Doylestown Town & Country
Hardwood, Cork, Laminate, Luxury Vinyl Tile, Lenoleum
Vinyl, Carpet, Area Rugs, Runners, Ceramic Tile
Window Blinds
A Bucks County farm painted in compelling colors by our artist-inresidence Alan Fetterman.
From My Desk / Bob Waite
Walking by a lake, the poet William Wordsworth feels “lonely as a cloud” but his loneliness disappears when he “saw a crowd, a host, of golden daffodils; beside the lake, beneath the trees, fluttering and dancing in the breeze.” And we see those dancing flowers as we drive along the roads surrounding Doylestown and the rest of Bucks County. We see the daffodils planted by Bucks Beautiful—one of this Doylestown based organization’s efforts to add beauty to Bucks County. In our Spring/Summer 2024 issue of Doylestown Town & Country, you can find out more about how Bucks Beautiful enhances our lives through the planting of flowers, bulbs and trees in parks, on the roadside and at public schools. Chrysa Smith writes about the organization, its founding, its fundraising and its plantings in “Bucks Beautified.”
In this issue you will meet Beth Jester who wished she could find a support group for families like hers—grandfamilies. Grandfamilies are families where the grandchildren are being raised by grandparents. In her search she found nothing, but rather than give up she cofounded a group called Bucks County Grandfamilies Support Group and later wrote a book for children in grandfamilies. We tell her story and present pages from this beautifully illustrated book.
Our featured artist is Tracey Everly, who is an intuitive painter who plans every move and believes that every mark on the canvas is a decision and that it is important for an artist to take risks. Our People department features Michener Art Museum’s New Executive Director, Anne Corso and her vision for the future of the museum. We also feature two restaurants, profiles of Doylestown people, an Around Town section and more about places to go and things to see.
William Wordsworth, at the end of his poem, writes of lying on his couch in solitude seeing those dancing daffodils “flash upon that inward eye.” He then recalls, “And then my heart with pleasure fills, and dances with the daffodils.” In Doylestown our hearts can dance with flowers too.
Doylestown Town & Country
Publisher
William N. Waite
President
Vicky M. Waite
Executive Editor
Bob Waite
Art Director
BCM MEDIA, INC.
Photography
Bobby Waite
Account Executives
Lisa Bridge, Bobby Waite
Jim Padilla, Ann Ferro Murray
Adminstration/Circulation
Melissa Kutalek
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 2024
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
May 15: Women in Business Bingo night
May 30: Young Professional Network Meetup
June 6: Women in Business Spring Fling
June 15: Bucks Fever Festival
June 22: Bucks Fever Talent Show
July 25: Young Professionals Cornhole Tournament
August 5: Annual Golf Outing
June -August: Bucks Fever Brown Bag-it with the Arts www.centralbuckschamber.com.
31st Annual Doylestown 5k Race
May 25: 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.
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 artists from the Pennsylvania Academy 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.
Pearl S Buck
May 16: 60th Anniversary Gala Through May 31: Hidden Gems: Fashioning A Legacy
June 26: Living the Legacy Breakfast: 60 Years, Pearl S. Buck Historic Estate 520 Dublin Road, Perkasie, PA 18944; www.pearlsbuck.org.
Peddlers Village
Through May 12: Cupcake Decoration Competition
May 4-5 Strawberry festival
May-August: Sand Sculptures in the Village
June 15-30: Bucks Fever- Art & Sculpture Exhibition
July 4-7: Red, White, Blue BBQ Bash
August 3-4: Peach Festival
Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, PA. 215-7944000; www.peddlersvillage.com.
Peace Valley Nature Center
Ongoing: Saturday Morning Walks
May 11: Nature Connections: Hooray for Hummingbirlds
May 18: Plant Sale
May 25: Nature Discovery Day
June 8: Mushroom Meander
June 21: Solstice Hike Campfire
170 North Chapman Road, Doylestown, PA. 215-345-7860; www.peacevalleynaturecenter.org.
Mercer Museum
May-October: Movies at the Mercer
May 4: "The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution" Exhibition
May 9 ,23, July 25, August 8: Meet the Curator Tours: Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution
May 9: Coffee at the Castle
May 17: An Evening of Folk Music
June 15:3rd Annual Juneteenth at the Mercer Museum
July 12-13: Shakespeare at the Castle: "Love's Labour's Lost"
August 1: Toasting the Tories
August 21: Doans and the Revolution
84 South Pine Street, Doylestown, PA 18901; 215-345-0210; www.mercermuseum.org.
Fonthill Museum
May 24, June 20-21, July 26, & August 9: Fonthill Castle Evening Tours
May 31, June 28, & August 16: Coffee and Donuts
July 4: Fonthill Castle 4th of July
August 24: Fonthill Castle Beer Fest 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 20: 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.
Bedminster Traditional Artisan Show
August 17-18: Meet over 35 of the top American folk artists, handcrafted period American art, museum reproductions. What you will see in the booths at the University is decorative arts, paintings (both oil paintings and theorem art), fabric art, pottery, furniture, quilts, baskets, carvings, all produced with the most skilled and conscientious craftsmanship. This wonderful fine arts & craft show is conducted each year in Doylestown, PA at the Delaware Valley University. www.traditionalartisanshow.com.
Bucks County Classic Race
September 8: 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.
Doylestown Art Festival
September 7-8: 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.
Shopping in and Around Doylestown
AROUND TOWN
Closets Creation creates storage solutions and gives people the opportunity to organize their space by building custom closets for any room in their house. Closets Creation offers a full selection of storage and custom closet organization solutions that are tailored to your room and will help you manage clutter. They will help you personalize your storage spaces with custom solutions that will fit your lifestyle.
Eugene Romanchuk, owner of this family business, is motivated by a desire to help people organize their living space in creative ways. The process is simple. Eugene explains, “A new client either calls or emails us and we meet them at their site or home and we go to the room or to the space, closet, pantry, laun-
Creating Storage and Custom Closet Organizaton
dry, to wherever the need is, and we measure the space. We analyze and design it to make it a custom fit for the client —to make sure what we design is going to work specifically for their needs. So the client can actually use it the way he lives, the way he likes, and the way that’s going to be convenient for him.”
Eugene loves what he does and says, because “I know we’re making something productive, something that other people can enjoy. It's not something that we just do to make money.”
Closets Creation is in Doylestown. For a free consultation, call 215-872-2109 or email closetscreation@gmail.com. For more information visit www.closetscreation.com.
Nicole Visniski
Nicole Visniski, salesperson for Coldwell Banker Hearthside in Doylestown, has a keen understanding of local market trends and neighborhoods. Using this knowledge of the area, she can help her clients price a house to sell and make an offer to purchase a home or investment property. She is known for her integrity and she forms relationships by building trust with her clients. Nicole Visniski lives in the area she serves and is genuinely concerned about the cities, towns, and neighborhoods where we live and work. Prior to joining Coldwell Banker, she balanced a busy schedule as a mother of four, part time teacher, photographer, volunteer, and professional singer. Before that, she taught
music, choir and drama for eight years. She also has a B.A. in Vocal Performance and a Master’s in Education. She is a member of the Daughters of American Revolution, the Junior League of Philadelphia, the Bucks County Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. In her free time, Nicole enjoys gardening, quilting, baking, singing in a local choir and leading worship at a local church.
Nicole Visniski’s office is located at Coldwell Banker Hearthside, 212 N Main St, Doylestown, PA. To contact Nicole, call 609-802-8315 or email n.visniski@cbhearthside.com.
AROUND TOWN
10th Anniversary Show
Lovely Lady Bugs Celebrates 15 Years
Lovely Lady Bugs in Perkasie celebrates being in business for 15 years. The store is known for selling high quality women’s and children’s clothing at remarkably low prices. Lovely Ladybugs is a consignment store that sells clothing to children and their mothers and also some men’s clothing. Michaela, the owner says, “I primarily sell clothing and toys, but I also sell shoes and purses and some small accessories as well.”
Doylestown Guide 2024
Jean Childs Buzgo will open May 4th and will be at Silverman Gallery until June 9th. Her distinctive, energetic brushstrokes are juxtaposed with balanced compositions and invigorated with a mood-driven new color palette. “Exploring different color mixes, subjects and approaches keeps things fresh and exciting for me.” The Silverman Gallery is located at 4920 York Road, Route 202, Holicong, PA. For more information, contact Silverman Gallery at 215-794-4300; www.silvermangallery.com
Michaela only accepts consignments that are in very good condition with “very little wear and tear.” Her items are sold at 60% below retail and are mainly name brands. Lovely Lady Bugs is located at 1155 N 5th St, Perkasie. For information on consignment, call 215-257-5615 or visit www.the lovelyladybugstore.com.
Gratz Gallery & Conservation Studio has been a trusted partner for fine art conservation for private collectors, museums, historical societies, religious and educational institutions for over 40 years.
Conservation Services Fine Art & Frame Restoration Before & After
Conservation services include cleaning and beva linings,paintings and murals, frame and object conservation,architectural gilding, gold leaf specialists.
Call for free estimates
5230 Silo Hill Road, Doylestown, PA 18902 / Tel: 215.348.2500 www.gratzgallery.com / email: pgratz@gratzgallery.com
Tuesday through Saturday 10 - 6, Sunday 12 - 6
April 20–October 13
Featuring over 40 bronze sculptures, maquettes, and frescoes inside and outside of the Museum. MichenerArtMuseum.org
George R. Anthonisen (b. 1936), Creation, 1981–82. Bronze, 24 × 24 × 14 inches. Edition 3/9. Collection of Carol and Louis Della Penna. Photo by Christian Giannelli.
AROUND TOWN
Doylestown
Born and Bred
Since 1990, Jacqueline Rickards-Pomper has been involved with the Doberman Pinscher Breed. In January of 1991, Jacque was given her first show Doberman Pinscher by her two mentors, Diane Downey of Amulet Dobermans and Thomas Siligato of Vali-T Dobermans. Both from Washington Crossing, PA.— CH. Vali-T’s Double Take “Handsom Ransom”
Since then the desire and passion of breeding the best Doberman possible has continued to resonate in her thoughts and plans. Jacque has also Field Trialed German Wirehaired Pointers, was a surgical Vet Technician for 10 years, has bred and shown Chihuahuas, both long & smooth coats. One of Jacque’s recent breedings, ranked a puppy girl as a Top Twenty DPCA Obedience positions last year.
For approximately 14 years, Jacque has Owned and Operated Dog Daze Canine Hair Design, LLC and last year opened Crate Escapes Dog Daycare. Both located on Broad Street in Doylestown.
Jacque’s passion for breeding healthy, beautiful show dogs for generations will be on stage this year at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Jacque’s first American Silver Grand Champion, Canadian Champion, International Champion as well as a Multiple Best In Specialty Show Winner … Trudalu’s Cerchio Indietro Vali-T, “Tripp,” has made the lottery and will be competing on May 14, 2024 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York.
To schedule an appointment with Dog Daze Canine Hair Design, LLC or Crate Escapes Dog Daycare call Jacqueline at 215-230-7529 or visit www.dogdazeca ninehairdesign.com.
Sleeves Rolled Up
The Michener Art Museum’s New Executive Director, Anne Corso, has rolled up her sleeves and is working hard to increase community involvement and make art more accessible to everyone
Ann Corso’s Pennsylvania roots run deep. She grew up in West Chester, went to Rosemont College, followed by The University of The Arts. She gained managerial experience at museums in Reading, Delaware, and Virginia. And, after five years as Executive Director of The Southern Vermont Arts Center, she has come home—now serving as Executive Director
at the Michener Art Museum.
You might say Anne was meant for this job. As a young girl, she says, “My mom would take me to the Philadelphia Art Museum on Sundays, when admission was free. It was one of the most special moments of childhood. From then on, I knew I wanted to work in a museum and set my educational goals and professional sights in that direction.” One of her first jobs post college was working in a Philadelphia art gallery. “They represented Bucks County Impressionists such as Edward Redfield, Daniel Garber, and Fern Coppedge. So, to come back and see them every day and in homes and galleries makes me so grateful,” she says. During our conversation it became clear that her early experiences formed her trajectory toward museum ac-
cessibility. A good size population near world class museums never steps foot inside. And Anne wants all that to change.
The museum already runs targeted programs, like art camps for kids, family programs, concerts, art instruction and tours, but Anne wants more. New this year is the museum’s Access for All program, funded by the Art Bridges Foundation. It will provide free admission days and extend hours to include evenings. The hope is to give those individuals and families who can’t or don’t get to the museum an easier path. In a nutshell, The Michener wants more visitors—introducing community residents to the inspiring, even therapeutic effects that art offers. Look for a program called Art for All, which provides a guided gallery experience for
Kathleen Herb Brower D.M.D. MD
Therese DiFloria Brennan D.M.D. MD
Alzheimer patients and their caregivers. Anne calls it a positive and beautiful program, providing respite from dealing with the difficulties of everyday living. Overall, the museum will be taking a deep dive into partnering with the community and serving their needs. “All institutions are regrouping post-Covid,” Anne says, “We’re looking long and hard at our marketing and social media plans. There will be new branding and a website campaign.” It’s all about getting the word out to the world that they’re here. They have a lot to offer. Come and explore.
A monumental task? Maybe. But Anne calls this a monumental year. Besides her quest to get the community involved on a regular basis, Monumental is the theme, which will include a larger-than-life sculp-
tural exhibit called Monument and Myth: The America of sculptors Augustus Saint-Gaudens and Daniel Chester French—and a complimentary exhibition featuring work by New Hope’s George Anthonisen. It will add another layer of interest to their permanent and rotating collections. Monumental work seems to be something Anne is most comfortable with. As Anne takes the reins, she’s trying to forge a balance between already having a legacy collection but adding new offerings. According to the director, “There is the legacy of George Nakashima, and now those artists who are working in that same tradition, whether it be in wood, ceramics or glass.”
Anne comes to Doylstown with her sleeves rolled up at the right time—namely,
continued on page 44
Intuitive Risks Taker
Tracy is an intuitive painter who plans every move, believes every mark on the canvas is a decision and that it is important for an artist to take risks
Tracy Everly thinks of painting as a language when words fail her. Her art explores the passage of time and the fleeting nature of being human, seeking to capture an experience as it slips away. Her paintings emerge out of many moments layered upon one another which she distills into a simplified form—a kind of poem. “I don’t aim to convey one static point in time or all that I see in a painting. I want one element of truth, one small but essential thing I want to suggest. She often asks herself, “How little do I need to say what I’m trying to say?”
In a YouTube video, “Beyond the Frame: Tracy Everly,” Tracy discusses her approach to painting. Photographs of each subject are shown
before she magically transforms them into works of art. “I show the viewer a view in process, happening before their eyes. Light shifts and wind moves in my work.”
Tracy was inspired by New Hope Impressionists but her style is more contemporary. Though her paintings are representational, she reaches into the realm of abstract design in many of her works. Her subjects consist mainly of floral still lifes and landscapes with buildings. The still lifes are painted from direct observation. “Working from life is my favorite way to paint and offers a richer experience,” she said. Many of the flowers she paints are grown in her garden. Her landscapes are created from a combination of observation, drawings and photographs.
The houses in her landscapes appear dreamlike and uninhabited. Their windows peer at us like dark eyes with stories to tell. “The paintings often convey a sense of mystery or ethereal other-worldliness that can be comforting and haunting at the same time,” she said. “Things are rarely fully resolved in my paintings, inviting the viewer to bring their own interpretations and experience.”
She uses broad brush strokes and a variety of tools to achieve her desired effect. Besides brushes, she uses palette knives, squeegees, pottery tools and ink brayers. Kitchen items such as wax paper are used to smooth areas of paint and skewers are
used to measure. “I use whatever methods
are at my disposal to get the painting to say
what I want it to say, and nothing is off the
table,” she said.
Her expressive style may look sponta-
neous, but everything is carefully planned
“The way it looks is not the way it was
created,” she said. “It might be quite la-
bored.” The amount of planning for each
painting varies. Sometimes she ’ll do rel-
atively quick blind contour drawings on
paper as a warm up.
“I believe there should be a reason for
every mark that you make—that it should
be to communicate something specific. Every mark is a decision,” she said. “You do have your happy accidents but everything is planned—does this stay, does this get scraped off? Everything is very carefully thought out.”
She’s largely an intuitive painter, but one who is firmly grounded in skills. “Having a solid understanding of drawing, color, values and composition are prerequisites to painting intuitively. You need to know how to play your instrument before you can improvise,” she said.
Tracy paints in oils with a limited palette consisting of eight colors plus white. Limiting her palette stemmed from years of painting plein air and wanting to keep things simple so she could focus on the harder stuff.
“I often paint in layers—sometimes wet over wet, and sometimes wet over dry. If I paint over a dry painting, I sometimes sand it to join/distress the surface and then paint over it, leaving some of the under layer showing.”
Her current favorite surface to paint on is oil primed linen mounted to a panel. She also paints on Ampersand gessobord, a prepared Masonite surface that's relatively slick. Additionally, she uses birch panels that she prepares and gessoes herself and paper that she seals and prepares.
She usually works on two paintings at a time. “They inform one another if I’m having difficulty,” she said. “Whatever I failed to do in one painting will come back to reward me in another,” she said. “They don’t all work out. If there’s enough right in it, I
can live with the wrong.” She loves the process of discovery in her art and remains open throughout, focusing on the whole painting experience rather than the parts.
“The two things I care about most when painting are building skills and experiencing joy,” she said. Risk taking is an important part of both. “If I trust the process, it will take me where I want to go,” she said.
In 2019 she participated in a week-long plein air event in Bucks County. Each artist was expected to finish two paintings by the end of the week, framed and ready to hang. “I wanted to bring something different to the table,” she said, “something less traditional.” “For the first few days I was so focused on making ‘good paintings’ that I was nearly paralyzed. I tried to play it safe, which was a disaster.”
Frustrated, she returned to a favorite painting spot. “I gave in to risk and told myself that it was okay if the paintings…were not my best work. By the last day, I had found my stride again and painted well enough to win an award …”
Tracy was born in Philadelphia in 1968 and moved to Holland, PA when she was nine. Although she enjoyed the verve of city life, she immediately connected with nature and Bucks County’s open spaces. She started drawing at a young age and at 14 took art classes in Southampton, PA at the Painters Nest.
She attended Council Rock High School (now Council Rock North) and left painting behind for a number of years. Instead, she studied English Literature at Temple University in Philadelphia where she earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree.
After she graduated, she entered the corporate world of marketing and public relations where she worked for ten years. She then became editor of a healthcare publication for another six years.
She returned to painting in her early 20’s fitting it in between work and her personal life on nights, weekends—even during lunch breaks in her car. She used an old cigar box to carry paints with her. In 2019 she left her job to pursue her art full time and hasn’t stopped painting since.
The opportunity to teach arose five years ago when she was asked to lead a workshop in Seattle, WA. Since then, she has taught on line and in person across the U.S. in Glen Arbor, MI and Nashville, TN. Next year she is looking to teach abroad in Italy. “I try to find a balance between teach-
ing and studio time,” she said.
As you might expect of an English major, Tracy is an avid reader. Mostly she reads books on art, such as Carlson’s Guide to Landscape Painting and Edgar Payne’s book, Composition of Outdoor Painting. “You can’t learn it all,” she said. “I’ll never stop learning. It’s part of what keeps me motivated.”
Some of her favorite artists include Patrick George, Andrew Wyeth and Nicholas De Stael. Tracy is mostly self-taught but has studied with individual artists such as Robert Beck, Jon Redmond, Peter Van Dyck, Stuart Shils and Christopher Gallego. In addition, she took classes at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia.
Her work has been included in both regional and national exhibitions. In September 2022 her work was shown at the
93rd Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill where her painting, Rapture won an award. Her work was also seen in October at the 9th Juried Art Show at Stover Mill, Erwinna, PA. Other awards include an Award of Distinction from the American Impressionist Society and two Bucks County Resident Artist Awards from the Bucks County Plein Air Festivals. Her work is represented by Morpeth Contemporary in Hopewell, NJ, Edgewater Gallery in Middlebury, VT, and Sugarlift (online at sugarlift.com)). She also
posts her paintings on Instagram.
On her website, www.tracyeverly.com, she reflects on her art in The Global Interview/Season 55. “Making art challenges me mentally, physically and spiritually and sometimes pushes me up against my limits. I think of the creative impulse as a living thing that grows and changes in unexpected ways. But that’s also what makes it so rewarding.”
Michele Malinchak is a freelance writer and avid gardener from Quakertown, PA.
Bucks Beautified
Driving to Doylestown you will notice things like daffodils on the roadside, gorgeous public and private gardens—the handiwork of Bucks Beautiful, the beautifiers of Bucks County
| By Chrysa Smith
I’ve heard it said by many. Is there any place more beautiful than Bucks County in spring? It’s not just residents. It’s the passersby that also see the daffodils on roadsides, flowers in public and private gardens, and an overall sense of community care and beautification. So, who’s behind it all?
Overwhelmingly, the Bucks Beautiful non-profit—their partners, supporters, and volunteers. The organization was founded by Bob(deceased) and Joyce Byers, of the Byers’ Choice company, along with Jack and Carol (deceased) McCaughan, long involved with Doylestown Health. And it all began as a nod to the beautiful plantings the Byers witnessed on
travels to Europe—wanting to bring a little slice of that back home.
I’ll admit. I’ve lived in Bucks for over 30 years and have seen the daffodils which line the bypass on Easton Road. I somehow knew that Bucks Beautiful was the responsible party— and that was it, until I sat down with Laurie To, Communications Director for the group. According to the organization’s official messaging, “Bucks Beautiful’s goal is to complement the world fame of Bucks County with a parade of lush, distinctive gardens. Individuals, organizations, and businesses are invited to participate in Bucks Beautiful and beautify Bucks County with distinctive gardens reflecting variety, color, creativity, and
visual impact.” They’ve done that and more—and it all starts with fundraising.
The organization derives its funds in several ways—from two major fundraisers, memberships, private donations, and when possible grants. In spring, there’s Spring Fling. A cocktail and dinner event that’s been held at Barley Sheaf Farm for several years, anywhere between 135-150 members. These charitable, garden-loving enthusiasts gather to eat, drink and be merry—all in the name of Bucks Beautiful. A more recent addition to the ‘sitdown’ is an online auction beginning two days prior to the April 19th event. “It’s a great way to support the organization, no matter what your budget is,” says Laurie. On the goodie list are products and experiences, including local restaurants, gift
baskets and international travel. This year, Europe and Africa are up for grabs for the highest bidder in far-reaching destinations, while a package to the National Parks is there for those who prefer to travel stateside. “There’s a little bit of everything,” Laurie says—even a basket for children. And it’s all for a good cause.
Come summer, the second fundraiser kicks off, with the annual Kitchen & Garden Tour. Several Bucks properties (usually six) are secured through homeowner offers, door-knocking, and referrals. On June 9th, after some preparation, these homes with stunning kitchens and gardens are open for public viewing. Those on this year’s tour are located in Doylestown, Perkasie, and Wycombe. For 29 years, the locations have varied, but one
Students at Afton Elementary School planting bulbs.
thing remains—the kindness of the public in supporting the cause, like membership does. Currently, 417 members enjoy the benefits—including VIP tickets to the Kitchen & Garden Tour, comp membership reception in the fall, discounted Spring Fling tickets and select community discounts.
So, what happens to the funds? They get distributed through programs and grants that run throughout the county. One such program is called Replant Bucks. “It’s an ongoing program aimed at
replacing thousands of trees that have died or been destroyed,” Laurie says.
And then there’s the annual Bulbs for Bucks campaign that plants thousands more daffodil bulbs throughout the county each fall. And it’s not just for adults. According to Laurie, there have been daffodil plantings at area schools— Groveland, Kutz, Bridge Valley and Buckingham Elementary schools, as well as educational gardens at CB West and New Hope/Solebury Middle School.
Afton Elementary in Yardley imple-
Trees palnted at George M. Bush Park in Buckingham.
Top, Arbor day tree planting. Below, students at Buckingham Elementary School planting bulbs.
mented a rather large daffodil garden on their property. Thousands of bulbs were secured through a grant from the nonprofit, who even helped with planting. “Kids were able to hand-plant bulbs, with the aid of Chuck Gale’s bulb planting machine,” Laurie says. Much praise goes to Chuck Gale—a long-timer and founder of the daffodil project. He’s lent his bulbplanter technology to all of the bulb projects to make planting easier. At Afton Elementary School, Laurie says, “Only one club at the school was involved in the project, and all the kids will be amazed when the bulbs pop up this spring.” Jamison Elementary also did a daffodil garden in addition to a wildflower meadow as a tribute to a former student who had passed.
Plantings can also be found in area parks and in some favorite county places like the Mercer, Fonthill, Central Park, Trinity Buckingham Church, Bush Park, Broad Street Park, and The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm. With two Master Gardeners on staff, Bucks Beautiful has the right people to both advise and educate. You can find YouTube videos with gardening tips, or perhaps take a class on pruning or holiday centerpieces at one of their cosponsored programs with Doylestown Township’s Green Scene series. They host
a free community event that takes place in May and October—a plant swap, where county residents can bring their overflow and perhaps pick up something untried.
One of the more touching services offered is memorial planting. What a wonderful way of remembering a loved one than in a nature setting that can be admired by all. It might take a little time because as Laurie says, it’s dependent on weather conditions, available crews, and time of year. But it’s just another piece of beauty Bucks Beautiful offers for those who love/d nature.
“One of the things we want people to know is that we try to plant native species when possible,” Laurie says. And while more native plantings take shape, daffodils most certainly are not. But they do bring a smile to my face, and I suspect, to thousands of others.
Bucks Beautiful is located at 85 East State Street in Doylestown. For more on Bucks Beautiful programs, grants, membership, and accomplishments, visit www.bucksbeautiful.org. To contact Bucks Beautiful, call 215-340-3639 or email info@bucksbeautiful.org.
Chrysa Smith is an amateur gardener and regular contributor to Doylestown Town & Country and Bucks County Magazine.
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
The 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
CYNTHIA MARONE
in similar circumstances as well as to muchneeded resources. Not content to aid the countless adults lost in a new world of child care, she also authored a children’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
We both agreed there was a huge need, and we really wanted that for ourselves.
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 face-to-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. Everyone 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 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.”
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.
We had both been searching. I called every agency I knew because I thought somebody has to have one. Everyone was telling me no, they didn't.
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 presented with a need but an inexplicable gap: She filled it herself.
Beth, who has been facilitating the meetings solo since Roberta stepped away
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,”
Itake 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.”
t’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.
Beth, who previously contributed and 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
Since then, too, Beth has regained her balance. She relishes time with her family 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 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 267228-9719 or 215-345-1099. We Live with Nana and Grandpa is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and various other retailers.
Cynthia Marone
is
a
freelance writer who lives in Philadelphia.
Sleeves
Rolled Up continued from page 27
post-Covid. It’s right off the success she had in Vermont, in keeping the museum a thriving destination, despite the fact that the pandemic shut most institutions down. “We were blessed with land,” she says. “The museum is on 100 acres, amid a small community. So, we took advantage of the outdoors.” That began with outdoor installations and art classes. “We were able to secure grant funding to donate hundreds of
It kept kids engaged with art, while providing them with single touch items.
backpacks full of art supplies to area children,” she adds. It kept kids engaged with art, while providing them with single touch items—no materials to share. “Success begins with engaging community,” she says. And that’s regardless of wherever you happen to be. It’s demonstrated through kids who came to summer camp, grew up and are now planning their weddings at the museum. Or, with interns returning to pursue their careers in art.
While Anne’s only been at it for a little more than a month, she says she is both impressed and awed by the welcome. She certainly seems to be feeling the love from the community—now it’s a matter of spreading that love a little further. “If you live here, you should visit again and again,” Anne said as we parted. Yes, I would say, like a landscape during changing seasons,
there’s always something new to explore at the Michener.
The James A. Michener Art Museum was opened in September 1988 after serving as the Bucks County Prison for about a century. While the classic Bucks County stone structure was preserved, extensive renovation was completed to repurpose the building into an art museum. The grounds feature a landscaped courtyard, sculpture garden and terrace, meeting rooms, a café and gift shop.
For details about exhibits, programs, membership opportunities and more, log onto: www.michenerartmuseum.org. Plan your visit to 138 South Pine Street, Doylestown.Phone: 215-340-9800.
Chrysa Smith is a regular contributor and an admirer of those who spend their days creating works of art, to be enjoyed over and over again.
A SPRING TRADITION RETURNS
The 48th Bucks County Designer House & Gardens, Syc-
amore Lane Farm, located in Perkasie, will open its doors with an elegant onsite Preview Gala on Friday evening, April 26, 2024. Tours of the house and gardens will run from April 28th through May 26th.
Sycamore Lane Farm has remained in the same family for over sixty years. It is now owned by the next generation of family members, who have undertaken a major renovation of the property and grounds. A stunning addition, including a glass conservatory, an impressive chef’s kitchen, and an elegant primary suite, are some of the beautiful new living spaces in the main house.
Forty-five acres of rolling hills and farmland, featuring numerous outer buildings including an artist’s studio, milk house, smokehouse, bank barn, threecar garage, and a spring house complete the property.
From 1938 until 1953 Sycamore Lane Farm was home to John Falter, the renowned illustrator, who painted over 100 Saturday Evening Post covers in the artist’s studio. Some of these covers depict rooms and buildings that still exist today. Visitors will see this and other aspects of the home’s history reflected in its decor.
The event will also feature 14 boutiques and an onsite cafe serving lunch and light fare. Wines from Bishop Es-
tate Winery will be available.
This is the largest fundraiser held by the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown (VIA), a non-profit women's organization that founded Doylestown Hospital in 1923 and continues to govern this award-winning healthcare system. As Doylestown Health enters its second century of care, funds from the 2024 Designer House will support the clinical and programmatic needs of the Hospital’s VIA Maternity Center, which brings approximately 1,300 babies into the world every year.
Other VIA programs support veterans and those in need, provide academic scholarships, and support the JamesLorah Memorial Home in Doylestown, a house and museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Be sure you plan to spend the day at Sycamore Lane Farm! For additional information and to purchase Gala or House Tour tickets, please visit the Designer House website at www.BucksCountyDesignerHouse.org.
Because of its editorial excellence, unparalleled content and exceptional quality, Bucks County Magazine has become the magazine of choice among the top decision makers and key leaders within the business community and the cultural, art and social sectors of Bucks County.
Dining Out v John Roberts
Station Taphouse
At the Station Taphouse on Ashland Avenue in Doylestown, you can dine in the heart of Doylestown's historic train station. Open for lunch and dinner, The Station Taphouse caters to both intimate gatherings and large parties.
A commitment to providing exceptional experiences extends to outdoor dining and catering services. There is expansive outdoor space, which includes a spacious deck with picturesque views of passing trains—the largest outdoor area in Doylestown.
At the Taphouse there are daily happy hour specials and patrons are invited to “explore the impressive selection of 36 Rotating Taps, featuring a state-of-the-art draft system.” They also have an extensive wine list and a curated bottle beer selection.
The menu at the Station Taphouse has everything from tantalizing appetizers to salads, soups, tacos, flatbreads, Angus burgers, sandwiches and entrees. There is also a kids menu, desserts, and list of crafted cocktails, house wines and mocktails. There is also a separate brunch menu, a lunch menu with daily specials and a list of draft beers.
There are 11 appetizers on the menu. These include Hummus, Nachos, Cheesesteak Egg Rolls and other delectable treats to warm up the appetite. They are all good but two stand out. The first is the Mezze Platter, which has a sample of hummus, falafel and rice stuffed grape leaves with homemade pickles,
sliced cherry peppers, feta cheese, cucumbers, kalamata olives, sliced pita bread. The other appetizer is the Poutine Fries, which is a combination of French fries topped with cheese curds, beef brisket and demi-glace.
There are a choice of four salads and they have they’re famous Onion Soup, a Soup Du Jour and Chili. There are three kinds of Tacos on the menu—Blackened Mahi Tacos, Fried Chicken Tacos and Crispy Cauliflower Tacos. There are seven entrees listed. My favorite is the Bone-In Honey Garlic Pork Chops that has a 14 oz, bone-in prime pork chop, grilled to temperature and two sides. The other entrees include Sirloin Steak, Grilled Chicken Breast, Atlantic Salmon, Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo, Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese and Fish & Chips.
The Station Taphouse is located at 194 W. Ashland Street, Doylestown, PA. It is open seven days a week: Monday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Wednesday–Thursday 12 p.m.–11 p.m., Friday 12 p.m.–12 a.m., Saturday 10:30 a.m.–12 a.m., Sunday 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
Augusto’s Of Madison
Augusto’s of Madison’s Chef Augusto Jalon was born in Equator and came to New York with his family at the age of nine. His father, a physician, wanted him to follow in his footsteps, but Augusto’s passion was for food. When his family moved to Philadelphia, he studied at the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College, where he honed his culinary talents. After that, he worked in some of the finest restaurants in Philadelphia— La Veranda, La Locanda Del Ghiottone. Most notably, however, was that Augusto earned an internship to work within the kitchen of the renowned Philadelphia restaurant, Le Bec Fin.
A statement from the staff at on the Augusto’s website says, “Delighting our diners with a truly unique experience is our mission.” Augusto’s Of Madison specializes in Mediterranean, Nouveau Latino, French Bistro and American cuisines. A typical review on TripAdvisor states, “Absolutely wonderful meal and fantastic dining experience. Great service, presentation and food.” And don’t let the humble exterior fool you. Inside there is great cuisine.
The menu is subdivided by Small Plates, soups, Salads and Entrees. The Small Plates section has five offerings, which include Onion Brûlée, a caramelized onion filled with a mixture of shallots & jumbo lump crabmeat, with a Chardonnay cream reduction. Other small plates are Arancini, Mussels, Calamari Fritti and Grilled Octopus.
Bisques are made with the fresh catch of the day and there
is a Soup of the Day. There are three salads listed on the menu—Caesar, Roasted Beet and Burrata, which consists of heirloom tomatoes, Burrata cheese, balsamic reduction and extra virgin olive oil.
The list of entrees will suit anyone’s taste. There are 12 entrees listed on the menu and five are seafood dishes. It’s the added touches that separates Augusto’s seafood dishes from the rest. For example, the Atlantic Salmon is pan seared and comes with braised red cabbage with an apple cider reduction. The Lobster Ravioli is house made with Lobster Mascarpone filling and brandy tomato cream sauce. It’s the same with other entrees. The Short Ribs are slow braised and comes with potato puree and a Cabernet Sauvignon reduction. On the menu is Rack of Lamb, Filet Mignon, Chicken Piccata and other delectable offerings.
Augusto’s of Madison is closed Mondays. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 11:30 to 10 a.m, Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Augusto’s Of Madison is located at 530 Madison Ave, Warminster, PA. To make a reservation, call 215-328-0556 or make one online at www.augustoscuisine.com.
Doylestown Profiles
Read about six people who have contributed to our community in many ways
RICH TIMMONS FINE ART GALLERY • Rich Timmons, Owner
Rich Timmons is a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, Vietnam Vet, avid sailor, and an early—very early adopter of a thing called a computer. He says, “At the age of 24, I convinced my beautiful wife to sell our home to buy a computer. She asked, ‘What's a computer?’ I responded that I didn't know, but was convinced that it would change the world. With our refrigerator size computer, our small little start-up graphic arts company exploded. Many bumps, many hurdles, many ups and many downs, many great customers and many great staffers.”
Forty years later Rich sold what had become one of the largest marketing firms in Bucks County. Looking back, it was a wonderful experience. Like many, Rich and his wife Julie became empty nesters along with an empty 1840’s Bucks County fieldstone barn right on 202 heading out of Doylestown toward Lahaska. “It was my wife who said ‘Our barn would make a great art gallery.’ Once again, we were off and running to start another new business. Not wanting to disrupt the other local galleries, we decided to represent nationally recognized artists. Some of the best of the best. And then we met George.”
George Gallo loves to paint mostly large-scale landscapes from the surrounding Bucks County area. He paints in the spirit of the great New Hope artists of the not-so-distant past. “His style is definitely his own, but sometimes I think his artistic heart lives in the past.”
George loves to paint large with bold strokes. George is a purist, working with only eight tubes of paint. He enjoys finding new and exciting colors every day by mixing “on the fly.” George Gallo is definitely one of a kind.
Rich Timmons fine Art Gallery is located at 3795 US-202, Doylestown, PA. To view paintings by George Gallo, visit www.richtimmons.com.
MORAVIAN POTTERY & TILE WORKS • Katie
Mcguirk,Director
Katia McGuirk was born in Maryland farm country into a lineage of civic and political leaders, activists and agriculturalists. From her early years on her family’s Marylea Farm, she has always been up to her knees in mud with her head in the clouds. She would leave the farm to study ceramics at the Rhode Island School of Design, after which she began making tiles and renovating houses in Newport R.I.
As an entrepreneur she grew her street-level art tile studio business by designing, manufacturing and installing handmade tile nationally, for forty years. Katia was invited to The Village of Arts and Humanities in Philadelphia by Lily Yeh. She was commissioned to reinvigorate the Village Clay Workshop. In her toolbox, she brought 20 years of teaching and 31 years of entrepreneurial experience. She taught how vision, hard work, storytelling, empathy and design can empower students to tune into their passions to create their own unique and sustainable reality.
As the director of The Tile Heritage Foundation, she heads a national organization that preserves and protects our nation's tile surfaces, practices and history since 1876 to present. Katia seeks to bridge the tile community and increase the visibility and relevance of the movement from the maker to the museum. As a practicing studio artist, Katia regularly exhibits her ceramic sculptures in solo and group shows in galleries and museums such as Fonthill Museum, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, and The Clay Rat.
As Executive Director of the Moravian Pottery and TileWorks she is immersed in the rich artistic and cultural life of Henry Chapman Mercer. With her infinite curiosity, rooted in the universal elements of earth, water, air and fire, she is reigniting the possibility of a more regenerative future through research, education, practice and storytelling. She says, “Our humanity is defined by creative moments, the dignity of labor & the honesty of material.” The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works is located at 130 E Swamp Rd, Doylestown, PA. For more information, visit www.thetileworks.org.
BACH TO ROCK • Alvin & Matthew Clay
Alvin and Matthew Clay, brothers, opened Bach to Rock, a music school in Warminster, in February. They are part of a family of seven children and were originally from Delaware County, but grew up in Huntingdon Valley. Both Alvin and Matthew attended La Salle High School and Villanova University. They are both musicians and have had a lifelong connection to music. Matthew has been a member of several bands and recorded numerous albums, while Alvin has worked as a producer, a concert photographer, and in artist development.
Alvin's previous career was in the Philadelphia radio business and Matthew worked in the television and entertainment business in Los Angeles. They were attracted to the Bach to Rock franchise for the business opportunity, but also for the franchise's approach to music education.
Matthew says, “Our students learn all the most important skills and techniques while playing popular songs that they choose and enjoy. I remember when I first started and I really strove to give people the same thrill I felt when I discovered the magic behind my favorite music.”
Alvin says, “Learning to play an instrument not only gives you a skill that you can keep for the rest of your life, but it teaches you discipline, practice, patience, and motivation. Playing in a band teaches you how to listen, cooperate, and take responsibility. Performance teaches you preparation and builds self-confidence.”
Bach to Rock Warminster offers individual and group music lessons for all ages and skill levels on guitar, piano/keyboard, vocals, drums, and bass as well as strings, woodwinds, and brass. Students are encouraged to participate in the band and glee program. There also are a variety of early childhood classes. DJ, music production, and recording arts classes are offered. Music themed birthday parties and a variety of summer camps are available too, no experience necessary. 828 W Street Road, Warminster, PA 18974, Center Point Place Shopping Center, www.bachtorock.com/warminster; 215-999-1292.
Photographer Linda McManus has over 20 years’ experience in photographing interiors and architecture. Linda’s images have been featured in various publications including Architectural Digest, Cottages and Bungalows, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Leading Estates of the World and Backyard Treehouses. Her clients include interior designers, luxury real estate, builders, architectural firms, custom cabinetry companies, Air B&B rentals and the hotel and hospitality industry.
After receiving her BFA with a concentration in photography from Arcadia University, Linda assisted commercial photographers in Philadelphia and went on to work as a lead photographer for a broker in Bucks County, photographing luxury real estate. From there she worked as a set stylist for QVC and that led a position as head photographer for their digital studio. She also did freelance work for the DIY network's “Stone House Revival.”
Linda says, “I absolutely love what I do and really enjoy the diversity photography offers. My first love will always be fine art photography and photographing historic farmhouses. I also enjoy the juxta-position of a sleek, contemporary modern building.”
Linda is a huge advocate of paying it forward and has donated her time to photograph charitable events for organizations including the Bucks County Designer House, Bucks County SPCA, Kelly Anne Dolan Fund and the Gia Nicole Angel Foundation and the LLS Foundation.
Linda’s approach is laid back and she always strives to connect with her clients. She says, “I like to keep things light and may be described as “sarcastically witty,” guilty as charged!” She is always ready to connect with a client. Linda would love to hear about your current project and photography needs.
For bookings, scheduling and other inquires and to see beautiful examples of Linda McManus’s work, visit www.lindamcmanusimages.com.
LINDA MCMANUS IMAGES • Photographer, Linda McManus
MIND YOUR DESIGN • Paul Boger, Creative Director
Paul Boger has been working in the creative field for over 15 years. In 2011, with the help and support of some close friends, he launched Mind Your Design. Since then MYD has moved into a brick & mortar space on Main Street in his hometown of Doylestown, PA, and has grown to a team of 12.
Paul says, “We're not your typical agency. Our passion resides in solving problems and empowering growth for brands through hard work and creative thinking. We partner with your team to support you in good times and tough times. Our strategic, creative, and technical resources make us a strong extension for teams both small and large. You won't find packages or pre-built templates here. We work with you to craft custom solutions that align with the unique needs of your brand.”
A philosophy that has stood the test of time at MYD is that a business supported by the community should give back to the community. Paul has made a strong effort to volunteer his time and skills for causes and organizations locally. He is the volunteer director of the Doylestown Arts Festival, the co-chair of the Doylestown 5K Race, a volunteer board member of the Corporate Business Partners at the Michener Art Museum, and donates countless hours to other initiatives throughout the year.
Paul works directly with every client at MYD and plays a leading role in brand, design, development, and photography projects. His diverse skill set has been a major asset to MYD's clients over the years.
Outside of the studio Paul enjoys the great outdoors, spending time with his wife and pets, and is passionate about preserving clean air, water, and open space.
Mind Your Design is located at 18 N Main St, Doylestown, PA. To contact Paul, call 267247-5013; email ideas@mindyour.design. For more information, visit www.mindyour.design.
JOLI BEAUTIQUE • Lisa, Joann &
Nicole
Joli Beautique is a luxurious medical spa and beauty outlet that provides the latest cosmetic injectables and anti-aging treatments to reverse the signs of aging, enhance your facial features, and help you achieve flawless skin. They also offer a curated selection of on-trend fashion in our boutique. The team at Joli prides itself on giving every customer exceptional service, expertise, quality care and attention.
Lisa Gifford, one of the owners of Joli Beautique is a registered nurse with over 30 years of experience caring for patients in a variety of medical settings. She became a certified cosmetic nurse and injector in 2017, following a lifetime dedicated to beauty, skincare, and the subtle art of aging gracefully. She believes that cosmetic treatments are anything but skin-deep — they empower women to own their confidence and self-assurance. Joli Beautique is the culmination of her innermost aspiration—helping women retain their youth and reveal their innermost beauty. Lisa is constantly learning and training on the newest and safest techniques in the industry. She is currently a member of the International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics.
Joann is the co-owner of Joli Beautique and has spent 30 years of her life in retail. Whereas some people think of retail as simply straightening racks and tagging clothes, Joann sees it as an opportunity to inspire women to love themselves as they are in their own skin. She recognized the need in her community to create a safe space for women of all ages and sizes to shop together.
Nicole Gifford is a licensed medical aesthetician at Joli Beautique. As someone who’s always had a passion for skincare, Nicole educates on the importance of choosing the right medical grade skincare products and treatments that contribute to the transformation in your skin appearance and prevention of early signs of aging.
Joli Beautique is located at 1745 S Easton Rd, Unit H2, Doylestown, PA. To make an appointment, call 267-450-2923. For more information, visit www.jolibeautique.com.
Looking Back / Washington Atlee Burpee
1858-1915
Washington Atlee Burpee was born on April 5, 1858 at Sheffield, New Brunswick. His parents moved to Philadelphia when he was a child. By fourteen his hobby was breeding chickens, geese and turkeys. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1878.
In 1878, after graduating, he founded W. Atlee Burpee & Company. Fordhook Farms, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, was established by 1888 and served as the family home. Fordhook Farm specialized in evaluating onions, beets, carrots, peas and cabbage.
Burpee added a facility named Floradale Farms in California in 1909 to test sweet peas, and Sunnybrook Farms in New Jersey for tomatoes, eggplants, peppers and squashes.
Burpee was a pioneer in the mail order marketing of seeds. By the time of his death, the company was the largest seed company in the world, distributing over 1 million catalogs a year, receiving 10,000 orders a day. He died November 26, 1915 at Fordhook Farm at the age of 57.
