The Connections Bridgewater-Somerville Edition April/May 2026

VOLUME LXXVIII

APRIL/MAY 2026

Bridgewater, Branchburg, Hillsborough, Martinsville, Somerville Bridgewater-Somerville Edition

WOMEN-OWNED Celebrating the Accomplishments of Local Businesswomen

WELCOME SPRING! Local Shopping, Dining, Beauty & Events

COMMUNITY NEWS: S.A.F.E.

Shop Local. Eat Fresh. Connect to Community

PLAY TO WIN Details on page 6!

Cover Artwork By Christine G.Pope

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VISIT OUR CONNECTIONS ONLINE AD TO VIEW OUR VIDEO THE CONNECTION MAGAZINES

Trust our Expert Guidance for a Great Experience and Maximum Sale Price

Johanna Wiseman Sales Associate Kevin Collison Sales Associate Sandra O'Keefe Broker Associate

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Search Properties at: www.MyBridgewaterHome.com

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THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION

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APRIL/MAY 2026

H ighlights...

A Note From Our Publisher...

A Season of Renewal & Celebration Welcome to the Bridgewater-Somerville edition of our April issue! As the days grow longer and the sunshine begins to warm our neighbor hoods again, spring brings with it a wonderful sense of renewal. After the quiet of winter, there is a new energy in the air. People are getting outside, gathering with friends and family, and enjoying everything our communi ties have to o er.

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Medical Minutes: Performance Ortho Financial Forum: Shapiro CPAs

10 12 13

Tax Talk: Kingswood Tax and Business Services, LLC

Estate Planning: Norris McLaughlin P.A. 15-20 SPRING: SHOPPING, DINING, BEAUTY & EVENTS 20 Creative Corner: Carolyn Hanson 21 WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS DIRECTORY 22-25 KIDZ CONNECTION 23 Family Adventures: Joanne Kleinle 24 Shelf Awareness: Sonia Prabhakar & Isabella Santos 24 A Poet’s Playground: Ashwiki Arora 26 Community News: SAFE (Somerville Alliance for Food Education) 27-29 SENIOR LIVING 27 Slice of Life: Ellyn Mantell 28 Senior Corner: Ellyn Mantell 28 Commends: Heath Village 30-36 HOME & DESIGN 30 Hints for the Home: Fair Street Interiors 31 Inside Real Estate: Red Door Real Estate 34 Real Estate Corner: Johanna Wiseman 37-41 HEALTH & WELLNESS 38 Mind the Mind: Dr. Michael Osit 40 Food for Thought: Lori Kolodin 41 Health Hotline: Natural Medicine & Rehabilitation 42-43 COMMUNITY CALENDAR 44 HOUSES OF WORSHIP: FAITH, HOPE & JOY

This season is especially meaningful to me personally. This year, Mother’s Day will be a particularly special celebration in my family, as both of my daughters have recently become mothers themselves. Becoming a grandmother has been such a joyful and emo tional milestone. Watching my daughters step into motherhood and seeing the bond that is already forming with the next generation reminds me just how powerful and beautiful family connections truly are. Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate those bonds, whether it’s sharing a special brunch or dinner, finding the perfect gift at a local boutique, or giving the special women in your life a day of well-deserved pampering at one of our wonderful local salons and spas. Throughout this issue, you’ll find many local businesses ready to help you make the day truly memorable. We are also proud to feature our Women-Owned Business Directory , highlighting the incredible women who have built, nurtured, and grown businesses right here in our own neighborhoods. As a woman business owner myself, I know firsthand the dedication, perse verance, and passion it takes to build something meaningful. Supporting these businesses means supporting families, dreams, and the strength of our local community. In addition, this issue includes our Houses of Worship: Faith, Hope & Joy section, o er ing readers a place to connect with churches and services during the Easter season . For many, this is a meaningful time of reflection, faith, and gathering with loved ones. Our cover features a peaceful, acrylic painting by local Bridgewater artist Christine G. Pope . Inspired by a visit to her daughter’s home in Texas, the scene depicts a serene, oak grove with a bench nestled in the center. The vibrant palette balances warm and cool tones, with blues, greens, and purples contrasting beautifully against yellows and browns to create a truly inviting setting for reflection. Additionally, our Community News column highlights the Somerset County Region al Farmers Market . Hosted by S.A.F.E. (Somerville Alliance for Food Education), this nonprofit organization is dedicated to fostering health and wellness through community connections. We encourage you to visit the market to shop and eat local, featuring farm fresh produce, grass-fed meats, dairy products, various beverages and more! This spring, get outside, enjoy the sunshine, explore your community, and support the wonderful local businesses that make it thrive. Stay local - and #TellThemWeSentYou ! Wishing you a beautiful spring and a very Happy Mother’s Day.

All the best, Anna Petro Publisher, The Connection Magazine

THE CONNECTION MAGAZINE'S TEAM Georgeann Agaisse, Heather Silver, Alicia Singman, Jeanette Vogel, Pramisa Timsina

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ashwiki Arora, Gail Bicknell, James J. Costello Jr., Carolyn Hanson, Joanne Kleinle, Lori Kolodin, Ellyn Mantell, Chris Milan, Edward P. Nugent III, Dr. Michael Osit, Sonia Prabhakar, Isabella Santos, Dr. Vince Sferra, Robert Shapiro, Dr. Chris Thomas, Frank Walko, Johanna Wiseman

PUBLISHED BY The Connection Magazine P.O. Box 4081, Warren, NJ 07059

908-903-1799 |

info@theconnectionsnj.com

ON OUR COVER

Somewhere in this magazine is a FAKE 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 Chocolate Detox Center is Cheryl S. of Hillsborough. Cheryl won a gift certificate to Somerset Valley Players Theater. Next Issue JUNE! Advertising deadline May 11, 2026 SPOT THE FAKE!

Title: Bench in Bulverde Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Christine G. Pope is a graphic designer and artist who has called Bridgewater, New Jersey home for over forty years. A graduate of the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts, Christine launched her career as an Art Director at Turchette Advertising in 1976, where she created marketing campaigns for clients including the New Jersey Devils, New Jersey Nets, and New Jersey Generals during the early days of cable television and regional sports marketing. She went on to establish C.G. Pope Design Inc., her own freelance graphic design studio, where she served pharmaceutical clients as a consulting art director for over 25 years—interpreting creative briefs, devel oping campaign concepts, and managing projects from rough sketches to polished finals. Over the years, she collaborated with agencies including McCann Healthcare Worldwide, Torre Lazur Health care Communications, and Commonhealth on campaigns for brands like Claritin, Lunesta, and Mucinex.

When Christine retired in 2015, she wasn't sure what would come next. Five years later, she started experimenting with acrylics— something she'd never had time for during her commercial art career. She especially enjoys painting landscapes and pet portraits. She's also an avid photographer. Christine lives in Bridgewater with her husband of 45 years. She recently became a grandmother and keeps a collection of over 250 succulents. Website: cgpopedesign.com | Email: christine@cgpopedesign.com Disclaimer: The views expressed in the articles are the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Connection Mag azines. 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.

THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION

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APRIL/MAY 2026

MEDICAL MINUTES Introducing an Innovative, Non-Invasive Treatment for Chronic Knee Pain By Dr. Chris Thomas, MD Medical Director, Performance Ortho Somerset

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hronic Knee Pain, Explained At Performance Ortho , chronic knee pain is one of the most common conditions we treat. Knee discomfort often stems from overuse ten don injuries, arthritis related joint irritation or lingering strains that never fully healed. These problems limit mobility, interfere with daily activities and may cause lasting damage to the structures that support the knee. Key Symptoms of Chronic Knee Pain • Dull, achy pain at rest • Pain that increases during and after walking, climbing stairs or exercise • Reliance on pain medication to get through the day Many patients also experience stiffness and weakness or difficulty bearing weight, all of which can worsen without proper treatment. Why Traditional Treatments Often Fall Short Physical therapy and cortisone injections have long been used to manage knee pain, but they often fall short over time because they do not target the underlying problems which is of ten joint degeneration (arthritis). These inter ventions often temporarily reduce discomfort without stimulating true healing. At Performance Ortho , your care begins with a clear, comprehensive plan on day one. Our board-certified surgeons, physicians, and rehabilitation experts work side by side to identify the true source of your knee pain and restore your mobility quickly and safely. “We always start with conservative options and ad vance only when necessary, with the hope of avoiding surgery altogether,” says Dr. Thomas. Introducing Focused Shockwave Therapy Performance Ortho’s most recent non-in vasive option for knee pain relief is Focused Shockwave Therapy. This FDA-Cleared treat ment delivers high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate stem cells and other natural healing factors within the knee. This treatment increas es blood flow and promotes repair of injured tendons, ligaments and joint tissue. Although Shockwave Therapy can support healing in many chronic tendon and joint con

ditions, it is especially powerful for persistent knee pain that has not responded to rest therapy or injections. Many patients experience immediate re ductions in knee pain along with improved stability and range of motion. This treatment can be paired with other regenerative medicine procedures like stem cell therapy, platelet rich plasma (PRP) or prolotherapy to enhance long term outcomes. Dr. Thomas explains, “One of the most re warding aspects of Focused Shockwave Thera py is how quickly patients experience improve ments in both pain and mobility. By integrating this treatment into our individualized care model, patients achieve faster relief along with lasting improvements in function. Focused Shockwave Therapy is a versatile, non-sur gical solution that aligns perfectly with our treatment philosophy to avoid surgery whenev er possible.” Benefits of Shockwave Therapy • Covered by Medicare and most insurances • Precise and targeted application • Non-invasive with no adverse effects • Deep tissue treatment • No medications or injections Next Steps Performance Ortho specializes in non-sur gical, evidence-based treatments that change lives. If knee pain is affecting your mobility or quality of life, it is time to explore Focused Shockwave Therapy. If insurance coverage is a concern, we offer no-cost insurance verifica tion and transparent pricing. Meet Your Expert: Dr. Chris Thomas Dr. Thomas is board certified and fellow ship-trained in Physical Medicine and Re habilitation, which focuses on non-surgical orthopedic medicine. Additionally, he is fel lowship trained in musculoskeletal medicine. Dr. Thomas is also a published doctor and was recognized as one of New Jersey’s Top Doctors in 2025. He serves as Medical Director at Performance Ortho Somerset. Same-Day and Next-Day Appointments No Referral Needed Medicare and Most Major Insurances Accepted Visit www.PerformanceOrtho.com Call Today and Reclaim Your Mobility: 908-718-1907 treatment philosophy to avoid surgery whenev

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THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION

PAGE 10

APRIL/MAY 2026

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Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Shapiro Financial Group is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

and how best to leverage them in the future to achieve business and personal economic goals. Although the provisions

Opinion, if prior history is to repeat itself, the party that controls the executive branch will have difficulty maintaining the majority

FINANCIAL FORUM Tax Season: The House, the Senate, and What’s Next By Robert Shapiro CPA ABV-Shapiro CPAs

in both arms of Congress. If bi partisan support is needed, pass ing significant tax legislation would be unlikely. I cannot re call many financial issues with the support of both Democrats and Republicans alike. Whatever the administration or tax policy, we stand ready to help our clients plan and adapt to the best possible financial outcomes. We have provided proactive in dividualized tax management along with timely and accurate in both arms of Congress. If bi partisan support is needed, pass would be unlikely. I cannot re We have provided proactive in

of the OBBBA were made permanent, the reality, of course, is that no tax provi sion is truly permanent. Any current tax law change will require the support of Pres ident Trump and the Repub licans who control the House and Senate. However, this is a slim balance of power. This majority will be tested in the upcoming midterm elections. Under House of Representa

s the ’25 tax season is nearly com plete, ‘26 is upon us. Current implementa tion and expansion of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and mid-term elections are front and center. I hope your tax season was stress-free, though of course some will require exten sions. Individuals are enjoying the benefits of the OBBBA, including a more generous standard deduction, along with the supple mental senior standard deduction. This con tinues the trend of fewer taxpayers itemizing deductions and instead claiming the standard amount. This reduces the benefits of mort gage interest and other itemized elements. In turn, this diminishes the tax benefits of homeownership, adding to the affordabili ty issue. Which is most acute for first-time buyers. Not surprisingly, many clients in quire how best to structure finances to help the next generation afford their first home. Perhaps the increased state tax itemized de A s the ’25 tax season is nearly com

ductions will slow this trend, particularly in the tri-state area. A valuable deduction for businesses is the immediate expense provisions. This should serve to increase investment across the board. For successful pass-through business owners, the 20% Qualified Business Income deduction can result in significant savings, as the deduction is typically against the tax payer’s marginal (top) tax rate. Business and individual taxpayers should focus on how the new positive tax provi sions of the OBBBA will be implemented Whatever the administra tion or tax policy, we stand ready to help our clients plan and adapt to the best possible financial outcomes.

tives (House) rules, a simple majority vote is required to pass legislation, and all seats are up for election every 2 years. One-third of Senate seats are up for election every 2 years. Repub licans currently hold a 219 to 213 advantage in the House and a 53 to 47 advantage in the Senate. Using history as a guide, the upcoming midterm elections have not been kind to the incumbent president. According to The Amer ican Presidency Project, Univ CA, since 1982, the party that controlled the White House in the last eleven 4-year mid-term elections has lost a cumulative 233 House seats and 32 Sen ate seats. Since 1982, only 1 Republican and 1 Democratic president gained seats, respective ly, the last was in 2002.

preparation for over 75 years. Experienced and equipped to manage the complex needs of suc cessful individuals and closely held business es. I would welcome the opportunity to help your family and business grow and prosper. You should discuss any tax or legal matter with your tax or legal advisor. Shapiro CPAs does not provide legal services. This article is not to be construed as written advice under IRS Circular 230.

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THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION

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APRIL/MAY 2026

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TAX TALK Tax Filing Season and What’s Next: Key Changes from the OBBBA By Frank Walko A

With the year 2025 individual tax filing deadline approaching, one may consider filing an extension if the return isn’t com plete, and individuals could benefit from the charitable contributions and Trump account provisions from the OBBBA. Looking ahead to 2026, individuals should also be aware of several tax law changes introduced under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), including new provisions affecting charitable contributions and the creation of investment

Trump accounts originated out of the idea of starting investment accounts for young Americans. For children born between De cember 31, 2024 and January 1, 2029, the U.S. Government will give each child $1,000 to start a Trump Account. Parents and oth ers can contribute to a Trump Account up to $5,000 per beneficiary until the account beneficiary reaches the age of eighteen. Em ployers can also give up to $2,500 to a Trump Account of an employee or dependent. While these contributions wouldn’t be taxable, they would be taxed on distribution. There are a few ways taxpayers open a Trump account. First, they can do so when filing their 2025 tax return. Families can also make an election by using IRS Form 4547 to attach to their tax return or enter online at trumpaccounts.gov once the program launches, which is July 4, 2026. Contribu tions cannot be made before that date.

contributions if their filing status is single ($2,000 if married filing joint) even if they take the standard deduction. If they itemize, there is a .5% floor before any charitable contributions can be deducted. For example, if an individual itemizes and has taxable in come of $100,000, and made charitable con tributions of $2,500, they can only deduct $2,000 ($2,500 - ($100,000 x .5%)).

s the deadline to file 2025 individ ual income tax returns approaches, some taxpayers may benefit from filing an exten sion to ensure their return is complete and accurate rather than rushed. Taking addition al time can help avoid errors and ensure all relevant information is properly reported. Looking ahead to 2026, individuals should also be aware of several tax law changes in troduced under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), including new provisions affecting charitable contributions and the creation of investment accounts for young Americans known as Trump accounts. Historically, one can only deduct charitable contributions if they itemize their deductions on Schedule A (mortgage interest, property tax, etc.). For the years 2026 through 2028, one can deduct up to $1,000 in charitable

accounts for young Americans known as Trump accounts.

Kingswood Tax and Business Services LLC is located at 75 North Bridge Street, Suite B, in Somerville, NJ. For all of your tax prep and business needs, they can be reached at 908-651-4659 or you can email frank@kingswoodtaxandbiz.com.

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THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION

APRIL/MAY 2026

PAGE 13

ESTATE PLANNING Beyond Basic Estate Planning: 3 Advanced Trust Strategies High-Net-Worth Families Should Know By James J. Costello Jr., Esq.

can continue for generations. In New Jersey, dynasty trusts (always irrevocable and per petual) can last indefinitely. FAQ #2: How do a Charitable Lead Trust and a Charitable Remainder Trust differ? Both structures combine philanthropic goals with financial planning, but reverse who benefits first. • Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT): The individual or family receives an annual pay ment from the trust for a defined period; the remaining assets go to charity at the end of the period. • Charitable Lead Trust (CLT): The charity receives income for a set term; the remain ing assets pass to heirs or other beneficiaries. With this timing difference, tax treatment and planning uses vary. CRTs can com bine income tax deferral with philanthropic goals; CLTs can accomplish wealth-transfer strategies and accelerate large income tax charitable deductions. FAQ #3: How does a SLAT work? A Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT) is an irrevocable trust created by one spouse to benefit the other. Assets transferred into SLAT are generally from the donor spouse’s taxable estate, plus future appreciation. During the beneficiary spouse’s lifetime, distributions may be made to that spouse and other beneficiaries, typically descen dants, indirectly supporting the household. Afterward, remaining assets can be passed on to children or other chosen beneficiaries.

The donor spouse cannot reclaim the assets once transferred to the trust. That trade-off can be part of the strategy, especially when anticipating tax law changes. Each spouse can create a SLAT for the other but be careful to avoid the so-called “Reciprocal Trust Doc trine,” which if successfully advanced by the IRS, could render the trusts ineffective. If you are in need of assistance with these or other estate planning and wealth adminis tration topics, please do not hesitate to con tact our law office for immediate assistance at info@norris-law.com or 908-722-0700. This article is not intended, and should not be tak en, as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general information purposes only and you are urged to consult a lawyer concerning your own situ ation with any specific legal questions you may have.

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omplex financial lives require complex planning. High-net-worth individ uals and families often find that basic wills and beneficiary designations fall short of assuring tax efficiency, asset protection, and multi-generational wealth transfer. Concerns about avoiding unnecessary estate taxes, protecting assets for children, and seeking structures beyond a simple trust often point to the need to explore more advanced plan ning strategies. FAQ #1: How does a Dynasty Trust work? A Dynasty Trust is designed to hold wealth and pass it across multiple generations while minimizing transfer taxes. Instead of pass ing outright to heirs, assets remain in a trust that can benefit children, grandchildren, and beyond. Owned by the trust rather than any individual, assets may also receive a layer

of protection from creditors or certain legal claims, such as divorce proceedings. Typically irrevocable, these trusts require their own tax identification number and filings. They can be managed by a family member, a professional trustee or bank, or a combination of both, if the donor believes the beneficiary may not handle the money appropriately. Federal estate and gift tax ex emptions are currently historically high (up to $15 million per person). In some states the length of trusts is limited; in others, they Complex financial lives require complex planning.

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THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION

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APRIL/MAY 2026

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We Make Custom Hats

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SHOPPING, DINING, BEAUTY & EVENTS

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Authentic Inspirations from Mexico to our Menu!

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SHOPPING, DINING, BEAUTY & EVENTS

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Experience Delicious

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Reservations now being accepted. Kindly inquire on-line or by phone.

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SHOPPING, DINING, BEAUTY & EVENTS

PAGE 19

At The Primavera Regency, every occasion is elevated with classic sophistication, personalized service, and unforgettable cuisine. From grand ballroom receptions to high-energy celebrations, we create experiences your guests will remember long after the last dance. And when your celebration calls for a different setting, our off-premises catering delivers the same excellence — wherever you host. Weddings • Sweet 16s • Quinceañeras • Corporate Events • Milestone Celebrations • Off-Premises Catering WHERE TIMELESS CELEBRATIONS BEGIN

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SHOPPING, DINING, BEAUTY & EVENTS

PAGE 20

CREATIVE CORNER Spring Knitting By Carolyn Hanson

T

All of the pieces here are top-down con struction, meaning there are no seams need ed to attach the front to the back, or to insert the sleeves. A big plus! When you are done knitting, you are ready to wear. Another advantage…it can be tried on as you go. A disadvantage… there is a lot more frogging (Rip-it, Rip-it..haha) to fix a mistake since front, back and sleeves are connected. So, fix yoke mistakes early. Wraps are always fun. They can be worn

ime to shed the scarves, wool hats and heavy sweaters-spring is finally here! What to make? Transitional pieces like short sleeve tees and tops, lightweight vests, light weight cardigans, wraps and purses. Switch fi bers from heavy wools to lightweight merino, cottons, linen, bamboo and silk.

For short sleeve tees, try the Sea Glass Tee by Wool and Pine. This is a great stash buster project made with fingering yarn/sock yarn and as many or as few colors and materials as avail

as a scarf or drop around shoulders. One of my favor ites is the Phia ro Scarf by Katie Himmelberg. This scarf starts off by knitting in the round using any

able. My version used sock yarn, cashmere, silk mohair, and lightweight merino wools in a pink/gold/cream color palette. I random ly chose 2 colors from one basket, knitted 2 rows alternating colors every other stitch. It’s comfortable and great for cool spring days or under a jean jacket. Another is Cumu

non-wool fiber, cotton, bamboo or linen. The transformation from a simple stockinette tube to this beautiful wrap with brained fringe is stunning. The Osaka Scarf by ITO Yarn and Design is another simple stockinette piece. This one uses 5 skeins of silk mohair. Cast on and knit until the skein is finished, then switch to the next color and do the same. My version was

lus Tee by PetiteKnit. Love the V-neckline on this simple tee. Comfortable and easy wearing. Many sizes from XXL to 5XL. Made with silk and linen. Neck and sleeves have an i-cord edge. This one is on my list for spring.

enhanced with geometric designs before and after completing the piece. I used strip ing, intarsia and duplicate stitching to create an asym metric interest.

A favorite spring vest is Sauve by Woolfolk Design Team. The yarn is merino and linen. It can be worn over a tee or as a sleeveless top.

If a longer version is preferred, it’s easy to add length. The armhole, neck and bottom are ribbed. The placard is picked up and double knit with buttonholes. For a lightweight

All patterns are available on Ravelry.com.

cardigan, Junie by Audrey Borrego is a go to piece. Knit with a lightweight merino wool. The lace design accentuates the sleeves and bottom edge. This version repeated the design fully around the bottom, rather than just the sides. Love when makers enhance the pattern.

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KIDZ CONNECTION

PAGE 22

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Now enrolling for Fall 2026 QUALITY,

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Ploeg, Paul Woehl’s granddaughter. You enter this magical world by passing through a gate with a story book castle on one side and the shoe belonging to the wom an who had so many children she did not know what to do on the other. The pathways throughout the park lead you into a world inhabited by the Three Little Pigs, Goldi locks and the Three Bears, forest gnomes, Rapunzel, The Gingerbread Man, Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Pinocchio, Davy Crockett, Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater, Cinderella, Robin Hood, Little John, Friar Tuck, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Humpty Dumpty, and more! The beauty of the park is that it does not rely on animation and computer-generated images to entertain. The old-world crafts manship tells a story and sparks your imag ination in a thousand different ways. Many parents and grandparents are eager to share the park with their children or grandchildren as a way of slowing down and introducing these classic tales in the way they were meant to be seen. You don’t need to have a child with you to enjoy the magic. The park is a favorite with people of all ages. Christine, the own er, noted that more than half of their patrons are adults. Many find the park a fun place to share a date, to appreciate the structures, or to reminisce about a simpler time.

Fairy Tale Forest By Joanne Kleinle FAMILY ADVENTURES

The “Bluebird Stage” in Fairy Tale For est is a place where actors present fractured fairy tales, interactive story times, and special guests like magicians and musicians perform. A schedule of events will be available by mid April on the website at www.fairytaleforest. com . No outside food is permitted, but there is a picnic area where you can enjoy fare from the “Gnomes Nest” concession and grill. Fairy Tale Forest is not just a place to relive memories from your childhood. It is a place for a whole new generation to cre ate new memories and let their imaginations roam. Check out the website for more infor mation and come see the fairy tales brought to life in a land not so far away!

“O

nce upon a time, in a land far, far away…” So begins almost every fairy tale from our childhood. Those fairy tales of your youth, however, are not so far away. They have been vividly brought to life in Oak Ridge, NJ in a magical place called Fairy Tale Forest. The young and the young at heart are invited to come and experience this magical place. Opening day is in May. Fairy Tale Forest was the product of the creativity, imagination, and hard work of Paul Woehle, Sr., a German immigrant. He spent four years hand-crafting the many characters, houses, and tableaus that are nestled along the pathways in the forest. The park originally opened in 1957 and generations of New Jerseyans have memo

ries of lazy afternoons touring the displays and allowing their imaginations to go wild. Fairy Tale Forest closed in 2003, but is now restored and reopened by Christine Vander

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KIDZ CONNECTION

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A Poet’s Playground Celebrating the Creativity and Voices of our Local Young Writers

NJ’s favorite

Amy Planz, DDS Michael Goldkind, DMD Amie Shah, DMD Maheen Kibria, DDS

kids’ docs TM

Carefree By Ashwiki Arora Grade 8-Warren Middle School

390 Amwell Road Bldg. 2, Suite 201 Hillsborough, NJ 08844 P 908-829-3345 F 908-829-3341

I want to live life with a blindfold over my eyes Not knowing where each step will take me I long for adventure To take risks To take a chance, To step a toe across the line, and live each day on thin ice Not knowing if it will crack beneath me I want to travel down the wrong path Not worried about finding my way back I want to get lost I want to be free Unprepared for what’s in store for me I want to speed along a highway I want to dance beneath the stars I want to sail through a thunderstorm Not caring about right or wrong Because what’s the fun in living life, with eyes wide open Not taking risks, or breaking rules

Amy Planz, DDS Michael Goldkind, DMD

www.hillsboroughpediatricdentistry.com Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry; Specialty #5778

Hillsborough Pediatric Dentistry & Family Orthodontics Dentistry for infants, toddlers, special needs children and teens Braces & Invisalign for the Whole Family

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For my soul aches with the desire to do the things no one else has dared to do And each time I play with fire, it burns in my heart, it dancing in my eyes That want, for the endless roller coaster of life That will never be extinguished. Poetry submissions to info@theconnectionsnj.com

of separation, they rekindle what was supposed to be left in the past through a fake relationship. At the end of this story, it will be guaranteed that fake dating will become your favorite romance trope! Better Than the Movies is a sweet en emies-to-lovers tale. Wes has been Liz’s enemy since second grade. When Liz’s childhood crush Michael Young, moves back into town, Liz sees a second chance for Micheal to fall for her. Liz enlists Wes to make her into the desired girl in the ul timate scheme. As she spends more time with Wes, Liz discovers feelings she did not know could possibly be related to the thought of Wes. Emotions and feelings all come bubbling up at once when Liz’s scheme turns into Wes’ dream! Fake Skating is a story following Alec and Dani who are childhood best friends. When the bright yet quiet Dani moves back to Minnesota, she discovers that Alec has become a conceited, arrogant hockey player. After getting caught in a scandal that could ruin Alec’s hockey aspirations, Dani agrees to become his fake girlfriend to save his future and secure her own. Ten sions rise when what was supposed to be fake becomes way too real! With so many books to choose from out there, we hope this is a great place to start.

Teen Book Club Recommendations By Sonia Prabhakar & Isabella Santos SHELF AWARENESS

W

elcome back, readers! Have you ever wanted a book that will have you wishing you were the main character by the end? Well, romance might just be the genre for you! If you’re looking for a series that will catch your attention from the start, then the Selection series, consisting of five books, will be perfect! These books are action packed; thirty-five girls work to impress the prince for his hand in mar riage. America Singer, who was already in love with another guy, finds no inter est in this competition until she realizes that her heart aches for a man just like the prince. Are you ready for a good cry, You’ve Reached Sam is a good place to start.

This book follows a young girl, Julie, whose boyfriend passed away in a devas tating car accident. While calling Sam’s phone to hear his voicemail one last time, she’s shocked when Sam picks up. It was the last thing she had imagined that could have happened, and the more she talks with him the harder it becomes to let go. The story explores the theme of life after losing a loved one and how grief can af fect a person. Picking Daisies on Sundays is an amaz ing read for readers who are hopeless ro mantics at heart. Daniella “Dani” Daisy Maria and Levi Coldwell are childhood best friends who became estranged after a failed love confession from Dani. When the two reunite serendipitously after years

Read on! Here’s your pocket list to keep with you…

• Selection Series by Kiera Cass • You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao • Picking Daisies on Sundays by Liana Cincotti *Brief mention of sexual assault • Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter • Fake Skating by Lynn Painter

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Calling all young artists! Students under 18 years old can celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States by having their artwork displayed at the Old Barracks Museum from June 13th to July 4th.

Submission deadline: May 29th. Learn more at barracks.org or use your phone to scan the QR code

Quality Musical Instruction for All Ages and Abilities

Check Out Our Summer Music Camps! Piano Camp

June 22 – 26 • June 29 – July 3 Voice Camp July 6 – 10

SUMMER SMILES AT THE YMCA’S DAY CAMPS

Strings Week July 20 – 25

Let young musicians learn, grow, and have fun this summer with expert instruction in a supportive musical environment. Please call us for more information and registration. Coming Soon: August Programs

• Activities spanning Sports, STEM, Art, & More! • Swim Lessons • Caring, Well-Trained Staff

• Weekly or Full-Summer Options • Financial Assistance Available

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! ONLINE REGISTRATION RECEIVES 10% SIBLINGS SAVINGS! RESTRICTIONS APPLY. BRIDGEWATER YMCA I SOMERVILLE YMCA Branches of Greater Somerset County YMCA gscymca.org/camp

908.595.6980

55 West Somerset Street, Raritan, NJ 08869 RaritanMusicCenter.com raritanmusiccenter@gmail.com

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