Montco Homes, Gardens & Lifestyle WInter 2015/16

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MONTCO & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • SLEIGH RIDES • WINTER GARDENS

HOMES, GARDENS

LIFESTYLE

Spring Mountain

HEARTH AND HOME

71896 40064 0

$4.95

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Winter 2015/16

MAIN LINE HOME DECORATED FOR HOLIDAYS

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40% SALE GOING ON NOW!

LIght-Parker Family Owned Since 1942

&

FurnIture Interior Design

Bernhardt • Harden • Hickory Chair Hekman • Henkel-Harris Vanguard • Century Maitland-Smith and much more!

100 Fayette Street • Conshohocken, PA 19428 • 610-828-1875 • www.LightParker.com

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CONTENTS

MONTCO Issue 2, Volume 1

WINTER 2015/16

MONTCO HOMES, GARDENS & LIFESTYLE

Departments 5 FROM THE EDITOR 6 TRENDS 8 NOTEWORTHY 10 WHAT TO DO 19 CRAFTS 22 ART 24 PEOPLE 26 IN THE GARDEN 28 STAYING FIT 29 GIFT GUIDE 34 HEALTH 66 HOME 70 DINING OUT 80 FINALE

Features 36 DRESSING UP FOR CHRISTMAS Designer Maria Viola Kuffruff dresses up a Newtown Square house for the holidays.

48 A HEARTH FOR THE HOME The newest trends in fireplaces and stoves to keep us cozy for the winter.

56 JINGLE ALL THE WAY

Matthew Wismer of Northern Star Farm offers the mystique and romance of the sleigh ride.

62 WHERE BUNNIES BECOME RIPPERS Spring Mountain Adventures is the place known for beginners learning to ski.

On the Cover Jennifer Hansen Rolli’s painting of skiers at Spring Mountain Adventures captures the beauty of people engaging in this popular winter sport.

Š2015 Wood-Mode, Inc.

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Entertain with stately charm.

Embassy Row by Wood-Mode.

For more inspiration visit wood-mode.com

821 Bethlehem Pike Erdenheim, PA 19038 215.233.0503 www.piersonkitchens.com

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Publisher William N. Waite Associate Publisher Frank Boyd Executive Editor Bob Waite Art Direction BCM MEDIA CO., INC. Advertising Director Vicky M. Waite Administration Melissa Kutalek Calendar Editor Mary Beth Schwartz Cover Artist Jennifer Hansen Rolli Contributing Writers Beth Buxbaum, John Cella, Patti Guthrie, Lew larason, Maura McCormick, Frank Quattrone, Lori Pelkowski, Mary Beth Schwartz,Vicky Waite Circulation BCM MEDIA Co., INC. Contributing Photographers Jess Graves, Melissa Kutalek, Glenn Race Account Executives Frank Boyd, Lisa Bridge, Kathy Driver, Pattie Fitzpatrick, Lisa Kruse

MONTCO Homes, Gardens & Lifestyle Magazine, 309 W. Armstrong Drive, Fountainville, PA 18923, phone 215-766-2694 • Fax 215-766-8197. www.montcomag.com. Published quarterly by BCM Media Company Inc., Fountainville, PA. All contents copyright by BCM Media Company DBA/Montco Homes, Gardens & Lifestyle Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Published quarterly. Four-issue subscription for U.S. is $15.95, in Canada $35.00, U.S. dollars only.

Foreign one-year rate is $90. Standard postage paid at Lancaster, PA. Single-copy price is $4.95 plus $3.00 postage and handling.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MONTCO Homes, Gardens & Lifestyle Magazine, PO BOX 36, Morrisville, PA 19067.

This magazine welcomes, but cannot be responsible for, manuscripts and photos unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed return envelope.

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From the Editor

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inter is the season that we complain about the most. It’s the weather we don’t like. Driving in snow is often difficult and dangerous, and worse than that, it holds us up. We can’t get to where we are going fast enough, so we have to sacrifice some already whittled down time from our schedule and we just won’t get done what we want to get done. We think that all the other seasons are happier times. And I can fall into this just as much as anyone else, but aren’t you and I forgetting that winter is actually, for most of us, the season where we really have the best times? It is during this cold season when we go to parties, celebrate holidays, and get closer to family and friends.

Our Winter 2015/16 issue of MONTCO Homes, Gardens & Lifestyle is full of things that we do while Jack Frost is painting our windowpanes. In our feature, “Dressing Up For Christmas,” by Beth Buxbaum we watch as top tier interior designer Maria Viola Kuffruff decorates an elegant Newtown Square house for Christmas. The photos by Glenn Race show the magic of Maria’s mix of traditional and non-traditional colors as she decorates this beautiful house.

And we look at a couple of outdoor activities too. “Where Bunnies Become Rippers,” written by Maura McCormick is about Montgomery County’s own ski resort, Spring Mountain Adventures. In this story Maura explains how Spring Mountain became known as a place where people learned to ski and she also talks about the family that saved Spring Mountain and how they turned it into the great local resort it is today.

Sleigh rides are for those of us who are nostalgic and may secretly long to live in a Currier & Ives litho. Mary Beth Schwartz introduces us to Matthew Wismer, owner of Northern Star Farm. In her article, “Jingle All The Way,” we not only find out about riding sleighs and why it is so attractive, but we also find out how to set up our own sleigh ride at Northern Star Farm—something I intend to do this winter.

Something else that you can only get during the winter—cozy. I mean, how can you be cozy in the summer? And why would you want to be? Cozy is something you are on a cold winter night when you are sitting with that special someone on a loveseat by a fireplace sipping hot chocolate. The heat needed for coziness can be generated by wood stoves that burn logs or pellets, fireplaces that use wood or gas and a whole variety of inserts that burn gas or wood and can be put into an already existing fireplace. Mary Beth Schwartz examines all these options in her article, “A Hearth For The Home.”

In our departments we feature a young flute player who has won high honors for her playing, a local woodworker, doctors, an artist, two great restaurants, and places to go and see throughout Montgomery County. So, if winter gets a bit oppressive and the damp cold weather seems over the top, perhaps that would be a time to curl up by the fire and read MONTCO Homes, Gardens & Lifestyle.

Sincerely

Bob Waite Editor

WINTER 2015

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MONTCO

Trends TRAINS … since the early 1900s, the toys that meant Christmas to young boys and girls were the Lionel trains that chugged around a circle of track under the Christmas tree.

The toy electric train at Christmas for many families have is a tradition, a family heirloom, passed down for generations. If your family doesn’t have a train then it is time to visit Henning’s Train of Lansdale and start a new tradition. No Christmas tree is complete without a train circling underneath.Henning’s is located in Lansdale, 128 S. Line Street. For more information, 215-362-2442 or henningstrains.com.

JEWELRY

GIFT BASKETS … you'll be proud to give a Custom Made Gift Basket with fine imported olive oils, vinegars or gift box filled with delicious prime steaks, chops and Italian sausages, catering trays of prepared pasta, chicken & veal dishes and fancy cookies too! All from Carl Venezia Meats located at 1007 Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA; 610-239-6750; www.carlveneziameats.com.

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… handmade necklace and earrings by Mabel Chong, blue topaz, kayanite briolettes combine to make a striking piece that will WOW the special person on your holiday gift list. Available, along with hundreds of other beutiful pieces, at Artisans 3 Gallery, 903 North Bethlehem Pike, Spring House, PA; 215-6434504; www.artisansthreegallery.com.

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SIGNS ... Add character to any room with fun wall décor. Insert your name in to many quick-order sign pieces! Come see our showroom at Royal Billiards, 2622 Bethlehem Pike, Hatfield, PA; 215-997-7777; www.royalbilliards.com.

KEEPING WARM … keep warm this winter with a gas or wood burning fireplace installed by The Woodburners. They have a complete showroom filled with great styles of fireplaces and stoves. Vist them at 11 North Market St., Hatfield, PA; or contact them at 215-3622443; www.thewoodburners.com.

KIDS ROOM … Hidden Valley Construction can make your kids room more organized with built-ins. The company specializes in all types of remodeling projects including kitchens, baths, basements, decks and detailed crown moldings, wainscoting, built-in cabinets and detailed trim work. They are located at 20 Hidden Valley Drive, Gilbertsville, PA; 610-473-3151.

HOLIDAY GIFTS ... this season, it’s all about shine. Go gold or mix the metals, just be sure it sparkles. Add black for an elegant yet striking effect.

Available at Ten Thousand Villages, 781 Route 113, Souderton, PA; 215-723-1221; www.souderton.tenthousandvillages.com.

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NOTEWORTHY

What’s happening in Montgomery County

Moe, Larry, Cheese

C

an you imagine a three-story museum with over 100,000 pieces of memorabilia or as they call it at the Stoogeum, Stoogeabilia. The Stoogeum in Ambler states as their mission: “To collect, preserve and interpret historically or culturally significant pieces of Stoogeabilia in order to further the enjoyment and appreciation of the Three Stooges and to maintain the legacy of their comedy for future generations.” At the Stoogeum there are artifacts going back to 1918 and several interactive displays. The Stoogeum also contains a research library, a 16MM film storage vault and an 85-seat theater used for film screenings, lectures and special presentations. And it is the home of the Three Stooges Fan Club, which has over 2,000 members worldwide. The Stoogeum is open every Thursday (except holidays) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and special arrangements for

other times during the week can be made for groups. The Stoogeum is located at 904 Sheble Lane, Ambler, PA 19002. For more information about the Stoogeum, call 267-468-0810 or visit www.stoogeum.com.

Vice-President Pennsylvania Association of Realtors

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nnovation without experience is risky. Experience without innovation is outmoded. When it comes to real estate marketing there is no reason to sacrifice either. Todd Umbenhauer brings more than 40 years of area real estate expertise to your transaction together with state of the art marketing programs that are second to none. A respected leader in the real estate industry, Todd has been elected to serve as 2016 First Vice-President of the 31,000-member Pennsylvania Association of Realtors. Call Todd H. Umbenhauer, Keller Williams Real Estate 215-896-8433 direct; 215-631-1900 office toll-free 877-420-9789 or visit www.everence.com/souderton.

Lifetime Furniture

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hoose well or choose often” may hardly seem to apply to buying furniture. Most furniture sold today is made to last only three to five years. It is still possible, though, to choose your furniture well.

Hardwood furniture, made in USA, is created to last a lifetime. It can even be modified to meet your needs in size, style, and finish color. You will love the value and durability of your furniture as it enhances your life and becomes part of your family and lasting family memories. Find furniture with a future at Alegacy Furniture, Route 100, Pottstown, PA.; For more information about hardwood furniture, call 610-970-4340 or visit www.alegacyfurniture.com.

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Fine Craft Show & Sale

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he Mennonite Heritage Center, 565 Yoder Road, Harleysville, presents the Annual Fine Craft Show and the Art Exhibit & Sale in December.

Purchase high quality, affordable work by contemporary Pennsylvania artists, including pottery, basketry, wood carvings and textiles. Proceeds benefit the artists and the Mennonite Heritage Center. You can also enjoy the exhibit “Calligraphy and Bookbinding: Twentieth Century Artists, Fritz and Trudi Eberhardt,” featuring the artwork of these two Montgomery County artists. The Mennonite Heritage Center also houses a permanent exhibit Work and Hope, fraktur and changing exhibits, an historical library and archives, and a museum store. The Mennonite Heritage Center is located at 565 Yoder Rd., Harleysville, PA 19438. For more information, call 215-256-3020 or visit www.mhep.org.

Edward Freeman Nut Company

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dwards Freeman Nut Company has been making delicious peanut butter, chocolate, dried fruit, nuts, gift baskets, and much more here in the United States since 1899. All of their products are fresh and you will never find anything that has been sitting on the shelves for a long period of time. So enjoy the delicious taste of their proprietary nut butter that's made in-house, which they sell and distribute to other companies. They have nut butter in flavors for all types of tastes, including: Almond Butter, Cashew Butter, chunky, chocolate, cappuccino, hazelnut, & butterscotch peanut butter. Entering the outlet is like taking a trip into the past, because they also sell retro candies that are not available in most stores anymore. A trip to Edwards Freeman Nut Company is an enjoyable experience. Edwards Freeman Nut Company is located at 441 Hector Street, Conshohocken, PA 19428. For more information, call 610-828-7440.

A Longwood Gardens Christmas he spirit of the holiday season overflows during “A Longwood Christmas” with a fountain-inspired display. Blue and white twinkling lights, whirling fountain features, thousands of seasonal plants, and a bounty of trees with icicles and fountain-inspired glass ornaments fill the Conservatory. Outside, a magical world awaits.

From the Italian Water Garden illuminated with a 20-foot tree form, to a maple tree with its roots aglow near the Meadow Boardwalk, to the colorful fountains of the Open Air Theatre, there is holiday magic everywhere. So, Come Early! Arrive by 2:00 pm and you’ll miss the evening rush of traffic. The outdoor holiday lights begin to come on at 3:30 pm and the Open Air Theatre fountain shows run continuously throughout the evening. And Bundle Up! “A Longwood Christmas” is both indoors and outdoors. Longwood Gardens is located at 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348. For more information, call 610-388-1000 or visit www.longwoodgardens.org.

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Winter 2015

Photos: Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board

What to do

Washington’s birthday party, February 15, 2016 at Valley Forge National Historical Park.

AN TI QUE S RENNINGERS December 5-6: Christmas Open House April 28-30: Antiques and Collectors Extravaganza Admission. Rain or shine. 740 Noble Street, Kutztown, PA. 570-385-0104; www.renningers.net.

POOK & POOK, INC. December 9: Online Decorative Arts Auction January 16: Americana Auction 463 East Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA. 610-269-4040; www.pookandpook.com.

SANFORD ALDERFER December 10: Fine and Decorative Arts Auction December 22: Firearms Auction 501 Fairgrounds Road, Hatfield, PA. 10

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215-393-3000; www.alderferauction.com.

DESIGNER CRAFTSMEN & HISTORIC HOME SHOW February 5-7: The ultimate show for restoring, renovating, and preserving our Nation’s architec-tural heritage. Admission. Valley Forge Casino Tower Hotel, 1160 First Avenue, King of Prus-sia, PA. www.historichomeshows.com.

2016 CHESTER COUNTY ANTIQUES SHOW April 2-3: The 34th Annual Antiques Show is a benefit for the Chester County Historical Socie-ty. Admission. The Phelps School, Malvern, PA. 610-692-4800; www.chestercohistorical.org.

ANNUAL PHILADELPHIA FURNITURE SHOW April 8-10: This annual show highlights artisan quality furniture and furnishings to suit all tastes. Admission. 22 South 23rd Street, Philadelphia, PA. www.philadelphiafurnitureshow.com.

THE PHILADELPHIA ANTIQUES & ART SHOW April 15-17: This prestigious show offers diverse furnishings and decorative arts for both the pe-riod and modern American home. Admission. The Navy Yard on the Marine Parade Grounds, South Broad Street and Intrepid Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. 610-902-2109; www.philadelphiaantiquesandartshow.com.

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Morgan Log House

Graeme Park

ART WHARTON ESHERICK MUSEUM Ongoing: Second Saturdays Through December: Children’s Tours 1520 Horseshoe Trail, Malvern, PA. 610-6445822; www.whartonesherickmuseum.org.

PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF THE FINE ARTS Through April 3: Procession: The Art of Norman Lewis Through April 3: Seachange: Abstraction in Norman Lewis’s Time Through January 3: Mia Rosenthal: Paper Lens 118-128 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA. 215-972-7600; www.pafa.org.

PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART Through April 3: Work on What You Love: Bruce Mau Rethinking Design Through March 20: Art of the Zo: Textiles from Myanmar, India, and Bangladesh Through February 21: Multitude, Solitude: The Photographs of Dave Heath Through January 29: AMOR by Robert Indiana Through January 10: Audubon to Warhol: The Art of American Still Life Through December 6: The Wrath of the Gods: Masterpieces by Rubens, Michelangelo, and Ti-tian December 6-March 27: Drawn from Courtly India: The Conley Harris and Howard Truelove Collection February 24-May 15: International Pop 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadel-

ANTIQUES

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ART

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CRAFTS

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ENTERTAINMENT

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EVENTS

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FAMILY

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GARDENS

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HISTORY

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NATURE

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phia, PA. 215-763-8100; www.philamuseum.org.

WOODMERE ART MUSEUM Through March 14: The Weight of Watercolor: The Art of Eileen Goodman Through January 24: We Speak: Black Artists in Philadelphia, 1920s-1970s 9201 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. 215-247-0476; www.woodmereartmuseum.org.

BRANDYWINE RIVER MUSEUM OF ART Through February 7: Natural Selections: Andrew Wyeth Plant Studies Through January 3: A Brandywine Christmas March 19-June 12: Masterworks of Hudson River Painting from the Collection of the New York Historical Society Museum & Library 1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, PA. 610-388-2700; www.brandywinemuseum.org.

BRYN MAWR REHAB HOSPITAL Through January 31: 20th Annual Art Ability Exhibition and Sale 414 Paoli Pike, Malvern, PA. 484-596-5607; www.mainlinehealth.org.

THE BARNES FOUNDATION Through January 4: Ellen Harvey: Metal Painting Through January 4: Strength and Splendor: Wrought Iron from the Musee Le Secq des Tour-nelles February 21-May 9: Picasso: The Great War, Experimentation, and Change 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA, 215-278-7000; 300 North Latch’s Lane, Merion, PA, 215-278-7350. www.barnesfoundation.org.

ABINGTON ART CENTER Through December 31: Solo Series 515 Meetinghouse Road, Jenkintown, PA. 215-887-4882; www.abingtonartcenter.org.

BERMAN MUSEUM OF ART Through December 23: Aftermath: Photographs by Joel Meyerowitz Through December 23: Tyger, Tyger: Lynn Chadwick and the Art of Now Ursinus College, 601 East Main Street, Collegeville, PA. 610-409-3500; www.ursinus.edu.

CHELTENHAM CENTER FOR THE ARTS Through December 13: Faculty Exhibition: Teacher and Mentor 439 Ashbourne Road, Cheltenham, PA. 21512

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379-4660; www.cheltenhamarts.org.

MAIN LINE ART CENTER Through December 3: Terri Fridkin December 5-January 4: Members Exhibition 2015 December 9-January 7: Elaine Lisle January 14-February 15: Teaching Artists January 15-February 14: Professional Artist Members Exhibition March 7-April 17: Betsy Meyer Memorial Exhibition 746 Panmure Road, Haverford, PA. 610-525-0272; www.mainlineart.org.

The First Thing We Build is Trust

WAYNE ART CENTER December 4-January 30: CraftForms 2015 December 4-January 30: Emergence: Craft + Technology February 14-March 12: Expressions of Radnor February 14-March 12: Frank McPherson Retrospective February 14-March 12: Gerry Tuten Solo Show 413 Maplewood Avenue, Wayne, PA. 610-688-3553; www.wayneart.org.

HISTORIC YELLOW SPRINGS December 4-11: Art Show Poster Competition and Exhibition December 4: Holiday Stroll Route 113, Chester Springs, PA. 610-827-7414; www.yellowsprings.org.

CRA FT S BYERS’ CHOICE Through December 31: Byers’ Choice Christmas Experience December 11-12: Gerald Dickens presents A Christmas Carol May 7-8: American Artisan Showcase 2016 4355 County Line Road, Chalfont, PA, 215-822-6700; www.byerschoice.com.

CHRISTKINDLMARKT BETHLEHEM Through December 21: This noted Lehigh Valley holiday market offers aisles of handmade works from around the globe. Visitors also can enjoy live Christmas music, food, craft demon-strations, and Saint Nicholas. PNC Plaza, SteelStacks, 645 East First Street, Bethlehem, PA. 610-332-1300; www.artsquest.org.

SUGARLOAF CRAFTS FESTIVAL March 18-20: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (Oaks, PA) Admission. 800-210-9900; www.sugarloafcrafts.com.

ROLF SCHROEDER GENERAL CONTRACTORS Award Winning Kitchen & Bath Specialists www.rolfschroedergc.com 215-672-0829

E NT E RTAINM E NT PEOPLE’S LIGHT & THEATRE Through January 10: The Three Musketeers: A Musical Panto February 10-March 20: Sense and Sensibility March 16-April 24: Richard III 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, PA. 610-644-3500; www.peopleslight.org.

PA#3699

THE MEDIA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Through January 3: Billy Elliot Through January 3: Jack Frost (Kids) January 23-February 28: Peter Pan and Wendy (Kids) January 27-February 14: To Kill a Mockingbird March 2-27: Dog Fight 104 East State Street, Media, PA. 610-8910100; www.mediatheatre.org.

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MONTGOMERY THEATER Through December 13: The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical 124 Main Street, Souderton, PA. 215-7239984; www.montgomerytheater.org.

THE STAGECRAFTERS THEATER Through December 13: Of Mice and Men February 5-21: The Late Christopher Bean 8130 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. 215-247-8881; www.thestagecrafters.org.

THEATRE HORIZON Through December 6: Black Nativity February 18-March 13: Lobby Hero 401 Dekalb Street, Norristown, PA. 610-283-2230; www.theatrehorizon.org.

STEEL RIVER PLAYHOUSE December 4-20: White Christmas 245 East High Street, Pottstown, PA. 610-970-1199; www.steelriver.org.

DUTCH COUNTRY PLAYERS December 4-13: The Christmas Gazebo 795 Ridge Road, Telford, PA. 215-234-0966; www.dcptheatre.com.

PLAYCRAFTERS OF SKIPPACK December 4-12: Berlin to Broadway

2011 Store Road, Skippack, PA. 610-5844005; www.playcrafters.org.

MITCHELL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER December 4-6: The Santaland Diaries January 29-February 6: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee February 21: Bryn Athyn Orchestra Winter Concert 800 Tomlinson Road, Bryn Athyn, PA. 267502-2793; www.mitchellcenter.info.

KESWICK THEATRE December 4: 1964 the Tribute December 10: Kenny G December 11: Matisyahu December 13: Todd Rundgren January 23: Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes February 12: Tommy Emmanuel February 13: Renaissance March 18: The Temptations & The Four Tops March 24-26: Jesus Christ Superstar 291 North Keswick Avenue, Glenside, PA. 215-572-7650; www.keswicktheatre.com.

TOWER THEATER December 4: Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker

January 14: Dancing with the Stars Live South 69th Street, Upper Darby, PA. 215-922-1011; venue.thetowerphilly.com.

WOLF PERFORMING ARTS CENTER December 5: Disney’s Winnie the Pooh Kids December 12-13: James and the Giant Peach December 10-12: Little Women: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy 1240 Montrose Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA. 610642-0233; www.wolfperformingartscenter.org.

THE COLONIAL THEATRE December 6: Winter Theatre Organ Concert December 11: Wendy Liebman and Dan Naturman December 13: City Rhythm Orchestra: Holiday Style December 17: Charlie Brown Jazz 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA. 610-917-1228; www.thecolonialtheatre.com.

ACT II PLAYHOUSE December 8-27: Behind the Music: Holiday Tunes January 12-31: On the Road Again March 1-26: Driving Miss Daisy 56 East Butler Avenue, Ambler, PA. 215-654-0200; www.act2.org.

FINALLY, A SOLUTION TO REGAIN

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Call now to schedule your complimentary consultation Dr. Richard M. Goldfarb, M.D., F.A.C.S. Dr. Peter Sinaiko, M.D., F.A.C.S. 14

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940 Town Center Drive • Suite F100 • Langhorne, PA 19047 215.268.7428 • www.progressivemenshealth.com

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FAMILY STAGES December 9, 12, 26; March 9, 12: Cinderella January 18: Snow White February 14, 17: Robin Hood Ambler Theater, 108 East Butler Avenue, Ambler, PA. 215-886-9341; www.familystages.org.

SELLERSVILLE THEATER December 9: Irish Christmas in America December 13: Imagination Movers Reindeer Party January 31: Judy Collins February 7: Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra February 18: Ladysmith Black Mambazo 24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, PA. 215-257-5808; www.st94.com.

PENNSYLVANIA BALLET December 11-31: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker March 3-13: Don Quixote The Academy of Music, 240 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA. 215-893-1999; www.paballet.org.

BUCKS COUNTY PLAYHOUSE December 11-27: It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play 70 South Main Street, New Hope, PA. 215-862-2121; www.bcptheater.org.

THE VILLAGE PLAYERS OF HATBORO January 8-23: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike March 4-19: True West 401 Jefferson Avenue, Hatboro, PA. 215-675-6774; www.thevillageplayers.com.

E VE NTS PEDDLER’S VILLAGE Through January 2: Gingerbread House Competition & Display December 5-6: Christmas Festival January 1-31: January Sales Event January 14-16: Bavaria in Bucks February 12-14: I Heart PV February 21: Winter Wedding Show March 11-13: Maine in March Lobster Festival March 29-April 11: Lahaska Restaurant Week Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, PA. 215-794-4000; www.peddlersvillage.com.

EVENTS IN LANSDALE Through December 19: Lansdale Business Assoc. Holiday Christmas Tree Display December 4: Tree Lighting December 5-19: Santa House December 6: Menorah Lighting December 6: Merry TubaChristmas Concert Lansdale, PA. www.lansdale.org.

WINTERTIME IN READING December 4-28: Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill Recreation Area December 13: Annual Centre Park Historic District Christmas House Tour & Champagne Brunch January 15: Reading Fire + Ice Fest Reading, PA. www.gogreaterreading.com.

FUN IN SKIPPACK Through December 23: Illuminaire Nights in Skippack Skippack, PA. www.iloveskippack.com.

MOUNT HOPE ESTATE & WINERY December 2-23: Holidays at Mount Hope 2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim, PA. 717-665-7021; www.parenfaire.com.

CHRISTMAS IN BUCKS COUNTY December 4: Quakertown’s Christmas Tree Lighting December 5: Perkasie’s Annual Christmas WINTER 2015

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Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum.

Tree Lighting December 5: Yardley’s Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting December 6: McCaffrey’s Food Market’s Holiday Parade in Newtown December 13: Breakfast with Santa with the Upper Black Eddy Fire Company

PHILLY HOME AND GARDEN SHOW January 15-17: Visit this annual show for decorating and remodeling ideas, learn more about companies, and stroll through gardens by area landscapers. Admission. Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA. 484-754-EXPO; www.phillyexpocenter.com.

AMBLER MAIN STREET December 5: Holiday Parade December 10: Santa Arrives by Train December 11-13: Shopping in Ambler Weekend Ambler, PA. 215-646-1000; www.amblermainstreet.org.

PHILADELPHIA HOME SHOW February 12-14, 19-21: The 2016 Home Show features guest appearances by DIY celebrities, along with designed rooms and the Cooking Stage. The Xfinity Experience Stage featuring presentations on remodeling, renovation, organizing, décor, gardening, and outdoor projects. Admission. Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA. 855-856-7469; www.phillyhomeshow.com.

RYERS FARM FOR AGED EQUINES December 6: Holiday Open House 1710 Ridge Road, Pottstown, PA. 610-4690533; www.ryerssfarm.org.

COME TO CHESTNUT HILL December 9, 16, 23: Stag & Doe Nights March: Restaurant Month Chestnut Hill Visitor’s Center, 16 East Highland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. 215-247-6696; www.chestnuthillpa.com.

THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS December 11: The Norristown Garden Club presents their 66th annual holiday house tour.

It features homes in the East Norriton/Worcester area decorated for Christmas. 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $25. www.norristowngardenclub.org.

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FAM ILY PLEASE TOUCH MUSEUM Ongoing: Visit the Children’s Museum of Philadelphia, where the key word is play. Families can enjoy over a dozen themed exhibits, theater, art, music, special programs, the carousel, and sto-rytime and character appearances. Admission. 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA. 215-581-3181; www.pleasetouchmuseum.org.

NORTHERN STAR FARM Winter: Custom old-fashioned sleigh rides 96 Third Avenue East, Trappe, PA. 215-8597302; www.northernstarfarm.net.

THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE Through February 15: Vatican Splendors Through January 3: Genghis Khan 222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA. 215-448-1200; www2.fi.edu.

THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF DREXEL UNIVERSITY Through January 10: Reptiles: The Beautiful and the Deadly Through December 31: Drawn to Dinosaurs January 30-May 30: Tarantulas: Alive and Up Close March 5-6: Paleopalooza March 21: Founders Day June 25-January 16: Dinosaurs Unearthed 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA. 215-299-1000; www.ansp.org.

KOZIAR’S CHRISTMAS VILLAGE Through January 2: Come visit one of area’s greatest Christmas displays. Celebrating 60plus seasons, this holiday destination features more than a half million Christmas lights adorning buildings, gift barns, and landscape.

The various buildings are filled with decor, Christmas dis-plays, souvenirs, baked goods, refreshments, even miniature train displays. Be sure to visit Santa in his headquarters on Santa Claus Lane. Admission. 782 Christmas Village Road, Bernville, PA. 610-488-1110; www.koziarschristmasvillage.com.

SESAME PLACE Through December 31: A Very Furry Christmas

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Top left, Bryer’s Choice Christmas Experience, Above right, Koziar’s Christmas Village and below Pennypacker Mills.

100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA. 866-GO4-ELMO; www.sesameplace.com.

WEST CHESTER RAILROAD Through December 20: Santa’s Express December 6, 13: Christmas Tree Train 230 East Market Street, West Chester, PA. 610-430-2233; www.westchesterrr.com STRASBURG RAILROAD Through December 18: The Night Before Christmas Train Through December 19: Santa’s Paradise Express December 5: Christmas Tree Train 301 Gap Road, Ronks, PA. 866-725-9666; www.strasburgrailroad.com.

ELMWOOD PARK ZOO December 5-20: Brunch with Santa (weekends) December 5: Reindeer Photos 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, PA.

800-652-4143; www.elmwoodparkzoo.org.

www.longwoodgardens.org.

PHILADELPHIA ZOO December 5-20: Zoo Noel (weekends) February 13-14: Wild at Heart 3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. 215-243-5254; www.philadelphiazoo.org.

THE MORRIS ARBORETUM OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA Through January 3: Holiday Garden Railway December 4, 11, 18: Friday Night Lights December-March: Open Guided Tours Admission. 100 East Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. 215-247-5777; www.morrisarboretum.org.

MERRYMEAD FARM December 19-20: Evening live nativity presentations with narration and song 2222 South Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA. 610-584-4410; www.merrymead.com.

G AR D E NS LONGWOOD GARDENS Through January 10: A Longwood Christmas Through January 10: Garden Railway January 23-March 27: Orchid Extravaganza April 2-June 3: Spring Blooms Admission. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA. 610-388-1000;

WINTERTHUR Through January 3: Yuletide at Winterthur Through December 12: Second Saturday Garden Walks Admission. 5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE. 302-888-4600; www.winterthur.org.

BARNES ARBORETUM December 4-5: Holiday Wreath Workshop Through December 16: Conifers Advance registration. 300 North Latch’s Lane, Merion, PA. 215-278-7200; www.barnesfoun-

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dation.org.

www.bahistoricdistrict.org.

BARTRAM’S GARDEN December 5: Holiday Greens Sale 54th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA. 215-729-5281; www.bartramsgarden.org.

PENNYPACKER MILLS Through January 10: Holiday Tours December 12: Victorian Christmas Open House 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, PA. 610-287-9349; www.montcopa.org/pennypackermills.

TYLER ARBORETUM December 5: The Country Gardeners Annual Greens Sale December 5: Woodland Winter Wonderland Admission. 515 Painter Road, Media, PA. 610-566-9134; www.tylerarboretum.org.

JENKINS ARBORETUM & GARDENS December 15: Holiday Greens Table Arrangement Workshop January 8-February 7: Quilt Display: Nature’s Prisms 631 Berwyn Road, Devon, PA. 610-647-8870; www.jenkinsarboretum.org.

2016 PHS PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW March 5-13: This year’s flower show, “Explore America,” honors the centennial of the National Park Service and our country’s culture, monuments, history, and landscapes. Admission. Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA. 215-9888800; www.theflowershow.com.

HISTORY NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER Through Fall 2017: Constituting Liberty: From The Declaration to The Bill of Rights 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA. 215-4096600; www.constitutioncenter.org.

MENNONITE HERITAGE CENTER Through April 16: Calligraphy and Bookbinding: Twentieth Century Artists: Fritz and Trudi Eberhardt December 5-6: Christmas Market December 8-31: Fine Craft Show & Sale 565 Yoder Road, Harleysville, PA. 215-2563020; www.mhep.org.

BRYN ATHYN HISTORIC DISTRICT Through January 10: World Nativities (Glencairn Museum) December 1: Trim the Tree at Cairnwood December 8, 10: Christmas in the Castle (Glencairn Museum) December 10: Cairnwood by Candlelight December 15: Christmas Sing Concert (Glencairn Museum) Cathedral Road, Bryn Athyn, PA. 18

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POTTSGROVE MANOR Through January 10: Twelfth Night Tours December 13: Pottsgrove Manor by Candlelight 100 West King Street, Pottstown, PA. 610-3264014; www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor.

HOPE LODGE December 5: Holiday Candlelight Event 553 South Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, PA. 215-646-1595; www.ushistory.org.

PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER December 5: Christmas on the Farm March 19: Easter on the Farm 22 Luckenbill Road, Kutztown, PA. 610-6831589; https://sites.google.com/site/pagermanchc/home.

PETER WENTZ FARMSTEAD SOCIETY December 5: Candlelight Tours Shearer Road, Worcester, PA. 610-584-5104; www.peterwentzfarmsteadsociety.org.

THE HIGHLANDS MANSION AND GARDENS December 6: A Visit with Santa Admission. 7001 Sheaff Lane, Fort Washington, PA. 215-641-2687; www.highlandshistorical.org.

MORGAN LOG HOUSE December 12-14: Candlelight Tours 850 Weikel Road, Lansdale, PA. 215-3682480; www.morganloghouse.org.

GRAEME PARK December 12: Living History Theater: Elizabeth Graeme’s Loves & Losses April 30-May 1: WW II Weekend Admission. 859 County Line Road, Horsham, PA. 215-343-0965; www.graemepark.org.

VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK December 19: March In of the Continental Army January 2: Join the Continental Army

January 18: MLK Day of Service February 15: Washington’s Birthday Party 1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA. 610-783-1077; www.valleyforge.org.

NAT U R E JOHN JAMES AUDUBON CENTER AT MILL GROVE Through December 19: Saturday Bird Walks 1201 Pawlings Road, Audubon, PA. 610-6665593; www.johnjames.audubon.org.

GREEN LANE PARK December 5: Waterfowl Watch 2144 Snyder Road, Green Lane, PA. 215-2344528; www.montcopa.org.

NORRISTOWN FARM PARK December 6: Owl Prowl December 10: Reindeer Guide for Kids December 13: Natural Ornaments 2500 Upper Farm Road, East Norriton, PA. 610-270-0215; www.montcopa.org.

RIVERBEND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER December 12: Full Moon Night Hike and Campfire 1950 Spring Mill Road, Gladwyne, PA. 610527-5234; www.riverbendeec.org.

BRIAR BUSH NATURE CENTER December 13: Great Escape to Pottsgrove by Candlelight December 17: Join the Conversation: Foxes, and Raccoons, and Deer, Oh My! 1212 Edgehill Road, Abington, PA. 215-8876603; www.briarbush.org.

GREAT VALLEY NATURE CENTER January 29: Winter Annual Event 4251 State Road, Devault, PA. 610-935-9777; www.gvnc.org.

HAWK MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY March 12: Volunteer Enrichment Day 1700 Hawk Mountain Road, Kempton, PA. 610-756-6961; www.hawkmountain.org.

To have your event featured in this magazine or online email Calendar Editor Mary Beth Schwartz: marybeth_schwartz@yahoo.com.

Visit www.montcomag.com for a complete listing of events and our latest information.

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Crafts

Farm Fresh Furniture Bradford Smith’s trademark is farm themed furniture made with fine wood –by Lew Larason

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IT WAS IN 1980 THAT BRADFORD SMITH WENT into the furniture business, graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology’s School for American Craftsmen and married his wife Sandy. “It was a busy year,” he said. But everything he did since high school led up to this. In the mid-1970s he got experience working with wood from Alvin Rothenberger Inc., a local cabinet and mill shop. Today he continues a relationship with the family owners but admits, “I learned a lot, but wasn’t ready to settle down until after college.”

Brad’s first workshop was in a 600-square-foot, unheated area on the second floor of his father’s barn, over the cows. His first items were a line of kitchen utensils— pieces he still produces. His present woodworking shop

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is 4,000 square feet. When he had it built 10 years ago, he had the heat put in the cement floor. “That leads to more comfortable working conditions. We also have a woodburning stove that helps us heat with wood scraps,“ he said. His finishing shop and warehouse is 3,000 square feet.

The workshop is well laid out, with many interesting special tools. Brad has a 12-inch jointer and an 18-inch thickness planer, plus a standard drill press and a few lathes. His table saw set-up is clever.

He has two of the same size together. One has a standard saw blade, while the other has dado blades.

Another tool is a small table saw that has half of the top moveable. “This lets us make very accurate cuts.” The right half of the top is stable and has a gauge that is set for length, while the left half moves.

The wood is set to the gauge and then cut as the bed is moved. Brad also has a large horizontal drill, used to bore holes in the ends of bed posts to insert connectors.

Among Brad’s lathes is an ax handle lathe. Since he uses ax handles for the legs in his stools and chairs, this tool is used a lot. Basically, it’s a duplicating lathe. A blank is put in one side. The operator sets the size and cutters and then starts the tool. As the cutter slowly removes wood, it follows the sample being felt by an arm that controls the cutter. When it’s finished, he has an ax handle the same shape and size as the sample. Next to this lathe is a sander. Another of the lathes has a bed long enough to create the seven-foot long end posts for the beds they make.

Bradford Woodworking has four parttime employees: Colin Wurtz, Dennis Allenbach, Charlie Sharp and Sandy who does the bookwork. “I’m not a paper person,” he said. “All of us together make a good team. We turn out a lot of furniture without sacrificing quality. Keeping our standards high is very important.”

Everything Bradford Woodworking makes has a farm theme. There are stools with tractor seats and ax handle legs, others with round cherry seats and ax handle legs. The stools are 25 inches for counter

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height and 30 inches for bar height. Although a few of their chairs have lawn mower handles as backs, most chairs and some stools have pitchfork backs.

“They’re ideal supports for chair backs and have a little spring to them when you lean back,” he said. The pitchfork points are inserted into wood backs. So, they’re safe. Some of the chairs and stools have arms which are two-prong forks with wood tops. The ax handle legs go through the wood seats and are wedged on the top with a contrasting-colored wood. The wedges look good and help keep the legs from becoming loose through the years.

Brad always is making one-of-a-kind pieces in his shop. He collects all sorts of things like wood pulls, knobs, folding rulers and interesting-looking pieces of metal and wood. He allows his imagination to take over to create unique items.

He takes such pieces, along with his standard line, to the six craft shows he does each year.

Although he mostly uses cherry and ash woods, on commissioned pieces, he often uses something else. He works closely with clients, generally beginning with photos of previously made items.

After talking about size, features, use and so on, they go through the photos while they discuss wood choices and other details. Then, he does drawings. Once customers have approved the plans and everything has been agreed upon, the job will take eight to 12 weeks.

Brad has designed the shop to produce his items in small runs, like six or 12 of the same piece at a time. This way, he’s been able to keep prices reasonable without altering quality. “I’m proud of each item that leaves our shop and am involved in every one of them,” he said.

Bradford Woodworking is located at 3120 Fisher Road, Lansdale PA. 19446.

To learn more about Bradford Woodworking, call 610-584-1150 or visit www.bradfordwoodworking.com.

3120 Fisher Rd Lansdale, L PA 610-5 584-1150 m www.bradfordwoodworking.com info@bradfordwoodworking.com m

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Call to make your Reservation today!

Lew Larason is a freelance writer who specializes in antiques and furniture.

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Art

Michael Adams Michael Adams loves the outdoors and like Audubon is particulary fond of painting - by John Cella birds 22 M O N T C O M A G . C O M

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MICHAEL ADAMS TRANSLATES HIS IMMENSE passion for the outdoors and wildlife and for birds in particular, into vibrant works of fine art. A naturalist and realist, he is widely exhibited and highly esteemed for his watercolors, which are his main medium. He is also a sculptor working in clay and stone. His pieces exhibit not only accuracy in form and color, but radiate the life of the animals and birds he recreates.

This artist is truly inspired by the outdoors. He spends hours hiking in Evansburg State Park, often with his wife Cat, his dogs at his side, camera in hand, photographing scenes and birds that entice his eye. “The main thing in my life is to be out in the woods,” he laughs. “I can’t get enough of it!” His beautiful close-up photos of birds and

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restive nature scenes are works of art in on permanent display along his dining in black. Viewing this bird from across themselves. room wall. the room creates an immediate emotional Michael finds inspiration everywhere.

A bird artist for 25 years, he is fasci- reaction. Its mystical quality can’t be exHis own backyard has been the source of nated and heavily influenced by the art of plained. This magnificent bird, a raptor many of his finest bird watercolors, in- John James Audubon. Fortuitously, this always aware, always ready to spring into cluding mourning doves, cardinals, and renowned artist’s first home in America action, comes alive. blue jays. Once he discovered a northern is located at the John James Audubon A member, past president, and flicker, which had just died, almost at his Center (JJAC) in Mill Grove, a short drive teacher of the Greater Norristown Arts back door. Using a succession of photos, from Michael’s home in Trooper. In 2007 League, Michael shows me a painting of he breathed life into this beautiful speci- he was invited to do a one-man show in four horned Jacob sheep, which he is curmen to create his painted replica.

Audubon’s historic house. “What a thrill rently using to demonstrate his process to Drawing since the age of watercolor students. “I create four, Michael always knew he texture through detailed brushwanted to be an artist, and the work. It’s like drawing, but ulti-talented Michael also makes a joy he derives now at 60 is with a brush.” Moving from greater than ever. He attended living in Collectible designs and religious pale to dark tones he creates Philadelphia College of Art and light and shadow, form, and taught at the University of the the desired color combinaart. He designed Lenox Collectibles’ Arts for many years, taking his tions. In his final washes, Garden Birds collection of over 50 students to the Brandywine browns and ultramarine blues River Museum to view the work porcelain birds in their natural habitats. will be added. of the Wyeth family. As a child “I do what I love—portraits, he was especially captivated by When ornithologists started to review sculpture, landscapes, chilN.C. Wyeth’s paintings of sunlit dren’s books, set design—and I his work, he was motivated to study pirates in their powerful poses. love what I do. Selling my work Today he is heavily influenced is the icing on the cake.” His bird anatomy—covert, primary and

by Andrew Wyeth and a book dedication to the Norristown of his art is permanently open community is evidenced in a secondary feathers as well as bird in his studio for inspiration. A recent mural for the Firehouse. large landscape hanging in his Currently he is co-creating an 8 habitats and migration patterns. living room is redolent of by 16-foot work for the NorrisWyeth’s muted dark tones and town Library, working with Sucolors. “Because of him I have challenged and honor it was to exhibit my paintings sannah Hart Thomer, also of myself to create with deeper color values, where this man lived and worked!” He Montgomery County. In the design for and a subdued, moody style.” still exhibits in Mill Grove’s annual art the latter, a procession of children and Multi-talented Michael also makes a show and has been commissioned to do children’s book characters marches by full living in Collectible designs and religious a large mural of North American birds for of movement and lively color. art. He designed Lenox Collectibles’ Gar- the new Visitors Center due to open in This talented artist is open to doing den Birds collection of over 50 porcelain spring of 2017. work on commission. Contact him at birds in their natural habitats. When orGeronimo, the great horned owl de- http://www.michael-adams-studio.com. nithologists started to review his work, he picted here, lived in the aviary at JJAC, as Upcoming shows this spring include Yelwas motivated to study bird anatomy— it was non-releasable due to injury. The low Springs Art Show, April 23-May 8, 2016 covert, primary and secondary feathers as large watercolor now hangs in Michael’s in Chester County, www.yellowsprings.org well as bird habitats and migration pat- dining room. It is breathtaking to behold, and the “Drawn from Nature” Art Show at terns. “My bird designs for Lenox had to its exquisite color and design a result of the John James Audubon Center at Mill be absolutely anatomically correct, drawn many watercolor studies done on the Grove, running from April 9-24, 2016, to exact scale. It was painstaking, detailed Audubon House porch. Its brown and http://johnjames.audubon.org. work.” But this experience served him blue tinged feather tufts resemble horns. well in his incredibly lifelike bird paint- The intricately patterned plumage looks John Cella is a freelance writer living in the ings, his primary passion, as well as a se- soft. A luminous yellow eye is amplified Philadelphia area. ries of realistic bird and animal sculptures, by a half moon orange pattern bordered

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Eunice Nam Eunice Nam from PlymouthWhitemarsh High School has been chosen for a great national honor –by Patti Gurthrie

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MUSIC,” SAID EUNICE NAM, HAS PLAYED A BIG part in my life and probably will for all of my life. I started piano lessons when I was five years old. Then, a couple of years later, I began flute lessons.”

This poised and soft-spoken young lady had heard a flute playing and liked the high, clear lilting sounds it made.

Since starting lessons the summer before she entered fourth grade, Eunice has worked diligently to master the instrument, amassing a slew of local, regional and state accolades and honors along the way that culminated in her being selected from among thousands of hopefuls to play in the AllNational Honor Concert Band of the National Association

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for Music Education.

She performed with this orchestra at the Grand Ole Opry during the NAfME conference held October 25-28 in Nashville, Tennessee. She was accompanied on the trip by Tonia Kaufman, the Colonial School District Choral-Instrumental Coordinator who also is the Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School band director.

In her 17 years, this PlymouthWhitemarsh senior has accomplished more in the field of music than most people do in their entire lifetimes. She’s the first student in the history of the high school to be selected for that prestigious honor according to Kaufman.

Eunice’s journey to this amazing achievement began last December when she tried out and was selected for the district orchestra. Comprising Bucks and Montgomery Counties, their festival was held at North Penn High School in January 2015. That success made Nam eligible to try out for the regional orchestra.

Her acceptance into regionals led to her eligibility to try for the state orchestra.

Again she was selected and performed in Hershey during spring break. “Everyone who made states was eligible to try out for nationals,” She said. “I had to make a demo tape. Some of the other kids’ parents hired professionals for their demos.

But I made mine at home with my dad and mom, using my cell phone.” Not surprisingly, her enormous talent shone through, giving her the prestige of being selected for the All-National Honor Concert Band.

She modestly said there probably were ten to twelve other flute players in the national orchestra. Eunice made the demo around the end of April and heard she’d been accepted toward the end of the school year. At first, she couldn’t believe her good fortune when Kaufman called with the news.

The All-National Honor Concert Band performed five pieces on October 28th, at the culmination of the NAfME conference. Eunice said, “They sent me

PDF files of the pieces we were going to be playing so I could practice over the summer and early fall.”

When asked if he was proud of his daughter, Jay Nam’s face lit up as he replied, “Oh, yes!” He explained that when he and his wife were children, they couldn’t take music lessons. Consequently, they decided they would make them available to their youngsters. Therefore, they’ve encouraged and supported Eunice and her younger brother’s musical interests.

With all of this early and heady success, you‘d assume that next year she would be attending one of the prestigious music schools in this country such as Julliard. However, she said, “I don’t think I’ll

Eunice’s journey to this amazing achievement began last Decem-

in every person’s life. And, I want all of my students to be happy. So, if the role that Eunice believes is the best for her life includes music being more of a hobby, I respect that decision. But, I also acknowledge that she most certainly is talented enough to pursue music as a career and would support her in that role as well.”

She concluded, “It’s most important to me that students are happy with what they’re doing. I’m pleased to have had the opportunity to work with Eunice and am extremely proud of her efforts. So, whatever she chooses for her career, I will support her.”

To learn more about the National Association for Music Education, formerly known as the Music Educators National Conference, visit their website at www.NAfME.org. In 2007, they celebrated their Centennial and with 130,000 members making them the world’s largest arts education association.

Patti Guthrie is a freelance writer and antiques dealer from Chalfont, PA.

ber when she tried out and was selected for the district orchestra. go into music full time because I see it as something I love to do as a hobby, as a side note. With my music, I can take a break from life.” She continued, “I’m planning to go to college. I’ll apply here and there and see where that takes me.

My interests are all over the place, like the sciences, anthropology, the environment—things like that.”

When she was asked about Eunice’s decision not to pursue music as a career, Tonia Kaufman responded, “Obviously, when teachers have the opportunity to work with truly exceptional and talented students, of course we would always like them to want to pursue that area in which they’re talented as a career. However, I understand that music plays a different role

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Cold Frame Gardening Using a cold frame that can be easily made extends the gardening season for hardier vegetables –by Lori Pelkowski

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WINTER IS NEARLY HERE. A FEW FROSTY mornings have already killed our heat-loving garden plants like tomatoes and basil. But that doesn't mean we can't continue to garden. And one of the easiest ways to extend the growing season is with a cold frame. Cold frames are easy to construct and manage, and allow us to grow some of the hardier vegetables for an additional month or two in winter. They also allow us to start growing a month or two earlier in spring.

A cold frame is simply an enclosed gardening area with a clear top to shelter plants, let in sunlight and warm the soil inside. It can be large or small; portable, removable or permanent. Cold frames can be purchased in a wide variety of sizes, materials and prices, with or without

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accessories like thermostat-controlled ventilators. But they are so easy to build that it is worth building one to start off. If you find you love cold frame gardening, you can trade up next year.

The ideal site for a cold frame is a sunny, well-drained, south-facing spot against a house or other heated building.

If your site is not ideal, here are some helpful tips.

If the site does not have good drainage, standing water can freeze and kill the plants. To ensure good drainage in a cold frame, dig out the top three inches of soil and put a layer of coarse gravel in the hole. If you plan to grow in the ground instead of in pots or flats, amend the soil with some compost before shoveling it back into the hole on top of the gravel.

If the site is not against a heated building, insulate the walls of the cold frame with old blankets, straw or leaves. If the site does not face south, just be sure it gets at least six hours of sunlight per day.

In order to reach all the plants easily, and make the cold frame worthwhile, it should be larger than two feet by four feet, but no larger than four feet by six feet.

The cover must be transparent to let in as much sunlight as possible. Try an old window, or thick plastic sheeting tacked to a frame. These can be attached to the sides of the cold frame with hinges to keep them in place if you'd like.

Construct the sides of the cold frame with hay bales, bricks, cinder blocks or wood. When using cinderblocks, stand them so the holes are up and down, and cover the tops of the holes. Just about any kind of wood can be used to construct a cold frame, but avoid pressure treated wood as it contains toxic chemicals like arsenic. Use galvanized nails or screws to

hold the wood together.

Try painting the outside of the cold frame black to absorb heat, and the inside white to reflect sunlight around the plants.

As with regular-season gardening, successful extended-season gardening depends upon paying close attention to the plants and their surrounding conditions.

With that in mind, here are a few cold

frame specific do’s and don'ts.

Keep the temperature inside the cold frame as close to 60 degrees as possible for plants that normally grow in spring and fall. Put a thermometer inside where it can be seen easily. The way to regulate the temperature inside the cold frame is by lifting or propping the lid open. The goal is to let excess warmth escape. When it is warmer than 40 degrees outdoors, open the lid six inches until late afternoon. Close the lid to trap heat inside for the night.

On frigid nights, the plants inside the cold frame may need some extra protection so they don't freeze. Most heat escapes through the glass, so cover the glass with blankets, straw or newspaper to insulate the cold frame. Remove the insulation as early as possible in the morning to maximize sunlight.

Water plants in cold frames with water that is at least as warm as the soil. It should be warm, not hot. Don't use cold

water as it can chill the plants and cool the soil, reducing the effectiveness of the cold frame.

So what are the best vegetables to grow in a cold frame in the fall? Salad ingredients like spinach, radishes and baby or round carrots. Bak-choy and arugula.

Any variety of lettuce, green or red, whether mesclun, leaf lettuce or heading lettuce. Many varieties of Asian greens such as the peppery mizuna. How wonderful to have fresh salads from your own garden on the holiday table.

But cold frames are not just for extending the fall growing season. Use them to start the spring growing season a month or two early. Grow the same salad ingredients as in fall and be the first in the neighborhood to have garden fresh salads.

Start cool-temperature spring vegetables like cauliflower, celery and Swiss chard in late winter. Start heat-loving summer vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers and melons in early spring. Use the cold frame to acclimate seedlings grown indoors to outdoor conditions. Start flats of flowers like sweet alyssum, snapdragons or marigolds to get those first spring bouquets a little earlier than usual.

Still prefer to purchase a cold frame instead of building one? From basic, manual cold frames to mansion-worthy greenhouses, here are some websites with high quality merchandise and reasonable prices to get your shopping spree started.

Raisedbeds.com Gardeners.com Williams-Sonoma.com Amazon.com

Lori Pelkowski, The Midnight Gardener, is a Temple University Certified Master Home Gardener.

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Vicky'sMONTCO w15.qxp_Layout 1 11/18/15 7:02 PM Page 1

Staying Fit at Any Age

Fitness to the Extreme –by Vicky Waite

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AS I’M BROWSING THROUGH MY LINKEDIN NETWORK ON my work anniversary, one of my members gave me a thumbs up and a like on my anniversary post that Linkedin puts up for it’s members. With this member’s photo, I see an exercise piece that is being demonstrated.

I go to the Website and so glad I did. It’s a unique multi-purpose exerciser designed and invented by Kenneth Frederick. The full name is the Extreme Ab & Arm Wheel multi-purpose exerciser.

I had Ken send one out to me, and I was very anxious to try it. As soon as it arrived I took it out of the box. Nothing to put together; all in one piece, my husband’s lucky day! I like the fact that it is so well made.

It’s sturdy and steel constructed.

After using it, I found it to be so much more than just working your abs and arms. This goes way beyond that! This unique device is effective, versatile and nicely designed for performance and strength. Due to the bullhorn handles, with various grip angles, it makes me feel the different muscle groups being worked. And boy do I mean being worked!

This is not your ordinary wheel like so many out there. The Extreme Ab & Arm Wheel multi-purpose exerciser will knock your socks off! Luckily, I wasn’t wearing any socks at the time. You can actually feel muscles being worked. Just using the neutral grips, it felt so much more comfortable for my shoulders with doing just basic ab rollouts. Great for any age due to the neutral grip handle benefits beginners and advanced users. The design enables you to have three different grip options, on the side, and vertical grip option with less stress on the shoulders. Also there is a traditional grip. Ken believes that by selecting neutral grip positions, either side or

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vertical, you will benefit from a variation in emphasis and effect on your abs, arms, back, chest and shoulder muscles. And, I couldn’t agree more.

With the Extreme Ab & Arm Wheel multi-purpose exerciser, you can set up your own roll stop option for your own comfort level and size. This is good since everyone has a different body length. This will let you stop where you want and then go back. You can gradually adjust as you build more muscle tone and strength to go further out. You can do full rollouts or partial roll outs to help work the calf muscles, thighs and quads.

There are several exercises including the plank core strengtheners, advanced plank movements and core lifts and quad exercises. I mean what wheel out there offers all that? I can see why Ken has multi-purpose exerciser as part of the name. I tried all the exercises as featured in the multi-purpose exerciser user guide. I felt my triceps getting worked by using the neutral grip with the wheel behind me. With all exercises I felt the engaged multiple muscles being worked.

Several well known colleges and universities prefer to use the Extreme Ab & Arm wheel multi-purpose exerciser for their strength and conditioning programs. A Human Performance coach for the U.S. Army Rangers ordered units to use in his program and a strength coach from the Pittsburgh Steelers also requested units.

The Extreme Ab & Arm Wheel multi-purpose exerciser is great for the beginner to the athlete. Very affordable and well done to the extreme.

For more information visit: www.extremeabandarmwheel.com and like with any exercise program be sure to consult your physician before you begin.

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2015 Holiday Gift Guide

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H oli d ay G i f t G uide

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Holiday G i f t G uide

It’s magical this Holiday Season at Bucks County’s Premiere Jeweler Select from some of the finest brand names including Ritani, A Jaffe, Forevermark, The Diamond, Rembrant Charms, Doves Jewelry, Rosi Designs, Joe Bruner Designs, Luca Designs, Anzie Designs, Natalie Designs, NEI Group of Designs, Freida Rothman Silver Gold Finished Jewelry, Metal Crafters Silver Jewelry, Benardi Silver Jewelry, Elle Siver Jewelry, Lafonn, Seiko Watches, Citizen Watches, Bulova Watches, and G-Shock Watches. Rolex Pre Owned Watches.

Something for everyone!

Or let us design something special for you.

Trunk Shows Scheduled December 12th, 17th, and 19th

BUCKS COUNTY’S PREMIERE JEWELER Ten Summit Square Shopping Ctr. Newtown, PA • 215-968-8900 www.davidcraigjewelers.com

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H oli d ay G i f t G uide

Carl Venezia

CUSTOM CUT FRESH MEATS

We specialize in...

Prime Rib Roast - Filets •Fresh Natural Turkeys Homemade Italian Sausage • Gift Baskets Old Fashioned Dark Smoked Ham • Party Trays 1007 Germantown Pike • Plymouth Meeting, PA 610-239-6750 • www.carlveneziameats.com 32

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Holiday G i f t G uide

Country Estate Ruby

64 South Main • Doylestown 215-345-7541• fxdougherty.com

WINTER 2015

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Health

Battling ED

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Doctors Richard M. Goldfarb and Peter Sinaiko are using a new method to treat patients with ED –by Mary Beth Schwartz

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YOU TRIED SOME LIFEST YLE CHANGES— reducing stress, getting proper sleep, eliminating tobacco and alcohol, exercising. You tried the natural approach with herbs and acupuncture. Perhaps you have tried the little blue pill, testosterone injections, and vacuum pumps. If you tried all of these, or perhaps suffer with heart disease, diabetes, MS, Parkinson’s, or an enlarged prostate, it is time to stop suffering with erectile dysfunction (ED). Simply make an appointment with Progressive Men’s Health. Based in Langhorne, their doctors provide a smart way to heal your ED. The Bucks County practice is led by two of the nation’s leading physicians for men’s health and urology.

Richard M. Goldfarb, MD, FACS, is a highly sought after

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surgeon who lectures and trains on cosmetic, surgical, and aesthetic laser topics.

Dr. Goldfarb is the founder of SmartLipo & Plastic Surgery in Langhorne. He also is the Medical Director for The Silhouette Lift, Selphyl, and Viora. Dr. Goldfarb partnered with Peter Sinaiko, MD, FACS, to form Progressive Men’s Health. Dr. Sinaiko is a board certified urologist. He invented the Silhouette Bladder Lift and is known for his work in prostate cancer research and the use of platelet rich plasma (PRP) in urology.

Dr. Goldfarb and Dr. Sinaiko have developed a successful treatment for ED. According to Dr. Sinaiko, there is a series of six visits over a period of three weeks.

FDA-approved shockwave therapy is used.

This therapy is non-invasive, non-surgical, and has long term effectiveness. The therapy is done in the office as an outpatient procedure with little discomfort. A topical cream is available for patients who wish to numb the area.

According to Dr. Goldfarb, there are two injections given between the fifth and sixth treatments. The first is the FDA-approved Selphyl. This is a platelet rich fibrin matrix, which enhances the tissue by increasing blood flow to the tissue. Increasing blood flow increases the success for the patient. In addition to the Selphyl, some patients receive amniocytes. The FDA-approved product is an allograft of tissue. This means that it came from a live individual and that immature cells will develop into mature cells. This is placed in patients to enhance new tissue growth, as well as new blood supply. The amniocytes work in synergy with the platelet rich fibrin matrix.

To date, Dr. Goldfarb and Dr. Sinaiko have successfully treated 75 patients. The ages ranged from 30 to 80, with a majority between 50 and 60.

“Ninety percent of the patients had failed on Viagra, but have had a response to this treatment. To us, this is game changing,” says Dr. Goldfarb. The doctors follow up with patients at three months, six months, and one year. Patients see almost

immediate improvement in their ED. The therapy is affordable, and most men will only need to do it once. There also are no side effects involved.

“Our greatest success story was a gentleman who had not been able to perform for over 10 years. He was a diabetic. Even after the first treatment the couple was able to perform. They were ecstatic. For so many years there were not able to have any type of relations,” Dr. Goldfarb says.

The doctors are conducting an ongoing clinical study with their treatment of erectile dysfunction. “We are seeing a difference in the patients who receive both the Selphyl and the amniocytes along

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According to Dr. Goldfarb, there are two injections given between the fifth and sixth treatments. with the shockwave therapy. The success rate is close to 100 percent. We have been extremely pleased about our outcomes, which have superseded outcomes achieved overseas,” Dr. Goldfarb says.

According to Dr. Goldfarb, Progressive Men’s Health is the only practice in the country offering this ED treatment.

Patients travel from all over for treatment.

Dr. Goldfarb and Dr. Sinaiko currently are training other doctors on their methods. In addition, by the end of November, the doctors will be offering a new ED treatment for women.

Progressive Men’s Health is located at 940 Town Center Drive, Suite F 100, Langhorne, PA 19047. To request an ED consultation and blood flow study with Dr. Sinaiko or Dr. Goldfarb, call 215-7643131. You can visit their website at www.progressivemenshealth.com or like them on Facebook.

Mary Beth Schwartz is a freelance writer who frequently contributes to regional publications.

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Dressing Up For

Christmas Interior designer Maria Viola Kuffruff artfully uses a mix of materials and colors to dress up this Newtown Square house for the holidays

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raped with silver and gold colors, rich-toned florals and lush garlands, this Newtown Square residence is really dressed up for Christmas.

Maria Viola Kuffruff, of Viola Interior Design, LLC, who already designed the interior and orchestrated the color palette, knows this home well. So who is better suited to dress it up in Christmas holiday finery?

This expanded, traditional colonial in Newtown Square, built about eight years ago, has been appointed with delicate tones, sophisticated textures and a touch of panache. “The interior is not your mother's or grandmother's traditional styling,” Maria explains. Interior appointments have a touch of elegance, but not necessarily formal. “It's not overly fussy or stuffy,” Maria adds. Dressed in pastel

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shades of lavender, heather, and lilac the living space exudes a welcoming, informal appeal. Maria's focus was to decorate the interior space for the holidays in keeping with the elegance and colors of the rooms. “I don’t want to fight the existing colors,” she explains. For an overall presentation she added touches of color, texture and form that complemented the house’s interior décor. From live greenery and flowers to artificial plants and lots of sparkly ribbon, Maria wrapped the interior spaces with delicate finery.

Maria explains that the owner loves Christmas and commissioned Maria to ready the house for the season’s festivities. She has orchestrated clusters of holiday decor in the expansive entry, with the sweeping staircase; as well as the dining room and living room. Even though the house is a traditional colonial, the colors and materials Maria mixes are

Photos: Glenn Race

by Beth S. Buxbaum

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In this home Maria is introducing tones that blend more smoothly with the home’s styling.

Maria Viola Kuffruff, Allied ASID, started Viola Interior Design, L.L.C. in 2005. This award winning boutique firm, based on the Main Line, designs distinctive homes with a unique perspective from Maria’s expertise in color, custom designs and knowledge of design history. Before she started her own design firm, Maria worked with two well-known architectural firms as the interior designer to better understand an architect's perspective. Having an insight into an architect's conceptualization of any project is an invaluable resource for a designer.

Maria’s projects are wide ranging; from designing rooms in a house, to the renovation of entire residences or custom furniture designs for any space, as well as designing entire office spaces. With a newer, fresh approach to defining interior space, Maria has developed a style that combines modern and traditional, while balancing scale and proportion and always infusing a twist that raises it above the ordinary. “I love fabric, color and space planning,” she adds. “It's like a puzzle and I enjoy the process and seeing the end result, as well as the challenge of re-designing a floor plan to create more efficient flow and function.”

Maria guides her clients through the design process. “I believe in helping my clients understand the importance of warm, inviting spaces that look beautiful and functions well,” Maria explains. “I am sensitive to each client's particular needs and aesthetic.” Developing long lasting relationships has enabled her to take clients through multiple projects.

Maria received her master's degree in Interior Architecture and Design from Drexel University. Presently she teaches interior design and the history of design at the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design at Drexel. Maria is currently the President of the American Society of Interior Designers, PA East Chapter and has won two Chapter Awards; the 2012 Educator Award and 2013 Presidential Citation. Her studio is located at 354 Merion Rd, Merion Station, PA 19066. For inquiries, call 610-664-4024 or visit www.violainteriordesign.com and www.HOUZZ.com.

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not necessarily typical holiday tones. “I am not using primary colors, or any traditional red florals,” she explains. Maria has selected an array of natural plant materials and flowers, not traditionally connected to Christmas decorating, with a focus on shades of heather, plums and purples along with and orange accents all orchestrated with berries.

Blending is key to Maria’s approach.

To master the look, feel and flow of the decorations, she mixes a variety of materials and colors “I like to mix live plant materials with some artificial to achieve a more lush effect,” she adds, “and try to strike a balance so the overall effect is more authentic and substantial.” Maria uses a lot of natural materials in the holiday displays.

“This gives a more cozy, cheerful look,” she adds “and gives you a break from what we typically see.”

In this home Maria is introducing tones that blend more smoothly with the home’s styling. She loves working with white pine garlands, when available, for several reasons.

“It has a longer needle with a softer, wispier texture, “ she adds. She points out that it drapes nicely for an elegant touch and is easier to work with. This year the white pine needles were not available, so she used juniper and eucalyptus for her draping materials, especially the eucalyptus for its silvery green leaves and aroma.

A mix of greenery is placed strategically in the three rooms, focusing on the sweeping staircase in the entry and the fireplace mantles in the living and dining rooms.

For a more traditional approach, Maria ap-

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The festive holiday wreath decorating the front door with apples, berries, pinecones, and holly presents a warm invitation to enter and celebrate the Christmas season.

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A mix of greenery is placed strategically in the three rooms, focusing on the sweeping staircase in the entry and the ďŹ replace mantles in the living and dining rooms.

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The Christmas tree in the living room is profoundly simple, decorated with sheer silver ribbon, silver glass ornaments, and white lights.The mantle displays miniature silver glitter trees sititng on top of antique Dickens’ novels.

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For an added touch Maria mixes pine cones into the garland applications on the stairway and mantles.

plies dried white hydrangeas, or red zinnias, roses or amaryllis accented with white pine garlands for pops of color. “ I enjoy decorating fireplaces because they lend themselves so well to adornments,” Maria exclaims.

For an added touch Maria mixes pine cones into the garland applications on the stairway and mantles. She also suggests the use of using outdoor planters or large urns filled with natural plants as an alternative to topiaries for those extra splashes of green. Finishing the spaces, Maria intersperses floral arrangements throughout on tabletops as striking centerpieces or an accent on a counter for that additional flurry of color.

In the dining room, she fills a hurricane vase in the center of the table with a decorative candle and surrounds the base with eucalyptus and juniper. “You can also fill the hurricanes with tiny white lights for a different effect,” she says. Adorning the large armoire is another focus where she places garlands of fresh plants above the crest that sits at the top of the piece. The chandelier is strewn with eucalyptus and juniper and the mirror is adorned with fresh eucalyptus and ilex berries. The dining room chair backs are dressed with gold and ivory ribbon and ilex berries.

Adding a sparkly finish to the spaces is a must. “You don't have to go

Opposite, a delightful combination of fresh magnolia leaves, silver glass ornaments, fresh deep purple calla lillies. Above, a simple pine wreath with pinecones and decorative balls.

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overboard, just a few little touches,” she continues. For this she will apply a few treatments to get that holiday twinkle. “I like to sprinkle a little glitter on ribbons and intertwine them in the garlands on the mantle and stairway,” she describes. For instance, the entry stairway will be dressed with a silvery blue ribbon to complement the tones in that space. Maria also sprinkles silver and gold glitter on ornaments. She explains that silver and gold work well with the softer colors in the house. A small string of tiny twinkling white lights can be delicately interspersed in the garlands and pine cones as well. Of course one other focal point is the tree. Maria positions the Christmas tree in the living room next to the piano. “From a design standpoint, placing the tree in a spot that can be seen as you enter the house sets the tone for a festive feel,” she adds. The tree is dressed in all the owner's favorite holiday ornaments with a touch of Maria.

Maria's approach to decorating this house for Christmas is to envision

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Opposite, sitting on the glass coffee table in the living room is a large glass hurricane filled with silver glass ornaments,fresh eucalyptus, purple beautyberry, fresh lavender flowers, and purple Queen Anne’s lace.

Above, sitting in front of the window is an arrangement that has fresh hydrangea, pinecones dipped in gold glitter, fresh ivory cabbage flowers, fresh purple beautyberry W I N T Ebranches.

R 2 0 1 5 00 and silver decorative

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In the dining room at the table are miniature orange trees, fresh ilex berries and eucalyptus surround the hurricane and miniature pinecones and acorns envelope the linen napkins.

Fresh juniper branches are draped on the chandelier.

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JENNIF ERHA NS ENROL L I

A small string of tiny twinkling white lights can be delicately interspersed in the garlands and pine cones as well. Of course one other focal point is the tree.

an overall presentation and make sure the concepts complement the home's interior.

Colors, textures and shapes play a key role in her choices, as well as materials. With an interior palette of soft, feathery tones, her goal was not to use any intense primary colors. Being mindful of your interior spaces and what you want the end result to be is a helpful rule of thumb. “These are all simples things that anybody can do,” she adds, “you just need to make the right choices.” With the interior decor draped in an elegant, soft veil, it was important for Maria to blend everything to complement the spaces. While infusing a natural element to the holiday décor, she also mixes in artificial materials for a more substantial presentation. “When you up the scale, it makes everything look more lush,” she adds.

Garlands of greenery, silver and gold ribbons, twinkly lights, glitter and sumptuous florals create a Christmas decor that is cozy, inviting and festive in this Newtown Square home. In the living room, the tree is lit up for the holiday gatherings and is surrounded with gifts large and small.

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

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Fire places.qxp_Layout 1 11/18/15 6:42 PM Page 1

A Hearth for the Home From fireplaces and stoves to inserts, today’s homeowners have a unique range of home heating products to choose from

By Mary Beth Schwartz

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ACCORDING TO THE HEARTH, PATIO & BARBECUE Association (HPBA), more than half of all homeowners, 57 percent, have some kind of fireplace, stove, or insert in their home. Eighty-one percent of hearth product owners love their fireplace, insert, or stove. About two in five fireplace owners (40 percent) and stove owners (43 percent) plan to purchase a new product in the next 12 months. And in the winter months, 38 percent of hearth product owners use their fireplace, freestanding stove, or fireplace insert almost every day.

For those searching for toastiness, there is a range of home heating fuels to select from. It all depends on the lifestyle of the homeowner. For those who like the traditional wood, wood burning technology is available for stoves, inserts, and fireplaces. Then there is the gas option. According

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Above, a Metropolitan fireplace. Opposite, the catalytic 36 Elite wood fireplace, shown with the Classic Arch face. It features high efficiency cheery flames and Posi-Pressure™ heating through a quiet, remotely located 388 CFM fan which circulates the heat throughout the home.

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to the HPBA, gas stoves, fireplaces, and inserts come with heat blowers, manual controls, remotes, and wall thermostats. They burn propane or natural gas. Last but not least is pellet fuel. Pellet stoves and fireplace inserts use pellets made from recycled wood and other materials.

“Consumers should expect a number of exciting innovations,” says Jack Goldman, President & CEO of the HPBA. “People want to lower their home heating bills, upgrade their living room or bedroom space, and set the mood for entertaining. The industry is responding to these demands with creative, new technologies to design products that go beyond the traditional idea of a fireplace. There is a perfect product for everyone and every living space.”

According to the HPBA, there will be some trends to look out for this winter. The first trend focuses on design. Fireplaces are becoming the central design element for many different rooms in the home, and consumers are having them installed not only for comfort and warmth but also for aesthetic appeal and to create a social environment. The second trend is a modern sleek look. Consumers are choosing fireplaces with more glass, a linear look, and less metal. Cost control and convenience combine for a third trend.

Consumers are purchasing products with simple, programmable wall thermostats, single-button control systems, and wireless remote sensors. A fourth trend is having hearth products in bedrooms and bathrooms to add am-

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biance and sophistication. Fireplaces also are making a comeback in the kitchen, as people want to return to the days of the original hearth.

At Salter’s Fireplace, Patio & Grill, Inc. in Eagleville, President Jay Stong first asks customers their buying rationale. Is it to save money, or for enjoyment, aesthetics, convenience, or an upgrade? Stong says that customers often come in looking for emergency heat. “With the ice storms we had two winters ago, people were without heat for days. Customers want something to keep them warm in the event of a power outage. A wood or gas product is efficient, heat producing, and does not require a generator. And the product can be enjoyed throughout the remainder of the heating season.”

Over at Grates and Grills Inc. in Dublin, Manager Dan Rymdeika offers findings on fireplace furnishings. The traditional polished brass look is being replaced with more earthy tones. He is selling more pewter and nickel finishes.

Customers also are purchasing heavy cast iron firebacks for fireplaces. “The fireback saves the back of your fireplace from constant flame eroding the masonry. It fits in your fireplace behind the grate. They come in different designs.

The fireback also allows you to gain a little bit of heat.” Finally, those with masonry fireplaces are increasingly installing glass enclosures.

Owner Karl Claus at The Woodburners Inc. in Hatfield finds some trends as well. One is the popularity of the sleek and modern linear gas fireplace. “Large custom linear fireplaces make quite the statement in a finished basement, living room, or family room.” According to the HPBA, these thinner indoor natural gas and propane models feature glass with high heat tolerances. Builders and homeowners can choose from no-trim options.

Claus also sees the influence of technology. For example with GreenStart,

Opposite, a gas Empire fireplace with mantel surround. Above, a Crave see-through direct vent gas fireplace features multiple upgrade options that let you accent your style and personalize your look.

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Above, this Accentra 52i is the latest, upgraded edition of the best-selling Accentra Insert. These pellet fireplace inserts with their automatic ignition make reaching that perfect room temperature simple. Opposite, this True 48-inch gas fireplace has LED accent lighting & illuminated embers, and high definition logs.

the wood fire can be started by pushing a button—no more matches and newspapers. With GreenStart, you can use a remote to control a list of components. “This time of the year, keep an eye out for accessory upgrades and end-of-the-year savings.”

With a wood burning fireplace, stove, or insert, safety must always be of the utmost importance. With wood burners, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) educates the public with its Burn Wise program. Some of their safety tips include seasoning firewood, choosing the right firewood, cleaning away remnant ashes from the heating products, properly following product instructions, and upgrading to cleaner equipment. The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) also has some helpful guidelines for homeowners. One, have your chimney inspected every year by a professional chimney sweep. The contractor should be certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). The chimney sweep can remove creosote and blockages, and also check for any problems with the chimney. Two, make sure you have a cap installed at the top of your chimney to avoid the chimney being obstructed by such things as leaves, branches, even bird nests. Three, install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. The detectors should be tested monthly and the batteries changed at least once a year.

Four, keep newspapers, magazines, books, and other flammable materials at least three feet from the heating equipment. Five, never use a liquid accelerant to start a fire. Six, the fireplace is not the place for charcoal, plastic, garbage, or rolled newspapers. Seven, make sure the wood burning fireplace is vented well and the chimney is clear before starting the fire. Lastly, do not close the damper until wood burning embers have stopped burning completely. continued on page 68

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Jingle All The Way Matthew Wismer of Northern Star Farm offers the romance, exhilaration and mystique of that 19th century activity most associated with warmth and intrigue—the sleigh ride BY

MARY BETH SCHWARTZ

Photos: Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board

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Matthew Wismer proudly wears historic garb for this photo, but normally bundles up when giving his sleigh rides.

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“Dashing through the snow. On a one horse open sleigh.

O’er the fields we go. Laughing all the way. Bells on bobtails ring, Making spirits bright. What fun it is to laugh and sing.

A sleighing song tonight…” We all know the lyrics to the holiday classic Jingle Bells. And for those who wish to partake in the winter experience known as the sleigh ride, Matthew Wismer of Northern Star Farm offers them from December through March.

It all began when Wismer was a young child. He discovered his great grandparents sleigh in the barn. He climbed into the driver’s seat and took hold of its imaginary reins. In his mind he was driving on a snowy country field, heading toward the sunset. Wismer had been toying with the idea of giving sleigh rides for years. In 2010 he decided it was time.

He headed to Lancaster County and purchased the horses, two different types of sleighs, harnesses, heavy woolen Victorian era sleigh blankets, and German sleigh bells. Wismer had everything that he needed to launch the sleigh rides.

People travel from all over for their dream sleigh ride. Last year, he gave 277 people sleigh rides.

“When you mention the words sleigh ride, you immediately get people’s attention. I call it a strange phenomenon.

It is one of the few activities from the early nineteenth century and prior, which has the power to conjure up feelings of warmth and intrigue. The greeting card industry has been featuring sleigh rides on Christmas cards for years. So many people think of something magical when they hear the words sleigh ride. There also is a romance factor associated with sleigh rides. Here in the twenty-first century we are able to put people in their very own Currier & Ives portrait experience,” Wismer says.

You may find others that offer winter sleigh rides, but not at the level Wismer does. Whether it is a private ride for a family of four on his reproduction Santa sleigh pulled by two horses, or a group ride on the bobsleigh for 12 pulled by three or more horses, he handles each ride himself. His audience finds out what it was like to travel by horse and sleigh years ago as they travel over parts of his family owned and operated 230-acre farm. Wismer is mixing in local history, local lore, and sleigh trivia during the one-hour ride.

A sleigh ride pulled by two Belgium horses.Opposite, according to Wismer, a strap of 30 German made, graduated in size bells are worn by each horse. Bells are an integral part of sleighing, with their history and origins rooted in an early warning device before the days of horns.

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He is quiet for a good portion of the time so that people can take in the sound of the sleigh bells, and take in the scenery over different terrains at different speeds. “We can go along slowly, but then at one point be flying. At the back of the farm, it gets hilly and I call that the rollercoaster portion of the ride. I get the horses charging up and down the hills. Last March I experienced the sense of detachment that the old timers talk of. There was seven inches of fluffy snow, and we were cruising along and couldn’t feel the ground.”

People learn to appreciate the magic of winter when they are dashing through the snow. According to Wismer, before the days of weather forecasting, people would rise up in the morning and see the ground covered in snow. To them, it was an inspiring spectacle and was celebrated. Snow meant the harbinger of the coming season. Winter was a time for farmers to take a break from the hard work and socialize. It was a time to visit with friends and relatives that lived in faroff places. You could hook up the horse to the sleigh and go faster than with a wagon or carriage. “Today winter is an inconvenience to most people. Years ago, it played a great part for the population engaged in agricultural pursuits.”

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Wismer offers sleigh rides by reservation all week long, during the day and night. According to Wismer, some of the most beautiful rides are at night. The moonlight reflects off of the snow. The winds have died down. You see the deer and fox running around. There are the great horned owls hanging out in the big 300-year-old sycamore tree. During the day, you can see the preserved Montgomery County farm’s ice skating pond, red-tailed hawk nests, old quarry, and neighboring historic sites. Riders can stay warm on the Santa sleigh with sleigh blankets or a buffalo hide. For the group ride, you must bring your own coverings. There are no pets, food, or beverages permitted.

To schedule a sleigh ride, you can book a couple of ways.

If you there is an accumulation of snow on the ground, you can seize the moment and schedule one. If there is snow in the forecast, you can contact Wismer and he can give you options. For Valentine’s Day weekend, you can schedule ahead because it fills up very quickly. Be aware that the sleigh ride is dependent upon the weather conditions. Wismer does not have a waiting list, but he does offer sleigh ride gift certificates. They are perfect for those who have everything,

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weekends include hayrides, corn mazes, apple slingshots, pony rides, petting zoo, bonfires, a pumpkin patch, and plenty of fall treats.

Northern Star Farm is located at 96 Third Avenue East, Route 113, in Trappe, PA. You can call them at 215-8597302. Online, like the farm on Facebook or visit their website, www.northernstarfarm.net. You can email Matthew Wismer at mgwismer@comcast.net for more information or to book him for a sleigh ride speaking engagement.

Mary Beth Schwartz is a freelance writer who frequently contributes to regional publications.

Photos: Ray Shive

or for that someone special you want to give a gift they will never forget. A private ride is $150 per hour, and a group ride is $200 per hour. Cash, checks, and credits cards (except American Express) are accepted.

You can make a day out of your sleigh ride experience.

There is shopping in Skippack. You can have an upscale meal in Phoenixville, or perhaps at the sports pub Trappe Tavern.

Before your ride, there is a cozy reception area complete with a lit stone fireplace, open beam ceilings, and candlelight.

There is a gift shop on the farm offering country chic items.

Northern Star Farm also hosts children’s parties and their Fall Fest Weekends. Returning in October of 2016, these

Opposite, a private sleigh ride with Wismer’s home and farm buildings in the background. Above, the old sycamore tree is part of the sleigh ride tour.

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Where Bunnies Become Rippers

BY MAURA MCCORMICK

Right in Montgomery County within the rolling hills of Spring Mount is Spring Mountain Adventures, a resort known as a comfortable place for beginners to learn to ski

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Winter-sports season is approaching and many families might be planning trips to New England to ski or ride their snowboards on some of the East Coast’s best trails. Before you spend hours in the car with the kids, don’t overlook Montgomery County’s own ski resort, Spring Mountain Adventures. Within the rolling hills of Spring Mount, tucked between the beautiful homesteads of Upper Salford, it is close enough to the greater Philadel-

phia area to offer more time on the slopes and less time in the car. With a vertical rise of 420 feet, Spring Mountain is a comfortable place for beginners to learn.

At Spring Mountain bunnies become rippers.

As young as age three, children can start in the Ski Bees program, which is designed to help them acclimate to the snow and practice their balance. For kids who are starting to ski and snowboard, Introduction

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to Snow is available on holidays and weekends.

Spring Mountain’s most popular and innovative program however, is the only one of its kind in Pennsylvania. Kids ages six to 12 can participate in the Kids After School program. This four to eight week progressive program focuses on developing the skills needed to ski or ride on any slope. Another program that is exclusive to Spring Mountain is the Four for Free Program. This gives local fourth graders an opportunity to participate in a winter sport. Just bring in your child’s current fourth grade report card and your child can receive a free season pass.

Group and private lessons are also available for anyone wanting to learn to ski and Spring Mountain also offers an adult progressive program to help skiers hone their skills and advance their ski level.

This year, Spring Mountain is also offering a Saturday Night Out Program. Kids from age six to sixteen can practice their skills on the mountain while parents can enjoy dinner and drinks in the pub. Spring Mountain does a great job of creating a place where people of all ages can begin their family tradition of skiing and snowboarding.

In fact it was on Spring Mountain that owner Rick Buckman learned to ski and where his family’s tradition started. This past March marked fifteen years since Spring Mountain met it’s current owners, Rick and Jeff Buckman, and Lori Buckman Webster.

And yes. That would be Buckman, as in the Buckman’s Ski Shops that pepper Eastern Pennsylvania.

In 1999, the resort came close to meeting a fate of high-density residential development. Previously known as Spring Mountain Ski, the resort was put on the market with buildings in disrepair and malfunctioning equipment. Rick Buckman and his siblings Jeff and Lori, Skippack natives, wanted so much to see Spring Mountain survive. “We all learned to ski there," he said. "We heard rumors developers were going to buy it.”

The Buckmans approached the previous owners but couldn’t come to an agreement. After that deal fell through, they were approached by Upper Salford Township. The Buckman’s came to an agreement for a three way, public/ private purchase where they bought the 19 acres that make up the ski area. Montgomery County bought nearly 83 acres to preserve the land, and Upper Salford Township bought the remaining land, including the slopes which are leased by the Buckmans.

Fifteen years ago, Rick didn’t have any clear expectations when it came to Spring Mountain’s fu-

ture. “I tend to not look that far ahead,” he said.

They knew that they would be undertaking an expensive renovation but they have made quite a few additions going above and beyond since they bought the resort including installing the first fully automated snowmaking system in the United States. Regulated by the Delaware River Basin Commission, it borrows water from the Perkiomen Creek. This also extends the season, Rick points out, “With the old snowmaking machines, it needed to be in the low 20s to make snow where now, we can make it at 30 degrees.

With the successful flurry of visitors at Spring Mountain, Rick and his wife Gayle decided to invest further and buy a little piece of local history. In 2011, they bought Woodside Manor, which is on the other side of the mountain. It is the last standing Inn that once provided accommodations to summer visitors nearly 100 years ago. With all the requests for overnight lodging from guests, the manor seemed like a good fit. Now called Woodside Lodge, the renovated building has a restaurant, banquet room, eight suites and features Buckman Tavern, which is a nod to the original tavern in Lexington Common, Massachusetts. Best known as a gathering place for the minutemen of the American Revolution, one of Rick’s ancestors, John Buckman was once proprietor of the original tavern.

It’s these improvements that make Spring Mountain an all-inclusive destination. Après ski, you can head over to The Woodside Lodge for cocktails and a steak, or you can stay at the mountain and relax in the Powder Pig Pub with a beer and a pulled pork sandwich.

Forty-some years ago, Rick’s father Leon opened the first Buckman’s Ski Shop in Perkiomenville because he had grown tired of paying retail prices for his children’s ski equipment. In 2015, thanks to Leon’s children, Spring Mountain is now a Montgomery County gem, a perfect destination in your own backyard. We didn’t buy it to sell it,” Rick Buckman said in a 2000 interview with the Times Herald.

“We bought it to be here and be a part of Spring Mountain.” And that is what they have done.

Spring Mountain Adventures is located at 757 Spring Mount Road, Spring Mount, PA 19478.

For more information, call 888-305-5044 or visit www.springmountainadventures.com.

Maura McCormick is a freelance writer and blogger who is the creator and publisher of www.playpen-ipg.com.

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Three Generations For 66 years family owned Graboyes Window & Door Co. has been selling and installing custom windows –by Mary Beth Schwartz 66

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SOON OLD MAN WINTER WILL BE HERE. LAST year you endured the cold drafts coming through your windows. Then there was the high fuel bill trying to keep your home’s envelope nice and toasty. This year you can be ready for whatever winter brings with new windows, an entry door, or even a sunroom from Graboyes Window & Door Co. Graboyes Window & Door Co. was founded in 1949

by Joseph H. Graboyes. For 66 years, the company has been providing replacement doors, windows, and patio enclosures to homeowners in Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware counties. The Montgomery County-based business has been operated by son Richard Graboyes and wife Pamela for the last 30 years.

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“This summer we were fortunate to have the third generation of Graboyes join the company. Our daughter Montana Graboyes is in our sales and marketing department,� says Owner/President Richard Graboyes.

All major brands are available at Graboyes Window & Door Co. The staff selects products that are the best quality for the price. They feature products in every price range. There is a product for every budget, need, and architectural style. Graboyes Window & Door Co. has an expert staff for customer service as well as custom installation. Free in-home estimates are available seven days a week at the convenience of the customer.

Customers also can come into the showroom to see a sampling of products.

First on the product list are windows. Graboyes Window & Door Co. offers new and replacement win-

Opposite, in the dining room. Stunning, well installed double hung windows can become the focal points of your home.

Left, cleaning a double hung window. Top right, Integra bay windows. Bottom right, Joseph Graboyes standing next to his son Richard Graboyes and his wife, Pamela.

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FIREPLACES

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Safety with gas burning products is just as important. The HPBA offers some helpful tips. One, be on alert for any unusual odors or flames. These are often indicators that the fireplace is not working properly.

Two, make sure you have a protective screen on the product to reduce the risk of burns by preventing direct contact with the hot glass. Three, schedule maintenance every year with a technician from your specialty retailer. This professional will check for condensation, as well as clean the gas lines, control component, and the burner. Last but not least, once a year hire a chimney sweep to inspect vents and the chimney. Homeowners can take care of routine tasks like cleaning the viewing glass.

Once you have your in-home heating squared away, you start working on the outdoors. According to the HPBA, blending indoor and outdoor living continues to be one of the country’s most predominant home trends. To maximize year-round comfort outdoors, many manufacturers are designing products that keep the areas warm on cold days. Homeowners can keep off the chill with heated flooring, even heated dining tables with an open flame center. Outside, you’ll also find contemporary linear fireplaces that are built to withstand the elements. You can accent your outdoor living room with decorative patio space heaters, bonfire torches, standing propane heaters, hanging heaters, or a smokeless fire pit. You can find unique tabletop heaters, and heaters disguised as lamps.

Fire has certainly evolved since its first discovery by man more than a million years ago. Yet we are still attracted to its warmth, its light. It touches our soul and brings us a sense of relaxation. With today’s heating products, we can experience our own mini staycation, indoors or out, watching its beautiful glow.

Mary Beth Schwartz is a freelance writer who frequently contributes to regional publications.

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THE WOODBURNERS

The Woodburners, located in Hatfield PA, is a family owned and operated stove and artisan shop. We provide quality products, expert service, years of experience, certified technicians, knowledgeable staff, learn more about us. We sell high quality and efficient fireplaces and stoves, as well as the Big Green Egg (the world’s best smoker and grill), many fine American crafts, and more. So be sure to visit our showroom in Hatfield PA. The Woodburners is family owned and operated for 36 years. They have an expert, friendly, knowledgeable staff that is focused on the customer’s needs and excellent customer service. There is no pressure selling at The Woodburners and the sales are not commission based. At The Woodburners alternative heat is a lifestyle and they excel in GreenSmart and GreenStart technologies. The Woodburners sell American products and handmade American crafts. The Woodburners is located at 11 North Market, Hatfield, PA 19440. For more information about our products, call 215362-2443 or visit www.the woodburners.com.

dows as well as window screens. Customers can select from such types as bow, double-hung, sliding, bay, garden, or casement windows. There are windows made of vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, and wood.

You can have between glass blinds or grids. You can choose from half or full screens. There are decorative and stained glass windows. You can pick divided lite bars. There are transom and side light windows. Windows also can be customized with certain sizes and shapes. All of these windows may replace existing windows or be a part of a customer’s addition or renovation.

According to Graboyes, manufacturers are constantly upgrading the efficiency and strength of construction materials of windows, as well as doors. “The future of windows is here now, but it has not filtered down to the residential market as of yet. There is one rather futuristic window.

You have a bay window. At night, the center of the window can become your television screen, projecting the video. The screens on the side pieces of the window become the speakers and project the sound.”

Next on the list are doors. Graboyes Window & Door Co. has entry doors, single doors, sliding back doors, storm doors, French doors, and over 30 choices of decorative glass doors. Doors can be made of wood, fiberglass, steel, or vinyl.

You can customize the door’s finish, hardware, and glass. According to Graboyes, the skins of these doors are getting extremely wood realistic. “In the past, wood doors were not popular because they had to be painted and often warped. For decades homeowners bought steel doors.

Now there are choices of the skins on the surface of these doors. You can still get a smooth steel door, but now you can opt for a textured steel door with a simulated wood grain look. Fiberglass doors are

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warmer than the steel and come in textured wood grains such as oak, fir, cherry, and mahogany.” There also are advances in storm doors. When you lower the window in your storm door for ventilation, the screens automatically roll down. You no longer have to take out the glass and put the screen in for summer and change it back for winter. The screen is hidden, rolled up on top of the door.

Last but not least, Graboyes Window & Door Co. offers seasonal patio enclosures and sunrooms. Homeowners use these spaces for playrooms, home offices, art studios, outdoor patios, breakfast nooks and even home gyms. These sunrooms, along with windows and doors, can increase the value

of the home, as well as beautify it. They also provide comfort in the home. And homeowners love the reduced energy bills when they have windows and doors that are more energy efficient.

“We have transformed so many magnificent homes. Homeowners take pride in visitors admiring their new windows and doors. A new entry door can do so much for your home. It is the signature of the house and gives real curb appeal.”

According to Graboyes, it is never too late to order—installations take place year round. For 2015, there is a 10 percent federal tax credit with a maximum of $500 you can get back from windows and doors. Graboyes Window & Door Co. is offering $60 off per

fiberglass window installed in your home and 10 percent off of storm doors. The showroom is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Evenings and weekends are by appointment only.

The office and showroom of Graboyes Window & Door Co. is located at 48 West Germantown Pike, East Norriton, PA 19401. The main office number is 610-279-3905. You can visit the company on Facebook or their website, www.graboyeswindows.com.

Their email address is graboyes@aol.com.

Mary Beth Schwartz is a freelance writer who frequently contributes to regional publications.

Your one-stop shop for remodeling

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Dining Out

Photos: Glenn Race

–by Frank Quattrone

19 BELLA hat do you do for an encore when you’ve already earned kudos for your culinary prowess at such heavyweight dining palaces as Meritage, the Blue Horse, and Detroit’s legendary Westbury Hotel & Polo Lounge, where Lee Iacocca and descendants of Henry Ford would regularly dine?

How do you top having your name above the banner of Philadelphia magazine, declaring you the top new chef in the suburbs?

Better yet, how do you channel years of living, traveling and eating all across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, not to mention our own great land — especially when your hands seem blessed by the gods of culinary magic?

You open an extraordinary restaurant called 19 Bella in Cedars, just minutes away from Skippack Village, and you pour your lifelong passion for great food into the constantly evolving tapas menu. This is the story with Chef Grant Langdon Brown, who owns and operates the quaint bistro with his lovely wife, Rachel, whose graceful tableside

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manner has charmed appreciative guests since the restaurant opened in 2010.

Quite simply, 19 Bella has become the suburban destination for anyone who enjoys the adventure of fine dining—at a cost anyone can afford. When asked how he comes up with six-dozen or more menu items each day, not including the specials (aren’t they all?), Grant simply says, “Whether it’s lamb, chorizo or duck, I can use all the parts in different dishes. I can ground some into meatballs; mix them into a cassoulet or empanada. It’s all intertwined.”

And Grant’s imagination is boundless. His tapas menu, presently divided into seafood, vegetables, starches, land, and soup (with desserts and specials listed separately), presents what he calls “a taste of the way the rest of the world eats.”

On our most recent visit, for example, Grant, assisted by new chef Ray Gonzalez, offered these variations on fresh hand-shucked lobster: Chilled Lobster Cocktail with guacamole, cocktail sauce and crisp corn chips; Butter Poached Lobster Normandy with truffled Bearnaise and asparagus; Lobster Mac & Cheese; Lobster Risotto Mi-

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lanese with saffron and peas; Lobster Taco with Cuban Key lime aioli, pine nuts, salsa, red slaw and guacamole; and Lobster Fricassee (Stew) with fresh wild mushrooms, Moscato d’Asti, tomato and cream.

Wow! That’s touches of France, Italy, Cuba, even India (saffron) and the good ol’ U.S.A. all in one section of his exciting menu.

Elsewhere on his tapas adventures, Grant celebrates Spain, with Paella Barcelona, a huge bowl of shrimp, clams, scallop, chorizo and

mussels; Greece, with Greek lamb meatballs, served with lemon white wine, oven-dried tomatoes and feta; Italy, with Italian Sausage Risotto, served with red wine, mushrooms and tomato — to name just a few.

The chef’s eclectic menu also features items labeled “Smashing Plates.” When asked its meaning, he smiled broadly and announced that sometime this winter, in Skippack Village, he would be opening a new restaurant with that name, featuring what he calls “an advencontinued on next page

JOSEPH AMBLER INN f it seems that Joseph Ambler Inn has been around since William Penn, well, that’s not far from the truth. Situated on a handsome 52-acre expanse of prime farmland in North Wales once owned by Pennsylvania’s First Son (think 1682!), the exquisite country inn served as a working farm until “gentleman farmer” Richard Allman purchased the property as the perfect setting for his then 12-room B&B back in 1983.

With his keen love of history and firm commitment to retain the bucolic majesty of the grounds, Allman fought off potential developers. “I wouldn’t let this property go down to the bulldozer. After years of driving by and admiring its beauty, I decided to buy it. You have to preserve history. We also saved the historic Thomas Wilson House and John Roberts House and brought them here.”

Today, after 32 years of inspired proprietorship, Allman’s meticulously tended property is graced by five historic buildings, where guests can enjoy New World amenities amid the country inn’s Old World charm in 52 luxurious yet affordable rooms. Allman himself waters the plants personally every three days, often accompanied by his lovely wife Janet, who helps keep things tidy.

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Out of respect for his guests, Allman continually upgrades the facilities. He recently purchased and personally installed the popular fire pit to create one more guest amenity on the walkway between the lively casual-fare JPub (the inn’s expanded tavern) and the patio.

But the Allmans can’t do it alone and readily acknowledge the contributions of their longtime staff, whose loyalty and professionalism assure continuity and caring. Teg Ostroff has served ably as general manager and award-winning sommelier for 20 years. Banquets and wedding events, also helmed for the past 20 years by Wendi Terlecky, are thriving. Most staffers have worked at the inn for at least five to ten years and seem in no hurry to be anywhere else.

And Allman has found the ideal executive chef in Todd Blackney.

Unflappable, amiable, creative, blessed with an impish sense of humor, Todd (with his fully engaged kitchen staff) can juggle with aplomb a wedding party of 200, a corporate luncheon for 40 in the Barn, and dozens of guests in the elegant main dining rooms and somehow manage to keep them all happy (as well as his sanity!)

As much as there is to say about lodgings at the country inn, which Trip Advisor accords a Certificate of Excellence in its latest listings, WINTER 2015

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19 Bella ture in street food.”

This exciting concept, finally catching on throughout the region, introduces modern takes on the street food enjoyed around the globe.

We have our hot dogs, but Mexicans love churros, and you’ll find falafel in the Middle East, báhn mi in Vietnam, BBQ jerk chicken in Jamaica, crêpes in France, puri in India, ceviche in Peru—you get the picture.

So Smashing Plates will offer an array of small and larger plates originating in Latin countries (Baja Fish Tacos, Sopa Leventa Muerto “to raise the dead”), Asian (Nan Flat Bread, Shrimp Pad Thai, Kung Pao Tofu & Broccoli, Korean Kalbi BBQ Pork Belly), as well as kabobs (like Moroccan Lamb Kabobs) and street dishes from elsewhere (Flamkuchen German Flat Bread, Belgium French Fries), and the like.

Our most recent dinner at 19 Bella, in the restaurant’s del Prado extension (where breakfast and lunch are usually served), resembled such a dining adventure, as we enjoyed Cuban Empanada Picadillo, stuffed with prime beef, peppers, raisins and olives with a sweet and sour tomatillo sauce; the aforementioned Lobster Tacos; the special Puffball Mushroom sautéed with chorizo, tomatoes, fresh herbs and white wine; Grilled New York Sirloin, served with the chef’s fabled truffled Bearnaise; and Pork Parmesan, served with oven-dried

tomato, Parmesan and truffles pecorino cheese.

Stuffed, we decided to skip the excellent house made desserts (which include a classic New Orleans-style Bananas Foster, chocolate mousse, pumpkin cheesecake and warm apple turnover) until our next visit—which won’t be soon enough!

As far as ego is concerned, the chef has virtually none. To compliments about his marvelous cuisine, he modestly replies, “I guess I got lucky again.”

Although nothing matches in this totally idiosyncratic bistro— plates, glasses, flatware, tabletops—and the décor may be a cross between a country inn and highlights from your grandma’s attic—19 Bella is a charming, matchless BYO in every way that matters. And that includes informed, cheerful service, reasonable prices, unforgettable ambience and a menu at the top of its class—anywhere in the world.

19 Bella is located at 3401 Skippack Pike, Cedars, PA 19446 (use Worcester in your GPS); 610-222-8119; www.19bella.com. Breakfast at 19 Bella & delb Prado: Monday–Saturday, 8–11 a.m. Lunch: Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; Dinner: Monday–Thursday, 5 – 9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 5–10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m–9 p.m. Sunday Brunch: 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Customized banquets, catering available.

Themed dinners (French, Moroccan, Israeli) every other month. Reservations highly recommended, especially weekends.

Joseph Ambler Inn there is also the unmistakable lure of Chef Blackney’s kitchen. More than 600 guests gathered at the inn for this year’s annual three-course Thanksgiving dinner. Like Valentine’s Day—when the inn, with its warming fireplaces, original exposed stone walls, handcrafted cherry tables and Windsor chairs, becomes the most romantic spot in the county — holidays are especially popular at the inn.

But even for a simple family dinner or a double-date, the restaurant’s eclectic New American menu never fails to satisfy. At our most recent meal, at which we enjoyed the company of Richard and Janet Allman, the gracious couple started with a stunning Wedge Salad, with iceberg lettuce, tomatoes and pancetta, dressed with lemon Stilton and drizzled with balsamic; and Eve and I shared the Asian-styled Sesame Crusted Yellowfin Tuna, paired with vegetable nori rolls and wakame salad, kissed by sriracha mayonnaise in a soy ginger glaze.

Then came the entrées. For her main course, Janet ordered the inn’s signature appetizer, aromatic Chermoula Basted Lollipop Lamb Chops, served with a sweet potato haystack and fresh cilantro cream, while Richard ordered the 8-ounce Filet Mignon, another unbeatable house specialty. Topped with caramelized shallots and gorgonzola cheese and served with garlic mashed potatoes and house baby vegetables in a Cabernet wine compound butter, it was probably the best filet I’ve sampled in years.

In keeping with long-standing tradition—it’s been a menu favorite since the restaurant opened in 1983—Eve ordered the Pan Roasted Chilean Sea Bass, topped with lump crab meat and a rich English 72

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pea risotto. My entrée, at the recommendation of the chef himself, was the wonderfully sweet Pan Seared Sea Scallops, served over Japanese sticky rice with grilled asparagus in a perky navel orange sriracha vin blanc.

From the ever-revolving dessert menu, we shared the pastry chef’s delightful Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding, topped with caramel sauce, and a huge sundae glass of rich homemade chocolate ice cream.

Also noteworthy at the inn are the award-winning wine list; Thursday Seafood Specials (including the likes of Steamed Littleneck Clams, served in a broth of white wine, garlic, fresh basil and tomatoes with grilled ciabatta bread); and the Three-Course Prix Fixe Lunch ($25), Monday through Friday, and the Three-Course Prix Fixe Dinner ($39), on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. You can also bring your own wine on Fridays and Sundays.

The handsome Joseph Ambler Inn is a gem, a sparkling bastion of cultured service, fine dining and community involvement that invites repeated visits to enjoy its multifaceted charms.

Joseph Ambler Inn is located at 1005 Horsham Road, North Wales, PA 19454; 215-362-7500; www.josephamblerinn.com. Lunch is served Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Lite fare in JPub: Saturday & Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m. Dinner: Monday – Saturday, 5 – 10 p.m.; Sunday, 5 – 9 p.m. Happy Hour in JPub: Monday – Friday, 4 – 6 p.m. Available for catering, private parties, business luncheons.

Reservations recommended weekends.

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Dining Out Guide

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D I NI NG OU T GU I D E 19 Bella, 3401 Skippack Pike, Cedars, PA 19446 (use Worcester in your GPS); 610-222-8119; www.19bella. 19 Bella is a Tapas Style Restaurant. There are only appetizers, no entrees, just small plates. It is comparable to family style dining.

19 Bella strives to give you the best service and experience possible by sending out each dish one or two at a time as they are prepared. This is due to the complexity of the menu and the small size of the kitchen. Sharing is encouraged for this reason; everyone gets a taste of all that is ordered and no one is left hungry. 19 Bella is a decadent, eclectic Mediterranean BYOB - a Tapas inspired restaurant. (40-50 dishes on menu) You will find foods from all along the coastal countries of the Mediterranean sea: BYOB. We Serve a Complimentary Glass of Sangria on Friday & Saturday Nights as well as Complimentary Mimosa's at Brunch. Reservations suggested.

Bay Pony Inn, 508 Old Skippack Rd., Lederach, PA; 215-256-6565; www.bayponyinnpa.com The Bay Pony Inn is where informal elegance and warm hospitality come quite naturally. A blend of American and international culinary traditions, gracious service and warm hospitality await you. We invite you to visit us and allow us to share with you a bit of this old world charm and elegance.Lunch, Tues.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Sunday Brunch, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Dinner, Tues.–Thurs., 4:30–9 p.m., Fri.-Sat, 4:30-10:30 p.m., Sun. 4:30-8 p.m. Closed Monday.

Banquet and wedding facilities.

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Blue Bell Inn, 601 W. Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA; 215-646-2010 www.bluebellinn.com.

The Blue Bell Inn began welcoming guest in 1743 and a regular patron was George Washington. Now recently remodeled, yet retaining its historic integrity, the Inn is known for fine Contemporary American food, which includes premium cuts of meat, a raw bar and seafood and outdoor dining on the flagstone patio is available by request. Hours: Monday–Thursday 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m., Sunday brunch 10 a.m.–2 p.m., and dinner 5 p.m.–7 p.m.

La Pergola, 726 West Ave, Jenkintown, PA; 215-884-7204 www.viewmenu.com.

La Pergola’s international cuisine takes you to culinary fare around the Mediterranean.Testing the unique authentic dishes and appetizers, would make you feel as if you are sitting at a sidewalk cafe or restaurant in Tel Aviv or Athens.Enjoy contemporary cosmopolitan cuisine based on pure pleasure. La Pergola Restaurant offers healthy and delightful dishes from every corner of the Mediterranean.We offer casual fine dining at reasonable prices.

Hours: Monday–Friday 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.–9 p.m.

Joseph Ambler Inn, 1005 Horsham Rd, North Wales, PA 19454;215-362-7500; www.josephamblerinn.com.

Exquisite cuisine, attention to detail, and an award-winning wine list combine to make Joseph Ambler Inn one of the most popular places to dine in Eastern Pennsylvania. The restaurant’s random-width hard-

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D INI NG OU T GU I D E wood floors, handcrafted cherry tables, Windsor chairs and original, exposed stone walls create the ambiance for savoring a fine meal.Joseph Ambler Inn has earned a well-deserved reputation for its eclectic lunch and dinner menus, which offer many creative flourishes.

Featuring only the finest quality fresh meats, fish, and produce, and seasonal herbs and vegetables, every dish is a delight. Hours. Lunch: Mon.– Fri. 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lite Fare Luncheon: Sat. & Sun. Noon to 4 p.m. Served in the JPUB No Reservations Necessary Dinner: Mon–Sat 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations suggested. Accepts all major credit cards.

Mainland Inn, 17 Mainland Road, Harleysville, PA; 484-704-2600; www.mainlandinn.com.

In January 2015, farmer Sloane Six and her family reopened the doors to Mainland Inn, an elegant eco revival of the historic Montgomery County inn that acts as an extension of her farm, Quarry Hill located just a mile and a half away.With an emphasis placed on culinary craftsmanship and nutritionally rich preparations, they have committed to sourcing only 100% organically grown and sustainably sourced ingredients on our menu. Heirloom vegetables and heritage, pasture-raised meats from itsown onsite gardens and farm, as well as other local farms allow our frequently-changing seasonal menu to offer you the freshest ingredients of the suburban Philadelphia region. Lunch:Tuesday–Friday 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Dinner:Tuesday–Saturday 5 p.m.–9 p.m.

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New Tavern Restaurant, 261 Montgomery Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA; 610-667-9100 www.thetavernrestaurant.com.

Since 1933, the Tavern has been known for great traditional American and Italian food and friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere. In 1974, Nick and George became the proprietors of the Tavern and continued the tradition that earned them loyal friends and customers.

Tex Mex Connection, 201 E.Walnut St., North Wales, PA; 214-699-9552; www.texmexconnection.com.

Tex Mex Cuisine: Characterized by the adaptation of Mexican food by Texan cooks. Often exemplified by the extensive use of meats and spices (foreign and native) resulting in creative seafood dishes, great steaks, tender ribs, and juicy pork as well as our interpretation of standards like chile con queso, nachos and fajitas.

Not Mexican, not Texan, just Tex-Mex. Dining Room: Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Bar: 11 a.m.–2 a.m.

Villa Barolo Ristorante & Wine Bar, the corner of Route

611 and Bristol Road, 1373 Easton Road, Warrington, PA 18976; 215-491-9370; www.villa-barolo.com.

Having almost 100 items on the menu with nearly 25 specials, everyday, Barolo serves fish and seafood, organic meats, pasta, chicken, and veal dishes and has a large raw bar. Named after an Italian wine, Villa Barolo boasts of having more than 100 wines in its wine cellar. Private parties and special events. Online menus.

Hours: 11:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m. Monday–Thursday; 11:30 a.m.— 11:30 p.m. Friday—Saturday, 2-10 p.m. Sunday. No reservations necessary. Major credit cards.

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William Penn Inn, 1017 Dekalb Pike, Gwynedd, PA; 215-699-9272; www.williampenn.com.

Established in 1714 as a public house, the William Penn is an historical venue based in the rich tradition of hospitality.The Inn is renowned for its dedication to a tradition of continental country dining in a relaxed, cordial atmosphere along with exquisite cuisine, fine wines, personal service and flawless coordination. Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m, Saturday 11:30 a.m–2:30 p.m.

Dinner: Monday-Friday 5 p.m.–10 p.m., Saturday: 4:30 p.m.–11 p.m., Sunday Sunday: 2 p.m.–8 p.m. Sunday brunch 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Zakes Café, 444 Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, PA; 215 654 7600; www.zakescafe.jimdo.com.

Zakes Cafe is an American Fusion Restaurant featuring an innovative cuisine. It has been said of Zakes Cafe that they are a hidden Gem–an under the radar BYOB. Lunch–homemade soups, quiche, specialty salads & gourmet sandwiches. Dinner–warm and inviting, the pace is more relaxed and the menu has an eclectic American/Asian flair.The Dessert Case at the Cafe is worth the trip to Zakes on its own. Every day we feature a selection of our desserts individually sliced and in whole cake form for you to take home and enjoy.Whether you are buying one or two slices or a selection to offer your dinner guests, this is a great way to sample Zakes Cakes. Zakes is open for dinner Wed–Sun, Breakfast and Lunch Monday–Saturday and Brunch on Sunday.

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DI NI NG OU T GU I D E

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Finale

Wintertime It is during our winters, when even the appearance of life seems hidden, that we get a piercing winter light presenting a stark contrast and sharp focus—a Word from the Almighty.

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roger ad.qxp_Roger S. Wright 11/19/15 8:21 AM Page 1

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