The Doylestown Cardinal - February 2022

The Cardinal

The Doylestown Cardinal

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doylestowncardinal.com I FEBRUARY 2022

Serving Doylestown and Beyond

Love and Business

February 2022 • 1 Doylestown

Where To Eat On Valentine’s Day

Recommendations Based on Your Love Stage Chef Joey Mcalinden of Genevieve - photo by Jean-Paul de Guzman

Ooka Japanese Cuisine

By Jess Ramoy The Cardinal Contributing Writer

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appy Valentines Day! In honor of this romantic month, the Cardinal interviewed some local couples who are partners in life and in business. Check out their stories and some tips on how to succeed with your significant other!

Evolution Candy • James and Tracy Lamb How and when did you meet? Did you always want to go into business together?

James: That’s funny because we actually met at our previous job, so we’ve been working together for quite some time. Going into business together was part of the conversation very early on. photo by Kristin Moore

By Dana Roberts The Cardinal Contributing Writer

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Tracy: We work well together in addition to having fun together!!

Tell us about the business and how it came about? What is an average day like at “the office”?

Continued on page 7

hether your relationship status is single, attached, or looking- show yourself, your partner, and the Doylestown restaurant scene a little love this Valentine’s Day by dining in (or getting take-out!). There’s nothing better than a delicious meal to nourish the body and soul on a day when we’re meant to give love.

Luckily for us, Doylestown abounds with excellent restaurants (far too many to include in this article!), and to make it easy to narrow it down, we’ve come up with some helpful suggestions for what restaurant to choose based on your love stage. No matter where you pick, you can’t go wrong, since one thing is certain: food is a love language we all speak.

For your first anniversary….

There is nowhere sweeter to celebrate this special milestone than Genevieve’s Kitchen. This wonderful BYOB, headed by Chef Joey Mcalinden (friend and long-time coworker of Genevieve, the former owner of the eponymous restaurant), serves up the best New American cuisine with an Italian influence in the coziest, loveliest atmosphere. Start your meal off with the fried lobster ravioli, move on to the short rib Bolognese and duck cassoulet, and end the meal with any of the fantastic desserts (limoncello mascarpone cake! Chocolate peanut butter pie! Warm apple cobbler!

Are you drooling yet?). The wait staff here are truly superb, and you’ll find the chef walking around to check on his (very satisfied) customers at every sitting.

Genevieve’s Kitchen, 19 E. State Street 267-614-9635 www.genevieveskitchen.com Continued on page 9

Share Your Love For Our Local Businesses This Valentine’s Day

By Britt Around Town • Special to The Cardinal

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he love for LOCAL runs strong here in Bucks County. All throughout the pandemic, the community has banded behind our local businesses and found creative ways to support them throughout all of the uncertainty.

The saying goes that the grass grows the greenest where you water it, and when you support our local small businesses, you are helping our community to grow and flourish. Instead of purchasing from a big corporation, shopping small helps a parent put food on the table for their family, creates local jobs, and invests in local entrepreneurs. However, there are so many ways you can show your support for the businesses in our community that go beyond the wallet.

Have you ever scrolled through Instagram or Facebook and found yourself hungry after seeing photos of food posted by your friends? Have you ever asked a Facebook group for recommendations? Recent years have increased the usage of social media communications in both the personal and business worlds, causing word of mouth referrals to spread like never before. Simply posting a photo and telling your positive experience is a new form of free marketing for the business that can help them tremendously.

Not long before the pandemic, I started my social media pages in an effort to share my love for our community through my photos and personal experiences. I had no

Photo Credit: RayLynn Photography

idea back then how much of an impact that passion would make for the businesses I posted about. I dedicated my time to visiting the towns of Bucks County and getting to know the faces behind the counters. I sat through webinars and did an abundance of research on the ins and outs of social media marketing and how I could make it my contribution to my community.

Continued on page 12 It has been one of the most rewarding adventures of my

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The Doylestown Cardinal

Love In Doylestown: Couples Spotlight

By Dana Roberts The Cardinal Contributing Writer

During the month of love, we thought it’d be fun to learn a bit about couples living or working in Doylestown, including the couple that created the Cardinal!

How long they’ve lived in Doylestown: 5 years. They stopped in Doylestown for lunch and knew this was where they wanted to live and raise their family.

Kids and pets: Gus (son), Kiwi (cat), and Cinco, Pickles and the Sneetches (4 ducks).

Show they’re watching right now: Just finished Ted Lasso (they don’t have a TV in their house).

Books they’re reading: Heidi is reading Three Girls from Bronzeville, Miles is reading A Fly Went By (with Gus).

Favorite thing to do together: Chat in bed every night.

Favorite date night spot in Doylestown: Milkshakes at Evolution Candy.

Best thing they do for their relationship: Spend quality time together but also pursue individual interests.

Favorite quality in the other person: Heidi likes Miles’ good looks and that he can fix anything; Miles likes that Heidi is compassionate and caring and has a great smile.

JODI AND RICHARD

How they met: Richard was making a presentation to a group in Yardley and Jodi was in attendance.

Years together: 11. They first became business associates, then friends, then best friends, then dated and married in August of 2021.

Proposal story: Their normal Sunday morning routine is to go for a long ride and have a debrief of the week. While driving, they read a book and talk about how to improve their relationship and family, friends and business. Last summer, they made a stop at Lake Galena and walked to the old wooden pier early in the morning. Richard got down on one knee (giveaway) and proposed. He didn’t want Jodi to forget his pledge, so he wrote it out and gave it to her.

Kids and pets: 4 wonderful children: Erica, Evan, Cole and Logan, a 5-year-old granddaughter, Brooklyn, and two grand dogs JoJo and Krueger.

Show they’re watching: A great music documentary, and on Sunday the Eagles.

Mutual hobbies: Working out, reading and discussing content, cooking, and usually Richard getting crushed in Scrabble.

Favorite date spot in town: Domani Star Valentine’s Day plans: Richard is planning a mystery date.

Where they’ll travel next: Marco Island, Florida Best thing they do for their relationship: They live together, work together and play together, yet give one another space. They communicate each morning and evening.

They approach situations that are great with gratitude and when things come up not to their liking, they learn and endeavor not to repeat them. They laugh a lot!

HEIDI AND MILES

How they met: At the Campus Coffee Bean in Flagstaff, AZ. Heidi was overwhelmed by her Financial Accounting class and slammed her book shut and immediately noticed Miles in line. They began to chat and he joined her at her table. The rest is history.

Years together: 12 years together and 11 years married. They were sitting on the couch in their apartment when Miles looked over at Heidi and said, “Let’s get married.”

Heidi replied, “Let’s do it,” and they eloped in Vegas the next day.

KERRY AND MARK

Favorite thing to do together: Check out local breweries and watch Sunday football together Favorite Doylestown date spot: They are newer to the area but so far Bacco is one of their faves!

Best thing they do for their relationship: Always eat dinner together if possible in order to talk about their days.

Favorite meal they make together: Jackie makes chicken cutlets while Amanda cooks risotto.

Favorite qualities in each other: Amanda says that she loves Jackie’s honesty, kind-heartedness and fun-loving nature.

Jackie loves Amanda’s ability to critically break down a football play before it has even been run. Just kidding! She loves Amanda’s compassion, empathy, and sympathy for others.

Where they want to travel next: Hawaii, hopefully for their honeymoon!

How they met: Blind date Years together: 20 years How long they’ve lived in Doylestown: 3 years. Moved here in 2019 for Mark’s work.

Previously lived in: Norway, Belgium, United Kingdom Kids and pets: Two children, Lily and Joe. Show they’re watching: The Morning Show, Ted Lasso, Vikings.

Mutual hobby: Paddle boarding, cycling, walking.

Favorite date spot in Doylestown: Honey, Genevieve’s.

Pet names for each other: Babes, nothing very exciting!

JESSICA AND DAVE (CREATORS OF THE CARDINAL)

NANCY AND JERRY

How they met: At a Bible study through the church where Jerry was pastoring Years together: 42 years How long they’ve lived in Doylestown: 41 years Family life: 6 married children and 22 grandkids. No pets.

Show they’re watching right now: Andy Griffith Show (DVD) Books they’re reading: Nancy - cookbooks, the Bible; Jerry - the Bible, Docia’s Diary by Docia Ingalls Favorite thing to do together: Bike on the canal, walk on beaches, run through Doylestown, go to church, eat homemade food, spend time with friends both new and old Favorite date night spot in Doylestown: Their back porch.

Best thing they do for their relationship: Forgive.

Favorite quality in the other person: Jerry loves Nancy’s love and compassion; Nancy loves Jerry’s heart for God and others.

Valentine’s Day plans: Stay home for a change! Probably a quiet homemade meal and a movie at home Where they’d like to travel next: Stay in their Doylestown home longer. They have traveled so much already.

NICK AND CHRISTIANNA

How they met: In the womb. Their mothers are best friends. They grew up seeing each other a few times a year and then got together romantically during college.

Years together: 13 total- dated for 3 years, married for 10 years.

Kids and pets: 2 boys, ages 7 and 5, and 1 oversized dog of the mutt variety.

Show they’re watching: Ted Lasso and Wild Kratts…sadly.

Mutual hobby: Bike riding, board games, parenting, love making (it stinks as a solo hobby).

Favorite date spot: Anywhere new and different. They strive to avoid repetition.

Pet Names: Bug and Nick Favorite quality in each other: Nick - “She is incredibly forgiving of my many annoying tendencies.” Chris - “He is amazing at building and maintaining relationships.”

Where they want to travel next: Family camping trip on the Pacific coast.

Best thing they do for their relationship: Pray for each other and show grace.

AMANDA AND JACKIE

How they met: At a hockey camp 10 years ago initially, and then reconnected at the same camp 5 years later!

Years together: 4 years dating and getting married in April!

Pets: 1 dog named Taco and 1 cat named Kingsley Show they’re watching: Man in the Arena

How you met: Yoga Teacher Training in South Florida Years together: 8 How long you’ve lived in Doylestown: 8 months - moved from Florida to be closer to family.

Family, including kids and pets: 1 son Luca 3, Dog - Lulu, and Cat - Dublin (but acts like a dog and comes on walks with us) Favorite thing about working together on the Cardinal: Oh, there’s so much! We love brainstorming together each month about the next issue. It’s a lot of fun!

Show you’re watching right now: Searching… just finished Yellowstone Favorite thing to do together: A slow start to a weekend morning..nothing to do, enjoying coffee together, making a nice breakfast, going for a walk(maybe not in this season though!), and just allowing the day to happen. And Traveling!

Where you’d like to travel next: Costa RicaJess has been obsessed since her first trip there and wants to take the family.

Best thing you do for your relationship: We both are big on communication. Nothing gets left unsaid.

Valentine’s Day plans: Good question…

The Doylestown Cardinal

The Roaming Realtor

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This Olde House

he Roaming Realtor of Doylestown began as a daily posting on Facebook on March 17, 2020. This is my inaugural feature in The Cardinal. I hope you enjoy these monthly brief looks at the history of and architecture insights into our residences, buildings, and landmarks in Doylestown, along with the occasional personal anecdote.

The properties that surround us tell our history. Every building has a story to tell.

First up is one of our iconic structures, the distinctive landmark that earned the name, the “Landmark Building”.

Fittingly named, 10 S. Clinton Street was formerly the First Baptist Church. Its history extends over a long period that began in 1846.

The first Baptist church in our area was the Montgomery Baptist Church in Colmar. Next came the New Britain Baptist and the Hilltown Baptist Churches, both being daughter churches of the Montgomery Baptist. The First Baptist Church of Doylestown is a daughter church of New Britain Baptist Church, hence a kind of granddaughter of the Montgomery Baptist Church, that’s the lineage.

This church had its first pulse of life under the direction of Rev. Samuel Nightingale, a former pastor of New Britain Church. He provided the opportunity for people to begin building the original church at 164 E. State Street. Work began in 1850, but the building was never finished above the first floor. The expense incurred was $630, at which point they ran out of the money to continue. In 1865, the property was sold. The funds obtained were applied to the erection of the 2nd church in another location, where W. Court and W. State Streets intersect with N. & S. Clinton Streets, creating that multiple traffic 6-point intersection that we all know. The lot the building stands on is 220’ x 240’ and was purchased for $1,212.00. The building was to be 102’ long and 45’ wide, with the lower part of stone, the

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ave you strolled down Market Way Alley, the little strip off of State Street with the string lights?

Perhaps you have stumbled upon the sweet little shop next to Classic Games Revisited, a door down from The Salt Cave and across from Rakki Raman? Well, when you do, you will be met with delight when you peek into Doylestown’s newest, sweetest little flower shop, “Greer’s Garden”.

Owned and operated by Doylestown native Emily Cradic, this magical place has quite a story. Greer’s Garden began as a blog initiated by Emily to support families going through loss during pregnancy or infancy. Emily started the blog after going through her own loss of daughter Greer at 20 weeks in utero. She took the pain and grief and turned it into something beautiful by hosting a support system for families to connect. This gave her and her followers the peace and connectivity they were so desperately in need of.

Emily has always loved flowers. She has always felt the love and beauty surrounding her, and these live plants were a beautiful reminder of it. During the pandemic., Emily decided to take up a course on floral design. She committed to six months of training and became certified. She had a hobby of making arrangements for friends and family for baby showers, parties, and events in the past, and this just felt like the next step.

Emily was always inspired by her grandmother Elsie, who was second mother to her growing up. Elsie was always there for Emily, getting her off to dance class as a young girl, and was just a “cool and inspiring” woman.

She, too, also loved flowers and always had them around.

Emily attributes her grandmother to her early inspiration

By Jeff Lavine

upper of brick, and both plaster-coated. By January 1869, the building was under roof, and by September of that year, the ground floor Sunday school room was finished. After seven years of worship in the Sunday school room, the sanctuary was opened, and the first service was held there on January 13, 1877.

A double stairway of ash and walnut inside the north door at the foot of the tower led up to the sanctuary with its 26’ high ceiling, eighteen 17’ high stained-glass windows along each side, and new pews also of ash and walnut. It must have been a wonderful worship space. The church, by this time, had well over 200 members and was growing steadily. New congregants were undoubtedly attracted by this beautiful new building—the Rev. A. J. Hastings was the pastor from 1870 to 1876. During the spring of 1875, it seems that a great revival was witnessed under the leadership of evangelist H. D. Dewitt.

The church building was originally just the portion on the corner and running along W Court Street. The 40- foot steeple was not added to the church until 1876, bringing the building to the height of 100 feet. The steeple was made by John Fitzgerald of Doylestown and still holds a 500-pound bell made by McShane’s Foundry of Baltimore and placed in the belfry. In 1967, the First Baptist relocated to 311 W State Street, and the building was purchased and converted to be the current Landmark Building in 1969 … 101 years after its erection. The addition on the S. Clinton side did not occur until the church transitioned to the Landmark Building.

The only stained-glass window transferred to the new church was the one in the rear of the pulpit, over the Baptism Pool.

The ‘Landmark Building’ looms over its intersection in town and does serve as a landmark. Today it holds offices, but the majesty of the original church building is clear to us all. The evolution of a structure like the Landmark illustrates

What’s New in Town?

By Danielle Gannon The Cardinal Contributing Writer

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February 2022 • 3

the continuing growth of our town and even our own lives.

Everything begins with an idea and an action, and, over time, all things adapt to their current situation. As we start the new year, I wish you the ability to create new things and adapt to everyday situations in ways that improve your life and your surroundings. We all move forward in time. Doing so with thought and grace is my hope for us all.

I look forward to this monthly feature and hope you will come to as well. Your Roaming Realtor of Doylestown is also your Real Estate Advisor. I view my job as giving you the information you need to make the best decisions for you and your family and facilitate your move forward if that is in your plan. It would be my great pleasure to work with you in 2022.

Give me a call at Keller Williams Real Estate at 215.340.5700 or visit PropertyinBucksCounty.com

Greer’s Garden with Doylestown Native Emily Cradic

in floral design.

Emily, a former K-1 school teacher, has done many things in life… however, when given the certification for floral design and her drive to create community locally…

Emily decided to open a shop in her hometown and throw all of her love and creative energy into it.

“It was a little sooner than I had anticipated, but I took a leap, and I am so glad I did!” November 20, 2021, Greer’s Garden became so much more than an online community.

It became a local retail establishment with breathtaking floral arrangements and thoughtfully appointed gifts.

Emily’s style is very hip, unique, young, and fresh. Her floral creations are whimsical, eclectic, and intentional. She does not follow floral “recipes” or use foam. Each bouquet & arrangement is one of a kind. She pours intention into every piece, and it shows!

The big difference you feel when walking into Greer’s Garden is a sense of calm and community. Community is the center of her business, and she will only grow well because of it. When asked what community meant to her, Cradic stated, “community to me means support. Coming together, aligned goals, open & friendly conversation, a hub.”

This shop is open Tuesday - Saturday, hours posted on her website at www.shopgreersgarden.com. You can follow her IG @greers_garden for daily updated photos of her work.

The future for Emily looks bright. She is a wife to Josh, a mother to three beautiful girls: Stella, Greer & Tatum, a thoughtful entrepreneur, and a blessing to Doylestown.

Have you ever wanted to design your own flower arrangements or have your kids take some hands-on workshops? Stay tuned… Emily has much more up her sleeve.

Danielle Gannon is a local Bucks County entrepreneur. Mom to three, she is an English teacher at RedBarn Homeschool (a local co-op she co-founded), co-owner of Organnons Natural Market and Founder & Managing Director of Local Spotlight with Danielle. Her passion is connecting people and creating community. She graduated with a degree in Journalism from Penn State University, went into real estate and sales, then business ownership. Residing in Ivyland, writing has always been a passion of hers, and this opportunity with The Cardinal has allowed her life to truly come full circle. Find her on IG @ localspotlightwithdanielle

4 • February 2022

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The Doylestown Cardinal

cardinal chirps Bucks County Tourism Grant Program Awards $659,623 to 52 Bucks County Non-Profits Executive Editor/Publisher

Jeffrey “JD” Diaz • 267.824.2412 JD@DoylestownCardinal.com

Associate Publisher

David Ramoy • 267.824.2738 David@DoylestownCardinal.com

Managing Editor

Jessica Ramoy • 215.588.7748 Jess@DoylestownCardinal.com

Contributing Writers

Britt Around Town • Andrea Celentano Danielle Gannon • Victoria Guillot Maura Guzek • Colin Kirts Jeff Lavine • Matt Mannino • Barb “Matty” Matyszczak • Brian Pultro Jess Ramoy • Dana Roberts

Staff Photographer Jean-Paul de Guzman

For Advertising Jay Pelc • 917.957.1713 JP4541@aol.com

Distribution

David Ramoy • 267.824.2738 David@DoylestownCardinal.com

Published by

The Doylestown Cardinal, LLC. PO Box 1486 Doylestown, PA 18901

The Doylestown Cardinal is published monthly and distributed to over 150 locations throughout the Doylestown, Pennsylvania Area.

Entire contents of this publication is copyright 2022 The Doylestown Cardinal, LLC. all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.

The Bucks County Tourism Grant Program distributed $659,623 to 52 organizations. The program was established in 2008 to assist in the development and enhancement of tourism initiatives in Bucks County. It is funded from a portion received from the Bucks County lodging tax assessed to visitors staying overnight in hotels, bed and breakfasts and home-shares.

Since the inception of the grant program, more than $5.4 million has been distributed to more than 100 organizations. Grant funding is used for marketing, special events and exhibitions, product development and capital improvement projects.

Each year, one grant recipient is recognized, in name, as the Charles H. Martin Grant in honor of former Commissioner Martin’s commitment in starting and supporting the Bucks County Tourism Grant Program. The 2021 recipient is the African American Museum of Bucks County.

We love our artists! Without you, this festival quite literally would not be possible.

Our favorite part of the weekend is getting to see our community appreciate your works and talents. If you’re looking for a unique venue to showcase your work in 2022, the Doylestown Arts Festival wants to help you make it happen! Learn more and apply at dtownartsfestival.com/apply.

Stay tuned for more news and updates on this year’s Doylestown Arts Festival.

For information, please visit https:// dtownartsfestival.com

Free Marriage Ceremony Event to be Held in Doylestown on Valentine’s Day

The Doylestown Arts Festival Returns September 10-11, 2022!

Applications for artists, musicians, demonstrations, and sponsors are now open.

Happy new year friends and neighbors!

We are delighted to share that the Doylestown Arts Festival will return in 2022 for its 31st anniversary. Mark your calendars for September 10-11 for this beloved community tradition.

Coming off a challenging but incredibly successful event last year our volunteer committee is already hard at work planning for this year’s festival. Applications are now open for artists, musicians, demonstrations/ activities, and our generous sponsors.

Showcase your work alongside talented creators in a unique outdoor venue

Couples will be able to get married free of charge on Valentine’s Day in Doylestown.

The Bucks County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court, Linda Bobrin, will be offering a free marriage ceremony on Valentine’s Day at 1 p.m. in the rotunda of the Old Courthouse in Doylestown.

The event is open to all couples interested. The event will also be open to couples who would like to renew their vows.

The Vows and Valentine’s ceremony will feature hors d’oeuvres, flowers, professional photographers, and more. As marriage licenses are valid for 60 days, couples interested are encouraged to apply for their license as soon as possible.

To donate to the Vows and Veterans cause, for more information, or to RSVP, people can email emarriage@buckscounty. org.

The event is being held a few months after Bobrin hosted the office’s first Vows and Veterans Expo. Five couples were married, at no cost to them, in the courtyard of the old courthouse in Doylestown.

The ceremony was officiated by UnderSecretary of the Army, Patrick J. Murphy. All couples were given a free stay at HollyHedge Estate in New Hope. Local businesses offered an array of services and products, discounted or entirely free, helping make the event possible. (courtesy www.wfmz.com)

Literary Arts Salon in Doylestown

Arts & Cultural Council of Bucks County presents a LITERARY ARTS SALON on February 17, 2022, at 7 pm at Freeman Hall, 181 East Court Street, Doylestown, featuring Nicole Steinberg, 2021 Bucks County Poet Laureate; Lynn Levin, 2021 Bucks County Short Fiction Prize winner; Steve Nolan, writer and poet; Bill Hemmig, novelist; and Jennifer Nelson, memoirist.

Writers will read selections from their work followed by a Q & A session and light refreshments in the parlor at Freeman Hall.

Books will be available for sale. Masks are required in Freeman Hall and we require that attendees be vaccinated, all for the safety of everyone. Seating is limited and free parking is available.

For reservations email info@bucksarts. org.

The Doylestown Cardinal

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February 2022 • 5

cardinal chirps Bucks County Audubon Society Gets $154,000 For Restoration Project

A grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will support the Bucks County Audubon Society’s restoration work at Honey Hollow Creek, according to a news release.

This year’s Growing Greener Grants were announced Thursday, with amounts totaling more than $3.5 million distributed across southeastern Pennsylvania for watershed restoration and protection.

“Growing Greener is the single largest investment of public funds that goes directly to solving critical environmental issues of the 21st century,” said DEP Southeast Regional Director Pat Patterson. “As we continue to see the impacts of climate change, it is imperative that we use funds to invest in, protect and restore our watersheds.”

Growing Greener grants are awarded for projects in three categories: watershed restoration and protection; rehabilitation of abandoned mines; and abandoned oil and gas well plugging projects. Across the state, this year’s awards exceed $18 million and will fund projects focused on design, construction, education and awareness.

The Bucks County Audubon Society in Honey Hollow, which spans 110 acres with 6 miles of trails, meadows, forests, ponds, wetlands and streams, received $154,100.

The Audubon Society will use these

funds to design and authorize the reregulation of the Honey Hollow Creek Dam, stream stabilization and floodplain restoration.

$155,000 in Grants Awarded to Local Non-Profits By FCP

During the past 15 years, Foundations Community Partnership (FCP) has been assisting Bucks County non-profits as part of its mission to help improve the lives of local families in need in Bucks County. The FCP Board of Directors announced that it is awarding $155,750 in grant funding to 23 Bucks County non-profit organizations, including 15 Bucks Innovation and Improvement Grants (BIIG) and 8 Capital Improvement Grants.

BIIG grants support the organizations that are developing programs and ideas to improve the lives of children, youth, and families in Bucks County. Capital Improvement Grants support non-profit organizations’ capital campaigns, including structural improvements to facilities, renovations, durable equipment and technological upgrades.

“We are pleased to support local nonprofits and ensure they can continue to make a positive difference in Bucks County,” says Abigail Halloran, Chair, FCP Board of Directors.

To learn more about FCP and its mission, visit www.fcpartnership.org or contact info@fcpartnership.org.

Exciting Changes at Michener Art Museum for 2022

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he James A. Michener Art Museum announced growth-focused changes in leadership at a pivotal time for the Michener.

New additions to the Museum management team and Board are in place and exciting exhibitions are lined up, all with the goal of strengthening the Michener’s commitment to inspire and nurture a lifelong connection to the arts.

A newly formulated Board named a transition team of three experienced senior directors, led by CFO Gary Ellis, to replace former Executive Director Kate Quinn, who left the Museum at the end of 2021. Ellis is joined by Chief Curator Laura Turner Igoe, Ph.D., and Director of Operations Jason Kobilnyk to ensure the financial, curatorial, and operational areas of the Museum continue to serve the community.

The Michener has also hired several new members to the executive leadership team, bringing a breadth of world-renowned museum experience and depth of growth-

A Big Thank You From County Theater

focused leadership to the well-known Delaware Valley institution, including Diane Guvenis, Chief Development Officer; Joshua Lessard, Director of Exhibitions; Aisling Lavery, Director of Public Engagement; and Heike Rass, Director of Marketing and Communications.

In addition, the Michener’s Board Chair, Virginia W. Sigety, a Trustee since 2005, welcomed new Board members in 2021: Dr. Vail Garvin, President and CEO of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce; Patricia Gorsky, a former nurse/community leader and philanthropist; and book editor and former print news reporter, Rhoda McKinney-Jones, the youngest daughter of the late civil rights leader, Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney of Seattle. This year the Board also welcomes its new Trustee Robert Byers, Jr., President of Byers’ Choice Ltd. and Director of Penn Community Bank.

In recognition of her contributions to the Museum, the Board of Trustees thanks Kate Quinn for her steady stewardship throughout the pandemic and reopening of the Museum and wishes her success in her other future projects and career endeavors.

2022 arrives with an air of anticipation at the Michener. As part of community-focused and mission-driven cultural offerings, the Museum will be presenting two exciting special exhibitions this year: Keith Haring: A Radiant Legacy, opening on March 12, and Walk This Way: Footwear from the Stuart Weitzman Collection of Historic Shoes in the fall.

Photo credit: Visit Bucks County

We Reached Our Year-End Goal! With your help and generosity we raised $172,595!

If you donated, thank you for your support! Thanks to your contributions, we not only met, but exceeded, our 2021 Recovery Fund goal.

These vital funds allow the County Theater to continue to navigate the impacts of the pandemic and help secure our future. They also support the programming that makes the County more than just a movie theater — a diverse mix of independent, art house, and foreign films as well as curated programs, discussions, and special events. Plus, the funds paid for the a new roof on the historic theater – the first since 1938.

Your support is the foundation that keeps the County Theater a cornerstone of our town.

THANK YOU. John Toner, Founding Director On behalf of the County Theater Board of Directors and the Expansion Co-Chairs, Pam Byers, Mark Dibner, and Dick Patterson

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The Doylestown Cardinal

Stolen 18th Century Pistol Returned to the Mercer Museum After Nearly 50 Years

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he Mercer Museum, operated by the Bucks County Historical Society (BCHS), attended a repatriation ceremony for stolen artifacts at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia on Friday, December 17, 2021, alongside six museums from the region.

Late -18th century English flintlock boarding pistol with bayonet repatriated to the Mercer Museum.

Credit Museum of the American Revolution

Artifacts stolen nearly half a century ago and recovered as part of a 50-year-old cold case cracked by the FBI in 2019 were returned to the Mercer Museum, American Swedish Historical Museum, Hershey Story Museum, Landis Valley Museum, Museum of the American Revolution, and York County History Center. The items being repatriated include historic firearms from the 18th and

19th centuries, including rifles and pistols, and a Native American silver concho belt.

The recovery of the artifacts was made possible through the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Art Crime Team Philadelphia Division, the United States Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and the Upper Merion Township Police Department.

The Mercer Museum received a late18th century English flintlock boarding pistol, stolen from their collection nearly 50 years ago. At the time of its disappearance, the pistol was on display in an exhibit case on the third floor of the Mercer Museum in downtown Doylestown. In the 1990s, when reviewing a comprehensive inventory of the Mercer Museum’s collection, the pistol could not be located and was officially recorded as “missing”.

Originally acquired by the Bucks County Historical Society in 1906, the pistol was among items donated to the museum as belonging to General Augustine Willet by his great-granddaughter, Mrs. Allburger. Willet served as a Captain of militia at the onset of the American Revolution, later being promoted to a Major and Lieutenant Colonel.

In 1800, he was commissioned Brigadier General of the Bucks County militia.

The original items donated by Willet’s

great-granddaughter to the museum in 1906 also included Willet’s regimental coat, a rare surviving artifact, likely dating back to the period after the American Revolution.

“In law enforcement, as in any profession, there are good days and bad days. Today, standing here along with our partners, is one of those good days,” said Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “The absence of the items from these museums represented not just a physical or financial loss, but a loss to every visitor, every student, and every researcher who didn’t get to see the items over the years and missed out on important pieces of our nation’s heritage. The absence of these items was, for so long, a loss to the historical record. The FBI is honored to have helped correct that loss and return these artifacts to the institutions from which they were stolen so long ago.”

Thomas Gavin, who was convicted of stealing the artifacts in the 1960s and 1970s, was recently sentenced to one day in prison and various fines. The judge took Gavin’s age and declining health into consideration during sentencing.

The Bucks County Historical Society’s Vice President of Collections and Interpretation Cory Amsler adds, “To recover an object stolen from a museum is

The Mercer Museum’s Executive Director Kyle McKoy and Vice President of Collections and Interpretation Cory Amsler at the repatriation ceremony.

Credit Museum of the American Revolution

a tremendous thing. But to recognize that the object, once returned, can also help to tell an important and compelling story about a dramatic time period in Bucks County history makes its recovery that much more valuable.”

The Mercer Museum wishes to thank the Upper Merion Township Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States District Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, for their wide-ranging efforts to pursue justice and ensure the restoral of important historical artifacts to their rightful repositories.

Applications Open For Second Annual Hammerstein International Youth Solo Contest

T

he Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center (OHMTEC) is proud to announce that registration has opened for the Hammerstein International Youth Solo Contest. This annual contest is open to vocalists ages 5-23 of all nationalities and centers on celebrating the lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein II. Winners of the contest will receive cash prizes, voice lessons with Broadway teaching artists and an opportunity to perform their winning song at Oscar Hammerstein’s home in Doylestown, PA. Last year’s inaugural event attracted 238 performers from 28 states and 2 countries.

The contest serves the very important job of educating young musical theatre enthusiasts about the tremendous influence Oscar Hammerstein II had on the development of the modern Broadway musical as we know it. The contest also raises international awareness of the nonprofit’s mission to save Oscar Hammerstein’s Doylestown home and open

the home to the public as a museum. Plans include building a theatre education center on the site of the existing bank barn.

OHMTEC board member Jaime Rogers, director of the contest, said, “I created this event last year as an avenue for young people to perform in a time when public performance was impossible due to the pandemic. I was thrilled with the number of singers that participated in the contest and blown away by the talent. I hope to double contest participation this year, with contestants from all 50 states and more countries.”

Oscar and his wife, Dorothy, lived with their family at Highland Farm in Doylestown, Pennsylvania for the last 20 years of his life.

This is the place where he forged his legendary

partnership with Richard Rodgers and that inspired many of their greatest musical works, including The Sound of Music, Carousel, The King and I, Oklahoma! and South Pacific. It is also the place where Hammerstein mentored a young Stephen Sondheim, and where he contributed to society by increasing our awareness of social issues and the need for tolerance of diversity.

The solo contest is divided into three rounds and five age categories - Elementary, Middle School, High School, College, and a bonus category for residents of Bucks County.

All rounds of the competition will be judged by music and theatre professionals. Prizes will be awarded to winners in each category. Firstplace winners will receive a cash prize, have the opportunity to film their song at Highland Farm and a one-on-one coaching session with a Broadway Professional Teaching Artist.

A prestigious panel of judges will evaluate the final round of solo submissions, including vocal coach Bob Marks, playwright David

Henry Hwang, vocal coach David Brunetti, and Dan Callaway, Assistant Professor of Voice at Boston Conservatory.

All proceeds from the contest will benefit The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center, which is engaged in a $5 million fundraising campaign. Contest registration will remain open through March 26, 2022. A complete list of Rules and Regulation and a registration link can be found on the OHMTEC website. Winners will be announced via a Facebook Live broadcast from Oscar Hammerstein’s home on June 10, 2022 at 8pm. For more information on the contest visit HammersteinMuseum.org/ hammerstein-solo-contest or email jrogers.

OHMTEC@gmail.com.

The Hammerstein International Youth Solo Contest is made possible by a generous grant from Visit Bucks County.

To learn how you can make an impact and #SaveOscarsHome please visit www.

HammersteinMuseum.org.

style Never Underestimate the Value of Accessories to Update Your Home!

By Victoria Guillot The Cardinal Contributing Writer

A

s a home stager and interior designer, I see a lot of homes. Most often, I’ve been asked to update spaces. Whether you’re selling your home and want to update to attract more buyers or want a fresh look in the home where you live, you want the house to reflect current tastes. If you’ve been living with your things for a long time, you may want it to feel refreshed and different.

Through the years, I’ve seen certain common scenarios over and over and over again. Let’s use a simple example and talk about the entry foyer.

Here is a “Before” example of a very typical foyer design in Bucks County executive homes that I frequently encounter.

Cut-crystal lamps and vases used to read as

very formal, but now they risk looking dated when coupled with brown wood. The oil painting is top quality but small compared to the current “bigger is better” design trend.

So how do we update this space?

Most people think they must throw out everything and start from scratch to get a new look. I’m here to show you that you don’t have to throw it all out to change the look and feel of a space completely. The power of accessories is tremendous! As a designer who believes in upcycling as much as possible, I love giving new life to old pieces that may be sentimental by changing out the accessories.

Let’s take our first example:

We kept the furniture and swapped the accessories for larger, more contemporary items with clean lines. We added drama with color in the art. The smaller pieces from the before image are re-used elsewhere but in different groupings that make them feel fresher. For example, we can move the painting to the powder room, which will be more in proportion and elevate that space.

Here’s another example with a completely different vibe using items inspired by nature: Here are two more examples that look completely different using the same furniture with more exotic accessories:

Hopefully, these examples have convinced you to look at accessories with a whole new sense of possibilities. Professional designers rely heavily on accessories to

bring that special designer’s touch to our projects. Interior designers have access to a staggering array of beautiful items to suit a wide range of budgets.

This month I’ve curated a collection including the accessories shown, granting you special designer trade access. Get access to the best internet pricing by using the shopping links at https://stagecoachservices. com/home-shop. (If you purchase through this link, I will receive a commission at no additional cost to you.)

Victoria Guillot is a home stager/interior designer of 15 years based in Buckingham/ Doylestown. A 6-time Best of Houzz winner, she has been featured on a 26-episode radio series and is the author of a book of tips on home staging. If you would like more trade access or would enjoy her decorating or staging assistance, you can find her at stagecoachservices.com.

The Doylestown Cardinal

www.DoylestownCardinal.com

February 2022 • 7

LOVE AND BUSINESS - continued from page 1

Tracy: Evolution Candy started when we bought the “Nuts Plus” business in 2018. Nuts Plus was started in 1981 and was located where Payton Jewelry is now.

We discussed it when we found out that the business was for sale, and it was a mutual decision to make this lifestyle change.

Primarily, James is in charge of ice cream and marketing; I’m in charge of candy and day-to-day operations. We flip and flop as the seasons and needs change. An average day will find one, the other, or both of us at the store.

James: Our biggest difference is that Tracy’s more of a morning person, and I am “famously” NOT! Is the business discussed at the dinner table?

Are there any rules or boundaries in place to keep your personal life separate from the business?

Tracy: Absolutely. The store is a big part of our life, and it doesn’t go away when we go home. If we are not here together, we’ll catch each other up on what the other missed later in the day. We plan the day at the breakfast table and catch up again over the dinner table.

James: Basically, every day starts with the question, “What are we doing today or what is going to happen today?” We either have a game plan for the day, or the people who walk in dictate the day.

Do you have any advice for couples starting on a business venture together?

Tracy: Owning your own business is not just a job or a hobby. It is a lifestyle. We are open 7-days-a-week, and as a result, we have a great deal of logistics to manage not only at the store but at home. The best part is supporting each other with our complementing strengths and strategies.

James: The division of responsibilities honestly works best for us at the store and in our relationship. We’re both either not good at or have no interest in doing some of the things the other does. Every major decision, though, is totally a team effort.

Are you doing anything special for Valentine’s Day at the store?

Tracy: From our delicious assorted chocolate boxes, conversation hearts, and a super-secret Love Potion, we definitely invite everyone to stop by and check us out!

Visit: https://evolutioncandy.com

Kin Wellness and Support Keith and Kristina Fenimore How and when did you two meet? Did you always want to go into business together?

Kristina: Keith and I met 16 years ago while living and working in Los Angeles. I was dropping off tapes to the office where he worked, and it was love at first sight - I fell in love with his two dogs he brought to the office.

We started talking, and by the time I got back to my office, he had already left a voicemail asking me out on a date. I said yes, and we’ve been inseparable since. I never thought we’d be in business together, mostly because I never dreamed I’d be helping run a Cancer Wellness & Support Center. It’s a blessing and an honor

photo by Kase Fenimore

to be a part of Kin, and to be able to do it with my best friend is icing on the cake.

Tell us about the business and how it came about? What is an average day like at “the office”?

Keith: Corinne Sikora came up with the idea for an all-inclusive free cancer center in Bucks County and she sort of appointed us to run with it. While she was battling brain cancer before she passed in November of 2020, she suggested the “Pine2Pink people” try to make her vision a reality. So our fate was determined by this extraordinary lady we actually never met.

There are so many variables that every day is unique. Now, our focus is three-fold – on-board cancer patients in Bucks County – find practitioners and instructors to donate their services, provide great care to our guests, and raise money, as we are 100% donation-based.

Kristina: My role as Director is to manage the operation and programmatic slate for all our services and be a point person for all our guests. I will tell you the best part of the job is meeting the special people in our community. The outpouring of kindness has been an overwhelming experience for both of us, and I think it’s brought us closer together.

Seeing how much love there is in this world fills your heart and makes you want to give back to those around you. Kin was built by the community, its people helping people, simple but the most powerful tool we have.

Is the business discussed at the dinner table?

Are there any rules or boundaries in place to keep your personal life separate from the business?

Kristina: Keith and I have different viewpoints on this topic, but we’re able to manage our expectations of each other respectfully. I believe we need to turn off the “work” switch when we can. We have young children; it’s important that we have quality time with them. While we don’t have any rules or boundaries, I think we know each other so well; Keith recognizes when I’m giving him the stink eye, which means it’s time to shut down.

Keith: Kristina and I are pretty good about interweaving life and work, so it’s not overbearing. I will bring up Kin topics or take my kids to certain events or meetings, but that is purposeful. I want to teach them through doing, so having them in the know and participating is a nice extension of our family dynamic.

How do you balance the business, family, and your personal relationship?

Kristina: I don’t know if “balance” is attainable. There are so many variables in life. What I’m trying to achieve is recognizing and celebrating the little things in life. This is another lesson I’ve learned from our business venture from the people fighting for their lives. Life is about celebrating the good days, being ok with the bad days, and finding joy in the little things.

Keith: In the non-profit space, we could work 24/7 and not get everything done. That said, we make a concerted effort to keep the Kin chat light on nights and weekends. I’ll leave my phone home on the weekends to disconnect. It takes effort to unplug, but it’s necessary for mental health and being present!

Do you have any advice for couples starting on a business venture together? Any advice for new couples in general?

Kristina: My only advice is to be sure you and your partner know how to communicate with each other in a healthy way. Listen and support each other. Hear what your partner is saying. Be respectful to each other’s thoughts, ideas, and opinions. Find out what each other’s strengths are and help nurture them. Remember that your partner is not perfect, and neither are you, so focus on the good parts of them. Finally, don’t take anything too seriously. If you’re dealing with something serious, help your partner find their pathway to the light.

Keith: This could easily be a long essay, but when I strip it down, I can say the foundation of our relationship is passion and communication. All we’ve done is carry those characteristics into our work, and it has served us well. Our end goal also aligns.

We do what we do because we want to help people. The work we do through Kin and Pine2Pink has purpose and benefits people in profound ways. We are so lucky to be able to share this as a couple.

Visit: https://www.welcometokin.org

Monkey’s Uncle Derrick and Jeanell Morgan

How and when did you two meet? Did you always want to go into business together?

We actually met while working for a large sporting goods company. We worked together and were friends for a few years before we began dating, but the idea of going into business for ourselves didn’t come about until after our son was born.

Tell us about the business and how it came about?

What is an average day like at “the office”?

Opening The Monkey’s Uncle was definitely motivated by our son Brayden, who was diagnosed with Autism at age We knew we would need the flexibility for doctor visits and therapy appointments that a typical position wouldn’t allow, so we combined our love of sports and all things throwback to launch our small business dream. Derrick has always been a Philly sports fanatic, and Jeanell has always had a passion for fashion, so we decided that we could blend these worlds to create something unique from the bland, generic options that were available.

While Monkey’s Uncle has become a goto shopping destination for Philly sports fans, our core mission is to provide mentorship and job skills to special needs students of all abilities by partnering with local school districts and support programs.

Our “Monkey on a Mission” impacts many students each week, giving them valuable skills, experience, and a sense of purpose in knowing that we are all equally awesome. While selling super cool tee shirts pays the bills, we are here to give real-world job opportunities and experiences to these students.

Is the business discussed at the dinner table? Are there any rules or boundaries in place to keep your personal life separate from the business?

Because the two of us are rarely at the shop together, business is discussed at the dinner table, in car rides, over morning coffee, and even over text messages when we’re not together! This is like our second child, and our actual child is growing up in this business, so the reality is that we live and breathe Monkeys Uncle 24/7. Rarely, we can ever turn things off, but we make a point to try scheduling an actual date night once a month where we turn off business so we can just be Jeanell and Derrick.

How do you balance the business, family, and your personal relationship?

We were fortunate to have worked together before becoming business partners, so we already knew that we would balance each other out well. It’s important to carve out time so you can actually “clock out” and not feel tethered to the business. Seeing both of us at the shop together is almost like seeing Superman and Clark Kent in the same room, but there are certain times of the year when we actually get to work together at the shop that we consider as our “date night”.

Do you have any advice for couples starting on a business venture together? Any advice for new couples in general?

It’s vital that you define each other’s roles and stay within your respective lane. You are in business with your significant other as an equal partner, so you must remember you are a team no matter what. And the number one rule is to just be honest and open. There will be big wins that you celebrate together, but keep in mind that you need to support one another where there are downtimes or mistakes happen. That goes for your personal and business relationships.

Visit: https://www.themonkeysuncle.net

8 • February 2022

www.DoylestownCardinal.com •

Seafood Bouillabaisse This recipe is perfect for a romantic Valentine’s date night dinner. First, it’s so delicious, but second, it doesn’t take a ton of time to prepare. You will impress your date for sure. This recipe makes enough for 6.

Personally, it’s so good I can eat this with one or two more people, and it’s just enough!!

The Doylestown Cardinal

THE FAMILY RECIPE

Happy Valentine’s Day Ingredients:

• Sauce Rouille • 1 Tbs clam broth • 2 cloves garlic, peeled • 1 small red hot pepper • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/4 cup soft white bread, pulled into pieces • 1/2 cup olive oil

Bouillabaisse

• 3 Pounds firm fish, such as bass, haddock, cod, cut into pieces about 2 inches • 1 Lb mussels or clams, or a mix of both • 1 Lb squid and or Crab • 1/4 EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) • 1 cup sweet onion sliced thinly • 1/4 cup fennel bulb, thinly sliced, or 1 tsp fennel seed.

• 2 cloves of garlic • Crushed large tomatoes, chopped or small can chopped tomatoes drained • 1 bay leaf • 3 sprigs of saffron threads • 2 tsp salt • 1 long wide strip orange zest or • 1 tsp orange zest in a jar • 1 cup clam juice • 1/4 tsp fresh black pepper • A good crusty bread, plain or toasted. I prefer toasted.

1. Make the sauce rouille: • In a blender, add the clam broth, then add the garlic and red hot pepper, salt, and bread.

Blend until smooth. • While the blender is still on, add the olive oil slowly until it disappears, Now set the sauce aside.

2. Cooking the vegetables (Onions, leeks, and fennel) • 1/4 cup of olive oil heated in an 8-quart pot on medium heat.

• Cook vegetables until they are softened but not brown, 10 to 15 minutes. This will impart great flavor to this dish, so it’s important to be patient.

3. Add the garlic, tomatoes, and herbs • Crushed garlic, chopped tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme, saffron, salt, and orange zest.

• Cook till the tomatoes start to break down approximately 10 minutes 4. Add the fish: • Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.

• Place the fish pieces over the vegetable mixture • Add the boiling water over the fish and vegetables.

• Add the clam juice • Bring to a boil, simmer uncovered for 5 mins.

5. Add the shellfish: • Move the fish to the side of the pot and add the shellfish to the pot, ensuring the liquid is covering the seafood.

• Salt and pepper to taste.

• Remove the bay leaves and thyme 6. Serving your masterpiece.

• Place all the fish and shellfish on a platter to keep warm.

• Place a piece of crusty bread in the bowl, place a scoop of the rouille on the bread, ladle the broth over the bread, and then add the fish and shellfish.

You can serve this beautiful dish with freshly made Pappardelle pasta!!

Recipe deliciously sent in by Andrea Celentano - www.angelinaitaly.com

The Doylestown Cardinal

www.DoylestownCardinal.com

Peace Valley Nature Center 170 North Chapman Road, Doylestown, PA 18901 215-348-6270 • www.peacevalleynaturecenter.org UPCOMING SCHEDULE OUT OF HIBERNATION Saturday February 5th 2:00-3:00 pm. NO FEE (donations greatly appreciated).

Humans, groundhogs, amphibians and a host of other animals have amazing adaptations.

Join us to discover some amazing facts about these critters. Dress for the weather. Inclement weather cancels the walk. No registration necessary.

February 2022 • 9

WINTER FORAGING FORAY, February 5th 2:30pm. Fee $40.

Discover the wonders of winter as we identify wild-edibles in the winter landscape. We will take a foraging walk around the property before heading back to the center to try some seasonal wild-edibles and create our own tea blends to keep us cozy and healthy this winter. Participants can try “Foraged Root Hot Coffee” (non-alcoholic), Rosehip Punch (non-alcoholic), Pine Shortbread Cookies, and Beautyberry honey over crackers and fruits.

A portion of the proceeds is donated back to Peace Valley Nature Center.

BLUE BIRD WORKSHOP Saturday February 19th 1:00-pm - 2:30pm Fee $25 ($20 Members) Pre-Registration required (Foul weather date February 20th ) Learn about the ecology of bluebirds and other cavity nesters. Build your own bluebird house and share in the success of the comeback of the bluebirds in our area. Why so early?

It’s not even spring! The male bluebirds come back very early to seek the best place for raising a family. Your nest box will be ready and available for them. Bring a Phillips head screwdriver and a hammer.

WHERE TO EAT ON VALENTINE’S DAY - continued from page 1

All the single ladies (and people)…

Beyonce and I both would send you right to Lovebird. Look past the irony in this recommendation and head here to enjoy a fast-casual meal (either dine-in or get take-out to bring back to your couch).

Created by the owners of Jules Thin Crust, Lovebird is a high-quality chicken restaurant that serves up delicious, madeto-order sandwiches, salads, and quinoa bowls. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

For the couple in need of a sexy, spicy evening…

Dust off your good jewelry, put on that top with the plunging neckline, and head to Honey. Owned by husband-and-wife Amy and Joe McAtee (Amy runs the front-ofhouse and server training/liquor programs, and Joe is the chef). Honey offers truly delicious, unique small plates with flavor combinations that will make you moan upon tasting. My favorites are the foie gras sliders, black tea glazed spare ribs, “black velvet” oysters, and truffle and smoke potato chips.

salads, wood-oven pizza, seafood, specialty sandwiches, and mouth-watering desserts, Paganini is the best place to honor your long-time love on Valentine’s Day. Paganini, 81 W. State Street 215-348-5922 www.paganinidoylestown.com

Take advantage of this month’s specials, the Banh Mi Bowl and the Apple Jack chicken sandwich, featuring local apples, Sharp Cheddar cheese, and cinnamoninfused maple syrup. Who knows, you might even meet your soulmate while waiting in line!

….at night, make a reservation at The Hattery Stove & Still, or snag two seats at the bar. The Hattery, connected to the Doylestown Inn, offers modern American fare and comfort food in a beautiful, ‘antique industrial’ space. If you’re at the bar, make sure you try one of the specialty drinks (the Apple Cinnamon Mule, Apple Cider Mimosa, and the Hattery Highball are delightful) and share the Hot Chips with blue cheese fondue.

Lovebird, 19 E. Oakland Avenue 267-406-4712 lovebirdpa.com

For a first date… ….during the daytime, head to Native Café. Owners Jay and Kate have created what is truly a neighborhood coffee shop right in the center of town. With plenty of little nooks to tuck into with a cup of coffee or latte and a baked good or the famous Holy Basil Breakfast burrito, this café is the perfect place to take someone you’re meeting in the flesh after swiping right.

With lots of foot traffic and people watching, you’ll have plenty to talk about.

A busy café also means no need to worry if your match turns out to be a bit of a creeper- lots of bystanders to make you feel at ease ;).

Native Café, 12 S. Main Street 267-247-5096 Native Cafe Doylestown on Facebook

If you’re sitting down to dine, show your date what you’re made of and order the Chicken or the Egg Sandwich. Sure, you might get messy, but you’ll impress your dining partner with your appetite and, at the very least, will leave incredibly satisfied. The Hattery is also offering a Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu in addition to their regular menu. And, if things go very well with your date, you might even take advantage of the Doylestown Inn’s special rates.

The Hattery Stove & Still, 18 W. State Street 215-345-1527 hatterydoylestown.com

The restaurant’s ambiance is just as seductive as the food, with dim lighting, cozy tables, and attentive, knowledgeable waitstaff. The magic of being run by a married couple is evident: Amy said that Honey has witnessed 15 marriage proposals, almost all of which have taken place in the first, curtained booth in the restaurant, many of which Amy has been a part of in executing. This Valentine’s Day, Honey offers a special, multi-course shared tasting menu, priced per couple. Do your relationship and your palate a favor and call Honey today to experience a foodie’s dream come true.

For the couple who can’t get a babysitter…

Fear not, Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to go to shambles just because your babysitter bailed (or you didn’t get one in the first place). Bring the kids along for fun entertainment, get a Korean barbecue at Omiza or sit down for hibachi at Ooka.

Both of these restaurants offer captivating dining experiences for the five and up crowd, leaving parents some time to sip on a specialty cocktail and enjoy a (brief) moment of peace. Omiza and Ooka both offer menus with a wide variety.

Honey Restaurant, 42 Shewell Avenue 215-489-4200 honeyrestaurant.com

For the together-forever couple….

You must dine at Paganini, one of Doylestown’s long-standing restaurants that is proud to be celebrating its 31st anniversary. Opened in 1990 by owners Karen and Raouf, who met while working in Paris at an Italian restaurant, Paganini offers hand-crafted, locally-sourced Italian and European-inspired dishes in a comfortable atmosphere.

With a full bar selection and delicious daily house-made pasta specials, fresh

Let’s Go To

In addition to hibachi, Ooka serves up Japanese cuisine and sushi, while Omiza also offers dumplings, “kochi” (skewered meats and vegetables), sushi, noodles, and rice and grill specialties.

Omiza, 641 North Main Street 267-579-4222 omizarestaurant.com Ooka, 110 Veterans Lane 215-348-8185 ookasushi.com

10 • February 2022

www.DoylestownCardinal.com

The Doylestown Cardinal

arts • music Bob Krist to Judge the 2022 Phillips’ Mill Photographic Exhibition Submissions Open February 1 - February 28

N The “Pots and Pans Show” section of The Cardinal, brought to you by Villa Capri, highlights local musicians and the restaurants that host their live music. Please send your music lineups and news to villacapripizza@aol.com

Meet The Little Red Rooster Blues Band Tell us about yourself and your music. When and how did you get started?

We formed the band in 1988. A group of guys that went to Central Bucks West High School in Doylestown got together and focused on a harp-driven Blues sound.

We played as the original band for roughly six years.

Dave Holtzman joined the band in 1996 on the harmonica. We shared leadership responsibilities for the band for many years.

We have produced eight CDs over the years, seven of them all original material. Our Lock Up the Liquor release won the 2019 International Blues Challenge by the Blues Foundation in Memphis for the Best Self Produced CD category.

The harmonica and guitar interplay has always been an integral part of our sound, and we have been extremely fortunate to have a great rhythm section which includes Bob Holden on drums (9 years) and Jeff Michael on bass (7 years). The rhythm section is truly the engine that drives the band. They create a rock-solid foundation for the guitar and harp to lock into. Bob and Jeff are two of the best!

Who/What is your inspiration?

Like many musicians, I think the power of music inspires us. Blues music touches people. I am inspired when I hear great musicians giving it all they have on the bandstand, night after night, year after year, and only get stronger and better at it!

Energy is created both by the band and the audience. That is magic and the most natural high in the world. It keeps you coming back.

Describe your favorite and least favorite part about being a musician.

The best part of being a working musician

is never being bored. There is never a time when something isn’t at the front of your mind...learning a new tune, booking a new room, working on the next recording project, and performing. Music has been a gift that has brought us together with so many great people. It’s amazing! The worst part is missing out on the many events that we can’t attend because of our commitments to music, weddings, anniversaries, etc.

Tell us about your favorite performance of your career.

I don’t know if there is one in particular.

Having had the opportunity to perform in the UK several times stands out. Winning the IBC award by the Blues Foundation was a stand-out moment.

ew Hope, PA – Phillips’ Mill Photo has announced that esteemed freelance photographer Bob Krist will be the sole juror for the 2022 Phillips’ Mill Photographic Exhibition. This will be the first time since 2018 that the prestigious show will be on the gallery walls at the historic Phillips’ Mill in New Hope, Pa. The exhibition will run from April 2 – 22, 2022 and will be mounted online, as well. Photographers worldwide are invited to submit their work online for consideration between February 1 - 28.

Bob Krist’s freelance photography and filmmaking for National Geographic, National Geographic Traveler, Smithsonian and Islands magazines and other clients have taken him to more than 150 countries on all seven continents.

During these assignments, he has captured not only some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, but also the fascinating characters, cultural rituals and simple everyday occurrences that make life so interesting. Even though he was knighted with a cutlass during a voodoo ceremony in the hills of Trinidad, ran before charging bulls at a festival in southern India and was stranded on a glacier in Iceland for three days during a blizzard, he doesn’t like to think of himself as a great adventurer. Rather, he says he’s just a visual storyteller whose early days as a photojournalist taught him to intuitively seek beauty, truth and the most compelling human interest angle.

Krist has won awards in the Pictures of the Year, Communication Arts and World Press Photo competitions. He was named “Travel Photographer of the Year” by the Society of American Travel Writers three times and was honored at the Eisenstadt Awards for Magazine Photography. His latest book, Old Souls & Timeless Places, won the Best Travel Book of 2020 in the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism competition sponsored by the Journalism School at the University of Missouri.

The Phillips’ Mill Photographic Exhibition will be at Phillips’ Mill, as well as online, from April 2 – 22, 2022, 2619 River Rd., New Hope, PA. Submissions will be accepted via Smarter Entry from Feb. 1—28, 2022. Visit www.phillipsmill.org/photographyfor details including the Call for Art and a link for submitting work. Learn more about Bob Krist at bobkrist.com

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?

To be honest not really, I play video games and hang out with my friends, but I just live and breathe music. It’s everything I do.

How do you like being a musician in Doylestown? Where else can people find you singing?

Doylestown is a great town for music.

There are many venues and many great people that truly support live music. We have been very fortunate to become friends with many people in Doylestown through the music. It truly is a special place! Every Tuesday night, we have been hosting a Blues Jam at Villa Capri for over five years. It’s an excellent opportunity for players to meet other players, learn, network, and have fun!

We perform all over the region. Our website is www.littleredrooster.com. Hope to see you out there!

Kevin McCann and Dave Holtzman

Where Is The Blues? In PA For Sure!

P

hilly Blues Society is a group created to bring blues lovers and blues musicians together. After noticing that Philadelphia actually had little blues performances and the surrounding counties had a wealth of blues singers, songwriter Toni Washingtin, President of The Philly Blues Society and a native of Pittsburgh, decided to form a Facebook group to pull everyone together. The main objective was to keep the blues alive, show support to performers, educate people and connect with venues interested in blues music.

That was in 2012. Since then the group has grown to over 3,000 followers, all over the world, with most of the followers in the Pennsylvania area. Currently some members of the Philly Blues Society host blues nights or perform regularly in Philadelphia, Doylestown and Hatboro PA. Mikey Jr. and Derek Matteson, aka Harmonica Slim, are artists who regularly support Philly Blues Society, as well as Kevin McCann. Villa Capri is one of the venues supporting blues music where some of our members perform.

Philly Blues Society works to hire bands for specific events throughout the year, as well as supplying leads on their Facebook page. To become an official member of Philly Blues Society or for more information call Toni at 267-456-8183 or visit phillybluessociety.com

Bob Krist

Phillips’ Mill Youth Art Exhibition to Open Online January 29 - February 20

N

ew Hope, PA – The 2022 Youth Art Exhibition at Phillips’ Mill will open January 29 and run through February 20. The show will be an online only event.

This year, student artists at 23 high schools will be exhibited with 158 submissions –– a record number. Pennsylvania and New Jersey schools, both public and private, are participating. High school art teachers are the curators of the show, selecting the schools’ submissions. There is no entry fee to participate in the exhibition.

Bill Jersey, an award-winning filmmaker and painter, will be the juror for prizes in four categories: paintings, works on paper, digital art (including photography) and 3D works. Winners will be announced and posted on the PhillipsMill.org website. Over the years, thousands of dollars in prizes have been awarded, thanks to the financial support of members of the Phillips’ Mill Community Association.

“The program was launched in 2014 to support the artistic community of the future, and to offer aspiring artists in our region the chance to gain exposure and experience exhibiting with a prestigious arts organization,” said Kathy Schroeher, Co-Chair of the Youth Art Exhibition.

No sales will be possible this year because of the on-line only nature of the show.

For more information, and to view the show online visit https://www.phillipsmill.org/art/ youth-art-exhibition.

Villa Capri 51 West Court Street, Doylestown Every Monday Open Mic with Tyler Beck 6:30pm - 8:30pm Every Tuesday Open Blues Jam with Little Red Rooster 7pm - 10pm Every Wednesday Open Mic with Mikey O 8pm - 11pm 2/4 • Brick Duo 2/5 • Villa Capri West Court St. Band 2/11 • Justin Love 2/12 • Don Julio 2/18 • Kevin Hill 2/19 • Villa Capri West Court St. Band 2/25 • Villa Capri West Court St. Band 2/26 • Villa Capri West Court St. Band Penn Taproom 80 West Street, Doylestown 8:00pm 2/3 • Chris Hynd 2/10 • Ed Wilson 2/17 • Dan Band 2/24 • Nick Mich

Local Music Scene Horse Tavern & Grill 1000 Old Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville 6:00pm - 10:00pm 2/4 • Jack O’Leary 2/5 • Dan Ward 2/11 • Danny Lynch 2/12 • Stranger Things, Karaoke 2/18 • Paul Weisse 2/19 • Pancake Breakfast Band 5-9pm DJ Sleeves 9-11 2/25 • Dave Landis 2/26 • Susie Steen, Karaoke Chambers 19 Bistro & Bar 19 N. Main Street, Doylestown 8:00pm • 12:00am 2/4 • Love Handles 2/5 • Keep the Change 2/11 • The Savants Duo 2/12 • Dan Ward 2/18 • Tony Alosi 2/19 • Steven Anthony 2/25 • Vince Zeller 2/26 • Danny Lynch

Sorella @ Domani Star 63 W. State Street, Doylestown 6:30pm - 9:30pm Live Jazz every Friday Malcom Clark Jazz Duo Great Barn Taphouse 1500 Main Street, Warrington 2/4 • John Austin 4-7, Supertrain 8-11 2/5 • Rootsetters Reggae Band 4-7 2/10 • Open Mic 6-9 2/11 • Nikolas Mich 4-7 Beatlemania Again 8-11 2/12 • Faraway Guys 4-7 The Company Live Band 8-11 2/18 • Jist Todd 4-7, Cherrylane 8-11 2/19 • Kevin and Paul 4-11 Mojo and the Helper Monkeys 8-11 2/24 • Open Mic 6-9 2/25 • Justin Narisi 4-7, Gruvtime Band 8-11 2/26 • Dani Dae Duo 4-7, Rock and a Hard Place 8-11

The Doylestown Cardinal

www.DoylestownCardinal.com

February 2022 • 11

arts • music The Art of Christina Galagarza

C

hristina D. Galagarza is a multidisciplinary artist who goes by Art by CDG. She has been making art her entire life and decided to focus much more time on it in 2019.

She makes beautiful paintings and jewelry that seek to invite pause, acknowledgment, and reflection. Her floral oil paintings range from a teeny 2x2 inch square to a 40 x 40-inch room feature. She takes commissions by creating personalized paintings of wedding bouquets, landscapes, and portraits, often under Eternal Flower Paintings. She also funds advocacy work with a series called Legacy Paintings.

Her studio, dubbed the “playroom”, is in Chalfont, Pa, where she grew up. The playroom is vital for self-reflection and a sacred space to explore imagination. Visit her website to see all of the creativity that comes out of the playroom, shop original art, prints, and jewelry, and reach out if you have any special commission requests. www. christinagalagarza.com. Outside of commission work, she hopes this feature might connect her to local art advocacy and fundraising efforts. Christina’s small magnet art will be available at Makers Off Main beginning February 1st.

Jen and Alexis are a two-woman team out of North Wales, PA, that are the owners and creators of the jewelry brand Champagne on a Wednesday. Each piece of handmade jewelry is designed alongside an artwork card that embodies the inspirational messaging of the collection through original artwork and story.

Artist

Spotlight Brought to you by Makers Off Main

Tell us about yourself. When did your journey with art begin?

Jen - I would say in 4th grade. I won a drawing contest. Then it went dormant until I became a mom. I would love doing paint classes, jewelry making classes, crafting with my boys, etc. for fun.

Alexis - I’ve always been a “creative” person, scratching my creative itch in many ways over the years, mostly with music and writing. But then, about ten years ago, I took a drawing class in Doylestown because I had always told myself I was terrible at drawing, and I wanted to learn something new. It reminded me that all the ways we express our creativity are actually learned skills, and the sky is the limit if you are open to experimenting.

We are both moms with kids the same age, so our journey together as artist partners began when our youngest kiddos entered first grade, and we finally had time and energy to devote to our creative passions.

The State Street Players Present “Memories I Forgot to Remember” for their 43rd Annual Show

P

ut down your Devices, turn off the TV, and get ready to laugh and sing at the State Street Players 43rd Annual Assault on the Performing Arts, Memories I Forgot to Remember on March 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 & 19.

Today’s entertainment is faster and louder than ever before. Video games and social networking battle with TV and movies for our daily attention, and it seems entertainment is often measured in bits and bytes instead of laughter and songs.

The State Street Players are familiar with the digital competition they face from modern entertainment media. This year’s 43rd Annual Assault on the Performing Arts—entitled Memories I Forgot to Remember—will be held March 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19, 2022, in the Our Lady of Mount Carmel School Auditorium, 225 East Ashland Street, Doylestown, PA. Eric Nitschke, director for the 2022 show, notes the State Street Players’ annual shows are perfect for audiences who want to unplug their digital entertainment and spend an evening out enjoying live entertainment at a reasonable price.

“In the age of athletes and movie stars whose values and performances leave many people scratching their heads, the State Street Players offer a simpler form of entertainment provided by people who work for a living and volunteer their time and energy to the performing arts,” Nitschke said.

For each for the past 43 years, more than 100 Doylestown-area residents write,

produce and perform the annual show, as well as build their own sets and construct the stage itself in the Our Lady of Mount Carmel School auditorium.

Nitschke explained this down-home theme takes audience members on frolicking romp through the rich history of TV, film, Broadway, and Americana.

“The audience will recognize many songs from the past through today, plus some classic TV and movie scenes they wouldn’t have expected,” he said, adding that songand-dance routines are interspersed with comedy skits, heavy on physical and satirical humor.

The group will spend a total of six months in production, from initial writing in October until the March show dates.

Several members have been involved with the show for all 42 prior productions.

Long-time members credit the group’s longevity to the creativity and enthusiasm of its members, who represent many careers and backgrounds.

Know before you go!

• Show dates: March 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19 • Tickets are $25.00 per person • Tables of up to 10 are available • Doors open at 6:45 p.m.; showtime 8pm • Performances last about 2.5 hours • For tickets, call (215) 262-0804 or email statestreeplayers18901@gmail.com.

Or order tickets online at http://www. statestreetplayers.org • All proceeds benefit Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church

Tell us about your art and creative process?

Jen - Honestly, I am obsessed with shopping. So, the first step is usually sourcing unique gemstones. We typically have a good amount of unused gems on hand. We have 3-4 large collection launches a year. Each of our collections has a vibe/theme. Once we know the vibe, we will lay everything out and design. We work together, sharing ideas and giving a big thumbs up or down.

We both know what we like and don’t, so it is rare for it to be maybe.

Alexis - Our art is in two parts- the jewelry design and the artwork card and messaging that comes along with each piece. We work together to create a cohesive aesthetic across the jewelry and the cards.

I don’t work well under pressure, so my best ideas come when I have nothing to do with them. I’ll dig back through those old ideas when it’s crunch time, and I rely on Jen a lot to help bring them to life in the jewelry. I usually start making a ton of art for the artwork cards, and eventually, I find my way towards something that seems to connect with the story we are trying to tell.

Who or what inspires you?

Jen - I love creating designs that can be dressed up or down. I am inspired by the thought of an outfit or event that someone may wear our pieces for. But my biggest inspiration comes from talking with people at markets and making connections. Knowing that people connect with our designs and stories is the greatest inspiration for making and growing.

Alexis - I often find inspiration for the messaging component of our work in what I feel like I need at that moment. So even though we are creating for others, I’m often speaking directly to myself through the collections. Artistically, I am drawn to the relationship between light and dark, which you will see in so many of our jewelry designs and how I photograph them.

How do you like being a local artist in Doylestown?

We feel so lucky to be a part of such a welcoming community. We feel like Doylestown is the heart of the local artisan, and we love being close enough to be a part of it. There are so many talented creative humans in this area, and Doylestown showcases them either in individual stores, in stores like Makers and the Doylestown ArtFest!

Where can we find your work?

We sell our entire catalog online at www.champagneonawednesday.com and a thoughtful selection of our work at local boutiques such as Makers off Main. We also participate in many local vendor markets seasonally throughout Bucks and Montgomery Counties and the surrounding areas.

12 • February 2022

www.DoylestownCardinal.com

The Doylestown Cardinal

biz bits

Get Out of Debt in 2022

By Brian Pultro, AIF, BFA, RFC® The Cardinal Contributing Writer

W

elcome to February! How are those New Year’s resolutions coming along? If one of those resolutions was to work your way out of debt in 2022, then you are in luck.

Figuring out a mound of debt can be frightening and leave you with anxiety.

Where do you start? How do you tackle it all? That is why I have two straightforward tips you can follow, to help accomplish that resolution of getting out of debt in 2022.

Since the two methods for working your way through debt are snow-themed, February is the perfect time to choose from the avalanche method or the snowball method. Depending on your circumstances, one will be a better fit for you. Let’s plow through both.

• Avalanche method – with this method, you would make a list of all of your debts and their interest rates. Once you compile the list, put them in order from the highest interest rate to the lowest. Then, you would pay the minimum amount on each of your debts except for the highest interest rate debt, which you would dedicate as much to as possible.

The theory here is that you reduce the debt that is racking up the most interest billed to you. Once you have paid off the highest interest rate debt, you move down the list to the next one.

• Snowball method – in this method, you list all of your debts from largest balance to smallest balance. Once you

complete the list, you pay the minimum on all of your debts except the one with the smallest balance, which you would dedicate as much to as you possibly could.

The theory here is that you pay off the smallest balance first, gaining momentum and an emotional win as you move towards paying off all your debt. Continue to move down the list from smallest to largest until all of the debts are paid off.

Being a Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA), I love the snowball method.

Providing yourself with an emotional win is crucial to keeping up the momentum of paying down debt. When we can harness our emotions and create positive change regarding money, the feeling is euphoric.

However, even though I prefer one method, it does not mean it is the best fit for you.

Figuring out what will work best for your situation is very important.

It’s winter! Get outside, enjoy the cold and the magic of the snow while also harnessing it to pay down some of your debt.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC.

Pultro Financial Management (215) 489-3876 • brian.pultro@LPL.com

By Barb “Matty” Matyszczak The Cardinal Contributing Writer

I

1. Stay Flexible. Given low inventory and high asking prices, it’s essential to stay flexible on price, location, and the kind of property you are looking for. While you may want a single-family home, you may find less competition and better pricing in a townhome community.

Keep your options open and see what fits your needs. Remember that a good school district or drive time to work is often the deciding factor on where you want to live, but both of these factors have been greatly affected by the challenges we all have faced in the past few years, so stay flexible!

2. Save, Save, SAVE! Buying a home can ADD UP! It’s not just about having enough savings to put a large downpayment to compete against other bidders, but also about having enough money saved to deal with the repairs, furnishing, and maintenance of the new home you may choose.

Don’t forget to factor this into your future budget as a new homeowner, and get started with disciplining yourself and your family in building a saving plan that you can stick to.

3. Don’t Blow the Budget. Although you may be diligently saving, it may be tempting to bite off more than you can chew in this

The Bucks County Foundation has selected Mandy Mundy as its next executive director. Mundy succeeds Linda Goodwin, who retired after serving as executive director since 2005.

Ms. Mundy brings over twenty-five years of nonprofit management, development and fundraising experience, working in leadership roles, most recently as Associate Director of NOVA in Bucks County.

Brian Pultro is a Doylestown native, Navy Veteran, and local Financial Advisor. His practice is built upon the foundations of “Behavioral Finance” and training individuals and families on how to take natural human emotions out of the investment process.

5 Tips for Buying a Home in 2022 f you’re looking to make a move this year, plan for ways to handle the challenge of an ever-changing market.

Here are my top 5 suggestions to help you prepare to handle the chaos!

Bucks County Foundation Announces Mandy Mundy as the Next Executive Director

hot market. Keep your priorities in focus and build your list of essential features you are looking for in your new home. Search for properties $20k-$50k below your comfort range, as this will help you if you have a bidding war to compete in.

4. Sometimes Less is More. Often, I find that the Sq Ft quoted is not an accurate number and can be very deceiving if you focus on that in your search. It’s not about the size, but about the layout that makes a new home fit your needs. Many home styles in our area change dramatically each decade they were built due to the wants and needs of each generation.

Also, lot size can be an inaccurate focus - larger lots may come with complications like septic systems to maintain, and smaller lots may come with a community walking path that you might find very enjoyable. Keep an open mind and try to look at all the options to get a feel for what you REALLY might want.

5. Stay Calm! Buying a home can be challenging and feel like a full-time job. It’s typically the largest transaction a person can make in their lifetime. And, you don’t do it every day! Take a deep breath and stay calm. The best thing you can do is find an experienced, trusted Realtor you can work with that will guide you every step of the way to help you find your next home!

I hope you find this information helpful and encouraging and don’t be afraid to make 2022 a new beginning!

Happy New Year!

Barb “Matty” Matyszczak is a REALTOR/ Manager with over 32 yrs experience in the Bucks/Montgomery Real Estate Market. To learn more, visit www.BarbMatty.com, or call her at 215-348-7100, or email at barb@barbmatty.com

Mandy Mundy

“Mandy is a positive and energetic leader. Her warmth, collegial style, practical approach to problem solving, and passion for bringing people together to better serve the community will be an asset to the Foundation” said board of trustee president, Grace M. Deon, Esquire. “The board is excited to work with Mandy as our new executive director and confident that Bucks County Foundation will be well positioned under her guidance to thrive in the years to come.”

Ms. Mundy received her bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University and her master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership from LaSalle University.

Mandy and her husband Jim are both lifelong residents of Bucks County and are raising their two children in Doylestown, PA. Mandy was a Girl Scout Leader for Girl Scouts of Southeastern PA for seven years and former advisory board member for the American Academy of Pediatrics Suspected Child Abuse & Neglect Advisory Committee. Currently, Ms. Mundy serves as a Board of Trustee for Solebury School and volunteers with the Central Bucks National Charity League and the Keystone Crisis Intervention Team.

About Bucks County Foundation Founded in 1979, The Bucks County Foundation is a charitable trust created to serve Bucks County and the people who live here. The Foundation helps individuals who love this community and want to support it in perpetuity-by establishing a named fund, leaving a bequest in a will, or supporting an agency endowment. BCF connects

people who care with causes that matter, so their philanthropic contributions make a difference now and in the future. To learn more, visit buckscountyfoundation.org.

It’s Time for the 2022 Bucks County Happening List!

The 2022 Happening List – Bucks County’s biggest people’s choice competition – is back!

This is the time that readers of Bucks Happening take to recognize the amazing people, organizations, events & businesses that make living in Bucks County special.

Nominations in the annual Happening List competition in Bucks County officially opened on January 4, 2021. Nominate your favorite local people, places, and businesses here. You can make nominations up until February 18th. On February 18th, voting “goes blind” and nominations close.

Voting kicks off on January 18, 2022 and continues through February 28, 2022.

New in 2022 We’ve decided to mix it up a little.

This year, the Happenings Media Editorial team has selected the following categories to be pulled from the public voting. These categories will be selected by an editorial committee. The categories are: Drink: Wine List Everything Bucks: New Business People: Artist People: Entrepreneur People: Social Media Personality Retail: Shopping Destination Nominations in these categories will be taken into consideration by the editorial team.

Visit https://bucks.happeningmag.com/ happeninglist to cast your vote for all your local favorites. (One vote per email, per category. To read more about the voting process and how results are tallied, visit our FAQs.) Happenings Media will announce the results in Spring 2021!

We’re thrilled to celebrate another year of Bucks County’s favorite people, organizations, events, and businesses.

Happy Voting and Good Luck!

SHOP LOCALLY- continued from page 1

life and to this day I still tear up when businesses tell me about people who pay them a visit on my recommendation and from followers who say that they never knew something existed until they saw it on my feed. Social media can be a beautiful thing So How Can You Help?

There are so many ways you can support your favorite businesses that can help them to expand their reach and bring them new foot traffic.

• Interact With Their Posts: Social Media algorithms are an interesting phenomenon.

Interacting allows their post to be seen by a larger audience - therefore making it more effective. Ways you can interact with their posts include: – Follow their social media accounts – Like their posts – Comment on their posts - even if it’s just an emoji – Share their posts to you page, stories or directly to a friend • Share Your Experience With Your Friends and Family: If you loved your visit, tell your family and friends all about it, both in person and online! People are more likely to visit somewhere that has been highly recommended by those they know who have experienced it firsthand. Don’t forget to add a photo to make your suggestion unforgettable.

• Leave Reviews: Share your experience with others by leaving a positive review on their Facebook, Google and Yelp pages.

A simple post goes a long way, and the businesses in our community will be so thankful for your additional support.

The Doylestown Cardinal

www.DoylestownCardinal.com

February 2022 • 13

Get to Know a Doylestownian: Britt Around Town

By Dana Roberts The Cardinal Contributing Writer

G

et to Know a Doylestownian is a monthly feature in which a Doylestown resident or person of interest helps us get to know them better by finishing sentences we provide, in any way they see fit. For this month’s edition, we chatted with Brittany Brown, 31, a local social media personality and creator of Britt Around Town. Her website and Instagram pay homage to Bucks County historic sites and attractions, entertainment venues, restaurants, and treasured outdoor spaces. Read on to find out all about Britt, including the best hidden gem she’s found in Bucks County.

I grew up in....Warrington and Levittown. I am proud to be Bucks County born and raised.

I’ve always loved Bucks County because....If I had to be completely honest, I’d have to say that I never truly appreciated the beauty of Bucks County until I got older. It wasn’t until I started spending time exploring Bucks County’s parks and towns and digging into our area’s history that I began to fall in love with our community and its culture.

I created Britt Around Town....out of a passion for taking photos and a love of my community.

For as long as I can remember, I have had a camera in my hand documenting life as I lived it.

It has been such a dream to be able to use that passion to help others along the way.

My passion for supporting local businesses...began when I first started volunteering with Pine2Pink in 2018. Through the foundation, I had the pleasure of discovering new places around the county via their scavenger hunt. I got to know the business owners and hear their stories, and I felt a calling to promote them and help them grow.

My Instagram posts.... aim to be diverse, fun and informative. I’ve covered all sorts of topics, from local travel, to shopping, health, fitness, beauty, food and more. The goal of my posts is to always remain authentic and give my followers recommendations through my personal experiences, just as I would give to my family and friends.

To choose a new business to feature or a town to explore…I either plan on spending a day in a town and go into places as I walk around or skim local hashtags on Instagram to see what’s new and exciting. This accounts for about 70% of the posts I generate; the other 30% comes from business requests or from recommendations from my followers.

My full-time job is...administrative assistant in the marketing department at a local engineering firm. People are always shocked to find out that Britt Around Town isn’t my full-time job.

If I need a really good cup of coffee I head to…. Stella’s House Blend in Sellersville, Brig O’ Doon Coffee in Ottsville or Homestead Coffee Roasters in Upper Black Eddy.

My favorite place to go out to dinner is...just north of Doylestown – The Gardenville Hotel in Plumsteadville. My husband and I have made so many wonderful memories there, from countless nights playing pool on the APA league, date nights, anniversaries and birthdays. The Gardenville is so close to our heart that we even rented out the entire restaurant for our wedding reception in their banquet room. You are likely to find me ordering the same thing every time… Honey Garlic BBQ Wings (a combo you will not find on the menu) and mashed potatoes. Delicious!

My favorite thing to photograph is...food, probably to no one’s surprise. It’s what I post the most. I love when a photo looks so scrumptious that you can taste it just by looking at it.

On my bedside table, you’ll find...headphones to listen to music or podcasts before bed. I love local podcasts such as Visit Bucks County’s “From The Locals” podcast, Rotated Views, Bucks County Bytes, Cut the Karma, and After Five Media’s “No Prisoners” podcast.

Brittany Brown of “Britt Around Town”

My favorite thing to do in the winter in Bucks County is...check out all the museums and historical locations in our area, including the Bucks County Children’s Museum, Fonthill Castle, Pearl S. Buck House and the Michener Art Museum. I also love visiting the local breweries along the Bucks County Ale Trail, dining in one of Bucks County’s fantastic restaurants and, of course, shopping!

On Valentine’s Day, I am… looking forward to a date night and dinner with my husband.

Where that will be is yet to be decided, but I’m hoping it’s someplace we haven’t yet experienced.

The best hidden gem I’ve found through my blog/Instagram is...Arielle’s Country Inn in Sellersville. This adorable restaurant is in a historic stone building that at one time served as a stagecoach stop. Their menu includes a selection of delicious cuisine that exceeds all expectations – my favorite menu item was the grilled bratwurst appetizer wrapped in a puff pastry.

I would like to travel to...small towns across the United States. As a huge lover of Disney history, it is also a dream to visit Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri that served as the inspiration behind Main Street USA in Disneyland.

I always tell people to visit Doylestown because... of the wide variety of things there are to do. There’s something here for everyone! Dozens of highly recommended restaurants, plenty of historical places, Kid’s Castle, shops and more!

The most rewarding part of operating Britt Around Town…is hearing businesses tell me when others have visited based on my recommendation and to have my followers reach out and tell me that they never knew a place existed until I posted about it. I also get so excited when visitors planning a trip to Bucks County reach out to me for suggestions.

Finally, I am so honored to have been voted the winner of the 2021 Bucks Happening List’s Best in Bucks County Social Media Personality and to have been nominated once again for the current 2022 voting season!

You can follow me.... @brittaroundtown on social media. While Instagram and Facebook remain the platforms that I update most frequently, you can find me occasionally posting on Tiktok, Twitter and LinkedIN. You can also head on over to www.brittaroundtown. com for some fun discounts, blog articles, a business directory and more!

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14 • February 2022

www.DoylestownCardinal.com

KINDNESS KORNER

The Doylestown Cardinal

I

n Kindness Korner we want to hear about random acts of kindness you’ve experienced recently. This can be acts from a stranger, a business owner or employee, a teacher, a child . . . anyone. Send your story to jess@ doylestowncardinal.com. Please include a picture of the kind person if possible (with their permission).

JOE BURKE - AKA Santa Clause Larger Than Life, Gone Too Soon

I

met Joe at my annual Bonfire. He stepped out of a Jeep Cherokee, in a red shirt with suspenders and long white hair and long white beard. From that point on, Joe became a good friend. Joe would come over hunting, I would see him at church, and we would talk

cars and anything else going on.

Joe was owner and operator of Zenith Graphics. When I found out he made shirts and logos, I was all too happy to go to him for my custom shirt needs.

Last year when the virus hit, during the holiday season, Joe played Santa for the New Hope Railroad, as he’s had for several years. They figured out a safe way to still give the children an experience with Santa. When the train ride was over, kids could get a picture with Santa. They built a replica of what looked like the train car, with a plexiglass divider between him and the kids. I would play Santa for family friends and some Church events. I learned a many tricks from Joe about being Santa, like be a jolly fellow. The power of belief, hope, joy and light that someone who plays Santa, brings to children, is amazing. The light in their eyes, of believing in a special magic of

a person that comes at Christmas, that’s what Joe could do. Joe was the type of person most people should strive to be, loving, caring, huge heart, always willing to listen, talk and give advice. The world is a better place for having him in it.

- Bill Lambing

S

ome may say that Santa Claus is a myth.

However, those of us who have worked and ridden the trains of Bucks County’s New Hope Railroad know better. From the moment one first heard “Ho, ho, ho!” as he arrived for work, to his gift of a sleigh bell, Joseph Burke knew how to make the holidays magical for everyone he met.

The latest toy trends were always in his mind. He would ask everyone, regardless of age, their holiday wishes. Any letters received with a return address were always answered. For the thousands of passengers

that visited over the past many years, Joe and Kris Kringle were one and the same.

His passing has certainly left a hole in the hearts of all that have worked with him. He was a member of our family, a kind soul, a true gentleman, and an all-around great guy that we are blessed to have known.

May the signals ahead always be lit green Joe! You are truly missed!

- New Hope Railroad

Please Send Your Kids Corner Listings To: Dana@DoylestownCardinal.com Wednesdays 5:30pm • Family Yoga- Friday 6pm Special Events: Sunday 2/13 11-12:30 Valentine’s Day Yoga Event for Kids Only- Heart opening poses, pizza and a loving craft

Ongoing, thru February 28th Winter Activity Kits available from Sweet Occasions/The Lucky Cupcake 29 Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA Order a winter inspired activity kit for the kids!

Choose from Winter Wonderland, Football, and Valentine’s Gingerbread House kits, Snowman Cupcake kits, Snow Globe Cookie Cake kits, Baking kits, and more. $35 and up. To order, call the shop at 267-544-5912, email at office@theluckycupcakecompany.com.

Theluckycupcakecompany.com Ongoing, thru March Yoga at The Yoga Gnome 2389 Forest Grove Road, Furlong, PA The Yoga Gnome is the first kids’ yoga studio in Bucks County. It was established to give kids, aka gnomes, of all ages, a place to ground, breathe, smile and grow mindfully. In person classes at The Yoga Gnome are small and safe. Winter session class schedule includes: • Gnome and Me (for baby and caregivers)Thursdays 11am and Saturdays 9am • Preschoolers Yoga- Saturdays 10am • Yoga Dance- Saturdays 11am • Yoga and Mindfulness for K-2 – Mondays 4:45pm • Yoga and Mindfulness for 5-6 graders -Mondays 4:45pm • Yoga for LGBTQ+ -- Mondays 7pm • Teen Yoga- Tuesdays 4:30pm • Kids Yoga and Mindfulness for 3-5 graders –

Tues 2/1, Weds 2/2, Thurs 2/3, Mon 2/7, Weds 2/9, Sat 2/12, Mon 2/14, Tues 2/15, Weds 2/16, Thurs 2/17, Weds 2/23, Sat 2/26,10am-12pm Drop in and Play at the Doylestown Branch of Bucks County Library Pearl Buck Room, 150 S. Pine St. Join Ms. Cathy, Ms. Sarah or Ms. Sam inside the Doylestown library for a new spin on DropIn and Play! Drop in anytime during program hours to learn through play and discovery at this interactive program for young children. Explore a variety of fun activities each week alongside other families, or at your own pace with your child. All ages welcome, no registration required.

Masks are required indoors for children two years of age or older following current library building policy.

Tuesdays and Fridays in February Toddler Time at the Barn Nature Center 1283 Almshouse Rd, Doylestown This is a caregiver and toddler class especially designed for children ages 1-5. The program is a fun and educational adventure for young children to be introduced to the wonders of animals and the natural world. Guests will experience close encounters with many interesting animals (a skink, rhinoceros iguana, albino snake, tortoise, box turtle, parrot, chinchilla, guinea pigs, frogs and a rabbit are some of the MANY animals in residence at the Barn!), story time, music, crafts and movement. The class is $15 for an adult/ child pair, and $10 for each additional child.

Register with BNCreceptionist@gmail.com or call (445) 205-0793. 10am-11:30am Saturdays and Sundays in February Drop in Crafts for Kids at Makers Off Main, 38 E. State St., Doylestown

Participants can stop in to make a unique craft, which changes each weekend. Cost is $10 per child, no registration required. 11:30am-2:30pm

to complete the evening! This event is best geared for ages 3 and up. Tickets $75/participant and available at theluckycupcakecompnay.com.

Saturday, February 5th Out of Hibernation Walk, Peace Valley Nature Center 170 North Chapman Road, Doylestown Humans, groundhogs, amphibians and a host of other animals have amazing adaptations. Join us to discover some amazing facts about these critters. Dress for the weather. Inclement weather cancels the walk. No registration necessary. No fee (donations greatly appreciated). 2-3 pm

Saturday and Sunday, February 12th and 13th Valentine’s Day Brunch at Elmwood Park Zoo 1661 Harding Blvd Norristown, PA Love is in the air-Share a romantic Valentine’s Brunch with your significant other in our Canopy Gardens Hall, complete with an animal meet and greet! Guests who would prefer some quality alone time to enjoy their brunch can send their children (ages 4+) to our fun and educational animal workshop. There are three brunch sessions each day: 10am, 11:15am, and 12:30pm.

Space is limited for this event, so please register early and arrive on time. Your ticket includes brunch, admission to the zoo, an animal greet.

Pricing is by table, child’s workshop is $20/ child. Registration must be done in advance at www.elmwoodparkzoo.org. 10am-1:30pm

Sunday, February 6th Pick Your Project Parent & Child Workshop (for children ages 6+), Board and Brush 22 E. Oakland Ave., Doylestown Looking for a fun experience to share with your children? Join us for our Parent & Child workshop!

Select an adult project from our gallery, then choose a child project for each child from the available options. We provide all the materials and instruct you step-by-step to create a beautiful piece for your home or for a gift. Choose from a variety of paint and wood stain colors in the workshop. Cost for a workshop is $68 for adults and $25 for children, and preregistration is required at https://boardandbrush.com/ doylestown. 10:45am-2pm Sunday, February 6th Family Drawing Workshop at the Michener Museum Designed for children ages 6 and older. Instructor: Robin Lane. Parents and caregivers accompany their children while drawing in the galleries and art studio. Participants work with a variety of art materials from month to month. No experience is necessary; adults accompanying children also pay the program fee. ($10/member, $15/nonmember per person per Sunday). Register at michenerartmuseum.org 1-3pm Friday, February 11th Home School Workshop at Elmwood Park Zoo 1661 Harding Blvd Norristown, PA 9:30-11am Home School Workshops take children on a deep dive into a variety of STEM-based learning and discovery topics. Students will learn about the environment and the animals that live there all while having a safe and engaging experience. Each class is a 90-minute program (9:30AM – 11:00AM) and includes an up-close animal greet, a lesson, and a hands-on activity.

Participants do not have to be a home school student to participate in this program; all learners ages 5-12 are welcome. Registration is $13.95 for non-members and $10.95 for members, and must be done in advance at https://www. elmwoodparkzoo.org/homeschool-workshops/.

Friday, February 11th Galentine’s Party with Braidzz & Cookie Decorating, Sweet Occasions 74 Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA 6-8pm A special evening every little girl would dream of!

There will be two braiders at Sweet Occasions and you can choose between a single braid or double braid with Valentine’s colors wrapped in your hair. Unique and gorgeous! The Lucky Cupcake Company will be providing 4 Valentine’s Day themed sugar cookies for each guest to decorate.

Demonstration and all materials provided. Music

Sunday, February 13th Bracelet Making Workshop for Young Makers at Makers Off Main 38 E. State St., Doylestown 11am-2pm Cost is $12 per child, makersoffmain.com Monday, February 14th Valentine’s Day Cupcake Decorating Workshop Sweet Occasions, 74 Peddler’s Village Lahaska, PA 6:30-7:30pm Join us at Sweet Occasions and decorate 6 cupcakes each themed around Valentine’s Day! Demonstration and techniques will be taught but your creativity will make the best designs! All materials and supplies provided. Bring a friend, family member, or significant other to spend the evening with. For ages 8+. $40/participant and available at theluckycupcakecompnay.com.

Friday, February 18th Home School Workshop at Elmwood Park Zoo 1661 Harding Blvd Norristown, PA 9:30-11am Home School Workshops take children on a deep dive into a variety of STEM-based learning and discovery topics. Students will learn about the environment and the animals that live there all while having a safe and engaging experience. Each class is a 90-minute program (9:30AM – 11:00AM) and includes an up-close animal greet, a lesson, and a hands-on activity.

Participants do not have to be a home school student to participate in this program; all learners ages 5-12 are welcome. Registration is $13.95 for non-members and $10.95 for members, and must be done in advance at https://www. elmwoodparkzoo.org/homeschool-workshops/.

Saturday, February 26th Story Book Concert: Manuelo the Playing Mantis at the Conservatory 4059 Skyron Drive, Doylestown 9:30 am After attending a concert one summer evening, Manuelo wanted to play an instrument and make beautiful music much like his friends, the crickets and the katydids! This music-loving praying mantis then befriends a spider who helps him fulfill his dream by making a cello and therefore creating music! After the story, you and your child will then further understand Manuelo’s story by listening to the music of faculty member Ross Beauchamp as he plays his cello. Suggested donation: $5/child. RSVP at myconservatory.org

The Doylestown Cardinal

www.DoylestownCardinal.com

February 2022 • 15

health • wellness

Embrace The Cold Dear Ladies:

By Colin Kirts The Cardinal Contributing Writer

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very year, it’s the same thing. We rotate around the sun, spinning and tilting this way and that. The ground softens and hardens, and it rains and snows. This pattern is what makes it cold here right now. It’s partly an effect of the inevitable tilting away from the sun. It’s a predictable rhythm and cycle. As such, every year, we are faced with a choice of how to react. Do we like the cold? Do we fear it? Should we avoid it?

All extremes are dangerous, of course.

Heat. Water. Heck, you can even have too much oxygen.

The extreme of avoidance is no less concerning, though. For thousands of years, we have had to figure out how to be with the cold. The bottom line is, despite our best efforts, we must deal with it. The question is, do we embrace it or not? Do we choose to welcome it or to avoid it? No matter what your answer is, just like there is no avoiding gravity and its effects, we must have a relationship with the cold.

I’ve personally been choosing to embrace the cold since 2009. I can attest to the many physiological benefits. The most “google-able” ones are, in short, circulation/ blood-flow and mental health, vagus nerve/ polyvagal theory, and the mammalian dive reflex. There’s also intriguing information about the effect of cold immersion on mitochondria and managing certain autoimmune disorders.

On that note, knowing this is a process for all of us, what do we do? How do we start?

1st, as I just suggested, consider that your relationship with the cold is in part psychological. Yes, we feel the cold, but the meaning we project upon it is a choice. We all can choose to see the cold as an enemy or as a teacher. It can be dangerous, but it also can be revitalizing. It can kill you, but it may show you something necessary. Regardless, it’s a choice.

2nd, if you need to modify your beliefs in this regard, then start by going outside regularly with, yes, less clothing. No, not naked; you don’t need to embarrass your

family and neighbors. Just find a private moment, perhaps at night, and give it a go.

3rd, if that’s easy enough, take a cold shower. You can add cold water at the beginning or end of your regular shower, or you can take a cold shower. Yup, that’s a thing.

4th, it’s ice bath time! How? Where?

Well, at KORU, of course! Why at KORU? Right next to the baths, we have a 200-degree sauna to warm you back up, but mainly because we’ll safely guide you.

If you can’t tell, at KORU, the focus is context. Although they seem legitimate, we are not as focused on the physiological benefits. We are focused on the WHY. Why does cold immersion matter, and what does it mean for us as animals on this planet?

Again, we are all experiencing the same predictable cycles, rhythms, and patterns. Of course, we experience them in our unique ways. However, they are essentially the same.

No matter, start with what’s simple.

Don’t force yourself; force rarely works for creating a sustainable shift. If you genuinely want to embrace the cold and create an empowering—not forceful—relationship with it, even though you may resist it and it may be challenging, start with what’s easy.

Slow and deepen your breath. Relax your shoulders, your jaw, and your brow.

Trust you that you can do it in your way.

Then, when you feel ready, take a step, and go play in the cold!

Eventually, it may even be fun.

KORU Real Wellness is a somatic education center, founded by Colin Kirts and Alex Siegel in 2018. It is home to the Movement Matters Podcast as well as the Real Wellness Education Model. As Alex and Colin like to say, “Be good, do your best, and have fun.” With this spirit, at the very least, KORU is a place where you can relearn to enjoy being yourself, and enjoy the neverending process of growing into someone new. For more visit www.wearekoru.com or call (215) 348-5977

Kin Wellness Brings Cancer Relief to Bucks County Kin has opened in Bucks County to provide free wellness and support for all local cancer patients and their caregivers. Kin’s first guest, Sandy “Strong” Roberts, was onboarded on Dec. 8. and here is her story…

moved into my peritoneal lymph nodes before my fallopian tubes were removed.

Technically, I have Stage 3 extraovarian primary peritoneal fallopian tube cancer.

I

already feel like I belong! I first met the lovely Corrine Sikora during my many years teaching kindergarten in Central Bucks School District, where our teaching paths often crossed. We also shared our cancer journeys and connected during our chemotherapy sessions at Alliance Cancer Specialists in Doylestown.

We were able to share smiles, laughter, and stories to encourage one another.

Corrine’s joy and enthusiasm would just fill the room with light, the same light that will now undoubtedly fill Kin. Let me share with you a bit of my cancer history. My sister passed away from breast cancer in 1993, and two months later, my dad also passed away from cancer. A few years later, I lost my mom due to cancer. My first, of many, breast biopsies and lumpectomies was in 1977. The many test results would come back pre-cancerous. I started my cancer journey in 2008 after finding out, from DNA testing, that I have the breast cancer gene. In 2009 I had a double mastectomy and an oophorectomy. My gynecologic oncologist thought he caught everything “just in time” as they found growth on one of my fallopian tubes, and the growth was removed. Then…In 2017 I was diagnosed with fallopian tube cancer, yet I didn’t have fallopian tubes! It seems “the growth”

During my first round of three months of weekly chemotherapy, I was introduced to Keith, Kristina, Marianne Fenimore, and their amazing non-profit, Pine2Pink!

I then had major abdominal surgery to remove the cancerous lymph nodes, followed by three additional months of weekly chemo. It was a long eight months!

I was only able to get through it with the compassion and grace of God and the unconditional love and support from my incredible husband, Bruce. Bruce started

Give Yourself the Gift of Self-Care for Valentines Day

By Maura Guzek Special to The Cardinal

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s a woman, the topic of “self-care” can be fraught. On the one hand, most women feel completely over-extended and under-supported and intuitively know that running on fumes will eventually catch up to us. On the other hand, well-meaning encouragement to take care of ourselves can sometimes only add to feelings of despair if accessing the resources to do so feels impossible.

Part of the fallacy of our concept of self-care is the belief that it comes nicely packaged in a warm bubble bath or an overdue coffee date with a good friend.

While those can be wonderful, cupfilling activities, they don’t fundamentally address the systemic issues in place that leave you depleted day after day and night after night.

True self-care stems from making the slightest, most impactful shift in how you think about yourself as a woman and what you’re willing to tolerate. It requires embracing the belief that your family, work, friends, and community will all be fundamentally better off if they receive the best of you, not the dredges.

So the question begs, what would it look like to live a life where your needs didn’t always come last? Would you need to set better boundaries with others around your time and other resources?

True self-care can begin with getting comfortable saying, “no,” “not now,” or “I can’t do that, but here’s how I can help.”

Or, do you need to get yourself out of a a support team for me called “Sandy Strong”.

With my caring family, tremendous friends, extraordinary co-workers and student’s families, my loving church family, as well as my outstanding oncology team, I did indeed feel Sandy Strong! One of the ways I built up my strength was to go on the first Pine2Pink Virtual Pink Ribbon Hunt.

It got me up and moving as we spent time outdoors, walking all through Doylestown and Peddler’s Village and having great fun doing so. My husband would go with me for physical and emotional support, and we found ALL the ribbons! It truly was a great motivation and inspiration to get much-needed exercise and get back into the social swing of things- seeing people and experiencing life again! This helped me find such joy in my journey!

My cancer returned in 2020, and I had another six months of chemotherapy. I am now on a PARP inhibitor called Lynparza.

The doctors are hoping that this drug will help inhibit the further growth of the tumors.

So being able to watch the remarkable progress of Kin as an outsider has been

victim-mentality loop? True self-care might look like learning to accept or ask for help and abandoning a belief that you are uniquely blocked from receiving that help. Think creatively! I promise there are people and resources available and waiting to help.

Yes, you may need to do something outside your comfort zone to access that support. You may need to hire someone to help clean the house, find a mothershelper to provide you with a mental health break, or take up your family member on their offer to bring over dinner. If you have never cared for yourself in those ways, it can feel uncomfortable or even “wrong” to take those first steps. But the reward, on the other side, will be a sense of lightness and freedom, knowing that the responsibility to hold it all together 24/7 doesn’t rest solely on your shoulders.

And please remember, as you step into this new version of yourself, you will likely fall back into familiar patterns or engage in other forms of self-sabotage (you are human, after all!). Making a change, even one we know is for the better, can be difficult. Talking with a therapist or other source of wise counsel about the habitual thoughts and beliefs that keep you stuck can be very helpful. I offer a private therapy practice focused specifically on helping women work through these types of issues and would be happy to provide a free fifteen-minute phone consultation to see if working together would be helpful.

Please know that perfection is never the goal! You can commit today to no longer accepting a life where your needs come last….and still find yourself facing depleting days. Life happens. But that doesn’t take away from the powerful impact of making consistent small changes that compound over time.

This Valentine’s Day, the best gift you can give yourself as a woman is to commit to truly love yourself—to live out each day with a willingness to value your needs, to provide weight to your desires, and to create a life that reflects back to you the love and support you deserve.

Maura Guzek is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker focused on working with women and postpartum mothers. To schedule a free fifteen-minute consult, please email me at hearthandharmony8@ gmail.com. You can find her on Instagram at @the_woman_who_healed_herself. thrilling! I continue to be amazed at how the outpouring of love, support, local donations, volunteers, and professional personnel have come together to make this center become a reality.

I’m excited and eager to come to the center and partake in the services offered and just come to relax and take in the comfort and calm feeling of the beautiful and inspirational surroundings.

I count my blessings and joys every day as I see all of this inspiring and motivating me to continue working and fighting through my cancer journey. Thank you to all the people who donated time, skills, supplies, monies, and above all, to those of you who are coming alongside me and so many others in our cancer journeys. God bless you all!

- Sandy Roberts If you’re a resident of or treated in, Bucks County you qualify for Kin. Kin is centrally located in Buckingham Township and offers; therapy, fitness, support, and integrative services. Enroll at www.welcometokin.org or call 267-544-5981.

16 • February 2022

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The Doylestown Cardinal