THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION PAGE 6 SEPT/OCT/NOV 2025 8 Medical Minutes: Performance Ortho 12 Financial Forum: Shapiro CPAs 13-26 AUTUMN’S ALLURE Shopping, Beauty, & Dining 16 Slice of Life: Ellyn Mantell 18 Mission In Motion: Natasha Adiga, Knit Crochet 20 Community News: Summit Downtown 22 Creative Corner: Carolyn Hanson 27-28 BACK-TO-SCHOOL 27 Commends: HudsonWay Immersion School 28 Teen Voice: Constantin Bellmann 33 SENIOR LIVING 34-44 HEALTH & WELLNESS 34 Senior Corner: Ellyn Mantell 35 Commends: Medical Advisors: Arvind Arneja 36 Commends: Integrated Medical Care 38 Food for Thought: Lori Kolodin, MPH, RD 39 Fall In Love With Life: Serafina Perrotto 40 The Art of Living: Barry Farber, Diamond Minds 41 Health Hotline: Center for Interpersonal Wellness 42 Health Hotline: NMR 44 Mind the Mind: Dr. Michael Osit 45-53 HOME & DESIGN 46 Community News: Literacy Volunteers of Somerset County 50 Hints for the Home- Fair Street Interiors 52 Home Improvement: Buy-Rite Overhead Doors 54-55 COMMUNITY CALENDAR 56 Family Adventures: Joanne Kleinle Gail Schoenbach Title: Texaco Town Medium: oil paint Over fifteen years ago, I returned to oil painting on a whim, enrolling in classes at the Summit Visual Art’s Center with the hope of reconnecting with a medium I had always loved. With limited formal training but a strong curiosity, I began exploring color, texture, and technique. What began as a personal endeavor quickly turned into a deep commitment to growth and creative expression. My style has evolved into one defined by vivid palettes and emotional resonance, grounded in the rich, versatile qualities of oil paint. I am especially drawn to creating work that holds meaning and allows the piece to begin in one direction and finish somewhere else— not only for me, but for others. Over time, I began gifting paintings to friends and family, discovering the joy of creating pieces that tell personal stories or capture cherished memories. Today, I’m proud to take on commissioned work that allows me to collaborate with others in meaningful ways. THE CONNECTION MAGAZINE'S TEAM PUBLISHED BY Donna Reina, Georgeann Agaisse, Heather Silver, Patty Herman, Alicia Singman, Jeanette Vogel, Pramisa Tamsina 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 Professional Queue Standers in the June issue is Diane Wolfe of New Providence. Diane won a gift certificate to Gabagool Deli in Berkeley Heights. Next Issue November! Advertising deadline October 24, 2025 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 the Warren-Watchung edition of the September 2025 issue of The Connection Magazine. As the golden days of summer wind down, we welcome the crisp air and cozy charm of fall. The season brings refreshing shift-changing leaves, layered sweaters, apple-picking adventures, and pumpkin-flavored everything that fills us with warmth and nostalgia. At The Connection Magazine, we’re embracing the beauty of autumn and all it has to o er. From decorating your home to refreshing your wellness routine, finding thoughtful seasonal gifts, or discovering hidden gems in our community, this issue is your go-to guide for fall inspiration. Be sure to check out our Autumn’s Allure section, filled with seasonal tips, local resources, and services to help you make the most of this time of year. Our Back-to-School section is also here to support students and families as they dive into another successful new school year. As we ease into the season of giving, we also invite you to explore the many nonprofit organizations featured throughout this issue. Fall is a wonderful time to get involved and lend a helping hand, making a di erence close to home and connecting with your local community. Are you in full “fall-swing” yet? Cooler days, longer nights, sweater weather, and Halloween! Joanne Kleinle shares a fun, festive, and autumnal event in our Family Adventures column. Each year Wagner Farms in Warren celebrates the season with Brite Nites. And it’s also a fundraiser! Show your support and have a magical night out with your little ones, older ones and the whole family, because there is something for everyone to enjoy! Our Health Hotline column by Dr. Sferra at Natural Medicine and Rehabilitation has men’s health in mind! Reclaim your health and vitality by following his recommendations, geared specifically towards men, regarding diet, exercise, and stress management. He also notes the importance of social activity. By paying attention to lifestyle changes you will keep your physical, mental and emotional well-being in top condition. The charming oil painting on the cover was painted by local artist Gail Schoenbach. It is titled Texaco Town and is reminiscent of a quaint shop and gas station one would find years back on a country road. Gail says of her painting, “Texaco Town represents more than a title, it’s a place where memory, emotion, and color meet.” As always, when you visit a business you discovered through The Connection, let them know you saw them here and #TellThemWeSentYou! Wishing you a joyful and inspiring autumn-filled with color, comfort, and community. Warmly, Anna Petro Publisher, The Connection Magazine A Note From Our Publisher... CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Natasha Adiga, Constantin Bellmann, Gail Bicknell, Sabrina & Nick Concilio, Barry Farber, Carolyn Hanson, Joanne Kleinle, Lori Kolodin, Irene C. Lebbad, Ellyn Mantell, Dr. Joseph Mejia, Dr. Michael Osit, Serafina Perrotto, Dr. Vincent Sferra, Robert Shapiro
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