Life's Joys: Kids + Pets Issue
ALSO SERVING NEW HOPE, UPPER MAKEFIELD, WASHINGTON CROSSING AND WRIGHTSTOWN






ALSO SERVING NEW HOPE, UPPER MAKEFIELD, WASHINGTON CROSSING AND WRIGHTSTOWN
Absolutely love The Well Lounge. Everyone there makes you feel so comfortable from start to finish
This annual edition is always one of my favorites. I suppose because of the immense joy that children bring to their families and the significant impact they make on their communities.
Children are not merely the hope for a brighter tomorrow; they're the foundation upon which our society stands. Their innocence, curiosity, and boundless potential have the power to shape the world in ways we can only imagine. Kids represent our hardest work and greatest investment and we're happy to highlight kids within Newtown, New Hope, Upper Makefield, Washington Crossing and Wrightstown.
Secondarily, who could forget pets? The special kind of companionship can be a transformative experience for children and adults alike. Pets provide us with unconditional love, the opportunity to learn, grow and develop essential life skills in a nurturing environment. And who could ignore the bond between kids and their furry or feathery friends? The bond is often deep and meaningful, fostering qualities like empathy, responsibility and companionship.
I certainly love my cats, Freddy, Oscar and Princess Grace (a stray cat we care for).
What children and pets share in common is that they need us. Our care, attention and intention shapes how they are raised and who they become. We hope this edition inspires you to pour a little extra into the children and pets in your life this month.
Warm regards,
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
Julie Brown Patton, Erica Brooke Gordon, John Fiduccia, Dorothy Kern
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Ashley Blair
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
DANA WEISSENBERG, PUBLISHER @NEWTOWNCITYLIFESTYLEAD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
1: Shir Ami outing at Philmont Country Club via 150 members raised funding for community programs. 2: Shir Ami: Foursome of Ben Hoffman, Jared Shafer, Glen Freedman and Dave Frank. 3: Shir Ami: 45 ladies played mahjong or cards while enjoying mimosas and snacks. 4: Shir Ami: Randi Leon, Rachel Lesser, Joanna Holzman and Beth LaPat at mahjong. 5: Shir Ami: Co-chairs, Marc Luber and Brett Cohen, announce $36,000 raised for Circle of Giving. 6: Custom ice cream cakes can be ordered from Zebra-Striped Whale, 12 South State St., Newtown. 7: Tried a waffle/ice cream taco from Nina's Waffles in New Hope or Village at Newtown?
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Supporters of the Octagonal Schoolhouse (only remaining such Bucks County schoolhouse) in Wrightstown will host open houses. Located at the corner of Swamp Road and Second Street Pike (Route 232), the Schoolhouse was in operation from 1802-1850 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Open houses are: Aug. 20, 1-5 p.m.; Sept. 17, 1-5 p.m.; and Oct.15, 1-5 p.m. No charge for admission. Contact: Betty Davis 215.598.7534 and Mary Lee Johnson 215.870.2013.
Upper Makefield police officers recently rescued a brood of baby ducks after they got stuck in a storm drain at Crimson Leaf Drive and Greenbrier Circle in the township’s Weatherfield neighborhood. Police were alerted by a resident. The rescue took 90 minutes of maneuvering five storm grates. All six ducklings were returned to their mother. The duck family went for a dip in a neighbor’s pool and then waddled on about their way.
Eight area students were awarded 2023 Newtown Arts Company scholarships: Gianna Marini (Newtown); Alexandra Haviken (New Hope); Macey Webber (Yardley); Logan Smith (Newtown); India Profitt (Washington Crossing); Olivia Bissol (Washington Crossing); Sabrina Daniele Cancelliere (Doylestown); Samantha Rosinski (Doylestown). These scholarship awards bring the grants total from Newtown Arts Company to local high school graduates to more than $200,000. Each recipient presented an application, authored an essay and auditioned in person before a panel of experts.
A Comedy Night fundraiser with Comedy Cabaret is scheduled for Autism Cares Foundation on Aug. 25 at 8:30 p.m. This foundation's supporters strive to enhance the lives of those living with disabilities through enriching experiences, helpful resources and building supports. They specialize in supporting families and communities through complimentary activities. The fundraiser will be held in Doylestown at 625 North Main St. Phone 215.942.2273 or email info@autismcaresfoundation. org for updates regarding the link for purchasing tickets.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Newtown
When former elementary school teacher Bronwyn Bergen noticed kids lacking social and emotional skills, she became inspired to fill in gaps for developing confidence, self-esteem and resilience. In 2019, Bronwyn launched STARS Kids Life Coaches, its mission conveyed by the tagline, “We teach kids to reach for the stars.”
Mental health and life coaching are typically offered to adults, something Bronwyn wanted to change. “I want to put kids’ life coaching on the map,” says the organization’s founder/president. “It’s no longer taboo to talk about these topics. We help kids become the best versions of themselves.”
Bronwyn designed her coaching programs to be flexible for clients’ needs. In addition to two physical locations in Newtown and Captiva, Florida, virtual coaching is offered, with coaches residing in and working from various states. Each coach completes a thorough certification process.
The STARS founder emphasizes each child is strategically paired with the coach who best matches their needs. “It’s important to foster a true connection with your coach. If not, the child won’t feel comfortable enough to share their struggles,” she explains.
Bronwyn regularly hears from parents about positive results. One girl in particular struggled with social anxiety and panic attacks, so learning she’d implemented the strategies she’d been taught was truly meaningful for Bronwyn. “By giving her coping skills, it’s been life-changing for her.”
Above all, Bronwyn adds, “I enjoy watching kids build their self-esteem and confidence, become comfortable in their own skin and feel ready to tackle the world.”
267.981.2431
StarsKidsLifeCoaches.com
Bronwyn Bergen, founder STARS Kids Life CoachesBronwyn has 30 years of experience as a classroom teacher of diverse groups of children. She earned an undergraduate degree in elementary education and a master’s in education and psychology, followed by a life coaching certification through the Kids Life Academy. She’s invested in 65 additional course credits on topics that help her address various coaching challenges. They include specialized training in social skills, conflict resolution, mindfulness, anxiety disorders and cognitive and behavioral awareness.
Through private one-on-one coaching, STARS Kids Life Coaches tailors an individualized program for children’s unique needs based on an initial diagnostic assessment. Sessions may focus on topics that include building confidence and developing a growth mindset to help kids change negative thought patterns. “Our goal is to instill such confidence in the children we work with that they are able to say no and feel as if they have nothing to prove,” explains Bronwyn.
The Mindset Coaching for Student Athletes program developed from Bronwyn’s individual work with student athletes. She saw a need to expand the program when she had multiple athletic organizations and parents of student athletes reach out to her about needing the help of a mindset coach. The enhanced program, she says, will see student athletes working with experienced athletic coaches, such as Nick Massari, vice president of STARS Athletic Mindset, who have relevant backgrounds in both coaching and playing various sports.
Parental counseling helps develop a plan for the parents requesting assistance for their child. Bronwyn says parents have many reasons for reaching out to her, whether their child struggles to navigate social situations or needs help developing emotional resilience. At times, she says it’s beneficial for parents to become more involved in their children’s coaching so they can learn new perspectives and strategies to shift negative behaviors and “ensure their family dynamics stay in place.”
Newtown Photographer Ensures Newborn And Family Photos Are Enjoyable, Not Stressful
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTONPHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY
BLAIRNewborn and family photographer Ashley Blair helps others secure some of life's most beautiful memories to be able to be revisited.
"I want parents to remember all the heartfelt details. Life moves fast especially once you have kids. As parents, we don't always have time to shop for a wardrobe or plan the details of a photoshoot. This is why I have created a portrait experience designed for busy moms and dads," declares this Newtownbased photographer. "Whether it be the glow of pregnancy, the pureness of a newborn, or the silliness of a toddler, my ultimate goal as a photographer is to make clients' portrait experiences enjoyable and stress-free, from start to finish."
Ashley has firsthand experience regarding how fleeting these types of moments are. She's a mother to four kids with nearly 10 years of experience as a newborn photographer, and prior experience as a registered nurse. In other words, working with babies comes very naturally to her.
"Actually, many clients call me the baby whisperer! I bring a compassionate approach to my photography, particularly when photographing newborns and babies," she assures.
She says the first few weeks of welcoming a baby into the world are filled with so many emotions-pure bliss, exhaustion, self-doubt and amazement. "My job is to capture the love and pureness that the newborn stage entails," she adds. "I know how busy life is as a parent. I've created an experience to serve each family that goes beyond just taking their pictures. That experience includes a warm and inviting studio, personalized styling with the use of my client wardrobe, and after your session, I will even come to install custom artwork in your home. Newborn sessions even come with complimentary in-house hair and makeup. I really help with it all.”
Depending on weather, Ashley conducts both studio and outdoor sessions.
For those who don't know what to wear for pictures, Ashley assembled a curated client wardrobe from which to choose. Clients have access to full outfits or wardrobe pieces for mothers, babies and children. Ashley assists with selections via an
appointment to pull together "the desired look" for each session.
Lately, she says she's been doing a lot of baby bump photos. "Maternity sessions can be personalized specifically to style preferences, whether it be an elegant look with a tulle gown, a casual style with jeans and an open shirt, a more intimate style, or even multiple looks, I help style sessions for pregnant moms just the way they envisioned it."
About two weeks after a photo session, Ashley says she sets up a time to reveal the gallery of images, either virtually or at her studio in Newtown. She then helps select the perfect products for each family, whether that be beautiful wall galleries, statement pieces for above mantels, or a customized photo album regarding cover fabrics, colors and embossing.
When's the best time to book a photo session?
Ashley says it's best to reserve a session at the beginning of the second trimester for maternity and newborn portraits, because she can only take a limited number of newborns per month. Family sessions book usually about two to three months in advance.
"I love working with new babies, parents, as well as families, to freeze these most cherished moments. Pictures are one of the few items that grow in value over time. This is one of the reasons I really believe in helping families create beautiful artwork with their memories,” Ashley concludes. ashleyblairphotography@gmail.com AshleyBlairPhotography.com
Ashley Blair is a newborn, maternity and baby photographer providing families with timeless portraits and a luxury full-service experience. Her studio is located in Newtown.
Dorothy Kern is a math teacher turned professional food blogger for 12-plus years. She says she’s a super picky eater who somehow became a food blogger, but that she never met a dessert she didn’t like. Find more recipes for humans alike from her online at CrazyForCrust.com She covers cakes, pies, dips, savory dishes, breads, breakfast choices, no-bake options, snacks, candies and healthy-specific alternatives. She’s authored the cookbook: Crazy for Cookies, Brownies, and Bars: Super-Fast, Made-from-Scratch Sweets, Treats, and Desserts.
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1/4 cup applesauce unsweetened
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons honey
01. Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Line a 6-inch round cake pan (or a 9×5-inch bread pan) with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
02. Stir flour, baking soda, baking powder, peanut butter, oil, applesauce, egg and honey. Pour into pans. Bake 20 to 30 minutes, until browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
03. To make frosting, beat heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
04. Frost cake as desired. One can double the frosting recipe and torte the cake (cut the cake in half horizontally) to make it a two-layer cake.
05. Store covered in refrigerator for up to three days.
ARTICLE BY RECIPE SHARED VIA DOROTHY KERNSaint Andrew School Delivers Well-Rounded Education
Founded in 1927, Saint Andrew Catholic elementary school and preschool has come a long way in the past 96 years. The school opened its two doors, one for each room of the original building, to 47 students during August of that originating year. Fast-forward to the incoming class of 2023, where Principal Robert Sikora proudly managed a school of 730-plus students ranging from PreK-3 years old through eighth grade.
Saint Andrew, the parochial powerhouse of Bucks County, specifically Newtown, now hosts 37 classrooms, state-of-the-art facilities, which include computer science labs, a chapel and a student banking branch. The staff of this award-winning school prides themselves on delivering a top-notch religious and academic education while preparing their students for high school and beyond.
Newtown City Lifestyle asked Robert for updates as he just wrapped up his fourth year as principal.
WHAT ARE THE REASONS PARENTS SHOULD CONSIDER A CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR THEIR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION, SPECIFICALLY SAINT ANDREW?
Our goal is to get our kids to heaven. We teach them love and kindness while demanding strong academics from them. We have a team of teachers that push them to be the best they can be.
WHAT ABOUT THE SIZE OF SAINT ANDREW?
We are the perfect size. We have 55 to 70 kids per grade level, with three to four homerooms. Kids get to know everyone in their grade level without being in the same homeroom every year and getting to experience change each year. The kids push each other to be successful. Also, the size allows us to have access to more and better resources including full-time teachers for all subjects.
TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE THE CONTINUED GROWTH OF THE SCHOOL ENROLLMENT?
Monsignor (Michael) Picard is the consistent factor. Previously being a principal at Lansdale Catholic and having a long career teaching in the Archdiocese, he has a love for Catholic school and his leadership along with a great dedicated team of teachers and staff has driven growth. Also, just word-of-mouth from parents and the community who highly recommend our school.
WHAT CAN PARENTS EXPECT THEIR CHILDREN TO GAIN FROM A CATHOLIC SCHOOL EDUCATION AT SAINT ANDREW?
A Catholic education, formation of lasting relationships and a strong academic foundation. Many of our kids go on to attend great high schools and are successful which then positions them to go on to be wanted by colleges of choice.
SAINT ANDREW IS A BLUE-RIBBON SCHOOL. CAN YOU SPEAK TO OTHER AWARDS THE SCHOOL HAS WON?
Our school consistently wins the “School of Distinguished Instruction” awarded by the Archdiocese. Last year, we were only one of two schools who received it for overall performance and meeting expected growth. We also were featured nationally for our financial literacy program where the school operates a bank and stock market club.
ANY RECENT UPGRADES COMING TO THE SCHOOL?
The gym is being completely remodeled and modernized. Additional classrooms are being built out to support growth. Last year all our technology was upgraded. And the school added air conditioning four years ago.
SAINT ANDREW OFFERS PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS; TELL US ABOUT THAT.
We have a great early childhood program for Pre-K3 through full-day kindergarten that starts with 3-year-olds. More than 85% of our preschool students continue their education at Saint Andrew. We've grown to four classes per year and currently have a waiting list.
“Our goal is to set a strong foundation and drive our kids to be successful, which leads to freedom of choice when selecting a premier high school and college because the schools want them," says this proud principal.
215.968.2685
StAndrewCEC.com
“If you want your child to be surrounded by adults who love them and classmates who care, while being pushed to reach their full potential, Saint Andrew is a great place for that."
~Robert Sikora, Saint Andrew School principal in Newtown.
Judith Palm, V.M.D., is a semi-retired veterinarian of the Newtown Vet Hospital medical team at 107 Penns Trail, whose personal cat is named Smokey. Newtown City Lifestyle asked her about current recommendations regarding important cat care matters. Note: Her answers are for general information purposes only, and don't constitute veterinary medical advice, which should be obtained for cats during veterinary visits.
Raw meat diets are extremely risky for cats and their owners. Raw meats meant for human consumption are frequently contaminated with unhealthy, possibly antibiotic-resistant enteric bacteria, which can infect and sicken cats, anyone who handles these cats, and transmit to more people by contact. I don't recommend these diets for that reason.
Overfeeding, and offering no exercise outlet, are usual ways owners inadvertently contribute to portly pet cats. Getting body
weight and condition analyses with veterinarians' assistance, and computing a calorie count recommendation, are two ways to obtain objective information on how much to feed. Calorie density and nutrition content of many cat foods can be found using references from food company manufacturers. Avoid dry food, as cats are obligate carnivores. Specialized low calorie foods are available for overweight cats and should be given in recommended amounts. There are specialized diets for kittens, healthy adult and elderly cats, and prescription diets for cats with medical issues, such as diabetes, food allergy, and intestinal disease. Always consult veterinarians about prescription diets.
Judith Palm, V.M.D., is a 1990 graduate of University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She previously practiced at cat-only hospitals in Philadelphia/ New York State, then New Jersey veterinary clinic.
Cats don’t exercise like dogs, but they do need physical activity to keep fit. Little is actually known about exactly how much exercise is enough. Start slowly if your cat is overweight. Make sure, with a veterinary exam, your cat is healthy enough for increased activity. Provide activity opportunities: climbing trees with perches, window-view roosting platforms, step ladders, stairs and ramps, are all potential environmental perks that can induce indoor cats to explore. Entice them with low calorie treats. Many cats will play with toys on strings; a few minutes a few times a week appeals to their predator drive. Some chase small, wrapped balls of catnip or self-propelled mouse models. Varying toys is necessary to prevent boredom. Puzzle feeders help restrict overeating. Small, frequent meals are more natural for cats: remember, "meal feeding” didn’t happen in the wild, except perhaps between a queen and her kittens.
Bright pink, moist gums and white teeth typify a healthy mouth. Kittens can be taught to tolerate gentle mouth handling, and eventually home teeth cleaning after their adult teeth come in. Dental care is lifelong, and could involve periodic dental cleaning under anesthesia. Bad breath and teeth heavily stained and caked with accumulated tartar/calculus, along with reddened, swollen gums signal dental disease, which is just as serious to cats as it is to people. Dental disease merits veterinary attention; it's often very painful, and cats are masters at hiding pain.
HOW OFTEN ARE BLOOD TESTS ADVISED FOR CATS?
Blood testing may be generally necessary for any ailing cat, elderly cats, cats about to undergo surgical procedures, and for traveling cats. For many cats, as they age, annual blood testing helps screen for common
middle-age and geriatric problems, such as kidney or thyroid disease.
WHAT CONSTITUTES TRUE EMERGENCIES FOR CATS?
True emergencies for pet cats vary widely. But, the following are examples of true emergency situations: unconscious, can’t breathe normally, hit by car, bad fall, broken limbs, bleeding wounds, ocular injuries, persistent vomiting or GI distress, anything looking like a seizure, or continual sitting in a litter box, which can be a urinary obstruction for males or urinary infections for females. Not eating for just a few days can be an emergency in a cat. If your cat just "doesn’t look right," it should be examined by a veterinarian.
WHAT ELSE DO CAT PARENTS ASK ABOUT?
Most often it’s about weight; next about litterbox issues. TIP No. 1 : Owners should take time to learn about cat behavior and try to offer an environment that honors cats' hereditary characteristics, such as predator drive/stalking, territoriality, solitary eating, their need for hiding places, their desire to climb, use scratching posts and litter preferences. It can be fun to set these up. TIP No. 2: Learn to clip kittens' toenails so it’s not so scary to them later on.
A happy cat is an active and fit cat.Dr. Palm offers two, trusted reference sites: VeterinaryPartner.com and CatVets.com
Newtown Vet is a comprehensive small animal practice dedicated to offering the highest quality medical, anesthetic, surgical care and pain management. Overall, this animal hospital provides wellness services, integrated medicine, microchipping,
dentistries, diagnostics/lab work, boarding for patients of the practice, genetics analyses and travel documents. They also are the official vet team of the world-famous Trenton Thunder Bat Dogs.
215.968.3895
NewtownVet.com
Chickens have become increasingly popular as pets in both suburban and urban areas during the last 20 years. Backyard chickens may seem to be an unsuspecting animal to keep as a pet but the tried and true egg producers are back in fashion as food costs are soaring and families are looking for more food independence in light of recent supply chain shortages.
There’s a lot to like about raising chickens in your backyard. Surprisingly, chickens are relatively low maintenance. And bonus – unlike dogs, they don’t need to be bathed or groomed, and they don’t shed on your clothes or require training. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?
First, check local town ordinances to ensure that keeping chickens is even allowed in your neighborhood or if there is a limit to the number of chickens you can keep at once.
Make sure you have the space for a henhouse or a full-size chicken coop. It has to hold a feeder and water containers, a roosting area, and a nest box for every three hens. A proper coop should be large enough that you can stand in it to gather eggs and shovel manure comfortably, but a simple hen house can be quite a bit smaller. Plus, any housing must be sturdy enough to keep your chickens safe from all the predators out there. Gorgeous coops are aplenty on places like Pinterest if you’re building your own, but many pre-made options are available through various farm supply stores as well.
Chickens need food and water daily. Feed is about $20 per 50-pound bag, but prices vary depending on your location and the quality of the feed. How long a bag lasts depends on the number of chickens you have.
Hens will lay eggs through Spring and Summer and into the Fall, as long as they have 12 to 14 hours of daylight. Expect to collect eggs daily, or even twice a day.
Everything you need to get started on your backyard coop.
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A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
AUGUST 11TH, 18TH & 25TH
2023 Summer Wine & Music Series
CROSSING VINEYARDS AND WINERY | 7:00 PM
Performances are rain or shine. Aug. 11 is 2nd Vision (Philly party band); Aug. 18 is Legacy (Motown/classic rock); Aug. 25 is The Beat Tells (Beatles tribute). Cost: $15 in advance; $20 week of the concert. Wine, beer, Crossing “Crushies” and light bites available for purchase. No outside beverages are permitted (BYO food allowed for concerts). Ticket sales final: CrossingVineyards.com
AUGUST 23RD
Free Kids' Movie: Chicken Run
NEWTOWN THEATRE | 10:00 AM
Get kids to a free screening of Chicken Run, a stop-motion animated adventure comedy film. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. No reservations or tickets are required for families. Seating is first come, first served. Summer camps: email manager@thenewtowntheatre.com for details. The concessions stand will be open before the film.
AUGUST 26TH
The Absolute Adele Tribute
NEWTOWN THEATRE | 3:00 PM
This concert features Jennifer Cella, who is said to deliver a stunningly accurate portrayal of the British songstress/pop icon. Jennifer is an accomplished singer who toured with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra as a lead vocalist for nearly a decade. During the show, she interacts with audiences, explaining song origins and backstories, just as Adele does. There's an 8 p.m. performance, too.