The Connection

10/09/2026

Pathways Women's Cancer Teaching Project breast cancer survivors educated 60 first-year Physician Assistant students at Seton Hall on October 7 for the 12th year! It was an extraordinary day for the students and the Patient Educators who shared their breast cancer stories with the students. The students will use the tools they learned to become the most empathetic, holistic providers they can be. Shout out to Dr. Abby Saunders who welcomes us every year!

10/08/2026

Looking for a fun way to get the little ones moving? Join us for Drop In & Play!

Saturday, October 10
2:00–3:00 PM
Ages 1-5

Let your little ones climb, explore, and enjoy some open play in our gymnastics area! It’s a great opportunity to get some energy out and have fun with friends.

Register ahead of time or sign-up upon arrival. Children must be accompanied by an adult. https://bit.ly/4dv2YIu

10/06/2026

The Connection is collecting books for Moms Helping Moms’ Books for Babies early literacy program!

Whenever Moms Helping Moms provides diapers and baby essentials to families in need, they also make sure a book goes home with them. Your donation can help make storytime part of a child’s everyday life! 🧸📖

What they need:
- New or gently used books for ages 0–5
- Board books, picture books & early readers
- Books in English or Spanish

Drop off your donations in The Connection’s front vestibule from October 1–30.

Let’s help more little readers discover the joy of books! ❤️

09/25/2026

Spend a rainy Saturday afternoon with us! Drop-In and Play is back 9/26 and 10/3 from 2:00-3:00pm for ages 1-5.

Let your little ones climb, explore, and enjoy some open play in our gymnastics area! It’s a great opportunity to get some energy out and have fun with friends. https://bit.ly/4haZkps

09/23/2026

Why Give to The Connection’s Annual Gala? Because your support helps working parents thrive.

In 2025, The Connection’s Scholarship Fund awarded $76,646 to help working parents access our Preschool and Before & After School Care programs.

These scholarships do more than help cover the cost of care. They give parents the ability to work, build their careers, and provide for their families while knowing their children are in a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment.

Your support of A Night of Hollywood Glamour on October 3 helps make this possible. Every ticket, sponsorship, and donation helps The Connection continue to ensure that financial circumstances don’t stand in the way of opportunity.

🎬 Join us on October 3 and help us make an impact that lasts far beyond the red carpet! https://bit.ly/TheConnectionGala

09/22/2026

We’re so grateful to see The Connection’s mission and impact highlighted in the community! ❤️

Thank you to Antonietta LaVecchia for shining a light on how our annual gala is about so much more than one special evening. Behind the Hollywood glamour is a commitment to making programs, services, and opportunities accessible to individuals and families throughout our community.

Read Hollywood Glamour, Hometown Impact in Patch and learn more about how a night of celebration can make a difference right here at home.

🎟️ A Night of Hollywood Glamour
Saturday, October 3 | 7–11 PM
American Beauty Events at Embassy Suites, Berkeley Heights

One of your neighbors posted in Community Corner. Click through to read what they have to say. (The views expressed in this post are the author’s own.)

09/19/2026

We’re so glad to be back!

09/18/2026

BRAvo! What’s to applaud? The residents at the adult living community, Wi******er Gardens in Maplewood, are hosting a FUNdraiser in support of Pathways, a program of The Connection during breast cancer awareness month. Participating residents will create artwork out of bras which will be displayed in their auditorium from October 11th through October 25th, culminating in a reception on October 26th. Residents will purchase tickets to vote on their favorite pieces and the artist who receives the most votes wins! All ticket sales and donations will go to Pathways.

We are so grateful that a former member of The Connection and Summit resident, Katie Damman, thought of Pathways as the program to support.

Do you have any FUNdraising ideas you can organize in support of Pathways? If so, contact Lesley Andrews at [email protected].

If you want to donate to Pathways directly, click here: https://bit.ly/4dnyojO and select “2026 Pathways Annual Campaign”.

09/15/2026

💃 National Dance Day is almost here! 🕺

Come move, laugh, and celebrate the joy of dance at The Connection! Bring a friend, bring your energy, and get ready to dance!

📅 Saturday, September 19
⏰ 12:45–2:45pm
🎟️ FREE & open to the public!

✨ Featuring:
• Precision Jazz with Katelyn Gaffney, 16-year Radio City Rockette
• Elevate Jazz with Cori Swanson, NYC-based choreographer, creative & educator
• Creative Movement for ages 3–6
• Dance Team Performance at 1:30pm
• Family Dance Time at 2:30pm!

Classes are offered for dancers ages 3 through adult, with something for everyone.

Register here: https://bit.ly/4rxzsrv

This education program is made possible in part by a 2026 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

09/09/2026

💙 MEN’S HEALTH: Understanding PSA Screening, Prostate Cancer Detection & Sexual Health

Join us for an informative conversation with Atlantic Health providers about prostate health and men’s wellness.

🗓️ Wednesday, September 23, 2026
🕜 1:30 PM
📍 The Connection: 79 Maple Street, Summit
🎟️ FREE & open to the public | Ages 30+

Learn about PSA screening, prostate cancer risk factors and early detection, advances in diagnostic tools, and important aspects of men’s sexual health and aging. The presentation will also cover treatment options, shared decision-making, and when it’s time to talk with your healthcare provider.

👨‍⚕️ Presented by Naeem Rahman, MD, Medical Director, Atlantic Medical Group Urology.

Registration is required. Click here to register: https://bit.ly/4r3t2A1

Presented in partnership with Atlantic Health