The Doylestown Cardinal - June 2023

The Cardinal

Awesome Activities

5 for the Summer

By Addie Baab (4th grader at Buckingham Elementary School) Special to The Cardinal

We’veall been there. After devouring breakfast and dressing for the glorious summer day, you realize you have nothing to do. Look no further! Here are five awesome activities to do in the Doylestown and New Hope areas.

1. Go Swimming

Who said you needed a pool in your own backyard? Noone. Families can go for a swim at Fanny Chapman Pool in Doylestown. If you sign up for a membership, you can have a whole summer of swimming. Not interested in a full membership? You can swim for a day and pay only $15 per person if you are not a member, or $5-7 if you are visiting with a member. Fanny Chapman has five main pools, including an adults-only pool, a baby pool, and a diving pool equipped with two low diving boards, and one high dive.

If you are willing to drive, visit the Menlo pool. Menlo pool, complete with a water slide, snack bar, and a rock wall could easily be the best pool in the world. No matter which one you chose, every pool will get you out of the heat.

Outdoor Dining to Satisfy Your Every Summer Mood

By Lauren Heine The Cardinal Contributing Writer

Summer is here in beautiful Bucks County. And if you’re looking to get out there and add some vitamin D to your dining experience, we’ve got glowing summer dining recommendations.

BYOB: Ready to enjoy your favorite bottle in an enchanted courtyard? Yes, please! Genevieve’s Kitchen in Doylestown and Vecchia Osteria in Newtown have European-style courtyards without the travel.

Water Views: The picturesque Delaware River is in your backyard. Snag a front-row seat on the riverfront at Stella

2. Buy a Sweet Frozen Treat

Ice cream, popsicles, and water ice are the best treats on a hot summer day. If you’re looking for ice cream, I would recommend Nina’s Waffles or Owowcow. Water ice is best at Rita’s and Annie’s. They have amazing flavors like cotton candy! If you’re not one to go and buy something sweet to cool off, simply grab a popsicle out of the freezer and enjoy. Of course, ice cream trucks stop at pools and parks too. Mr. Sloby, a Doylestown ice cream truck legend, has been serving the community by selling sweet treats for 27 years.

3. Ride Your Bike

There are plenty of good biking trails around town including the pump track at Fanny Chapman. At Peace Valley Park, you can take the six-mile loop around Lake Galena. If you’re a more experienced rider, you could also try the mountain biking trail at Lake Nockamixon. There are family-friendly bike trails throughout Bucks County for all levels of riders.

4. Go to a Park

of New Hope, Martine’s RiverHouse Restaurant, and the Playhouse Deck in New Hope.

Date Night: Fairy lights and greenery can transform evening outdoor dining into magic. Nektar Wine Bar’s patio is nestled in a curtain of trees along Aquetong Creek. A couple’s night out is sure to be lively and fun on the covered terrace and pavilion at La Stalla in Newtown. And the best kept secret is the secluded and romantic Zoubi in New Hope.

Lunch: Warm sunshine and weekend plans make al fresco lunch a sought-after option. The Garden at The Pineville Tavern is a gorgeous greenhouse designed straight out of a magazine. The open and spacious

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Fourth Annual Doylestown Pridefest Hits the Streets in June

By Dana Roberts The Cardinal Contributing Writer

Come out and celebrate the rainbow of humanity this June by joining any or all of the events of the Doylestown Pride Festival. This year marks the fourth anniversary of the Festival, which kicks off on June 1 with the raising of the Pride flag at the Bucks County Administration Building and at Doylestown Borough Hall. The ceremony and short walk begin at 6 pm.

Pride Month, which honors Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer people, is marked each June in honor of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, which was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the U.S. Each June, Pride parades, picnics, parties, concerts, and memorials occur, all in recognition of the impact that LGBTQ individuals have on our communities and in our greater world.

Doylestown’s Pride Festival

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There are so many recreational parks in the area. My personal favorite is Lion’s Pride Park because of all of its newer features, like an obstacle course you can take to get to one of the slides. Some other

The Garden Bar at Puck in Downtown Doylestown

By Jeff Lavine

The Bungalow on Ashland Avenue

If there’s an endangered species in the world of architecture it is surely the bungalow. There’s little doubt that the “McMansion” trend of large, sprawling houses has certainly changed the landscape of many neighborhoods across the country, including our little town.

An American phenomenon, the big house trend began in the 1980s, gained significant momentum in the 1990s, and continues today. The advent of newfound wealth, along with a cultural emphasis on conspicuous consumption, placed the “McMansion” as a symbol of success. Finding a humble, unpretentious, charming, and sweet bungalow these days is like spotting a rare bird in the wild. Today, we’ll stop by 259 West Ashland Avenue and talk a little about bungalows and their surprising origins.

Good things come in small packages, right? The home at 259 W. Ashland is a mere 954 square feet. Built in 1927, it holds just five rooms, including its two bedrooms along with one bath. On a postage stamp lot that measures 50’ x 111’ (0.08 acres), it seems like the ideal situation as a starter home, or for so many of us who might want to downsize after roaming around unused spaces of our larger homes.

I know that many in our community lament the disappearance of our smaller homes as people tear them down or expand. I understand. But progress is what happens next. There’s no doubt that smaller homes replaced with larger ones can lead to the loss of historic architecture and neighborhood character. But change is constant and inevitable as society is always evolving.

The construction of an American bungalow cost as little as $900 before World War I. As a result, they helped many Americans fulfill the American Dream of owning a home. Their simple lines allowed for easy and fast construction. This led to precut “kit homes”, that could be shipped anywhere near a railway. The Sears Company and the lesser-known Aladdin Company were two manufacturers that produced prefab kits and sold them from catalogs during the turn of the 20th century. Between 1908 and 1940, Sears, Roebuck, and Co. sold an estimated 70,000 to 75,000 kit homes in the United States

Originally called a banggolo or bangala and shaped like an overturned ship (curved roof that extended nearly all the way to the ground), the bungalow derives from Bengali, India. It was a tropical house in India built initially as way stations for travelers. In the 19th century, as the British colonized India, officers stationed there adopted the architecture of the banggalo. They changed the name to bungalow, and made some modifications. They added a veranda (from the Hindi word varanda) or a wrap-around porch along with hipped roofs, wooden doors, and glass-paned windows.

The overhanging roofs shaded the verandas and the open floor plan facilitated air flow, making houses practical in the hot Indian climate. Often, doors connected the inner rooms to the outer living spaces to take advantage of every whisper of wind. They were simple houses, very livable then, as they prove to still be now.

In the US, California was one of the first areas to build the bungalow. The tropical Indian architecture adapted well to the sunny climate of Southern California, where outdoor living has always been a part of daily life. Because the bungalow was a simple home by definition, it was perhaps inevitable that the style would be discovered and explored by the architects of the Arts and Crafts Movement.

Until 1906 in the US, bungalows were considered to be summer homes, small cottages

Wondering how to celebrate dad this month? Look no further! On June 11th (the Sunday before Father’s Day), come with the whole family to the 2nd annual Father’s Day Fest at Moravian Pottery and Tile Works.

This event is from 11am to 4pm and includes 30 local art vendors, food from Tot Rod, The Meat Wagon, and Kona Icd, and locally crafted beer from Moss Mill Brewing. There will also be activities for kids including a foam party with Bucks Bubbles and live music by local cover band UC3. Don’t forget your picnic blanket!

This must-do event is hosted by Caitlin

Hernandez and Wendy Stone, owners of local shop Makers of Main. Both being “makers” themselves, this pair of friends started their business journey together in 2020 to support and showcase local artists. Although their brick and mortar shop is closing its doors this month, Caitlin and Wendy will continue on with their passion of supporting local artists through planning and hosting art festivals throughout the year. Although the community will miss seeing their smiling faces stationed on East State Street, we’re excited to see what’s next for these two. This father’s day festival is just the beginninghope to see you there !

by the lake or sea, to be used as a retreat. As the architects of the Arts and Crafts Movement worked their magic, more of them experimented with natural materials like indigenous rock, local woods, and metals such as copper and iron.

The American Craftsman bungalow typified the styles of the American Arts and Crafts movement. Features including low-pitched roof lines on a gabled or hipped roof, deeply overhanging eaves, exposed rafters or decorative brackets under the eaves, and a front porch or veranda beneath an extension of the main roof became staples.

How could you not be charmed by 259 W. Ashland?

Jeff Lavine, a Realtor with Keller Williams Real Estate, has been leading the industry since 1984. Jeff and his team can be reached at his office, 215-340-5700 x222, his cell. 215-280-2750 or website www.PropertyinBucksCounty.com. The Roaming Realtor appears weekly on Facebook.

Bucks Beautiful Hosts 28th Annual Kitchen & Garden Tour

May 31st after which tickets will be $35.00. Included with your ticket purchase will a booklet with maps, photos and descriptions of each garden, plus a garden gift bag for the first 400 guests. Shutterbugs can feel free to click away to take home some inspiration.

Want free tickets? Become a Bucks Beautiful Member and receive complimentary tour admission plus exclusive access from 10 to 11 a.m. Gardens will open to non-members at 11 a.m. Proceeds will benefit our reforestation, beautification and educational projects county-wide.

Tickets and Memberships can be purchased online at www.bucksbeautiful. org, by phone at 215-340-3639. Tickets will also be available at the following locations:

Bucks Country Gardens

1057 N. Easton Road, Doylestown

The Doylestown Bookshop

16 S. Main Street, Doylestown

Bucks Beautiful is pleased to host the 28th Kitchen & Garden Tour on Sunday June 11, 2023 from 11am4pm, rain or shine. This annual event is a highlight of the Spring season, with visits to hidden jewels tucked away throughout bucolic Bucks County. Marvel at remodeled interiors and lovingly tended landscapes. Bucks County Master Gardeners will be on hand to offer expertise as you peruse specimen trees, beloved perennials, colorful annuals and more.

Homes on this year’s tour include a

grand colonial overlooking a picturesque golf course; a historic Victorian restored to original character with redesigned backyard space; an award-winning landscape architect’s residence and gardens; a 238-yearold renovated home with extensive mature gardens; a contemporary house on lush grounds cultivated with dozens of specimen trees; a community vegetable garden with collectible barn; a newly rejuvenated home with poolside entertaining spaces.

Early birds still catch the worm with discounted ticket prices of $30.00 until

Bucks Beautiful is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that beautifies Bucks County by coordinating gardening projects, reforestation efforts, events and educational programs in our community. We create partnerships with like-minded civic coalitions to develop attractive yet sustainable plantings to foster a healthier environment. Since 1991 we have worked to enhance the local landscape for residents and visitors alike by beautifying our towns, schools, parks, roadsides and pathways throughout Bucks County. To become an event sponsor contact info@bucksbeautiful.org.

Please include a picture of the kind person if possible (with their permission).

KINDNESS KORNER A Year of Love and Kindness with Patricia Gallagher

By Edie Weinstein

The

Cardinal Contributing Writer

Patricia Gallagher is kindness incarnate. Her reputation preceded her, and I knew about her before we met face to face and hug to hug. She did an act of kindness for me through another friend named Yvonne Kaye. In 1998, I became a 40-year-old widow and Yvonne gave me and my mother little golden pins that she had purchased from Patricia that featured a trio of angels as a way of comforting us through the loss.

The instruction was to pass it on and pay it forward when we were ready to let the angels fly to someone else. They were referred to as a Team of Angels. Looking at them put a smile on my face, reminding me that I am never alone and that support, both human and celestial, was always available.

Fast forward and Patricia was speaking at an interfaith community where I attended services. I was delighted to see her there and after the celebration, I introduced myself and thanked her for her kindness in creating the pins. It was Memorial Day and she invited me to her home to a gathering with her family. I was honored to be there, and a friendship was born. To date, over 125,00 angelic teams have been given to people in need. One of her titles is the Angel Pin Lady.

Patricia added another appellation when she became the Flower Lady, calling what she has done, Happy Flower Day. For many years, she visited Trader Joe’s and picked up the store’s day-old flowers. She then ferried them to nursing homes, veterans programs, faith communities, homeless shelters, and passersby on the street. Smiles of delight spread across the faces of the surprised recipients. I accompanied her on a few occasions on what she called ‘random acts of flowering’.

Patricia Gallagher

Patricia proclaims, “I get much more than I give out.”

Recently, she posed an idea that should spread worldwide.

“Kindness can be cultivated anywhere - no matter how small the deed,” she said. “We are all droplets of kindness, forming a puddle, then a river, and finally an ocean of love that has the potential to wash away worry, hostility, and fear.

How wonderful it would be to create a conscious culture of compassion and kindness. It could be a grassroots, nofrills, humble effort. There would be no need for fundraising, strategic planning, hefty payrolls, or fanfare. Just church groups, teachers, senior centers, families, youth groups, and neighbors, all working together to promote brotherly love. The goal would be to do a good deed daily for one year. This would help to change the trajectory of the bad things that are happening in the area.”

She adds, “As I reflect on the kindnesses shown to me in my own life, they were not extravagant acts of kindness: the neighbors created a meal chain when a family member was ill, a stranger at church gave me a meaningful quote during a dark time in my life, and an anonymous gift was dropped off at my front door. The ripple effect will spread positive vibes! I have a dream……I wonder how things would change if we blessed our neighbors and loved one another for a full year. Sometimes the little things mean the most for someone. Small kindnesses make the world feel better!”

Make it so, folks!

Edie Weinstein, MSW, LSW is a licensed social worker, psychotherapist, interfaith minister, journalist, speaker, PR, and marketing professional. She is also the grandmother of two wonderful children, whom she is teaching to be kind.

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.

Photo credit: Amy McDermott, Heart and Soul Portraits

Doylestown Celebrates Juneteenth

By Sheela Rai

The Cardinal Contributing Writer

OnSunday, June 18th, 2023, Doylestown will celebrate its Second Annual Juneteenth Celebration at the Mercer Museum from 10:30am–4:00pm.

Juneteenth, a federal holiday, is a celebration of freedom and Black resilience. While enslaved African Americans had been emancipated in 1863, the practice of slavery continued in many states. It was not until two years later, on June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived at Galveston, Texas, that Black residents learned of the abolishment of slavery and all those who were still enslaved went free. The year after, on June 19, 1866, the first official Juneteenth celebrations took place. It included prayers and celebrations. Despite political attempts to suppress the celebrations, that tradition continued.

Juneteenth saw its revival through the Civil Rights movement and leading up to 2021 when it was declared a federal holiday. Today, Juneteenth celebrations include prayer, services, speeches, education, music, food, art, and dancing. It is a day to celebrate for all Americans, for Juneteenth represents living up to our Constitution, and the ideals of liberty and justice for all.

Last June, Doylestown held its first Juneteenth celebration, hosting over 1,000 community members. To learn more about the event, I spoke with the lead organizers: Angela Nutter, lead of the Doylestown Juneteenth Organization, Kevin E Leven from Bucks County Anti-Racism Coalition (BCARC), and Adrienne King from the PairUP Society.

The Endless Summer Vacation

When Nutter, Leven, and King came together to plan the first celebration here in Doylestown, their goal was that education and representation would be cornerstones of the event. The three had all only learned of Juneteenth in adulthood. Education, about the history, triumphs, and progress Black Americans have made, is central to the celebration.

Reflecting on last year’s success, King shared that it was a surreal “pinch me” moment. People kept coming and coming. Black community members in their 60s, 70s, and 80s shared how grateful they were and how meaningful it was to have an event like this in their hometown.

Nutter shared that she had so much positive feedback for the event representation. A community member came up to her to share, “Never in my life did I expect something like this in Doylestown.” Folks had traveled hundreds of miles for the event. Many shared that they had moved from this area because it hadn’t felt like home, and this type of event showed what had been missing.

For Leven, the event meant presence. There were so many Black people, Black vendors, sharing in the experience in a place where they are so often underrepresented. It was an opportunity to share how Black Americans have shaped Bucks County historically and continue to shape our community today.

This year, the day will kick off with a service under the tent on Mercer Green, led by the Second Baptist Church of Doylestown. “Faith is a cornerstone of the event, as it holds great historical significance in Black Community,” Nutter says. Inside the museum, there will be two speakers. One will speak on Black emancipation. The other, from the Bucks County NAACP, will give a call to action, specifically around how current events, including suppression of Black History, impact us locally.

Outside on the Green, social events, music, the announcement of scholarship winners from Black organizations, vendors, food, and children’s activities will take place. You can look forward to an Underground Railroad scavenger hunt and an interactive art piece to connect the holiday with history.

If you are looking for some good reads leading up to the holiday, Leven recommends authors Isabel Wilkerson and Heather McGhee. Both have shaped his understanding of racism and inequality and their impact on all Americans.

As the Juneteenth organizers emphasized, the holiday is about Black joy and triumph. However Black history education remains equally important as well as the understanding of how that history remains part of our collective American history.

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By Brian Pultro The Cardinal Contributing Writer

By now you have probably turned on the air conditioner and fired up the grill. Perhaps you have enjoyed a water ice and a night on the porch listening to the crickets as the sun slowly fades away. Summer is back and along with it come our annual vacations to paradise.

We work hard all year to save for and plan these cherished summer journeys. Many folks set up ACH payments into a “vacation account” to automatically save towards their goals each year. Some folks use a bonus to lock down that shore house. However, what we do while experiencing our vacations can be more important than the journey of saving and planning.

In older generations, when faced with their mortality, they would almost uniformly say that their biggest regret was spending too much time at work and not enough time with family. Today’s younger generations have taken that to heart and demanded a better work/life balance. However, when todays younger generations are faced with their own mortality, it is sadly all too common to hear them say that they wish they had spent less time mindlessly scrolling through their phone.

All of my fondest memories of childhood summer vacations are void of technology. I remember seeing my first bear while camping with my Dad in Virginia. I’ll never forget catching my first trout with my sister. Attending Mid-Atlantic Air Museum’s World War Two Weekend was always a highlight. Cooperstown and the Baseball Hall of Fame moved me to my core. My point is, never once was there a screen involved.

Now, I know you are mumbling that these vacations took place in the 90’s and cell phones weren’t a thing then. You would be correct, but video games and movies were around. The opportunity to sit and play Mario Kart on the N64 still existed. However, I have zero memory of

a life changing event that occurred while helping those embarrassing 90’s Eagles teams to a Super Bowl in Madden.

My point is this – to achieve the endless summer vacation, put down the screen. We can’t make memories with our devices, but we can certainly make them with those we love.

Last year I took my boys for a 4-day stay on a working farm in the middle of New York state. I will admit, I was a bit nervous. I specifically chose this place because it had no TV’s, no Wi-Fi, and barely any cell service. Our lodging consisted of a small, 2-room cottage that was built in 1942. We did not pack any screens except for my cell phone. It was a gamble that paid off. Four straight days without seeing a screen (yes, my screen too) and it was magical.

We did chores on the farm with the owners working the land. We hiked, we fished, we breathed the fresh country air. We played board games, pointed out the shapes of the clouds in the sky, read books, caught fireflies, played with the animals, colored, and cooked s’mores by the campfire. The day we had to leave my kids were in tears. Jackpot.

They loved being out on that farm so much (without screens) that they begged to go back this year. While we aren’t doing exactly what they requested, we are continuing our purposeful selection of a summer vacation that ditches screens.

To my boys, their four days on the farm in New York in 2022 is the endless summer vacation. Memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t regret that you scrolled aimlessly, cherish that you captured the magic of the vacation that you worked so tirelessly all year to save for and plan.

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. brian. pultro@LPL.com

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The Oscar Hammerstein Museum & Theatre Education Center Launches $500,000 Matching Gift Challenge

The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center (OHMTEC) recently announced a $500,000 matching gift challenge to raise the funds necessary for the nonprofit to secure Highland Farm, Hammerstein’s family home and creative epicenter in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, by August 1, 2023.

“We are excited about the support coming from our local community and nationwide for this legacy project,” Board President Greg Roth said. “With the recent donation from the Miranda Family Fund, OHMTEC was $1 million away from purchasing the historic property. Since then, members of the Executive Committee have rallied together to fund this $500,000 matching gift challenge, leaving $500,000 to raise by August 1st.”

OHMTEC’s Executive Committee of the board is comprised of Richard T. Clark, Jane Ford- Hutchinson, Tom Hebel, Todd Leff, Linda Leffingwell Paton, and Paul Loosmann. Joining the Executive Committee this month are Enid Corkran, Alexandra Jupin, Ned Pollock, and Joel M. Zazyczny.

Oscar Hammerstein II lived with his family at Highland Farm 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, and where he mentored a young Stephen Sondheim. Over 75 Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, Tony Awards, and Pulitzer Prizes can be directly traced back to Highland Farm.

OHMTEC’s mission is to honor the Broadway legend’s groundbreaking

work as a lyricist, librettist, mentor, and humanitarian and to educate and inspire the next generation of theatre afficionados, particularly in diverse and underserved communities. The vision, which will take place over three remaining phases, is to purchase, restore and preserve the historic property and create a multifaceted and dynamic museum experience with a strong theatre education component.

Hammerstein’s role as a mentor and humanitarian will play a large role in the forthcoming theatre education center. Plans include a youth theater company; classes in theater, dance, and music production; mentorship programs for young adults and emerging professionals; school programming; writer’s retreats; and outreach programs for all ages, both in-person and virtual. Consistent with the nonprofit’s goal to provide learning opportunities for all, programming fees will be on a sliding scale, and no one will be turned away.

Individuals and entities interested in being a part of this legacy project can visit OHMTEC’s donation page at HammersteinMuseum.org. Contributions of any amount can be made by check, credit card or appreciated securities. Naming opportunities are available for rooms and spaces in the house and barn. For more information email hammersteinmuseum@ gmail.com.

Sauers Cares 6th Annual Muscle Up Against Cancer Car Show

Six years ago, Stephanie Sauers-Boyd, Executive Director of Sauers Cares, decided to combine her dedication to supporting cancer care charities and her love of cool cars. So the Muscle Up Against Cancer Car Show was born!

Every July, Sauers Cares hosts this event, drawing in hundreds of car enthusiasts to raise money for a nonprofit in Bucks or

Montgomery County that helps families and individuals affected by cancer. Sauers Cares Muscle Up Against Cancer Car Show has raised more than $110,000 for local nonprofits and this year promises to be the biggest event ever.

Last year, Sauers Cares donated the proceeds from the 2022 MUAC Car Show to collaborate with The Breathing Room Foundation and renovate the outdated kitchen in their new space. The Breathing Room Foundation provides care and support to local families affected by cancer. A functional kitchen supports volunteers making home-cooked meals and delivering them to families in need. The full kitchen renovation for The Breathing Room, culminating in a beautiful and functional space.

The 2023 Sauers Cares MUAC Car Show is scheduled for Saturday, July 8 in Fort Washington. This year, Sauers Cares will ambitiously collaborate with three local

cancer care charities to benefit individuals and families fighting cancer. All the proceeds from car registration fees, corporate sponsorships, raffles, and donations, will support the Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia, Kin Wellness and Support Center, and For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation.

This fun-filled family event shows off some of the region’s coolest cars, plus you can enjoy food, games, live music, 50/50 chances, and a basket raffle, all while supporting an amazing cause.

The MUAC Car Show 2023 is free for spectators but donations are welcome. So help us Muscle Up Against Cancer by checking out some super cool cars with your friends and family.

For more information on participating in our Muscle Up Against Cancer Car Show or supporting our efforts in the community, visit SauersCares.org

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YMCA Buries Time Capsules to Mark An Era of Impact and Unification

YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties volunteer leaders and staff visited the Doylestown and Fairless Hills branches on Friday, April 21, 2023 to ceremoniously bury time capsules. The ceremonies came as the Y celebrated its one year anniversary since cutting the ribbon to complete renovation and revitalization of the Fairless Hills branch and since the merging of YMCA of Bucks County and Hunterdon County YMCA. Both time capsules will be registered with the International Time Capsule Society and marked for opening in 2073.

“In fifty years, when these time capsules are opened, future YMCA members and leaders will get to visit artifacts and photos that tell the story of communities uniting to be there for each other, when we needed each other the most,” explained Zane Moore, president/CEO of YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties.

Contents of the time capsules include letters, photos, news clippings and other mementos representing the years 2018-2023, when YMCAs of Central, Lower and Upper Bucks County united as one YMCA of Bucks County, then Hunterdon County YMCA to become the Y of today. The contents also tell the story of how the Y pivoted and innovated to overcome the tribulations of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the peak of the pandemic, the Y provided muchneeded services to the community like child care for first responders, school age child care for virtual learning, food for the hungry and remote health and wellness services with the Y Wellness 24/7 online platform.

Nearly 60 YMCA volunteer leaders from across the association attended both ceremonies with the Y’s executive leadership

team as part of a board retreat in which two chartered buses visited four of the Y’s membership branches and three child development centers in NJ and PA. The bus trip was the first time since the pandemic that the association board and regional advisory boards came together to visit facilities of YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties. Since finalizing a merger with Hunterdon County YMCA in April, 2022, association and regional advisory board members, totaling 63 volunteers, represent Lower Bucks County in the Fairless Hills area, Central Bucks County in the Doylestown area, Upper Bucks County in the Quakertown area, and Hunterdon County, in the Clinton and Flemington area in NJ.

Authors Share Tips On Writing, Publishing Your Work

“Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book? It took me years to write; will you take a look?”

These lyrics to a famous Beatles song express the dreams of many aspiring writers.

Associate Publisher

David Ramoy • 267.824.2738

David@DoylestownCardinal.com

Executive Editor

Jessica Ramoy • 215.588.7748 Jess@DoylestownCardinal.com

Managing Editor Natalya Bucuy Natalya@DoylestownCardinal.com

Contributing Writers

Lily Appleby • Addie Baab

Natalya Bucuy • Dakoda Carlson

Gabriella Da Prato • Danielle Gannon

Lauren Heine • Jeff Lavine • Ariel Mann

Patrick Mencel • Sarah Peters • Brian Pultro

Sheela Rai • Dana Roberts • Nate Schneller

Nicolas and Stephen Servis • Jamie Stem

Edie Weinstein • Bob Wilkowski

Staff Photographer

Jean-Paul de Guzman

Editorial Interns

Lily Appleby and Nate Schneller

For Advertising

Jay Pelc • 917.957.1713 JP4541@aol.com

Media Relations

Danielle Gannon • 267.980.2176

Danielle@DoylestownCardinal.com

Distribution

Mike Roberts • 267.885.8890

David@DoylestownCardinal.com

Published by The Doylestown Cardinal, LLC.

PO Box 1486 • Doylestown, PA 18901

Publisher Jeffrey “JD” Diaz • 267.824.2412

JD@DoylestownCardinal.com

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In a program called Sit & Write, on Thursday, June 22, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Doylestown Library, two published authors will share their insights for turning those dreams into reality.

Hosted by the Friends of the Doylestown Library, the program will feature a presentation by Kate Brenton and Charlene Wolk combining the analytical and spiritual aspects of writing and marketing a book, followed by an interactive Q&A with the audience on writing, publishing and book marketing. The presentation is free and open to the public. Space is limited, so pre-registration is recommended by sending an email to:

friendsofdoylestownlibrary@gmail.com

Brenton (www.katebrenton.com), an author, holistic teacher and mother, empowers mission-led women by working through their stories — both in the body & on the page — to uncovering their brilliance. She has a book & podcast called Rebirth; she teaches online and in person.

Claudine Wolk (www.claudinewolk. substack.com) is an author, podcast host, radio host, journalist, and book marketing consultant. Her second book, Get Your Book Seen And Sold: The Essential Book Marketing And Publishing Guide! (w/ Julie Murkette), releases in Sept 2023.

The Friends of the Doylestown Library is a non-profit organization supporting the Doylestown Library.

Wee Speak Opens in Doylestown

Wee Speak, a local pediatric speech and occupational therapy center, has moved to a new location in Doylestown in order to be able to serve even more children in the local community who have speech and language delays, fine motor delays, sensory or social skills needs, feeding concerns, difficulty self regulating and much more.

To celebrate, to show our appreciation for all of our clients and their families and to thank the community for their ongoing support, Wee Speak hosted a Client Appreciation/Open House event in

May with ice cream and pretzels provided by Vince and his Salt Box/Sweet Pea Ice Cream truck, which was enjoyed by all!

Everyone at Wee Speak is committed to improving the quality of life for each child by providing them with the ability to communicate effectively and to perform daily tasks more independently through improved speech, language, social, cognitive, sensory and fine motor skills. Individualized therapy sessions are provided in a fun, friendly and caring environment.

Now located in the Georgetown Commons at 708 Shady Retreat Rd, Suite 8, Doylestown, PA 18901.

Our doors are always open, so please feel free to stop by and see us! Contact Meg Max at 215-620-7121 or meg@ weespeaknow.com with any questions.

walls of books, bobbleheads, and posters. If you have no idea what to wear, Gap has got you covered. You can buy T-shirts and baby wear, as well as sweatshirts and adult wear.

Busy Bee, found on East State St., has everything from adorable stuffed animals to Pop-Its. It’s the perfect place to get a gift. To round our Doylestown shopping spree off, Evolution Candy is the best place to get a sweet treat. From gum to chocolates, they have the widest selection of delicious candies to choose from.

parks in the area include Kid’s Castle, a park with a big castle you can go into (and get lost in) and Burpee Park, which has a merry-go-round and two separate playgrounds, suitable for all ages.

5. Shop in Doylestown

After lunch, you might want to go out and do something. So why not go out shopping? Doylestown has plenty of places to check out and shop until you drop! If you’re looking for things to do, Fabby Do is the place for you. They have crafts and even host birthday parties. Great reading material can be found at Cyborg One, the best comic book store around. They have

Boredom in the summer will be easy to conquer with these five options so close to home!

Adelaide C. Baab is a 4th grader at Buckingham Elementary School. In her free time, she enjoys practicing soccer, drawing, reading, and writing. She is the oldest of 3 kids and wants to be an author when she grows up.

5 AWESOME ACTIVITIES - continued from page 1

Smiles and Traditions: June Celebrates Immigrant Heritage

By Natalya Bucuy The Cardinal Managing Editor

OneSeptember morning, 24 years ago, I walked into a classroom. “Something-something Natale-e-e-eya,” the student volunteer who had walked me through the maze of the high school hallways said to the teacher before heading out. The teacher, whose large glasses took up half of her face, stood up from behind her desk. Her smile nearly reached the bottom of her glasses. I wasn’t used to people smiling so enthusiastically at me, especially if they were complete strangers. “Something-something Natalie?” she asked, then tapped her finger on her chest with force. “Mrs. Price,” she said, a bit louder than necessary. “Something-somethingsomething.”

I stared at her blankly, unsure what to do or say. Mrs. Price then picked a book off her desk and lifted it above her head. “Something-something dic-ti-ona-ry” she said as she shook it. I only knew she said “dictionary” because she pointed at the word printed on the cover. Even after learning English at school for five years back in my native Russia, I could only read and speak a few words and phrases. Deciphering what was coming out of the native speakers’ mouths now that I was a fresh-off-the-plane immigrant in America, however, proved to be impossible.

“Something-something Natalie?” Mrs. Price asked again. That sounded close enough to my name, so I nodded. “Dictionary!” Mrs. Price smiled with a full mouth of bright white teeth again. “Bring tomorrow.” I stretched my lips into something of a smile of my own, glad to recognize two more spoken words. I nodded again and took the seat to which Mrs. Price pointed.

Second-period social studies class became my favorite in 10th grade, even though “something-something-somethings” didn’t become comprehensive words until the end of that school year. “Natalie” remained my name until graduation. Now, over two decades later, I can still picture Mrs. Price’s huge smile.

Why do Americans smile so much?

The good people at the Atlantic magazine cite a study that shows deep cultural reasoning for our determination to flash those pearly whites whenever possible. The reason lies in our very foundation cited in the Founding Fathers’ work: the pursuit of happiness. We’re always pursuing it and we’re not afraid to show it. But there is more to it. In our society, diverse from its roots to its blossoms, smiling serves as a universal language. It comes to aid the ubiquitous human search for connection.

On the contrary, in more homogeneous cultures smiling often communicates one’s superiority over another. Or, sometimes, the need to smile just isn’t there as folks live in the comfort of their own people. The constant desperate reach for a connection is not necessary for social survival. But in America, that’s a different story. Americans smile more because we seek connection with others not like us.

June celebrates Immigrant Heritage Month. It is now that we aim to recognize and honor diversity and explore the richness of each other’s cultures. But what exactly are we celebrating? Is it the food? The music? The traditions our ancestors practiced in their homelands? Or only those they brought with them to their new homes? What exactly is immigrant heritage?

As a Russian-American who’d spent more than half of her life on American soil, I cannot determine which of my life experiences are Russian, which are American, and which are those of an immigrant. But all of them are part of me.

Since my first day of school, I’ve learned so much from the many places I visited and the many people I met. Every morning, I make myself a cup of Puerto Rican coffee I first tried

when I traveled there with my sister. At Christmas time, I place a small pickle ornament on my tree. A friend with German background gave it to me and explained the tradition of hiding it for someone to find. Over the last few years, I fell in love with Latin dance and it’s hard for me not to move my body when Latin beats come on the radio.

All these and more are pieces of my own personal complex heritage. They are part of me just as much as my ability to cook a mean pot of borsch using my Ukranian-born great uncle’s recipe. They live in me as do the Russian folk songs my mom sang to me when I was little and I sang to my children when I rocked them to sleep.

I believe this works on a bigger scale for our nation as a whole. In a country as diverse as the United States, the connection between cultures is the glue that holds us together. As generations of immigrants turn into Americans, traditions, memories, and experiences can both, go on or vanish in time. We cannot control what stays or what goes. We don’t know what our children will carry on, what our grandchildren will remember, and what our greatgrandchildren will forget. We can only celebrate what we cherish right now.

We’re all just colorful squares of a large brilliant quilt of cultures. Immigrant heritage is American heritage. And American heritage is immigrant heritage. One cannot be separated from another. Our differences do not separate us. They unite us.

The gift of American diversity is the ever-present companion to that pursuit of happiness that’s written in our hearts as our lives’ goal. Our collective heritage helps us along on that journey. It’s what makes us happy. Or, at the very least, makes us smile at each other.

Natalya Bucuy is a journalist, fiction, and non-fiction writer and the managing editor of the Cardinal. You can often find her roaming the streets of her beloved Doylestown in search of writing material, adventure, or both. To view more of her work, visit her website, nowwehaveastory.com

Local Spotlight with Danielle: Going Down the Shore

By Danielle Gannon

The Cardinal Contributing Writer

From the time I was a little girl, our family vacation was always “down the shore.” That’s where you went in the 80s. Your family rented a house for a week or maybe two, if you were lucky, packed the house up, and took the family. If you live in the Bucks, Montgomery, or Delaware County area, the phrase “down the shore”, means South Jersey. From Brigantine to Cape May and everywhere in between.

My family always stayed in Strathmere NJ. Strathmere was an old “Fisherman” town back in the day. A small beach town situated in between Ocean City and Sea Isle, it’s two blocks deep and about 18 blocks long. My grandmother used to rent out the front of the old “Twisties” Tavern back in the 60s/70s with her seven children. This became their nostalgic place and this is where they all began taking their children. Now, I, as the children’s child, take my kids there too.

and the kids were making movies in the houses using an old tripod and VHS recorder. We had a blast.

One day of the week we were allowed to go to Ocean City. Ocean City is known for its family town reputation, it’s a dry town and very clean. We would start early, and the dads would take us to the water park. We would do the lazy river and slides for two hours, shower, get pizza, and hit the rides at Wonderland Pier.

On another day of the trip, we would travel to Wildwood. Wildwood was a little different than OC., it was bigger, had more iron-on decal T-Shirt and airbrush stores and they had a haunted house. This was what we did. We would start out for pizza at the “Hot Spot” then head to the Haunted House and then over to Morey and Mariner’s Piers. I loved the upside-down roller coasters and spinning rock and roll ride.

cream, candy shop, and a few good souvenir shops. Really, we went to Sea Isle to play mini golf! The obligatory shore excursion… does anyone ever get to the finish of the 18 holes without just throwing your ball in by the end?

As I have gotten older, I can appreciate the shore for everything it is. The feeling’s I got when writing this, brought me right back to where I was as a child. You know the smell as you drive over the bridge into the beach town, put the windows down, and BAM… Jersey Shore! Nothing like it.

The sounds of the boardwalk., the smiles on everyone’s faces, Manco’s pizza, Wawa hoagies, Johnson’s popcorn, Kohr Brother’s soft serve, Italian ice, buckets of French fries, sun-kissed faces and burnt shoulders, surreys and bicycles, beach umbrellas and boogie boards. This is our beach. This is what we call, “The Shore”.

This summer, I am traveling to Puerto Rico, Florida, Vermont, and of course the Jersey Shore! It wouldn’t be summer if I didn’t get to South Jersey. I love tradition and this tradition has been with my family for generations. One that I am showing my children and one that I hope they continue. Our people in this part of PA are a special kind of people. We like to repeat history. We like where we came from and we are proud of it. Sure, other beaches in the world have crystal clear water, conch shells, and yachts floating… but do they have Soft Pretzels and Hoagies? We like a little Philly down by the beach.

The slogan when I grew up in the 80s for the beach town was, “Where the hell is Strathmere?” It was printed on the back of all the old T-Shirts sold by the original Deauville Inn. My cousins and I would get new T-shirts every year and wear them with pride. In the ’80s/’90s, as a child, I wanted to be in a town with a boardwalk… like where all my friends and family were taking them. You know, with rides, pizza, ice cream, and games. I would look at my parents, aunts & uncles as they sat peacefully on the beach with a favorite beverage in hand, no beach tags needed, and wonder… why don’t they want to stay in Ocean City, Sea Isle, or Wildwood like all of my friends?

Don’t they like having fun?

Strathmere consisted of five restaurants: Uncle Bill’s Pancake House, Twistie’s Tavern, The Deauville Inn, Mildreds, and La Fontana. No ice cream or pizza shops. There was one playground in the center of town, back by the bay. My favorite memories are of my parents renting a house for two weeks, and all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins renting for the same two weeks on the same block or one over. We all met every day on the beach, drug down the wagons popped up the umbrellas, fought the wind on the walk down with our boogie boards, and sat down on our beach chairs. We would sit there from 10 am - 5 pm. Coolers filled & sandwiches packed, we were there for the day.

At the high point, there were seven houses rented, 17 cousins and 14 adults. The parents were over at Deauville Wing night Tuesday nights for all-you-could-eat wings and Coors light beer ( with a reusable Let’s get winged mug )

Sea Isle had a small boardwalk back then that we would go to if it rained one of the days. It wasn’t a “board” walk. It was a paved elevated walk overlooking the beach with some hotels, condos, and shops. They had an arcade, ice

This summer, try leveling up the Jersey Shore experience by adding a Sea Isle Ice Tea into the mix! Founders of the original bagged ice, Sea Isle Ice collaborated with my friends from Island Podcast and created a canned alcoholic beverage. The passion behind them all is contagious and I just LOVE the story! It goes right along with the passion for Philly, its surrounding suburbs, and the Jersey Shore.

You can find me sitting with my toes in the sand, sometime between mid-June and Labor Day, in and around Vincent Street, Strathmere NJ. I’ll be the one with the three kids in tow, Sea Isle ice tea in hand, soaking it all in. Summer is here my friends! Where do you plan to go?

Danielle Gannon is a local Bucks County entrepreneur. Mom to three, she is co-owner of Organnons Natural Market and Founder & Managing Director of Local Spotlight with Danielle. Her passion is connecting people and creating community. Residing in Ivyland, writing has always been a passion of hers. Find her on IG @localspotlightwithdanielle

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Terrain In Doylestown Opens June 8

Doylestown’s Terrain opens June 8, bringing the signature retail store, nursery, garden cafe and private event space to Bucks County. Called Terrain at DelVal, it will be in the former Market at DelVal, which is owned and run by Delaware Valley University.

URBN, a Philadelphia-based company, owns the brands Terrain, Anthropologie, Free People, FP Movement, BHLDN, Menus & Venues, and Nuuly. Terrain introduced its Glen Mills flagship store in 2008 and a second Terrain opened at Devon Yard in 2018. Terrain at DelVal is the company’s second foray into the Bucks County area, the first being the opening of Anthropologie in Newtown in 2015.

Staying Hydrated This Summer

Produce and farm products from the university will be included in Terrain’s culinary programming. Produce, plants, and farm goods from DelVal will be sold at Terrain’s retail store and incorporated into its restaurant and catering menus, led by Terrain’s culinary director Steve Linneman.

Terrain’s retail store will include the elevated offerings it’s known for, including: diverse native plants; hand-picked planters; all-weather furniture; seasonal décor; outdoor lighting; and artisan-made gifts. “Our product assortment is curated to find beauty in natural imperfection, and to enhance a life lived outdoors and in,” says Elizabeth Smith, managing director of Terrain.

Amenities offered through the retail store and nursery range from container design and gardening expertise to private event planning and custom floral design by Terrain’s staff for in-home use, events, or gifting. Terrain’s cafe is a welcomed addition to Doylestown’s dining scene and is scheduled to be open seven days a week, with seasonally-inspired menu offerings for brunch and dinner. Also on the menu are wines by the glass and bottle, beer from local breweries, craft cocktails and mocktails. Takeout, delivery and catering will also be available.

The charming, pastoral setting of Terrain at DelVal makes an appealing location for a wedding and events venue. With a capacity to accommodate up to 150 guests for a seated reception, Terrain at DelVal already has weddings booked for this summer. Terrain’s event venue has indoor and outdoor spaces for both ceremonies and cocktail hours.

By Ariel Mann

The

Cardinal Contributing Writer

Summer is finally here and you’re probably looking forward to pool days with the family, beach trips, and sporting events. Staying hydrated on these hot sunny days is important for the whole family.

Water is important for the normal functioning of our cells, digestion, and transporting nutrients through the body. Drinking enough water also helps to boost energy and mood. Water regulates our body temperature. This comes into play in these hot months. As we sweat more, we need to replace the extra fluid lost.

How can we do this!?

• Homemade fruit smoothies and popsicles are a great way to hydrate, cool down and enjoy a sweet treat. If you don’t have time to make them pick up a refreshing smoothie at Farm to Toast, Planet Smoothie, or Playa Bowls, and check out Organnons and Kimberton for organic and natural frozen treats.

• Swap your iced coffee for an iced herbal tea at Native Cafe. As much as we love coffee, it can be dehydrating especially in the warmer months.

• Feeling really dehydrated or like you need a serious boost? Head over to Restore Hyper Wellness in Warrington to get an IV infusion to fully hydrate you with fluids and vitamins.

The partnership between a high-end lifestyle brand like Terrain and a higherlevel learning institution like Delaware Valley University certainly is unique, but one that makes sense when considering the synergy between the two institutions. “The partnership allows us to build upon the school’s agricultural foundation and our brand’s seasonal, experiential approach to retail,” says Dave Ziel, Terrain’s chief development officer.

The indoors is as impressive as the outdoors with the main reception area, Trellis Hall, outfitted with high ceilings enhanced with European chandeliers and a floor to ceiling wirework garden vine treillage on a focal wall in case Mother Nature brings rain on the couple’s big day.

Mark your calendars. Terrain at Del Val opens June 8.

(For more go to https://mainlinetonight.com)

• Start drinking water as soon as you wake up. Keep it on your nightstand to make it easy to remember.

• Check out the Doylestown Farmers Market on Saturdays to stock up on seasonal produce. Fruits and veggies have a high water content and will help keep you hydrated if you’re eating them throughout the day.

Ariel Mann is a nurse turned health coach. Her goal is to help people take charge of their health with realistic changes and improve their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. She loves helping people love their bodies and live their best and healthiest lives. Check healthbyariel.com to learn more and to schedule a consultation.

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Nature’s Candy Strawberries

By Nicolas and Stephen Servis The Cardinal Contributing Writers

Come one, come all, and get them while supplies last. The most delicious and most sought-after red berry of our short season is here - the strawberry. For a few weeks out of the year, these babies grow like wildfire here in our beautiful Bucks County.

You can find people lining up at farmers markets first thing in the morning, asking farmers for preorders, and hoarding as many quarts as they can get their hands on. With only a three to four-week season we recommend eating as many of nature’s natural candies as you possibly can.

Aside from just being incredibly delicious, strawberries have some stellar health benefits as well. These little red berries are jam-packed with vitamin C and loaded with antioxidants which help increase the immune system and reduce oxidative stress.

Some studies have found that eating strawberries actually can lead to a reduced risk of dementia and an increase in brain function. One clinical research recommends eating eight strawberries a day. Doing so can drastically increase the management of type two diabetes. So eat your berries, kids!

Bucks County Wine Trail Offers Wine & Cheese Tasting Event

Likepeanut butter and jelly, and cookies and milk, wine and cheese make the perfect pairing combinations.

Guests of the Bucks County Wine Trail will have the chance to sample three unique cheese and wine pairings at each of the eight member locations on select Sundays in June. This first-ever trail-wide offering kicks off on Sunday, June 4 –which happens to be National Cheese Day – and concludes on Sunday, June 11.

Visitors can opt to make stops along the Bucks County Wine Trail on June 4, June 11, or on both days. This self-guided wine and cheese tasting experience provides one visit to each winery (and cidery) per ticket.

What can I expect?

When it comes to how to cook a strawberry, we need to be extremely blunt. Don’t! Since they have such a short growing season we would consider just eating them in their most perfect form - right off the plant. Nothing fancy, no foams or gastriques or anything like that. Just simply enjoy.

But if you don’t want to waste the strawberry tops, you can add them to a simple syrup when boiling it and make a strawberry top simple syrup. Add it to your favorite cocktail or just simply brighten up a nice glass of water.

We know that we will be doing everything we can in order to get our hands on as many of these berries as we can. We suggest you all do the same.

Each Bucks County Wine Trail location will feature special pairings of three wines (or ciders) complemented by three unique cheeses from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 4 and Sunday, June 11. Locations will feature unique cheese-centric dips from Newtown-based BowlFace, as well as cheeses from September Farm Cheese, Dietz & Watson, Keystone Farms Cheese and wide-ranging cheese varieties, including French brie, Danish blue cheese, and drunken goat cheese, just to name a few.

Guests can enjoy wine and cheese pairings at: Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery, 2730 Hilltown Pike, Perkasie; Buckingham Valley Vineyards, 1521 Durham Road, Buckingham; Crossing Vineyards and Winery, 1853 Wrightstown Road, Newtown; Manoff Market Cidery, 3157 Comfort Road, New Hope; Rose Bank Winery, 258 Durham Road,

Newtown; Rushland Ridge Vineyards, 2665 Rushland Road, Jamison; Sand Castle Winery, 755 River Road, Erwinna; Vino by Zzino, at Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery (address listed above).

Want more? Additional wine and cider tastings, wine and cider by the glass or bottle, as well as wine slushies and cocktails (at some locations) will be available for purchase. Prices and availability will vary by winery.

How do I get there?

The Bucks County Wine Trail is comprised of eight member locations situated throughout scenic Bucks County in Wrightstown, Newtown, Buckingham, New Hope, Perkasie, Quakertown, and Tinicum Township. The wine trail does not necessarily have a beginning or ending point. We invite visitors to start at any location they choose.

Transportation is not provided for our self-guided tour. However, a number of touring companies and limousine services provide transportation to wine trail guests. For more information on scheduling transportation, please visit our FAQs.

Learn more

The Bucks County Wine Trail’s Wine & Cheese Tasting Experience will be held June 4 and June 11 from noon to 5 p.m. both days. Tickets cost $80 and include three wine and cheese pairings at each location. Ticketholders are welcome to visit on either or both days. Ticket redemption includes one visit to each location. For more information or to buy tickets, please visit https://bucks-countywine-trail.ticketleap.com/.

OUTDOOR DINING - continued from page 1 patio at The Grey Stone in Newtown is surrounded by gardens and green fields like a true country manor.

Localvores and People Watching: Sunglasses recommended (wink) for the sport of sidewalk side-eye. Not just some rickety tables on the sidewalk; these are the orchestra pit of people watching. State Street in Doylestown is lined with eateries, but Paganini’s Ristorante and Penn Taproom have the most real estate with their brick patios. Equally bustling State Street in Newtown boasts Rocco’s at The Brick’s open-air patio. See and be seen at Ferry + Main at Logan Inn and the classic Havana’s in New Hope.

Family Friendly: In search of a laidback outdoor setting with space for the kids to be kids? Check out the grassy grounds of Lumberville General Store and the patio at Plumsteadville Inn The Station in Dublin features an expansive patio and a modern food hall to satisfy all your picky eaters.

Weekend Warrior: The timeless outdoor spaces at Black Bass Hotel and Rieglesville Inn are definitely worth the drive. Cross over into Lambertville NJ where Lambertville Station offers sophisticated canal side tables and Under the Moon Café has breezy porch seating.

Lively Libations with Friends: Gather the gang and head to the stylish patio at The Garden Bar at Puck in Doylestown for an urban atmosphere. Many local breweries and wineries have dedicated outdoor areas with food trucks, live music, and events. Noteworthy places include Free Will Brewing in Perkasie, Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery, and Wycombe Vineyards

Lucky for us, there are numerous outdoor dining options in Bucks County. But there are only so many days in the summer season. Get out there and try them all!

Chef Joey Mcalinden at Genevieve’s Kitchen in Doylestown

Prime Healthcare Pennsylvania Region Hospitals Give Thanks to Emergency Medical Services Workers During EMS Week

Prime Healthcare Pennsylvania Region hospitals honored frontline professionals as part of National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week this past May 21-27.

During National EMS Week, Lower Bucks Hospital, Suburban Community Hospital, and Roxborough Memorial Hospital recognized EMS providers’ vital work throughout the Philadelphia region. To mark the occasion, the three hospitals are provided lunch for their local first responders.

“We want to make sure that the EMS providers who work with Prime Healthcare Pennsylvania Region, and help our patients in a time of need, know we deeply appreciate their service and skill,” said Jacqueline Pester-Babcock, RN, MSN, regional chief nursing officer, Prime Healthcare Region II.

“EMS providers are on the frontlines of healthcare delivery, often helping patients when every second counts,” Pester-Babcock said. “We encourage all community members to thank them for their lifesaving work.”

EMS workers answer the call day and night, in all kinds of weather and in all types of conditions, many of which can be dangerous and emotionally challenging.

“It’s easy to forget how difficult this work can be, but our dispatchers, first responders, EMTs and paramedics deliver, without fail, day in and day out,” Pester-Babcock said.

The greater Philadelphia region consist of EMS professionals dedicated to answering the call and making a difference in people’s lives. Members of these teams, whether career or volunteer, public or private, engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their lifesaving skills. They also give back to their communities far more than they take.

The theme of this year’s EMS week was “Where Emergency Care Begins,” a phrase that truly encompasses the time and commitment of the men and women who dedicate their lives to the emergency services field.

National EMS Week began under the direction of President

Gerald Ford in 1974 to celebrate the critical work EMS practitioners do in American communities. National EMS Week also highlights the thousands of first responders, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics who make up a complete system designed to save lives.

EMS workers are essential to the nation’s health care and public safety systems. EMS practitioners respond to medical emergencies 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year no matter the severity in a genuinely selfless way.

EMS practitioners compassionately care for patients during their most difficult moments. When not responding to emergency calls, they spend countless hours educating and teaching the public by visiting local schools, meeting with health care and business leaders to develop emergency preparedness plans and providing CPR and first-aid training to community members.

“As a healthcare leader, we recognize that without the benefit of our area’s dedicated EMS partners, our hospital staff, and more importantly, our patients, would be at a loss,” Pester-Babcock said. All communities are asked to recognize the heroic efforts of their paramedics and EMTs during EMS Week and to support their local EMS agencies throughout the year.

About Prime Healthcare Pennsylvania Region: Prime Healthcare Pennsylvania Region is part of Prime Healthcare, an award-winning health system operating 46 acute care hospitals in 14 states. Prime Healthcare Pennsylvania Region includes Roxborough Memorial Hospital in Philadelphia, Lower Bucks Hospital in Bucks County, and Suburban Community Hospital in Montgomery County.

Prime’s hospitals in Pennsylvania are certified by The Joint Commission as Primary Stroke Centers and have won multiple awards through Healthgrades and the Get With The Guidelines Quality Achievement Awards though the American Heart Association.

Our hospitals offer medical, surgical, and emergency care, which includes diagnostic radiology, lab services, behavior health, heart care, rehabilitation, family medicine, wound care, and residency programs.

New Approach to Pain with Chiropractic Healing Arts Center

The options available to treat degenerative arthritis are NOT limited to medication and surgery. Regenerative Medicine offers new approaches to address osteoarthritis; often providing the key to the significant improvement of joint function. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell therapy have revolutionized the treatment of chronic pain and inflammation.

PRP is collected directly from the patient with a simple blood draw. When combined with Stem Cells (not isolated from embryos), exosomes, growth factors, cytokines and other regenerative tissues, the resultant cocktail has been shown for many patients to ultimately decrease inflammation, minimize scar tissue and promote soft tissue growth.

Continued on page 13

Meet Christ’s Home Retirement Community

Serving Senior Adults in Bucks County for 100 Years & Building a Bright Future!

When we at the Regenerative Healing Arts Center first offered the Regenerative Medicine approach to osteoarthritis, we decided to limit our focus to just arthritic knees. Our goal was to become truly proficient, “masters of one” before branching out to be “jacks of all” joints. The successes we and our patients enjoyed were so compelling that we were encouraged to then also treat shoulders and hips.

Prolonged down time, painful rehabilitation to restore range of motion lost to surgery, ongoing medication... perhaps can be avoided. Regenerative Medicine allows resumption of normal daily activities with no down time. This natural approach that allows for enhancing the body’s natural ability to heal may be the key to postponing or eliminating the need for a surgical or medical procedure.

2023 is the 100th anniversary of Christ’s Home serving senior adults in Bucks County, PA. Our retirement community, set on 84 acres of beautiful farmland, is close to shopping centers, churches, banks, and restaurants. But what makes Christ’s Home unique is the sense of caring, compassion, and community that is shared by residents and staff. As one of our residents recently said, “It’s an old-fashioned neighborhood. You don’t find that in a large retirement community.” Another resident shared, “Our children have said that our moving here was the best gift we could have given them.”

100 Years Ago

In 1923, Christ’s Home, purchased St. Stephen’s Farm in Warminster and opened a modest retirement home to meet the needs of senior adults in the area. Over the years, several expansions of facilities and services took place, and the number of senior adults who made Christ’s Home their home continued to grow.

Today

Today, Christ’s Home offers many services for senior adults. Living options include independent living cottages, suite apartments, personal care apartments, a skilled rehab and nursing care unit, and a memory care unit with private rooms. Christ’s Home has been recognized by US News and World Report as a 5-Star health care facility and by the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid as a five-star choice for post-surgical care.

Building a Bright Future

Currently, we are taking reservations for the new 2-bedroom suite apartments, under construction, that will be available in less than a year (Spring 2024). These spacious suites will have 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, full-size appliances, and laundry in each unit. Some will have a den. Only 30 suites are being built … and 7 have already been reserved! To learn more, contact Sales Manager Mary Thompson at 215956-1082 or mthompson@christshome.org.

Also being built is a two-story atrium lobby with fireplace, a fine dining addition to our current dining facility, a large outdoor patio area, a small movie theater, a community room, and a new physicians’ office suite where physicians and specialists from Doylestown Hospital will treat residents and local patients.

If you want to enjoy your retirement in a place where you will feel part of a caring community, come visit us and learn more about Christ’s Home. As one of our residents recently shared,” Since moving here I have more friends than ever!”

HEALING ARTS CENTER - continued from page 12

Spotlight: Area Dads Reflect on Father’s Day

By Dana Roberts

The Cardinal Contributing Writer

For the second year in a row, we got the inside scoop on fatherhood for different dads living in and around Bucks County. You’re sure to recognize at least a few of these gentlemen. Their tips, reflections, and hopes will make you both tear up and laugh. Wishing a wonderful Father’s Day to all of the fathers and father figures out there!

Blair Elliot with his daughter, Nomah (18)

Hopefully we will get to spend some time at the beach.

A dad hack you have that you find helpful/ recommend: Find ways to go out of your way to be as supportive as possible of your kid’s mother, regardless of your relationship with her. Time, money, and energy go a long way in making all your lives much easier.

One thing you’d like to do this Father’s Day: Spend time with my kid, watch the ballgame and then go out to dinner with the family.

Anthony Green (with one of his four children after they were born)

happy and healthy, outside of what I just see with them every day. For my birthday, my two youngest kids made me things for my office out of clay and drew me pictures, which made me feel like their level of creativity was beyond what I had at their age. My oldest stuck up for his sister in school when someone was being a bully. Recently watching my daughter perform and shine in the school play. All these moments make me so proud. But the thing I’m proudest of is how kind and loving my children can be.

Best place in town to go with your kids: Love having breakfast at Native Cafe or Bagel Barrel. Also just love running around the fields at the Mercer Museum.

Things your family wants to do this summer: We want to get to the beach and spend as much time in nature as possible.

A dad hack you recommend: I make songs out of everything, and sometimes that can make a task like cleaning up a little bit less boring. I also bring notepads and pens and pencils with me everywhere in case I need them to be chill. Giving them something to draw on is such a great way to chill them out.

One thing you’d like to do this Father’s Day: I’d love to spend the day at the skate park with my kids, get some ice cream, and round it all off by watching a funny movie all together on the couch and maybe more ice cream.

Brian Kelly, with his son Dean (7 months)

Profession: Owner of Siren Records

Fun fact about you: I have EXCELLENT penmanship.

Age you were when you became a dad: 36

How your daughter feels about you owning Siren Records: I think she actually thinks it’s cool.

Favorite music you both like to listen to right now: Any 1980’s New Wave.

Best concert you’ve been to together: Bruce Springsteen at the Wells Fargo Center in March. We sat behind Lucy Dacus (Boygenius) and her dad, which Nomah thought was pretty cool. They were very kind and sweet. The show was incredible.

Something you’ll never forget about your child’s birth: I felt awed and inspired by Nomah’s mom, Hanna, giving birth without the aid of an epidural or any other medications. The staff asked if they could bring student doctors and nurses in to observe Nomah’s birth.

Funny thing your kid says or does right now: “Can I have some money?”

Something you say a lot to your kid right now: “Drive safely!” “Be careful!” She’s a very careful kid.

Favorite activity your family does right now: We love watching Nomah perform with Princeton Girlchoir.

Hardest part of this stage of fatherhood: Learning to let go, as my daughter’s getting ready to go off to college at Bryn Mawr.

Proudest moment of fatherhood, thus far: The level of intelligence and drive that she has shown as a student. She takes pride in her education and gets much better grades than I ever did.

Favorite place in town to go out to dinner with your family: Lately, Omiza, but we like to spread it around depending on what we’re feeling.

Things your family wants to do this summer:

Profession: Musician

Age you were when you became a dad: 29

Children’s names and ages: James (12), Lucy (11), Will (8), Jack (6)

How your kids feel about you being a musician: They think it’s cool that I get to do what I love and that I get to travel around and go to so many different places, but I know they wish I didn’t have to be away so much.

Favorite music you and your kids like to listen to right now: Mac Miller, The Pharcyde, Turnstile, Lauryn Hill, The Beatles, Modest Mouse, The Misfits, Wu-Tang, MF Doom.

Hardest transition for you as a dad: I think one to two kids was the hardest transition for me because I had just gotten used to the change in routine and having one little person to dress and tie shoes and feed but most of all pay attention to. There were so many times where they both needed and required 100% of my attention and trying to balance that between the both of them was a pretty big challenge.

Something you’ll never forget about your children’s births: During each birth, we got to spend a couple days in the hospital and it was kind of cool for me to be able to shut everything else out and just be there, focused on mama and the baby. It felt very safe and relieving, and there were so many people there to help.

Funny thing your kids say or do right now: Whenever you say something to them that’s true, they respond by saying simply, “Facts,” which I think is funny. They also sometimes say “bet” which is weird and hilarious.

Something you say a lot to your kids right now: Put yourself in other people’s shoes before you speak or act.

Favorite activity your family does right now: Play basketball, watch movies, Mario Kart.

Hardest part of this stage of fatherhood: Realizing that there’s so much in the world you can’t protect them from, or prepare them for.

Proudest moment of fatherhood, thus far: This past round of parent-teacher conferences made me feel like our kids were

Profession: Entrepreneur and traveler- aka “The Points Guy” (@thepointsguy on Instagram)

Age you were when you became a dad: 39

Nicknames you call your little one: DJK, Deany Baby

How you became a dad: Through the amazing generosity of an egg donor and surrogate mother.

Something you’ll never forget about your child’s birth: The doctor asking me in the delivery room “Do you want to deliver your baby? Throw some gloves on and I’ll show you exactly what to do!”

Funny thing your child does right now: He is me.. happy all the time, loves to travel (been to six countries in seven months!) and loves animals. And gets cranky only when tired or hungry!

Places you have traveled so far with your child: Los Angeles, Belize, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Spain, Portugal

Single best tip for traveling with babies: Start them young! And try to time flights with their nap schedules. For example, a 7pm flight to Europe is way better than an 11pm flight (since he falls asleep at 7pm like clockwork).

Hardest part of this stage of fatherhood: Not being able to hit the pause bottom! He’s so cute and immobile (for the most part)- I want more time to enjoy this stage before he starts running, which I know is imminent!

Places your family will travel this summer: Provincetown, MA, Hamptons and Greece

A dad hack you have that you find helpful/ recommend: Most babies LOVE fresh air and

being outside - get them used to the healing power of Mother Nature from the beginning. One thing you’d like to do this Father’s Day: Thank my father for instilling in me a tool book for parenting that I am always able to refer to- respect and love are paramount and when you parent from that place you can figure almost anything out!

Justin Nawn (CB West ’04 graduate!), with daughters Willow (7) and Aurelia (3)

Profession: Co-Owner of The Birdhouse Center for the Arts, a community music center that is located in the heart of Lambertville, NJ. Music Therapy - Music Education - Performance - Kids Music www.birdhousecenter.org

Fun fact about you: I hiked nearly half of the 4,000-ft White Mountains, NH.

Age you were when you became a dad: 30

Something you’ll never forget about your children’s births: Both children were several days late, and we ate spicy green curry, which helped to kickstart the birthing process in both cases. The doctors also let me assist with catching and cutting the umbilical cords.

Funny things your kids say or do right now: We have a dog named Piper and our three-year-old announces our pets nicknames in hyphenated fashion to strangers, even when our pet isn’t present. In most cases, our dog’s actual name is listed last in the chain of up to four nicknames. Our seven-year-old uses old British expressions that she either learned from her grandfather or television shows. She remarked last week: “I only got a wink of sleep last night.”

Favorite activity your family does right now: We go on family runs, enjoy baking, and making music together.

Hardest part of this stage of fatherhood: Running a business while juggling a stay-home, pre-schooling schedule with our three-year-old. We get quality one-on-one time with our youngest, while our oldest attends first grade, but we work fairly opposite schedules as parents in order to allow for childcare flexibility.

Favorite music to listen to with your kids: The Beatles. Encanto Soundtrack.

Proudest moment of fatherhood, thus far: Watching my oldest play the violin and improvise stories/songs. Seeing my youngest child ride her scooter and when she chooses to sing and dance.

Things your family wants to do this summer: Aside from swimming and hiking,

2nd Annual Be Kind Kin Golf Classic June 19

After a successful 2022 event, the non-profit is happy to announce the 2nd Annual Be Kind Kin Golf Classic to be held at The Bucks Club on Monday, June 19. Archetype Advisors will serve as the 2023 Title Sponsor. The event website is now active. Anyone in the community interested in sponsoring the event and/or playing can visit the website at www.kin-golf.com or call 267544-5981.

Funds raised will stay local and benefit Kin Wellness and Support Center, which provides FREE integrative services, therapy, support and fitness to cancer patients and caregivers across Bucks County.

The event will be held at The Bucks Club, and include breakfast, a full round of golf with carts, and lunch. Anyone who does not golf but would like to

support Kin are invited to attend the lunch for $35 per ticket.

“We are all called to ‘love thy neighbor’.  In witnessing what Keith, Kristina and the Kin team are doing truly humbles me. It is an honor to be able to support their mission and bring peace, health and hope to our neighbors!” Shares Bill Lahr, CEO Archetype Advisors.

Executive Director of Kin Keith Fenimore adds, “Last year the Kin Golf Classic generated over $30,000, we are hoping to top that this year. We are lucky to collaborate with so many passionate sponsors who are community focused. We strive to make our events fun and meaningful and inspire the community to support local endeavors through our work. Our non-profit is so grateful to all who stand by us, and the over 280 people we care for.”

we want to record music together. We hope to produce a record of original children’s music. Our girls are at prime ages to participate in singing and adding silly sound effects.

A dad hack you developed and found helpful: When our kids whine, I ask the simple question: “Is that how you want your voice to sound?” The question seems to boost mometary self-awareness and sometimes provokes positive change, but not always.

One thing you’d like to do this Father’s Day: Have brunch with my family or visit a local brewery.

Steve Piperno, with Everett (13), Clark (11) and Wesley (6)

of wood, various sized wheels attached to another scooter for extra speed or King Kong’s axe made from tree branches.

Favorite activity your family does right now: We love to visit Vermont to ski in the winter and hike in the summer. Katie grew up visiting Lake St. Catherine in Poultney/ Wells and it has become a special place for us also.

Favorite place to go out to eat as a family: A Sunday morning trip to Aunt Judy’s Family Restaurant in Doylestown for chocolate chip pancakes, waffles and hot chocolate is always a good time.

Hardest part of this stage of fatherhood: The mess – dirt and sticks in the house, toothpaste everywhere, pee on the seat. But seriously, the hardest part is balancing the individual needs of our kids with prioritizing time for me and Katie.

Favorite music to listen to with your kids: Currently, the house favorites include any movie soundtrack written by John Williams (Star Wars, Superman, Raiders, etc.), U2, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Hamilton, It’s raining tacos, and of course Pink fluffy unicorns dancing on rainbows.

Proudest moment of fatherhood, thus far: Seeing my kids do the right thing, even when they don’t know I’m watching.

Things your family wants to do this summer: Finish building the tree house we started last year, go to the Jersey Shore, visit Maine, and eat tomatoes from the garden.

One thing you’d like to do this Father’s Day: I’m looking forward to playing golf with my Dad.

Brad Sanders, with wife Christine and Jacob (14), Gavin (11 in June), and Violet (8 in June)

Profession: I lead the workforce analytics team at FIS, a global provider of fintech solutions employing more than 70,000 people.

You might recognize me because: I play guitar in The Ledbetters. We’re a Pearl Jam tribute band based in Doylestown and play the New Hope Winery, Ardmore Music Hall and Broken Goblet Brewing, among other venues. www.TheLedbettersMusic. com (shameless plug)

Fun fact about you: I love building things. I once built a guitar and am currently working on our kitchen nook and a tree house.

Age you were when you became a dad: 34

Something you’ll never forget about your children’s births: I got laid off from my job a week before my first son was born and was unemployed for the first six months of his life. We lived in Bloomfield, NJ at the time and Katie went back to work teaching music at Rutherford Elementary while I looked for work. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been fully present in those first few months as a new Dad.

How your kids feel about you being a musician: When they were younger, Katie and I used to write songs influenced by them and release them as Mr. Steve & Miss Katie on Apple Music & Spotify. Now that they’re a little older, I think they like that our house is filled with drums, guitars, pianos and other musical instruments for them to experiment with. They’ve been to a few Ledbetters shows at the New Hope Winery, but I think their favorite was when we played Pearl Jam night at The Wells Fargo Center because they got on the jumbotron during the Flyers game.

Funny thing your kids say or do right now: They’re always building and inventing things with my tools and scraps from the garage or yard, like a scooter made from spare pieces

Profession: Executive Director of Marketing and Special Programs at the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce

Fun fact about you: I am member of the Doylestown Road Angels.

Age you were when you became a dad: 29 Hardest transition for you as a dad: One kid was tough since it was our first time caring for another human 24/7/365. Having the second, we were a little more comfortable because we learned from raising the first child. With child #3 our family became complete, and now, we have the challenge of two on three.

Something you’ll never forget about your children’s births: The overwhelming feeling of

love and compassion.

Funny thing your kids say or do right now: Oh, our kids say the funniest things. I started a daily Facebook log, checking in at the “bus stop,” because Jacob used to ask some funny questions. I was trying to capture those moments. Violet’s running joke is “Have you heard the one about butter? – No. – “Oh I don’t want to tell you, I don’t want to spread it”.

Something you say a lot as a dad: No worries.

Favorite activity your family does right now: We really enjoy spending the weekends going on adventures, going to a park and exploring Bucks County.

Your daughter’s diagnosis of Burkitt’s lymphoma in August 2022 was… devastating news to hear. My wife, Christine, and I spoke with the doctors at CHOP after the diagnosis was shared with us. We were told that the treatments would take six months to a year. WOW, it was so hard to wrap our heads around one year! I began keeping a journal, documenting Violet’s journey. Violet’s treatments were a little less than six months. She continues to visit CHOP once a month for check-ins with bloodwork and vital checks.

The biggest thing you took away from your family’s journey of having a child diagnosed with cancer is… That my 7-year-old daughter is amazingly strong! Our family is awesome. We have a wonderful, supportive community.

How you celebrated her remission status on December 31, 2022: We celebrated just being together as a family under one roof. We spent many weeks apart. Some of us were at CHOP and the rest of us were in Bucks County. It was so wonderful being able to spend our holidays at home as a family.

Hardest part of this stage of fatherhood: Not being able to spend more time with the kids. That’s why I love the summer, getting some family vacations in.

Proudest moment of fatherhood, thus far: It’s hard to figure out one moment. I am truly proud of all my kids. Each one is amazing in their own ways. Jacob is so smart and continues to ask questions and loves to learn new things. Gavin is creative and loves his family. Violet is wonderfully spirited and loves to dance and draw.

Things your family wants to do this summer: We are planning vacations to the mountains and down the shore. Trips to the local parks. Basically, try to cram in as much fun as possible this summer.

A dad hack that you recommend: Working as a team om the weekends. One kid goes with mom and the other two go with me, or two go with her and I take one. Or we all just grab lunch at Wawa and go to the park.

One thing you’d like to do this Father’s Day: I would like to chill out on the patio, grill, have a beer and listen to Jimmy Buffett.

Mike Sanders, with Bonnie (4) and Lucy (3)

Profession: Project Manager for a telecom company.

Fun fact about you: I only have one kidney.

Age you were when you became a dad: 33

Hardest transition for you as a dad: Phew - both were tough. 0 kids to one is a game changer for your relationship with your significant other. But it gives you a chance to team up for something that’s bigger than yourselves and just flips your world upside down for the better. Going from one to two kids was a roller coaster, but the highs far outweigh the challenges and make it all worth it.

Something you’ll never forget about your children’s births: For Bonnie’s, it was how many people came to see her the next day. My mother in law’s father was also in Doylestown Hospital that week, so Bonnie met 25 of her aunts, uncles and cousins during her first few days with us. At Lucy’s birth, it was the surge of water that covered the hospital floor after my wife’s water broke.

Best advice you’ve been given on fatherhood: You get out of it what you put into it.

Funny thing your kids say or do: My 3-year-old has been getting “work calls” on her pretend phone from a lady named Dee Dee, who sounds ruthless and overbearing. My 4-year-old does not understand why people would litter if there are trash cans right on the corner, and I love that about her!

Something you say a lot as a dad: “I love you” and “Put your shoes on.”

Favorite family activity: There is nothing better than a family trip to me. I try to enjoy every moment starting from the car ride there.

Biggest challenge of fatherhood right now: Being patient while trying to honestly answer hundreds of questions a day while cleaning up spills and breaking up arguments and trying to repeatedly teach the basic principles of respect and kindness so my children will be loving and hopefully receive love from their peers and anyone else that they encounter while they’re away from our family unit.

Proudest moment of fatherhood, thus far: It’s always nice when you see something that your children do that you’ve taught themanything from peeling an orange to helping me tighten a loose screw makes me feel proud.

Best place to go in town with kids: The Doylestown Library has great activities for kids including: story hour, chess club, a beautiful courtyard and large indoor play area for children.

Something you hope to do this summer with your family: I’m trying to convince my wife to buy an RV so we can travel around on weekends; if you have any suggestions on how to get her on board please DM me at #RVforDana ;)

A dad hack you’d recommend: Involving my kids in food prep and clean up has given them an appreciation for cooking and exploring new foods by giving them options that they choose so that they feel empowered and involved in meals.

Something you’d like to do on Father’s Day: Play golf.

Support Bucks County SPCA

By Sarah Peters

The Cardinal Contributing Writer

The Bucks County SPCA’s mission has remained unchanged since 1912. However, since its founding the organization evolved to offer a multitude of services to Bucks County pet owners and their pets. These services include rescue, re-homing, cruelty investigation and prosecution, as well as community outreach.

What is the most common misconception about the Bucks County SPCA?

Many Bucks County locals don’t realize the Bucks County SPCA is an independent, nonprofit organization that is not affiliated with the national ASPCA. Donations contributed at the national level do not trickle down to support our local shelter. Our local SPCA, with convenient locations in both Lahaska and Quakertown, benefits people and animals right here in our community.

What impact does the Bucks County SPCA have on our community?

• The Bucks County SPCA prioritizes saving as many lives as possible, with a 92% live release rate, which nearly doubles the national average. In fact, 1,260 pet adoptions took place in 2022.

• The Bucks County SPCA offers dog training classes and kitten kindergarten “that will help people really enjoy their pets and better understand how to navigate questionable behaviors,” says Cindy Kelly, Director of Communications and Development. The organization also operates a free pet behavior hotline. You can call 215794-7425 ext. 113 with your pet questions and concerns.

• Bucks County SPCA is especially proud of its track record for reuniting lost pets with their families. The organization found the proper owners for 218 pets last year.

Why should you consider the Bucks County SPCA for pet adoption?

“The SPCA is the best deal in town if you’re looking for a new pet for your family,” Kelly says. “We try to make pet adoption accessible for everyone.” The local non-profit found adoptive families for 1,260 dogs, cats, and small and farm animals in 2022.

All dogs, cats, and rabbits are spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and have had a checkup from a veterinarian. This is far more affordable than initial care for an animal coming from a pet store or even a free kitten from a litter in your neighborhood.

$4,478 in donations from community members. In lieu of monetary donations, you can shop for items on the shelter’s wish list. Visit its website at www.buckscountyspca.org for details. The website also has additional information about ways to get involved, wish list items, at-home projects to help the animals, and upcoming events, like the Barn Bash benefit in July.

Sarah Peters is a top producing Realtor, leader of the Sarah Peters Team, ALC board member at Keller Williams Doylestown, & mother of three. She’s passionate about serving others & helping people find themselves right at home in greater Bucks County. For more details, visit www.sarahpetersteam.com, Instagram @sarahpetersteam or call her at (484) 459-9944.

“You’re a Good Man, Don Brown”

By Gabriella Da Prato Special to The Cardinal

DonBrown

gets vegan eggs and

Beyond breakfast sausage every Sunday morning at the Turning Point of Doylestown. If you want to get specific: vegan eggs, Beyond meat, well done multigrain toast, and a fruit cup. I have been a member of the staff since those restaurant doors opened for the first time in October 2020. I started as a server and weaved my way through traffic to become a member of management. And in these past two and a half years serving this community, I’ve seen people enter strangers and walk out well-loved regulars.

step. As I tell his story to anyone willing to listen, I have learned his life is well crafted in gentleness. He founded a widows’ support group and created a safe space for people to wrestle with their grief. He is an advisor to a women’s shelter, and he privately mentors young entrepreneurs. These instances are merely just rays of the sunshine of his love for others.

• In 2022, the Bucks SPCA full-time veterinarian and medical team provided 9,678 exams for both shelter and public animals.

• The organization employs humane law enforcement officers who answer calls from the community, responding to over 500 complaints of annual cruelty or neglect annually. Last year, these humane police officers rescued 341 animals from harm. If you suspect animal cruelty in Bucks County, contact their tip line at 844-SPCA-TIP.

• This non-profit organization also offers a cat spay and neuter clinic. In the last year, the SPCA sterilized 263 cats.

The SPCA is currently working through the “kitten season”, with cats being donated to the shelter every day. An extensive network of foster volunteers cares for the animals before they’re spayed or neutered and offered for adoption. Last year alone, volunteers offered 639 foster homes.

The staff loves adoption success stories. Zeus (pictured) was adopted in July 2022. He’s a big lovable senior dog who lost his home when his original owner had to move. He had several medical needs that were attended to by the staff veterinarian. Today his adopter reports that Zeus is doing well in his new home and enjoys lying in the sun on the deck or sleeping on the couch.

Spencer (pictured) was one of hundreds of helpless kittens brought to the shelter each year. The tiniest ones enter foster care until they can be adopted. Adopting a kitten – or two – from the shelter creates additional spaces to help other animals in need. Spencer was adopted in April 2022 and is thriving in his new home.

How can we support the Bucks County SPCA?

The organization is always looking for new foster volunteers to care for animals in their homes. The SPCA provides all the food, litter, and medicine. There are ongoing opportunities at both the Lahaska and Quakertown shelters.

Our local SPCA greatly appreciates donations that can be used to continue the pet care work. In 2022, the organization received

I have many relationships with the people who carry me through my work week. One passed away in 2021, and I read a poem at his funeral. One couple invited me to their wedding, as I served them on their first date. One couple invited me to their gender reveal party. One brings in pastries for the staff every Tuesday morning. The line between stranger and friend blurs over that granite bar top. But no one warms my heart more than Don Brown does.

Don Brown was always a kind face on my Sunday mornings. Because we shared those days for so long, I would never consider him a stranger. We were a part of his week. And he was a part of ours. Our schedules were intertwined. And we loved it. He, with his vegan eggs. Us, with our beautiful pleasantries. But that all changed in March.

At the end of the month, I received a message from a close friend of mine who recognized his face on a billboard headed into the city. Seven words. That’s all it took to unravel the Sunday routine: “I need a kidney. Can you help?” And suddenly, the footholds slipped.

I cried. I awoke the next morning with heaviness in my chest. How could he be so wonderful under the pretense of his struggles? How much strength must he have to be a light within his own darkness? From that moment forward, I knew it in my heart, long before I knew it in my brain: I was going to help Don Brown get a kidney. And we help each other. He helps me learn how to breathe kindness into every

The kindness he brings is flammable. And once lit, it spreads. Like wildfire. It burns and engulfs me until that wave of warmth bathes me. And soon, that kindness that serenaded me into sharing his story becomes the same gentleness that lies dormant in the gray of getting you through the month; the kindness that convinces you to share this article, to donate, to contribute, to save Don. While he needs a kidney, it will ultimately be human love that saves Don’s life.

If there is one thing you take away from Doylestown burning down in transmissible love; if not Don’s courageous battle, or my desperate, poetic ramblings, it’s that every single “stranger” you meet has depth. They have battles, triumphs, canyons, and valleys; for there is not one single world. But billions of them. Spinning with every heartbeat that walks across your path. And they are so much more than what they eat for breakfast.

If you are interested in helping Don receive the help he so desperately needs, please share his story and visit his website at: https://www.kidney2don.com

Spencer

Rescues in need of medical care

Zeus

Don Brown with Gabriella Da Prato

YMCA Partners with USA Triathlon to Bring USA Kids Tri to Bucks and Hunterdon Counties

YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties has announced a new partnership with USA Triathlon, launching the USA Kids Tri initiative throughout Bucks County, PA and Hunterdon County, NJ. Kicking off the partnership in Doylestown, PA, the inaugural Kids Tri youth program began last month at the Doylestown branch, where the Y also offers Kids Tri Summer Camp, and will host the 13th annual YMCA Kids Triathlon race on August 13.

“At the Y we are always seeking new partnerships to foster youth development that create community out of healthy, inclusive competition,” said Trish Feinthel, chief operations officer for YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties. “Our Kids Tri has always been a great example of that, so it is exciting to expand those opportunities to all kids throughout the year.”

Taught by YMCA and USA Triathlon Certified Coaches, the Kids Tri program is designed to introduce youth to multi-sport opportunities for lifelong success in the sport. This program will focus on general conditioning, along with swim, bike, run, and transition skills to prepare for fun competition in youth triathlons. Weekly sessions include drills and games with an emphasis on fun, competition, and sportsmanship, capped off with a mini triathlon to celebrate program completion.

Powered by USA Triathlon’s USA Kids Tri, the eight week YMCA Kids Triathlon program is designed to help children be ready to compete to complete the YMCA Kids Triathlon race on August 13. All USA Kids Tri programs include structured time for kids to connect with peers and USA Triathlon certified coaches, a youth-focused kids triathlon curriculum, and the chance to compete locally.

Flip Dog Pilates Studio Announces New Owner

Flip Dog Pilates, a private Pilates studio serving Doylestown and Buckingham communities for more than 20 years, is celebrating a new owner. Doylestown native and 28-year Pilates instructor, Tricia Scheeler, is taking the reins from the studio’s founder, Vicki Cross, who is retiring to spend time with her growing family.

“After five years of teaching in the studio, I’m especially excited to be taking over Flip Dog,” said Tricia. “Vicki is an incredible teacher, motivator, and mentor who built a successful business. It’s a friendly, healthy, and supportive environment where you are sure to get an awesome workout! We’ll all miss her, and we’re happy for her as she moves on to the next phase of her life.”

The Pilates Method: Modern benefits from a century-old practice

For those not yet familiar with Pilates, it is a 100-year-old practice created by Joseph Pilates. Originally designed to help to rehabilitate soldiers and then ballet dancers, Pilates movements focus on core activation and flexibility while strengthening the whole body. The signature workout, offered at the Flip Dog studio, utilizes the “Reformer” equipment which leverages springs, pulleys, and a moving platform to create resistance. It enables a head-totoe workout, with an emphasis on postural alignment, core strength and flexibility.

“Pilates is for people of all ages and all levels,” said Tricia. It is based on low-impact movement that can be beneficial through all stages of life. I am truly an advocate of the Pilates Method and love teaching it to others. I have taught classes and trained instructors all over the world, from New York city, to San Francisco, and Columbia. I want to continue building a health-focused community for a diversity of clients centered around Pilates workouts.”

“Compete to complete is our inclusive mantra for competition at the Y,” Feinthel continued. “Our Kids Triathlon program and race are for all youth who wish to be active and healthy in a fun, safe place where they can learn and excel together. More experienced athletes set the example for our newcomers, with the goal for all to complete the race.”

“Creating more consistent opportunities for kids to engage in triathlon and multisport by practicing and participating with their friends will lead to the fun-filled unforgettable moments that stay with them for a lifetime,” said Emma O’Brien, USA Triathlon youth program coordinator. “When the activity becomes intertwined with their routines, friends and interests, it becomes a healthy passion. The USA Kids Tri program will introduce the sport in a fun, non-competitive fashion for athletes from all backgrounds.”

The USA Triathlon Foundation is supporting the Y with training resources and equipment including heart rate monitors, pedometers, Wahoo Kickr Bike Trainers, and Zone 3 goggles and swim caps. All youth athletes who participate in the YMCA’s Kids Tri programs, camp and/ or race receive a free USA Triathlon Youth Annual Membership. Benefits of USA Triathlon Youth Membership include access to an online, members-only dashboard with giveaways and usatriathlon.org/youth resources, opportunities to participate in youth sanctioned events, an online subscription to the quarterly USA Triathlon Magazine (with a Kids’ Section), and exclusive discounts from USA Triathlon sponsors.

The YMCA is pleased to offer Financial Assistance to those who qualify, for any of the YMCA Kids Tri programs, camps or races.

To learn more and to register for the inaugural YMCA Kids Tr Program or 13th annual YMCA Kids Triathlon race, visit ymcabhc.org/kids-tri.

Flipping for full-body workouts

Flip Dog Pilates is an intimate studio located on Taylor Ave, in Doylestown offering more than 20 Pilates-based classes per week. The workouts can be tailored to range of experience levels, and focus on integrating strength, balance, low impact movement, and flexibility training. Tricia said she’s working on plans to expand the class offering to include additional virtual classes and hybrid instruction comprising dance, barre, Pilates mat, yoga, and other Pilates equipment.

“My mission is to create a variety of effective workouts that energize you, while you sculpt, tone, and tighten your whole body. I want my clients to leave each session feeling rejuvenated physically and mentally. I welcome new clients and hope to see a lot of new people giving Flip Dog a try.”

Look Who’s Flipping over Flip Dog

“I’ve been taking Pilates reformer classes with Tricia for 4 years. She is an amazing instructor and has created a true sense of community at the studio. I get an intense workout each time, all while having fun.” – Jennie Arculin

“Tricia creates an inviting atmosphere for class, and I get an intense workout while having fun. I finally found a workout regimen I look forward to.” – Heather Olenski

Interested in checking out a Flip Dog class?

During the months of June – August, Flip Dog is running a special offer. New clients can purchase a drop-in class for $20 or schedule a 30-minute personal training session for $35. www.flipdogpilates.com

Doylestown Hospital Begins Partnership in Dakar, Senegal

Doylestown Hospital proudly extends its global outreach and humanitarian efforts to Hôpital Général Idrissa Pouye and Centre de Santé Aristide Mensah, both located in Dakar, Senegal, Africa with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The signing of the MOU on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, by leadership of Doylestown Health and a delegation from Senegal, represents the next phase of growth in a years-long partnership between Albert Ruenes, Jr., MD, Doylestown Health Urology, and Senegalese colleagues. The MOU establishes clinical cooperation and support between the medical centers and Doylestown Hospital and will support the training and exchange of clinical information and skills between physicians and other clinicians, among other educational priorities.

“We are grateful for the work of Dr. Ruenes and his Senegalese colleagues in paving the way for our institutions to come together in this partnership. Even though we are thousands of miles away, our missions are the same: to put patients first and improve the health and well-being of the people we serve,” says Jim Brexler, President and CEO of Doylestown Health.

In 2004, Dr. Ruenes established ASSISTS (America-Senegal Surgical Initiative, Surgeons Teaching Surgeons), a non-profit organization that provides African surgeons training and support to help eliminate suffering from medical conditions endemic to West Africa. The collaboration involves American and West African surgeons working together in Senegal to incorporate contemporary surgical techniques and improve the facilities in which these services are delivered.

“I’ve explored both the challenges and great rewards of delivering health care to rural indigent populations. It is not only the patients and small communities who benefit but also the clinicians delivering the care. Humanitarian work teaches empathy, humility, and reinforces the fundamental ethical standards we commit to when taking the Hippocratic Oath. Over the years, it’s been my honor to be welcomed with such warm hospitality by my Senegalese partners, and I’m delighted

that I could introduce them to my colleagues at Doylestown Hospital this week. It’s been a wonderful experience for all of us,” says Dr. Ruenes.

The signing of the MOU was the culmination of a series of events this week titled, CARING ACROSS CONTINENTS: A Celebration of Medicine, highlighting and celebrating our Senegalese partners and the global humanitarian efforts of clinicians and employees across Doylestown Health.

A poster session, free and open to the public, was held at Pearl S. Buck Estate on Tuesday, April 25th, and showcased the global reach of physicians, nurses, and Associates of Doylestown Health through their medical mission work in Eswatini, Nicaragua, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Ukraine, Belize, Peru, Mexico, and Senegal.

A dinner and speaking program followed. Scott Levy, MD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Doylestown Health, paid tribute to the work of ASSISTS, and shared, “If anything personifies the work of a humanitarian, it is the work that Dr. Ruenes is doing, and we are very grateful.” Dr. Ruenes and colleague Dr. Kurt McCammon presented Dr. Serigne Magueye Gueye with the prestigious Humanitarian of the Year award. Dr. Gueye was joined by his physician colleagues, and associates from Centre de Santé Aristide Mensah in Yeumbeul, Dakar, Senegal.

Although separated by thousands of miles on different continents, Dr. Ruenes spoke of the connections between the work of Doylestown Health and the Centre de Santé Aristide Mensah in Senegal,

“This labor of love, this collaborative work that has so fulfilled me, reminds me of when, in 1923, a group of women called the Village Improvement Association founded Doylestown Hospital to improve the health in their community. This expansion project to growing from a community clinic in Senegal to a small community hospital…this is OUR Village Improvement project,” he said.‘

To learn more or contribute, visit https://dh100.org/assists

Kids Triathletes celebrate completing 2022 Kids Triathlon at the YMCA in Doylestown.

By Jamie Stem

The Cardinal Contributing Writer

Hi Tom, you are a member of the Big Chill, tell me a little about what you do in the band?

Big Chill came to be after I ran into an old friend and musician, Bob “Oscar” Meyer, at Fischer’s Hardware store in Plumsteadville. Neither of us had played for quite a few years and thought it might be fun to get some of our old bandmates together and play some music. Not long after finalizing our lineup, we found ourselves playing our first gig at the Cactus Grill in Pipersville in 2009.

We’ve been playing at least once a month for over 15 years. I play drums, sing, do the bookings, drive the band trailer, and set up for gigs. I truly enjoy all of it. The best part is that I have the pleasure of playing and having fun with Big Chill and the enjoying the friendships that stood the test of time. Some folks have golf or fishing – I have Big Chill.

I have seen your band up on marquees in the area for years now and I always wondered if you played any of the music from the movie The Big Chill? It happens to be one of my favorite soundtracks

Yes we do. Gracie, our Singer, came up with the Big Chill slogan “Forget Who You Are, Remember Who You Were”. When people ask what songs do we play I tell them “Classic and Soon to Be Classic Rock with a Touch of Motown” We play a wide range of songs from Aretha to Adele, Beatles to Bowie and Steely Dan to Springsteen.

Tell me a little bit about the players in your band

Keith Egyud fronts on Bass and Lead vocals. Keith is our musical director and arranger. He’s had a long career of performance over the years with The Rivals, Construction and most notably, Strange as Angels, who was a very successful band.

Michael Mancuso is our amazing lead guitar “magician” (and his fingers never leave his hands!). He’s the quiet one in the band who speaks loudest with his mad guitar skills. If a song has a guitar in it, Michael can play it proficiently, no matter what style or genre.

Gracie Lane is on lead vocals, acoustic guitar and percussion. While living in NYC, she started singing at open mics and eventually performed with a Rhythm & Blues band, Country Rock trio and spent many years working in the piano bar circuit with her long time accompanist in the Tristate area. In 2008, she auditioned for

the newly formed Big Chill and has been our female lead vocalist since then.

Tim Varvel is our Sax Man. Tim started to sit in with us when we played at the Cactus Grill. He sat in quite a bit and eventually started playing at our gigs. He was such a great fit that it just seemed it was meant to be. Lucky for Big Chill, Tim became a permanent fixture in the band and also contributes some bass and rhythm guitar.

Ryan Enstrom is our Keyboard maestro but also helps out with some Guitar on occasion. Before moving to PA, Ryan lived and played on the West Coast while also writing and recording his own tunes. The legendary Jeff Beck played and collaborated on Ryan’s compositions.

Tom Ott (also known as The Big Toe) is the heartbeat of Big Chill and plays the Drums and adds vocals. Originally from Trenton, Tom and Michael started playing together back in High School. He’s worked with The Fabulous Grease Band along with other band work in the Trenton area before becoming a permanent Pipersville resident.

Our website is www.bigchillband.com

By Dakoda Carlson

The Cardinal Editorial Intern

Hot Music with Big Chill Arts and Cultural Council Promotes Arts in Bucks County

The Arts and Cultural Council (A&C) is a non-profit organization founded in 1974. It is dedicated to “enrich, inspire, and enhance the arts experience in this region,” according to newly elected Board member, Gene Underwood.

The original goal of the A&C was to “have an exhibition space for the legendary painters of the New Hope School, and to develop a database of local artists”, says Underwood in his article about the history of the A&C.

Underwood states that The Council provides first-rate art exhibitions, “literary events such as poetry readings, and educational webinars that help creative people navigate the career hurdles of entering competitions or getting published.”

The Council has dedicated its time to providing Bucks County residents with a lovely visual and literary art experience. The main exhibition space is located at Freeman Hall, 181 E. Court Street in Doylestown, but the council itself is open to members from anywhere.

Some of the most recent projects held by the Council include the “30 Days of Inspiration series for National Poetry Month and sculpture installations at the Southampton Public Library,” says Underwood. “We include not only exhibitions but also opportunities to hone professional skills as an artist or writer.”

Visual and literary artists can be members of the A&C alongside the general public. The non-profit covers the whole county and offers more than just exhibitions.

The next project you can look forward to from the A&C is the annual R. E. D. Exhibition (Reimagine, Explore, Discover) held on Saturdays and Sundays in June at Freeman Hall from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Later in the summer, the A&C will host the Wine and Art Trail event outlined on their website, bucksarts.org. The best way to reach the A&C is through email at info@bucksarts.org

Doylestown Park (Kids Castle)

Sept. 16th • TBD • Peddlers Village

Sept. 29th • 7:00 – 11:00 • Cactus Grill

October 7th • 11:00 – 3:00

Hatfield Park Rocktober

October 27th • 7:00 – 11:00 • Halloween Party • Cactus Grill

November 4th • TBD • Peddlers Village

November 17th • 7:00 – 11:00 • Cactus Grill

December 15th • 7:00 – 11:00 • Cactus Grill

Jamie Stem highlights local musicians and the restaurants that host their live music. For more information reach out to Jamie at Jamie.stem@gmail.com

PRIDEFEST - continued from page 1 was started by a group of nonprofit organizations (including the Michener Art Museum, The Rainbow Room, Salem United Church of Christ, Borough Council, and the Doylestown Borough Human Relations Commission) in 2019. It celebrates the many diverse sexual orientations and gender identities in Doylestown and the surrounding communities.

Kris Boger, President of Discover Doylestown, said that the formal conversation started when a Borough Council Member asked about the logistics of creating a rainbow crosswalk near where the Rainbow Room meets at Salem Church after a hate group had visited CB West.

“The public’s support of the students and the hate they were experiencing really acted as a catalyst for the creation of our group,” Boger said. “We hosted our first Doylestown Pride Festival in June 2019, on the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. We featured three films at the County Theater, a Block Party on E State Street, and some smaller pop-up events scattered throughout the downtown. Our committee wondered as we worked to set up the first Block Party if we’d have 50 or 100 people show up. We ended up with nearly 3,000 attendees throughout the day. We were absolutely, positively floored by the number of people.”

Though the pandemic presented challenges in hosting large events, Pride Festival continued and has grown since.

“Coming out of the pandemic we found new ways to grow the event with the addition of our Pride Music Day, in partnership with Picnics on Pine, which featured an all LGBTQ+ lineup of original music and Drag Brunch at Genevieve’s Kitchen with sold-out seatings each year. “

This year’s lineup of events features something for everyone: music shows, film screenings, a bike ride, a cocktail contest, the Drag Brunch, and, of course, the Pride Block Party on June 24th, which encompasses the block of E. State Street between Pine and Main Streets.

When asked about her favorite event, Boger simply couldn’t narrow one down. “They’re all truly amazing for totally different reasons. But there is a moment

that happens at each of them, where someone wanders up to our information tent at the event and thanks our volunteers for offering a space where they can truly be themselves, proudly and openly,” she said. “While that alone might not feel like it’s a huge statement, for so many folks their journey to being comfortable enough to attend a pride event may not have always been easy, or they didn’t feel like they could be open about who they are. But seeing so many people of all ages - all gender identities, families with kids, allies - everyone coming together in our small town to say and show that folks are loved, it’s more amazing than I can ever describe. Such simple words of “thank you for this” covers so many emotions that aren’t always able to be articulated.”

This year marks another milestone to celebrate. The rainbow crosswalk, longago proposed by the Borough Council Member, just came to fruition this May, when it was installed at the intersection of Printer’s Alley and E. State Street, next to Evolution Candy. Boger expressed the significance of this for Doylestown and for our greater County. “We’re so very proud to share that we installed a permanent rainbow crosswalk in town with funds raised through sponsorship and event ticket sales, which helped us fund the initial painting and ongoing maintenance. Our rainbow crosswalk is the first in Bucks County.”

Those looking to be a part of Pride Month are welcome to join as volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering on June 17 for the Music Party or on June 24 for the Block Party can sign up on the website https://www.dtownpride.com/. A full lineup of events can also be found on the website.

Anita Nolan – Zygmunt Motors

Cheryl Bomba – Universal Language

arts • music

New for Brown Bag It - Prizes Available!

The Chamber will reward the top three attendees this season with one of the following exciting prizes: Wegman’s Gift Card, Chamber’s 19 Gift Card, County Theater 1 Year Membership

Attend the Brown Bag-it event any Wednesday this Summer to collect your season Punch Card and get started!

June 11 Concert to Raise Funds for Divorce Recovery Center

design and cut their own print block and produce prints. The workshop fee is $65, or $60 for Mill members. The workshop is limited to 15 participants so interested individuals should secure a spot soon. Register at www.phillipsmill.org.

Playwrights should mark their calendar for June 26 when submissions open for the popular Emerging Playwright Competition, now in its 6th year. The Competition attracts talented playwrights from a 100-mile radius of the Mill and looking to bring their work to the stage. Each year, six short plays are selected by a jury to be read on stage at an event in the fall, with discussions between the audience and authors following the readings. Submissions open.

Brown Bag-It With The Arts

Each year from May through September, the lawn of the Former Bucks County Courthouse comes alive with live music and performances by local artists. Each Wednesday at noon (weather permitting) you can bring a blanket and the kids or bring a co-worker.

Pack a lunch or stop by a local restaurant before (or after the event), then come and enjoy sounds and performance from many different genres.

Sponsor: Peddler’s Village and Carroll Engineering Corporation

Special Thank You: Bucks County Commissioners, The Up Agency, Bucks County Women’s Journal, and the Bucks County Herald

To see the video of the events, check out the Chamber’s YouTube channel.

For a full schedule and more information contact the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce visit: www.centralbuckschamber. com or call 215-348-3913 x115.

Full Schedule:

May 24 - CB East Jazz Band

May 24 - CB South Jazz Band

May 24 - CB West Jazz Band

May 31 - Delaware Valley Saxophone Quartet

June 7 - Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival

June 14 - Elvis Pretzel

June 21 - School of Rock

June 28 - School of Rock

July 5 - Lou Pompillo

July 12 - Eco Man

July 19 - Bucks County Folk Song Society

July 26 - Bill Aust

Aug 2 - Edward George

Aug 9 - Joan & Steve

Aug 16 - BC Country Gentlemen Barbershop

Chorus & Cairngorm Pipes & Drum

Aug 23 - Tom & Marianne Tucker & No

Windows

Aug 30 - Back Porch Jug Band

Sept 6 - No Strings Attached

Emmy-nominated Jeffrey Gaines headlines fundraiser for Doylestown’s Divorce Recovery Center

On Sunday, June 11, the New Hope Winery will host an incredible afternoon of music with Jeffrey Gaines, known around the globe for his hit “Hero in Me” and many other award-winning songs marking his 25year career.

The special concert will be the first such event to raise funds for Doylestown’s Divorce Recovery Center, with part of the proceeds of every ticket supporting the DRC.

Located at 95 West Court Street in Doylestown, the Divorce Recovery Center supports individuals and families as they navigate through their divorce, offering a wide array of services. To learn more, visit www.divorcerecoverycenter.org. More information about the concert can be found at www.newhopewinery.com

Summer Magic at the Mill

Summertime in Bucks County brings an abundance of artistic enchantment to Phillips’ Mill including the much-anticipated call for submissions for its historic Juried Art Show. Artists interested in submitting their work in August will want to look for the prospectus for this year’s show, which will be posted on the Mill’s website in midJune. www.phillipsmill.org.

The art committee for the 94th Juried Art Show is also pleased to announce the selection of this year’s Signature Image, “The Party Cat of Phillips’ Mill” by artist and educator, Pamela Miller. Chosen from an array of submitted works, Miller’s captivating pastel will be used on the show’s marketing and advertising materials as it ramps up to showtime, September 23 - October 29.

If poetry is your preferred art form, the next Salon event is for you. Drama at Phillips’ Mill would like to give you a stage to bring your words to life. A new Salon hosted by John McDonnell is sure to captivate all with a Poetry Slam at the Mill on Tuesday, June 20th at 7:30 PM. The Poetry Slam offers an opportunity to gather with poetry enthusiasts to hear their work read in front of a live audience. The event is free but participants and guests are asked to register online at phillipsmill.org to secure a seat. There will be volunteer judges and someone will be named the winner!

For printmaking fans, the fun continues Saturday, June 24th from 1-4 PM with an afternoon of hands-on instruction with award-winning Bucks County artist and printmaker Dean Thomas. Following an overview of various printmaking techniques, Thomas will give a demonstration of Color Reduction Printmaking and participants will

ArtTalk spins its magic on the 4th Wednesday of each month featuring intriguing online conversations with artists, curators, playwrights and more. Check the website for details of the June 26th ArtTalk and for links to past shows. www.phillipsmill. org/events/arttalk.

The magic continues all Summer long at Phillips’ Mill. Visit their website at www. phillipsmill.org to learn details about all the exciting events and programs making their way to the historic grist Mill at 2619 River Road in New Hope.

Cast Announced for Bucks County Playhouse’s “Tick, Tick … Boom!”

Andy Mientus (“Spring Awakening”), Krystina Alabado (“Mean Girls”) and Noah J. Ricketts (“Disney’s Frozen”) will star in a new production of Jonathan Larson’s “Tick, Tick … Boom!” as part of Bucks County Playhouse’s 2023 Season. The production will run at the historic New Hope venue June 23 – July 15.

The Playhouse’s Executive Producer Robyn Goodman, Producing Director Alexander Fraser, and producer Josh Fiedler recently announced details of the production, which will be directed by Eric Rosen (BCP’s “American Jade”) and choreographed by Paul McGill (“Bullets Over Broadway”).

Bucks County Playhouse Executive Producer, Robyn Goodman was one of the original producers of “Tick … Tick… Boom!” Off-Broadway in 2001.

“Before ‘Rent’ I gave Jonathan Larson his very first reading of ‘Boho Days’ which later became ‘Tick… Tick… Boom!’,” says Goodman. “I have always loved his music and how he captured that moment when a brilliant artist turns 30 and still waiting for his real life to begin.”

“Tick, Tick … Boom!” is a high-octane rock musical that follows the life of a young composer facing the age of 30, with little to show for it. Based on his life before he wrote “Rent,” Jonathan Larson’s “Tick, Tick … Boom!” is a youthful, vibrant, and moving rock musical reminding us that sometimes dreams can come true.

Tickets can be purchased at BucksCountyPlayhouse.org or by calling 215-862-2121.

Dan the Man Trivia Questions -

Answers on page 23

1. What band had a hit in 1967 with Incense and Peppermints?

2. What band had a hit in 1977 with Telephone Line?

3. What artist had a hit in 1987 with Brilliant Disguise?

Dad Joke

What do you call a hippies wife?

Come see Dan the Man (Dan Fry) at Trivia every Thursday night at Villa Capri!

photo by Aaron Mitchell Photography

Jeffrey Gaines

arts • music

BOOK REVIEW: The Professor by Charlotte Bronte

By Lily Appleby The Cardinal Editorial Intern

This summer, whether you’ve got a few hours to spare in the airport, or you’re looking for something to occupy the growing hours of the day, this month’s book should prove to be the ideal companion.

Like a b-track often neglected in favor of the hits, The Professor, by Charlotte Brontë, is likewise neglected for Brontë sisters’ titles that we are more acquainted with, such as Charlotte’s Jane Eyre or Emily’s Wuthering Heights. Unfortunately, in neglecting this novel, we miss a unique understanding of this author. Whether this is your first or fifth time reading a Charlotte Brontë novel, The Professor is a must-read novel that will enable you to see the original root from which the likes of Shirley, Jane Eyre, and Villette stemmed.

The progress Brontë made as a writer in so short a time speaks testament to how talented she became at her craft. The Professor, whilst being Charlotte Brontë’s first book, was published posthumously in 1857. The world saw Jane Eyre, Brontë’s first published novel

in 1847, only a decade earlier.

The novel follows William Crimsworth, a young man looking for work in Victorian England. Narrated from a first-person perspective, it marks the only time Brontë used the male point of view. Crimsworth, forced to leave his position as clerk for reasons I shan’t reveal, eventually finds himself employed as a professor at a boarding school in Belgium. Through Crimsworth’s journey, Brontë explores the social contrasts between men and women, and the dynamics of power versus submission, as he falls in love with two women distinctly opposite in character. The romance within the novel, to both benefit and detriment, can come across as realistically mundane. As modern readers, we would be foolish to expect the kind of provocative tale filled with heated twists and turns that constitute today’s romance shelves. But it is under this genre facet that The Professor reveals itself as the first completed work of a debut writer experiencing the growing pains of producing a novel that utilizes romance as a tool for garnering intrigue. And, ultimately, it focuses on

complex social criticism that extends beyond fiction.

It is under this premise where The Professor receives the most criticism, for being too close to the truth, and consequently losing the charm that fiction adds to reality. It’s important, upon making such criticisms, to remind ourselves that Brontë – regardless of having sent manuscripts to publishers earlier in her career – passed before The Professor was published. It is apparent within just the sheer popularity of Jane Eyre that Brontë was perfectly capable of writing an enthralling romance with twists and moments of pining that has stood the test of time. And so, to pass harsh criticism upon a novel that Brontë never pursued publishing would overlook the obvious fact that this flaw was an anomaly.

If you’ve been looking for a socially critical novel that does not solely depend upon romanticized relationships, and is far less daunting in size than its successors, The Professor will surely leave you feeling closer to understanding the creative mind of one of the greatest female novelists in the 19th century.

The Whole World in Our Hands: Talking with Local Musician and Environmental Activist DARIA

By Nate Schneller

The

Cardinal Editorial Intern

June celebrates the environment awareness month. For the occasion, I talked with local musician and environmental activist DARIA. DARIA is known for her Earth Day song, “We’ve Got the Whole World in Our Hands,” which has 885 thousand views on YouTube. I talked to DARIA about her passion for music, the Earth Day song, her recent projects, and the connection between environmental activism and music.

DARIA’s passion for music began in elementary school. “There was a music teacher who was very happy and loved to share the joy of music,” she told me. “Music and books gave me a happy place. Seeing adults like that, I’d go, ‘Wow, I want to do that’’”

And so, DARIA became a musician who

specializes in world music for children. The origin of her Earth Day song began while DARIA worked as a teacher in an elementary school. “The kids were learning about Earth Day and a fellow teacher suggested I write a song.” With not that much time, DARIA repurposed the melody of “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” as a base. The students then suggested the lyrics. “I wanted to focus on ‘human ecology,’ things that really mattered to the children,” she said. Together, they collaborated to finish the song.

The resulting lyrics include sentiments like “join hands with sisters and brothers” and “be kind to the plants and animals.” The song has been a hit with families and children. However, DARIA wanted to do more than just a single Earth Day song.

Recently, she had the chance to do just that. Teaming up with over 20 musicians from around the globe, they released a full

album of Earth Day songs titled “Earth Day Around the World.” Each song is a different take on the Earth Day song. They range from different genres, such as Reggae and Folk. There’s even a Fairies and Elves version.

Many of the songs are sung in each artist’s native language. DARIA feels this is essential. “I really love how we’re preserving the mother tongues. It is a different way of looking at things,” she said. She believes that without native languages, these cultures are “a puzzle without all the pieces.”

The CD has been a success, but DARIA thinks there’s more to be done. She hopes to someday produce another album and include even more languages. “I’ve already reached out to a New Zealand artist who has a friend who knows Maori,” she tells me.

It was clear talking to DARIA that she has a great passion for using music to spread environmental awareness. “It is so much fun

to take something vital and make it musical,” she tells me. “It’s a wonderful tool, but also a joy. It can wake people up and paint a picture of a problem. It’s like making a speech, but it’s more entertaining.” DARIA believes strongly in music’s role in educating the youth of today about environmental issues in a digestible manner. “We owe it to this generation to tell them in an age-appropriate way about helping the planet,” she said.

To learn more about DARIA and listen to the album, check out her website at https://www.dariamusic.com

Daria performing live

events calendar

COUNTY THEATRE

WWW.COUNTYTHEATRE.ORG

JUNE SHOWTIMES

Thursday 1, 7:00pm

Mars Attacks!

Saturday 3, 10:00am

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows:

Part 2

Sat. 4, 1:30pm & Wed. 21, 4:00pm

Tokyo Stories

Wednesday 7, 7:00pm

Raging Bull

Thursday 8, 7:00pm & Wed 14, 4:00pm

Singin’ in the Rain

Tuesday 13, 7:00pm

The Matrix

Wednesday 14, 7:00pm

The Godfather Part II

Thursday 15, 8:45pm

Hook

Sunday 18, 7:00pm

Framing Agnes

Monday 19, 7:00pm

Miss Juneteenth

Tuesday 20, 7:00pm

The Misfits

Wednesday 21, 7:00pm

Monty Python Fest

Thursday 22, 7:00pm

My Policeman

Saturday 24, 10:30am

Kit Kittredge: An American Girl

Wednesday 28, 7:00pm

The Blues Brothers

Thursday 29, 7:00pm

From Russia with Love

WEDNESDAY • MAY 31

LYNNE ANNE DONCHEZ // FOR THE LOVE OF HATS

Doylestown Bookshop • 6:00pm

Join us in welcoming Lynne Anne Donchez as she discusses and signs copies of For The Love of Hats Wednesday, May 31st, at 6:00 PM. Model Monica Carr will join us to model a selection of hats. This is an in-person event. Books will be available for purchase at The Doylestown Bookshop on the day of the event. www.doylestownbookshop.com/event

ONGOING

JUNE 1 – AUGUST 31

STORIES IN SAND

Peddlers Village

Celebrate summer vibes with larger than life sand sculptures that celebrate favorite stories!

Free and open to the public, Stories in Sand will showcase six exceptionally tall sculptures created by three world-renowned master sand sculptors. The spectacular sculptures, all of which are due to be completed by June 1 (weather depending), will pay homage to stories and characters revered for generations: Brothers Grimm fairy tales, Peter Pan, The Jungle Book, Winnie-the-Pooh, Mother Goose stories, and Alice in Wonderland. Sandboxes designed for family play will also be placed throughout the property.

https://peddlersvillage.com/event/sand-sculptures

JUNE 12 – JULY 30

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION & EXHIBIT

Peddlers Village

On display from June 12 – July 30, this pet-themed exhibit will showcase entries from local photographers, both professional and

amateur, as they compete for cash prizes. Admission to the exhibit is free. Housed in the Visitor & Event Center (Red Barn, located off Street Road and Peddler’s Lane).

https://peddlersvillage.com/event/photography-competitionexhibit

JUNE 2 – 10

PICK YOUR PROJECT WORKSHOP

June 2 & 9 at 6:15pm; June 3 at 10:45am

June 4 at 11:45am; June 10 at 3:45pm

At The Board and Brush

Looking for a fun way to connect with friends or family? Join our most popular DIY workshop and create your own unique wood sign! Select a wood project from our gallery. 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. Pre-registration is required. We look forward to seeing you soon!

https://boardandbrush.com/doylestown/events/ pickyourprojectworkshop-256-1682953630465

THURSDAY • JUNE 1

ANDROID’S DREAM SCI-FI BOOK CLUB

Doylestown Bookshop • 6:30pm

Join us for a discussion of all things sci-fi, fantasy, and horror at the Android’s Dream Book Club. This book club meets on the first Thursday of every month at Doylestown Bookshop, and is free to join with no registration necessary. Hope to see you there. Discussing: Beacon 23 by Hugh Howey.

https://www.doylestownbookshop.com/event/2023-06

THURSDAY • JUNE 1

PAIRING WINE & CHOCOLATE

Crossing Vineyard • 7:00pm

Chocolate has grown up, and we’re all about it. From Fair Trade to Single Origin, 55% to 85%, taste some of the most amazing products the cacao bean has to offer, from Naked Chocolate of Newtown. Along the way, sip on an assortment of our awardwinning wines. Includes wine tasting and a selection of gourmet chocolates. An antioxidant-rich indulgence!

Reservations are a must. Cost: $40 per person. https://www.crossingvineyards.com/public-events

FRIDAY • JUNE 2

THE CREATIVE READING BOOK CLUB

Lahaska Bookshop •1:00pm

There will be a discussion revolving around informative fiction and non-fiction. Although the group consists mainly of “matured” adults, folks of all ages are welcome. Meetings will be on the second or first Friday of every month. Please contact Daniel at daniel@ lahaskabookshop.com for more information. Discussing: ‘West With Giraffes’ by Lynda Rutledge.

https://www.doylestownbookshop.com/event/lahaska-creativereading-book-club-0

SATURDAY • JUNE 3

THE MIND MASTERY BOOK CLUB

Doylestown Bookshop • 4:00pm

Facilitated by Lisa Santa Barbara, come out and enjoy stimulating conversations with like-minded people! The books selected will be related to Mastering your Mind, cultivating and expanding your awareness of observing your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Foster authenticity and live in your truth. Discussing: ‘How to do the Work: Recognize your Patterns, Heal from your Past, and Create your Self’ by Dr. Nicole LePera.

https://www.doylestownbookshop.com/event/doylestownmind-mastery-book-club-4

SATURDAY • JUNE 3

SPRING WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

Crossing Vineyard • 12:00pm – 5:00pm

Celebrate Spring at the vineyard with this festive day featuring craft food & beverage vendors, live music, and, of course, wine!

Admission includes food, wine, and spirits sampling; additional beverages and light bites available for purchase.

All ticket sales are final. Event is rain or shine.

Cost: $35 per person in advance. $40 the week of the event. https://www.crossingvineyards.com/public-events

Sesame Place: Hulmeville (215)-702-3566

Head on over to sesame place for a fun and new meet and greet with the Power Rangers, hosted on June 3 and 4. Not into superheroes? Join Sesame Place on June 10 and 11 for the “Choo-Choo Soul” experience. Enjoy a live performance by the cast of the Disney Jr. TV show.

Doylestown Bookshop: 16 S Main St Doylestown, (215)-230-7610

THURSDAY • JUNE 8

THE WOMEN’S BUSINESS BOOK CLUB

Doylestown Bookshop • 6:00pm

Join us for a book discussion group for women in business. Each meeting will focus on a business book and will include a guest facilitator for each session, based on the book. Guest facilitators will include businesswomen from the Doylestown and Bucks County communities. Come to all sessions or just drop in on a session that sounds interesting to you, no reservations required. Discussing: ‘Contagious: Why Things Catch On’ by Jonah Berger.

https://www.doylestownbookshop.com/event/doylestownwomens-business-book-club-4

WEDNESDAY • JUNE 14

CLAY MCLEOD CHAPMAN WITH CHUCK WENDIG / GHOST EATERS

Doylestown Bookshop • 6:00pm

Join us in welcoming horror writer Clay Mcleod Chapman as he discusses Ghost Eaters, one of Vulture’s Best Horror Novels of 2022, with NYT Bestselling author Chuck Wendig at The Doylestown Bookshop. https://www.doylestownbookshop.com/event/clay-mcleodchapman-chuck-wendig-ghost-eaters

SATURDAY • JUNE 17

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM BY PSF’S “PLAY ON!” COMMUNITY TOUR

Peddlers Village • 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival launches its inaugural “Play On!” community touring program with Shakespeare’s classic comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream. A FREE performance located in Peddler’s Village will be an opportunity for everyone to enjoy Shakespeare’s hilarious mash-up of mistaken lovers, mischievous fairies, and amateur thespians. A dream come true for all ages, visit PSF’s website for more information and locations. https://peddlersvillage.com/event/a-midsummer-nights-dreamby-psfs-play-on-community-tour

SATURDAY • JUNE 17

CLAIRE LEGEND / A CROWN OF IVY AND GLASS

Doylestown Bookshop • 1:00pm

Join us in welcoming New York Times bestselling author Claire Legrand as she discusses and signs her debut adult novel, A Crown of Ivy and Glass, at The Doylestown Bookshop. Registration is required for this free event. https://www.doylestownbookshop.com/event/claire-legrandcrown-ivy-and-glass

SUNDAY • JUNE 18

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Mercer Museum • 10:30am – 4:00pm

Juneteenth Celebration. The 2023 Juneteenth Celebration at the Mercer Museum is brought to you by the Bucks County Anti-Racism Coalition, the PairUP Society, the NAACP of Bucks County, and the Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle. Join us to celebrate Juneteenth in the heart of the Doylestown Cultural District. https://www.mercermuseum.org/events

TUESDAY • JUNE 20

PHILOSOPHY BOOK CLUB

Lahaska Bookshop • 12 noon

The Lahaska Bookshop invites you to join engaging discussions about philosophy and philosophers. The discussions are guided by Jonathan Matas who has 35 years of experience teaching philosophy to adult students. Discussing: ‘Modern Ethics in 77 Arguments: A Stone Reader’ by Peter Catapano and Simon Critchley. https://www.doylestownbookshop.com/event/ lahaska-philosophy-book-club-7

WEDNESDAY • JUNE 21

SUMMER SOLSTICE HIKE & FIRE

Peace Valley Park • 7:30pm – 9:00pm Age 15 & up. $5/members; $8/non-members. You’re invited to help us celebrate the longest day of the year. We’ll enjoy the late sunset, take an evening trail walk, and then convene around the campfire. Registration online.

breakfast with the Giraffes. June 10-11 and June 24 and 25, you have the option to enjoy your first meal of the day with some furry (and tall) company. Enjoy the experience through June and July.

THURSDAY • JUNE 22

TREASURES FROM THE LIBRARY VAULT: TRUE CRIME IN BUCKS COUNTY

Mercer Museum • 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Treasures from the Library Vault: True Crime in Bucks County. Delve into archival and museum objects that tell the fascinating stories of true crime in Bucks County as told by our Director of Library & Archives Annie Halliday. Discover the history of the 1831 Mina-Chapman murder case, the 1893 Rightly murders, and other surprise treasures from the collections and archives, including clues from investigations, images of suspects, stories of attempted jail breaks, and more! https://www.mercermuseum.org/events

THURSDAY • JUNE 22

THE NATURE LOVERS BOOK CLUB

Doylestown Bookshop • 6:00pm

The Bucks County Audubon Society at the Honey Hollow Educational Environmental Center welcomes you to join us at the Doylestown Bookshop for a fun and engaging discussion about all thing’s nature. We will be meeting on the 4th Thursday evening of the month, starting at 6:00 p.m. We welcome your insights and input for future readings. Bring a friend and make a new one and we look forward to seeing you at the next meeting. Visit our blog for more info: http://natureloversbookclub.blogspot.com/.

Discussing: ‘Fen, Bog, and Swamp’ by Annie Proulx. https://www.doylestownbookshop.com/event/hybrid-bookclub-nature-lovers-5

THURSDAY • JUNE 22

PAIRING WINE, CHEESE, & CHARCUTERIE

Crossing Vineyard • 7:00pm

Enjoy the ambience of the winery while you are guided through a tasting of ten wines. We can’t leave wine enough alone, so feast on a platter of artisanal cheese and cured meats along the way. After the tasting, stay a while at McAvoy’s Bar and order a glass of your favorite selection! Reservation required.

Cost: $40 per person.

https://www.crossingvineyards.com/public-events

THURSDAY • JUNE 22

THIRD ANNUAL “REEL” GARDEN PARTY

Newtown Theatre • 6:30pm

This outdoor cocktail party includes an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, music and special auction items. The party will be co-sponsored by Michael and Chris Franko, along with Steve and Gloria Cugine. Both the Frankos and Cugines are Newtown residents and theatre supporters, with Michael and Gloria serving as theatre board members. The Reel Garden Party will be held at the Franko’s home at 240 South Chancellor Street in Newtown Borough. Book tickets online.

https://www.thenewtowntheatre.com/events/2023/reelgarden-party

FRIDAY • JUNE 23

COMEDY IN THE VILLAGE

Peddlers Village • 8:00pm – 9:30pm

Looking for laughs? We’ve got ‘em! Host Dwayne Dunlevy, Donna Lloyd, Lori Palminteri, and headliner Jason Salmon take the stage at the Peddler’s Village Event Tent. The event will include a cash bar, but no food. Couples, singles, and large groups are welcome! General admission. For adults 18+ only. Mature humor. Space is limited, so reserve now.

https://peddlersvillage.com/event/comedy062323

TUESDAY • JUNE 27

PRESSED FLOWER WORKSHOP

Makers off Main • 6:00pm – 7:30pm

Join Doylestown artist, Nancy W. Taylor, to create beautiful and unique pressed flower art. No two pieces turn out the same- the possibilities are endless! Using flowers foraged and pressed by Nancy, you will learn how to colorize, arrange, adhere, and frame your own unique 6x6 framed display. You will also learn how to press and store flowers. Quality supplies included. Advance registration required! BYOB!Participants can also enjoy 10% off their purchases at Allora during the workshop!

https://www.makersoffmain.com/shop/classes-and-workshopsdoylestown/13

stunning sand castle creations. Kickoff weekend is June 3rd and the event is accompanied by live music, a petting zoo, and an all-around good time.

Doylestown Library:

Yoga Gnome: 2389 Forest Grove Rd. Furlong (609)-462-6000

Looking to move and groove with your little ones? Join The Yoga Gnome for a variety of yoga classes with ages ranging from 6 weeks to all ages. Want something longer than just a class? No problem. The Yoga Gnome also offers an engaging summer camp opportunity for kindergartners to the 5 grade.

Take a moment and enjoy the magic of books at the Doylestown bookshop. Join us for the “Unicorn Island: Beyond the Portal” event. Paired with fun activities such as a unicorn-themed scavenger hunt, a reading of the new book, and a meet and greet with the author herself. Saturday, June 10, at 1 pm.

Elmwood Park Zoo: 1661 Harding Blvd, Norristown (800)-652-4143

Enjoy a wonderful and unique experience at the Elmwood Park Zoo this summer and eat your

Peace Valley Nature Center: 107 N Chapman Rd. Doylestown (215)-348-6270 Stop by the nature center this summer to explore all nature has to offer. Peace Valley has a wonderful firefly event hosted on June 29 and 30 from 8:309:30 pm. Experience the magic of the bug and learn more about their species. If you can’t make it to the firefly walk, the nature center offers summer camp options: camp for ages 3-5 and another for K-5. Hosted Monday through Friday from 10 am12 pm.

Peddlers Village: 100 Peddlers Village, Lahaska (215)-794-4000

Throughout June into August, enjoy the amazing talents of three master sand sculptors and their

150 S Pine St. Doylestown (215)-348-9081

Take a step away and enter the magic of books. Hosted on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the Doylestown library offers storytime at 9:30 am and 11 am and every other Saturday at 9:30 am and 11 am. Not in a book mood this time around? Head to the library every Thursday at 2 pm for a movie matinee.

Bowman’s Hill Tower and Wildflower Preserve: 1635 River Rd. New Hope (215)-862-2924 Get outside and enjoy a peaceful walk whilst surrounded by the beauty of wildflowers at Bowman’s Hill Tower and wildflower preserve. Open every day from 9 am-5 pm.

biz bits

Newtown Realtor Dave Marcolla Launches New Program for First Responder Homebuyers

Dave Marcolla, a veteran Realtor in the Newtown area with more than 20 years of sales, marketing and financial services experience, held a grand opening for his new real estate brokerage last month.

At the event, Marcolla unveiled details of his new program designed specifically to assist homebuyers who help the local community by serving as first responders. The first of its kind local to this area, members of the Newtown fire, EMT and police departments were on hand to learn

the details of this new initiative. Marcolla, the nephew of a beloved and since passed volunteer fire chief, also presented a check to the assembled first responders.

Attendees of the grand opening enjoyed light breakfast refreshments from Calm Waters Coffee, Mamie Colette’s Bakery & Playa Bowls, raffles and prize giveaways, and were able to tour the new location in Newtown Borough’s historic downtown. Invited guests, and local dignitaries included Mayor Burke, Congressman Fitzpatrick, Senator Santarsiero and Representative Warren.

Marcolla has lived in — and restored — homes in Bucks County, PA, and Central

Purchasing a Home with Little Cash Out of Pocket

By Patrick Mencel

The Cardinal Contributing Writer

First and foremost, I am not a lender or loan officer. I am a realtor. But understanding mortgages is a big part of my job. I can get a rough idea as to which loan is best for which client based on a conversation about credit and income. When it comes to choosing a loan, ultimately the lender will be responsible. However, I like to shine a light on available opportunities to my clients.

Being in Bucks County, one unique loan that comes across the table from time to time is the USDA loan. USDA stands for United States Department of Agriculture, and yes, they issue home loans. Of course, there is one large regulation in that the land or property being purchased must fall under the category of USDA.

Typically, you find these sorts of properties in rural areas. In Bucks County particularly, USDA loans are common in Perkasie, Telford, and Quakertown. The large benefit of the USDA loan is that it offers an opportunity to purchase without any money out of pocket. Down payments, fees, and closing costs are all covered. With nothing out of pocket, this creates a vast opportunity for anyone looking to purchase with as little cash out of pocket as possible. Or in the real estate world, we call it “skin in the game.”

Now with that in mind, there are stipulations involved. First and foremost, you must qualify for the loan and the USDA may have much tighter restrictions than a standard conventional or FHA loan. The other stipulation is, sure no money out of pocket is great, but what you don’t pay upfront may come out in the wash. Meaning, the rate is most likely going to be steeper than a standard loan. If the monthly payment is not as big a concern as money out of pocket, then USDA is a great place to start. If the property qualifies, it’s worth comparing it to other options available.

Another great opportunity across the board is a PHFA loan. PHFA stands for Philadelphia Housing Finance Agency. PHFA loans provide assistance to buyers who may not have the funds to cover closing costs or other fees. PHFA loans can be conventional or FHA and can provide the buyer with upwards of 5% of the home purchase.

For example, on a $300k home, PHFA may provide up to $15k in assistance towards closing costs. Again, there are stipulations involved, like capping the salary of those who qualify. The PHFA loan is also recorded as a second note. A note is a loan, the first would be the mortgage. The second would be any loan on top of that loan. In this case the PHFA loan. PHFA loans may also be recorded as “forgivable seconds” which means that the buyer may not have to pay it back if the buyer resides in the house for at least 10 years as a primary residence.

The terms are always changing, so it is important to check with your lender and see what the qualifications and limitations are. Seek a lender who is willing to work with you and show you what the different loans would look like in regard to your situation.

Also, it should be noted that none of these loans make you a less competitive buyer in today’s market. Any experienced real estate agent understands how these loans are financed and that the risk for any type of loan is the same. And no matter what, I still urge all buyers to do their due diligence along with their lender to understand the obligations of taking out a loan and to educate themselves on all different types of financing.

Patrick Mencel has a passion for renovation and home restoration and sees the potential and value in properties that are often overlooked. Patrick’s goal is to help you find your dream home, vacation home, or the right investment property. He can be reached at The Artisan Group, Real Broker LLC www.thebuckscorealtor.com

Email: thebuckscountyrealtor@gmail.com, Phone: 215-986-0536

New Jersey for more than 20 years. During his first year in real estate, Marcolla generated nearly $3 million in sales. By the close of 2022, Marcolla and the real estate group he led closed $78 million in property transactions in and around the Newtown, Bucks County area.

To learn more about Marcolla Realty visit www.marcollarealty.com.

Visit Bucks County Celebrates

National Travel & Tourism Week

Visit Bucks County (VBC) recognized individuals and organizations at the National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW) award celebration at the James A. Michener Art Museum with Catering By Design on Tuesday, May 9. Honorees were nominated by their peers in the local hospitality industry. In celebrating U.S. Travel Association’s 40th anniversary, NTTW’s theme this year is “Travel Forward”.

Commissioners Robert J. Harvie and Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia joined VBC for the National Travel & Tourism Week Awards event. “We are pleased to present Visit Bucks County with a proclamation recognizing May 7-13 as National Travel & Tourism Week throughout the County of

Bucks’,” said Harvie, “We thank the Visit Bucks County staff and Board of Directors for the hard work they do to market and support the industry.”

The 2023 Visit Bucks County Travel & Tourism Week Award honorees were:

Guest Excellence Award: Jill Dansereau, Pearl S. Buck International.

This award goes to a frontline staff member with a positive attitude who is willing to go the extra mile to help visitors and interact with customers on a daily basis.

Hospitality Leadership Award: Grant Ross, The Black Bass Hotel.

This award honors an individual who exemplifies all the qualities of a good manager while directing and motivating his or her staff, ultimately increasing visitation to Bucks County.

Rising Star Award: Taylor Kruopas, Arete Gallery.

This award is presented to a young professional aspiring to a long career in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Tourism Innovation Award: River House at Odette’s.

This award honors a business/ organization who implements new and creative ways to continue to serve customers.

How to Save on Medicare Costs (Part 2 of 2)

By Bob Wilkowski Special to The Cardinal

Medicare beneficiaries often live on a fixed income that’s stretched out under normal circumstances. So, with today’s inflation affecting the cost of food, healthcare, and other expenses, their standard of living could be severely diminished. Some may even have to choose between buying food and prescription drugs. (Reports indicate that poverty is rising among senior citizens.)

If you’re on Medicare and under financial stress, there are many ways to find relief! In last month’s article, I listed four resources to help reduce your Medicare premiums and out-ofpocket expenses (such as copays and deductibles). This month, I’m back to share four more tactics, all of which can help you save on prescription drug costs! Let’s get to it!

Pharmaceutical companies often manage Patient Assistance Programs (“PAPs”) to help low-income individuals with the cost of their medications. PAPs serve as an augmentation to Medicare beneficiaries’ existing Part D coverage. (Side note #1: Part D is the Medicare section that covers most outpatient prescription drugs.)

GoodRx is a website that helps you find the lowest price for prescription drugs at nearby pharmacies. To take advantage of their free service, all you have to do is:

1. Enter the name of your drug to compare the prices in your area.

2. Find the lowest price available on both generic and brand-name drugs.

3. Select the deal you want, then GoodRx will create a coupon you can show at the pharmacy.

Another potential way to reduce prescription drug costs is to communicate

with your physicians openly. Don’t be shy if they prescribe a brand-name drug you can’t afford! Ask them for help. Perhaps they can give you samples or prescribe an equivalent generic medication.

The final cost-saving measure for prescription drugs is to explore other Prescription Drug Plans (“PDPs”) in your area. Fortunately, many PDPs are available, all of which have their own:

• Drug formulary. (Side note #2: A formulary is the list of generic and brandname drugs covered by a PDP.) If your current plan’s formulary excludes one of your medications, you may find an alternative PDP that covers it (as well as your other medicines).

• Tiers. (Side note #3: PDPs often place drugs into different tiers, each with a different out-of-pocket cost. Typically, drugs in a lower tier will cost you less than drugs in a higher tier.) You may find an alternative PDP that has your medicines in lower tiers than your current plan.

• Preferred pharmacies. (Side note #4: PDPs often designate select pharmacies where beneficiaries can get their drugs at a lower cost.) If your current plan doesn’t label your favorite pharmacy as preferred, you may find an alternative PDP that does.

I hope the information in this and last month’s articles serve as a good starting point to help you save on Medicare costs. If you have tips that I didn’t list, please send them to insuritystreet@gmail.com so I can help as many beneficiaries as possible.

As the owner of Insurity Street, Bob Wilkowski navigates individuals on the road to financial security by offering insurance products such as Life, Disability, Long-Term Care, and Medicare. With over 25 years of consulting experience and access to dozens of highly-rated insurance carriers, Bob strives to give his clients the best coverage for their needs and budget.

Ribbon cutting last month at the new Marcolla Realty office in Newtown, PA

Visit Bucks County Awards: Heather McGurrin, Visit Bucks County Blogger and Brian Cummings, County of Bucks Department of Workforce & Economic Development

These awards honor individuals who are dedicated to promoting tourism and hospitality in Bucks County.

Visit Bucks County President/COO Paul Bencivengo shared key tourism statistics. “In 2022, Bucks County welcomed nearly 8 million visitors. This was a 5% increase over visitation in 2021. Those 8 million visitors generated 1.2 billion in economic impact which represents a 21% increase over 2021. In 2022, the hospitality workforce also grew to 27,800 individuals.” said Bencivengo.

Bencivengo shared that VisitBucksCounty.com saw record traffic last year with more than 5 million pageviews to the site. “We attribute this record growth to our digital marketing strategy which encompasses strong social engagement and paid advertising across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, where we are seeing nearly 1 million video views a month.”

“Visit Bucks County also currently has a traditional marketing campaign in market with static and digital billboards in the New York and Northern New Jersey markets in April and May,” said Bencivengo. “Broadcast and streaming commercials will also enter the market in May and will run through July attracting visitors to the area.”

FCP Board Awards $70,000 in General Operating Support Grants to Local Nonprofits

Foundations Community Partnership’s (FCP) Board of Directors recently awarded $70,000 to five non-profit organizations as part of its annual General Operating Support grant cycle. These grants support non-profits focused on the behavioral health and human service needs of children, young adults, and families in Bucs County, Pa.

The Board of Directors started targeted funding grants several years ago focused on autism and homelessness before two years ago offering unrestricted operating support. “These grants are designed to help nonprofits address pressing needs, support entrepreneurial thinking, and increase flexibility,” said Abigail Halloran, FCP Board Chair. “Collectively, these organizations serve 75,148 Bucks County through their programs and services.”

FCP awarded General Operating Support Grants to:

Bucks County Housing Group ($10,000): to establish new communications platforms, expand food program operations, and host research symposia to engage the community in affordable housing initiatives.

Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County ($20,000): to support core services such as the Homeownership Program, empower families through Almost Home which offers

free homebuyer education workshops, and the Home Repair Program.

Libertae ($15,000): to expand access to and reduce barriers for Bucks County women and their families who would benefit by engagement in an abstinence-based environment.

Network of Victim Assistance ($10,000): to support state-of-the art services to any Bucks County resident who is a victim of a serious crime to help them heal and move forward in life. NOVA’s prevention education programs provide children and caregivers with the knowledge and skills to prevent or stop violence.

Special Equestrians ($15,000): to expand revenue streams for long-term stability, build programming to expand capacity, and create opportunities for future growth.

Burpee Sending Nearly One Billion Seeds To Ukraine

America’s largest home gardening company has joined forces with one of the world’s leading charitable foundations to provide nearly a billion vegetable seeds to small-scale farmers and families throughout Ukraine to bolster the war-ravaged population’s food supply.

The unprecedented shipment of more than 130,000 pounds of seeds was donated to an estimated 78,000 farming families and home gardeners at no cost by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, which reached out to

W. Atlee Burpee Company to obtain a wide variety of seeds well-suited to the needs of Ukrainian farms and home gardens. More than 830,000,000 seeds were included in the shipment.

“Seeds selected for the Ukrainian shipment are high germinating varieties of mostly peas, green beans and sweet corn that were chosen to fit growing conditions in Ukraine,” said George Ball, Burpee Chairman.

From its headquarters in Bucks County, Burpee coordinated the shipment to Poland, while nonprofits like World Central Kitchen and Global Empowerment Mission led the effort to distribute to farmers and gardeners in Ukraine.

Established in 1999, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation is a U.S. private family foundation working to improve food security, mitigate conflict, enhance public safety, and combat human trafficking. The Foundation’s work in Ukraine began in 2022 shortly after Russia’s fullscale invasion and is focused on addressing the largest humanitarian crisis in Europe since World War II. The Foundation’s work in Ukraine is expansive and includes support to farmers to address the increasing food insecurity created by the conflict, both locally and globally.

Since 2001, Burpee has participated in vegetable seed relief projects in Somalia, Rwanda, Haiti, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

BUCKS COUNTY GEMS