The Connections Warren-Watchung Edition Sep-Nov. 2024

Cover Artwork By Lauren E. Loscialo AUTUMN'S ALLURE Shopping, Beauty, Dining & Events Back To School FAMILY ADVENTURES Celebrate the Harvest at Applefest HINTS FOR THE HOME Surviving a Renovation PLAY TO WIN Details on page 6! SEPT/OCT/NOV 2024 Warren-Watchung Edition Warren, Watchung, Martinsville, Stirling, Millington, Gillette, Green Brook, Basking Ridge, Berkeley Heights, New Providence

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THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION PAGE 6 SEPT/OCT/NOV 2024 8 Financial Forum - Shapiro CPA 12 Lawyer’s View – Gail L. Abrams, Attorney at Law AUTUMN’S ALLURE 13-24 Shopping, Beauty, & Dining 14 Family Adventures 16 Fashion Flash-Adams Fine Clothing 25-27 BACK TO SCHOOL 24 Food for Thought 25 Teen Voice- Soham Chausalkar 28-31 SENIOR LIVING 28 Slice of Life 30 Senior Corner 42-53 HEALTH & WELLNESS 42 Creative Corner 44 Medical Minutes-NMR 47 Lessons From A Life Coach- Jane Cooperman 48 Mind the Mind 50 Health Hotline – The Center for Intrapersonal Wellness, LLC 52 Health Hotline – True Fit Balance 54-65 HOME & DESIGN 60 Community News: NJ Sharing Network 65 Hints for the Home- Fair Street Interiors 66-67 COMMUNITY CALENDAR 68 Under the Hood- RSW Auto Group 10 Pratt Personal Training 26 Wharton Arts 31 Mira Vie at Warren 32 Legband & D’Onofrio LLC 41 Metropolitan Window Fashions 46 UniMed Center Lauren E. Loscialo Title of Artwork: Lotus Pink Lauren grew up in Warren, New Jersey with her sister Georgeann Agaisse, who happens to be an integral part of The Connection Magazine. Lauren E. Loscialo’s childhood was marked by a balance of contrasts. At a young age, she developed a strong respect for painting, photography, and nature through her artist mother, while gaining a grasp of technical, mechanical, and Architectural concepts from her engineer father. These early ˆ˜y Õi˜Vià ˆ“«ÀiÃÃi` Õ«œ˜ iÀ Ì i ˆ“«œÀÌ>˜Vi œv V>ÀivՏÞ “>ÀÀވ˜} >iÃÌ ïVÃ ÜˆÌ v՘V‡ tion when designing parks and public spaces. Lauren has an architecture background and spent over 25 years working as a landscape architect/urban planner in New York City after graduating from Rutgers University. Over her career, she had the opportunity to work on many iconic urban spaces throughout iÜ 9œÀŽ] > viÜ ˆ˜VÕ`ˆ˜} i˜ÌÀ> *>ÀŽ >˜` 1˜ˆœ˜ -µÕ>Ài° - i ˆÃ >˜ >Ü>À`‡Üˆ˜˜ˆ˜} `iÈ}˜iÀ L>Ãi` œ˜ iÀ ܜÀŽ œ˜ > *Àœ“‡ enade Plan/Streetscape in the vicinity of the World Trade Center site after 9/11. In 2010, Lauren launched her own design company, Lauren E. Living LLC, specializing in urban gardens and rooftop design throughout New York City. Please visit her website to view her art: LaurenLoPhoto.com. THE CONNECTION MAGAZINE'S TEAM PUBLISHED BY Donna Reina, Georgeann Agaisse, Heather Silver, Patty Herman, Alicia Singman 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 TheWINNERof the Topiarium Fake ad in the June issue is Marie Colangelo of Stirling. Marie won a gift certificate to Fuchsia Bowls in Berkeley Heights. Happy Holidays! Next Issue November Advertising deadline October 25, 2024 SPOT THE FAKE! ˆÃV>ˆ“iÀ\ / i ۈiÜà iÝ«ÀiÃÃi` ˆ˜ Ì i >À̈Vià >Ài Ì i >ÕÌ œÀî >˜` `œ ˜œÌ ˜iViÃÃ>ÀˆÞ Àiy iVÌ Ì i ۈiÜà œv / i œ˜˜iV̈œ˜ >}‡ >∘ið 7i «ÕLˆÃ > >`ÛiÀ̈Ãi“i˜ÌÃ] i`ˆÌœÀˆ>Ã >˜` œÌ iÀ Vœ˜Ìi˜Ì ˆ˜ }œœ` v>ˆÌ ° 7i V>˜˜œÌ }Õ>À>˜Ìii œÀ >VVi«Ì ˆ>LˆˆÌÞ vœÀ Ì i >VVÕÀ>VÞ œv Ì i V>ˆ“à “>`i LÞ Ì i >`ÛiÀ̈ÃiÀð ON OUR COVER Highlights... Editorials... Welcome to fall and our September issue of the Warren-Watchung Connection. As the air turns crisp and the leaves transform into a kaleidoscope of colors, it's time to embrace everything the season has to offer. From apple picking to pumpkin-flavored treats, fall brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Use The Connection Magazine as your go-to resource for all things autumn. Inside, you'll find columns from industry experts on nutrition, men’s fashion, and maintaining a healthy mindset. Enhance your home's beauty and functionality with advice from the experts and advertisers in our Home & Design section. As the new school year begins and you’re in need of assistance in getting academically prepared, we have dedicated tutors and academic specialists here to help. Peruse the Back to School section and reach out to them today to ensure a successful and confident start to the school year! Dive in and make the most of the season with our curated content in this fall issue. The September cover features handpicked cover artists who share a unique and profound "connection" to The Connection Magazine. Their art not only adorns our cover but also embodies the spirit and essence of our publication. We are delighted to display these talented individuals, who share a special bond with The Connection Magazine. Our cover artist, Lauren E. Loscialo, grew up in Warren and is the sister of our editorial and production coordinator, Georgeann Agaisse. Her work is titled Lotus Pink and is a mixed media piece. The vibrant pinks, reds and magentas are eye-catching! The artwork was inspired by a photo from a trip to Vietnam. Lauren loves to find “natural” architecture within the landscape and is inspired by form and textures, as displayed in the perfect curves of this beautiful lotus. The ideal fall outing awaits you in our Family Adventures column by Joanne Kleinle. While you are enjoying apple cider, warm sweaters and colorful leaves, take the time to celebrate the harvest at Applefest in Warwick, New York. The trip promises to be a great family adventure filled with autumn interests for everyone! As you are busy getting the kids ready to head back to school, don’t forget to take time for self-care. Irene Lebbad writes about how to recalibrate your negative thoughts in our Health Hotline column. She recommends several strategies to redirect your negativity and stop it in its tracks. Fill your fall with positive thinking! We encourage you to visit the businesses featured in our magazine and let them know you heard about them here. Like our social media posts remind you, #TellThemWeSentYou! Your support not only helps these businesses thrive but also strengthens our local economy and community spirit. By choosing to shop locally, you contribute to the vibrancy and sustainability of our neighborhoods. Thank you for being a part of our readership and supporting our mission. We look forward to continuing to serve you with valuable content and connecting you with the best local businesses. Here’s to a wonderful fall season filled with new beginnings, learning opportunities, and cherished memories! Warm regards, Anna Petro A Note From Our Publisher... CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gail Abrams, Gail Bicknell, ASID, CAPS, Helen H. Cha-Pyo, Soham Chausalkar, Jane Cooperman, Michele D’Onofrio, Carolyn Hanson, Joanne Kleinle, Lori Kolodin, MPH, RD, Irene Lebbad, MSW, LCSW, CIMHP, Donna Legband, Matthew Lopez, Ellyn Mantell, David Marzano Katrina Musto, Dr. Michael Osit, Jon Pfingst, Dr. Vince Sferra, Robert Shapiro CPA, ABV, Greg Waxberg, Jill Witte, Samantha Wohl

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THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION PAGE 12 SEPT/OCT/NOV 2024 theconnectionsnj.com × 7D[ %RPE (VWDWH 7D[ ([HPSWLRQ ZLOO FKDQJH XQGHU WKH 6XQVHW 3URYLVLRQV $UH <RX 3URWHFWHG IRU WKHVH 7D[ /DZ FKDQJHV LQ " × /HDUQ KRZ WR FRUUHFWO\ GHVLJQDWH EHQHILFLDULHV LQ D :LOO 7UXVW RU &XVWRGLDQ GRFXPHQW × /HDUQ /HJDO 6WUDWHJLHV KRZ WR PLQLPL]H WD[HV RQ 5HWLUHPHQW $FFRXQWV ZLWK WKH \HDU UXOH XQGHU WKH 6HFXUHG $FW × $UH <RX 3UHSDUHG IRU WKH 8QWKLQNDEOH" × ,V <RXU (VWDWH 3ODQ &RPSOHWH" × 'R <RX +DYH DQ (VWDWH 3ODQ" × 'R \RX KDYH 0LQRU &KLOGUHQ" :KR ZLOO WDNH FDUH RI WKHP LI \RX JHW 6LFN RU 3DVV $ZD\ 8QH[SHFWHGO\ × 'R \RX +DYH 3HWV" ,I VR FRQVLGHU D 3HW 3URYLVLRQ LQ \RXU 7UXVW RU :LOO × :KR FDQ /HJDOO\ 0DNH \RXU +HDOWKFDUH DQG )LQDQFLDO 'HFLVLRQV VKRXOG \RX EHFRPH ,QFDSDFLWDWHG" :LWK RYHU \HDUV LQ WKH EXVLQHVV , NQRZ ZKDW PDWWHUV :H ZLOO FXVWRP GUDIW \RXU SODQV WR ILW \RXU SHUVRQDO QHHGV × /DVW :LOO 7HVWDPHQWV × 5HYRFDEOH /LYLQJ 7UXVWV /LYLQJ :LOOV × 3RZHUV RI $WWRUQH\ IRU $VVHWV +HDOWKFDUH Is Your Estate Plan Updated for 2024? &XVWRP 'UDIWHG (VWDWH 3ODQV 7R )LW <RXU ,QGLYLGXDO 1HHGV Gail L. Abrams $WWRUQH\ DW /DZ 908-753-4155 -RKQVWRQ 'ULYH :DWFKXQJ 1- The Estate Tax Act of 2026 looms large on the horizon, promising sweeping changes to estate taxation in the United States. Enacted as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2017, this legislation substantially raised estate tax exemption levels. For affluent families, this meant a welcome relief from federal estate taxes. However, the current estate tax regime is slated to significantly shift come January 1, 2026, when the TCJA’s provisions are set to sunset. Unless Congress intervenes, exemption levels will revert to 2017 rates indexed for inflation. The Sunset provision on the Estate (Death) Tax will considerably broaden the pool of estates subject to federal taxation. This impending change underscores the critical need for proactive estate planning among affected families. The implications are profound. Families with estates currently hovering around the current exemption thresholds face potential tax liabilities they had previously avoided. Effective planning is essential to mitigate these impacts. Strategies such as strategic asset gifting, establishment of trusts, and other tools can be implemented to minimize taxable estate values. The estate tax sunset is not the only impending change. Concurrently, income tax cuts introduced by the TCJA are also scheduled to expire, reverting tax brackets to pre-2017 levels. This shift could translate into higher tax rates for many Americans, particularly those in higher income brackets. Amidst these impending changes, Estate Attorneys and Financial Advisors play a crucial role in guiding clients through the complexities of tax planning. Proactively managing these transitions can optimize financial outcomes, whether through leveraging current lower tax brackets, accelerating income, or strategically planning charitable donations to maximize deductions before deduction limits revert in 2026. The evolving tax landscape demands foresight and strategic planning. As the estate tax exemption shrinks and income tax rates potentially rise, families and individuals are advised to consult with experienced Estate Planning Attorneys and Financial Advisors to navigate these changes effectively. Informed decision-making today can secure financial stability and peace of mind for the future. For those navigating these challenges, the expertise of a seasoned Estate Attorney and Financial Advisor can make all the difference. Prepare for tomorrow, today. At the law firm of Gail L. Abrams Gail L. Abrams in Watchung, NJ we offer solutions for preserving your assets for you and your family including comprehensive Estate Planning, Investment Management, securing your Retirement Planning, and much more. We take the time to ensure you are comfortable and understand your estate planning choices. KISS: Keep it Simple and Secure! Do not wait until something happens in an instant. Make informed decisions regarding your Estate Planning and financial affairs. Contact the law firm of Gail L. Abrams Gail L. Abrams for a consultation today at (908) 753-4155 or email us at gabrams@siafinancial.com LAWYER’SVIEW Sunset of the Estate Tax: What You Need to Know!! By Gail Abrams, Attorney at Law Unless Congress intervenes, exemption levels will revert to 2017 rates indexed for inflation...This impending change underscores the critical need for proactive estate planning among affected families.

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AUTUMN’S ALLURE SHOPPING, BEAUTY & DINING PAGE 14 theconnectionsnj.com 0 śśŵśşŵŜŞ ƑśśŵśşŵŜŞ Tuesday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM Wednesday-Saturday 8:00 AM-8:00 PM Sunday 8:00 AM-3:00 PM Closed Monday AFFORDABLE DUES 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 October 2: 7:30 pm October 3 & 4: 9:30 am Services are open to all on Oct. 4, no tickets required Yom Kippur October 11: 7:30 pm - Kol Nidre October 12: 9:30 am & afternoon WORSHIP WITH US AT THE HIGH HOLIDAYS Contact us for ticket information CKI’s friendly and caring community welcomes everyone who wants to be part of a Jewish family! Please join us for Shabbat services - every Friday at 8:00 pm. Stay for refreshments & socializing at the Oneg Shabbat afterwards. an Inclusive Community Celebrating 100 Years Together ! See www.ckibbnj.org for our calendar of events and more about CKI We offer: SOCIAL EVENTS, LEARNING PROGRAMS, and HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS Guests are always welcome! Fall is my favorite season. It entices all the senses: the crunch of the leaves under your feet…the crisp autumn air…the spectacular foliage…the cozy sweaters… the apple cider. The best way to immerse yourself in the wonders of the season is to jump in and celebrate the harvest. We have many farms in the area that allow you to get out and pick your own pumpkins and apples. If you do not want to put in the work, the farms have well-stocked farm stands, fun activities and tasty treats to enjoy. Even better, check out a festival celebrating the harvest-Applefest Applefest! One of the largest and most popular in the region happens every year just over the New York border in Warwick, New York. This year’s Applefest Applefest will take place on Sunday, October 6th from 9am-5pm. What began back in 1989 as a local fall festival has grown to be an attraction that draws over 30,000 visitors from all around the area. The Hudson Valley is well known for its extraordinary variety of apples. This festival showcases fall’s best fruit. Admission is free to Applefest Applefest and there is something there for the whole family. Try an Apple Pie Baking Contest (with slices for sale- so judge for yourself!), visit over 200 craft vendors, dozens of food vendors, 50 local non-profit exhibitors, a farmer’s market, a children’s carnival and live music and entertainment on several stages all throughout the day. Applefest takes place in the streets and parks of downtown Warwick so you can easily walk to village shops, restaurants, and businesses. The event is hosted by Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce and all proceeds benefit the Chamber and about 50 local non-profit organizations. The young and the young at heart love the Carnival in Stanley-Deming Park. Everyone will find something at the Carnival-but leave your pets at home as they are not permitted. The Carnival runs all day Sunday from 9-5 as well as for two special pre-Applefest Applefest evenings on Friday and Saturday from 4-10pm. The Carnival offers a variety of kiddie and larger rides. Wristbands for unlimited rides are available for about $15 (separate wristbands are required for each day.) During Applefest Applefest, there is face painting and a whole host of vendors and family activities in the Carnival area. Feeling competitive? Why don’t you submit an entry in the Apple Pie Baking Contest? No fee or pre-registration is required, and entries will be judged in two age divisions: Junior (Age 7-16) and Adult (Age 17 and older). On the day of Applefest Applefest, apple pies should be checked in between 8-11:30 am at the Apple Pie Baking Contest Booth #76-77 by the South Street Lot. Go to the official website at warwickapplefest.com for entry form and more details. If you are looking to include some apple or pumpkin picking in your day, there are several orchards nearby Applefest Applefest. More information is available by checking out their website at warwickvalleyappletrail.com. If you are looking to get to a farm closer to home, check out this link for the best farms in New Jersey: njmom.com/guide/pumpkin-picking-nj. Whatever you do, be sure to get out there and tempt your senses with the fruits of the season! Fall For Fall in Warwick, New York By Joanne Kleinle FAMILY ADVENTURES The young and the young at heart love the Carnival in Stanley-Deming Park. Everyone will find something at the Carnival-but leave your pets at home as they are not permitted.

AUTUMN’S ALLURE SHOPPING, BEAUTY & DINING PAGE 15 theconnectionsnj.com Where Style Meets Precision! WE’VE MOVED! Come Visit Our Newly Renovated Salon at 5RTKPIƂGNF #XG 0GY 2TQXKFGPEG • Full Men's Salon • Kid's Carmen’s Men’s Salon is now 9GNEQOKPI 9QOGP (QT %WVU %QNQT 5V[NKPI 908-665-2328 *QWTU /QPFC[ (TKFC[ #/ s 2/ ^ 5CVWTFC[ #/ 2/ Uniquely Delicious Experience Starting in 2015, we developed a unique dining experience for all of our guests using fresh and sustainable ingredients – taking you on a culinary journey like no other. From classic Italian recipes to new-age kitchen adventures, each dish reflects our passion for high-quality food presented in a simple yet pleasing manner. Dive right in, and take a bite; join us today. You will not be disappointed! Private Dining Room for all your special events! Don’t Miss Out On Your Date! OPEN FOR LUNCH Wednesday – Friday 12 PM – 3 PM OPEN FOR DINNER Tuesday – Sunday 5 PM – 10 PM Closed Monday WWW CAFEVENEZIAOFMARŵNSVILLE COM Curbside Pickup 732-356-3500 • 732-357-1257 • Off Premise Catering Available • BYOB 1966 Washington Valley Rd., Martinsville, NJ 08836

AUTUMN’S ALLURE SHOPPING, BEAUTY & DINING PAGE 16 theconnectionsnj.com NEED HELP? WE'LL DRESS YOU. Dress up or dress down. That's your business. Dressing you well, that's our business. Adams Fine Clothing & Tuxedo 1275 Springfield Ave. New Providence, NJ 07974 908-665-0800 www.adamsfineclothing.com Allow us to make the difference! We offer both In-Stock and Custom Made Suits, Shirts and Jeans for Men. Picture this. You come home and find a wedding invitation in your mailbox. It seems pretty straightforward. But what’s that? Suddenly panic and confusion set in. You find yourself fixated on the words following the section “Dress Code.” Formal??? What does that mean? Do I need to get a tux?? I’m so confused!!!! OH, THE HUMANITY! Well, don’t worry. I’m going to break it all down for you! Every year, I see dress codes that just get more and more confusing (looking at you ‘Australian Black Tie’). So I’m going to switch up the format and break down the dress codes you’ll likely find and what you need to make sure you’re dressed your best (besides the bride and groom). Black Tie: By far the most popular dress code post-pandemic. When an invite says black tie, it means one thing and one thing only-a tux. Black is preferred, but a dark navy or charcoal tuxedo is acceptable. Your bowtie should be black (preferably one you did yourself) and your shirt should have the ability to take both cufflinks and studs, but studs are optional. While traditional black tie is rigid, feel free to inject your personality into your pocket square and socks. As for shoes, patent leather is the norm, but a well-polished black lace-up or loafer is more modern. Creative Black Tie: CBT is the more fun cousin of black tie. While bearing a slight resemblance to each other, CBT gives guests the ability to showcase FASHIONFLASH Weddings-Decoded By David Marzano Manager, Adams Fine Clothing and Tuxedos their sartorial personality. Have a green velvet jacket? This is the time to wear it. Bold colors and prints are encouraged for CBT. Black Tie Preferred: You’ll see these all over and they all mean the same thing; wear a tux if you’ve got one, but if you wear a dark suit, you’re still invited. Don’t worry if you don’t have a tux. Just wear a black, navy, or charcoal suit with a dark tie and you’re good. Formal: If we were in the UK right now, this would mean a different thing. The formal dress code (USA Edition) is the other most common dress code along with black tie. It is by far the simplest. The formal dress code boils down to a simple dark suit with a white or light blue shirt and a tie. Unlike black tie optional, you can have fun with your tie and other accessories. but the tie is absolutely required. Semi-Formal: While a tie is required for formal attire, when you get a semi-formal invite, you can feel free to skip it. You can wear a suit in a lighter color or with a bolder pattern or even skip the suit altogether! A sports coat and slacks are acceptable, but I would suggest wearing a tie if you wear a sports coat to help even out the formality. So next time you get an invite and start to panic, just grab your handy dandy Connection Magazine and ask yourself “Which of these five does the invitation ‘match’ best?” Then suit up and hit the dance floor in style! Adams Fine Clothing & Tuxedo 1275 Springfield Avenue in New Providence, New Jersey.

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AUTUMN’S ALLURE SHOPPING, BEAUTY & DINING PAGE 18 theconnectionsnj.com Fresh Seasonal Produce and Dairy Seasonal fruit, glass bottles of hormone-free, farm-fresh milk, eggs, yogurt, butter, & Italian cheeses Quality Flowers & Plants Chrysanthemums, shrubs, trees, & fresh cut flowers Bakery Fresh selection of pies, crumb cakes, loaf breads, & cider donuts Shop Our Farm Market! Gourmet market offering local honey, scented candles, unique bath & body soaps & holiday decor! Bulk Mulch & Top Soil Available for Delivery Hardwood, black or brown dye, & playground, nutri-peet mulch [ú Ɵđđáǽ ƒ ědzádȬ ȄáťáȟijƟƕ Ɵĕ ĩdzijȄȟƀdȑ IdzááȑÆ ddzťdƈÉ dƈÉ [dzádȟĩȑ đƟǽ ȟĩú ƟťijÉdɼ EádȄƟƕď Modern Buffet Modern Buffet Sushi Korean BBQ Hibachi Buffet LUNCH BUFFET Mon-Fri Children (age 3-5) $699 Children (age 6-10) $999 Adult $1399 DINNER BUFFET Mon-Thurs Children (age 3-5) $999 Children (age 6-10) $1299 Adult $1999 LUNCH BUFFET Saturday Children (age 3-5) $699 Children (age 6-10) $999 Adult $1899 DINNER BUFFET Friday-Saturday Children (age 3-5) $999 Children (age 6-10) $1299 Adult $2599 SUNDAY-ALL DAY BUFFET $2599 TAKE OUT BUFFET Reg. $6.99/lb • Mix w/Seafood $8.49/lb • Seafood only $9.99/lb Snow Crab Leg only $17.99/lb • BBQ or Sushi $10.99/lb 1250 US 22 East, North Plainfield • 908-941-4118 $5 off any check Over $35 Limit 1-No other discounts apply Modern Buffet $10 off any check Over $65 Limit 1-No other discounts apply Modern Buffet $20 off any check Over $100 Limit 1-No other discounts apply VISIT OUR CONNECTIONS ONLINE AD TO VIEW OUR VIDEO THE CONNECTION MAGAZINES

AUTUMN’S ALLURE SHOPPING, BEAUTY & DINING PAGE 19 theconnectionsnj.com Authentic Italian Cuisine. American Fare. Delicious Food. Catering & Take Out Available Casual Dining • Family Owned Homemade Recipes, Traditional Bar Food, Rotating Craft Beer List and Mouthwatering Cocktails 9 YEARS OF INCREDIBLE SUCCESS! THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING CUSTOMERS! COVERED TENTED AREA 74)'-%0 46-')7 3**)6)( (%-0= *631 ͊ 41 ͎ 34)2 (%=7 % ;))/ OKTOBERFEST 15TH ANNUAL

AUTUMN’S ALLURE SHOPPING, BEAUTY & DINING PAGE 20 theconnectionsnj.com

AUTUMN’S ALLURE SHOPPING, BEAUTY & DINING PAGE 21 theconnectionsnj.com 34 YEARS IN BUSINESS! ”‹‹ „‘•ˆ‚„ €ˆ‘ €‹Ž REDKEN REF PUREOLOGY Book your appointment for a treatment for sun damaged hair! OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK LUNCH & DINNER OFF PREMISE CATERING AVAILABLE WALK-INS ALWAYS WELCOME Private Parties for up to 100 people Prime Rib Sunday Starting at 2:00 pm (Boneless 16 oz.) Market Price Monday Special Lobsterfest Two 4 oz. Tails Where Culinary Excellence Meets Community! Come Check Out HAPPY HOUR! Monday-Thursday 3-6 pm 1979 Washington Valley Road, Martinsville 732-563-1717 • www.martinsvilletavern.com Get ready for fall in the Wildwoods—where the temperatures, the crowds and even the prices are just right. And if that’s not reason enough, we have a full calendar of events to choose from. Fall is the perfect time to take in the Visit WildwoodsNJ.comor call 800.992.9732. UPCOMING EVENTS 9/6 & 9/7 New Year’s in North Wildwood 9/7 The Wildwoods Food & Music Festival—FREE 9/13 & 9/14 Boots at the Beach Country Festival 9/19 to 9/21 Wildwood Boardwalk Kustom Hot Rod & Muscle Car Show 9/20 to 9/22 Annual Irish Fall Festival 9/21 Wildwood Crest Seafarers Celebration—FREE 9/27 & 9/28“Monsters on the Beach” Monster Truck Beach Races 9/27 & 9/28 Olde Time Italian Festival 9/28 Hispanic Heritage Celebration—FREE 10/4 to 10/6 The Race of Gentlemen Vintage Car & Motorcycle Beach Drag Races 10/18 & 10/19 Wildwoods ’50s, ’60s & ’70s Weekend & Concert For a complete list of all the exciting fall events, visit our events calendar at WildwoodsNJ.com.

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PAGE 25 BACK SCHOOL theconnectionsnj.com Almost all students at one point have encountered the immense capability of AI and its uses in educational settings. In response to this, many schools have implemented policies that restrict the use of AI tools in educational settings through harsh punishments. But we have to ask the practicality of this decision. The topic of how AI should be taught in schools is controversial, but it is evident that we have to reach a certain conclusion in the near future. As the use of AI grows more prominent in various fields, it will become necessary for individuals to possess a certain degree of AI literacy. I predict that this kind of literacy will go above and beyond being beneficial and will become a necessity to thrive in our society. If we neglect to teach AI, it’s akin to someone not learning to use a computer. The impact on skill growth would be significant in both cases. Students cannot learn to use a computer if they never use it. Right? This means that in order to teach AI in schools, we would need to use AI in educational settings. This idea goes against the status quo, which mainly revolves around the hysteria that AI will somehow negatively alter human cognitive growth in students. Biesta’s Theory of Education1 Consideration of the goals of education, as proposed by Biesta, can help assess the role of AI in schools: 1. Understanding: Gaining Knowledge and Skills 2. Socialization: Assimilation of individuals into a society 3. “Subjectification”: Where individuals gain the ability to become independent and autonomous by making their own decisions and thriving in society. How does the introduction of AI satisfy these goals? Individuals gain an understanding of AI, which is a skill that they will use in real-life settings in a variety of ways, whether it is a job that requires you to use AI or simply the process of finding information for yourself. AI can personalize learning for a student. The relationship between the second goal of education and the introduction of AI in schools is complex. While AI use may diminish opportunities for interpersonal interaction, it also offers ways to foster collaboration and combine AI-assisted research with group activities, group projects, and virtual environments. And this process, allows students to share insights and collectively construct knowledge. For the third goal, it is hard to clearly draw a line between good and bad, as there are both good and bad things that can affect individual freedom due to the introduction of AI in schools. On one hand, it could ease the process of navigating the world, thus making individuals more independent and autonomous. But on the other hand, in the process of making them independent, it could make them too dependent on AI.2 In summary, determining the unequivocal impact of introducing this technology into schools is challenging. However, the true benefits will only be realized if we take the initiative to give it a chance. Every innovation carries inherent risks, but historically, embracing risks for the greater good has led to profound advancements. By proceeding cautiously, addressing issues, and focusing on the positive aspects of AI in education, I am confident that it will ultimately prove to be a worthwhile investment. Soham is an 11th-grade student at Bridgewater-Raritan High School. He is interested in executing relevant projects to solve real life problems using STEM fundamentals, data analysis, and machine learning. Soham enjoys listening to music and playing with his friends. His ultimate goal is to expand his knowledge in various AI techniques and concepts related to machine learning. (1) Biesta’s Theory of Education: Portin, Fredrik. “The Diplomatic Teacher: The Purpose of the Teacher in Gert Biesta’s Philosophy of Education in Dialogue with the Political Philosophy of Bruno Latour.” Studies in Philosophy and Education, vol. 39, no. 5, 12 Mar. 2020, pp. 533–548 (2) Impact of AI on Students: Seo, Kyoungwon, et al. “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Learner–Instructor Interaction in Online Learning.” International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, vol. 18, no. 1, 26 Oct. 2021, pp. 1–23 •Students Using AI to Cheat: Prothero, Arianna. “New Data Reveal How Many Students Are Using AI to Cheat.” Education Week, 25 Apr. 2024 TEEN VOICE Artificial Intelligence: Catalyst or Compromise in Education? By Soham Chausalkar BUDDING YEARS Counseling services www.buddingyears.com •High school planning • Understanding career choices •College counseling •Admission essay reviews • Understanding Financial aid options to afford college education Math Tutoring Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus AB & BC Science Tutoring Physics, Chemistry, Biology Digital SAT Prep CONTACT US 908-242-6375 support@buddingyears.com Virtual sessions: In-person sessions: Zoom Bridgewater, NJ

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