Newtown, PA June 2023

Newtown Real Estate Pulse

THE ART OF MEDICINE & AESTHETICS

COMP ATIONS

Absolutely love The Well Lounge. Everyone there makes you feel so comfortable from start to finish

-Alex W

Ever Wondered, “How Much Do Fathers Matter?"

Let’s start with the simple answer — the importance of a father is tremendous. Fathers make countless differences in their homes and family. However, how much impact you decide to make as a dad is entirely up to you. A father’s gifts of quality time, life-giving words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children.

As I reflect on fatherhood this month, here are just a few of the ways dads can build up their homes:

• A dad’s words can be fueling and inspirational.

• Hugs from a dad can be deeply comforting.

• A dad’s smile can instill joy and confidence.

• A dad’s guidance can be life-changing and foundational.

• A father’s correction can be life-saving and life-giving.

• Adventures with a dad can be exciting and memorable.

Sadly, I lost my dad suddenly 5 years ago. We were close, and would talk every morning. To this day, every so often I’ll go to dial his phone number, usually when I have good news to share. Today, I would share how well my girls are doing: one graduating from college and has accepted a fabulous job. The other graduated high school and is starting at a university in Philadelphia, a city that he loved. How they are happy and thriving, and partially due to the positive influence he provided through the years. They loved him and will always hold fond memories close to their heart. My dad touched lives beyond my own. Hug those dads and father figures and tell them you love them and you appreciate them! And if you’re a dad, let us be the first to say, thank you. You’re invaluable to the people who know and need you as well as the community around you.

Happy Father’s Day!

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Dana Weissenberg

Dana.Weissenberg@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Catrina Tier | catrina.tier@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Ryan Ahern | Ryan.Ahern@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jeff Robinson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

John Fiduccia, Julie Brown Patton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jeff Robinson, Peter Rymwid Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

DANA WEISSENBERG, PUBLISHER @NEWTOWNCITYLIFESTYLE

Former American football fullback and Newtown resident Brandon Cottom recently contended on a field of sand, water,

contestants vying to win TV's reality competition Survivor 44.

Photography: Jeff Robinson / JR Photography

city scene

Where

neighbors can see and be seen.

11th

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @newtowncitylifestyle

1: Mahin Hardaway, Eagle Scout/Council Rock High School North

grader, created Newtown accessible batting cages. 2: Hortulus Farm Garden/Nursery reopened with plants, flowers, herbs, garden goods, European-import furniture/home decor, lamb petting. 3: Been to new Bobby Chez (right) Gourmet, a Newtown franchise operated by Keith Schultz (left)?

COURTESY OF HORTULUS

COURTESY OF BOBBY CHEZ GOURMET TO GO NEWTOWN

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

28th Kitchen & Garden Tour Scheduled For June 11

Bucks Beautiful committee members will host the 28th Kitchen & Garden Tour on June 11, 2023, from 11 a. m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. This annual event is a highlight of the warmer season, with visits to hidden jewels tucked away on the charming streets of Doylestown. Bucks County master gardeners will be on hand to offer expertise. Tickets ($30-$35 each) can be purchased at BucksBeautiful.org , or by phone at 215.340.3639.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

Photography by Bucks Beautiful

Council Rock Newtown Athletic Association Celebrates 70th Anniversary

Founded in 1953, the Council Rock Little League kick off their 70th Little League season with 42 teams from T-Ball program through Babe Ruth age group. The travel program, Newtown Blue Dawgs, has 10 teams playing in the Suburban Travel Baseball League. CRNAA maintains/operates eight fields throughout Newtown Township/Newtown Borough; Chandler Fields, Veterans Park and CR Newtown Elementary, as well as the historic Newtown Borough Pickering Field for Babe Ruth and Senior Babe Ruth.

River House At Odette’s Appoints Alex Mastoris As Director

Culinary leader Alex Mastoris, founder and co-owner of Rocco's at the Brick in Newtown, was named the director of restaurant operations at River House at Odette's in New Hope. He has four-plus decades of experience in the culinary and hospitality industries. Alex is responsible for continuing to provide seamless, fine-dining experiences for Odette's guests. He reportedly will unveil a new menu during June featuring a selection of high-quality steaks, seafood and authentic, house-made pastas.

Photography by Courtesy of Council Rock Newtown Baseball

Photography by Courtesy of River House At Odette’s

An Iconic SUV, Bigger And Better

ARTICLE BY JOHN FIDUCCIA

RETURN OF THE KING: 2023 LEXUS RX 350, NOW A CUV

Lexus has ruled the roost of the luxury SUV market for some time now with the iconic RX line, including the main player RX 350. The consistent styling and look of the vehicle, even though generational changes, identifies it as Lexus, even at a quick distant glance.

The RX 350 was overhauled with a new release for 2023. This model is slightly changing lanes in its identification; being called a crossover utility vehicle or CUV. The “S” was replaced with a “C” as the evolution of these vehicles now straddles the line between sport and sedan.

Completely redesigned, the RX 350 hits the mark on all fronts. From improved interior styling to exterior sharp looks with new colors and beauty under the hood, this is the vehicle that can turn a thousand ships.

'If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it' is a phrase that may fit because the RX 350 has been a best seller as-is. The reasoning behind the redesign could be best explained as “modernization." Most notable changes bring the model up-to-date in technology, entertainment and overall driving experience. The 2023 upgrades are extreme, and not just minor flair, done to show change. Like the basis of evolution, this RX 350 is simply better than its predecessor.

Starting with the get-up-and-go, the new RX 350 has a 275-horsepower turbocharged engine. Most parts of the engine system were given substantial upgrades to make the vehicle drive smoother, shift easier and use full-time, all-wheel drive controls to achieve optimal front to rear distribution. What does that all mean? Driving this car is something owners describe as

a great experience. The new RX 350 interior comfort, added tech and usual luxury look and feel makes the chore of driving an absolute pleasure. The front and back seats are roomy enough and comfortable for local and long-distance drives while maintaining the desired midsize categorization. It’s nothing less than expected from this luxury player.

One of the best, and often overlooked, features of the RX 350 is the all-in effort Lexus has made on vehicle quality and reliability. It’s been a mainstay at the top of most car experts' lists, and the 2023 redesign is no different. When one purchases a Lexus, and specifically the RX 350, trips to the mechanic will be reserved for required maintenance, says Dave Dougherty, general manager of Haldeman Lexus of Princeton.

He adds, “The new RX350 has been very well received, and is bringing a lot of new customers into the Lexus lineup that were not considering the RX 350 previously."

Dave also notes that customers are specifically itching for the hybrid model. "What’s moved the needle on this is Lexus managed to make the price difference between a traditional gas car and the hybrid sibling way more palatable, which proves out an easy return on investment."

Pride of ownership, a metric typically hard to quantify, is obvious with those who have decided to invest in the allnew 2023 RX 350. Though Dave says there's a fair amount of first-timers joining the RX 350 Club, many have been around the block once or twice over, upgrading from a previous generation model of this continued overperformer.

NOTABLE RX 350 FEATURES:

• Goodbye joystick and trackpad; say hello to the high-definition touch screen.

• Copper Crest: one of many new exciting colors.

• Less is More: 6 cylinder replaced with 4 cylinder turbocharged engine.

• Domestic Designed Tech Suite meets varied needs of local drivers.

• Stay Safe(r): Lexus teams continue to be all aces with safety improvements.

CONTACT DETAILS

Haldeman Lexus of Princeton, serving Newtown and greater Bucks County 609.454.2358

HaldemanLexusOfPrinceton.com

Stop by the dealership just over the bridge in Lawrenceville, NJ

“The RX 350 turns the concept of a hybrid-only being fuel-efficient on its head and is a real performance car.”

Fathers As Coaches

NEWTOWN BASEBALL COACH DESCRIBES NOTEWORTHY “DADS’ VOLUNTEERISM” SPANNING SEVEN DECADES

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY

"None of us coaches planned for all that's happened with our boys' baseball team; it developed organically and our team has really become an extended family," says George McCafferty Jr., one of four coaches for a team in the Newtown Little League.

Even with three young children of his own, George says he never shied away from taking on a coaching role. "I wanted to be there for my kids. And by doing so, I also made it fun and engaging for the other kids involved with the teams."

However, George admits that when it came to baseball, there was no master plan for approaching the coaching role. He hadn't been a college baseball player or minor leaguer, but he says he grew up with his own father coaching. So, he knew it was something that required a solid time commitment and effort to do well. "I got started with my kids in CRNAA when they were 5 years old, and I can still remember matching up with Todd Dreby. Looking back, the boys seemed like babies," he adds.

OF CRNAA

By the time the team's boys were 7 years old, George says they were involved with tournament team play, and fellow dads, Casey McDonnell and Chris Seiler, joined their crew.  As 8-year-olds, they won a Suburban Travel Championship. So the tenacious fathers say they then prepared the team for district play and a run at a state title. George says little by little, year by year, they grew into a tight-knit group. "We've seen horrible tragedy, as well as incredibly fun, memorable moments."

George verifies that the coaching foursome all had coaches while they were growing up. He says coaches impact youth lives in a variety of ways. He adds, "Collectively, we hope when our players are adults that they look back on their Little League days with the same type of great memories."

Because the Council Rock Little League was founded in 1953, this year represents the group's 70th Little League season. "Through those 70 years of Little League, there've been countless dads, like us, who have stepped up to coach, as well as volunteer at the board level to keep CRNAA thriving.

This is an ever-changing and evolving group of people committed to the tradition of Little League and working to make a fun, safe place in our community."

George says most of the local baseball coaches started with their kids around 5 years old, and "in a blink of an eye, they're aging out of Little League at 12." During that time, he says countless new coaches step in and out via a cycle that continues, year after year.

"No one is paid, no one is there who doesn't want to be there. This is all done in the pure spirit of volunteerism," asserts George.

As a youth coach, George shares that he believes they actually serve as a combination of teachers, counselors and nurses to their team players, and many times, become second parents to the kids. "Especially with baseball, where we can have kids both for in-house and travel teams, we're with them as much as their teachers, and sometimes more than their parents in any given week. The coach/player relationship is a unique one, for sure," he says.

Parent coaches embody an important aspect of fatherhood: caring for the ethical, physical and spiritual well-being of their team, including their own child.

George says their current coaching staff has 13 children of their own between the four of them. "We're constantly running from one child's event to another, and yet we make every effort to be there for our team. We have a shared goal of giving them tools to be successful on the field, excellent sportsmen and hope many of these lessons carry over to off the field."

CRNAA present board members are: Lou Schiller, president, Kyle Neeld, DJ Pascone, Mike Bukowski, Andrew Palsky, Brad Hamilton, George McCafferty, Jeremy Cruz and Casey McDonnell. George says each of these board members has coached in CRNAA for multiple years, with their own children ranging in age from T-ball to college age.

"Each one has put in a tremendous effort to volunteer and support the Newtown Baseball community," George says. "With this being the 70th season, this board is just a small fraction of those that have come before them."

70 Years of Grippin' Seams and Chasin' Dreams!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ROBINSON

Survivor 44

One of the 18 contestants on the present CBS reality competition show "Survivor" was none other than Newtown resident Brandon Cottom.

Deemed "Survivor 44" due to its 44th season, 30-year-old and South Jersey native Brandon says he applied life skills learned from growing up in Newtown since his 8th grade in Newtown Middle School, as well as lessons from his years in sports. "Newtown is a nice community where everyone seems to know everyone else. I got to interact there with people of different backgrounds in new ways of relating to each other, and my friends expanded my experiences, such as snowboarding in the mountains."

He says he wanted to be part of "Survivor" because it's a once-in-alifetime adventure. "Survivor is the perfect combination of physical and mental strength. I wanted to challenge myself in an avenue that I really have no experience in," he adds. "By no means am I a survivalist. I've never even been camping."

However, Brandon verifies he's very happy he participated in the show.

"It was a super cool experience. And it was a great way to open up new opportunities to come in the future," confirms Brandon, who used to watch the show with his father, Richard Cottom, also a Newtown resident. His mother, Tammie Cottom, currently resides in Baltimore, Maryland. CONTINUED >

"Survivor 44" features 26 days of gameplay, pitting contestants against one another in different, initial tribes. Filming began on June 5, 2022, in the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji, and concluded on June 30, 2022. The cast was announced on Jan. 31, 2023, and consisted of players divided into three tribes: Ratu, Soka and Tika. The name of the merged tribe in the middle of the show was Va Va.

The original "Survivor" premiered on May 31, 2000, and aired a spring and fall season each year until fall 2020, picking back up in 2021.

As a retired Seattle Seahawks NFL fullback (2015-2017), Brandon says for this unusual television competition, he relied on many elements from his varied sports experiences, including lacrosse, indoor/outdoor track and basketball. He credits Council Rock North High School football coach Tom Coates for teaching him to persevere through tough, hard work. "He was old school in training, and instilled in me the mentality of even though you may be the best going into different situations, you still have to work at them as though you're not," he says.

Additionally, Brandon says his time in the NFL taught him how to overcome obstacles and how to believe in himself, even when the cards were stacked against him. Good thing regarding that, given he lost 35 pounds during the "Survivor" competition.

Brandon is a security specialist with Sovereign Security LLC in Philadelphia. He's also a coach at Parisi Speed School in Newtown.

During one of the show's episodes, Brandon  revealed he is a self-proclaimed Renaissance Man, who also is a pilot, magician and scuba diver. For hobbies, Brandon enjoys lakes, cooking, grilling, baking

pies and playing the piano or drums. "I don't really like to be put in one box," he quips.

He's also a big language enthusiast, with Spanish being his favorite subject in high school. While attending Purdue University, he majored in professional flying/aviation.

"Much that I learned came from my parents. They are my biggest inspiration because they both became successful on their terms. They taught me to always go after what you want and never take no for an answer. They never let me quit, whether I liked something or I didn't. I realized you have to be willing to take risks to get the rewards," says the ambitious yet easy-going man who seems to always try to find ways to step up his game.

Brandon recognizes he was competing with what's called 'Survivor Superfans,' which are longtime viewers who have studied the game to great lengths. He says teamwork attributes helped in the early stages of the game, before the initial teams merged. "Learning everyone's styles and feelings helps you understand how they work, but you can't trust anyone in the game. You can go into this competition with a plan, but there's so much that's uncontrollable, you have to be quick on your feet. The dynamics in the game are so fluid. You just have to focus on making it to the next day. Every day there was a fresh start."

( After nearly half of the competitors already had exited, Brandon made it through Day 15 of the competition. The show's finale is scheduled for Wednesday, May 24, at 8 p.m. EST on CBS. This last show is slated to be 3 hours, with the last hour spent in a cast reunion.)

"Survivor" can still be viewed on demand at Paramount+.

“The ‘Survivor’ contest is the perfect combination of physical and mental strength.”

— Brandon Cottom, Survivor 44 cast member

Gents Crave Creativity, Too

Advice Editorial: Outlining Men And The Interior Design Process

ARTICLE BY DONNA HOFFMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER RYMWID PHOTOGRAPHY

In a world where aesthetics are everything, men are embracing their creative sides, wanting beautiful home spaces that reflect who they are, how they want to live and what they want to experience in their surroundings. Gone is the thinking that “spaces for him" require only a black leather sofa, flat screen TV and a few framed sports jerseys.

Men have distinct opinions about how they envision their final spaces and are ready to take on what used to be an afterthought.

Interior design should reflect all those who inhabit the space — women AND men. This tidbit is sometimes lost on a loving female partner. Finding common

denominators for all parties is the golden ticket to a perfect aesthetic outcome.

How DO men figure into the interior design equation, whether working with a design professional, solo or in partnership with their other half?

The male of the species is not so different from the female.

Some like to shop, others simply like to crunch the numbers, some like to do both.  Efficiency and linear thinking are usually much appreciated by men in the design process. It’s important to recognize the value all perspectives bring to the table.

If designing with a partner, it’s essential to clarify aesthetic and budget goals upfront. When considering an interior designer, it’s equally important to identify a designer who can think in both creative and linear terms. The latter is what allows left-brained individuals to breathe a sigh of relief.

Contrary to popular belief, excellent design is quite strategic, logical and in some areas, even mathematical.

From space planning to line-item budget forecasting; these are the precursors for the development of “the creative,” meaning, the design itself.

Beyond creating the actual design (called Design Development), there are a myriad of logistical details, including project management, resource management, reporting, procurement, inspections, delivery, installations, final punch listing, and possibly, construction team liaison and support.

All this to say, design is not simply about selecting a bunch of colors and some furnishings. The end aesthetic is surely the climax of the show, but there is tremendous groundwork that goes on continually behind the scenes to successfully deliver a spectacular space.

When considering the modern man within the interior design process, here are a few considerations:

The Process Itself: Although each interior design experience will vary, the process should have a distinct beginning, middle and end. When properly managed and openly communicated, a defined process will result in an efficient, accurate and enjoyable experience for all concerned.

Control of Resources:  Accurate accounting should apply to the dollars spent and extend across the board: managing and

repurposing existing furnishings, time management, line-item budget forecasts, reporting and budget stewardship.

Aesthetic: Some people are familiar with the interior lingo and how to express a design idea, but they tend to be the exception. More commonly, professionals hear the phrase, “I know what I want, but I don’t have the right words to describe it." An excellent designer can organize and shorthand a design process, to include a “discovery phase” that unearths design cravings.

Keep in mind, from color to design style, there is no single design aesthetic men universally embrace. From tailored transitional, to minimalist modern to warm, cozy traditional, and every flavor between, the male design mind is as varied as it is wonderful.

The bottom line: Gentlemen, the interior design world is your oyster. Embrace these cornerstones and move confidently into interior nirvana.

215.736.8693

ImpeccablyDesignedHomes.com

Instagram: @idhdesigns

About Donna Hoffman: Multiple award-winning and Bucks County-based firm, Impeccably Designed Homes by Donna Hoffman, specializes in new construction, renovation, whole home- and full-room design, delivering livable luxury to discerning clients. As seen in Forbes, Real Simple  and on television, IDH works locally as well as throughout the United States. Industry sources often refer to Donna as a thought leader, calling her the nation’s No. 1 design coach because she founded TheInteriorDesignAdvocate.com. Donna says she also loves providing online courses that empower DIYers.

"Men want both right-brain and left-brain interior design deliverables."

~Donna Hoffman

Interior designer Donna Hoffman suggests, “Gentlemen, the interior design world is your oyster. Embrace these cornerstones and move confidently into interior nirvana.”

POSITIVE ENERGY LOVES COMPANY

“My father then asked me if I wanted to open a restaurant,” says Nick. His creative concepts started flowing and he recalls wanting to do a “different spot" that oozed positive vibes and provided an environment where “customers can lose themselves in music, food and energy.”

Nick stresses the success of his restaurant is nothing short of full collaboration with his all-female management team, plus each and every employee. Grounded with his mantra "positive energy loves company," the high energy he extrudes at Erini is contagious and seems to be picked up by all.

EXECUTIVE CHEF NICK FIFIS: 'THE RESTAURANT

BUSINESSES RENAISSANCE MAN'

ARTICLE BY JOHN FIDUCCIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ROBINSON

Erini Executive Chef/Owner Nick Fifis comes from a family of passionate restaurateurs going back three generations to his grandfather who started Ponzio’s diner in Cherry Hill, which is now run by Nick's cousin, Nickolas D. Fifis.

Upon graduating high school, Nick says his dad gave him two options: “It’s either the Marines or Culinary School.” After careful consideration, Nick chose to learn the family trade and attended the Culinary Institute of America in New York. He dedicated himself to the food profession and never looked back—although he can be seen working out vigorously at local gyms like a Marine.

Nick started work at the family diner, but headed to Philadelphia to hone skills at various popular  eateries that “make you feel like you can transport to a getaway with a cocktail." His career included experiences at Rococo, World Fusion, Buddakan and Adriatica, all Philly staples.

Each Black Friday, the restaurant closes, and the staff reports for a day of 'work,' spent decorating the interior and exterior grounds for the fall season. They celebrate the conversion with a party that evening, funded by their gracious boss.

Chef Nick supports other local businesses through daily visits to the Trenton Farmers Market or Blue Moon Acres in Pennington where he picks up ingredients to translate into fabulous dishes he serves to faithful diners. Once Jersey tomatoes are back in season, he makes his homemade mozzarella used in the venue's popular Caprese salad.

He also leads the way in providing an on-site botanical wonderland, which resulted in Erini winning NJ.com's best outdoor dining award. As a youth, his grandparents taught him how to garden, and fig trees at the Erini's front gardens originated in Greece and were brought stateside by his grandfather. The figs are used in many of the restaurant's featured specials.

The restaurant is named after Nick's grandmother, Erini, who shared her love of Greek cooking with extended family members. The Yia Yia's meatballs are his grandmother's recipe, as well as the highly touted cheesecakes. The crab cake/hummus menu item also comes from a family-formulated recipe.

Erini Executive Chef/Owner Nick Fifis. Erini in Greek means "peace."

Father's Day As One Parent

Council Rock High Basketball Coach Jesse Krasna Shares His Lone-Life Perspectives While Missing Beloved Wife

Jesse Krasna faces challenging, complex emotional times with navigating Mother's Day, Father's Day and Thanksgiving this year for the first time as a single parent. On Nov. 28, 2022, his wife, Jennifer Krasna, tragically passed on at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, just four days after giving birth to their baby boy, Cade. Jenn, 30, also left behind a 2-year-old son, Ty.

"I have such a great support system, and the boys are getting so much love from our local family and friends. Every day, someone comes to our house to play with them, hold them or give me some time to go to

a practice, the gym or to see friends," says this Newtown father.

"The hardest thing is missing Jenn, and wishing she could be here so we could watch the boys grow up together."

Jenn was a first and second grade teacher at Charlestown Elementary School in Malvern.

Jesse teaches health and physical education at Warminster Elementary School, and has been Council Rock North head basketball coach since 2016.

Jenn was someone who would do anything to help others, Jesse confirms. "She was always thinking about making

other people happy and put her family’s, friends' and students' needs before her own. She was such a great friend, partner and mom, so patient, loving, kind and the best role model."

He adds she loved planning weekend trips and spending quality time together, putting energy into being an amazing mom. "All the pictures and videos are great to keep the memories of Jenn alive to share with the boys," he says.

To help cover funeral expenses at the time, the goal of a GoFundMe campaign was set at $50,000; instead, $329,997 was raised in donations. This allowed Jesse to

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Photo courtesy of Jesse Michael/Facebook

step away from teaching for this school year to get accustomed to being a solo parent and find a routine for the boys that bolsters them.

"The boys are doing well. Ty loves being a big brother and spending time with our family and friends. Cade is growing fast. The winter was a little more challenging, being inside all day, but now we're able to go on walks, go to parks and play in the neighborhood," Jesse shares.

With Father's Day approaching, at press time, Jesse says he hadn't really dwelled on it or the upcoming holidays. He states he and the boys are fortunate to live close

to family, so they'll be able to spend the holidays with them. "Jenn would always go the extra mile to make me feel special on holidays and birthdays. It was something she put a lot of thought into because she cared so much about making others feel loved, and wanted to see her loved ones happy," he reminisces.

To get through the life-changing experience that Jesse did, he leans on sportsassociated self-motivation/inspiration techniques. "Being around so many great coaches over the years has helped me cope with the tragedy. Instead of focusing on the loss of Jenn, I try thinking about how fortunate

I am to have spent 14 years of my life with Jenn, building a family with her, and how happy she made me and our family during that time."

He says he also focuses on how lucky he is to have such a great support system to rely on because there are others in similar situations who aren’t quite as fortunate. "During the times when I feel sad and find myself wishing Jenn could be here to share life with, I remember that we can choose to be happy and resilient, and it’s my job to model that for the boys," asserts Jess.

"That's what Jenn would want me to do."

To date, United Veterans Roofing has given away 2 complete roofing systems at no cost to Veterans in need and has given back to various veterans charities. We have the knowledge and know how to help guide our customers through the insurance claims process, and successfully document hail and storm related damages. We are always here to help!

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

JUNE 7TH 2023 Summer Wine & Music Series

CROSSING VINEYARDS AND WINERY | 7:00 PM

Three different musical gatherings will be hosted in Wrightstown: June 9, 23 and 30. On June 9, the band will be The Fabulous Grease Band; performing on the 23rd is Sensational Soul Cruisers; and on the 30th is The Gumbo Gumbas. Performances are held rain or shine. Cost: $15 in advance/online or $20 the week of the concerts. Reservations: CrossingVineyards.com.

JUNE 10TH

Wrightstown

Farmers Market

CHANDLER HALL | 9:00 AM

This local, producer-only gathering has moved to a new, indoor location this year. The market promotes sustainable farming practices that support healthy soil, produce, pastures, animals, people and local communities. Market hours conclude at noon. The Wrightstown Farmers Market is part of the Bucks County Foodshed Alliance Family. For questions, call 215.378.3284 or visit WrightstownFarmersMarket.org.

JUNE 24TH - 25TH

Family Festival & Summer Market

HORTULUS FARM GARDEN AND NURSERY | 10:00 AM

This second annual Summer Makers Market is the first Hortulus Family Festival. Organizers say they expanded the event this year by giving families more opportunities to enjoy the farm, nature and their groups. The Botanical Playground will be in full swing. They will offer plenty of food options, and a plethora of yard games and fun for the whole family.