Winter is gone! Now as daylight extends its daily visit and the air warms our still chilled bones, spring is here and summer is on its way. Flowering trees and green grass replace the stark winter scenery and birds return from their southern travels. And the place to be as the climate warms and the scenery brightens is, of course, Doylestown. And we at Doylestown Town & Country want you to know that you can use us as your guide.
We can take you to interesting places as you walk the streets of our fabulous town. A good place to begin may be The Snarky Tea House on 24 North Main Street. In our feature “A Teahouse for Snarks,” Mary Beth Schwartz delights us with her story about this Lewis Carroll inspired teahouse, owned and operated by Jenni-Lyn Williams who is the Chief Snark Officer of Snarky Tea, a company she started with investments from the entrepreneurs on the tv show, Shark Tank.
Or we could take you on a photo trip where we see Doylestown getting ready for the spring and summer through photos by walkabout photographer Steve Barth. You can see by the structures, people and even lamp posts that there is an anticipation that finds its root in the very groaning of creation.
We introduce you to Mandy Mundy, the executive director of the Bucks County Foundation, whose guidance of this philanthropic organization has helped many nonprofits that serve the community stay on their feet. Chrysa Smith takes you inside the decision making process of this asset to our community.
We also present to you Mark McCoy, a Bucks County artist who likes to put an element of mystery in his work, leaving some things to the imagination and believing that it’s not necessary to define everything. We present a local restaurant, a calendar of events and what’s going on around town. In our profiles department we feature five people who make our town a better place to live. So, let us be your guide.
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Doylestown Town & Country
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BCM MEDIA, INC.
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Doylestown Town & Country Living Guide is published annually by BCM Media Company, Inc., 309 W. Armstrong Drive, Fountainville, PA 18923. 215-766-2694. Published 2x a year in the spring and fall. All contents copyright by BCM Media Company. All rights reserved.
C a l e n d a r
Spring/Summer 2026
Doylestown Historical Society
Come visit and see our collections and artifacts of our past in Doylestown. We also collect stories. The narratives are the human connection to our past and it is these stories that help bring history alive. Without the stories, all those photos, documents, and objects are just interesting things to look at. We also celebrate our past with events that commemorate Doylestown's people, places and events, so that they may long be remembered. Museum Hours: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Wednesday-Saturday or by appointment. 56 S. Main Street, Doylestown, PA; 215- 345-9430.
Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce
June -August: Bucks Fever Brown Bag-it with the Arts
May 7: 80th Anniversary-Retro Trivia
May 12: Link at Lunch featuring Enthusiast Member Speakers
May 15: 80th Anniversary: Chamber Block Pary www.centralbuckschamber.com
31st Annual Doylestown 5k Race
May 23: The Doylestown 5K Race and 1 Mile Fun Run are a Memorial Day Weekend tradition. We are taking all precautions necessary to host a
safe and fun event this year. www.doylestown5k.com.
Pearl S Buck
Ongoing: Historical House Tours
Ongoing: Virtual Exhibit: Pearl S. Buck Foundation in Korea: Celebrating 60 Years 520 Dublin Road, Perkasie, PA 18944; www.pearlsbuck.org
Peddlers Village
May-September: Food Truck Thursdays
May 2-3: Strawberry festival
June 1-August 31: Sights in Sand
June 19-July 19: Bucks Fever Art & Sculpture Exhibition
June 14-July 6: Bucks Fever- Art & Sculpture Exhibition
July 4: Red, White, Blue BBQ Bash
July 24-26: Santa’s Summer Holiday
August 1-2: Peach Festival Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, PA. 215-794-4000; www.peddlersvillage.com.
Peace Valley Nature Center
Ongoing: Saturday Morning Walks
Ongoing: Wednesday Walkabout
May 1: An Evening with Author Constable: Look-
ing Back, Moving Forward
May 3: Introduction to Spring Foraging and Garlic Mustard Pull
May 7: Vernal Pool Monitoring
May 13: Sustainability Round Table
May 15: Wild Reads Book Club
May 28: The Lenape People, We are Still Here
June 7: Grounded in Nature: A Forest Mindfulness Series
June 18: Golden Hour Scenic Walk
June 21: Summer Kick Off: Ice Cream Social with Yard Games
July 19: Bat Bonanza
April 25: Kid’s Art Nature Exploration
170 North Chapman Road, Doylestown, PA. 215-345-7860; www.peacevalleynaturecenter.org.
Bucks County Covered Bridge Tour
Ongoing: The Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau and the Bucks County Covered Bridge Society present this self-guided tour of Bucks County’s covered bridges. The tour begins at Washington Crossing Historic Park. The 90mile 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.
Mercer Museum
May-October: Movies at the Mercer Through December: The Doan Gang; Outlaws of the Revolution
April 30, May 28, August 6: Spill the Tea! The Making of the Doan Exhibition
May 9: Colonial Farm Experience
May 14, June 11: Meet the Curator Tours: The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution
June 5, July 31: Coffee and Doan Uts
June 6: Crafternoon:Happy Birthday Henry Mercer!
August 8: Crafternoon:Summer Fun
84 South Pine Street, Doylestown, PA 18901;215-345-0210; www.mercermuseum.org www.mercermuseum.org.
Fonthill Museum
Ongoing: Evening Castle Tours
June -October: Fonthill Castle Meander Days
July 4: Fonthill Castle 4th of July
July 10-11: Shakespeare at the Castle
525 E Court St,Doylestown, PA 18901
Michener Museum
Saturdays: Spotlight Tours
May 2: Art After Dark: Monuments & Myths: Plater Figures
May 5: An Afternoon of Opera and Song
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Studio Excursions: Architecture as Art
May 12: Unplugged Family Day: Mother’s Day
June 6: Practicing her Profession: Mary Cassatt at Work
June 9: OOPA’s World of Words
June 20: Summer Solstice at the Labyrinth
July 10: Curator Conversation: Lisa Tremper Hanover & George Anthonisen
June 11: Art After Dark: Monuments & Myths Live Performance
July 14: Lolly & Friends
138 South Pine Street, Doylestown, Pa 18901;215-340-9800; www.Michenerartmuseum.Org.
Doylestown at Dusk Car Show
July 18: Doylestown at Dusk is a classic car show featuring over 500 cars annually. Located on the streets of Doylestown, Pennsylvania the show offers a unique experience for car owners and admirers. Enjoy live music, local restaurants, and much more–all free to the public. www.doylestownatdusk.com.
Doylestown Art Festival
September 12-13: Doylestown Arts Festival returns for its 29th anniversary. Featuring 160 juried artists, live music on 5 stages, local food vendors, live art, and interactive demonstrations, the festival is a great experience for all ages! Free to attend, the Doylestown Arts Festival is one of the largest and most celebrated arts festivals in the region. The festival runs 10am-5pm each day. www.dtownartsfestival.com
Bucks County Classic Race
September: The Bucks County Classic in beautiful Doylestown Pennsylvania is more than just a race. We embrace the sport of cycling and offer experiences for all to participate. Bring your child to one of our Learn to Ride clinics, join local organizations on a group ride, try your hand at virtual racing or experience the thrill of American bike racing on race day when racers give their all as they circle the eight turn 1.4-mile course vying for their piece of the prize. www.buckscountyclassic.com
AROUND TOWN
Bucks Beautiful is proud to celebrate board member Mike Feeney on receiving the 2026 Fredrick J. Mummert Distinguished Service Award from Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association.
This distinguished award—PLNA’s highest membership honor—recognizes individuals whose careers reflect exceptional leadership, professional excellence, and a lasting commitment to advancing the green industry. It is granted only with unanimous approval from the organization’s Board of Directors, underscoring the significance of Mike’s contributions.
For more than 40 years, Mike has been a driving force within Pennsylvania’s horticultural community. Through his longstanding involvement with PLNA, including service on the Government Relations Committee and as a past Chairman and Board Member, he has played a critical role in shaping policy, strengthening industry standards, and advancing the association’s mission.
His advocacy work has made a meaningful impact at the state level. Mike has testified before the Pennsylvania Senate Agriculture
Mike Feeney Receives PLNA Award
Committee and collaborated with State Senator Art Hershey on the development of the state’s ACRE law. He also remains actively engaged in initiatives that support the future of the industry, including serving as an original TreeVitalize donor and representing PLNA on the State Invasive Plant Committee.
Closer to home, Mike’s passion for stewardship and community is equally evident. Since purchasing a 55-acre farm in 1984 and expanding it to 325 acres—later recognized as Bucks County Farm of the Year—he has demonstrated a deep commitment to land conservation and responsible growth. His leadership with Bucks Beautiful, including service as a board member and past president, has helped advance beautification and environmental initiatives throughout the region.
While Mike’s influence is far-reaching, he is known for his humility and quiet dedication—often working behind the scenes to support causes he believes in.
We are honored to have Mike as part of the Bucks Beautiful family and extend our heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.
AROUND TOWN
Designed for Nature Garden Tour
On Saturday, June 20, the Bucks County Branch of the Woman’s National Farm & Garden Association (WNF&GA), in partnership with Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve (BHWP), will offer a self-guided tour of five Doylestown-area residential gardens. The Designed for Nature Garden Tour highlights gardens transitioning to native plants, as well as creative water conservation ideas for the home gardener. The gardens vary in size, from small Borough plots to larger properties, and from casual habitats to more manicured presentations. Guides will be present at each of the gardens to talk about the evolution of each garden and the plants and to answer questions.
The work of Dr. Doug Tallamy, an entomologist, conservationist, and professor at the University of Delaware, has transformed our understanding of the relationship between native plants and wildlife. He has spurred a movement that encourages residents to transition away from ornamental gardening to
create wildlife-sustaining local ecosystems and enhance biodiversity. His research and books, including Bringing Nature Home and Nature’s Best Hope, have inspired millions to see their own yards as part of the solution to the biodiversity crisis. The gardens participating in the Designed for Nature Garden Tour are living examples of Dr. Tallamy’s movement.
Proceeds support scholarships for horticulture and agriculture majors at Delaware Valley University, the summer intern program at BHWP, and local organizations that support the group’s mission. Bucks Beautiful, Bird Town PA, Penn State Extension Master Gardener and Master Watershed Steward programs, and the Doylestown and Lahaska Bookshops are Friends of the Tour.
The event, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., rain or shine, costs $15 in advance, $20 on the day of the tour. Tickets are available at www.facebook.com/bucksfg/events, at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, and at the Doylestown and Lahaska Bookshops.
AROUND TOWN
Delivering Peace of Mind
Mario Santos started MD Contractors over 18 years ago and grew it into a family-owned construction company. They specialize in highquality new home builds, expert home renovations and energy-efficient residential construction services.
From initial meeting to final walk-through, MD Contractors are committed to delivering more than just construction services. They deliver peace of mind. Their clients know that every project is approached with personal care, full transparency, and expert coordination. They collaborate with top architectural and interior design firms to ensure no detail is overlooked. “Because we're a family-run business, our name is on every home we touch—and wouldn’t want it any other way.”
When it comes to building high-efficiency homes or managing complex renovations, depth of experience, personal service, and dedication to quality make them stand out. “MD Contractors turns clients into lifelong friends by treating every home like our own.”
For more information contact MD Contractors and their gallery of home projects, call Mario at 484467-1724 or visit www.mdcontractors.net.
Mario Santos
AROUND TOWN
Bucks Beautiful is pleased to host the 31st Kitchen & Garden Tour on Sunday June 14, 2026, from 11 am4 pm, rain or shine. On this walking tour, visit hidden jewels tucked away throughout the charming streets of historic Doylestown borough. Marvel at remodeled kitchens and lovingly tended landscapes. Bucks County Master Gardeners will be on hand to offer expertise as you peruse specimen trees, beloved perennials, colorful annuals and more!
Early birds still catch the worm with discounted ticket prices of $45.00 until May 31st after which tickets will be $50.00. Included with your ticket purchase is a program with maps, photos and descriptions of each garden, plus a garden gift bag. Shutterbugs can feel free to click away to take home some inspiration.
Want free tickets? Become a Bucks Beautiful Member and receive complimentary tour admission plus exclusive access from 10 to 11 a.m. Gardens will open to
non-members at 11 a.m. Proceeds will benefit our reforestation initiative RePlant Bucks, the Bulbs for-Bucks daffodil displays, educational programs and community garden projects.
Tickets and Memberships can be purchased online at www.bucksbeautiful.org, or by phone at 215-340-3639.
Bucks Beautiful is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that beautifies Bucks County by coordinating gardening projects, reforestation efforts, events and educational programs in our community. We create partnerships with like-minded civic coalitions to develop attractive yet sustainable plantings to foster a healthier environment. Since 1991 we have worked to enhance the local landscape for residents and visitors alike by beautifying our towns, schools, parks, roadsides and pathways throughout Bucks County. To become a Garden Tour event sponsor contact info@bucksbeautiful.org. Thank you for helping us grow!
Silverman Gallery
The Silverman Gallery of Bucks County Impressionist Art kicks off its 2026 exhibition season with a collection of recent work of Yardley artist, Jean Childs Buzgo, titled Dreamscapes and Discoveries. In the artist’s own words: “This body of work emerges from my personal experiences exploring Bucks County, Manhattan, Scotland, and Ireland, where shifting landscapes and cultures shaped my perception and connection to my environment. By merging these impressions, I’ve created paintings that reflect both memory and discovery. Through this work, I hope to offer viewers a sense of tranquility, invite curiosity, and share a feeling of joy.” The exhibition runs from April 11 thru May 3.
Opening on May 16 and continuing
through June 20, the Silverman Gallery will present a collection by Joseph Barrett, one of the region’s most popular artists. With the gallery since 2011, Barrett’s iconic work of the Delaware Valley is found in homes, offices and public spaces throughout the region. Favorite subjects are the homes, gardens, farms and river towns along the Delaware, luscious, vibrant paintings showing the best of each season.
Browse the artists’ collections at www.silvermangallerybuckscountypa.com and in person at 4920 York Road (Rt. 202) in the Buckingham Green Shopping Center. The gallery is open Wed.–Sat. from 11-6pm and Sun. 11-4pm with other hours available by appointment. For more information, please call 215-794-4300.
AROUND TOWN
Celebrating Tom Hebel
After decades of dedication, leadership, and unwavering community spirit, we proudly celebrate Tom Hebel, owner of Bucks Country Gardens, as he begins his wellearned retirement.
Tom’s journey began managing Royer Nurseries on West State Street in Doylestown. What started as a job soon grew into a partnership—and ultimately a move to the current location when, in 1993, Tom purchased his partner’s shares and officially established Bucks Country Gardens under its present name. In the early 2000s, his sons Greg and Ryan joined the business, continuing the family legacy that Tom had so thoughtfully built.
far beyond the gardens themselves.”
Writing on behalf of the entire Bucks Country Gardens team, they continued, “Inside the walls of Bucks Country Gardens, you’ve been more than a leader—you’ve been a teacher, mentor, and friend. You’ve coached us to think creatively, to work with purpose, and to hold ourselves to the highest standards. You’ve challenged us to grow, to care deeply about the details, and to take pride in every project, every display, and every customer we serve.”
Through vision, grit, and an uncompromising commitment to excellence, Tom transformed Bucks Country Gardens into a beloved local destination. His influence extends far beyond the garden center—touching the homes, landscapes, customers, employees, and community members inspired by his work.
In a joint letter to their father, Ryan and Greg expressed their gratitude, writing, “You’ve turned hundreds of homes across Bucks County into masterpieces of living art— transforming simple spaces into personal sanctuaries that reflect homeowners’ dreams and passions. Your designs have inspired joy, peace, and a sense of belonging that extends
Beyond the business, Tom has served as a valued board member of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, Bucks Beautiful, and Bucks County Historical Society, where his steady leadership, generosity, and wisdom have made a lasting impact. His deep commitment to Doylestown and the surrounding area has not only cultivated beautiful landscapes but also a stronger, more connected community.
As Tom steps into retirement, his legacy lives on through Greg and Ryan, who carry forward his values of hard work, teamwork, creativity, and exceptional standards—ensuring that the spirit of Bucks Country Gardens continues to flourish for years to come.
Bucks Country Gardens is located at 1057 N. Easton Road, Doylestown, PA.
For more information, visit www.buckscountrygardens.com or call 215-766-7800.
Art v
By
Michele Malinchak
Element of Mystery
Hilltown painter Mark McCoy likes the element of mystery in his work, leaving some things to the imagination, believing that it’s not necessary to define everything
Bundled in a thick parka, with hand warmers in his pockets and a full thermos of hot coffee by his side, artist Mark McCoy is ready to work. Standing on a foam mat atop snow-covered ground, he sets up his easel and prepares to paint. Despite the challenges of plein air painting in
winter, it’s something he especially enjoys and has pursued for the past 20 years. Besides the challenges of plein air painting in the winter, it’s something he especially enjoys and has been doing for 20 years. “If I’m painting at my house I can go in and warm up!” he said. The oil paints he uses won’t freeze unless it’s really cold. But even he has his limits. “Then I don’t go out!” he said.
Best known for his rustic landscapes, life revolves around his love of painting and the outdoors. Even when he’s not painting, he’s thinking about his next one, looking at books and visiting potential sites. He carries a small sketchbook with him as he drives around, noting scenes he’d like to paint and familiarizing himself with them. He’ll later return with his paints
when conditions are optimal. “From the beginning, I have an idea what the painting is going to look like, a clear picture of it,” he said.
Sometimes he doesn’t have far to go to find inspiration. Many of his oil paintings are inspired from scenic outlooks on his 10 acre farm in Hilltown, PA. Set high on a hill with meandering trails and a pond, the property is a designated wildlife sanctuary for birds and other animals.
In addition to local wildlife, he and his wife, Carol have their own menagerie of four Nigerian dwarf goats, nine chickens, two ducks and four Jack Russell terriers. Carol has a degree in biology from Delaware Valley University and was a research biologist for Merck & Co. in West Point,
Pennsylvania for 26 years. This has been their home for the past 23 years.
A weathered sign that reads “Sanctuary Trail” points the way to trails he and his wife often walk on their property. “I found it in the trash at Hawk Mountain,” he said. The couple are avid bird watchers and met at a birding event. Hiking and cross country skiing are other activities they enjoy.
Mark paints in oil on linen panels. Occasionally he will finish a painting in his studio due to weather and lighting issues, but he prefers the energy that comes from painting outdoors.
You can sense that energy in his brushstrokes which are visible and tactile. In the painting featured here, entitled Winter Woods, you are surrounded by stillness and can almost hear the rushing stream. All of
his snowy scenes seem to glow in their own special light. “When you’re painting, you’re short handing an image, telling a poetic story and interpreting with technical skills into something pleasant for the viewer,” he explained.
Mark uses a split primary palette, meaning each of the three primary colors (red, yellow and blue) has a warm and cool version. For example, he’ll have a lemon yellow which is cooler and next to it put cadmium yellow which is warmer. Altogether he has about 10 to 15 colors on his palette.
Sometimes he’ll put in animals and things that could have happened in the landscape. A hawk swoops down in one of his snow scenes. If a horse is desired in the landscape, he refers to plastic models kept
in his studio. Holding one in his hand, he said, “It’s far easier to paint from one of these than a moving animal.”
Mark admits that painting nocturnes are challenging and often refers to other artists to study their techniques. “It’s hard to duplicate the dark colors one sees at night,” he said. He’ll take photos of full moons like the Strawberry Moon and Wolf Moon and then try to recreate the scene in a more vivid way.
He likes the element of mystery in his work, leaving some things to the imagination. “When painting a landscape,” he said, “it’s not necessary to define everything. Say a stone wall, a beginner will try to portray every stone when really all that is necessary is to render a few. The mystery is all the different brushstrokes forming shapes that
look like rocks, or maybe a vine growing along or a hole. Adding something that enhances a run of the mill wall. Maybe add some color that’s not there but just feels right!”
He saves all his old paintings and said, “Even though some are clunkers, they’re like learning tools.”
Born in Upper Darby, PA, Mark grew up in West Chester, Langhorne and Newtown. As a young boy he remembers copying Currier and Ives prints which were popular at the time. When he was 10 years old his father died, leaving him with little direction for the future. He graduated in 1976 from Neshaminy High School in Langhorne, PA.
In his early 20’s he worked for Boehm Porcelain in Trenton, NJ painting bird fig-
urines and animals. The sculptures, known for their lifelike attention to detail, are collected worldwide. While there he was exposed to talented European painters and sculptors, many of them women.
Later he worked as a freelance sculptor for the Lenox Corporation, manufacturer of fine tableware and giftware. Mark worked out of his home sculpting animals and birds.
He held a number of different jobs but was always interested in painting. He was first inspired by the Pennsylvania and California impressionists and also New England artists who continue to influence his work. He’s especially drawn to artists Harry Leith Ross, Andrew Wyeth, William Lathrop and others in the New Hope School of painters.
Primarily self-taught, Mark began with
watercolors and took life drawing at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in the 1980’s. He also took mini workshops and studied with artists like George Thompson, Robert Beck and Peter Fiore. “You can learn so much just from observing how other artists work,” he said.
He has painted in the Annual Adirondack Plein Air Festival in 2021 and paints plein air every Wednesday with The Official Peace Valley Painters. He finds that he paints better if he doesn’t paint every day, building himself up as it were. “I’d rather do a few good paintings than several bad ones,” he said.
Watercolor artist Jane Ramsey also paints in the group and is owner of Simons Fine Art Framing & Gallery in Dublin, PA where Mark shows his work. Jane said, “Mark creates a sense of place,
like you can walk right into his paintings. There’s an honest capture of what he’s seeing before him. He’s not a formula painter who paints what he thinks will sell.”
Mark has spoken at various art clubs in the area, most recently at the Doylestown Art League on how to bring plein air energy into studio work. He has also given talks at Simons Fine Art Framing & Gallery and at the Bethlehem Palette Club. He has won three awards at Phillips’ Mill exhibitions and a plein air award from Artists of Yardley. In 2024 he appeared in the Stover Mill Gallery juried art show where he received an Excellence in Landscape Award. In 2027 his work will be featured in a solo show at Stover Mill Gallery in Erwinna, PA.
Though most of his work consists of landscapes, as a dog owner Mark has also painted some touching portraits of them.
The one piece of advice he has for other painters is, “You must have fun. You have to!” he stressed. “Whenever I’m outdoors painting,” he added, “I always take a few minutes, put the brushes down and admire what a beautiful world we live in, and to not take it for granted.”
To see Mark’s work, visit The Official Peace Valley Painters on Facebook. Mark is also on Instagram (@markmccoy61) and can be contacted by email: markmccoy2@verizon.net.v
Michele Malinchak is a freelance writer who has a degree in art and enjoys oil painting.
Mandy Mundy’s Mission
As Executive Director of the Bucks County Foundation, Mandy Mundy’s mission is, in her words, “to turn the mission of supporting community into impact.”
During high school, after dismissal, I’d head to my part-time non-profit job.
It was an early phone-soliciting gig, and while it preceded cell phones and caller ID, it wasn’t very productive. Asking for money is never easy. It requires a dedicated team of believers, a dedicated team of donors and some very good causes. So, when I recently spoke with Mandy Mundy, Executive Director of the Bucks County Foundation, it confirmed my beliefs. The reason so many of Bucks County’s non-profits run and run well is thanks to the Foundation. They are an integral component in connecting donors with who they refer to as partners—
those hand-selected non-profit charities than spread the wealth around.
Take for example, the Michener Art Museum. According to their Development Director, Candace Clark, the Foundation has been supporting the museum’s exhibits and facilities through grants, for over two decades. “Community foundations are great,” she says. “They are locally rooted to the region, responding to the needs right here and now.” While we didn’t talk specific numbers, Candace mentioned the high price of bringing national exhibitions to our local community. She says exhibition is the main driver of everything, so support is essential.
It’s a similar situation with another
partner, the Special Equestrian’s Therapeutic Riding Center in Warrington. I have written about them before, coming to know just how important they are to the community of children and adults with special needs and disabilities. The Bucks County Foundation gives them the ability to offer activities to all people. There’s an arena for riding, stables for housing and care of the horses. And as anyone with horses knows, it all comes with a significant price tag. Add to that the fact that similar programs have folded, and you have an already lengthy wait list growing daily. As Executive Director Janice Witt says, “Every grant received is a general operating support grant, which supports our mission rather than specific programs. This will be our 21st annual grant, now totaling $100k.” She’s hoping funding will help them grow enough to build a second riding arena to meet demand. These are but two of the dozens of ongoing projects that get funded each year. Grace Deon, President of the foundation’s Distribution Committee says they do their best to look at grants in different categories. “There is funding of a variety of causes in an attempt to cover diversified causes, including mental health and inclusivity groups, anti-bullying programs (among many others). It depends upon what’s going on in the world,” she says. Her goal is to uphold the mission of the foundation, which is to serve as a charitable trust managing permanent endowment funds that serve the community in arts and culture, education, animal causes, health and human service and the environment, “We uphold our fiduciary commitments and all the activities that ensure that the foundation is matching donors to the right deserving programs,”
Mandy Mundy has been the Executive Director for four years. She says it’s her job to “turn the mission of supporting community into impact.” She builds relationships between needs and those who can
meet them. “In these connections” she says, “We make grants happen. My job is to understand where the gaps and pressing issues are and address them.” While she’s been at it for a handful of years, the Foundation has been at it for 47 years. “It was founded by community leaders who recognized a need for philanthropy and the establishment of a permanent endowment for local causes. The community foundations build and sustain charitable assets that will serve this community forever.”
On a daily basis, Mandy works with both donors and partners. “I enjoy being a connector,” she says, “My job allows me to visit non-profits, see their cause and meet the people. I like seeing mission-focused work in action.” Recipients of grants and scholarships take her to all types of places, like equine centers, museums, food pantries and schools. “I love attending awards ceremonies where a student is the recipient of a scholarship. I get to shake their hand and support them.” Janice can attest to that. “She takes an active interest here at the equestrian center. She is a great community partner who comes to support our events and hand delivers grant checks.”
“We are local. We know local. We give local.” That’s Mandy’s mantra. The main five categories can overlap and sometimes can shift. As you might imagine, during Covid, funds for health and wellness took priority, though once an annual application is approved and money allocated, that’s where it will go.
I sometimes think people don’t actively see ’need’ in Bucks, but it’s very much there. From affordable housing to food insecurity to meeting general basic human needs, it covers the gamut, all the way up to providing citizens the opportunity for cultural and intellectual growth. “Applications have doubled. It’s hard to keep up with demand, including access to essential goods and keeping families stable,” says Mandy. And
the causes are what you might expect—rising costs for just about everything, shifting priorities during emergency situations, population growth and change, and the housing market. I asked Mandy how people find out about the foundation. Estate planners and lawyers can play a role in the connection of donors, and partners learn about them through social media, local advertising and school guidance programs. “We have nearly 100 individual named funds, with grants awarded to non-profit 501c3 organizations,” Mandy says. “Grants are awarded twice a year, in spring and fall, with contingencies for emergencies. In scholarships alone, nearly $450k is distributed annually, based on merit, financial need, academic performance, sports and activities and volunteer work”
So, why a foundation? According to Grace, it’s knowing that your funds will be directed as intended. An attorney herself, she explained how foundations can protect
a donor’s money, by allocating funds to either the desired recipient, or in the case of a defunct designated organization or charity, earmark it for a similar cause. “We cover your donations whether a particular business is still around. It’s protection,” she says. There never seems to be a shortage of needs, and luckily in Bucks, so many of them are being met through the Bucks County Foundation. As Margaret Meade said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
The Bucks County Foundation can be reached at 215-997-8566 or by email at mm@buckscountyfoundation.org. For more information, visit www.buckscoun tyfoundation.org.
Cynthia Marone is a freelance writer from Philadelphia, PA.
HEARING SERVICES
Tea house for Sna rks
Jenni-Lyn Williams, Chief Snark Officer of Snarky Tea has opened a teahouse in Doylestown with its own blend of quality teasand décor that pays tribute to Alice In Wonderland
By Mary Beth Schwartz
Just the place for a Snark! Just the place for a Snark! I have said it twice: That alone should encourage the crew. Just the place for a Snark! I have said it thrice: What I tell you three times is true.” Those are immortal words of Lewis Carroll which are featured in the narrative poem “The Hunting of the Snark.” The Snark, a mythical creature that
is elusive, mysterious, and wakes up late. Most important of all, The Snark is very ambitious, just like Jenni-Lyn Williams, Chief Snark Officer of Snarky Tea, and proprietor of Doylestown’s latest artistic wonder, The Snarky Tea House.
Let’s step back to year 2016, when Williams was working herself ragged for corporate America while raising children and
Photos:
Paul Wesley
earning her MBA at Villanova University. The daily routine was very stressful. The more stressed she became, the more caffeine she took in. This increased the anxiety and mid-day jitters. Williams finally went to the doctor, who suggested she switch to tea to cut back on the caffeine. The tea brands she found in the store were not for real women and didn’t suit her personality. So, Williams created her own line of teas, Snarky Tea. It took care of the marketing class requirement and her health.
The original line of Snarky Tea featured titles that were funny and “fresh,” now named ProfaniTEA. A successful e-commerce business was launched in 2016. Soon her tea was in Vogue magazine, then showcased at the Oscars. It was there that American Idol’s Randy Jackson suggested she apply to Shark Tank. In 2017, she flew to Los Angeles, seven months pregnant, to pitch
her tea tins on the show. Kevin O'Leary (Mr. Wonderful) tried Calm The F**k Down tea, and Bethenny Frankel (Skinnygirl, Real Housewives) had Fierce B*tch. The two sharks gave the Philadelphia native an investment of $150,000 for 50% of her company. This investment helped to launch the brand.
In June of 2024, Williams bought out the sharks and became the sole proprietor of Snarky Tea. She then traveled with family to Paris to visit tearooms. The decision was made to start a local tearoom where the online audience could come experience Snarky Tea. Williams asked her sister, Courtney Nicholas, if she would help to run the tearoom. The Grand Opening was held on Friday, June 13, 2025. “The Snarky Tea House in Doylestown is the public-facing storefront where customers can experience the themed tearoom and
purchase Snarky Tea products, accessories and swag. Then there is our production warehouse in Hatboro, where we currently employ 35 women. This year we will ship hundreds of thousands of tea orders to our Snark Squad family,” notes Nicholas.
What is the Snark Squad? It began as an online Facebook group for fellow tea lovers. It has grown to a communiTEA of amazing women supporting women through the good times and the bad. It currently has 22,000 members. Snark Squad members have been traveling from all
around the country to enjoy afternoon tea. “This spot has all the vibes. People just light up here. We love offering our Snarky Tea family those warm fuzzy feels.”
When visitors arrive at the tearoom, they are magically transported into the dreamlike world of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. It begins when you enter through the front door, which has a giant keyhole. If you look at the back of the keyhole you will spot the White Rabbit, complete with his pocket watch and waistcoat, who is in quite a hurry. The Queen of
Hearts is quietly lurking behind the door, ready for someone’s head. Take one step in and take in the vibrant art of the room: black and white checkered tiles, Parisian awnings, boxwood covered walls, brightly colored flowers, framed vignettes, miniature teapots, electric butterflies, decorative mirrors, curios, hand painted murals. The goofy Mad Hatter is ready to pour you a cuppa.
Alice is patiently reading a book in the corner. Immediately look to your right and you are now in the retail shop. The loose-leaf teas are displayed so lovingly, along with travel tumblers, artisan mugs, tea brewing systems, tea tins, friendship bracelets, tea accessories, Snarky Tea packets—lots of topsy-turvy tea ware.
“Jenni-Lyn consulted Mycel Gorman at Design Works in Bristol. It took over six months to hand make the decorations inside. She designed everything in here. The flowers, the tucked-in greenery, the inside awnings, floral themed wall sconces. She
dissected and painted lawn ornaments. All the picture frames were hand painted. She created the glass plated table in the tearoom. All the Wonderland statues came from a movie prop company via a flatbed. The list goes on,” Nicholas adds.
After you greet Alice you will pass the kitchen on the right, complete with a row of glass teapots ready afternoon tea. Another burst of eye-popping color awaits you as you enter the quaint dining area, which intimately seats up to 29 guests. You will be joined by the grinning Cheshire Cat, and the hookah alerts you that the Caterpillar is nearby. An antique green glass chandelier illuminates the room. The quirky walls are covered in framed Alice vignettes featuring antique accents, cards, and other curiosities. A wonderful wall of clocks has times set to represent Williams’s family members. Generations of her family work for Snarky Tea–aunts, cousins, nieces, and
sisters. “Alice speaks to all of us.”
When you are seated for afternoon tea you will discover a list of the 11 bold looseleaf teas served at the tearoom. (Online they have over 150 seasonal teas blended throughout the year.) Black teas (high caffeine) include Basic Black, Earl Grey, Peachy Keen, and Caramel Chai. There is the Tropical Sunrise green tea (medium caffeine). Herbal teas include Mindful Mint, Hibiscus Glow, and Lavender Lemonade. Fruit teas include Blueberry Apple Pie, Raspberry Lemonade, and Blue Pineapple Mango. Alice would say, “Drink me.” I enjoyed the Blue Pineapple Mango, an electric
blue tea with a vibrant taste. My friend Mel opted for the Raspberry Lemonade. The
glass teapots were so colorful and sassy on the table. The teas were so smooth and natural. I could taste the real botanicals, real fruits. I didn’t miss the caffeine or sugar.
As you are waiting for your tier of tea goodies to arrive, spend time taking in the walls. Before you know it, Alice will be saying, “Eat me.” My friend and I were served three tiers. One featured the sandwiches: Cucumber and Herbed Cream Cheese on White Bread; Cranberry Butter and Turkey
on a Brioche Bun; and Chicken Salad on Pretzel Roll. For the scones: Cardamom Apple Crisp (imagine Apple Jacks cereal) and Maple Bacon (mmm, Sunday breakfast). These were served with homemade clotted cream, lemon curd, and seasonal fruit jam. The desserts: Autumn Harvest Éclair, Fig Balsamic Macaroon, and Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Tartlet. The amazing kitchen staff makes everything in house. Note that every tea reservation is allotted
one hour and 30 minutes.
On our way out of the tearoom we decided to purchase some fresh loose-leaf teas to prepare at home. Some blends that will be available during the holidays include Shirley Temple, Gingerbread House, and Merry + Bright. Festive tins and gift sets will be available as well. I already have told my friends to book in advance for holiday tea, which will be offered from December 4 through January 4. This tea will have an expanded menu with lots of festive flavors. Starting on November 1, there will also be a children’s tea option.
To make a reservation for your one-ofa-kind afternoon tea, visit https://www.exploretock.com/the-snarky-teahouse-doylest own. Reservations are available eight weeks in advance. Tearoom hours are Thursday
through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The last seating is at 2:45 p.m. Street parking is available during the week. During busy weekends, parking is available at the Broad & Court Street Garage in Doylestown. The Snarky Tea House is located at 24 North Main Street in Doylestown. For more information, call 267-576-7300 or visit www.thesnarkyteahouse.com. For online shopping, use the Snarky Tea app or Snarky Tea website, www.snarkytea.com.v
Mary Beth Schwartz is a tea enthusiast who enjoys the art of afternoon tea. Her visit to The Snarky Tea House brought back fond childhood memories of proper tea parties with her dollies and lazy afternoons watching Disney’s 1951 animated classic Alice in Wonderland in wonderful technicolor.
BUILDING SUCCESS
Getting Ready
Doylestown gets ready when April showers herald the summer or a street lamp sits idly during the day. When muscians tune their instruments and flowers blooming await bees to symbiotically feed on them while spreading their beauty through pollination. Gloomy clouds and shadows await another sunny day and spring and summer nights wait a little longer to be lit by street lights. All creation groans, waiting for something more magnificent, but while it waits in Doylestown, beauty is caught in mini-seconds by the lens of a photographer who tells a story of anticipation ... of Doylestown getting ready.
A photo essay by Stephen Barth
All Photos
Copyright Stephen Barth
Dining Out v John Roberts
Vernafern
Tucked right into the heart of downtown Doylestown, Vernafern is the kind of place that feels both polished and approachable at the same time. It’s not overly formal, but it’s definitely a step above your everyday casual spot—perfect for a date night, a relaxed lunch, or even just a “treat yourself” kind of evening.
What makes Vernafern stand out right away is its menu. It leans modern American, but with a creative twist that keeps things interesting without getting too complicated. You’ll recognize most of the ingredients, but the way they’re put together gives each dish a little personality.
Let’s start with the appetizers, because honestly, that’s where things get fun. The Maryland-style crab cake is a standout— served with shoestring fries and tartar sauce, it’s a classic done right with just enough flair to elevate it. If you’re in the mood for something lighter but still packed
with flavor, the beet tartare is a great pick. It’s got wasabi peas and tamari pearls mixed in, which gives it a nice balance of earthy and slightly spicy notes.
Another crowd-pleaser is the polenta fries with chipotle aioli. They’re crispy on the outside, soft inside, and just a little smoky thanks to the aioli. And if you’re someone who likes comfort food with a twist, the Swedish meatballs—served with brown gravy and mashed potatoes—hit that cozy sweet spot.
Moving into salads, Vernafern doesn’t treat them like an afterthought. The poached pear salad is a great example. With toasted hazelnuts, blue cheese, and a maple balsamic vinaigrette, it’s one of those dishes that feels both fresh and indulgent at the same time. It’s the kind of salad that could easily double as your main course if you’re not super hungry.
There’s also a playful side to the menu. Dishes like Boardwalk fries—potato
Doylestown Profiles
Read about five Doylestown people who have contributed to our community in many ways.
NEW HOPE EQUINE • Dr. Sarah Bye, Equine Veterinarian
New Hope Equine is a mobile veterinary service focused on a whole-horse approach. Dr. Sarah Bye takes the time to get to know you and your horse to create a customized plan to optimize health and wellbeing. Every aspect of your horse is evaluated with a thorough physical exam, oral exam, nutritional consultation, and soundness evaluation. Dr. Bye also offers integrative services, including chiropractic and acupuncture services.
Dr. Sarah Bye is a Bucks County native. She grew up competing in eventing with her off-thetrack thoroughbred, Rocky, and combined driving with her miniature horses.
After graduating from Wellesley College, Dr. Bye attended Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine where she worked as a technician in the large animal hospital and was recognized with the Outstanding Senior Award. Dr. Bye earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2017 and went on to complete an equine internship at Unionville Equine in Oxford, PA. She has participated in several service trips to Peru and Nicariagua with the Humane Society of the United States, providing veterinary care to working equids in rural communities. Dr. Bye strives to provide personalized care by getting to know you and your horse's unique needs. She is passionate about wellness care and integrative medicine. She is certified in animal chiropractic by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and practices, traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, including acupuncture and herbal medicine.
In her free time, Dr. Bye works on her farm and cares for her horse, pony, miniature horses, donkeys and goat. She also enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and dog.
To schedule an appointment, email appointments@nhequine.com. For more information, www.nhequine.com.
TIM
CONIFF COMEDY • Tim Coniff, Comedian & Keynote Speaker
Tim Conniff is a clean standup comedian and award winning speaker who travels the country motivating people and making them laugh.Tim performs at over 100 events annually at comedy clubs, corporate events, community groups, and churches. He is an avid fundraiser, helping to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for many national and local charities through his speaking and comedy.
His comedy is often described as smart, playful and interactive and covers a wide range of topicss, including family life, our generational differences, growing up as an 80s kid and current events. And he is safe for work and children too as Tim has performed for Orthodox Jewish and Amish groups, retired nuns and Fortune 500 companies.
With more than 25 years of success at Johnson & Johnson in sales, training, and leadership, Tim Conniff is an award-winning keynote speaker. His signature talk, “Your Comfort Zone is No Joke!” takes audiences on a high-energy, humorous journey that inspires personal and professional growth.
This fun, interactive session explores practical strategies for stepping outside comfort zones, overcoming setbacks, managing negative self-talk, and channeling it into confidence and productivity—always leaving audiences both laughing and reflecting on the messages they needed to hear.
A Northeast PA native and University of Scranton graduate, Tim now lives in Bucks County, PA with his wife and two sons.
If you’d like to see one of his comedy shows you can find his schedule of events on his website at www.timconniff.com.
PHEONIX ART SUPPLIES & FRAMING • Jenny Schaeffer, owner, artist
For more than forty years, Jenny Schaeffer has had an influential presence in the picture framing world. Today, as the owner of Phoenix Art Supplies and Framing in Doylestown, Jenny continues to shape the visual landscape of Bucks County, where artists, museums, schools, and local businesses rely on her expertise.
Jenny’s connection to Phoenix began in 2010, when Margaret Matheson hired her as framing manager. In 2022, Jenny purchased Phoenix, stepping into ownership with a clear vision: to expand its reach while honoring its legacy. Among the traditions she has proudly preserved is the annual 40 Art Show, Bucks County’s oldest miniature exhibition.
Beyond framing, Jenny is an accomplished artist who works across acrylics, oils, pastels, and more. Her work has been featured—and awarded—at respected regional exhibitions such as Phillips’ Mill and Tinicum Arts. This hands-on experience informs her approach in the shop, where she helps customers navigate materials with both knowledge and enthusiasm.
In recent years, Jenny has expanded Phoenix into a hub for artistic exchange. She developed a community demonstration space where monthly sessions invite artists to explore techniques, experiment with new materials and learn from one another in welcoming, hands-on workshops.
Her commitment to community runs deep. Jenny partners with organizations including local Museums, the Bucks County IU, the Al Hirschfeld Foundation, and The Groveland Group.
From Doylestown and throughout Bucks County, Jenny Schaeffer is known, not only for her skill, but also for her generosity and vision. In every sense, she does more than frame art—she helps sustain the community that creates it.
Phoenix Art Supplies & Framing is located at 1810 S. Easton Rd., Doylestown, PA. For more information, call 215-345-0980, email create@phoenixartsupplies.com or visit www.phoenixartsupplies.com.
The Perry Ercolino family has been in the shoe business since 1933, and Perry learned the fundamentals of the trade in his father’s workshop. He studied design in Milan, and has been hand-crafting bespoke and custom shoes for over thirty-five years.
He says, “Mindful of European fashion currents, I help every customer examine and interpret his individual style. My clients are prominent businessmen, Hollywood luminaries and sports icons. I work closely with each client to design a shoe whose every detail will perfectly complement his unique attire and lifestyle. My artistic philosophy is to build fine custom shoes, one pair at a time, using only premium leathers and time-honored shoemaking techniques.”
The soul of a handmade shoe is fine leather. Ercolino’s sources have produced their leather using the ancient method of “pit tanning.” The hides are submerged in pits filled with water, oak bark and berries for eighteen months. The result is flawless leather with great wicking, flexibility and longevity.
A pair of bespoke shoes begins with a vision. Perry meets personally with every client to take measurements and imprints of the feet, draft a design and select materials. Then he sends the measurements to England where a skilled artisan translates this information into a pair of hand-carved “lasts.” The last determines the shoe’s fit, and a custom-cut last ensures a customfitting shoe. To make a pair of shoes by hand is an arduous process that requires over sixty hours of meticulous labor.
Perry Ercolino’s workshop is located at 51 E. Oakland Avenue, Doylestown, PA. Personal visits can be scheduled at your home. To make an appointment, call Perry Ercolino Custom Shoemakers 215-348-5885 or Perry Ercolino’s mobile 215-262-0442. For more information, visit www.perryercolino.com.
DERMATOLOGY PARTNERS • Aziz Khan, MD, FAAD, Dermatologist
Aziz Khan, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist leading the Doylestown clinic for Dermatology Partners, which opened in August 2025. Dr. Khan is widely respected and highly experienced in dermatology, internal medicine, and public health. Known for his expertise in medical and surgical dermatology, Dr. Kahn aims to provide personalized, comprehensive skin care in a welcoming, state-of-the-art setting.
He also contributes to dermatology research with published content in prestigious medical journals and presents at national and international conferences, where he provides his insights on complex dermatological cases. His work spans topics such as the role of nutrition in dermatologic conditions, atopic dermatitis, and skin cancer.
He also stresses the importance of sun safe habits and yearly skin checks, reminding patients that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. but highly treatable if caught early.
Dr. Khan completed his dermatology residency at the University of Connecticut. Prior to this, Dr. Khan completed an internal medicine residency at UConn Health and served as an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, reflecting his dedication to patient care and medical education.
Upper Bucks County is underserved for dermatology and the addition of Dr. Khan in the community opens up access to New Hope, Mechanicsville, and many other Upper Bucks communities while also expanding access for the residents of Doylestown.
Dr. Khan’s professional affiliations include the American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Physicians, Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, and Aga Khan University Alumni Association.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Khan, call (267) 805-8820 or to book online at www.dermpartners.com.
wedges paired with smoked paprika aioli—bring a casual, almost nostalgic vibe, while still fitting into the restaurant’s overall upscale feel.
One thing you’ll notice is that Vernafern strikes a nice balance between refined and relaxed. You can order something adventurous like beet tartare, or stick with something more familiar like calamari with chili garlic marinara. Either way, it feels like the kitchen knows exactly what it’s doing.
The atmosphere plays a big role in the experience too. Being right on Main Street in Doylestown, the restaurant has that lively, small-town energy outside, while inside it’s a bit more intimate and comfortable. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time—order a couple of starters, maybe share a few plates, and just enjoy the evening without feeling rushed.
Overall, Vernafern is one of those spots that doesn’t try too hard, and that’s exactly why it works. The menu is thoughtful but approachable, the dishes are creative with-out being over-the-top, and there’s something for just about everyone. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick lunch or settling in for a longer dinner, it’s a place that makes you want to come back and try something new next time.
Vernafern is located at 22 S Main St, Doylestown, PA. For more information visit www.vernafern.com.
Gift Baskets • Coffee Tea • Candy • Nuts Herbs & Spices Specialty Baking Items And Much More
Crosskeys Place
800 N. Easton Road Doylestown, PA 215-345-5757
www.larderofdoylestown.com
Last Page / Dr. Christina Davis (ND)
1931 - 2020
Dr. Christina Davis (ND), a pioneering naturopathic physician, educator, inventor, researcher, author, and compassionate advocate for holistic healing, passed away on February 5th, 2026. She was 85. Dr. Davis later dedicated her life to integrating natural and conventional approaches to wellness, and opened her private N.D. practice (The Golden Wellness Center, Glenside, PA in 1998.) In lieu of retiring at 69, Dr. Davis co-founded and served as president of the Peace Valley Holistic Center in Chalfont, Bucks County, a nonprofit for special needs children, youths, and families, which she established to provide innovative therapies, including advanced light therapy techniques, to help individuals improve communication, integration, and quality of life. Her work touched countless families, earning her recognition as a health care mentor and leader in holistic medicine. Dr. Davis was honored in 2007 with a Congressional Award for her many years of service to families in the community.
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