo Performing Arts Center, the Paper Mill Playhouse, Swain Gallery, Watchung Arts Center and others. Her painting, Day at the Beach, won 1st Place in Oil Painting by a Professional in the 2021 Union County Senior Art Show and Best in Show. It then won 1st Place, Professional Oil and Best in Show at the State level. Eileen’s artwork can be viewed on her website: artbyeileen.com. THE CONNECTION MAGAZINES TEAM Donna Reina, Georgeann Agaisse, Heather Silver, David Pereyra, Patty Herman, Alicia Singman Scan our QR Code to visit our Instagram 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 Borrow a Bow Wow Fake Ad in our June issue is Angela Girardi of Warren & Hillsborough! Angela won a gift card to POURtuga Coffee Shop, on the circle in Watchung. 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 our captivatingSeptember issue. As we bid farewell to the summer sun and embrace the crisp, fall air and warm hues that embody the spirit of this seasonal change, we bring you an array of your neighborhood musts, insightful articles & so much more. Autumn is a season of change, a time to refresh and renew. In keeping with this spirit, we encourage you to explore the offerings from our supportive advertisers. They are local businesses that share our commitment to quality and service, ensuring you receive value for your trust and patronage. Each advertiser has been carefully selected to enrich your autumn experience, offering products and services that resonate with this time of year. So whatever you’re seeking-the perfect fall fashion, a cozy home upgrade, a restaurant, a new after school enrichment program or a tutor for your children-our advertisers have you covered. To connect with each other please join me in supporting Heartworks-a non-profit organization, made up of a dedicated group of women who use their talents, strengths and recourses for those in need, whether battling an acute illness, injury or facing grief. Heartworkscan aid in providing comfort and support. Please read about the organization in our Community NewsArticle. With the kids headed back to school and out of the house, now is a good time to work on home improvement. Gail Bicknell has mapped out the perfect plan to help you keep to your budget when renovating. Read our Hints for the Homecolumn to stay on track. In addition, read our Teen Voice column, written by one of our own local teens, sharing her insights and helpful hints on school locker dos & don’ts. Inspired by photos taken on vacation, Eileen Bonacci painted the piece gracing our September cover. It is aptly titled, Day at the Beach. The oil painting depicts the scene she encountered while walking on the Ocean City boardwalk. She says, “I felt a sense of peace and serenity and wanted to capture that moment as a memory on canvas.” As the leaves turn and we settle into the serene rhythm of fall, let’s remember to support each other and the businesses that make our community vibrant and unique. Thank you for your continuous readership and support. Here’s to the brilliant colors of fall, the joy of discovery, and the comfort of community. With Warm Regards, Anna Petro, Publisher A Note From Our Publisher... the summer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gail Abrams, Kathleen Bartlett, Gail Bicknell, ASID, CAPS, Jane Cooperman, Mitch Frieber, Carolyn Hanson, Kieran Kern, Joanne Kleinle, Irene C. Lebbad, MSW, LCSW, Ellyn Mantell, Katrina Musto, Timothy O’Connor, Dr. Michael Osit, Riya Ramani, Steve Sargent, Deborah Schader that she had a to fine tune her skills at The Center for Contemporary Art. Most of her focus has been on Land
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THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION PAGE 10 SEPT/OCT/NOV 2023 theconnectionsnj.com • Are You Prepared for the Unthinkable? • Is Your Estate Plan Complete? • Do You Have an Estate Plan? • Do you have Minor Children? Who will take care of them if you get Sick or Pass Away Unexpectedly! • Do you Have Pets? If so consider a Pet Provision in your Trust or Will. • Do You Understand what Happens when you Die Without a Last Will and Testament or Trust? • Who can Legally Make your Healthcare and Financial Decisions should you become Incapacitated? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ With over 29+ years in the business, I know what matters! We will custom draft your plans to fit your personal needs. • Last Will & Testaments • Revocable Living Trusts • Living Wills • Powers of Attorney for Assets & Health Care Is Your Estate Plan Updated for 2023? Custom Drafted Estate Plans To Fit Your Individual Needs Gail L. Abrams Attorney at Law 908-753-4155 7 Johnston Drive, Watchung, NJ Estate planning is not only about having a will or trust in place to deal with what happens after you or a loved one passes away, it is also about having other supplemental documents in place to deal with what happens if you or your loved one becomes incapacitated. It is not SIMPLE and should not be done without a qualified estate planning attorney. Even a seemingly simple Power of Attorney, if drafted incorrectly or is not written within 3 years of use, may be deemed a worthless document and may not work when your loved one needs it. Powers of Attorney for assets and healthcare are the most important estate planning documents available while you are still alive, as well as living wills. Power of Attorney are created to appoint someone you trust to manage your finances and your healthcare should you become incapacitated. It is about identifying people you trust—while you are still able—who can make critical and life-changing decisions for you while you are alive and not able to make decisions for yourself. Most people at some point will be incapacitated and need these critical documents. Financial firms also require a Power of Attorney for assets to be in place prior to your incapacity. Once you are incapacitated, you can no longer choose who will manage your finances. It can take time and money for your loved ones to have you declared incapacitated and have a guardian appointed by a court. This process can delay transactions, be very expensive and have a serious impact on your financial accounts. It is also stressful for loved ones, especially if it is not clear who should be put in charge of your affairs, if there are conflicts among your loved ones on key issues such as what bills should be paid and how your money should be invested. NOTHING will get done. Then your family may have to deal with creditors, health care bills, disputing family members and so forth. It is crucial for you to act in advance of the time you become incapacitated and create a legal document naming a trusted person to act for you-rather than leaving this crucial decision up to the court. A Power of Attorney for assets SHOULD be reviewed and updated every three years. Recently, one of our clients has become incapacitated, and he cannot manage his affairs. He has rental and investment properties throughout NJ and Florida. His children have never been responsible with finances. They have gone through much of the money he has already given them. Luckily, his grandson is responsible with finances. Two years ago, while he was competent, we met with him to redraft his documents and to appoint the grandson as his Power of Attorney for assets, removing his irresponsible children. After his sudden incapacity, a major family dispute regarding one of his real estate assets erupted. We were able to prevent a major costly lawsuit by having this updated Power of Attorney for assets in place. The grandson makes all decisions regarding all of his assets, including this piece of real estate. Our client spent $250 to update his Power of Attorney for assets and avoided a costly family lawsuit. This is a simple solution and very inexpensive to keep your estate secure. Power of Attorney are part of an estate plan that protects you and your family now. After you pass away, the comprehensive estate plan should also include a last will and testament or revocable living trust to ensure your assets are managed and distributed as you dictate after you are gone. Only an experienced estate planning attorney will help you choose a plan and draft the legal documents that are right for you. At the law firm of Gail L. Abrams in Watchung, NJ, we offer solutions in preserving your assets for you and your family including comprehensive estate planning, IRA strategies, Retirement Planning and more. We take the time to ensure you are comfortable and understand your estate planning choices. KISS: Keep it Simple and Secured! Do not wait until something happens in an instant. Make informed decisions regarding your estate and financial affairs. Contact the law firm of Gail L. Abrams for a consultation today at (908) 753-4155 or email us at gabrams@siafinancial.com. KISS: KEEP IT SIMPLE & SECURED Durable Powers of Attorney: Critical Estate Planning Documents You Need to Do NOW to Protect Your Healthcare, Assets and Family By Gail Abrams ESTATE PLANNING
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AUTUMN’S ALLURE EAT, DRINK & CELEBRATE PAGE 13 theconnectionsnj.com TRADITIONAL TURKISH AND MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE 908-279-7779 41 Mountain Blvd., Warren Check out our menu on our website: zaytinrestaurant.com Come Dine In Our Newly Renovated Dining Room BYOB Open 7 days a week for Lunch & Dinner Breakfast Available on Weekends Not to be combined w/other offers. Exp. 11/15/23 15% OFF DINING
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AUTUMN’S ALLURE EAT, DRINK & CELEBRATE PAGE 16 theconnectionsnj.com • Your Art Resource for 98 Years • 27,000 square feet of Dedicated Art Space on 5 acres of Land • Adult Art Classes: Ceramics, Stained Glass, Painting, Jewelry Design, Life Drawing, Sewing, Crochet, Sculpture, Interior Decorating, Printmaking... • Kids and Teen Saturday Art Program • Live Theater, Lectures, Art Gallery www.ducretarts.org • 908-757-7171 For More Information Email Us at: info@ducretarts.org duCret Center of Art, located in the heart of Van Wyck Brooks Historic District in Plainfield, NJ, has a storied history spanning over 98 years. This esteemed institution, founded in 1926 by Marjorie Van Emburgh, has become a renowned hub for artistic education and exploration with a commitment to fostering creativity and nurturing talent. duCret offers a wide array of art classes catering to aspiring artists and seasoned professionals. duCret Center of Art holds a significant place in the annals of American Art education. The center began as a small art school located in one room of a carriage house and has grown into a Center encompassing 27,000 square feet of dedicated art space on five acres with well-equipped art studios and dedicated exhibition spaces. The center allows students to explore various artistic disciplines, while receiving guidance from experienced instructors. Over the years, duCret expanded its offerings and developed into a multifaceted institution, attracting students from diverse backgrounds and skill levels. duCret offers an extensive range of art classes designed to nurture creativity and enhance artistic skills. From traditional mediums such as drawing, painting, and sculptures to digital arts, animation, stained glass, ceramics, and printmaking, to name a few. At duCret, students learn from an accomplished faculty of practicing artists, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. These instructors bring a wealth of artistic knowledge and expertise to the classroom, guiding students through technical skills, creative concepts, and personal growth as artists. With their guidance, students receive invaluable feedback and mentorship that helps them develop their unique artistic voices. Beyond its art classes, duCret Center of Art fosters a vibrant art community, organizing exhibitions, community events, live theater, guest lectures, workshops, visiting artists programs, and annual summer concerts and plays on its front lawn. duCret’s rich history and commitment to the arts have positioned it as a prominent arts resource in Central New Jersey. With its diverse range of art classes for adults, teens, and kids, its experienced faculty, and its thriving art community, duCret Center of Art continues to inspire and empower artists of all levels. Whether aspiring to pursue a career in the arts or seeking to develop your skills further, duCret provides a nurturing environment where creativity can thrive. The fall session starts in September, and we encourage you to visit www.ducretarts.org to view class offerings and upcoming events. By Timothy O’Connor A Rich History & Diverse Artistic Offerings 1030 Central Ave. Plainfield, NJ 07060 908-757-7171 ducretarts.org COMMENDS CONNECTION Whether aspiring to pursue a career in the arts or seeking to develop your skills further, duCret provides a nurturing environment where creativity can thrive.
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THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION PAGE 22 SEPT/OCT/NOV 2023 theconnectionsnj.com AFFORDABLE DUES FOR NEW MEMBERS and reduced rates for Seniors and Young Adults includes High Holiday tickets Contact: membership@ckibbnj.org Rabbi Stephen Wylen 229 Mountain Avenue, Bound Brook Cantor Eddie Roffman 732-469-0934 info@ckibbnj.org Rosh Hashanah Sept. 15: 8:00 pm Sept. 16 & 17: 9:30 am Services are open to all on Sept 17, no tickets required Yom Kippur Sept. 24: 7:30 pm - Kol Nidre Sept. 25: 9:30 am & afternoon WORSHIP WITH US AT THE HIGH HOLIDAYS CKI’s RELIGIOUS SCHOOL individual Bar/Bat Mitzvahs where your child can shine! Contact school@ckibbnj.org for more information Contact us for ticket information Our warm and friendly community welcomes everyone who is part of a Jewish family Please visit us for Shabbat services (every Friday at 8:00 pm), Adult Education programs, and Saturday services with Torah Study an Inclusive Community Celebrating100Years Together ! See www.ckibbnj.org for our calendar and more about CKI
THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION PAGE 23 SEPT/OCT/NOV 2023 theconnectionsnj.com NOW OPEN! Our new state-of-the-art hospital is open! Services include: Like and Follow us on Facebook
KIDZ CONNECTION PAGE 24 theconnectionsnj.com European Fencing School High quality group & private lessons Custom - made program for kids and adults In the future: Help your High School Team! Fence for a College (NCAA Fencing Scholarships Available) Make the Junior Olympics! Improve your coordination and concentration World – Class coaches at Medeo are ready to work with beginner to elite fencers! For more info call: (973) 317- 6446 email: medeofencing@aol.com • www.medeofencing.com USFA PREMIER FENCING CLUB HOME OF NATIONAL CHAMPIONS AND US TEAM MEMBERS Brand new, fully air-conditioned, State-of-the-Art Medeo Fencing Studio with 23 FIE grounded metal strips 3E Chimney Rock Road, Suite B, Bound Brook, NJ 08805 Open 6 days a week Monday thru Saturday For more info call: (973) 317- 6446 BITS Camp 309 South St., Upper Level New Providence, NJ 07974 (908) 795-2368 Code, Build, Lead BITS Camp is a coding & STEM school that immerses elementary & middle schoolers in a fun, skill-building environment. Our flexible course & packages mean there are options that fit your family's schedule. Our Coding Track is a series of courses that teach all aspects of programming from hard drives to AI driven robots. Coding Gym is a self-directed, collaborative tech space for kids ages 8-18 to launch their projects. We also offer project driven Seasonal Camps during select holidays & vacations. www.BITSCamp.org Now Enrolling for Fall & Winter Dedicated father, husband, and self-professed hacker, Jason Nichols is as excited about the possibilities of code and AI as a kid opening a new Switch. He opened BITS Camp to introduce kids to all facets of computer programming from screens to screwdrivers. These unprecedented courses are geared to get campers aged 8 to 14 on a path where they build skills upon skills to achieve goals such as coding games and building AI Robots. In “Intro to Computers,” campers get to know how a computer works and what its components do using a screwdriver. This class lays the groundwork for computer programming from the hardware and terminology to the logic and programs. BITS Campers discover the why behind computer programming and how to apply it in their projects. The kids learn to code while playing an online multiplayer role-playing game as a part of Team BITS Camp. Campers who are new to coding start by using everyday language in the syntax of the most widely used languages. What sets BITS Camp apart is that the coordinating project design that coincides with what the students have learned is not dictated from the top down. During campfire at the beginning of class, Jason and the campers plot out or tweak project designs in their notebooks and the Smartboard. Wrapped into this opportunity to build it better, campers are learning leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. This summer, BITS Camp hosted a Smart Greenhouse. Over the course of five days, 11 campers, equipped with pencils, notebooks and whiteboards, brainstorm their own designs, inspired by the original plans, a 6’ x 3’ x 3’ PVC greenhouse with a 1’ deep soil bed with a smart irrigation system and solar powered grow lights. Their creativity ignited and the group collaborated on two overall designs. Our campers were divided into teams based on the design that compelled the campers. One plan was larger holding multiple containers of soil, while the other was more compact and efficient. The consistent theme between both teams was that everyone was given the chance to design, code and build. Start the school year off right, with kids excited to code, build, and lead with BITS Camp. The kids are back at school so we’re all looking for fun, extracurricular activities for them. Amid a sea of soccer, ballet, and football, how about a choice that fires up their engineering brains, and gets them moving? BITS Camp brings kids on an ‘Adventure in Tech’ that gets them excited to learn and connects that learning with hands-on real-life experience. By Kieran Kern Empower Kids to Code, Build and Lead at BITS Camp These unprecedented courses are geared to get campers aged 8 to 14 on a path where they build skills upon skills to achieve goals such as coding games and building AI Robots. COMMENDS CONNECTION 309 South Street, Suite 3 New Providence, NJ 07974 908-795-2368 www.bitscamp.org
PAGE 25 KIDZ CONNECTION theconnectionsnj.com Middle school is a lot different than elementary school. Probably everyone who has made the transition can agree. You get opportunities to do sports and clubs, you can sit at lunch with whomever you want, and you get to switch classes. There is one more thing that makes middle school different from elementary-lockers. Your locker is your own personal storage room in school. Now, there is no wrong way to organize and use your locker, but there are certainly ways that are more effective and efficient than others. Throughout sixth and seventh grade, people have always told me that my locker is so organized. Many have asked how I keep it that way for the whole year. The trick is you have to be committed to keeping it organized. Now, you are probably thinking, “Why do I even need an organized locker?” It really helps because you can find things more easily and quickly. Another benefit is that during locker cleanout, which is before winter and spring break, you can get done a lot faster. Also, it helps because at the end of the year, your locker becomes easier to pack up since there is no excess clutter. Here are my tips on keeping a well-organized and functional locker. First, instead of one shelf, I have two shelves in my locker. You still could make it work with just one, but I find two is much easier. Second, each shelf in my locker is designated for a particular use. It might be notebooks, folders, or other things. Also, do not be afraid to use the bottom of the locker, it gives you even more area to put your stuff. The top shelf of the locker is good for small things, like pencil cases or a water bottle. Another piece of advice is to use the hooks. I put my lunch box on one, my jacket on one, and my backpack on the third. With the backpack, you kind of need to wedge it in the locker. Backpacks are prone to getting caught in the locker so be careful. Before you close your locker, check for straps sticking out so your locker door does not get stuck. Something else I recommend is putting papers in a folder. Loose papers very commonly clutter lockers. Another big thing is to never leave food in your locker overnight. The next day, you will find bugs, which is not fun to clean out. My final suggestion is to enjoy styling your locker and make it yours! Put up some decorations! Have fun! Lockers can be really exciting for both people who are new to middle school or even for people who have been there for a year or two. I hope you take my advice, whether you are brand new to having a locker, or if you are looking to make your locker more organized and your own! Riya is an 8th grade student at Warren Middle School. She is a competitive dancer at Rising Stars Studio of Dance and her favorite style of dance is tap. Riya also enjoys listening to music, swimming, and creative writing. She is very excited to share her ideas for school organization as she starts her 8th grade year. Locking Up Organization Throughout sixth and seventh grade, people have always told me that my locker is so organized. Many have asked how I keep it that way for the whole year. The trick is you have to be committed to keeping it organized. TEEN VOICE By Riya Ramani
KIDZ CONNECTION PAGE 26 theconnectionsnj.com 908-464-5051 105 Diamond Hill Road, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922 www.diamondhillmontessori.com We at Diamond Hill Montessori guide children following Dr. Maria Montessori's philosophy of educating the whole child. Our teachers support and nurture all areas of child developemnt and learning. Through purposeful activities, your child will acquire a sense of well-being and confidence that will help them reach and meet challenges throughout life. • Toddler Class (2.5 - 3.5 years) • Primary Program (3-6 years) • Kindergarten Curriculum • Special Programs • Extended Care • After School Enrichments • Summer Camp ABOUT OUR SCHOOL OUR PROGRAMS 105 Diamond Hill Road Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922 908-464-5051 diamondhillmontessori.com COMMENDS CONNECTION When the previous owners of Diamond Hill Montessori School in Berkeley Heights were retiring in 2022, Kristina Brusco and Auna Conrad had already been teaching at the private school for years. The colleagues (and close neighbors and friends!) seamlessly transitioned to their new roles as co-heads of the school, serving children ages 2.5 through 6 years old from the towns of Summit, Watchung, New Providence, Chatham, and other neighboring communities. Established in 2000, Diamond Hill Montessori School carefully integrates the development of intellectual capabilities, social skills, emotional growth, physical coordination, and cognitive preparation, in addition to featuring classes in fine arts, yoga, music, and foreign language. The school employs “The Montessori Method,” which is based on the observation of the nature of children and their natural drive to learn by doing. With mixed-age classrooms that allow younger students the stimulation of older children, the Montessori philosophy allows older children to become role models. The thoughtfully prepared materials and guidance of trained and experienced teachers fosters independence by giving a child the ability to make their own choices. Brusco came on board in 2016 and now serves as the Business Director, while Conrad arrived in 2012 and acts as the Academic Director. Diamond Hill Montessori offers half-day and full-day options, and next year will also be offering aftercare until 6 PM (in consideration of more dual working families and people going back into the office). “We’ve been blessed with amazing families,” says Brusco, “It’s very much a legacy.” With both heads of school living right in town, they often run into parents whose children started “way back when” and now are going into middle school and beyond. A big difference between a Montessori school and a traditional school is that it follows what is best for the child. Montessori teachers prepare the environment to make all learning types (i.e.-visual, tactile, kinesthetic) available and lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning. “Montessori is not a one-size-fits-all, complete the worksheet type of program,” says Conrad. “Children all learn differently, so each child is offered an individualized education plan within the Montessori environment,” adding, “That’s not to say they are robotic, they are kids!” The children have lots of opportunities for social interactions-having snacks with a friend as they talk about their day and letting their energy out on the playground. “We do try to touch upon all aspects of a child’s growth and learning,” says Brusco. The duo has had many memorable moments over the years. Having each family over the course of several years gives the teachers the gift of really being able to watch the children grow. One little girl was new to the school. On the very first day of school, her father said, “We only speak Mandarin and she speaks no English whatsoever.” Conrad says, “By the end of the first week, she said her first sentence in English to a classmate next to her at circle time!” Children’s minds are like sponges and absorb everything. Both Brusco and Conrad want to keep growing and getting acclimated to the community. They took part in many community service projects this past year and even joined local civic organizations. Their focus is strengthening ties with the families they serve and creating strong connections. “We really want to give back to the towns our school has children in,” they both agreed. By Katrina Musto A Legacy of Learning in Berkeley Heights
PAGE 27 KIDZ CONNECTION theconnectionsnj.com Bright Beginnings Inspiring Futures Information Sessions September 28 · Middle & Upper School October 24 · Middle & Upper School November 16 · Lower School Preschool to Grade 12 Gladstone, NJ Coeducational · Nonsectarian · College Prep Register, apply, or learn more! · gsbschool.org · 908-234-1611, ext 245 gives students the ability to not only pursue their personal passions but to build confidence and achieve a well-rounded education.” Project-based programs such as the Lower School’s Biome Project and the Middle School’s environmental STREAMS program strengthen students’ skill sets while broadening their worldview. In the Upper School, the historic Spring Unit enriches the traditional academic curriculum by providing a unique two-week immersive study experience that involves local, national, and international travel. Student-led service initiatives, award- winning performing arts, fine arts, and athletic programs are also an integral part of the educational experience. The campus is home to a 450-seat performing arts and community center, as well as state-of-theart athletic facilities for 41 teams across 15 sports, many of which have garnered both state and national recognition. For many families, GSB is the right fit because of the school’s emphasis on community and meaningful relationships. “Our teachers expect a lot from their students in the classroom and, at the same time, they get to know them on a personal level,” says Director of Enrollment Management Pamela Fiander. “Faculty regularly attends performing arts and athletic events because they’ve developed relationships with their students and want to support them.” At its core, GSB encourages students to expand learning beyond the classroom, to step outside of their comfort zone, and to discover who they are. With a strong focus on character, and social-emotional development, students are well-prepared for college and a meaningful life. Whether they attend GSB for 15 years or for three, our students know that Gill St. Bernard’s will always feel like home, and this gives them the clarity and confidence to explore a world of possibility. Gill St. Bernard’s (GSB) is one of only a handful of independent, college-preparatory schools in New Jersey to offer preschool through grade 12 on a single campus. With 208 acres, a working farm, two trout streams, a large pond, and a two-acre garden, hands-on experiential learning is built into the GSB curriculum at every stage of the educational journey. “Gill students are exposed to a rigorous academic program that combines thoughtful classes with inspiring art courses, top-tier athletic programs, and unique experiential learning opportunities,” says Head of School Sid Rowell. “This purposeful balance By Kathleen Bartlett Exploring a World of Possibilities “Gill students are exposed to a rigorous academic program that combines thoughtful classes with inspiring art courses, top-tier athletic programs, and unique experiential learning opportunities,” says Head of School, Sid Rowell. COMMENDS CONNECTION 25 St. Bernard’s Road Gladstone, NJ 07934 908-234-1611 gsbschool.org
KIDZ CONNECTION PAGE 28 theconnectionsnj.com LightbridgeAcademy.com The Solution FOR WORKING PARENTS® NOW ENROLLING IN WARREN INFANT, TODDLER AND PRE-K PROGRAMS Waived Registration Fee 181 Mount Bethel Road Warren, NJ 07059 908-368-1550 • Extended hours • Seedlings Early Childhood Education Curriculum • STREAM, Sign Language, Spanish, Yoga & Mindfulness and Music included • Parent eCommunication app • Interactive whiteboards and iPad technology • ParentView® Internet Monitoring • Enhanced health & safety protocols with air purification and filtration • State-of-the-art security systems *Discount applies to number of days enrolled. Offer cannot be combined, for new enrollment only. Expires 11/15/23 The Somerset Hills area is such a beautiful, country-like location, steeped in history, especially from the Revolutionary War period. The fall is one of the best times to explore our colorful landscape and the tales of what took place here. So now that the kids are back in school and the days are getting a little shorter and cooler, why not plan a few activities with the kids on the weekends that will help them to appreciate the beauty and history of where they live? I find that one of the best ways to get kids (and adults) interested in a place is to know anecdotes about it before going. Here are the stories behind some cool local places that you should visit with the family this fall. The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge-The Great Swamp, as locals call it, is almost 8,000 acres of protected land sheltering a wide range of habitats and almost 12 miles of hiking trails. It spans both Morris and Somerset Counties and is a popular place to get away and take a walk in nature in any season. But did you know that it also is the site of a local ghost By Joanne Kleinle Historical Visits in the Somerset Hills I find that one of the best ways to get kids (and adults) interested in a place is to know anecdotes about it before going. ADVENTURES FAMILY story and inspiration for one of America’s most beloved books? The legend of the Headless Horseman, which was immortalized in 1820 by Washington Irving’s short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and has inspired countless movies and theater productions, actually took place in our own Great Swamp. In the late 1770s, at the height of the Revolutionary War, Basking Ridge was at the heart of the conflict. Legend has it that one night, three Hessian soldiers were passing through Basking Ridge, probably on what is now Maple Avenue, when they were attacked by village Patriots. One of the soldiers was on horseback and had his head almost severed from his body, but his lifeless body stayed on the horse as it ran into what is now the Great Swamp. The horse later reappeared, but the Hessian’s body was never recovered. There have, however, been sightings of his ghost in the Swamp on moonlit nights. Morristown National Historical Park-This beloved National Park, which is right on our doorstep, turns 90 this year! It includes Ford Mansion, which was Washington’s Headquarters during the harshest winter of the war, and Jockey Hollow-the encampment where the American soldiers encamped during the coldest, snowiest winter on record. Tours of the mansion are available with a guide and are free, but limited in number. They are available at the front desk of the Headquarters Museum on a first come first serve basis. Learn more at https:// www.nps.gov/morr/index.htm. If you go to Jockey Hollow, be sure to learn about the family that owned the largest farm in that area at the time of the encampment-the Wick family. Their farmhouse is still there. They had five children. One of them was Tempe. She was a young girl who was an amazing rider and loved horses. The story goes that she had an impressive horse. One day when she was out riding, some soldiers tried to take her horse from her. She not only outrode them, but she also outsmarted them. They followed her to her house. Instead of putting the horse in the barn, she walked him right into her house and kept him there for days until all was clear. They never found the horse, never thinking to look in the house! See more about her story at the following link: https://www.usgenwebsites.org/ NJMorris/history/tempewick The best way to explore Morristown National Park with kids is to take advantage of the Junior Ranger Program. There are activities divided into three groups to cater to different ages. The program offers fun activities for the kids to complete while exploring the Park, and when completed, they earn their “Junior Ranger” badge. It is a great way to learn about the park and have fun at the same time! Go to https://www.nps. gov/morr/upload/MORR-Junior-Ranger-Web. pdf for more information. There are lots more interesting stories about the places that we drive by every day. If ghost stories are your thing, check out the Top Ten Haunted Tales from the Somerset Hills on the Mr. Local History website at https://www. mrlocalhistory.org/haunted/ and drive around to see them during the day or at night-if you dare!! Who says history has to be boring? Sometimes the stories about the places around us just make everything more interesting!
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