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Thankful

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

NOVEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Dana Weissenberg | Dana.Weissenberg@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Gratitude.

Stacy Graebner | stacy.graebner@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall

I TRY TO CHECK IN WITH THIS WORD AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. Comprehend

L AYO UT DESIGNER

the significance of this word. The practice of this word. It is not easy when life gets

Jayme Emery

in the way sometimes. This year has been a wild ride, but we are grateful that we get to create this magazine every month and connect with you and your family. Thank you for sharing your stories and for reading ours. Thank you for supporting the local businesses in our community, as without them, this magazine wouldn’t be possible. In this issue, we offer you the opportunity to reflect with us and spend some time

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Stacy Graebner, Andrea Forconi, Becky Libourel Diamond CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Roe Masso Photography

being grateful for the people we have around us. Planning a Thanksgiving dinner and traveling to see family in these unprecedented times will certainly pose challenges, but don’t forget to look at each person around your (socially distanced!) table and remember how they have made a difference in your life. Let us also take this time to honor and appreciate our loved ones who are no longer with us, but have graced our lives in so many ways. My goal is to find solace in what I have, not just on Thanksgiving but everyday. While we may have had to say goodbye to old traditions, we have introduced new ones. Thanksgiving has become my “new year”, a time to honor and celebrate my blessings. I wish for everyone to count their blessings and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Newtown Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Newtown areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Newtown Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

Newtown Lifestyle | November 2020

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INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2020

FEATURES 08 Road Trip: Ricketts Glen Discover a hiker’s paradise in one of Pennsylvania’s most scenic locations

18 PawZabilities Local animal rescue gives animals a second chance at a forever home

28 A Shining Light Celebrating the Life OF Nina Kapur

32 28

32 Things That Make Me Happy

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Road Trip

Culinary Creations

Giving Back

23 Trend Setter 28 Inspired by 30 Realty Report 32 Local’s Choice

Family | Business | Real Estate | Estates | Litigation

divorce sucks. your lawyer shouldn’t. (215) 942-2100 phillyesquire.com

Feasterville | Philadelphia | Doylestown | Norristown

Mike Petro • Marianne McGinty • Michael Kuldiner • Adrienne Anderson

ROAD TRIP

Ro a d Tr i p : Ricketts Glen

DISCOVER A HIKER’S PARADISE IN ONE OF PENNSYLVANIA’S MOST SCENIC LOCATIONS ARTICLE STACY GRAEBNER

Newtown Lifestyle | November 2020

Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A FALL ROAD TRIP THAT IS A BIT OUT OF THE ORDINARY, RICKETTS GLEN STATE PARK IS THE PERFECT DAY TRIP FOR HIKERS, NATURE LOVERS AND FAMILIES IN SEARCH OF A MINI-ADVENTURE. Located in Benton, PA, northwest of Wilkes-Barre, and approximately 2.5 hours from Newtown, the park is often described as one of the most idyllic areas in Pennsylvania. The 13,000 acre park contains over 28 miles of gorgeous hiking trails where visitors can experience lush forests and diverse wildlife. But best of all, and what makes the park truly unique, is that it is home to a stunning 22 free-flowing waterfalls all of which can be easily seen in one day. The sheer number of falls visible within a 5 mile radius has helped the park earn its reputation as the ultimate waterfall experience in the eastern United State. PARK HISTORY Ricketts Glen’s waterfalls were the main attraction for a local hotel from 1873-1903, and the park itself is named for the hotel’s proprietor, U.S. Army Colonel Robert Bruce Ricketts who was a Civil War artillery officer and businessman. Ricketts owned 80,000 acres of land in Pennsylvania which he intended to harvest for timber. However when hikers in the area began to discover numerous falls on the land, he preserved much of it, building trails along the falls to attract local tourists to his hotel. After his death, Ricketts’s heirs began selling the land to the Pennsylvania Game Commission and in 1930 the area was approved as a national park. World War II curtailed those plans, but eventually, in 1944, the falls land was turned over to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to create a state park. The state continued to purchase additional land around the falls until the park was fully established. TRAILS The most popular hikes at Ricketts Glen are along the Falls Trail which boasts breathtaking waterfalls at virtually every turn. Nearly all of the park’s 22 falls can be seen via a 7 mile loop which takes approximately 3.5 to 5 hours to complete, leading hikers through huge rock formations and past the majestic Ganoga Falls, the highest waterfall in the park, at 94 feet. The more tranquil falls range in height from 10 to 40 feet but are just as impressive. While most visitors find the CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

ROAD TRIP (CONTINUED) Oneida Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park

hike to be only moderately challenging, some visitors note that the trail has a few tricky areas, with steep steps and drop-offs, occasional slippery or muddy areas, and uneven terrain. The full loop is recommended for people who are in fairly good physical condition (so hit the elliptical or do a few extra squats at the gym before you go!) and for families with older children. There is also a shorter 3.2 mile loop along the Falls Trail that still allows hikers to experience most of the falls. For less adventurous hikers or families with young children, there are also a number of relatively easy (but equally scenic) trails. Evergreen Trail offers leisurely walking paths and Adams Falls which is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the park. It is located just a few steps from the Evergreen parking area making it ideal for a quick visit. OTHER AMENITIES Ricketts Glen is also home to Lake Jean, a serene 245 acre lake with a 600 foot beach area that is perfect for relaxing or having a picnic after a long day of hiking. Fishing is allowed at the lake which contains warm water game fish, panfish and trout. Swimming and boating are also allowed during the summer season, with rowboats, paddle boats, kayaks, canoes and paddle boards available for rental. For those looking for an extended visit, campsites and cabin rentals are available at reasonable rates. The park is open 365 days a year from sunrise until sunset and offers free access to both the trails and the beach. Though you may remember that catchy TLC song from the 90s that warned us “Don’t go chasing waterfalls”, with outdoor activities galore and spectacular scenery, Ricketts Glen is worth the chase!

what you’ll find:

Newtown Lifestyle | November 2020

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

ROAD TRIP (CONTINUED)

tips list to arrive early in the day. 1 . Plan The trails can become somewhat crowded in the afternoon, especially on weekends. The Lake Rose parking lot offers the closest access to the Falls Trail, but fills up quickly during peak times.

Wear real hiking shoes or shoes with a good tread. The trails are steep at times and the terrain can be uneven or slippery in places.

Stop by the visitors center for a map and information about the best way to navigate the trails so that the easiest part of your hike (i.e. the downhill portion!) is on your return.

Plan on bringing water, snacks and/ or lunch as you will most likely be spending several hours, if not most of the day, in the park.

The best time to visit the park is after a rainfall when water levels are higher and the falls are more dramatic.

Newtown Lifestyle | November 2020

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CULINARY CREATIONS

sou l satisf y in g aut umn soups ARTICLE BECKY LIBOUREL DIAMOND

FOOD WRITER, LIBRARIAN AND RESEARCH HISTORIAN BECKY LIBOUREL DIAMOND IS THE AUTHOR OF THE THOUSAND DOLLAR DINNER AND MRS. GOODFELLOW: THE STORY OF AMERICA’S FIRST COOKING SCHOOL. Her current projects include a book about the history of processed food, and a Delmonico’sthemed entertainment cookbook with fellow epicurean Max Tucci. She lives in Yardley, PA.

Newtown Lifestyle | November 2020

aut u m n ha r vest soup THIS COMFORTING SOUP IS PERFECT FOR A CHILLY FALL DAY. The sweetness of the carrots and apple nicely balance the rich, earthy flavor of the beets. Roasting the vegetables first caramelizes them, bringing out their complex flavors. Curry and smoked paprika gives the soup a little kick. I also added miso for umami undertones and a dollop of Beaujolais wine for color and depth, but you can leave them out if you’d like. Feel free to try different root vegetables and adjust the seasonings to your taste. This is a healthy, nourishing soup.

i n g re d ient s + 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 cup red onion, peeled and chopped + 2 cups beets, peeled and chopped + 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and chopped + 3 carrots, peeled and chopped + 1 apple, peeled and chopped + 1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated + 3 cloves minced garlic + 4 cups vegetable broth + 1 tbsp white miso paste + 1 tbsp curry powder + 1 tsp smoked paprika + 1 tsp seasoned salt + 1/3 cup light red wine (such as Beaujolais)

i n st r uc t ion s 1. Preheat oven to 425F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. 2. While oven is preheating, chop vegetables into small, uniform pieces. Toss with olive oil and spread out on baking sheets. Sprinkle with salt and cook for 30 minutes. 3. When done, remove from oven and add to a crock pot along with remaining ingredients. 4. Cook in crock pot on high for four hours or low for 6-8. Then puree using a stick (immersion) blender or cool slightly and transfer to a food processor or blender in small batches. 5. Once pureed, keep in crock pot on warm setting until ready to serve. Garnish as desired – shredded parmesan cheese, nuts or pumpkin seeds would be nice. 6. Yield: 4 servings

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

pot a ge à l a rei ne Potage à la Reine (the Queen’s Soup) is a creamy

+ 1 cup julienned celery

soup made with chicken and almonds that dates back

+ 1 cup julienned leek

to the Renaissance. The almonds give the soup its char-

+ 1 tsp dried tarragon

acteristic whitish color - the use of dairy products or

+ 1 tsp dried thyme

rice to provide a creamy look and feel were added later.

+ 1 tsp garlic powder

In addition to adding depth, texture and flavor, the light

+ 2 tsp seasoning salt

color was also a status symbol.

+ 1 tsp ground white pepper

The original version is complex and rather compli-

+ 1⁄3 cup flour

cated, including making an almond broth from scratch

+ 6 cups turkey or chicken stock

using ground almonds. My updated version comes

+ 1 cup cooked rice

together much more quickly with almond milk. It also

+ 2 cups diced cooked turkey

substitutes turkey for chicken, providing a solution for all

+ 2 cups unsweetened almond milk

that extra Thanksgiving turkey. I recommended making a

+ 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

flavorful stock from the turkey bones, but feel free to use a pre-made chicken stock.

i n g re d ient s

i n st r uc t ion s 1. Heat butter in large stockpot and cook vegetables, herbs

+ 1⁄4 cup butter

and salt and pepper over low heat, stirring occasionally,

+ 1 cup julienned carrot

until vegetables are translucent.

Newtown Lifestyle | November 2020

2. Add flour and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Do not brown. 3. Gradually stir in stock. 4. Bring to a boil, cover and cook over low heat for 5 minutes. 5. Add rice and turkey and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 6. Stir in almond milk and continue cooking over low heat until warmed through. 7. Right before serving, stir in lemon juice. 8. Season with additional salt and pepper and garnish with pomegranate arils if desired.Â 9. Yield: 6-8 servings *Feel free to try the longer version!

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

GIVING BACK ARTICLE STACY GRAEBNER AND ANDREA FORCONI

pawZabilities LOCAL ANIMAL RESCUE GIVES ANIMALS A SECOND CHANCE AT FINDING A FOREVER HOME

Finding homes for animals in need requires significant planning and effort from a dedicated staff of volunteers, and the generosity of donors who keep the organization running smoothly. PawZabilities is always looking for potential adopters, foster families and volunteers who are willing to open their hearts and homes to help our furry friends!

+ PawZabilities PA Animal Rescue + P.O. Box 254 + Yardley, PA 19067 + Phone 267-394-7773 + pawzabilitiespa@gmail.com + www.pawzabilitiespa.org

Newtown Lifestyle | November 2020

PAWZABILITIES ANIMAL RESCUE IS ON A MISSION TO SAVE HOMELESS ANIMALS IN PENNSYLVANIA, “ONE PAW AT A TIME”. The Yardley non-profit provides medical assistance and shelter for dogs (and soon, cats!) who were abandoned, surrendered, or at risk for abuse or neglect. Each rescue is spayed or neutered, receives appropriate medical care, and is placed in a nurturing foster home until they are matched with the perfect “furever” family!

“BEING ABLE TO SAVE ANIMALS WHO HAVE HAD A ROUGH START IN LIFE AND GIVING THEM THEIR HAPPILY EVER AFTER HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING EXPERIENCES OF MY LIFE.”

Andrea Forconi, president of PawZabiliites, founded the rescue in 2018. To date, Andrea and her team have rescued over 300 dogs and puppies. The group also provides education about responsible pet ownership in an effort to end animal neglect and abuse. “In addition to re-homing our animals, we try to educate the public on low cost spay and neuter options and have recently started a curbside kibble program to assist dog and cat owners who are unable to afford food for their pets.” The success of PawZabilities has been a labor of love for Andrea, and one that she does not take for granted. “Being able to save animals who have had a rough start in life and giving them their happily ever after has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.” We are pleased to introduce you to several of the pawzatively adorable dogs who are currently looking for a loving family of their own. Check out the PawZabilites Pa website for the most up-to-date list of available pets and read their incredible stories.

JAKE MIXED Jake is a 9 month old handsome boy looking for his forever family. DNA test results show that Jake is an awesome mix of English Setter (yes you heard right - English Setter!), American Staffordshire Terrier and Bull Staffordshire Terrier. Jake is all about a good time and loves to play and romp. He would make an excellent hiking or running partner. He is house broken and crate trained, but he is still very much a puppy and would be happiest with an active family to give him the exercise and care young dogs need. He is good with other larger dogs, and kiddos, but would prefer not to share his world with smaller pets. If you are looking for a fun, handsome fella to spend your days with, and the sweetest kisses and cuddles at night, Jake is your man.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

ROSS MIXED Weighing in at approximately 35 pounds, Ross is quite a unique little guy, boasting an eclectic mix of breeds, including American Staffordshire terrier, Bulldog, Lab, and Rat Terrier! He is working hard to become the perfect little gentleman. He is crate trained, walks well with a harness, and knows commands such as sit, paw, and lay down. He is an adventurous boy who enjoys the water and road trips, but more than anything, he LOVES simply being outside and running around. Ross adores playing fetch, but is still mastering the art of giving the ball/toy back. Best of all, he gets the “zoomies” at almost the same time every night! He is up-to-date on his shots, neutered, micro-chipped, and patiently awaiting a place to call home.

ROWDY BOXER MIX Meet the handsome,1 year old, Rowdy! He has been a fabulous house guest in his foster home where he is crate trained and housebroken, and mastering basic commands. Rowdy did not have a lot of structure early in his life, so he is working really hard to be the best boy. His forever family will need to continue to incorporate training into his daily routine as he has thrived with a structured environment. Rowdy is very energetic and fun loving; he enjoys playing and running around the yard. He absolutely loves other dogs and would be great with an active doggie sibling. Rowdy has lived with young children, but is better suited for families with older children as he is a strong fella and still young. He attends doggie day care and has made many friends - everyone who meets him can’t say enough about how lovable he is!

Newtown Lifestyle | November 2020

HARLEQUIN Catahoula Looking for a dog who would LOVE to go on a hike with you? Well then, 4 year old Quinn is your guy. His perfect match would be a family who lives in a house with lots of room to romp and play - it’s his favorite pastime! Quinn has done a fabulous job with other dogs with slow and proper introductions. He hopes to find an active family, as he is passionate about the outdoors and going for long walks. He is great on a leash and is excited to learn the ways of the world. He loves to cuddle, but he is not a couch potato by any means. Quinn needs someone with large breed experienced who is willing to work with him so he can be his very best. We promise you if you take a chance on Quinn he will pay you back tenfold. He truly is an amazing dog.

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

Newtown Lifestyle | November 2020

TREND SETTER

WALKING THE WALK

A JOURNEY DOWN THE WINDING LIFE PATH OF UNASSUMING SPIRITUAL LEADER FRANCIS CHAN

IMAGINE YOURSELF AS THE LEADER OF A THRIVING MEGACHURCH IN VENTURA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, WITH MORE THAN 5,000 MEMBERS AND GROWING. You’re a New York Times bestseller making a million dollars in royalties from your first book and people love you—you’re on top of the world. Would you leave that all behind? Better yet, would you trade all of that, giving away 90% of your income to end up living in the poorest region of Hong Kong surrounded by people struggling to make it by on just 50 cents a day? For most, it probably sounds like a tale of riches to rags; an unfortunate and unwanted result of someone falling upon hard times. But for Francis Chan, a church planter and best-selling author who speaks to thousands of people around the world each year, it’s exactly what he did. And exactly what he needed—an opportunity to walk down a winding path that led him toward fulfilling his purpose; toward becoming a

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

man who can truly say he lives the life he’s been called to and encouraging others to do the same.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

TREND SETTER (CONTINUED)

Watch the full interview @ CityLifestyle.com! Francis, born in San Francisco, was raised in a very traditional Chinese home and navigated a challenging upbringing. His mother died while giving birth to him. His father remarried, then his stepmother died in a car accident when he was 8. His father remarried again, then, when Francis was 12, died of cancer. Twenty-six and newly married, Francis and his wife Lisa founded Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, California in the early 90s, beginning with a membership of 30 people. Within the first two months, the church grew to 100. By 2000, membership grew even more to 1,600. And by 2008, Cornerstone Community Church was one of the largest in Ventura County and Francis’ then-new book “Crazy Love” was a New York Times bestseller. Then, in 2010, Francis decided to leave it behind in pursuit of a more humble and impactful way of life. The $1 million his bestselling book made in the first year, plus the money it continues to make? Francis signed it all over to a charitable gift fund helping the poor and victims of human trafficking. After making the decision to leave Cornerstone and wrestling with what the next step would be, Francis and Lisa ended up selling their Simi Valley house and moving their family of six at the time overseas to India, Thailand and China, where he was able to embrace new interests and activities by doing what the locals do, and where he also saw an inspiring shift in culture and spiritual values. “I wish we could learn and see the sacrifice of others,” he says. “Their mentality really isn’t a consumer mindset of ‘Here’s my needs, here’s what I feel, no one cares about me— me, me, me, me. Overseas they’re just obsessed with each other and thinking about how to get to the poor—the truly poor—like ‘We’re going to starve today,’ or ‘We’re selling off kids today.’ That type of poor. There’s just a lot more urgency.” In the throes of a pandemic, quarrels over U.S. politics, a growing divide among people and beliefs, and the unsurety of life, Francis’ message of focus and fulfillment can be summed up simply: take your eyes off yourself.

“People that I’ve found that have spent their lives truly loving others are the j o y f u l p e o p l e .” 24

Newtown Lifestyle | November 2020

“A l l w e r e a l l y n e e d t o d o is hit that little button that s w i t c h e s i t o f f s e l f i e m o d e .” “It’s so counterintuitive because, physically, if I break my arm, I’m not going to be thinking about anyone else. The only thing that’s going to bring me pleasure is getting this thing fixed. ‘Everyone look at me—my arm is broken; someone fix

he says. “I go, ‘You have no clue. This is like the happiest place on Earth. You’re gonna go nuts!’” Francis says Rachel began to get very sad, asking if they could just go to Paint Pals.

it for me,’” he says. “But...the answer is actually to take your

“She’s working herself into tears,” he laughs. “Like,

eyes off of yourself. People that I’ve found that have spent

you’re crying because I’m about to take you to Disneyland.”

their lives truly loving others are the joyful people. You’ll find very few generous people who are miserable.” Francis, pretending to hold up a phone facing him-

“I feel like we’re just like Rachel when she was 5,” he says, fondly recalling the Paint Pals days. “We’re accustomed to certain things and God has something so much better for us.”

self, goes on to describe how he sees this generation

Nearly six months ago, Francis’ path led him to the

as a generation all about taking selfies; noting that

Sham Shui Po area on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong

you could be in the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls

with most of his family, including his wife, all but one of

and you’re always in the picture—always the center

his daughters, two sons-in-law and two grandchildren.

of everything.

It’s a place he later found is where his mother also did

“All we really need to do is hit that little button that

ministries in the 1950s, and allows him the continued

switches it off selfie mode,” he says. “And now I can’t

humbling opportunity to live out his journey working with

even see myself.”

the ultra poor to bring relief and sharing his spiritual ful-

Looking toward the future, Francis (non-prophetically, he clarifies, laughing) goes on to recall the story of his oldest daughter, Rachel—one of seven children and two grandchildren, when she was 5 years old.

fillment with others, even while enjoying a pickup game with locals on the neighborhood basketball court. “It’s a pretty bizarre journey to think that, first of all, my wife has stood by my side for 27 years, and it’s just been

“We regularly visited this rundown place in our city

an amazing marriage. Two years ago at our 25-year anni-

called Paint Pals,” he laughs, reminiscently. “There was

versary, she asked me ‘Do you know of anyone on the

this old maze you walked through with only a few walls,

planet that is more blessed than we are? Because I feel

some little ceramic things you could paint and this big

like we’re the happiest people on earth. It’s almost like

bubble machine that was just a hula hoop dipped in

that can’t be true, but I haven’t found anyone happier,’”

bubble solution. There really wasn’t much more to it,

he says. “It’s one thing for me to say because that’s the

but she loved it.”

way I feel, but to hear that from my wife as well and those

“One day I was just like, ‘Honey, this week I’m going to take you to Disneyland!’ And she was like, ‘What’s that?’”

truly to be her sentiments. It just feels like an impossible life all the way around.”

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INSPIRED BY

A SHINING LIGHT

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF NINA KAPUR

EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE SOMEONE ENTERS OUR LIFE WHO

She shares a very special bond with her parents, Monica and

POSSESSES THAT SPECIAL SOMETHING THAT CAN’T BE PUT

Anup, and her brother, Ajay. She was also blessed to be part of

INTO WORDS. This person has a gift for making others feel loved,

a very close-knit group of 7 friends who have been like sisters to

valued and understood through their warmth and kind gestures.

each other since high school. “She was so effortlessly thoughtful

Being around them inspires us to live our lives with more passion

and kind. She brought an incredible light to our friend group”,

and purpose, and motivates us to pursue our wildest dreams. Friends

Emily said. “She made everyone feel like a best friend. While a lot

of Nina Kapur will tell you that Nina is that one-in-a-million, special

of people would lose touch with each other, she would never let

person. She is the friend who makes you feel like you are the only

that happen with any of her friends.” Most recently, Nina had been

person in the room when she talks to you, the daughter who is by

covering the Black Lives Matter movement and the local impact

your side when you need it most, and the co-worker who volunteers

of the pandemic in New York. Sadly, this past July, there was a

for the toughest assignments, touching everyone she meets with her

moped accident in Brooklyn, just outside the city she loved so

humor, compassion and infectious smile.

dearly. However, Nina continues to live on through those who love

Nina is a native of Newtown, and a graduate of Council Rock North

her. There has been an outpouring of love and support from the

High school. Known for her unwavering drive and determination to

Newtown community, Syracuse University, CBS2, and beyond; a

make a difference in the world, Nina had ambitious goals, even as

testament to the many lives she has touched over the years. As

a teen. She attended Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School

friends begin to share memories of her, many remarkable stories

of Public Communication, graduating with honors in 2016 with a

of her small gestures of kindness have emerged, some even sur-

degree in broadcast and digital journalism. Just a few years out of

prising those who are closest to her. One friend shared that Nina

college, she had already worked on-air in Maryland and Connecticut,

stayed up all night with her to help her perfect her maid of honor

before landing her dream job as a reporter at CBS2 in New York, at

speech for her sister’s wedding. Another friend shared that she

the age of 26. Her close friend, Emily Gifford says, “She absolutely

sent handwritten letters of encouragement to him while he was

loved New York and everything it has to offer. She couldn’t wait to

at boot camp. Others note that she never missed a birthday –

start working there.” Her first day on the job she posted “Pinch me

sending cards to friends so that they would feel special on their

#NewYorkCityNina” on Instagram, before starting the day in her

big day, even if she had plans to see them in person shortly after.

favorite city. Her talent as a journalist stemmed from her innate abil-

In each of these stories, one thing is abundantly clear: Nina

ity to connect with people, and her genuine interest in their stories.

inspires all of us to be a better version of ourselves. As her friend

Close friend, Sara Preciado notes, “She always made me feel heard

Emily wrote: “She made life look so worth living. There isn’t a trip

when I talked to her. That’s why she was so amazing at her job. No

she didn’t take, an adventure she didn’t go after, a moment when she

matter what the topic was, she really listened and cared.”

didn’t live life to the fullest. I wanted to live life like Nina someday, but

Though Nina became very busy with her new position, she never failed to make time for friends and family back home in Newtown.

Newtown Lifestyle | November 2020

now I want to live like her today. Because life is too short, and you never know what tomorrow will bring.”

Nina with her mother, Monica; father, Anup and her brother, Ajay

Nina’s friends and family are committed to preserving her memory. To honor Nina, they have created a scholarship in her name that will recognize students at Council Rock North who demonstrate academic effort and civic engagement. If you would like more information about contributing to the fund, please visit the “Nina Kapur Memorial Scholarship” page on Facebook or Instagram, or visit https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/buckscountyfoundation. Please be sure to Nina with her Council Rock North friends (l to r): Alexa, Nina, Alyssa, Maggie, Sara, Molly, Emily

designate your donation to “The Nina Kapur Memorial Scholarship Fund.”

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

REALTY REPORT

NEIGHBORHOOD

NEWTOWN

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

7 HOLME CT

$1,695,000

$1,500,000

88.50%

10 GOLDNEY DR

$1,499,000

$1,425,000

95.10%

104 JANE CHAPMAN DR W

$1,395,000

100.00%

6 BUCKMAN DR

$1,195,000

$1,175,000

98.30%

32 SIBELIUS DR

$1,050,000

100.00%

1013 UNIVERSITY DR

$1,050,000

$968,000

92.20%

3 VALLEY VIEW DR

$925,000

100.00%

20 WOODHILL RD

$925,000

$900,000

97.30%

75 ELFRETHS CT

$869,900

$842,500

96.90%

15 CREEKVIEW LN

$850,000

$820,000

96.50%

10 AINSLEY CT

$829,000

$786,000

94.80%

135 MCGINLEY ALY

$799,900

$777,000

97.10%

140 HILLBORN DR

$785,000

$757,000

96.40%

1252 BRIDLE ESTATES DR

$749,500

$750,545

100.10%

242 S STATE ST

$799,900

$743,000

92.90%

11 BAKERS DR

$769,900

$734,000

95.30%

101 LAVENDER DR

$632,995

$731,038

115.50%

98 DILLON WAY

$729,900

$715,000

98.00%

27 AUTUMN DR

$699,500

$700,000

100.10%

Report Provided by the Mary Dwyer Team. This data is a sampling of sold properties from previous months. Source: BrightMLS system.

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Newtown Lifestyle | November 2020

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CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

LOCAL’S CHOICE

ARTICLE STACY GRAEBNER NOVEMBER

PHOTOGRAPHY ROE MASSO PHOTOGRAPHY

THE

MARKS HOLIDAY

THE

BEGINNING

SEASON,

WITH

THANKSGIVING BEING A SPECIAL TIME OF REFLECTION AND TOGETHERNESS. During

THINGS T H AT M A K E ME HAPPY

this time we often celebrate all we are thankful for - from the truly significant things, like the love we share with family and friends, to the more mundane comforts of our everyday lives like a warm bed, delicious food, and of course, wine!

Who better to remind us of life’s greatest

blessings and simple pleasures than our children. We asked several Newtown kids to share words of gratitude by listing 5 things that make them happy.

S O P H I E AG E 8 01

My family because I love them and they love me

Candy: because it is so good!

My friends because they are always

Pho (Vietnamese soup): because it is

Our family hanging out together because

there for me

AWESOME!!!!!!

when we are all together it is so nice and so fun

Newtown Lifestyle | November 2020

S H AY E AG E 1 5 01

Access to education because learning is important to me.

My family and friends because spending

My home because it makes me feel

time with them makes me super happy.

comfortable and is always welcoming with love.

Laughter because when I get the time to take a break from serious situations and just joke around it helps to relieve any sadness or stress.

My good health because I fortunately have access to great doctors and other health care workers. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

W Y N S TO N AG E 5 01

Newtown Lifestyle | November 2020

My family because I love them and I’m the baby

My bed because my stuffed animals and

My pool because I have a big blow up

Snuggie blankets are in there

slide in it, and I go down really fast

My Jeep quad because I can ride in it

Christmas and my birthday because I

with my brother and my cousin

get a lot of presents

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