Bucks County Winter 2023-24

BucksCounty magazine Christmas in Newtown

Winter 2023/24

SKIPPACK VILLAGE | UPPER BUCKS COUNTY | EVENTS GATHER PLACE IN YARDLEY | LANCASTER GETAWAY SENIOR LIVING GUIDE | LEGAL GUIDE | BUCKS FARMHOUSE

Winter 2023

Volume 12 - Number 4

CONTENTS

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features 60 g A Gift to Create Woodworker Rob Herion and quilter Julie Stockler each have a gift, and together they are on a creative journey which they extended to the rejuvenation of their historic 1753 farmhouse / By Beth S. Buxbaum

76 g A Place to Gather Shirley Lee Corsey and her team restored the old abandoned A.M.E. church building on S. Canal Street in Yardley and realizing its historical importance opened the Gather Place Museum / By Diana Cercone

80 g Skippack Village Image doing your Christmas shopping while sauntering along sidewalks lit with luxury bags, shops that were once homes and seeing festive window displays and cheeful shopkeepers / By Bob Waite

88 g Christmas in Newtown Newtown gets into the holiday spirit in November and stays that way until the New Year comes, and with a tree lighting, historic home tour and large parade, Newtown is a Christmas destination

117 g Senior Living With the current advances in medicine and a greater awareness of fitness and nutrition, people are living decades longer than in previous generations 6

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On The Cover This evening scene of State Street in Newtown during the Christmas season is painted by our artist-in-residence Jennifer Hansen Rolli.

Winter 2023

DEPARTMENTS

127 Signature Sampler Close Up Calendar Holiday Gift Guide Frenchtown Upper Bucks County Senior Living Legal Guide Restaurants with Taste Staying Fit Sunset

14 16 18 34 62 58 108 111 123 132 142 144

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goodlife 46 g Art Galley / By Michele Malinchak Haycock Township sculptor Justin Long repurposes found objects scavenged from yard sales, flea markets, farm auctions and turns them into both abstract and representational works of art

50 g People / By Cynthia Marone Beth Jester realized that there were no support groups for families like hers and no storybooks for her Grandchildren to read that presented children in a family being raised by grandparents

54 g In the Garden / By Lori Rose

During the cold, dark days of winter, Amaryllis and Paperwhites can bring color, light and floral scents that keep our spirits believing that spring will come again and our colorful gardens will indeed bloom again

98 g Getaway / By Bob & TanyaWaite Our stay in the Pool Suite at the Inn at Leola Village trips to the Amish country side was sweet except for having to leave after our two-night stay at this Forbes 4-Star, AAA 4-Diamond hotel

127 g County Fare / By Diana Cercone At her shop, The Forager, Dana Pezza prides herself in carrying handcrafted, artisanal cheeses from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Vermont, California, Wisconsin and Italy 8 B U C K S C O U NTY M A G . C O M

DEFENDER Also available with 8 seats

LAND ROVER WILLOW GROVE 900 S. YORK RD WILLOW GROVE, PA 19090

215.443.5900 www.jaguarlandroverwillowgrove.com

A CENTURY OF CARING FOR OUR COMMUNIT Y

OUR FO FOCUS IS YOU YOUU

Doylestown Health has been b delivering award-winning caare nd expertise for over a century. with compassion an At Doylestown Health, we understand u that nothing is more importan nt than your health. That’s why we put the needs of our patients and providee life-changing f g g care with compassion p and d communityy fifirst. We p expertise. Our team approach and patient-first philosophy result in better outcomes for you and your loved ones.

Accute 2023

Fin nd your Provider to oday at:

D ylestownHealth.org Do DoylestownHeal th.org

DoylestownHealth.org

The finest since 1948

640 N. Main Street • Doylestown, PA • 215-348-8116 www.barb-lin.com

BucksCounty magazine ©

Publisher William N. Waite Executive Editor Bob Waite Art Direction BCM MEDIA CO., INC. President Vicky M. Waite Administration Melissa Kutalek Calendar Editor Melissa Kutalek Marketing Assistant Bobby Waite Cover Artist Jennifer Hansen Rolli Contributing Writers Beth Buxbaum, Diana Cercone, Michele Malinchak, Cynthia Marone Frank Quattrone, Chrysa Smith, Vicky Waite, Bob Waite Circulation BCM MEDIA Co., INC. Contributing Photographers Randl Bye, Stacey Simcik, Paul Wesley Account Executives Lisa Bridge, Rich Baldwin, Jess Graves Ann Ferro Murray, James Padilla, Bobby Waite

Bucks County Magazine, (ISSN 2164-9847), 309 W. Armstrong Drive, Fountainville, PA 18923, phone 215-766-2694 • Fax 215-7668197. www.buckscountymag.com. Published quarterly by BCM Media Company Inc., Fountainville, PA. All contents copyright by BCM Media Company DBA/Bucks County Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Published quarterly. Four-issue subscription for U.S. is $18.95, in Canada $35.00, U.S. dollars only. Standard postage paid at Lancaster, PA. Single-copy price is $5.95 plus $3.00 postage and handling.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Bucks County Magazine, PO BOX 36, Morrisville, PA 19067. This magazine welcomes, but cannot be responsible for, manuscripts and photos unless accompanied by a stamped, selfaddressed return envelope.

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Signature

LOOKING FOR THAT PERFEC T GIF T? . . .

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SMALL WORKS

Silverman Gallery BUCKS COUNTY IMPRESSIONIST ART

IN BUCKINGHAM GREEN Rt. 202, just north of PA 413 4920 York Rd • P O Box 1 Holicong, PA 18928 • 215-794-4300

www.silvermangallery.com

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By Bob Waite

inter for many is dark time, the days are shorter and there is always the threat of a huge snowfall to thwart our plans and keep us locked up in our homes. Then there’s the cold, heating bills, stressful holiday shopping, and so goes the litany of woes that we hear and mouth to our friends and neighbors. But it is a skewed picture of what winter actually brings—blessings! Winter brings us together for longer periods of time with those we love. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners make memories that are indelibly etched and brought up year after year as we dine with each other and exchange gifts and give thanks. Snow does slow things down, but they need to be slowed down. Snowflakes on the window, in all their micromajesty need to be seen by curious children and fireplaces, as beautiful as they are, need to be lit so that we can be cozy and have that glass of wine while basking in the warmth. I could go on—skiing, snowball fights and snowmen, making angels in the snow and decorating the tree. Winter is a gift.

In our Winter 2023 issue of Bucks County Magazine, we feature two towns— Skippack and Newtown, getting ready for the holidays. It is heartwarming to see how the Christmas season draws people together to support their community. The Newtown Historic Association hosts a Holiday House Tour. And what’s truly amazing is that five or six owners of historic properties are willing to completely decorate their homes prior to Thanksgiving and allow many people to walk through them on one day. But that’s not all, the Newtown Historic Association has to rely on approximately 125 volunteers to help 1000 people take the tour by answering questions and giving direction.

A major community effort sometimes takes a rare individual to light a spark. In our feature, “A Place to Gather,” we see the fruitful efforts of Shirley Lee Corsey who took an old AME church in Yardley that was ready to be torn down and with the help of a small team, turned it into a museum that she calls Gather Place. In this museum that focuses on the contributions of African Americans to Yardley and even how Yardley contributes to American history, Shirley displays local history for the community. She also performs on the stage at the Gather Place the life of Harriet Tubman and Susanna Warder, a slave who lived and worked at Pennsbury Mansion for William Penn and his family.

Our featured house“Gift to Create” is the story of Woodworker Rob Herion and quilter Julie Stockler who each have a gift, and together are on a creative journey which they extended to the rejuvenation of their historic 1753 Upper Makefield farmhouse.

We also feature an Upper Bucks County sculptor, a cheese monger in Bristol, a grandmother who wrote a book for children in grandfamilies, how to brighten up your home with Amaryllis and Paperwhites, two great local restaurants, a special legal section, and a section about senior living and much more about people, places and things to do in Bucks County. So, on a cold winter night, we recommend that you stoke up that fire, get yourself a glass of wine, sit by fire and read the Winter 2023 issue of Bucks County Magazine.

…Red Tulip Gallery is a local artists' cooperative based in New Hope, PA. We're artists and fine craftsmen working in a range of disciplines, such as jewelry, pottery, glass, fiber, photography, painting, and wood. Red Tulip Gallery is located at 19C West Bridge Street, New Hope; 267-454-0496; www.RedTulip.com.

Sa mp le r … A stunning pair of Ruby and Diamonds earrings from the T. Foster & Company High Jewelry Collection. Rare Burma minded Diamond earrings.

“Pigeon Bolood” and offered witha a Swiss lab orgin and grading report. Surround with the finest quality round diamonds including a pair of heart shaped diamonds. One of a kind, exceptional workmanship, investment grade. $50,0000. Ruby total 3.30 carats. Contact them at 215-493-6100; www.tfosterjewelers.com.

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. . . Locals living in the Doylestown, Buckingham area will no doubt recognize this iconic Bucks County barn located on Mechanicsville Road. The painting, “Bucks County Barn in Winter”, is a 7.5” x 11.25” watercolor by Gregory Dunham, a nationally lauded Maine artist who painted it especially for Patricia Hutton Galleries in Doylestown. The painting is available in their Winter Exhibition opening this month. 215-348-1728; www.patriciahuttongalleries.com.

… "Featuring European Heirloom Christmas ornaments and decorations in a charming historic setting. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary Bethlehem Christmas Shoppe at Hand Cut Crystal has a extensive collection. Visit them at 452 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA; 610-868-2427; www.bethlehemchristmasshoppe.com.

… Ski Barn is perfect one-stop shop for holiday gifts for the entire family. Ski Barn has the largest selection of premium ski and snowboard gear, winter apparel, accessories and more. We also offer seasonal rentals. Visit Ski Barn, 2990 US Highway 1, Lawernceville, NJ; 609-530-1666; www.skibarn.com.

... The Gold Echange is a great place to get that special holiday gift. They buy and sell jewelry. So, you might have that piece of jewelry you never wear. They buy gold, silver, platinum, silverware, teapots, diamonds, high end luxury watches such as Rolex, Breitling, Patek Philippe, and Omega. 812 N. Easton Road, Doylestown, PA; 215-345-6630; www.doylestowngoldexchange.com.

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CLOSE UP

BARB-LIN’S LEGACY

John & Janeen McCarty in showroom

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ix months ago John McCarty and his wife Janeen purchased Barb-Lin Carpet One located on North Main Street in Doylestown. John started his career as an installer during his college years in the early 90’s. After ten years of running two installation crews as a subcontractor, he was offered a position as the operations manager. John then managed all installations for the company and later was promoted to chief of operations until he and his wife Janeen purchased the company this year.With more than thirty years’ experience in floorcovering at Barb-lin it was only natural that he would be the future of Barb-Lin. Barb-Lin Carpet One has been in business for 75 years.The store was named after the original owner’s daughters, Barbara and Linda in 1948. When the business was for sale in 1972 Barbara and Linwood 18 B U C K S C O U N T Y M A G . C O M

Bosler purchased the company. They passed the business to their son Linwood Bosler III after their retirement who then hired John McCarty, and now John and Janeen carry this legacy.

With over 10,000 square feet of showroom Barb-Lin Carpet One offers both residential and commercial flooring for every need. BarbLin’s well experienced sales staff is always there to guide you through every step of the process, offering free estimates and fair and honest pricing.Their professional installation crews will treat your home with care when they are trusted with your business. Barb-Lin also has a custom fabrication shop that can create any size rug or runner to place over your hard surfaces. All are invited to stop in and browse BarbLin’s large selection of tile, carpet, hardwood, vinyl and area rugs.

Barb-Lin is located on 640 North Main Street, Doylestown, PA.

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STEVIE AND HARLEY

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iana Hasen is the author of three Children books about her horses, Stevie and Harley.

She grew up in the small town of Bryn Athyn, PA and has always appreciated the beauty and culture of Bucks County.

Originally in the catering business, Diana decided to give it up and pursue her love for horses.A relative asked her if she ever heard of the breed Gypsy Vanner. She hadn’t. This led to her researching the breed. She says,“After researching themI became obsessed.”

Diana says, “When I saw how beautiful the breed was and read how they are known for being sweet and kind, I knew it was the horse for me.” She was able to get two yearlings of that breed from the U.K. “Stevie first, then two years later, Harley.” With the help of professional trainers she became involved in all aspects of their training. Although these two horses “can ride underneath a saddle as well as drive a carriage,” Diana thinks their greatest talent is “is in their sweet nature and ability to calm those who come into contact with them.”

She says,“The boys love to have visitors and do well with children and adults.The love I have for my horses inspired me to write three children’s books about them.The series is based on real places, people and experiences with a little make-believe thrown in.”

Diana Hasen’s three-book series include, Stevie and Harley’s Purpose, Stevie and Harley’s Friendship Bridge and Stevie and Harley’s Woodland Rescue.

Diana has plans for future book signings, events and public appearances. Follow her on social media for updates.You can order her books on Amazon or independent book stores. For more information, visit www.stevieandharley.com also follow them on Facebook at stevieandharley, Instagram @stevieandharley or email Diana Hasen at info@stevieandharley.com.

HELLERS SEAFOOD MARKET

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inety percent of Heller’s fresh selections are filleted on the premises, ensuring a fresher product. At any given time you'll find thirty types of fillets and other assortments of seafood. Owner of Heller’s Seafood Market John Reinheimer and his staff are highly educated about the products they handle, and have many ideas regarding cooking methods for ultimate flavors.

Hellers has a cooked take out menu, and other prepared side dishes and specialty items, chowders, soups, salads, sauces, appetizers, shrimp trays. Fresh oysters and clams are available opened and ready to go, (Please call ahead). We are open seven days a week year round. Wholesale accounts are welcome.

In addition to fresh fish and shellfish, Hellers also offers locally sourced produce and premium beef, sourced from Creekstone Farms (Pat LaFrieda) and Snake River Farms.

Heller’s Seafood Market is located at 1380 Easton Road, Suite 6,Warrington, PA. For more information, call 215-343-9600 or visit www.hellersseafood.com.

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DHARMA BUMS

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harma Bums is a cozy space with a nod to the past, a simpler time, when people gathered to listen to live music, eat good food, and enjoy a drink. It is the brainchild of Steven and Fiona Trachtenberg, both deciding to leave corporate life; Steven in consumer product design and manufacturing and Fiona in retail product design.

Their namesake restaurant is also a favorite book of theirs by Jack Kerouac. In this book, Jack (aka Ray Smith) explores the duality of his life and ideals, examining the relationship of the outdoors, mountaineering, hiking and hitchhiking through the west coast with his "city life" of jazz clubs, poetry readings, and drunken parties.

Dharma Bums is located bank of the Delaware River Canal, just a short walk from the Tohickon creek valley and High Rocks Vista.The 19th century building has a storied past as a hotel, a gathering place for the Black Cat Motorcycle Club, and even the watering hole for revolutionary patron Abbie Hoffman, whose famed Dump the Pump meetings took place within these very walls.

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Dharma Bums offers an inventive menu of vegetarian bar fare with an Asian flair, think egg roll wrapped mozzarella sticks and seitan cheesesteaks, with casual mid-century modern decor spanning two floors.Their draught beer selection is carefully curated and complemented by inventive crafted cocktails like their elderberry yuzu mojito or cilantro lemongrass margarita Dharma Bums is more than a bar or restaurant— it is a community center. Step inside for an earful of acoustic twangs, blaring horns, or extended jams from a variety of local musicians. During the warmer months, there is a large outside courtyard for al fresco dining, kicking a hacky sack, or huddling by the fire.

They hold creative workshops ranging from boho wreath making to the art of Japanese boro, a method of patching clothes or textiles. Feel enlightened at one of their weekly yoga classes or embark on your own journey of the “Beat” at one of the bi-weekly drum circles.

Dharma Bums is located at 4935 River Road, New Hope, PA. For more information, call 215-663-2867 or visit www.dbums.com.

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EXISTING CABINETS GET A NEW FACTORY FINISH

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nPlace Cabinetry Finishes is a full-service cabinetry refinisher and renovator. The founder, Charles Dickey, spent years as a contractor, house painter, and expert in the tedious art of hanging wallpaper. This background led him to refinishing kitchens and starting InPlace Cabinetry Finishes.

The processes and durability is what sets InPlace Cabinetry Finishes apart from other kitchen cabinetry refinishers. They work with your existing cabinets and use a process where they spray a proprietary finish (no messy brushes or rollers) and apply the highest quality cabinetry coating that comes in custom colors. It’s a process done exclusively through spraying and produces a factory-like finish.To start the process, doors, and drawers are taken to their shop to be finished, and the body of cabinets are done “in place” in your kitchen.

InPlace Cabinetry Finishes offers design services for kitchen minimakeovers that cost much less than a rip-and-replace renovation.There are many ways that InPlace Cabinetry Finishes can make a big difference in your kitchen. You can use your existing doors for refinishing or choose from many new styles for a fresh update. How about soffits up to your ceiling to make a dramatic update to existing cabinets? Would you like a bare wall or closet turned into a functional pantry? Do you 24

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have an island you want to expand? Wish to add an under-counter microwave? Hood vent over your cooktop? How about a messy desk that you’d like to turn into a coffee or wine bar? Maybe you want to turn that underused space above your refrigerator into a tray cabinet for all your platters, cutting boards, baking sheets, and more.

InPlace Cabinetry Finishes has moved its operations from Perkasie to the heart of Dublin at 104 Mill Street, Dublin, PA. For more information or a consultation, call 844-946-7522 or visit www.inplacefinishes.com.

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A WORLD OF FURNITURE

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tep into 37 Summerwood and discover a world of furniture, décor and gifts that warmly invites you to make yourself at home. Located in a historic building in Plumstead Village, owner Cindy Moering has carefully curated a collection that blends modern elements with traditional charm.

Crafted with care, the custom furniture and handmade tables exude a timeless sense of style. Additionally, the store offers a diverse selection of lighting, mirrors, wall art, rugs, pillows, trays and a myriad of other items.

Drawing on her distinctive blend of West Coast influences, Cindy brings a multifaceted style to Bucks County providing customers with simple solutions for updating or rejuvenating any room.

Beyond home furnishings, 37 Summerwood offers an extensive gift collection, tailored to meet your holiday shopping needs.

With an array of items spanning various price ranges, you’ll discover something for everyone on your list. Cindy takes great pride in supporting local artisans, showcasing a stunning assortment of handcrafted treasures including charcuterie boards, ceramics, candles, soaps, local honey and more. Additionally, they offer a range of gift items encompassing kitchen décor, barware, books, and other entertaining essentials. To make your selection even easier, they feature their best sellers already pre-assembled in beautifully curated gift baskets. Alternatively, customers have the option to create a personalized gift arrangement with items of their choosing. Complete your gift-giving experience with their selection of exquisite gift wrap, bags, and cards, adding that special touch. And for those seeking the perfect present for anyone, they offer gift cards in any denomination.

37 Summerwood is crafted to offer you an immersive experience. Explore the thoughtfully curated selection, sink into the sofas and chairs, wander through the inviting rooms of décor, and truly make yourself at home. 37 Summerwood is located at 5870 Easton Rd, Plumsteadville, PA. for more information, call 215-660-9922 or visit www.37summerwood.com.

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GILDED HOME TREASURES

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ver their 35 years together, Kirk and Sandy Williamson of Newtown have enjoyed the hunt for wonderful furnishings and accessories at bargain prices. They have furnished their various homes together by finding items at outdoor auction, online, and through estate sales. But it was their experience furnishing their home on the edge of Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia that most impressed them—the Williamson’s had discovered furnishings consignment.

Furnishings consignment is a great way for sellers of quality, lightly used goods to be matched with buyers who are placing a priority on purchasing unique, well-made, and fashionable goods at a better value.A step up from thrifting and notch below buying furnishings at regular retail, the consignment model works very well for all parties.And because the inventory at consignment comes from the eclectic tastes of consignors, you never know what treasures you will find.

When Kirk and Sandy downsized from their 1915 Princeton home last year, they moved into a contemporary brownstone on Newtown’s South State Street. As they struggled to find a way to dispense with the very good furniture they could not take with them, and again, when they could find no good furnishings for the new home, they asked themselves, “Where are the consignment shops?!?”

After retiring from 35 years in financial services, earlier this year Kirk convinced Sandy that they should start their own furnishings consignment store and Gilded Home was born. Located at 24 Summit Square Center in Langhorne, PA, Gilded Home is a brand-new space which is brightly lit and easily accessible in the convenient shopping center on the Newtown bypass. The Williamson’s invite you to stop by the Gilded Home every Wednesday-Sunday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. to see what golden treasures you might find. For more information, visit www.gildedhome.com and follow gildedhomefc on Instagram.

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TREETRAILS ADVENTURE ZIPRACER

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atch two new thrills at TreeTrails Adventures Trevose when they open in spring. Spike your adrenaline with rides on ZipRacer: 1,000-foot dual racing ziplines. Or hear the wind whistle by as you take on 17 end-to-end zip lines on our ZipTrail! Both attractions will launch from our new 35-foot tower.

These new features supplement the fun guests have grown to expect at TreeTrails Trevose.TreeTrails’ signature attraction (the Main Park) is for ages 7 to adult and offers six climbing trails suitable for beginners to experts. These trails include unique tree-to-tree crossings made of cable, wood and rope that are positioned up to 55 feet above the forest floor.These crossings include quirky bridges, netted walkways, zip lines and even a “flying saucer.”

Pint-sized adventure seekers ages 4 – 6 can take on similar challenges at KidTrails. This attraction offers big kid fun but built to accommodate the stride and reach of our youngest climbers.

If you have never experienced climbing or zipping in an aerial adventure park, autumn is the perfect time to reserve your first experience. In addition to breath-taking adventure, you’ll be surrounded by the breath-taking color of fall foliage.A climb through the forest canopy takes leaf peeping to a whole new dimension!

Autumn includes Glow in The Park events on Friday and Saturday nights through Thanksgiving weekend.We light up the trees with twinkling lights, tee up some music, and provide glow in the dark items for added fun. Dance as you climb in a magical nighttime forest.

Prices range from $15 for KidTrails to $59 for the Main Park. Dual racing zipline tickets will be sold as one or two ticket experiences for $28 and $33. Go to www.TreeTrails.com/Trevose for tickets, directions, hours and additional information.

CREATING UNIQUE CUSTOM ENTRYWAYS TO WELCOME YOU HOME

Gemmi Construction brings beauty, function, and more than 25 years of award-winning craftsmanship to your renovations in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. GemmiConstruction.com

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November 18 - December 31, 2023

Holidays at Fonthill Castle is generouslyy supported by:

Pat Tagliolini

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AMANDA’S RIVERSIDE CAFE

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n Upper Black Eddy right across the Delaware from Frenchtown is Amanda’ Riverside Cafe. Here is a kind of community hub filled with regulars and visitors. The reason they come here is the food. From tantalizing fresh baked goods to delightful breakfasts, creative lunches and dinners to go, Amanda Britt has created the perfect casual dining venue for the area.A typical breakfast menu will have very full sections on Eggs & Omelets, Griddle Specials, and meals with interesting names like Lumber Jack, which includes two eggs, two pancakes and homemade cream chipped beef over home fries.

On the luncheon menu there tasty starters like Mozzarella sticks with marinara, Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce, Jalapeno poppers and Onion Rings. The menu has burgers, and a variety of creative sandwiches, such as Rachel, which is corned beef, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing, served on rye. The Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a favorite for a filling, yet healthy lunch. Dinners are served with soup or side salad.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting and there is a ceiling mural that is colorful and interesting. Amanda’s Riverside Cafe is located at 991 River Road, Erwinna, PA. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.Tuesday though Sunday. Closed Monday.To order dinners to go or takeout, call 484-305-1310. For more information, visit www.amandasriversidecafe.business.site or go to the Facebook page to see specials.

EXCEPTIONAL CARE For Hands, Wrists, Arms Elbows & Shoulders

1-800-385-PHSC(7472) www.Hand2ShoulderCenter.com

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15 Offices in Pa and NJ including Langhorne, Willow Grove and King of Prussia.

CASA BIZARRO

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ast June, Carrie Moss, known in the area for Indie Ally her radio show on WDVR, walked into what was the Frenchtown shop Hawk + Floret, and felt “a magnetic pull.” The previous owner, Betty Baines Saum, had died and Betty’s grown children did not know what they were going to do with the store.

Carrie asked Betty’s daughter if they were looking for the right person, and she said,“yes.” Carrie said “Well, I think it needs to be me.” Carrie bought the business.

“I've been putting my own spin on the store, but I fell in love with the vines, and it's something that I've always wanted to have ever since I was a teenager. The store is magical. There were actual vines on the wall and the ceiling. And I've been saving vines. They’re in my greenhouse.”

Casa Bizarro has fully become Carrie’s store, and she sells women’s vintage clothing, crystals, gems, rocks, incense, gifts plants, curiosities and lots of art. She says, “I work with a lot of local artists who paint, sculpt, make jewelry—I have vintage and new jewelry. I sell local beaters and have beadwork and silversmithing. It’s a lot!”

Casa Bizzaro is located at 40 Bridge St., Frenchtown, NJ. For more information, call 267-424-0910.

Philadephia Area’s Premier Stone Fabricators Visit Our Showroom in the heart of Bucks County

1010 pulinski Road, Ivyland, Bucks County, PA 18974 www.suburbanmarble.com | 215.734.9100 | Open Monday thru Saturday

Kitchens Bathrooms Fireplaces • Bartops Laundry Rooms Offices

PA#007452

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Winter 2023

CALENDAR

Peddlers Village

ANTIQUES Golden Nugget Antique and Flea Market Ongoing: The Golden Nugget offers authentic antiques, collectibles, art, and interesting items. Over 60 indoor shops and 200 outside dealers. Free parking. Open Wed., Sat, and Sun. 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1850 River Road, Lambertville, NJ. 609-397-0811; www.gnflea.com.

Rago Arts and Auctions Ongoing: Monday Walk-In Valuations November 29: Jewelry November 29: Watches December 12: Early 20th Century Design December 14: 20th Century Carpets 333 North Main Street, Lambertville, NJ. 609-397-9377; www.ragoarts.com.

Allentown Fairgrounds November 25-26: Winter Wonderland Extravaganza 2023 December 2-3: Antique & Modern Arms 34 B U C K S C O U N T Y M A G . C O M

Show December 13-17: Star of Bethlehem Dog Show 302 North 17th Street, Allentown, PA. 610-433-7541; www.allentownfair.com.

ANTIQUES

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ART

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Stephenson’s Auctioneers & Appraisers Ongoing: Stephenson's Auction holds a general auction of residential contents, antiques, and col-lectibles every Friday evening at 4:00 pm in our comfortable, 5,000-square-foot, climate-controlled gallery. 1005 Industrial Boulevard, Southampton, PA. 215-322-6182; www.stephensonsauction.com.

CRAFTS

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ENTERTAINMENT

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EVENTS

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FAMILY

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GARDENS

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HISTORY

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NATURE

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ART Gratz Gallery & Conservation Studio Ongoing: A full-service fine art investment firm specializing in 19th- and 20th-century American paintings. There is an emphasis on the Pennsylvania Impressionists, the Philadelphia Ten, and art-ists from the Pennsylvania Academy

What to do in Bucks County

and surronding areas!

New Hope Train of the Fine Arts. Fine art framing services, as well as conservation services, also are provided. 5230 Silo Hill Road, Doylestown, PA. 215-348-2500; www.gratzgallery.com.

The Barnes Foundation Ongoing: The Barnes Collection Ongoing: Education & Empowerment: Scholarship Recipients at the Barnes Foundation Through January: Marie Laurencin: Sapphic. Paris 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA, 215-278-7000. www.barnesfoundation.org.

Philadelphia Museum of Art Through February: The Shape of Time: Korean Art after 1989 Ongoing: Stephen Burks: Shelter in Place Ongoing: Collection Highlight: Lady with a Guitar Ongoing: Of God and Country: American Art from the Jill and Sheldon Bonovitz Collection

2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA. 215-763-8100; www.philamuseum.org.

Woodmere Art Museum Ongoing: Expressionism in Bronze: The Sculpture of Viorel Farcas Ongoing: La Cresta: A Land-Sculpting Installation by Syd Carpenter and Steve Donegan Ongoing: Just In: Recent Acquisitions Through January: Barbara Bullock: Fearless Vision 9201 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. 215-247-0476 Banana Factory Arts Center Through January: ArtsQuest Annual Resident Artists Exhibition Through January: Industrial Influence Through January: Compendium: Small Works Juried Exhibition 25 West Third Street, Bethlehem, PA. 610-332-1300; www.bananafactory.org.

Brandywine River Museum of Art Through January: Allan Freelon: Painter, Printmaker, Teacher Through February: Abstract Flash: Unseen Andrew Wyeth Through February: Rooted: Family and Nature in Contemporary Children’s Book Illustration 1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, PA. 610-388-2700; www.brandywine.org.

The James A. Michener Art Museum November 29: Diverse Times and Lands”: Orientalism and Historicism in 1920’s Fashion December 3: Bill Miller Spirit Unbroken December 5: Holiday Open House February 2: Why We Sing: Journey Through African American Music History with Mukamari February 24: Jazz Night Series: Tonya Lynette 138 South Pine Street, Doylestown, PA. 215-340-9800; www.michenerartmuseum.org.

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Fabulous Catering for your Holiday Entertainment

•Intimate Affairs •Corporate and Social Events • Weddings

Tailored Menu For Your Special Occasion

The Silverman Gallery of Bucks County Impressionist Art Through December 3: Evan Harrington: From the Air, solo exhibition December 9-February: Winter Small Works.

A salon-style exhibition with work by all the gallery's fine artists. this show will evolve and change as pieces are sold for holiday gift giving!

Buckingham Green Shopping Center, 4920 York Road (Route 202), Holicong, PA. 215-794-4300; www.silvermangallery.com.

Patricia Hutton Galleries November 24-January: Our annual Winter Exhibition begins Friday, November 24 and continues through January. The gallery will be dressed up for the holidays and will feature snowy land-scapes and seasonal still life reflecting the spirit of the season - a gallery wide exhibition featuring twenty award - winning artists. 47 West State Street, Doylestown, PA. 215-3481728; www.patriciahuttongalleries.com.

Wayne Art Center November 24-December 31: Wayne Art Center Small Works Gallery at Yuletide December 2-January 20: Craft Form 28th International Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Craft December 2-January 20: ATTRACTION TO ABSTRACTION 2023 413 Maplewood Avenue, Wayne, PA. 610-688-3553; www.wayneart.org.

CRAFTS

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2310 Second Street Pike • Newtown, PA • 267-396-6905 fancyfig@icloud.com | fancyfig.wixsite/fancyfig Canal Frame-Crafts Gallery Through December: Annual Small Works Show It is a good opportunity if you are looking for a special new piece of art by a local artist for yourself or as a gift.

1093 General Greene Road, Washington Crossing, PA. 215-493-3660; www.canalframe.com.

Covered Bridge Artisans 29th Annual Studio Tour November 24-26: Visit 7 open artists’ studios, and 14 artists in the Event Center behind the Ser-geantsville Firehouse, all within 5 miles of the scenic Delaware River town of Stockton, NJ.:609-397-1535; www.coveredbridgeartisans.com or 609-397-1535.

Artists’ Gallery December 7-31: Gallery Group Show 18 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ. 609397-4588; www.lambertvillearts.com.

Artists of Yardley (AOY) December 1-7: Small Works 949 Mirror Lake, Yardley, PA. 215-4931205; www.aoyarts.org

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Byers’ Choice Ltd. December 8: Holly Jolly Christmas Party Through December 31: Byers’ Choice Christmas Experience December 13-14: A Christmas Carol with Gerald Dickens 4355 County Line Road, Chalfont, PA, 215-822-6700; www.byerschoice.com.

Christkindlmarkt Through December 17: This noted Lehigh Valley holiday market offers aisles of handmade works from around the globe.

Visitors also can enjoy live Christmas music, food, craft demonstrations, and St. Nicholas. PNC Plaza, SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA. 610-3321300; www.artsquest.org.

Pearl S Buck Holiday Craft Show November 24-December 3: The Holiday Craft Show has been a Bucks County tradition for almost three decades. Enjoy a unique shopping experience at this highend craft show which offers jury-selected gifts, decorations, food, jewelry, apparel, and more from professional crafters, artists, and chefs. The Holiday Craft Show is the perfect place to find an array of amazing holi-

day gifts for your family and friends.

520 Dublin Road, Perkasie, PA. 215-249-0100; www.psbi.org.

Kringle Christmas Shoppe December 1-3: Plan on attending this annual holiday event by the Haycock Historical Society. There will be work by over 50 locally renowned juried contributors, books by local authors, fine art, sculpture, jewelry, sweet treats, and much more. Admission is free. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Haycock Community Center, 1014 Old Bethlehem Road, Quakertown, PA. www.haycockhistoricalsociety.org.

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The Pen Ryn School Annual Craft Fair December 6: Over 65 juried crafters with quality handmade crafts. There also will be a bake sale, raffles, book fair, and Christmas wreaths. The Pen Ryn School, 235 South Olds Boulevard, Fair-less Hills, PA. 215-547-1800; www.penryn.org.

Fine Crafts & Arts Show December2-3: The Winter Fine Arts & Crafts show at the Prallsville Mills, a holiday tradition for the Delaware River towns, is a two-day event featuring the works of artisans, artists and jewelers from around the region.

Prallsville Mills, Route 29, Stockton, NJ. 609-397-3586; www.prallsvillemills.org.

ENTERTAINMENT Roxey Ballet November 25-December 3: The Nutcracker December 9: The Sensor Friendly Nutcracker December 20: A Very Lambertville Holiday Celebration 609-397-7616; www.roxeyballet.org.

Town and Country Players November 17-December 2: It’s a Wonderful Life December 15-16: A Holiday Cavalcade!

4158 York Road, Buckingham, PA. 215-348-7566; www.townandcountryplayers.org.

The Actors’ NET of Bucks County December 1-17: The Wickhams January 19-Febuary 4: The Outsider The Heritage Center Theatre, 635 North Delmorr Avenue, Morrisville, PA. 215-295-3694; www.actorsnetbucks.org.

State Theatre Center for the Arts November 25: Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet November 29: A Magical Cirque Christmas December 1: Preservation Hall Jazz Band: Creole Christmas December 9: Straight No Chaser:Sleighin In Tour December 16: A Christmas Carol

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December 23: The Wizards of Winter January 19: The Lords of 52nd Street January 20: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 453 Northampton Street, Easton, PA. 800999-7828; www.statetheatre.org.

Bucks County Symphony Orchestra December 4: Family Concert (Central Bucks High School West) February 19: Winter Concert (Central Bucks High School West) 215-348-7321; www.buckscountysymphony.org.

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New Hope Winery November 25: Ledbetters November 30: Eric Mintel quartet Performs "Charlie Brown Jazz" December 2: Ted Vigil, A John Denver Christmas December 8-9: TUSK: The World's #1 Fleetwood Mac Tribute December 10: Chris Pinnella: Christmas in New Hope December 22: Jesse Garron's Tribute to Elvis- A Blue Christmas December 29: Classic Stones Live December 30: Jeffery Gaines W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 37

Fall in Love with Post & Beam

Pennsylvania Ballet December 8-30: The Nutcracker February 29-March 10: Giselle The Academy of Music, 240 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA. 215-893-1999. www.philadelphiaballet.org Allentown Symphony Orchestra November 25: Anthony Davis X:The Life and Times of Malcom X December 2-3: Repertory Dance Theatre’s Nutcracker December 8: Craig Thatcher & Nyke Van WYK Holiday Show December 16: Holiday Pops January 6: Verdi’s Nabucco Miller Symphony Hall, 23 North Sixth Street, Allentown, PA. 610-432-6715; www.millersymphonyhall.org.

The Bach Choir of Bethlehem December 9: Christmas Concert. 8 p.m.

(First Presbyterian Church, Allentown) December 10: Christmas Concert. 4 p.m.

(First Presbyterian Church, Bethlehem) 440 Heckewelder Place, Bethlehem, PA. 610-866-4382; www.bach.org.

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February 10: Mary Fahl - Former Lead Singer of the October Project 6123 Lower York Road, New Hope, PA. 215-794-2331; www.newhopewinery.com.

McCarter Theatre Center November 24-25: American Repertory Ballet’s The Nutcracker December 6-24: A Christmas Carol December 16: Choir! Choir! Choir! Holiday Show January 20: The Laurie Berkner Bank-The Greatest Hits Concert January 25: Blue Note Records 85th Anniversary Celebration 38

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91 University Place, Princeton, NJ. 609258-2787; www.mccarter.org.

Bristol Riverside Theatre November 28-December 31: A Christmas Story: The Play January 30-February 18: A Raisin in the Sun 120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA. 215-7850100; www.brtstage.org.

Bucks County Playhouse Through December 31: White Christmas the Musical 70 South Main Street, New Hope, PA. 215-862-2121; www.bcptheater.org.

Sellersville Theater November 24-25: Beatlemania Now November 26: Christmas with The Rat Pack - Together Again November 26: Davy Knowles and Jeffrey Gaines December 1: WXPN Welcomes Joan Osborne December 2: Rachel Feinstein December 3: Anthony Nunziata:My Italian Christmas!

December 7: The Celtic Tenors December 8: Morgan James December 9: Christmas with Chris Ruggiero December 25: Raymond the Amish Comic December 28: Jazz is Led December 29: Kilmaine Saints January 7: Doug Church-The True Voice of Elvis 24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, PA. 215-257-5808; www.st94.com.

Civic Theatre of Allentown December 1-16: A Christmas Carol December 8-17: Every Christmas Story Ever Told an Adult Holiday Show December 17: Craig Thatcher’s Rocking Holiday Show- A Fundraiser Event December 18-20: The Holiday Film Series on the Big Screen 527 N 19th Street, Allentown PA. 610-433-8903; www.civictheatre.com

EVENTS Peddler’s Village Through January 14: Gingerbread House Competition and Display December 2-3: Holly Jolly Weekend Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, PA. 215-

Top, The Pennsylvania Ballent presents The Nutcracker at The Academy of Music.December 8th-30th. Right, A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre Center December 6th-24th.

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Festival December 3: Holiday House Tours Quakertown, PA. 215-536-2273; www.quakertownalive.com.

Historic Newtown December 2: Holiday Tour December 3: Holiday Parade 215-968-4004; www.newtownhistoric.org

CHRISTMAS GIFT SHOP WINTER BULBS HOLIDAY SILKS GREENS WREATHS ROPING LIVE GREENS FAUX GREENS ARRANGEMENTS CONTAINERS HOUSE DÉCOR OUTDOOR DÉCOR RARE HOUSEPLANTS ORNAMENTS APOTHECARY LOCAL CANDLES LOCAL HONEY & MORE!

609-460-4803 @Bye-WayGardens B Y E WAY G A R D E N S . C O M 77 Bridge Street Lambertville, NJ 794-4000; www.peddlersvillage.com.

Christmas in Doylestown December 1-2: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Doylestown, is proud to present their annual Christ-mas in Doylestown House Tour re-imagined” as a FREE walking/driving tour of exterior holiday decorations. Borough residents are decorating the exterior of their own houses and maps of participating houses will be available on the church website by Dec. 1st. www.StPaulsDoylestown.org Mount Hope Estate & Winery November 24-26, December 2-3 & 9-10: Penn40

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sylvania Renaissance Faire 2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim, PA. 717-665-7021; http://www.parenfaire.com Holiday Sale Event November 30: Annual Pre Holiday sale 40% off all in store Jewelry. (some exclusions may apply). Sale will take place at our Fairless Hills location from 6-8 pm.

Craft Cocktails & Light Bites will be served. Michael’s Jewelry, 445 S.Oxford Valley Rd., Fairless Hills, PA; www.jewelrybymj.com.

Quakertown Alive December 1: Christmas Tree Lighting

Perkasie Bourogh December 2: Holiday Tree Lighting Families can expect a traditional evening out, with Holiday music, food and fun.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will arrive on a Perkasie Electric Truck to light the Christmas tree at 7pm and one lucky child will be chosen to climb on the stage to help Santa light the tree; bring a non-perishable food item for Pennridge FISH to enter the drawing. www. perkasieborough.org Bucks County Wine Trail December 9-10: Holiday Celebration For participating wineries in Bucks County, visit www.buckscountywinetrail.com.

Civic Theatre of Allentown December 1-16: A Christmas Carol at Civic Theatre of Allentown- A Lehigh Valley Tradition December 8-17: Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) An Adult Holiday Show at Civic Theatre of Allentown December 17: Craig Thatcher’s Rocking Holiday Show- A Fundraiser Event December 18-20: The Holiday Film Series on the Big Screen at Civic Theatre of Allentown 527 N 19th Street, Allentown PA 610-433-8903; www.civictheatre.com American Consumer Shows January 5-7: Greater Philadelphia Spring Home Show (King of Prussia, PA) March 16-17: Bucks & Montgomery County Spring Home show (Newtown, PA) 888-433-3976; www.acsshows.com.

Philly Home + Garden Show February 23-25: Visit this annual show for decorating and remodeling ideas, learn more about companies, and stroll through gardens by area landscapers. Admission.

Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA. https://phillyhomeandgarden.com/

FAMILY Bucks County Children’s Museum Ongoing: A fun, interactive, and educational environment for children, parents, and schools, with exhibits that reflect Bucks County’s history and culture. Exhibits in-

clude Town Square, Factory Works, Artifact Dig, Covered Bridges, Tree House, and Hot Air Balloon Ride. Activities are planned year round. 500 Union Square, New Hope, PA. 215-693-1290; www.buckskids.org.

The Crayola Experience Ongoing: This fun and colorful children’s attraction features interactive Crayola exhibits. 30 Centre Square, Easton, PA. 610515-8000; www.crayolaexperience.com.

Da Vinci Science Center Ongoing: This Lehigh Valley science center promotes creativity, curiosity, and imagination with exhibits designed to encourage science and math learning. 3145 Hamilton Boulevard, Allentown, PA. 484664-1002; www.davincisciencecenter.org.

Giggleberry Fair Ongoing: Climb Giggleberry Mountain, learn at Giggles Discovers, visit The Game Room, and take a ride on the antique Grand Carousel at Giggleberry Fair. Peddler’s Village, Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, PA. 215-794-4000; www.peddlersvillage.com.

Northlandz Ongoing: Visit the home of the Great American Railway, doll museum, and art gallery.

Up to 100 trains travel over 8 miles of

track, 40-foot bridges span huge canyons, and cities and villages fea-ture thousands of buildings. Admission. 495 U.S. 202, Flemington, NJ. 908-782-4022; www.northlandz.com.

Please Touch Museum Ongoing: Visit the Children’s Museum of Philadelphia, where the key word is play.

Families can enjoy over a dozen themed exhibits, theater, art, music, special programs, the carousel, and sto-rytime and character appearances. Admission. 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA. 215-581-3181; www.pleasetouchmuseum.org.

The Franklin Institute Ongoing: Wondrous Space Ongoing: Night Skies at Home with Derrick Pitts 222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA. 215-448-1200; www2.fi.edu.

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University Ongoing: Outside In Ongoing: Member Mornings November 26: Access to Science Through January: Skin, Living Armor, Evolving Identity 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA. 215-299-1000; www.ansp.org.

Shady Brook Farm Through January: Holiday Light Show 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, PA. 215968-1670; www.shadybrookfarm.com.

Lehigh Valley Zoo December: Winter Light Spectacular 5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville, PA. 610-799-4171; www.lvzoo.org.

New Hope & Ivyland Railroad Through December 31: North Pole Express & Santa’s Steam Spectacular 32 West Bridge Street, New Hope, PA. 215-862-2332; www.newhoperailroad.com.

Sesame Place Through December 31: A Very Furry Christmas 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA. 215702-ELMO; www.sesameplace.com.

Linvilla Orchards Ongoing: Farm Market and Garden Center November to December: Cut Your Own Christmas Tree December 1: First Day to Place Christmas Pie & Turkey Orders 137 West Knowlton Road, Media, PA. 610-876-7116; www.linvilla.com.

Black River & Western Railroad Through December 28: Santa Express Through December 28: North Pole Express

The holiday happy place.

Free Admission 60+ shops. Unique restaurants.

66-room inn. Seasonal events.

Indoor family fun center.

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Liberty Village, Flemington, NJ. 908-7826622; www.blackriverrailroad.com.

PEEPSFEST December 30-31: This interactive two-day family event highlights PEEPS. The festival culminates December 31 at 5:15 p.m. with the dropping of the 200-pound PEEPS chick to welcome in the new year.

SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA. 610-332-1300. www.artsquest.org

GARDENS The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania Ongoing: Morning Walks Through December: Holiday Garden Railway Nights Admission. 100 East Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. 215-247-5777. www.morrisarboretum.org.

Longwood Gardens Ongoing: Open: Air Theater Fountain Shows Through January 7: A Longwood Christmas January 20-March 24: Winter Wonder Admission. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA. 610-388-1000. www.longwoodgardens.org.

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Winterthur Ongoing: Member Bloom Report Guided Walk December 7-9: Garden to Vase Floral Design Workshop December 20: Birding Walks at Winterthur Admission. 5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE. 302-888-4600; www.winterthur.org.

The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College November 29: Family Green Workshop November 30: Green Wreath Workshop December 2: Scott Arboretum Holiday Sale Admission. 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA. 610-328-8025. www.scottarboretum.org.

Hershey Gardens Ongoing: Guided Walks Through January 1: Christmas Tree Showcase Through January 1: Crafty Christmas Creations December 2-3: Winter Wreath Workshop Admission. 170 Hotel Road, Hershey, PA. 717-534-3492; www.hersheygardens.org.

HISTORY Battleship New Jersey Ongoing: The Battleship New Jersey is open for guided and audio tours. Visitors can select from a variety of tours. Admission. Camden Waterfront, Camden, NJ. 856-966-1652; www.battleshipnewjersey.org.

Historic Craven Hall & The John Fitch Steamboat Museum Ongoing: House and John Fitch Steamboat Museum Tours Street and Newtown Roads, Warminster, PA. 215-675-4698; www.craven-hall.org.

Historic Summerseat Ongoing: First Saturday of every month: The stately Georgian mansion of Summerseat is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free tours also available by appointment. Historic Morrisville Society, Hillcrest & Legion Avenues, Morrisville, PA. www.historicsummerseat.com.

Historical Society of Princeton Ongoing: Historic Princeton Walking Tours (Sundays) Ongoing: Einstein Salon and Innovators Gallery Ongoing: Treasures from the Trove Ongoing: Rex Goreleigh: Migrant

Worker’s Witness Ongoing: A-Team Artists of Trenton Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road, Princeton, NJ. 609-921-6748 ; www.princetonhistory.org.

New Hope Historical Society Ongoing: Walking Tours of Downtown New Hope 45 South Main Street, New Hope, PA. 215-862-5652; www.newhopehistorical.org Mercer Museum December 5: Mercer Museum Holiday Open House December 27: Kwanzaa: Celebration at December 31: Everyday Rhythms: Music at the Mercer Exhibition Admission. 84 South Pine Street, Doylestown, PA. 215-345-0210; www.mercermuseum.org.

Pearl S. Buck House November 24-December 3: Holiday Craft Show December 10: Holiday Community Night 520 Dublin Road, Perkasie, PA. 215-2490100; www.pearlsbuck.org Fonthill Castle Ongoing: Fonthill Castle Guided Evening Tours November 18-December 31: Holidays at Fonthill Castle

December 2-3: Holiday Lights Meander Days December 10: Part 4 – Royal Refugees: Respublica Vs. Doan East Court Street and Route 313, Doylestown, PA. 215-348-9461. www.fonthillmuseum.org.

Historic Bethlehem Ongoing: Historic Bethlehem Tours Ongoing: Ongoing:Unspun:Stories of Silk November 25: Historic Turkey Trot 5K Bethlehem, PA. 610-882-0450; www.historicbethlehem.org.

Newtown Historic Association December2: Newtown Holiday Tour: Celebrate the beauty of the season with the Newtown His-toric Association’s holiday house tour. Now in its 60th year, this tour gives visitors the opportuni-ty to peek into several of Newtown’s unique private residences, all dressed for the holidays.

The streets of the borough will be alive with the sounds of the season as tour-goers make their way to the seven town residences on this year’s tour. Besides the private homes, there will be several public buildings open for visitors Newtown, PA. 215-968-4004; Heritage Conservancy December 3: Christmas at Aldie 2023 December 9: Croydon Woods Cleanup

Historic Aldie Mansion, 85 Old Dublin Pike, Doylestown, PA. 215-345-7020; www.heritageconservancy.org.

Pennsbury Manor November 25: Wreaths & Greens Workshop December 7-8: Holly Nights December 15-16: Candlelight Tours December 16: Ornament Workshop 400 Pennsbury Memorial Road, Morrisville, PA. 215-946-0400; www.pennsburymanor.org.

Washington Crossing Historic Park December 3: Camp Life: Enduring the 1776 Bucks County Encampments December 10: First Crossing December 25: Annual Christmas Day Crossing Washington Crossing, PA. 215-493-4076; www.washingtoncrossingpark.org.

Pennypacker Mills Guided Tours: documented historic site where you can see what it was like to live in the early 1900s. With a unique original collection, the mansion is fully furnished with antiques collected and documented by former Pennsylvania Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker reflecting his interests in early Pennsylvania history, German and Dutch settlers, native Americans, the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Visitors are now able to see the "modern," i.e.

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1900s, kitchen. 5 Halderman Road, Schwenksville Pa; www.montcopa.org/pennypackermills.com.

501 Churchville Lane, Churchville, PA. 215-357-4005; www.churchvillenaturecenter.org.

St. Nicholas Day Celebration ErwinStover House December 9: Come experience a Victorian Era Christmas. For the Stover Family, the Christmas Holiday began early in December on St. Nicholas Day. Learn the history of gingerbread cookies and see how they were made. Listen to stories of St. Nicholas or sing Carols with the Stovers.

Tinicum Park, Upper Black Eddy, Pa

Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve December 22: Fourth Fridays for Families: A Long Winter’s Sleep with Priscilla Hayes and Joanne Zuckerman 1635 River Road, New Hope, PA. 215862-2924; www.bhwp.org.

Bucks County Audubon Society at Honey Hollow Saturdays: Bird Walk December 2: DIY Nature Holiday Decoration Workshop 2877 Creamery Road, New Hope, PA. 215-297-5880; www.bcas.org.

NATURE Bucks County Covered Bridge Tour Ongoing: The Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau and the Bucks County Covered Bridge Society present this selfguided tour of Bucks County’s covered bridges. The tour begins at Washington Crossing Historic Park. The 90-mile tour makes a large circle through Bucks County and is designed so that travelers can start at any one of the bridges. GPS coordinates are given for each of the bridges. Pick up a copy of the brochure Visit the Historic Covered Bridges of Bucks County at locations throughout

Bucks County. www.visitbuckscounty.com; www.buckscountycbs.org.

Churchville Nature Center Ongoing: Morning Bird Walk December 9: Holiday Craft Fair December 15: Friday Owl Prowl Campfire December 16: Saturday Owl Prowl Campfire December 17: Evergreen Nature Walk

Silver Lake Nature Center December 2: Volunteer Work Day December 16: Nature Crafts December 16: Christopher Westfalls ‘The Wonder of it All‘ Holiday Concert 1306 Bath Road, Bristol, PA. 215-7851177; www.silverlakenaturecenter.org.

Peace Valley Nature Center November 25: Discovery Day: Give Thanks to Nature November 28: Beaver Moon Walk 170 North Chapman Road, Doylestown, PA. 215-345-7860; www.peacevalleynaturecenter.org.

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Art Gallery / Michele Malinchak

Scrap Heap Treasures Haycock Township sculptor Justin Long repurposes found objects scavenged from yard sales, flea markets, farm auctions and turns them into both abstract and representational works of art

R

usted old farm tools destined for the scrap heap are treasures waiting to be discovered by sculptor Justin Long. Working out of his Haycock Township studio, Justin has created unique sculptures for more than 20 years from found objects, carved stone and hand formed steel. “I’m attracted to neglected tools—broken, used and worn down that give the sculptures more age and character,” he said.

Through his imagination and skill they are repurposed into striking contemporary art. His sculptures are comprised of two collections: The Contour Series and The Farm Series. The Contour Series consist of fabricated hollow form structures that explore human form and visual balance. They begin as a doodle on paper and if he’s happy with it, he’ll initial it in his sketchbook. A larger drawing is then made on cardboard and the patterns are drawn onto flat steel. “The process of changing from 2-D to 3-D can be challenging,” he said.

The steel is manipulated and welded to create flowing forms of various heights. The graceful sculptures are free-form and have no sharp lines. As a final touch, he applies surface patinas to give them different finishes. Most of the sculptures in his Contour Series are abstract expressionist though some, like The Archer and Jordan, an angel commemorating a friend, are more representational.

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For his Farm Series Justin draws inspiration from old tools that once worked Bucks County fields. Besides frequenting yard sales and flea markets, he goes to farm auctions looking for artifacts he can use in his sculptures.

“I look at objects I’ve found and lay them all out on a table, deciding which ones to use. You work your way up,” he said.

Objects such as wagon wheel hubs, pitch forks, strap hinges, rakes and shovels are all repurposed into whimsical sculptures which are forged and welded together. Justin finally sandblasts

them so the parts blend together and rust evenly. Finished pieces are mounted on local bluestone, marble or granite bases as are all of his sculptures.

This series includes an impressive array of animals such as deer, herons, owls, hawks and geese. There are also caricatures of human figures like opera singers, joggers and musclemen, each taking on a life of its own. The tiniest sculpture in this series stands only three inches tall.

You could say Justin’s life as a sculptor began as a boy who liked to play with Legos, build balsa wood planes and plastic models. He was curious about how things worked and often took apart tape recorders and leaf blowers to find out.

He’d collect the parts but left them lying around causing his parents to say, “You always take things apart but never put them back together.”

The desire to create and put the parts together didn’t happen until later in his early 20’s.

Justin was born in Houston, TX and lived there for six years before moving to CT. His family stayed there another six years before moving to Solebury, PA.

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As a student he had trouble reading and struggled with dyslexia and attention deficit disorder. He attended Solebury School in New Hope where his love of art began. He did well at drawing and painting and said, “I could always visualize things better rather than explain verbally.”

After he graduated he attended Alfred University in Alfred, NY and set out to become an environmental engineer. Everything changed when he took a sculpture class, learning how to weld and combine metal and stone. In 2004 he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts degree (BAFA).

Four days after graduation he attended a carving studio class in Rutland, VT where he learned stonecutting and polishing. It inspired him to start his own hardscaping business building walls and doing other masonry projects.

During this time he also played around with steel and the knowledge he gained paved the way to build architectural stairwells later on.

Justin has held several jobs during his career. In 2005 he worked for Blue Moon Acres, an organic farm in Buckingham,

PA. Shortly afterwards, while living in a converted chicken coop, he cut and polished stone for sculptor Andrew Logan, also based in Buckingham.

He later worked for another sculptor, Harry H. Gordon Studios in Lambertville, NJ. Together they’d move large scale sculptures on a flatbed truck fitted with a crane to locations from Maine to Florida.

During this time Justin met many artists and sculptors and learned about playing with balance and acquired different perspectives.

Other jobs included stone fabrication at Digital Stone, formerly in Hamilton, NJ across from Grounds for Sculpture. He worked there for two years cleaning and polishing stone and doing miscellaneous tasks.

In addition, he was a teaching assistant and shop manager for one and a half years at Bucks County Community College, Newtown in their 3-D department.

From 2008-2010 Justin began making found art pieces at his studio in Carversville, PA and found a market for them.

“Each time I sold a piece it inspired me to make more,” he said.

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W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 47

It was also in 2008 that he met his wife, Lynnie. Interestingly enough, both attended the same high school and university, yet never met until much later.

In 2012 the couple married and upgraded their living quarters to a comfy renovated turkey coop in Gardenville, PA. In 2013 they moved to Haycock Township where they currently live in a real house on eight acres with a horse, chickens, goats, ducks and three spirited dogs.

Justin worked out of his basement for some time doing architectural steel work and making furniture, but eventually the fumes drove him to build an outdoor studio. The studio was designed by Lynnie and built by Justin in 2013.

Lynnie has her own jewelry studio where she makes wearable art inspired by nature from gold, silver and brass (available on carolynkeys.com). “Her jewelry is parallel to my own work,” Justin said. She also helps with shop drawings for his architectural steel work.

In addition to sculpting he specializes in custom steel fabrication for architectural projects. He collaborates with designers, contractors and architects to build furni-

ture pieces and steel staircases with wooden treads. Working with Cider Press Woodworks in Perkasie, PA, he produces one of a kind architectural elements for residential homes and the hospitality industry.

Justin also works with Bucks County Hardwoods in Doylestown, PA creating live edge tabletops using the natural edges of trees.

His work has been exhibited throughout the northeast and his sculptures are in a number of private collections. Justin shows and sells his sculptures at local art events such as the Tinicum Art Festival, Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Doylestown Arts Festival and Mt. Gretna Outdoor Arts Festival. He also does commissioned work for those who have a particular idea in mind.

This year he took part in the New Hope Arts Outdoor Sculpture Project, a free and accessible public art display throughout the Borough of New Hope.

Justin installed two colorful red and blue steel sculptures: I Beam 1 and Apex, both made from old repurposed Bethlehem Steel beams. The sculptures, ranging in

size from 10 x 8 feet to 14 x 10 feet, can be seen at 275 W. Bridge Street, New Hope.

One of his sculptures has also been on display at Penn Community Bank in New Hope. His work is in the permanent collections of the Solebury School and the Doylestown Community Conservatory.

Justin admires the work of sculptors Henry Moore, Picasso, Constantin Brancusi Isamu Noguchi and local stone sculptor Steven Snyder.

He’d like to get more involved in making public art and get away from functional work. “There’s a constant battle between creative and functional art,” he said. He sees it as a problem to be solved even though, he added, “Functional art pays well and is dependable.”

Justin, who is at least six feet tall, is unpretentious about his art. Standing next to one of his taller works he said, “I’d like to make bigger sculptures that make us humans smaller.”

To see more of Justin’s work, visit www.justinlongart.com/sculpture. v Michele Malinchak is a freelance writer who has a degree in art and enjoys oil painting.

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Bucks People / Cynthia Marone

Living In Grandfamilies Beth Jester realized that there were no support groups for families like hers and no storybooks for her Grandchildren to read that presented children in a family being raised by grandparents

T

he feeling of exhaustion ran deep, both mentally and physically. It’s something those raising children experience more often than not. Beth Jester was no different when she was raising a 2-1/2-year-old and a 4-month-old. What made things different was she was in her 50s and caring for her grandchildren, and she was finding very few avenues for support. “I did not know one person that was doing this,” the New Britain Township resident said.

Finding a network to ease her loneliness went on for about a year, and that was too long in her estimation. So instead of finding it, she built the network by co-founding the Bucks County Grandfamilies Support Group, which connects those raising the children of loved ones to others in similar circumstances as well as to much-needed resources. Not content to aid the countless adults lost in a new world of child care, she also authored a chil50 B U C K S C O U N T Y M A G . C O M

dren’s book that celebrates not only the uniqueness of every family but also the love all families share.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 7 million grandparents in the country living with grandchildren younger than 18 with 33 percent of that number serving as the primary caregivers. Those national numbers narrow, but are no less shocking, when filtered down to Pennsylvania and Bucks County. Census data estimates there are almost a quarter of a million grandparents in the state and more than 12,000 in Bucks County—with 34 percent and 26 percent, respectively, acting as the primary caregivers — in the same circumstance.

Though the numbers are staggering, Beth’s search for support hit wall after wall. She and John, her husband of 41 years, became caregivers to their grandchildren in 2015 when the couple feared the little ones would become wards of the state when their

daughter’s struggle with addiction became too great.

The kids settled in with their grandparents, but Beth began to feel isolated.

She had left her job at the nonprofit Voice & Vision in Warrington, where she had worked for six years, to care full time for her grandchildren. She stayed in touch with friends through phone calls, and they offered support and help, but regular faceto-face connecting became difficult as time now edged toward potty training and diaper changing.

While attending a speaking engagement where a grandfather talked of raising his granddaughter, Beth reconnected with Roberta Edgar, a woman she had known when they were both young mothers.

They quickly discovered a kinship in more ways than one. “One of us said to the other, ‘Have you been able to find a support group for grandparents raising?’ We both said no. We had both been searching.

I called every agency I knew because I thought somebody has to have one. Every-

What started as a way to lessen her own isolation quickly morphed into a mission to clear the path for others facing what she had and to share what she had learned . one was telling me no, they didn't. We both agreed there was a huge need, and we really wanted that for ourselves,” Beth, a graduate of Montgomery County Community College where she earned an associate degree as a medical secretary, said.

“We immediately started on it because we were both really excited and we both felt it was something we did not want to do alone because we were raising our grandkids. We felt we could do it together.”

The meetings, held at Lenape Valley Church at 321 W. Butler Ave. in New Britain in the spring and fall, hit the ground running in 2019 with 16 families in attendance. After a scheduled summer break, 25 families showed up for the fall’s in-person sessions, which are open to those in and beyond Bucks County. In that first year alone, Beth was busy spreading the word at numerous events, including various support groups and at the Bucks County Blitz, where local officials gathered for an opioid awareness event; with an informative table at the Bucks County Recovery Conference; and by helping plan the initial Grandfamily Expo in Warminster.

What started as a way to lessen her own isolation quickly morphed into a mission to clear the path for others facing what she had and to share what she had learned. This was not limited to grandparents nor by the meeting’s hours.

“We've had aunts and uncles. I've had siblings call me that are taking on a

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While reading bedtime stories to her grandchildren, Beth became frustrated when she said she “couldn’t find that perfect book” for the kids, one that spoke to their living situation but also celebrated the differences and love found in all families. So she did what she naturally does when presented with a need but an inexplicable gap: She filled it herself. younger sibling,” Beth, who had previously worked in the medical field and as a secretarial substitute in the Central Bucks School District, said. “I serve about 30 to 40 families on the phone a year that cannot make it to my meetings.”

Beth, who has been facilitating the meetings solo since Roberta stepped away in 2020, has been toying with the idea of hybrid sessions for those who can’t make it in person the first and third Friday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. When COVID-19 forced the world to Zoom in 2020, the group was no different, and speaker involvement and attendance continued seamlessly. A

combination of remote and face-to-face sessions, Beth said, is a way to reach as many people as possible.

Whether in person or online, there has been much success with the group, proving the need was there all along. Beth discovered another need in how the world addresses grandfamiles—or lack thereof —at a surprising time.

While reading bedtime stories to her grandchildren, Beth became frustrated when she said she “couldn’t find that perfect book” for the kids, one that spoke to their living situation but also celebrated the differences and love found in all families.

So she did what she naturally does when

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presented with a need but an inexplicable gap: She filled it herself.

Beth wrote We Live with Nana and Grandpa and, in 2022, Covenant Books published it for ages 10 and younger.

Ideally, Beth said, the 28-page book with illustrations by Rylan Fabryk is for adults to read to children. “I just wanted to write a book that would not only benefit my grandchildren but benefit other children both living in the same situation and being raised by grandparents as well as the average child because it helps the average child understand that families look differently than their family,” Beth, who previously contributed and

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Shop 36 Peddlers Village • Lahaska, PA Lahaska, PA • 215.794.5944 participated in writing pieces for the first edition of “Substance Use: The Growing Need to Know” in Voice & Vision’s “Help and Hope: From Families Who Have Walked the Walk series, said. “I didn't solve any problems in the book, and I never intended to; I just made statements: You're just like every other child, but you live with us. We love you. We'll always be here for you.”

Those early days, when both kids were under age 3 and each moment was uncharted territory, have ebbed away to today, where Beth and John’s daughter has been sober for several years and the kids are 11 and 8. “They're well. They're very well. They have three adults that love them and take care of them,” Beth, who also has five additional grandchildren, said. “They’re like all other kids. That's why I wrote that book. They've got their friends and their sports. We have a swing set, and they have bikes. They're normal kids.”

Since then, too, Beth has regained her balance. She relishes time with her family

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and 3-year-old Labrador mix, Gracie, but also tending her flower garden, lunch with friends and trips to the Jersey Shore. But she never forgets those initial feelings

Those early days, when both kids were under age 3 and each moment was uncharted territory, have ebbed away to today, where Beth and John’s daughter has been sober for several years and the kids are 11 and 8. when her two young grandchildren came to stay and, though she had already raised two sons and a daughter, how overwhelming it felt. It’s something she can see on

the faces or hear in the voices of new caregivers. She lets them know they may be navigating new terrain, but they’re not doing it alone. “If I have answers to questions because I’ve come across things before, I either may answer or I may say, ‘We've had grandfamilies where this has happened before and this is what they did.’ I give them resources or places to find the answers,” Beth said. “There's a lot of answers out there, but we don't always know them. If I have an answer, I'm very happy to help them with that. That is what I like to do. It drives me.”

For more information about the Bucks County Grandfamilies Support Group, visit facebook.com/BCGrandfamilies, email BCGrandfamilies@gmail.com or call 267-228-9719 or 215-345-1099.

We Live with Nana and Grandpa is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and various other retailers. v Cynthia Marone is a freelance writer who lives in Philadelphia

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In the Garden / Lori Rose

Amaryllis & Paperwhites During the cold, dark days of winter, Amaryllis and Paperwhites can bring color, light and floral scents that keep our spirits believing that spring will come again and our colorful gardens will indeed bloom again

O

ne year, a friend gave me a pretty pot filled with soil for the holidays. She promised it would grow into a beautiful flower. I watered it along with my other houseplants, barely giving it a second glance. Then one dreary day I saw the flower stalk. Every day it got taller, and then it formed flower buds. When the first bud opened in its full glory, I was thrilled. That flower looked like an orange tiger lily with a white throat. In February. It was one of the prettiest things I’d ever seen.

My search to name (and so properly care for) this plant ended quite by accident while looking through a spring bulb catalog.

There it was, on page 52—my February friend in all its glory. It’s an Amaryllis, a Dutch bulb sold during the holiday season. My particular variety, iridescent orange with a white center, is called

54 B U C K S C O U N T Y M A G . C O M

Charmeur.

The red and white Amaryllis you see sold in boxes in the supermarket are just the beginning of the colors and sizes available.

Singles, doubles, miniature flowers, solids, stripes, blends and flushes, red, white, pink, orange, even yellow flowers will all surprise and delight you.

Some of the beautiful Dutch hybrids available are the vivid scarlet Red Lion, pure white Christmas Gift, Apple Blossom with pink flowers that blend down to white, and the fun red and white peppermint candy striped ‘Clown’.

Amaryllis gracilis is the Amaryllis that was first used as a houseplant in the 19th century. It is smaller than the hybrids, but flowers profusely. ‘Pamela’ has exquisite orange-red flowers, ‘Donau’ is a deep pink, and ‘Green Goddess’ glows white with a

pale green throat.

Pot up Amaryllis bulbs six weeks before you want them to flower, around November 10 for holiday blooms. Soak the roots for an hour before potting. Use a pot with good drainage that is three inches wider than the bulb. Put down a base of soil a few inches deep and tamp down gently. Place the bulb in the center of the pot, and add soil until two-thirds of the bulb is covered. Try to keep the soil an inch below the pot rim. Water thoroughly.

Put your new Amaryllis in a warm, sunny room. Water it when the soil is dry—making sure it is moist but not soggy.

When it finishes flowering, cut the stalk back as low as you can without disturbing the leaves. Treat it as you would any other houseplant—water it when the surface of the soil is dry, and fertilize once a month if you are so inclined.

Here is the secret for getting your Amaryllis to bloom again: stop watering the plant in August. The leaves will turn yellow and die. Gently cut off the dead

leaves, and then start watering your bulb again in November. Given proper treatment, it will color your winters for years to come.

Paperwhites are also very popular winter flowering bulbs. For many families, growing easy, cheerful Paperwhites is a winter tradition. Each stem has many tiny, fragrant white flowers. While the Amaryllis will live on to bloom again, Paperwhites will spend all their energy flowering indoors and will not bloom again.

Paperwhites (Narcissus tazetta papyraceous) are in the daffodil family. According to Greek Mythology, the god Narcissus was turned into a flower that eternally stares into a pool of water as punishment for his vanity. In Greece these flowers are commonly found growing near pools of water and since the flowers naturally face down, it appears as though they are staring at their own reflections. Tazetta means "little cup" in Italian, which is an accurate description.

Tazetta Narcissus have smaller, more fra-

grant flowers than daffodils.

A bowl of Paperwhites can scent an entire room. The scent is considered strong by some, so if you don't like it, try growing the Chinese Sacred Lily (Narcissus tazetta orientalis). It has a citrus fragrance that is very different from the Paperwhites.

Chinese immigrants brought the Chinese Sacred Lily to our shores during the Gold Rush. By the 1880s, the Chinese Sacred Lily won the hearts of bulb-forcing Victorians, valued for its multi-headed bunches of small yellow and orange, fragrant blossoms.

Paperwhites, Chinese Sacred Lily, and Soleil d'Or with pure yellow flowers, are popular forcing flowers. Unlike tulips and hyacinths, they don't require a cold period that tricks the bulb into thinking winter has come and gone. The time between planting and blooming is about six weeks.

For indoor blooms from Thanksgiving until late March, make your first planting in October and then plant at two-week intervals until December. To get blooms for

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the December holidays, plant them before Thanksgiving Narcissus are easy to grow, even easier than the Amaryllis. They are so easy that they don’t even need potting soil, just a bowl of pebbles and water. It is a fun project for the kids, and they make great gifts.

Choose an interesting container for your Narcissus. Any watertight container that is four or five inches deep, and wide enough to hold a quantity of bulbs side by side will work. Try vases, glazed pottery, fruit or salad bowls, raised compotes, planters, cachepots, or cut-glass bowls.

Plastic containers can be hidden or double-potted inside pretty baskets. Use your imagination.

Consider clean river rocks, various stones, marbles, glass beads, large-pebbled gravel or marble chips as anchors to position the bulbs in the bowl and hold them steady once growth begins. Try colorful beads or stones that look dramatic when wet. Place a layer of these several inches deep into the container.

Fit as many bulbs as you can onto the stone layer. Pack them in firmly, with the pointy-ends up. The more bulbs, the better—they’ll hold one another up and reward you with loads of flowers. Handplace a second layer of stones around and in between the bulbs, sliding them in to hold the bulbs in place. Leave the bulb shoulders (where the tops narrow) and necks exposed.

Add enough water so it rises “close enough so the bulb can sniff the water, but not touching”, as the Dutch say. Just the roots need to be in the water, not the bulbs themselves. If you choose a clear container, you can watch the roots grow, and also see whether the planting needs water. If your container is not clear, lift a stone out and put your finger into the bowl to feel whether more water is needed.

Set the planted bulbs in a cool spot with bright light. The brighter the light, the less “leggy” the plants will be. Legginess occurs when the plant stretches for light. You can secure a leggy Narcissus

by tying a circle of ribbon or raffia around the whole bunch, two-thirds of the way up the stems.

Now comes the fun part. It’s so easy to grow Amaryllis and Narcissus that it’s almost shameful to get these spectacular flowers with so little effort. Winter is a season when we historically get sick and fatigued, and are starved for color. How about red Amaryllis and Paperwhite in December; pink and raspberry Amaryllis for early January, followed by a Chinese Sacred Lily; orange Amaryllis for February; and yellow Amaryllis with ‘Soleil d'Or’ Narcissus in March?

During the cold, dark days of winter, fresh indoor flowers keep our spirits believing that spring will indeed come again.v Lori Rose, the Midnight Gardener, is a Temple University Certified Master Home Gardener and member of GardenComm: Garden Communicators International. She has gardened since childhood and has been writing about gardening for over twenty years.

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A Gift to Create Woodworker Rob Herion and quilter Julie Stockler each have a gift, and together they are on a creative journey which they extended to the rejuvenation of their historic 1753 Upper Makefield farmhouse

BY BETH S. BUXBAUM

A

s one of the early farmhouses in the Village of Woodhill, this modest Bucks County home was originally built in 1753.

Throughout its many changes of owners, the home has been historically traditional and understated. That changed in 1996 when Rob Herion and Julie Stockler purchased the property.

Rob and Julie were both divorced and began dating. They met through, what was then referred to as a Bulletin Board, an early online chat room for meeting people. While they were dating they began looking for a house in Bucks County. At the time Rob was living in Churchville and Julie was living in Gladwyne. Knowing they would be married and become a 60 B U C K S C O U N T Y M A G . C O M

Top left, tucked away in the middle of a sunflower garden is an old toy truck adding some whimsy to the landscape. Above, a cozy armchair sits by the fireplace in the original 1753 living room. The mantel showcases an original painting by Bucks County artist Stacie Speer Scott. On the wall hangs Howdy Dowdy marionettes. Opposite bottom, Rob and Julie in their respective studios filled with all their tools and designs.

Photos: Randl Bye

W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 61

Rob and Julie explain that they were searching for a house with character.

blended family of six, the house had to accommodate their new family unit. “We knew we wanted to live in Bucks County,” Julie explains, “and we like old houses.” They looked for two years with no luck. “We did bid on one other house, but that deal fell through,” adds Rob. Driving around one day in the Newtown area, they turned a corner and saw the house.

“Someone was literally hammering a “for sale” sign on the front lawn,” Rob adds. They knocked and asked if they could view the house. “We walked in and said this is it,” adds Julie.

She recalls that the owners were shocked, after living here for 30 years, they did not expect to sell the house so quickly.

What was it about this house that drew them in? Rob and 62

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Julie explain that they were searching for a house with character. “We wanted something old and interesting,” Julie adds, “but we had several non-negotiable requirements. We had to stay in the Council Rock School District and the house had to have the right size and configuration for our family unit.” This house met all their requirements. They put in a bid on the property that night. “Within a week it was ours,” Julie adds.

As Rob, Julie and their four children settled in; they began the process of making this centuries-old farmhouse theirs. In 1998 they got married in the house, in their living room. This house was a perfect fit, with opportunities to live in the history of each room and enjoy all the interesting and unique features

Opposite top, this modest Bucks County farmhouse, originally built in 1753, is awash in periwinkle accented with bright red shutters and a red steel roof. The middle portion of the house is the 1753 section, to the right is the mid 1800s section and in the back is the 1960 addition. Opposite bottom left, Julie’s vegetable garden, now done for the season, is surrounded by a handmade cedar log fence. Top, in the brightly colored music room, part of the mid 1800s addition, unique and colorful pieces of music-themed art accent the room. Bottom, wind chimes welcome all to enter the farmhouse’s front door.

W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 63

Above, the kitchen, part of the 1960s addition in shades of blue and red, showcases the handmade farm table of old barn wood siding. Seating is a collection of chairs painted in a different motif and color pattern. In the right corner sits an old display stand from a retail store now used as a coat stand. Opposite top, just inside the entrance to the kitchen is cabinet with a handmade wood top made by Rob and a mosaic backsplash that Julie created. Displays of artwork and other collectibles are showcased. Opposite bottom, a checkerboard red and white floor leads a path through the hallway to the mid 1800s addition.

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their new home had to offer, while putting their own spin on their new home. uilt on land granted from William Penn, this homestead has survived centuries of change and transformation. Accounts listed in “The Villages of Bucks County” state that this farmhouse was in the “historic Woodhill Village around the intersection of Woodhill and Eagle Roads, the approximate center of the township. Prior to a post office being established here (Makefield, 1881) the area was known as Eagle Tavern and/or Spread Eagle Hotel.” This establishment was next door to the 1753 homestead. Documentation adds that the Eagle Tavern was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

B

W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 65

In this view of the kitchen from the hallway the counter and sink are topped in granite and display Robs handmade the knife block and cutting board. On the other side of this counter is the island with seating.

00

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W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 00

Above, decorating one wall in the hallway is a finely finished cabinet displaying a handmade rendition of Noah’s Ark. Bottom right, tucked into a kitchen corner is an old chair, painted by Julie’s mother, sitting next to a propane stove.

Opposite, at the end of the hallway is the music room, part of the mid 1800s addition. The electric piano is surrounded by instruments and art objects mostly music related. Hanging on the door to the right is a dulcimer made by Rob. A collection of Julie’s father’s walking sticks sit next to the piano.

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While maintaining the overall footprint of the house, Rob and Julie added their many touches to create a home that reflected their tastes and artistry. They transformed the home’s appearance with a non-traditional color palette creating a new, vibrant presence

Records state that “the tavern was a landmark of Upper Makefield Township and served the early settlers of Bucks County as hostelry, post office, polling place, and general store.

“People who worked at the tavern may have lived in this house,” adds Julie. Accounts also suggest that the tavern was a stop for travelers headed to the Brownsburg Ferry to go to New Jersey. “ ith the area’s celebrated history, the homestead’s many occupants through the years have orchestrated several additions and upgrades. Without compromising the farmhouse’s authenticity, Rob and Julie wanted to update and redefine the home. Over a period of time they replaced the plumbing and electricity, added a new roof,

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furnace and septic and landscaped the property. Without making any major structural changes, they made some discoveries and renovations. While working on the house, they were curious about the authenticity of the fireplace mantle in the living room’s original cooking fireplace. “We decided to explore what was underneath the material above the mantle shelf,” Rob adds. Noticing the construction of the fireplace was stone and cement, they chipped away and found the original stone wall above the mantle. One other major project was to tear down an old barn that sat next to the house to build a studio for Rob. While maintaining the overall footprint of the house, Rob and Julie added their many touches to create a home that reflected their tastes and artistry. They transformed the home’s W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 69

Above, in the 1753 original living room is the cooking fireplace accented above with Bucks County fieldstone. Bright colors enhance the décor in this space, including one of Julie’s quilts over the sofa. On the right is a replica of a stage coach box that Rob made to hold memorabilia.

Bottom, Julie’s “Bird Quilt” is showcased, with every square a different bird in vibrantly colored fabrics. Opposite, a full view of the living room offers an expansive overview of the space and showcases Rob’s handmade coffee table.

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appearance with a non-traditional color palette creating a new, vibrant presence. Beginning with the exterior, Rob and Julie repainted the siding periwinkle accented with bright red shutters. This color palette overflowing into the living space adding bursts of color, artistry and whimsy. As artists, Rob and Julie’s chosen color scheme was quite a departure from the house’s earlier exteriors, according to Julie. “When we toured the house it had a very traditional feel,” she adds.

The original one- over-one structure was built in 1753.

Having all the original woodwork and wide plank pine flooring, the home retained its earliest elements. Hand-hewn beams cover the ceiling in the earliest section. Originally one large room, this 1753 section has two fireplaces; a huge fireplace for cooking and a smaller fireplace for heat. It is evident that at some point this original room was converted to two rooms by

into a spacious room, formerly functioning as a dining room.

This space has a small coal fireplace and windows that are twoover-two instead of six-over-six, which is a Victorian styling.

Now the music room, this space is filled with musically-themed items and art objects that Rob and Julie have collected over their years of antiquing. Repurposing rooms worked for their lifestyle and how they lived in the house.

A second addition was constructed in the 1960s adding an expansive kitchen, dining area, and powder room. With a very woodsy feel, this room was accented with the original barn wood on a few walls, trim and built-in cupboards. This addition also added a two more bedrooms above, one of which was Julie’s daughter’s room. When she moved out Julie made this room her studio. In 2018 they upgraded a few elements in the kitchen, while maintaining the original barn wood walls

the floor markings. One bedroom and bathroom sit above.

From this first structure the farmhouse has had two additions to expand the footprint and accommodate growing families.

In the mid 1800s an addition was built with a few distinctive Victorian elements. This addition added a transition hallway and a small room along the hallway. This tiny room is now Rob’s magic room. An amateur magician, this room is filled with all his flight and fancy. From the hallway is an entrance

and pine floors.

“We added granite countertops, a new cabinet and backsplash. A few interesting pieces fill this space. Rob points out the built-in cupboard tucked into one side of the kitchen. Inside the cupboard door are height markings. “Several years ago there was a knock at the door,” adds Julie, “and the grandchildren of the folks who sold us this house wanted to visit and see the house again.” They confirmed that the height markings W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 71

Left, in a nook in the hallway is a frog band, made from a dead frog collection that was taxidermized. Below, a spacious primary bedroom suite sits in the original 1753 section accented with hand-hewed pine floors. The quilt and pillows, made by Julie, decorate the bed and complement the wall color. Above the dresser is Julie’s favorite painting, Van Gogh’s “Bedroom at Arles.”

were theirs. Another interesting piece in the eating area is the massive farm table.

“We needed a table large enough for our family of six,” Rob says, “and shopped around for a table.” They went to a barn sale in an old farmhouse in Wycombe where they discovered old barn wood siding. “We had this table made from this wood, with tongue and groove construction and old oak railroad ties formed the base,” Rob adds. To finish the seating, they collected six different chairs and Rob painted each chair in a different motif and color pattern.

Colors, patterns and creative expression are the basis for Rob and Julie’s artistry. From the external palette to interior walls and accessories, they have accented their living space with all of their favorite things, from those personally handmade to mementos and collectibles. “We love nooks and crannies,” Rob adds. Many of these nooks; as well as counter tops, walls, cabinets and shelves, are filled with whimsical, colorful and unique pieces. Pieces can be on display or tucked into unexpected spots for all to discover, inside and outside. There’s a sense of wonder and whimsy that permeates their living space.

Between the two they have spent many years creating and collecting, as well as browsing for antiques and other found objects. What they shared was their passion for art, while both taking different paths before landing together and sharing their artistry. Formerly a medical writer, Julie worked for a famous quilter in Bucks County for years. Several of her brightly colored quilts are on display throughout the house. Julie also ventured into assemblage making a variety of collages and is currently studying drawing. Rob took several paths before he was ready to pursue his art. “As a kid I was always doing something artistic,” he explains, “I wanted to be a fine artist, but initially did not take that direction.”

He was in the Navy and then after 911 he moved to Michigan to take graphic 72

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arts classes. After Michigan he moved back to Bucks County and started a digital printing business before deciding to pursue his art.

Rob is a talented wood artisan creating heirloom artisan boxes with exotic woods and interesting grain patterns. “I embellish them with gemstones or found rocks that I cut, carve and polish,” Rob continues. In addition to Rob’s more decorative and whimsical wood pieces, a few of Rob’s more functional items include the knife block and cutting board, the wood top counter in the kitchen and the living room coffee table. His boxes are functional as well, and grace counters, shelves and table tops.

Explorers at heart, Rob and Julie enjoy the element of surprise and sense of discovery. They appreciate a good scav-

enger or treasure hunt. When not creating and discovering at home they travel out West in their Airstream during the summer months. “Ghost towns in Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico are some of our favorite spots to explore,” Rob adds.

Whether home or away, their sense of adventure and appreciation for the unique guide them. With vivid imaginations and the talent to express their visions in their given art form, Rob and Julie are enjoying the journey. This old farmhouse is an extension of their journey and reflects their gift to create.

All of their artwork is available through Dead Horse Bay Art at www.deadhorsebayarts.com, a Brooklyn company.

Beth S. Buxbaum is a freelance writer from the Philadelphia area.

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A Place to Gather Shirley Lee Corsey and her Photos: Paul Wesley

team restored the old abandoned A.M.E. church building on S. Canal Street in Yardley and realizing its historical importance opened the Gather Place Museum

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BY DIANA CERCONE

istory isn’t a straight line. Nor should it tell only one story. For history is a vibrant patchwork of stories woven together by many diverse voices. But only if you take the time to listen. And Shirley Lee Corsey hopes that you do. For telling some of the stories of Yardley’s rich history—the good, the bad, the hopes and triumphs of its early residents—is a mission of Shirley’s, a third generation Yardley resident and founder and conservator of the Gather Place Museum, a non-profit PA state organization, headquartered in the historic A.M.E. (African Methodist Episcopalian) church in the small swath of the historic district of Yardley known simply as the Boatyard on South Canal Street.

Shirley lives in the house she grew up in. Her parents, Horace and Jean H. Lee, bought the 1928-built home in the early 1950s, just across the street from Shirley’s maternal grandmother Sarah Coney and her husband Jerimiah Coney’s home. Her grandparents purchased their house in the early 1900s. Like many of the African-Americans at the time living in Trenton, they

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crossed the Delaware and settled on S. Canal Street.

While renovating her family home, Shirley couldn’t help but notice the once bedrock of the community, the A.M.E. Church, across the street. The original church, built in 1817 in an old hay barn by the African-Americans who had crossed from Trenton at that time had named it The Colored Church. In 1877, it was renamed the A.M.E. Church and moved into the Victorian board and batten style building on S. Canal Street. Abandoned for 10 years, it was not only empty and neglected but also in need of a major rebirth.

And that’s when Shirley had her epiphany.

A born storyteller in the West African Griot tradition, Shirley envisioned the old church, once she had renovated it, as a place to tell the stories of the AfricanAmericans of Yardley. And, not just African-Americans, but all who lived there: the early Quakers who fought against slavery, community leaders who marched for Women’s Rights, those who fought in the Civil War and so much more. And that’s exactly what the Gather Place is today.

The name Gather Place, she says, serves as a fitting homage to those who gathered in the past. And to those who will continue to gather here to learn of its rich history and to build on its future.

Above, Shirley Lee Corsey in her Susanna Warder costume with Carol L. Johnson, who is a friend of Gather Place. Top right, Shirley sitting on bench by the Reflective Garden with a plaque that honors the ancestors of the AME Church of Yardley. Opposite, Michael Lee (church Building and property manager), Marlene Slania Lee (commissioned artist who created Gather Place logo and other artwork) and Shirley Lee Corsey, (church property conservator and Gather Place Executive Director).

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I recently sat down with Shirley, a full-throttled engine of passion in preserving history while also bringing it to life. This she does through the archival photographs and memorabilia that grace the walls and tables of the museum, telling the stories of this working-class and proud community. And she does this through her first-person enactments, programs, tours and special events held throughout the year.

Once the idea of converting the old A.M.E. church into a museum took hold, she says, she went into over-drive, researching the credentials needed. After obtaining all the necessary legal paperwork, Shirley says, she knew she needed a name that would define it. “I wanted a name that would honor the church’s history and its role as the home of my organization,” she says. “When I stumbled upon a 1958 photograph featuring a gathering of people at the church, including my own family members, the name “Gather Place” was born. (A blow-up of this photo is prominently displayed in the museum).

The name Gather Place, she says, serves as a fitting homage to those who gathered in the past. And to those who will continue to gather here to learn of its rich history and to build on its future.

After that Shirley concentrated on the building’s restoration, beginning with its seven damaged cathedra-style windows. For this, even before all the mounds of almost 20 years’ worth of dirt,

debris and cobwebs had been swept away, Shirley says, she invited State Sen. Steven Santarsiero to visit.

He immediately embraced not only what the Gather Place would do for the community, she says, but also with what it would mean for all of Bucks Countians and those visiting the area. Santarsiero lost no time in helping to secure a $50,000 PA state grant for the Gather Place. It was awarded to the museum last December. nd Shirley lost no time in putting the grant to good use. After tackling the repairing, repainting and reglazing of the original windows, she judiciously used the remaining monies to repair and replace the roof as well as repair and repaint the Victorian board & batten wood siding.

And still there’s more to be done, she says.

The next major fund-raising project is the restoration of the church’s original facade and vestibule. The project would not only relocate the outdated 1968 restroom obstructing it to the rear of the building and modernizing it, but it would also provide for the addition of a versatile workplace and kitchenette which would enhance events in the historic assembly area.

Then there are the on-going projects, such as the addition of commemorative bricks and plantings to the Reflective Garden.

And, always, the addition of more tours and programs.

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The Yardley Historical Association Yardley was settled in 1682 by William Yardley and John Brock. However, it was William Yardley’s nephew, Thomas Yardley, who came from England in 1704 and acquired the land that is now Yardley Borough.

In 1964, the Colonial Yardley Historical Association was formed. Six years later, the “Colonial” was dropped in recognition of the breadth of Yardley’s history—almost 350 years’ worth. Located in The Old Library by Afton Lake, the Association maintains an impressive collection of historical documents, including photographs, maps, deeds, newspapers and letters relating to Yardley.

In addition, this vibrant Association offers an array of lectures, walking tours, programs and special events throughout the year. Below is a list of their winter offerings.

Thursday, Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m. Yardley Neighborhoods–Then and Now. Through vintage and present day photographs, participants can see how much Yardley has changed—and how much it has not.

Shirley on the Gather Place stage playing Harriet Tubman. Opposite, Shirley Lee Corsey with Gabrielle Cancelliere (right) who is the Gather Place history preservationist and docent.

Saturday, Nov. 25, 1 p.m.–3 p.m., Getting Ready for the Holidays. Dean Dickson, engineer-in-chief, will be setting up the model trains for the Holiday Open Houses.

Saturdays, Dec. 2, 9, & 16, 1 p.m.–4 p.m., Holiday Open House. The Old Library by Lake Afton is always at its best during the holidays. And there’s always something for everyone, beginning with the ever-larger than life model train layout, a fir-tree decorated with handmade ornaments, cut-out sugar cookies for all and “Yardley gifts,” including the new flour sack tea towels for purchase.

Saturday, Feb. 10, 1 p.m.–4 p.m., Book and Jigsaw Puzzle Swap. Bring Some, Take Some. Please bring no more than 10 books or jigsaw puzzles of current interest to adults and/or children and trade them for “new-toyou” ones.

The Yardley Historical Association is located in The Old Library by Afton Lake, 46 W. Afton Ave., Yardley, 19067; www.yardleyhistory.org; info@yardleyhistory.org; 215-208-1154.

Before and after photos of A.M.E. Church of Yardley, now Gather Place, and sketches of future plans of an addition to the building.

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One of the most popular is Shirley’s portrayal of Harriet Tubman. More recently, Shirley added her first-person portrayal of Susanna Warder, a slave who lived and worked at Pennsbury Mansion for William Penn and his family. (For a complete listening of programs, visit www.GatherPlace.org).

With every step, Shirley says, she also had the help from her brother Michael Lee and his wife, Marlene, an artist, who helped design the Gather Place logo as well as the Reflecting Garden artwork. Together the three are fondly called “the Dream Team.”

“I love history,” Shirley says, “All history. I’m an African American woman and the first African American woman to own and operate an American history museum, the Gather Place, in Bucks County. But I’m not pinning myself into a slot.

This is an American history museum and it tells the stories of working Americans. It’s a little slice of America that is very diverse.”

The Gather Place is located at 188 South Canal Street, Yardley, PA. To reach the Gather Place, call 215-595-2722 or email info@gatherplace.org. For more information, visit www.gatherplace.org.

Diana Cercone is an area freelance writer who specializes in food, art and travel.

Below is a schedule of its winter programs and events. (All programs and events will be held at Gather Place Museum, 188 South Canal Street, Yardley, PA, unless noted.)

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, 2 p.m.–3 p.m. Vintage Christmas. Jenny Lee Stern provides this holiday musical stroll down memory lane with songs of Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Rosemary Clooney, and many more.

Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, 2 p.m.—3:30 p.m. A Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr., A Salute to Civil Rights! with John Jordan, Bucks County NAACP Community Relations Chairperson.

Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Harriet Tubman Live! Shirley Lee Corsey’s first-person portrayal of Tubman covers her early years, her escape from slavery and interactions with other American historymakers. A Q&A will follow.

Sunday, Feb. 25 & March 30, 2024, 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Harriet Tubman — Live! Pennsbury Manor State Park, 400 Pennsbury Memorial Road, Morrisville, PA 19067.

Saturdays, March 9th, 16th, & 23rd, 2024, 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Gather Place Museum in collaboration with Pennsbury Manor presents Women’s History Month Show & Tell Weekends. Meet Susanna Warder–Live! Pennsbury Manor State Park, 400 Pennsbury Memorial Road, Morrisville, PA 19067.

Sundays, March 10th & 24th, 2024, 2 p.m. -3:30 p.m. Gather Place Museum in collaboration with Pennsbury Manor Presents Women’s History Month Show & Tell Weekends.

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Photos: Bobby Waite

Christmas at Skippack Village

Imagine doing your Christmas shopping while sauntering along sidewalks lit with luminary bags, shops that were once homes and seeing festive window displays and cheerful shopkeepers

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BY BOB WAITE

hops, boutiques, art galleries, 14 restaurants, parades, car shows, wine festivals, a French festival, vibrant live music, community theater, a history going back to William Penn—all a part of Skippack Village—all-year round. And now for the grand finale, the coup de grace, the icing on top of the cake—Christmas at Skippack Village. The holiday season brings another layer to this amazing experience.

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Above, Jacque Trucksess in her Skippack shop Jacque’s Faux Floral Design & Unique Gifts in front of a full decorated distplay for the Holidays. Her design talents and love for flowers inspried her to open her business.

Above, Skippack Village covered bridge. Top right, a little bit of French, Country & Italian at the Parc Bistro. Center, restaurant and trolley at Hotel Fiesole-Bella Rossa. Bottom, a barn within the village between shops and restaurants.

Skippack Village dates back to a land patent issued by William Penn in 1702 to Matthias van Bebber. Although no one is around who is old enough to remember the changing boundary lines that resulted in the area now called Skippack Township, the Skippack Historical Society has posted the name changes and shifting boundaries on www.Skippack.org. The area, now called Skippack Village has some of the oldest homes still standing in the area. About ‘35-40 years ago’ Dave Markel began to buy up these homes, restoring them and renting them to

businesses.

Dave admits he didn’t really know why he started doing it. “I just did,” he says. Working in the medical business he supposed he was looking for a hobby, something different. He explains, “Eventually it got to the point where I owned 90 per cent of the village.” In addition to that, Dave owns all 14 restaurants at Skippack Village.

He also initiated many of the events and his company, MDI Management, runs all the events in town except those run by the Skippack Owners Business Association.

The big event which kicks off the holiday season is the Tree Lighting on the day after Thanksgiving, November 24, known to shops and shoppers alike as Black Friday. Jacqueline Trucksess, owner of Jacque’s Faux Floral Design & Unique Gifts, says, “All the stores are open late as we light our Christmas tree, which is right outside my own store. It's a really great evening and it's a really great event. It's a huge weekend for us because the day after that evening event, Santa comes and we have dancers—little girl dancers and carolers and Santa comes in on the old W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 81

Above, a display of Byer’s Choice figurines and below the exterior of the Wooden Duck.

A shop with a large collection of gift and home decor items on display.

vintage firetruck.”

Saturday, the day after the Tree Lighting is Shop Small Saturday a day to celebrate buying local. The shops at the Village not only often have tempting sales, but they stay open for longer hours. It is also a salute to the fact that small shops, boutiques and specialty stores promote the local economy and generally carry a higher quality of merchandise than the big box stores. A good example of this quality is Jacque’s Faux Floral Design & Unique Gifts.

Jacqueline Trucksess, known to everyone as Jacque, explains, “There used to be a lot of places that had these kind of services because what I offer is a service. There used to be other places that would do custom work or that would do

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floral designs. And it's sort of a dying profession. I have people that Google me and they come all the way from New Jersey, Bucks County and even further.” acque explains that faux flowers are different than silk flowers. Faux flowers can be made of any material—foam, cloth, synthetic fabrics and other materials. She specializes in high-end faux flowers from suppliers like Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel. Her shop is larger than the one she had when she first came to Skippack Village. “I graduated to the space I'm in now, which is a lot bigger. It’s like a little cottage. I just love

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it! I do my custom work and my design work here. I have gifts, candles, highend faux flowers.”

Jacque is a designer. “People can come into my shop and bring in their vessels and I will design something for them in their space, whether it be a dining room table arrangement or something for an entrance way.” She also goes into people’s homes and does interior and exterior. She works with interior decorators and designers. And she also does corporate work. “I did a large arrangement for the Tropicana in Atlantic City. She also does arrangements for funerals” Most of the shop owners participate in another event called Luminary Nights and it begins in November 24 and ends

December 22. On every Friday night during most of the shops put out luminary bags that light the sidewalks outside the shops and restaurants to welcome shoppers to the holiday season. The shops stay open late on those Fridays.

Individual merchants have their own special holiday attractions. At Regina Marie Designs Fine Art & Crafts Gallery, owners Regina Ewer and Lisa Dull have a holiday show during the first week of December. Regina says, “It’s like an open house. We'll have Santa and we put up this cool display and our Santa is dressed in a suit we made. It is set up like a photo shoot and people come and donate something for the Food Pantry or Toys for Tots. On Friday night Regina Marie Designs stays open late. She says, “We’ll have music on Friday night. Bunny Barnes, who just recently won several awards for her finger style guitar playing, is coming to pay here.”

Regina herself is a jeweler, who specializes in custom jewelry design and has done art shows for 35 years. Lisa has had a career in hospitality and marketing and she also has a great eye for fine art. The gallery is a consignment gallery with a full stable of artists and craftspeople. “We have everything from fine crafts to fabric

art to sculpture to fine art,” Regina says. Now fine art is taking off and the art on sale represents some of the best in the area. The gallery is very pleasing to the eye and the customer is free to browse without any pressure.”

Mary Bohidar, owner of Accent on the Rocks, has an open house on December 17,18 and 19, a week before Christmas.

She says that she decorates the store to be “shopping with a festive vibe.” Accent’s open house is not done in conjunction with the other stores; it is its own affair. There are various promotions during this time.

She is also involved with the other Village-wide promotions. “Then obviously it's just like everybody else when we come into Black Friday—that's always holiday mayhem, but in a really good way. And then we so appreciate all the great customers who come out and shop shop Small Saturday as well. We’re

Above, (left) Regina Ewer with Lisa Dull at Regina Marie Designs Fine Art & Crafts Gallery. Below a view of the gallery.

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Hazel Mac in her shop Hazel Mac Boutique. She offers a wide variety of women’s apparel, gifts and accessories. Below, is a view of a room in her shop filled with casual sweaters, jackets and hats.

lucky to have a great customer base that appreciates what it is to have in-store experience and not just only shops Amazon.” ccent on the Rocks is often referred to as eclectic in its offerings. Mary says, “I am a jewelry and clothing boutique with a little twist of artisan crafted ceramic and some barware, and I try and keep as much of my merchandise as I can to be USA made products.

That can be challenging. I can't do it across the board, but there's an effort there.” Mary describes her shop as “boutiquey” but not too pricy. I offer a variety of women's clothing and a vari-

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ety of jewelry at every price point— starting from $10 up to a couple hundred dollars.”

Mary is not hard sell, but rather have people get a feel and take their time in her store. She says, “I definitely am not hard sell, but I know my product and I really want to find the right thing for anybody who's walking in the door. I don’t want to sell them something just to stick in the bag. It has to be the right fit and the right gift. And here you really do get a nice customer experience.”

Carolyn Fiore, owner of Skippack Hope Chest, does a beautiful storefront window and a holiday open house. She also has several flash sales

and a Christmas clearance sale.

Skippack Hope Chest is a women's clothing and accessories boutique where we carry clothing, handbags, jewelry, lingerie, cosmetics. Carolyn says, ““We like focus on items ladies of all ages, for girls of all ages, and teenagers on up. There's something for everybody. We like to keep our items comfortably priced. That's our mantra— to make things beautiful and affordable for all of our customers.”

The Wooden Duck Shoppe is a delightful place to visit during the Christmas season. The store in Skippack and its sister store at Peddler’s Village both sell Byers’ Choice Carolers. Other collectibles found here

Above, Mary Bohidar in her shop Accent on the Rocks. A great selection of jewelry, clothing, aromatherapy and home gifts. Bottom, the Skippack Hope Chest Boutique which specializies in Chic Desinger clothing and accessories.

are MacKenzie-Childs, Patience Brewster, Department 56, Byers’ Choice Carolers, Karen Didion Santas, and other Christmas collectables. The wooden Duck carries inspiring women’s apparel and accessories for all occasions; from casual to sophisticated, they have the style to fit your every need. It is the place to go for one-of-a-kind home accents and gifts for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and any other occasion that you will not

discover anywhere else.

The Wooden Duck participates in Starry Christmas Nights, on December 7, 8 and 9 when many of the stores stay open into the night and they participate in other events during the holiday season.

So, you could go to a mall or a big box store or stay home sitting in front of your computer or you could go to the Village, Skippack Village, and enjoy the shopping in a festive Christmas atmosphere that re-

minds us of Christmas past. For a prime holiday shopping experience it takes more than rampant commercialism—it takes a village, Skippack Village.

To obtain more information about Skippack Village and view a map of the shop and restaurant locations, visit www.skippackvillage.com.v Bob Waite is the editor of Bucks County Magazine.

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Christmas in

Photos: courtesy of Newtown Historical Society

NEWTOWN

Newtown gets into the holiday spirit in November and stays that way until the New Year comes, and with a tree lighting, historic home tour and large parade, Newtown is a Christmas destination

BY BOB WAITE

SHOPS ARE LIT UP WITH HOLIDAY displays in the windows, people are busy shopping, choirs are practicing and everything starts to change, especially in Newtown, a town known for its community spirit and sense of history. And with Christmas coming, people in this historic town, are planning to have a very Merry Christmas. This is 88

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more so than ever before, because Newtown is experiencing a wave of optimism and the community seems more closely knit than ever before.

Ashara Shapiro, owner of ArtWRKD, feels it.

She says, “Newtown is pretty exciting now. I think Newtown has had this resurgence and rebirth.”

Being a member of The Newtown Experience and

the Newtown Historic Association, she is involved with several of the events. This is the second year in a row that she was chairman of the Market Day event, and she is very involved with the upcoming holiday celebrations.

The Newtown Experience, made of small businesses in the area, is responsible for the annual tree lighting, which will be on Washington Street in the parking lot of the Newtown Fire Company on December 1, 2023. This is a public display of the joy that Christmas brings to the Newtown community. ne of the intriguing holiday traditions that Ashara is involved with is the Newtown Cocktail Trail on November 18, which is also hosted by The Newtown Experience to support the Newtown Theatre. The trail begins at The Temperance House (5 South State Street) where you’ll pick up a commemorative glass and a trail “passport.” The passport will list each stop on the trail and any promotions the shops are offering that day.

Ashara says, “I bookend State Street. When we do collaborative events in the theater with artwork, we'll either start at the theater and end with me or start with me and end the theater. And then people get to kind of walk through town and have dinner and drinks and we build that time in to kind of support the businesses in the historic district.”

Ashara is preparing her own business for the holidays. She is planning more solo and

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The House Tour is an opportunity for the public to see some of the older homes in the borough. And it’s really a step back in time since many of the homes on the tour have been here since the late 1700s and early 1800s. It is a big event.

People going on the tour, which is on Saturday December 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. This year there are five private homes on the tour and open houses at the Newtown Fire Association, Paxson Hall Friends Village, Newtown Library Company, Half Moon Inn, Callahan Research Center, Samuel Phillips House, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and Newtown Presbyterian Church.

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Photos: Barry Fleck

Decorated colonial Home and street scenes in the snow at night bring in the cheer and charrm of this charming town.

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HOLIDAY’S IN HISTORIC NEWTOWN

group exhibitions. She now has two spaces for ArtWRKD. Her newest space opened in September and she is doing revolving exhibitions. She plans to open an expressive boutique for the holidays in both spaces. In the boutique she’ll have clothing designed by artisan fashion designers (Ashara herself is a wearable artist), jewelry designed by artists, small gifts and plans to have about 20 artists represented in both spaces. ArtWRKD is located at 126128 S State St #300, Newtown, PA. For more information, visit www.artwrkd.com.

This year the Newtown Historic Association will be giving its 60th Holiday House Tour. Barry Fleck, president of the association, says, “The House tour is an opportunity for the public to see some of the older homes in the borough. And it’s really a step back in time since many of the homes on the tour have been here since the late 1700s and early 1800s” In the tour this year there are five private homes on the tour and Barry Fleck’s house is one of them. He says, “The houses have to be decorated by the first Saturday, which is not far behind Thanksgiving. So, you literally have to have it decorated at Thanksgiving. This all requires a lot from the homeowners who open their homes, and we're very fortunate to have members of the community who are willing to share their homes with the community.”

It is a big event. People going on the tour, which is on Sat-

urday December 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. This year there are five private homes on the tour and open houses at the Newtown Fire Association, Paxson Hall Friends Village, Newtown Library Company, Half Moon Inn, Callahan Research Center, Samuel Phillips House, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and Newtown Presbyterian Church. arry says, “It is the biggest fundraiser for the Newtown Historic Association. There could be a thousand people coming out for this tour.” Volunteers are always needed. It is truly a community event that requires over 125 community member volunteers to put on this event. This event provides significant financial contribution to the NHA which allows us to support our mission of Protecting and Preserving the Historic significance of Newtown for future generations to enjoy. It also provides us with an opportunity to show case the Historic significance of all Newtown and why we are referred to as Historic Newtown”.

For more information and tickets for the 60th Holiday House Tour, visit www.newtownhistoric.org/events/annual-holidayopen-house-tour.

The McCaffrey’s Newtown Holiday Parade is a festive event hosted by the Newtown Business Association. On Sunday December 3,the parade promptly kicks off at 2 p.m. from South State

B

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STUCKERT &YATES Serving Newtown and Bucks County since 1902

215-968-4700 | STUCKERTYATES.COM Two North State Street • Newtown, PA 18940 Street at the Stocking Works. It then continues north to Washington Avenue and makes a left turn, then turns right onto Sycamore Street, ending at the corner of Sycamore St. and Durham Road.

Parade announcers will be located at Goodnoe Corner next to the Green Parrot. This event brings droves of people from all over Bucks County, and it is a huge event. The president of the business association Dave Marcolla says, “There are typically around 1800 participants within the parade itself. We have the Mummers, different types of dance schools and local community performers.”

The Newtown business Association doesn’t have its own float. Dave explains, “The members of Newtown Business Association typically do floats and we hold contests for the floats that have the best 92

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holiday themes. We always say we're the organizers of the parade. We’re all over the place running the parade that day. We're

announcing the parade. We have a judging stand area where we have dignitaries that judge the floats. As a business association we stay behind the scenes. But besides being the president of the association, I also have my own real estate brokerage, so I'll have a float in the parade for my brokerage.”

All floats have to have a holiday theme.

And no float can have a Santa Claus, because there is only one Santa Claus.

Newtown has historic charm, a booming economy, lots of great restaurants, many interesting shops and galleries and is the perfect town to visit during the Christmas season. The tree lighting, the house tour and the parade are only the icing on the cake. Newtown has something that makes their Christmases always Merry and that is a community where the people are committed to each other and all who visit.

Bob Waite is the editor of Bucks County Magazine

HOLIDAY’S IN HISTORIC NEWTOWN REALTORS, THERE IS A DIFFERENCE..

THERE IS A DIFFERENCE, when it comes to selecting the RIGHT Realtor. It's building that relationship and putting YOU at the center to listen and understand your needs and wishes, when it comes to purchasing or selling your home. You can be assured that as the right Realtor for YOU, I bring integrity, depth of community and marketing knowledge, effective negotiating skills, and a high quality professional network..as these are hallmarks of how I work.

As a 40 year Bucks County CAROL MAYHEW resident, I fully believe that Bucks County offers the best of lifestyles, and am committed to the work it takes to find that perfect home for you, or market effectively to sell your current property.

You are assured of professional, ethical service with an educated Realtor offering an outstanding analysis of pricing and marketing.

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HOLIDAY’S IN HISTORIC NEWTOWN

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Getaway /Bob & Tanya Waite

Sweet Pool Suite Our stay in the Pool Suite at the Inn at Leola Village and trips to the Amish countryside was sweet except for having to leave after our two-night stay at this Forbes 4-Star, AAA 4-Diamond hotel

U

Driving into The Inn at Leola Village’s parking lot, Tanya and I see what first looks like an upscale shopping center that is actually the Inn itself. We check in. Tanya snoops around the lobby as much as possible not only seeing the rustic yet beautifully furnished room but walking around looking at the business center that guests can use to work outside their offices. I wander through the hallway that leads to the restaurant, Osteria Avanti, which wasn’t open yet, and Tanya looks at jewelry in a glass case that guests can buy. On the wall is a photo of an old Amish farm, whose buildings, once renovated are now The Inn at Leola Village.

Our room, the Pool Suite was not ready, so we sit a few minutes in some very comfortable stuffed chairs. Tanya keeps wan98 B U C K S C O U N T Y M A G . C O M

dering. We casually meet Vice President of Inns of Distinction Randy Howat in the lobby and we make plans with him to tour The Inn At Leola Village. Our room is ready and the front desk manager takes us to the Pool Suite.

We walk to our suite on a cobblestone path past several cottages. Hugging the contour of the buildings are hedges coifed to perfection. On the other side of the path is a landscaped area that

v

Opposite top, the exterior of The Inn at Leola Village building where lobby, cafe and many of the rooms are located. Opposite bottom, Tanya at The Amish Village next to the covered bridge and a road sign. Top, an evening view of the pool and an open door to one of the Pool Suites. Center left, the whirlpool in a Bridal Suite. Center right, The Amos King room. Bottom left, one of the signature Suites that was once a wine cellar. Bottom right, a statue in the garden.

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Hand Craftmanship All of our wood slab tops are cut and finished in Lancaster County, PA. We can also do custom table tops, including epoxy river tables, coffee tables, dining room tables, bar table tops, countertops, and more.

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has a garden. Several trees meet us as we walk. We then walk through a large open wrought iron gate to the pool area. The ground has a cobblestone surface and the pool area is beautifully landscaped. There are hedges, trees, large standing urns filled with flowers. Tables and chairs and lounge chairs are strategically placed by the pool.

There are actually three pool suites.

We enter ours thorough the outside French doors, and I expect to hear oohs and ahhs from Tanya, but all I get is silence. She sighs, “This is beautiful.”

Quietly she walks around, looking at the sitting area with two comfortable gray upholstered chairs and a small round table between them. She then turns her attention to the dining area which has a round table with a marble top—overhead is a candelabra chandelier. A print is on the wall of water with reeds and to the side of the dining area is a large window that has distressed wooden moulding around it and wooden inside shutters that can be opened to the amount of light you wish to let in.

The French doors that let you into the suite from the pool area also have the shutters and a curtain that can be pulled to darken the room.

The king size bed has a Mediterranean look with a head board that has two posts which have interesting millwork and carving on them. I want to jump into it right away. Tanya stops me. “Not now,” she says. “Move and don’t put anything down on the furniture or floor till I am done taking pictures.” I say, “Come on Hon.” And she says, “Go, go.” Dejectedly I find an area out of the way of her allseeing iPhone.”

I love the secretary desk that looks like it is made with cherry wood. Tanya loves the wooden closet door that has a distressed appearance. “This room has such a nice rustic feel,” she says. I agree but am enamored by the sheer size of the room. The ceilings are high and it has a European feel like one would get in a cabin owned by a European Count. The stone fireplace with an electric heating element is not only rustic but regal in its

appearance, ready to dominate whatever draft dares to make its way through to the center of the room.

Tanya sees a large jacuzzi and exclaims, “I’m getting in that chumpy tonight.” Although the both of us could fit in this large whirlpool, I demur, knowing that Tanya literally boils herself in any kind of bath, and the last time I went in a tub with her, I think I got second degree burns.

Next to the jacuzzi is a window overlooking a garden.

The bathroom is the size of a large bedroom. In it are two sinks and two large mirrors. There are two Persian throw rugs—one in front of each sink and a padded stool under the sinks to sit on. The tiles on the floor look like they are made of slate. The shower area is large too with tiles on the wall, again looking like they are stone, but not all gray—streaks of tan and brown are seen on some of them, again adding to its rustic yet chic appearance.

We unpack and it is time to meet with Randy Howat in the lobby. Sitting at a table in LaMattina Caffe, Randy tells us the story behind this gorgeous boutique Inn in Leola, Pennsylvania. Once this Inn was a tobacco farm—yes tobacco grows in Pennsylvania, something I never knew about. By the time Deb Shirk and her husband John bought the farm to convert it into an upscale hotel, spa and event venue, it was in complete disarray. Randy, who is part of the hotel management company and does most of The Inn at Leola Village’s marketing, says, “And You'll see the flying pigs around the property. And that is because when Deb and her husband John told some of their friends that we're going to create a four star hotel in Lancaster, they said, ‘When pigs fly.’”

At the time when Randy got the job, The Inn at Leola Village was a Forbes 5Star hotel and AAA 5-diamond hotel, but that scared off the corporate business travelers, because it just didn’t look good for them to send their people to a 5-star hotel, and there is a lot of expense to involved with keeping a hotel at the 5-star level—a level that only a few hotels in the country W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 101

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have attained. Randy explains, “Everything is taken into account, such as the weight of the silverware, the cushions on the outside chairs, so we are happy with the 4-Star and 4-Diamond rating.” (The Inn at Leola Village is the only hotel in Lancaster County to have attained the coveted Forbes 4-Star and AAA 4-Diamond rating.)

Randy is the president of Historic Hotels of Pennsylvania and on the board of Historic Hotels of America and is proud of the fact that The Inn at Leola Village was recently nominated as one of the Best Historic Hotels in America.

After talking to Randy, he takes us on a whirlwind tour of the property. We first walked through seemingly endless paths through gardens, some of which grew herbs and vegetables that are used in the upscale restaurant Osteria Avanti. Osteria Avanti is an Italian restaurant that offers fine dining for both guests and patrons from the area and visitors. Each dish is crafted with simple and rustic Italian flavors and elevated for an elegant meal.

While walking through the gardens seeing the small statues (the small sized Easter Islands reproductions interested me) we come across the Italian Wedding Garden. Here we see a rose lined wedding arbor on a step up platform, and behind the beautifully designed arbor are trees and paths that lead into the gardens.

The suggested maximum capacity is 200 guests.

After walking along the paths, Randy takes us to the largest indoor wedding venue on the property, the Casa di Fiori.

In front of the building is running water that sounds like a waterfall. This gives all who enter a feeling of peace and wellbeing. This building has high open-beam ceilings, large retractable window walls, artistic etched floors, a crafted stone wall and a stunning fireplace. Tanya swooned as we walked through it.

We walked by buildings, some that were cottages and others houses, barns and various farm buildings. On our tour we see several rooms—the Bridal Suite took

Tanya’s breath away, as did one of the Signature Suites that was once a wine cellar.

We go to the last stop on our tour— The Spa at Leola Village, which also has a Forbes 4-Star rating and is the only spa to achieve that rating in Lancaster. The inside is beautiful. In the relaxation room is a fieldstone wall, expertly pointed, a fireplace and very plush comfortable chairs where massage patrons can sit, sipping wine or lemonade. The full service salon offers a complete range of services for both men and women. This includes hair cutting, styling, coloring, tanning, make-up services and nails. But it is not simply a hair salon. They offer massage, couples’ massages, facials and HydraFacial, Aromatherapy Oil Wrap Body Treatment, hand and foot treatment, body scrubs and they even have tea rooms.

After the tour we go back to our room and Tanya takes a whirlpool bath while I sit at the desk checking my email and reading on my Kindle. Tired from the excitement, I run out for takeout and Tanya, who is by now thoroughly cooked in the whirlpool, gets into her evening clothes and turns on the fireplace and the TV. She is luxuriating in our luxurious suite. I bring back some sandwiches, chips and cola and we both spend the evening in our beautiful surroundings.

Waking up I go to the La Mattina Caffe and grab us each some coffee and biscotti. The biscotti is delicious. We then leisurely shower and get ready to spend a day driving around the Lancaster County and visiting interesting shops. Right in Leola we see Riehl’s Quilts and Crafts.

Riehl’s has a large selection of handmade quilts. The store also sells pillows, quillows (a pillow that opens to a blanket), baskets, soaps, homemade jams, jellies and canned goods.

We drive on country roads, stop to get ice cream for lunch, make a quick stop at the outlets on Rt. 30 and drive back toward Strasburg to go to The Amish Village. Before coming I looked at their website and they described the Village as continued on page 140

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N EW C ONS TRUCTION AND R EMODELING Residential / Commercial

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215.292.3462 • Rostartisan.com • Design & Build W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 103

WINTER A Photo Essay by Bobby Waite

Two love birds at the top of Jericho Mountain, Upper Makefield Township.

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Above, Tohickon Creek Aqueduct in Point Pleasant, PA. Below, a stone barn on a counrty road in Upper Bucks County.

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Left, a barn and old tractor in Upper Bucks County and a deserted barn on a farm in Hunterdon County, NJ.

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Upper Bucks County Historic small towns and villages connected by country roads that run beside farms, forests, lakes and rolling hills is Upper Bucks County where the old provides a setting for shopping, dining and entertainment. Visit Upper Bucks!

I

magine iconic villages surrounded by rolling hills presenting snow scenes that remind us of a Currier and Ives print.

Children are sledding down hills and in the crisp wintry air is the fragrance of burning hickory. Then think of new shops, upscale boutiques, fine restaurants, breweries, artists and artisans. Your imagination has taken you to Upper Bucks County. Here we see small farms, baled hay and shoppers scurrying in and out of stores shopping. The contrast seems almost stark; cosmopolitan and small-town, commercial and rural, historic and modern. This is why Upper Bucks County

with its deep roots in the past, scenic countryside, glistening river and bountiful farms is a tourist destination that caters to lovers of natural beauty and up-to-date culture, art, cuisine and fashion.

The towns in Upper Bucks County are connected to each other by state and county roads which traverse the rural countryside. Although there is similarity between them, they each have their own history and character. Take a drive up there and visit the shops and businesses on the attached two pages and enjoy it!

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Upper Bucks County A VAST SELECTION OF QUALITY GIFTS AND ACCESSORIES

Visit our 26th Annual Chistmas Shop this Holiday Season

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Handmade in BUCKS COUNTY

HAPPY HOLIDAYS !

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MAIN STREE ET GALLERY 1236 W. W. Broad Street • Quakertown, PA A 18951 Open noon - 5pm, Friday - Sunday

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Upper Bucks County

PA012034

Handmade Kitchen Cabinets or Refinish Your Existing Cabinets Our finishes include a variety stain and paint colors, distressed glazed paint and natural clear products. All finishes are top coated with clear lacquer or conversion varnish products. To keep up with today’s growing ecological concerns, we also offer low VOC, water based stains, paints and topcoats.

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110 B U C K S C O U N T Y M A G . C O M

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Bucks County

Senior Living

Bucks County Magazine’s

SENIOR LIFESTYLES

W

ith the current advances in medicine and a greater awareness of fitness and nutrition, people are living decades longer than they were in previous generations. It is becoming common for people to live into their 90s and beyond. This brave new world has its upsides and its downsides. Having a long period of time after retirement gives us time to do many of the things we wanted to do when we were building careers and taking care of our homes and children. Now free time is available to travel, write, paint, go to the theater, join clubs, give back to the community by volunteering and list can continue.

The downside, however is that many of our faculties diminish as we age. No matter how hard we exercise our bodies lose strength, our hearing and eyesight diminishes and we become

forgetful, sometimes as a result of normal aging and sometimes from more serious causes.

Aging can be thought of as a continuum from being able to live on our own to needing various degrees of help. This continuum begins with independent living, then assisted living, and then total care. Not everyone goes through all three stages, and many elders are independent up into their nineties. But even with this group, often widowed, there can be isolation and loneliness that can cause anxiety and even depression. These people need friendship, community and things to keep their mind and bodies active.

Aging nowadays is often something we face twice—with our parents and with ourselves. The sunset years are a good time but they can take a toll on families, especially when disabilities and memory challenges are added to the mix. The continued on page 116

LIVE THE RETIREMENT OF YOUR DREAMS

P

ennswood Village unveils The Meadows, 30 spacious independent living apartments, with a continuum of healthcare services and programs. The meadows offers three new maintenance-free apartment models to choose from, each featuring open floor plan living arrangements, complete with modern amenities. Available in the summer of 2023.

Delightful meadows skirt the 82acre campus, and stately trees shade well-manicured landscaping. You’ll come upon natural swales and creek beds, cross rustic stone bridges and spot several of the 100 species of birds that frequent the campus. Our Pennswood Village residents are very creative with a zest for life expressed in their love for all things cultural. Our community has a variety of art galleries, workshops, studios and performance venues.

In addition to the beauty and creativity, activity and wellness are interwoven at Pennswood Village. The goal is devel112 B U C K S C O U N T Y M A G . C O M

opment of mind, body and spirit, and the reward is a balanced and active life. They are committed to your health and wellbeing with the robust and personalized continuum of care available with the Life Care and Fee-for-Service contracts.

Pennswood Village is located at 1382 NewtownLanghorne Rd. Newtown, PA. Call 866-504-4043 today for a personal appointment or visit www.pennswood.org.

SENIOR LIFESTYLES

Experienc nce Pennsw Pe wo oo od

Pennswood Villagee is a welcoming and viibrant Continuing Carre Retirement Communiity where residents haave lifelong opportunitiies to learn, thrive t and grow.

There is no better b way to see what Pennswood Village V is all about than WR H[SHULHQFH LW ÀUVWKDQG Visit Pennswood d and tour our modern m DSDUWPHQWV IHDWXULQJ RSHQ ÁRRU SODQV & exceptional ameniities, on a bucolic 822 Acre Newtown n, PA campus within beautifull Bucks County, PA.

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www.penn nswood.org W I NT E R 2 0 2 3

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SENIOR LIFESTYLES

Living Better, Growing Together Here, we grow!

OPTIONS FOR EVERY STAGE OF LIFE

A

s a premier senior living and contin-

uing care community in Bucks

Pine Run Retirement Community and Presbyterian Senior Living celebrate a new beginning as we align our rich histories of providing comprehensive senior living services in the region.

With over 96 years of providing services to older adults, we are honored to include Pine Run Village in our family of distinctive Life Plan Communities.

Discover Pine Run Village Discover Presbyterian Senior Living!

County, Pennsylvania, Pine Run

Village and Presbyterian Senior Living Community in Doylestown offers living options for every stage of life for those 65 and better.

The 43-acre Ferry Road campus is graced with natural beauty and enhanced with the amenities seniors and their families are looking for today.

Pine Run Village offers a wide array of living arrangements including independent living, personal care, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, and memory care. One of the benefits of choosing to become a part of Pine Run’s continuing care community is the comfort and security of knowing that if the need arises, care is nearby.

Pine Run’s cottages and apartments offer convenience, peace of mind and quality of life

800-992-8992 | www.psl.org/pinerun A Life Plan Community | Doylestown, PA

for residents looking for freedom from house and yard maintenance. Villagers may choose from numerous floor plans to meet their individual needs. And enjoy days pursuing talents and interests, and socializing.

Just a short walk from their spacious apartments or customized cottages, Villagers enjoy the beautiful 37,000 square foot Community Center that offers casual and fine dining options, a light-filled fitness and aquatics center, a 175-seat auditorium, as well as other campus amenities including the Village Country Store, salon, greenhouse, woodshop, craft barn, and transportation. On-site primary medical care is easily accessible. Owned and operated by the nonprofit Doylestown Health, Pine Run Retirement Community also offers convenient access to high-quality medical care at Doylestown Hospital.

Pine run Retirement Community is located at 777 Ferry Rd, Doylestown, PA. For more information, call 800-992-8992 or visit www.pinerun.org.

114 B U C K S C O U N T Y M A G . C O M

SENIOR LIFESTYLES

RESERVE YOUR NEW HOME TODAY Construction is almost complete and 40% have already sold!

Construction is nearing completion on 30 NEW independent living Suite Apartments.

Scheduled for a Spring 2024 delivery, don’t miss your chance to reserve your choice 2-Bedroom, 2-Bath suite with a spacious kitchen, either a balcony or patio, in-unit laundry, and access to Christ’s Home community amenities!

To schedule an appointment to learn more, please contact Mary Thompson at 215-956-1802 or mthompson@christshome.org.

1 Shepherd’s Way, Suite 100 • Warminster, PA 18974-3710 • 215.956.2270 www.ChristsHome.org

C

CHRIST’S HOME

hrist’s Home is one of the few organizations in the country to offer an array of life-enhancing services for both senior adults and children. Christ’s Home delivers on its mission statement every day and in every way. “The heart of Christ’s Home is to serve the Lord by providing services to senior adults and disadvantaged children in an atmosphere graced with love, dignity, compassion, and respect.”

Christ’s Home was founded in 1903 as a faith-based, nondenominational organization caring for children in Philadelphia. In 1923, Christ’s Home purchased Saint Stephen’s Farm in Warminster and opened a retirement community to meet the needs of senior adults in the area.

Currently, Senior Services offers living options for senior adults including independent living cottages, suites, and apartments; personal care apartments; a skilled rehabilitation and nursing unit; and a memory care unit with private rooms. Christ’s Home has been recognized by US News and World Report as a five-star health facility and by the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid as a fivestar choice for post-surgical care.

Ground will be broken soon on a major expansion which will include new opportunities and amenities for independent living residents to grow and thrive. There will be 30 new independent living suite apartments. The apartments will include a combination of two-bedroom units and two-bedroom units with a den. There will

also be a large, two-story atrium lobby with a fireplace and seating.

The current dining facility will be enlarged to include fine dining.

Outside of the dining area will be a large outdoor patio with many features. Smyth Hall will be expanded to provide seating for approximately 180 people. A new physicians’ office suite will be added, where physicians and specialists associated with Doylestown Hospital will treat residents, as well as local patients.

There will also be a small movie theater and a community room. If you are interested in joining the Christ’s Home community and reserving one of the few remaining suite apartments, please contact Mary Thompson at 215-956-1802 or mthompson@christ shome.org.

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SENIOR LIFESTYLES

CARE PATROL

W

e are the nation’s largest and most trusted senior living placement organization with over 150 Local Senior Care Advisors throughout the country. We assess each client’s care level needs, financial needs and general preferred locations to recommend the best independent living, assisted living, memory care and in-home care options.Our services are available at no cost to you, as we are paidby tens of thousands of quality pre-vetted providers across the nation.

For finding the right option in the Lehigh Valley, Upper Bucks Doylestown region contact Care Patrol at 510-5090445. We’re here to help you with options that will fit your needs.

continued from page 115

generation who is assisting their parents are often themselves in the process of downsizing and planning for their own sunset years.

Our Senior Lifestyles section presents a variety of living situations from retirement apartments that allow for independent living on campuses that offer care along a continuum of assisted living to total care. All the options that we explore in this section offer residents a sense of community and active living according to the circumstances of each resident.

In our section you can learn about options. It is all about options for a variety of situations that include such things as on campus food service, outings into the community, cultural programs, transportation and continuing education. In our area aging can be done purposefully and with dignity. Living situations are now staffed with professionals who offer rehabilitation, recreation and medical care. Lifestyle can make a difference, so it can never be too early to think about these things for ourselves and those we love. Aging does not have to be something to dread, but rather can be another step in our development.

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Holiday Gift Guide

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Visit our website or our Facebook page to keep up to date.

BETHLEHEM CHRISTMAS SHOPPE 452 Main Street • Bethlehem, PA 18018 bethlehemchristmasshoppe.com | 610-868-2427 118

B U C K S C O U NTY M A G . C O M

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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Order yours today on Amazon or any independent book seller.

Check us out: Stevieandharley.com • FB- stevieandharley IG - @stevieandharley 120

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GALLERY

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Give your list to Melissa Kutalek. Call 215-962-1659 | melissa@buckscountymag.com W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 121

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When To Seek Legal Advice

M

ost people think that they only need a lawyer in an extreme situation. You were the last person to leave work the night before and police are at your door because that boss who didn’t give you the promotion was found slouched over his desk from a bullet wound to the heart. Or you go for carpal tunnel surgery, and the hospital makes a mistake and you end up with a triple bypass. Other than such extreme situations, you figure that you can do without legal representation.

There are, however, plenty of reasons you may need a lawyer and most of them are not extreme in the least.

There are areas of life that involve legalities where a lawyer isn’t called for, like dealing with a parking ticket or paying a fine for not shoveling the snow on your sidewalk. However there are many things that involve severe consequences and could result in broken agreements, loss of income and even jail time.

HERE IS A LIST OF SOME COMMON REASONS TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE: Injuries: Auto accident, defective product, or a medical practitioner.

Administrative Problems: A zoning variance, workman’s compensation, regulatory violations that carry a stiff fine or other penalties.

Financial: Bankruptcy, business indebtedness, selling a business, business collections, law suits by employees, not being paid for services, not getting settlement from insurance company.

Criminal: DUI, domestic violence, possession of illegal substance, juvenile offences.

W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 123

Family Problems: Divorce, child support, child custody.

Trusts: Wills, powers of attorney, advance directives.

A competent attorney can navigate the complexities of our legal system as your advocate and can make sure that you get the best results depending for your situation.

The Website www.hire alawyer.findlaw.com lists 10 reasons to hire a lawyer instead of trying to act on your on behalf.

1. The law is complicated. If you are not a lawyer you probably have no business acting like one in certain instances.

Even experienced lawyers typically do not represent themselves in court. A solid case can quickly unravel without the help of a trained and emotionally detached attorney. Similarly, failing to hire a lawyer when starting a business, reviewing a

Attorneys understand how to properly file court documents and handle other legal procedures. If

inal case may determine whether or not you spend time behind bars, while a civil case could hurt you financially. Besides, many civil attorneys don't collect a dime unless they win your case. Also, you may be able to claim legal fees as a plaintiff in a civil case, so hiring a lawyer can actually save or make you money.

you're not an attorney, you

3. Lawyers know how to challenge (and sometimes suppress) evidence. You may struggle with the deadmay not even know that a key piece of evidence against you was improperly lines and protocol for obtained or that the testimony of a witproperly filling out and filing ness contradicts an earlier statement. And did the crime lab properly handle the evicertain legal documents. dence every step of the way? Your attorney will find out. contract or embarking on other endeavors with potential legal ramifications can 4. Attorneys understand how to result in otherwise avoidable pitfalls. properly file court documents and han2. Not having a lawyer may actually cost you more. What is at stake? A crim-

dle other legal procedures. If you're not an attorney, you may struggle with the deadlines and protocol for properly fillcontinue on page 126

Williams Family Law, P.C

W

illiams Family Law is a premier family law firm in Bucks

County,

Pennsylvania. The firm is built around four core principles: experienced guidance, compassionate advice, powerful advocacy and local knowledge. Our family law attorneys understand the sensitive nature of life-changing circumstances that arise when individuals are faced with divorce, support, custody and related matters.

The Williams Family Law team is comprised of leading attorneys who are recognized as being among the best divorce attorneys in Pennsylvania. They are skilled in litigation and tactical planning, have years of experience in both private practice and as county prosecutors, have earned specialized degrees that foster understanding of the financial and tax implications of divorce and family 124 B U C K S C O U N T Y M A G . C O M

Williams Family Law: David Hamilton, Maris Weiner, Susan Smith, Jeffrey Williams, Robert Salzer and Shauna Quigley

law, and are, put simply, incredibly well-

Lawyers, an honor reserved solely for

equipped to help you to succeed.

skilled negotiators and experienced litiga-

Among our honors and certifications,

tors representing individuals in all facets

Williams Family Law is the only law firm

of family law.

Learn more about the firm at www.bucksfamilylawyers.com.

in Bucks County with two fellows of the American Academy of Matrimonial

The only certainty in life is that as time goes by, you and your

family will face new challenges and your plans for the future will change. Whether you have Elder Law, Estate Planning or Long Term Care concerns, you want an experienced Lawyer who can help you understand your options.

Certified Elder Law Attorney

Areas of Practice • Life Care Planning • Asset Protection Planning

At the offices of Bucks County Elder Law, we help families in Pennsylvania and New Jersey face their concerns and plan for their future. From the moment of your complementary, no obligation, initial consultation you are a part of our family and we will do whatever we can to help you and your family.

• Estate Planning

Henry A. Carpenter II, Esq.

• Medicaid Planning

Chairman Emeritus of the Elder Law Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

Recipient of the prestigious 2020 “Excellent in Elder Law Award” as presented by the Elder Law section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) Masters of Legal Letters in Taxation (LL.M)

• Estate Adminstration

• Last Will and Testaments • Trusts • Powers of Attorney • Living Wills

• Special Needs Planning • Guardianship

301 OXFORD VALLEY RD, SUITE 101B, YARDLEY, PA 19067 • BCEL@HACIILAW.COM Call for your complimentary Consultation 215.493.0727 / www.buckscountyelderlaw.com

B

Bucks County Elder Law Gets Personal

ucks County Elder Law gets personal and they’re proud of it. That’s what separates them from other Elder Law Firms.

When you call Bucks County Elder Law, they ask a lot of questions. They learn about your concerns and your goals.

They want to know what’s keeping you awake at night.

This continues when you walk into the office. Bucks County Elder Law’s attorneys take the time to explore your concerns. They educate you on the law and how it applies to your problem. They value you as a client and provide personalized service to you and your family. Every one of their clients receives guidance and the appropriate plan for their individual needs.

Nothing that is done is the office is “Cookie Cutter”. While other Law Firms use a “one size fits all” approach, where everyone gets the same plan, Bucks

County Elder Law does not. The plan that is developed for you is done specifically for you, based on your specific situation. Then they go one step further ... the Care Advocate works with you to assure the plan is followed. “We stay in touch.

We check in on you and we are always here to answer your questions.”

Going above and beyond is what makes Bucks County Elder Law unique.

Henry A. Carpenter II, Esq. has been practicing Elder Law for over 35 years. A

Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA), Henry has the expertise you need to accomplish your goals.

Call to schedule your complementary, no obligation, initial consultation. Meet the friendly, knowledgeable and caring staff.

“We want you to feel comfortable with us and we want to assure you that we are the right people for your job. Yes, we get personal. It’s our responsibility to learn more about you and that is how we find the appropriate solution to your problem. We care about you and are proud to consider you part of our family.”

Bucks County Elder Law is located in the Makefield Executor Quarters, 301 Oxford Valley Road, Suite 101B, Yardley, PA. Visit us at www.buckscountyelder law.com or call 215-493-0727.

W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 125

Klein Burdett & Associates, LLC

E

xperience matters. Our background as Former Bucks County Prosecutors sets us apart and enables us to examine the

BUCKS COUNTY’S MOST EXPERIENCED DEFENSE FIRM All cases handled by former Bucks County Prosecutors with

case from both sides to best represent our clients. We have handled thousands

of Traffic ticket, DUI and Criminal cases over the last 30 years

30 years of experience.

Traffic Ticket Defense: Points reduced on your ticket, or your money back. No Court appearance necessary in most cases.

DUI & Criminal Defense: Over 10,000 cases handled with over 350 five-star reviews on the lawyer-review site Avvo.com.

TRAFFIC TICKETS / DUI CRIMINAL DEFENSE / GENERAL PRACTICE

2022 and 2023 Best Attorney in Bucks Award from The Intelligencer.

of practice. We treat clients with honesty, kindness and respect and feel that a good lawyer should be affordable. Voted the 2023 Best Attorney in Bucks by The Intelligencer for the 2nd consecutive year. Call Klein Burdett & Associates for a free consultation at (215) 867-2393.

Klein Burdett & Associates, LLC 25 W. Court Street • Doylestown, PA 215-867-2393 • KleinBurdettLaw.com continue from page 124

ing out and filing certain legal documents. One late or incorrect filing could derail your case, delay a given legal procedure or worse—have the case thrown out altogether (and not in your favor).

5. Because you don't know any expert witnesses or private detectives.

Attorneys depend on an extended network of professionals to help their clients' cases. Most non-attorneys do not personally know the types of professionals who can help with discovery or challenge evidence or testimony by the opposing party.

6. You're not sure how to plead—or what a 'pleading' is? Pleading guilty is not the only choice, even if there is evidence pointing directly at you. An attorney who understands the law will be best situated to explain your options and can help you avoid potentially 126 B U C K S C O U N T Y M A G . C O M

severe penalties even before a criminal

against opposing counsel or doing busi-

trial begins.

ness with another party that has legal counsel. As explained above, the law is

7. Because it is probably better to

complicated and an attorney represent-

avoid problems in the first place rather

ing your adversary (or even a non-

than try to fix them once they arise. You

adversarial party entering into a legal

may have heard the saying "an ounce of

agreement with you) will take advan-

prevention is worth a pound of cure?"

tage of this inequity.

Well, hiring a lawyer in many instances will help you avoid potential legal headaches down the road. Do you really understand the fine print of that contract you are signing? A lawyer will.

8. A good lawyer can strike up a good settlement offer or plea bargain, if necessary. An experienced lawyer probably has seen cases similar to yours or at least knows enough to make a calculated guess about how it might resolve at trial. Sometimes a settlement is the best choice, while other times it makes more sense to see your case through to trial.

9. The other party has legal representation. Non-attorneys are generally at a disadvantage when squaring off

10. Lawyers often provide a free initial consultation. Since many attorneys will meet with you for free during a face-to-face consultation, there is really no harm in talking with one. Not only will a free consultation give you an idea of the type of case you have, it will help you decide whether you actually need to hire a lawyer.

Photo: Paul Wesley

County Fare / Diana Cercone

Say Cheese!

At her shop, The Forager, Dana Pezza prides herself in carrying handcrafted, artisanal cheeses from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Vermont, California, Wisconsin and Italy

T

here’s a reason photographers have traditionally asked their stony-faced and scared subjects to say the word “cheese.” Saying “cheese” defies a frown, bringing a big, toothy grin on even the most grim faces. Same with eating cheese. It’s hard not to smile. Just thinking about cheese—with its myriad of tantalizing flavors, aromas and textures—brings one to my face every time.

So when I heard of a new cheese shop in Bucks County— and of its cheesemonger/owner who knows her curds from wheys—I had to stop by The Forager in Bristol Borough.

Sitting on the corner of Mill and Wood streets, its owner and cheesemonger is Dana Pezza. As I approach The Forager’s storefront, I suspect its sun-dappled windows on this day would be just as a welcoming beacon even on the dreariest of days.

One step inside the cheese shop confirms it. Enveloping me is the fresh scent of baked breads (delivered every day from Baker Street Bread in Chestnut Hill) and the sight of an undeniable promise of gastronomic delights found on its well-stocked shelves lining a wall. A large refrigerated case at the shop’s back brims with ready-to-eat homemade foods, such as Dana’s meatballs, marinara sauce, seasonal soups and chicken salad, as well as food staples like artisanal butters. But the main attraction is The Forager’s cheese, prominently displayed in a temperaturecontrolled case next to the front counter. Like a treasure chest, it holds an array of delectable cheeses, many of them local.

At any given time, Dana says, there’s a variety of 25 cheeses in the case. All are award-winners. Come the holidays that number will swell. Dana prides herself in carrying handcrafted, W I NT E R

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In addition there are farm fresh, raw-milk cheeses in various milk types, including hard, triple cream and blue, from Calkins Creamery located in Honesdale, PA. And a variety of cheeses, including a washed rind and a blue, from Birchrun Hills Farm in Chester County. artisanal cheeses from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and New York. Cheeses like the rich and buttery triple cream St. Stephen from Four Fat Fowl (NY). This is a very versatile cheese, Dana says, and can easily be spread on toast for breakfast, serve as an appetizer, or adorn with a mix of berries for a simple, yet, decadent desThe Highest Quality Seafood sert.

Specialing in the East Coast, Other New York cheeses come from Nettle Meadow Farm which is prized for from Cananda to Florida its goat, sheep, and mix sheep and cow milk cheeses. Its sheep ricotta, Dana says, is ideal to mix with pastas because its curds are smaller and super creamy. It also pairs Warrington Shopping Center equally well topped on slices of pears and apples for a snack or to round out a cheese 1380 Easton Road, Warringon, PA 215-343-9600 board. (More on cheese boards later.) Rounding out New York cheeses are the goat hellersseafood.com cheeses from Lively Goat Dairy—a goat cheese fan’s must buys.

Staples from New Jersey at The Forager come from Antonio’s Mozzarella Factory.

From PA, there are the incredibly flavorful and award-winning goat cheeses from Goat Rodeo Farm & Dairy (near Pittsburgh); cow’s milk cheeses from Clover Creek Cellar

(Williamsburg) and which makes one of The Forager’s bestselling cheddars. From Valley Milkhouse in Oley come the award-winning fresh, soft-ripened and aged cheeses made with milk from a nearby organic grass fed dairy. (Tip: its Witchgrass goes fast; so when you see it, buy it.)

In addition there are farm fresh, raw-milk cheeses in various milk types, including hard, triple cream and blue, from Calkins Creamery located in Honesdale, PA. And a variety of cheeses, including a washed rind and a blue, from Birchrun Hills Farm in Chester County.

Closer to home in Newtown is the popular and American Cheese Society award-winning Washington Crossing from Ely

Artisan Cheese. This, along with St. Stephen, should be a staple Fetterville Sales is a team of Post Frame Professionals that in everyone’s refrigerator, says Dana—and especially at holiday have been serving the East Coast since 1980. We have made a reputation for ourselves of construc o ting quality Amish pole time. barns and buildings that will w last for years to come.

Dana’s array of cheeses doesn’t stop at these four states’ borders. If there’s a cheese she thinks is just too good not to offer

to her customers, she’ll carry it. Such as cheeses from Vermont’s

Shelburne Farms, Grafton Village and Plymouth Artisan 245 Fetterville Road, East Earl, P PA A 17519 Cheese. From California comes Cypress Grove’s Midnight

Moon, an aged goat cheese that is nutty and buttery with a long

Elevate You our Lifestyle

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B U C K S C O U NTY M A G . C O M

caramel finish. “My customers would protest if I didn’t carry it,” Dana says.

Same goes for her 24-month aged Parmigiano-Reggiano from Italy.

If looking for a pecorino cheese, Dana says, she has Pecora Nocciola from Landmark Creamery in Wisconsin. An aged pecorino-style cheese, it’s both nutty and savory with a bright finish. Equally at home as a grating cheese or on a cheese board.

And from Oregon, there’s Rogue River Blue—Special Reserve, a semi-soft blue wrapped in local Syrah leaves and macerated in pear brandy. The small-batch cheese is only hand made once a year during the autumn equinox. A coup for even the most nationally celebrated cheesemongers, Dana managed to snag 60 pounds. Just don’t wait to buy a wedge of this luscious blue. It’s flying out fast.

This past fall, Dana attended the international Bra Cheese Festival in Italy where she tasted some incredible cheeses, she says, from Switzerland, Spain, Italy and France. Expect to see some of her finds this holiday season, such as Dolce Gorgonzola and Bocconcino di Langa from Italy, Manchego from Spain, Comte from France and Jumi Natur Grossvatu Raclette from Switzerland.

For the holidays, nothing makes for easy entertaining like cheese, says Dana.

Whether it’s an impromptu get together, a last-minute holiday party or for when unexpected guests come calling, as long as you have a few good cheeses tucked in the fridge, she says, you can relax and enjoy your company. Dana recommends having Washington Crossing, St. Stephen, Midnight Moon and Cowboy Coffee from Goat Rodeo for just such occasions.

When buying specifically for the holidays, be sure to pick up a couple of the new, imported cheeses Dana will be showcasing as well as Rogue River BlueSpecial Reserve (before it’s gone). And when building a cheese board, Dana says, choose three different milk cheeses or choose by texture or type of rind. But

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whatever you choose, she says, “Don’t forget to include a blue.”

If you’re serving cheese as an appetizer or at the end of the meal, Dana recommends, buying 1-2 oz. per person.

For serving cheese as the main offering, she says, opt for 4-6 oz per person.

Dana also recommends adding a meat or two such as Di Bruno Brothers pepperoni and prosciutto.

To round out your cheese board, make sure to include complimentary items such as jams from Eat This! and first field from New Jersey, white truffle honey from Di Bruno Brothers, assorted crackers and tinned fish from Fishwife. All of which can be found at The Forager, as well as cheese knives and boards, cheese storage boxes and mini raclette sets, as well as gifts and stocking stuffers for the cheese lovers on your list.

Dana also owns the popular Itri Wood-Fired Pizza Bar up the street and in Dublin. So why open a cheese shop?

Simple, she says. She grew up appreciating good food from her mom and still remembers her first taste of cheese: Irish Dubliner, when she was 10. “That started my love affair with cheese.” Late last December, she opened The Forager.

Coming up with the name for her cheese shop was also simple, she says.

“A forager is a person who goes out seeking food or provision of any kind.

My mission is to provide my customers with the most quality, local products that come from the wonderful farmers and creameries around us. My job is to seek out the best of the best. Hence, The Forager.”

The Forager is located at 300 Mill Street, Bristol, PA. It is open Monday & Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.forageronmill.com.v Diana Cercone is an area freelance writer who specializes in food, art and travel.

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Restaurants with Taste / Frank D.Quattrone

Erini Restaurant

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liners (prep counters) are made from World War II aircraft carriers may not make the food taste any better, the spotless kitchen, manned by a team of pleasant professionals, surely does.

Every detail speaks of Erini’s commit-

stitched across his T-shirt), who parks your car and points the way to the restaurant’s front door.

Inside, you see a bustling team of youthful servers wearing uniforms with the tagline “Positive Energy Loves Company.” The bar is shiny, sleek, and bright.

The main dining room, with tables at a comfortable remove from each other, is graced by one of Erini’s four modern fireplaces, with lighted candles glowing in each of six niches.

At Erini, the details make a difference. Although the fact that the kitchen’s

ment to hospitality. That should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the Greek penchant for welcoming strangers.

Executive Chef-owner Nick Fifis inherited that, plus his passion for cooking, from his grandparents, born on the Greek island of Andros. He loved watching his grandmother cook and named his restaurant Erini, which means “peace” in Greek, after her.

His grandfather, Jimmy Fifis, owned and operated Ponzio’s, Cherry Hill’s famous diner, bakery, and bar, where Chef Nick worked for many years. Sub-

Photos: Paul Wesley

ou know you’re in for a treat when you pull into Erini’s parking lot, bordered by blazingly colorful perennials. You’re greeted by a grinning scarecrow and a smiling “parkologist” (yep—it’s

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sequently, he gained valuable experience in some of Philly’s finest restaurants, including Buddakan, Cuba Libre, and World Fusion (now Han Dynasty).

But Erini bears Chef Nick’s unique stamp. Since he and his father purchased the hundred-yearold building seventeen years ago, he has been modernizing and transforming the old eatery into an everevolving dining exp e r i e n c e , meticulously sprinkling his “S.A.L.T.” (sound, ambience, lighting, and temperature) across each distinct season.

The patio, where every table is bordered by four heating elements and “guarded” by towering pyramid “heaters” with flames shooting upward, is available for dining all-year round. Chef Nick has seen to it that “all the elements—water, fire, rocks, and plants”—create a unique atmosphere each season. The “Harvest Queen” figure dominating the patio during our visit will soon give way to Santa and his helpers during Erini’s award-winning Christmas magic display.

“One day I wrapped the gazebo in bamboo,” Chef Nick said. “Guests loved it. So I started planting perennials and changing the décor, as well as the menu,

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Taverna 54

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ven in the dimly lighted dining room, it was hard not to notice the buzz permeating the crowded restaurant.

Every seat was filled—on a Thursday evening. The lure, no doubt—Taverna 54’s Lambertville Local Dinner.

Offered every Tuesday through Thursday evening, the meal features a soup or salad to start, pasta or chicken as the main course ($5 more for salmon), plus dessert—for just $39.00.

When I asked our courtly server, Robert Dowd, if the restaurant is always this busy, he said, above the din, “Yes—but more so on weekends!” That’s when the patio seating, with big heating lamps lighting the way, really comes in handy, weather permitting.

But T54, as proud restaurateur Massimo Schiavon prefers calling his restaurant, wouldn’t be nearly as crowded without its decidedly authentic Italian menu. “First of all,” he says, “I’m a real Italian guy, from Genova, Italy, owning the restaurant. It’s not Americanized.

There’s no American influence. My Bolognese is really authentic—from my grandmother’s own recipe—made with veal. No garlic or water. Pork, veal, beef, and rosemary.

“Just like our meatball special tonight, in marinara sauce.” It was our appetizer, a half-dozen hearty meatballs, delicious and almost enough to serve as an entrée.

Massimo continued. “Our [spaghetti] carbonara has no cream. We use real egg

learned to cook from their chefs. Massimo’s passion for cooking began there.

But he then worked at several restaurants in the Genovese area. That’s when his life changed irrevocably.

“My muse is my wife, Antoinette Bor-

yolk, with pecorino cheese, guanciale [cured pig cheek], not bacon, and black pepper, exactly as it’s made in Italy. I’m also a wine connoisseur, so I select most of our wines from different regions and wineries in Italy.”

Although he is not a chef, Massimo knows the hospitality business inside and out. He says he has learned much, not only from his grandmother, but also from his paternal grandfather, who loved to cook for the family during holidays back in Genoa. He had retired after years of serving as a maître d’ on cruise ships, where he

romeo. I met her in 2000, when I was working in a restaurant and she was living in an apartment above the restaurant. Although she was born in America, of parents born in Cosenza, Calabria, she was teaching English to Italian businesses, and when I first saw her, I knew I would marry her. Her father and sister were living in Genova at the time.

“We dated and then came to live in America, where I worked in hospitality management for fifteen years,” including as general manager at Sirio, a restaurant inside the Pierre Hotel, owned by the W I NT E R

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Erini Restaurant every season of the year.”

Not to be outdone by Erini’s distinctive ambience, the approachable upscale casual menu also sparkles. Eve and I were initially impressed by our appetizers. Eve raved about the succulent Lollipop Lambchops, served with garlic mashed potatoes, haricot verts, and remoulade, with edible sorrel flowers on the side. I enjoyed the (Maine) Lobster and Shrimp Spring Rolls. Made fresh in-house daily, the crispy golden rolls were filled with fresh vegetables and delectable denizens of the sea.

Other available appetizers include Chilled Oysters, Raspberry Baked Brie, Grilled Octopus, Yia Yia’s Meatballs, and a Meze Platter, laden with hummus, olives, feta cheese, stuffed grape leaves, roasted red peppers, and warm pita wedges.

Our entrées were no less impressive. I reveled in the hearty Seafood Risotto, with shrimp, scallops, clams, and mussels topping a bed of saffron rice, flavored with sun-dried tomato and basil. Eve had the 12-ounce Prime Center Cut New York Strip Steak, char-grilled and nicely seasoned, served with sautéed spinach and

mashed sweet potatoes—a generous dish that tasted just as good the night after.

Among other choices, guests can also order Veal Cutlet Parmesan, Pretzel Crusted Grouper, Grilled 16-ounce Porterhouse Pork Chop, Braised Lamb Shank, and Land & Sea, a six-ounce filet mignon and sautéed jumbo lump crabcake served with garlic mashed potatoes and haricot verts.

Although the sumptuous-sounding desserts included Reese’s Pieces Cheesecake, Rice Pudding, Crème Brûlée, Chocolate Chip Cannoli, and Lemon Cheesecake, we opted, wisely, to trust Chef Nick’s own elegant creation—a fresh fruit swan, fashioned from artfully sliced Granny apples and “dining” on freshly sliced strawberries and two clusters of seedless black grapes. Simply exquisite!

Our cheerful server, Rafaela Moreno, a veteran of Lambertville Station, said that the chef prepares his fruit swan for private parties and told us that she and the staff enjoy Erini’s décor and menu changes as much as the guests do.

General Manager Laura Piquero emphasized that guests always compliment the service here. She calls it “a lost art, more like European service, like a career

or a profession.” Chef Nick proudly instills this spirit throughout the entire staff. He is ably assisted by Operations Manager Kyle Hillman, a fourteen-year veteran at Erini, who is also the longtime bar manager and does a little bit of everything, from payroll and human relations to booking private parties and “all liquid matters.”

Erini also has a dress code. Sports jerseys, beanies and caps, work boots, opentoed slides with socks, and revealing clothing are not permitted. Chef Nick calls it “smart casual and respectful. We want to create an atmosphere where all guests are comfortable.”

Whether you come for the unique ambience, the unparalleled hospitality, or Chef Nick’s sublime menu, you will not be disappointed by your visit to Erini. v

Guests enjoy such appetizers as Steak Tartare, Grilled Octopus, Crispy Calamari, and Sticky Ribs. There is also a Crudo Bar, where you can order up to a dozen oysters, Shrimp Cocktail, or the T54 “Catch of the Day.” Soups include T54 Minestrone Genovese, Gazpacho, and specials like Carrot Ginger Soup the night of our visit.

Eve, who knows steaks well, enjoyed her 16-ounce Black Angus New York Strip (“grass fed and corn-finished”), served with fingerling potato with Bordelaise on the side.

Even better for a seafood lover like me was the beautifully butterflied Branzino, topped with warm cherry tomatoes and huge black olives.

Other entrées and pastas include the Berkshire Pork Chop, served with glazed

roasted apricot, almonds, and sage; Rigatoni Bolognese; and Spinach Potato Gnocchi.

Massimo says that the Fall menu (it changes every season) will include Pumpkin Gnocchi; Grilled Swordfish Steak; and Veal Shank Osso Buco alla Milanese.

Our desserts were Affogato, a “flight” of Italian gelati, and a divine Olive Oil Cake, enriched with pistachio, ricotta, and orange. v

Erini Restaurant is located at 1140 River Road, Ewing Township, New Jersey; 609882-0303; www.erinirestaurant.com. Open Tuesday – Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, 3 to 8 p.m. Closed Monday.

Full-service bar. Available for private parties.

Attractive Limited Lunch & Dinner Menus also available.

Taverna 54 owner of Le Cirque, the acclaimed Big Apple restaurant, as well as at the Four Seasons.

After the pandemic, they moved to Hopewell, N.J., to be close to her parents, Frank and Adele Borromeo. “With their help,” he said, “we opened our first restaurant together, Taverna 54.” Now he and Antoinette, whom he calls “the owner of the door on weekends,” have a daughter and a son—Bianca, 14, and Luca, 13.

Bianca assists her mother on weekends and Luca already works the floor when he is not at school or home studying. Massimo, who designed the restaurant’s “5T4” logo and brand, has hopes that his children will help him open more restaurants with this brand in years to come.

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Taverna 54 is located at 54 N. Franklin St., Lambertville, New Jersey; 609-460-4212; www.taverna54.com. Open for dinner Tuesday–Saturday, 5–10 p.m. and on Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Closed Monday. Reservations recommended, especially weekends. Available for private events.

Dining & Food Guide

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Dining Out Guide

Dinner with Santa

Winter Wonderland Light Display

Wednesday December 13th From 5pm - 8pm Please call for reservations 609-882-0303 Let us take you away by inspiring your imagination and thrilling your taste buds

1140 River Road • Ewing, NJ 08628 609-882-0303 • erinirestaurant.com BUCKS COUNTY Alessio’s Seafood Grille 827 Easton Road, Warrington, PA 215-483-8500 www.alessioseafoodgrille.com Alessio’s Seafood Grille serves fresh, flavorful Italian seafood dishes prepared with the finest ingredients from around the world. Everything is made by hand in our restaurant everyday, from delicious appetizers and favorably sauces to our salad dressings and homemade Italian seafood specialties. Serving seafood, Italian dishes and pizza.

Baci Ristorante Route 202 & 413, Buckingham, PA 215-794-7784 www.baciristorante.com.

A charming Bucks County fieldstone restaurant that offers fireside and balcony din136 B U C K S C O U N T Y M A G . C O M

ing in the upstairs restaurant. Enjoy the Heart of the Oak Pub offering both the Pub menu and Baci’s menu. Serves Northern Italian cuisine including pasta, seafood, chicken, chops, veal and steak entrees. Facilities for weddings and private parties up to 120. Extensive wine list and imported beers on tap in the Oak Pub. Online menus. Enjoy the piano bar on Friday and Saturday evenings. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Menus online.Reservations accepted. Accepts major credit cards.

sics.The room is casual and comfortable, entertaining both young families and long time regulars. In the evening, the music changes, candles are set out on the tables, and many diners show up with some of their favorite bottles of wine.

Handmade pastas, the freshest seafood, Painted Hills beef, Griggstown Farm Chickens fried to order, and house made bread and desserts make any evening feel special. Charcoal BYOB is a family restaurant, with a bit of a modern twist.

Charcoal BYOB 11 South Delaware Ave. Yardley, PA 215-493-6394 www.charcoalbyob.com A neighborhood gem, since 1995, Charcoal has been crafting seasonal meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At Charcoal we experiment with modern culinary techniques while incorporating the clas-

Ferndale Inn, 551 Churchill Road (Route 611), Ferndale, PA 18921; 610-847-2662; www.theferndaleinn.com.

Casual fine dining with Chef Karen Baron’ signature dishes that include jumbo lump crab au gratin, soft shell crabs, duck with green peppercorn-

Dining Out Guide

AU T H E N T I C I T A L I A N C U I S I N E Reserve Your Table for the Holidays Today

Elevate your Dining Experience

Happy Hour Tues.-Thurs.

5=7 at Bar. Sunday Brunch 11:30 - 4:00.

Dinner Sunday Brunch Wines & Spirts Espresso Bar

T54 Fantastic Desserts 54 N. Franklin Street Lambertville, NJ 08530 609-460-4212 | www.TAVERNA54.com Instagram & Facebook: T54 Restaurant and Bar

brandy cream, angel hair pasta with lobster, and creme brulee. Full bar. Online menus. Open for dinner Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 5–9 p.m.; Sunday 4–8 p.m. closed Tuesdays. Reservations accepted. Accepts Visa, MC, and American Express.

Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn, 11 Bridge St., Lambertville, NJ 609-397-8300; www.lambertvillestation.com.

Dine inside a restored 19th-century train station or al fresco on the terrace with breathtaking views of rolling hills and the Delaware River just a few feet away. The Inn boasts a stately elegant 46 contemporary rooms or suites with sophisticated furnishings and stunning views. Host your private event in one of the many event spaces, from intimate corporate functions

Reserve Your Private Holiday Parties

to the elegant riverfront wedding of your dreams. Wine cellar with 50 + boutique wines. Bar and restaurant over seasonal Al Fresco dining. Featuring short ribs, fish & chips, crab cakes, Steak, Lancaster chicken, fish tacos, Filet Mignon, and Salmon. A favorite after-work destination, enjoy casual dining and hand-crafted cocktails, beer and wine in The Pub. Reservations suggested. All credit cards accepted.

McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn, c 1750, corner of Main & Broad Quakertown, PA; 215-538-1776 www.mccoolesredlioninn.com Upscale atmosphere for the working person’s wallet, featuring humanly raised, antibiotic and growth hormone free foods with cooperation of local farms. The best of live entertainment on weekends and Al

Massimo and Antoinette Come Join Us!

fresco dining on the patio in season. Online and phone reservations available and suggested for weekend dining.

Non Solo Pasta Ristorante 900 West Trenton Ave. Morrisville, PA; 215-736-0750 www.nonsolopasta.restaurant Non Solo Pasta features creative Southern Italian cuisine with the delicate flavors of an authentic Italian kitchen. Our menu includes modern and original interpretations of handmade pastas, seafood, veal and other traditional dishes that maximize the flavors of seasonal fresh ingredients. Carry Out Premium Wine and Beer available.

Pineville Tavern 1098 Durham Road, Pineville, PA 215-598-3890 www.pinevilletavern.com W I N T E R 2 0 2 3. 137

Dining Out Guide Alessio’s Seafood Grille An Italian Touch Fresh Italian Seafood • Delicious Appetizers and Flavorful Sauces • Homemade Italian Specialties • Signature Salads Catering for all Occasions • BYOB

Wood Burning Style Pizza • Cape Cod Style Steam Buckets Buckets 827 Easton Road • Warrington, PA - 267-483-8500 alessioseafoodgrille.com

Since 1742, the Pineville has served the greater Philaselphia area, making us one of the country’s oldest operating taverns. Serving steaks, pasta, ribs, burgers, crab cakes and chicken. Upstairs, the 1742 Room is an intimate space that boasts vaulted ceilings, random-width pumpkin pine flooring, and a handcrafted farm table made from reclaimed wood. An ideal venue for business functions, birthdays, wine dinners, holidays, and showers.

Springtown Inn 3248 Main Street, Springtonw, PA 18981 610-346-7262 www.springtowninn.com We offer a large selection of delicious, freshly made to order entrees and desserts at reasonable prices. Our friendly, professional staff provides exceptional customer service. Specialities include Prime Rib, Steak,Seafood and Chickenn. Tavern Menu and our famous Strawberry Shortcake.

Springtown Inn Quaint Country Inn STEAK & SEAFOOD DINING • MUSIC • EVENTS

Springtown Inn • 3258 Main Street • Springtown, PA 610-346-7262 | www.springtowninn.com

Zad Albasha Mediterranean Grill & Hookah Lounge

Lunch & Dinner • Catering • Private Parties Hookah Lounge • Sports Bar • Night Club Crepe & Fresh Juice Bar - BYOB 29 S. Main Street | Doylestown, PA 215-867-8899

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Tonys Place 1297 Greeley Ave, Ivyland, PA 215-675-7275 www.tonysplaceivyland.com Prepared by a world class culinary staff, the menu at Tony’s Place features a full array of small plates, sandwiches, salads, and entrees that are sure to delight. Our chefs have developed a menu that adapts to the seasons with locally sourced ingredients to satisfy your taste buds. Cocktail bar and entertainment.

215-230-8352 www.veladoylestown.com Vela is named for our location on Veterans Lane in Doylestown. We opened our doors in 2018, excited to join the community at the heart of Bucks County.We believe that the best experiences are shared with friends and family enjoying food and drink with warm hospitality. From fresh, house-made pastas to craft cocktails featuring local spirits, we offer a taste of Doylestown that values traditions, both new and old. The seasonally inspired menu, crafted with tradition, feels at home in a stylish and welcoming atmosphere.

Vela, 140 Veterans Ln, Doylestown, PA

Washington Crossing Inn 1295 General Washington Memorial Blvd., Washington Crossing, PA

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A GOURMET DINIING EXPERIENCE Featuring a seasonal menu of small plates, sandwiches, salads, and entrees, as well as craf t cocktails and extensive beer selection, Tony’s Place is sure to delight the whole family.

Relax with family and friends and enjoy the warm spring days at our outdoor patio and bar.

usic Live m y & a on Frid ys a d r u t Sa

1297 Greeley Ave. in Iv yland | tonyssplaceiv yland.com | (215) 675-7275

215-493-3634 www.washingtoncrossinginn.com.

The Washington Crossing Inn adjoins the spot where George Washington and his troops assembled before crossing the Delaware River on Christmas Eve night in 1776. Executive Chef Estaurdo Gonzalez serves up fresh salads, appetizers, and entrees such as Filet Mignon, Apricot Pork Chops, Chicken Schnitzel, Homemade Gnocchi Primavera, Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Grilled Salmon, Crabcakes, and Sesame Tuna. Bar and cocktails.

Water Wheel Tavern 4424 Old Easton Road Doylestown, PA 215-348-8300 www.waterwheeltavern.com Water Wheel Tavern is an historic Bucks County landmark originally built in 1714 by John Dyer, an English Quaker. Local, regional and sustainable seasonal ingredients provided by FarmArt, Blue Moon Acres, Bright Farms and others. Waterwheel offers fine American Cuisine, craft beers, and nice large menu including grilled salmon, steak, burgers, and large selection of salads.

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being dedicated “...to creating authentic encounters with the Amish culture through our tours and educational stories about Amish traditions.”

We first go on the tour of an authentic Amish home. The guide shows us examples of Amish clothing. The plain clothing and the aversion to buttons, zippers and belts are the identifying traits we think of when we see Amish people, even though Mennonites and other Anabaptists dress “plain.” In many ingenious ways the Amish were able to light their homes with kerosene and propane lamps, use gas powered engines to operate appliances and use air power to operate power tools.

After the house tour, we walked around the Amish Village that sits on 12 acres of farmland. We walked through barns with lambs, goats, donkeys and beautiful horses.

We saw chickens walking around us as we went back outside to cross the miniature covered bridge to see the blacksmith shop, the working windmill and water wheel, a buggy and a garage with several buggies and various farm implements and my favorite—the Amish schoolhouse. Then we went into the gift shop where we bought a plaque as a souvenir.

At the petting zoo we meet a goat.

Tanya says, “He’s cute, and look, he wants something.” “I said, “Go ahead, pet him.”

Her look revealed that she was a city girl.

She said, “That’s ok.” Realizing that there were little gum machines that dispensed corn and food pellets, I put a quarter in each one and held at the palm of my hand and fed the goats that began making their way to the fence. Tanya stands behind me.

I offer her some corn and pellets and say, “Go ahead, feed them.” She says again, “That’s ok.” Then as we are leaving she looks at me with a very stern look and says, “Make sure you wash your hands after having those goats lick you.” I laugh and act like I am going to stroke her face.” She says, “No, not until you wash those hands.”

Now we are on our way to Miller’s with gift certificates from Discover Lancaster, an amazing visitor’s bureau, whose

mission is to promote tourism in Lancaster County. Miller’s has an interesting history.

On their website is a brief history about Anna Miller, who served chicken & waffles to truckers as her husband repaired their rigs. This, over the years, became a major destination for people visiting Lancaster. The buffet, smorgasbord style or soup & salad style, uses farm fresh foods.

They say, “At Miller’s, we cook from scratch and prepare meals that you want to tell your friends about. We get supplies like sweet corn, tomatoes, watermelon, cabbage, broccoli, squash, peppers and onions from Amos, Ben, Manny and Elmer, our Amish neighbors, whose farms surround our restaurants.” Miller’s is huge and there is more than one building that makes up this destination I am hungry. Tanya, who is not a fan of buffets, and always says, “it is not good to mix all these different foods together in one meal,” is hungry too. I violate Tanya’s rule. I start with fried chicken, biscuits, mixed vegetable dishes, all kinds of meats, including sliced ham at the carving station.

My food is piled up and enough to keep me fed for the rest of the day and probably half of the next. Looking disdainfully at my obvious gluttony, Tanya puts some chicken, a seafood salad and shrimp on her plate, which looks too much like normal portions and, in my view, totally neglectful of the feast put before us. To each his own.

Miller’s is not only a place to eat. There is a large gift shop, a locally made food shop, a quilt shop, Ruthies, a shop that specializes in beautiful clothing, fun jewelry and unique handbags, and a Bible History Exhibit. Miller’s is huge and there is more than one building that makes up this destination.

Tired and full we return to The Inn at Leola Village. We are both a little sad. Our visit to this enchanting hotel is over. Tomorrow we hit the Turnpike and return home. Two nights is not long enough for a stay at this inn or this county. v Bob Waite is the editor of Bucks County Magazine and Tanya is his wife, travel companion and the co-writer of this department.

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Staying Fit at Any Age

JUST GO WITH THE FLOW

by Vicky Paraxismos Waite

T

his was a long time due. I do have a cousin in the northeast Philadelphia area every time I talk to her, all she talks about for me to come see her Tidal Tank. This is not your typical piece of fitness equipment. By the looks of it you could say it looks like a piece of work. Geez, you can take that both ways. “Dimi” I call her, short for Dimitra, was more than happy that I would finally get to try out her Tidal Tank.

When I got together with Dimi it was all Greek to me as she is talking up a storm, half in English and half in Greek. Of course, her being that excited just made me that more ready for the Tidal Tank! Today I plan on making waves. So, let’s dive into it. Dimi explained that it’s 100% water so it’s constantly moving. Her Doctor of Physical Therapy and certified strength and conditioning specialist recommended for her to get the Tidal Tank for great rehab and sports performance since she had some injury issues.

The Tidal Tank is made of fully transparent material. It can be filled up to 40 lbs. of water. It includes a free air pump.

It is 8 inches diameter x 30 inches in length. I get started and take charge of the Tidal Tank. The sloshing water engages

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your core in any of the exercises you do. You would need to use every muscle to control the water, but you may start easy by adjusting the weight. Just swinging the Tidal Tank around–not only is it versatile but lots of fun too! Great for functional balance and stability training. The water within the tank reacts to your slightest movement. In turn, you must adjust, keeping control of the weight and of your body.

As my body is fighting to get the water under control, I am using muscles I hardly ever use. The muscles must work closely together because of the moving water, no repetition is the same which stimulates muscle growth even more. In the exercises, I’m trying to balance the water. Depending on the degree of difficulty of the specific exercise, it requires a high level of concentration. The Tidal Tank is training my coordination and mind to body connection. It activates the smaller muscles, which are required for balance and stability.

Dimi brought up the fact that most people who go to a physical therapist, go because they have pain. This she says often makes you move differently, which can be the cause of the pain to stay in the long term. Dimi continues to say that this is overlooked, with the variable weights such as the Tidal Tank, it can almost always be fixed. I am understanding her more clearly now that she slowed down and is serious about the Tidal Tank.

I decide to make more waves by performing some bridges, squats, presses, pullovers, rows and having a merry old time while doing it. These exercise options are numerous. The weight of the water and the resistance all depends how much

you pump the handle. The water bag keeps you moving. It works your whole body, even though you think that it’s only working your arms.

The Tidal Tank helps improve your flexibility and make you more aware of how much you can push yourself before you cause an injury. The motion of the water intensifies your workout and keeps it interesting! It is an excellent cardio workout, and a sensation of using muscle ligaments, tendons in some collective, yet safe effort.

Dimi’s physical therapist had told her about a patient that comes in for physical therapy who had spine surgery and suffers with severe spinal stenosis at two levels. Relentless sciatic pain most of the time. But he used the Tidal Tank in a way that seems to be spine friendly. He says the handles are comfortable and tank feels very well made and he loves the moving water which is like therapy to him.

The Tidal Tank helps me incorporate explosive rotational movements. The quality of the tank feels very sturdy, and the straps feel like they are made of a very high-quality material. I love the shift of water for new muscle use. The Tidal Tank is so versatile that it may be used for all patient ages, from athletes, professional athletes, geriatrics, to everyone in between.

I find it more challenging than it appears. Helps target core and stability a lot better than the traditional sandbags. It gives a different perspective to the normal resistance other equipment doesn’t. You can empty water of the Tidal Tank, store, and transport.

If you are looking for a compact and portable training tool for traveling purposes, you can bring the Tidal Tank anywhere. It comes with 3 different ink colors which I think is a great idea to change things up! When purchasing the Tidal Tank, you get access to their video library of exercises to work with and you don’t have to SPLASH out on big bucks. It comes at an affordable price.

For more information visit.tidaltank@tidaltanktraining.com. And, with any exercise program consult your physician before beginning.v

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