Newtown, PA May 2024

Ladies Edition:

Everything's Coming Up

Roses For Susan Noles

Cheers To All Women Who Nurture, Guide, Teach And Protect

We love any opportunity to recognize the women in our lives who make life more rich and beautiful. Friends, wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, aunts and stepmothers are some of the most influential women in our lives.

With Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms. But it’s not just biological mothers who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the female family members, teachers, coaches, first responders and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives, making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.

While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this role, connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to local and regional women. They are movers and shakers, builders and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those who are under their care. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them.

Thanks to ALL motherly types.

DANA WEISSENBERG, PUBLISHER @NEWTOWNCITYLIFESTYLE

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Dana Weissenberg

Dana.Weissenberg@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Catrina Tier | catrina.tier@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Brian Wagner

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Becky Diamond, Julie Brown Patton, Angela Broockerd

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mk Hammerstein Public Relations, Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion, The Moods of Motherhood Photo, Meg Meyer, Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Laura Paige

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Newtown

1: New Hope-Solebury School District ranked as one of Pennsylvania's best: Niche’s 2024 Best Schools/Districts rankings. 2: Debbie Maccarella recently retired after a 35-year career in the Council Rock School District. 3: Council Rock High School North/Newtown ranked No. 1,181 nationally: U.S. News & World Report.

Dr. Grozalis specializes in soft tissue therapies combined with innovative, cutting-edge therapies to treat:

Strains & Sprains | Tendonitis

Bursitis | Fasciitis | Myofascial Pain

Post-Surgery Scar Tissue

She has also been successful in treating difficult spine & disc conditions with these techniques.

Why Shouldn’t You Have the Same Treatment as a Professional Athlete?

Active Release Techniques™

Performed by the doctor, this patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue movement based massage technique treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. With the ability to treat injuries quickly and effectively, athletes all over the world have incorporated ART into their training regimens.

Graston Technique®

The doctor is certified in this technique which is instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables her to effectively detect and treat scar tissue and restrictions that affect normal function. The technique is also being used by NBA, NHL, NFL and Major League Baseball trainers.

Triton™ DTS Decompression Therapy

Nonsurgical solution for herniated discs in the neck and low back; also effective for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Active Release Techniques™ for Long Nerve Entrapment

Specialized technique to address nerve and disc impingements, carpal tunnel, tennis/golfer’s elbow, or any radiculopathy and or numbness caused by a nerve injury.

Myofascial Release/Trigger Point Therapy

Our certified massage therapists & doctor use this technique to break up scar tissue & increase range of motion.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy has been used by professional sports teams for years to dramatically speed up healing time and promote healthy cell growth.

Traditional Chiropractic Manipulation

As well as other traditional physical therapy modalities such as ultrasound, TENS, heat/ice, and kinesiotaping are included in your treatment plan.

Kinesio Taping

Kinesio Taping gives support and stability to joints and muscles while allowing a patient to move through a normal range of motion. It decreases inflammation and reduces pain.

Dr. Jennifer Grozalis

business monthly

Police School Resource Officer Renee Hurst Retires After Three Decades

Newtown Township Officer Renee Hurst retired after 34 years of service. Prior to joining Newtown, she worked as a police dispatcher for the Bucks County Department of Communications from 1985 to 1990. She also was employed as a police officer with the Chalfont Borough Police Department from 1986 to 1987, and the Yardley Borough Police Department from 1987 to 1990. During her time with Newtown Township, she served as a detective and school resource officer.

Hydrating Skinvive Now Available At The Well Lounge In Newtown

Skinvive, a new Juvederm revolutionary treatment designed to increase skin's natural ability to retain moisture, is now offered at The Well Lounge. Medical specialists at The Well verify the product has microdroplets of hyaluronic acid that provide a long-lasting glow. The product smooths skin and evens textures; it also was developed to overcome redness, dullness and acne scars. Skinvive can be used to treat foreheads, under-eye areas, crow’s feet, around the mouth, neck and décolletage.

Historic Bucks County Entertainment Destination Names New CEO

At Peddler’s Village, Bob McGowan was promoted to chief executive officer. He previously served as chief operating officer for the past six years. Bob is managing overall operations and resources for the 42-acre property, as well as 350plus employees. He will continue to oversee long-term planning for the real estate and year-round hospitality business known for being a storybook village with charming colonial-style buildings, award-winning gardens, distinctive shopping, entertainment, magical weddings, dining and lodging.

Photography by Newtown Township Police Department

Photography by Peddler’s Village

LOCAL 'GOLDEN BACHELOR’ QUEEN

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON Susan Noles:

Me!"

"I used to think I was a woman who needed a man. Now I know I'm a woman that a man needs," asserts Susan Noles, a contestant from Aston Township, Delaware County, on the history-making first season of ABC's "The Golden Bachelor."

She says she had the best experience on the dating reality show, making all new friends and sharing stories. After her participation, her message to other women who are 50 years-plus young: "It's never too late to live again, whether that means through friendships or your love life."

Susan, 66, is a wedding officiant with a business, Nuptials by Noles, and previously was married to MLB player Dickie Noles, a former pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. She has five grandchildren and a heaven-embraced sixth one. Although she's retired from being a hair stylist, she says she does hair for family members and friends – a skill many of her fellow show contestants gladly tapped into, especially for Rose Ceremonies.

"When doing hair presently, conversations have changed. Everyone keeps telling me they've never seen me more happy, that I glow," she confides. "I like to laugh, I love people and I want to be surrounded by spirited positivity."

Susan's journey to the TV show started nearly four years ago. Her friend, Lottie Peslar, discovered producers were going to do what she referred to as "An Old People Bachelor," and recalls suggesting to Susan she should apply. Susan did, but, the COVID19 pandemic interrupted and delayed the overall process, to the point Susan assumed there was no interest. However, the feisty, fun-loving female from Delco ultimately was one of only 22 cast members chosen from 30,000-plus candidates.

True to Susan's high-energy, happy-go-lucky but direct personality, she performed a karate demonstration in a Golden talent episode. After the show, she kept going with new endeavors by modeling in a New York City fashion show for women's intimate apparel brand Adore Me. In photos shared on Instagram, Susan rocked a silky lingerie dress and pearls to highlight her long-standing, signature Kris Jenner twinning look. Adore Me’s caption for it: “@thesusannoles gave us T-H-E-E most fierce energy on the runway this week.”

These days, Susan says she most enjoys family times, golfing and traveling as often as possible.

Donna Tribuiani, Susan's cousin, says Susan has been an outgoing star since she was born. "Nothing's changed in that department," Donna adds.

"I highly recommend living while you can. Being a hair stylist, I always felt I was on stage and should be entertaining," quips Susan.

To that end, Susan, Lottie and Donna can be seen during spring and fall excursions, frolicking, shopping and dining up-and-down Main Street in New Hope, a destination often lauded by top publications.

REGRETS FROM DOING THE SHOW?

A grateful Susan replies "None whatsoever," and that she became good friends with Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner but that a romantic spark simply didn't fully ignite. However, she graciously officiated Gerry and Theresa Nist’s wedding in January for the show.

Golden Bachelor certainly opened new doors for this Pennsylvania native and regional VIP. Wherever Susan goes and dines, she says she often receives unexpected roses. "I love the people who've touched my life and loved having the opportunity to touch their lives."

"The Golden Bachelorette" is coming this fall, but at press time, an announcement had not yet been made about who will be its leading woman. Susan's avid and numerous #TeamSusan fans immediately took up the cause, lobbying online for her to be the one.

Regardless of Susan's future, she encourages others to do whatever makes them feel personally good. "It's been a helluva' ride. No more dating sites, though. I'm done actively looking for love," she declares. "If love happens, it's God's will."

Spoiler: Susan says it definitely WAS the guac!

Editor's Note: "Golden Bachelor" stars Susan Noles and Kathy Swarts began hosting a new podcast 'Bachelor Happy Hour: Golden Hour.' The costars: "We share OUR life lessons with humor and ask listeners to dish on what’s going on in their lives. Nothing surprises us!”

SUSAN’S MUST-HAVE MEATBALL RECIPE:

Susan earned culinary MVP status on “The Golden Bachelor” Season 1 due to her expertise in the kitchen. Coming from an Italian-American family, Susan fed both the cast and crew with dishes she learned from her nana, the most famous of which is her meatballs.

Serves

15 people (which amounts to about two meatballs each, slightly bigger than a golf ball)

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground veal

• 1 pound ground pork

• 1 pound ground beef OR 3 pounds meatloaf mix

• 1 egg per pound of meat

• Salt (to taste; cup your hand and fill the well in the center of it with salt)

• Pepper to taste

• 1 clove fresh garlic, minced, or ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

• 3 or 4 shakes dried chopped basil leaves

• ¼–½ cup Locatelli cheese or grated Parmesan cheese

• Seasoned breadcrumbs (the meat moist is meant to remain moist, so add breadcrumbs a little at a time; Susan does not measure how many breadcrumbs she uses)

Meatball Directions:

Combine veal, beef and pork in a large bowl; add eggs, breadcrumbs, cheese and garlic, and mix well with hands. Sprinkle mixture with salt, pepper and basil flakes. Shape into balls (bigger than a golf ball, smaller than a tennis ball).

Preheat a cast-iron skillet with about one knuckle’s worth of oil (enough to come to a quarter of the way up the side of the meatballs).

To fry the meatballs, cook until browned and cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes on each side.

To finish cooking them in sauce, prepare pan as referenced, and brown meatballs for a little longer to make a nice crust, 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Transfer them to the pan with the gravy and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally for 3 to 4 hours.

Gravy Directions:

Susan’s basic “gravy” is a red sauce with meat.

Place a few cloves of chopped garlic in enough oil just to cover the bottom of a large pot, and sauté over medium heat until fragrant. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.

Before the garlic begins to brown, add the meat (pork rib, pork bone or 1 pound Italian sausage), and cook until browned. Add 1 large can (about 15 ounces) crushed tomatoes and 1 large can puree, or two cans of crushed tomatoes for thicker sauce. Then add meatballs. Add two small cans tomato paste.

Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally. (Susan says she usually cooks it for 3 or 4 hours, and sometimes adds a little red wine if she has all day to simmer the gravy.)

The Golden Bachelor contestants (l to r): Kathy Swarts, Susan Noles, Sandra Mason

Susan's signature smile.

Susan Noles models for Adore Me fashion show in New York City / Photo by Arun Nevader

Susan Noles and Theresa Nist, of The Golden Batchelor

Susan is a wedding officiant with a business, Nuptials by Noles

Susan Lynn Innamorato Noles was a contestant on “The Golden Bachelor” until the fifth week.

Danielle BrodyWellness:

ARTICLE BY BECKY DIAMOND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEG MEYER

NEWTOWN CITY LIFESTYLE ASKED DANIELLE ABOUT HER BACKGROUND AND WHAT SHE DOES TO IMPROVE OTHER'S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING.

"I own Danielle Brody Wellness, a woman-owned business specializing in 1:1 personalized wellness coaching utilizing mindset, fitness and nutrition. My company also creates local wellness events that bring together our community and celebrate life, health and movement. Additionally, I am the current Lululemon Newtown train coach and a proud brand ambassador. Locally, I work with Opus Elite Real Estate as their in-house wellness coach. I'm an extremely passionate group fitness coach at Studio Lit Newtown and Rumble Boxing Princeton. It's my daily goal to make the habits of health simple and fun for everyone I work with, and I just couldn't love what I do anymore. It has been the greatest blessing to find good health and share my passion as my business with our community here in Bucks County."

PROVIDING

PERSONALIZED WELLNESS COACHING IN YARDLEY THROUGH LOVE AND SUPPORT

"I BELIEVE IN LOVING PEOPLE, INFORMING PEOPLE AND BEING AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT I HOPE TO ELICIT IN PEOPLE."

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AS A COACH?

"Almost 15 years ago, I became sick with Lupus and depression, and struggled with my health for many dark years. When I found holistic health, my health began to improve. Before this, I was a lifelong athlete. As my health improved, I reconnected with my love of movement. It became my passion to share this love with all. Mindset, movement and nutrition changed my health, which changed the quality of my life. I always say, I was my first client."

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE A WELLNESS PROGRAM IS IMPORTANT TO LOCAL WOMEN?

"This is OUR community. I believe wellness is important to all humans. It's truly a preventative health measure we can take. And we can do that TOGETHER. We are all stronger together if we are well informed, well cared for humans, both emotionally and physically."

WHY PICK YARDLEY FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

"Yardley is my home. I've lived here with my beloved family for 10 years now. I'm so proud to live here and want to continue to contribute to our community in positive and impactful ways. I have loved coaching softball in our township, and recently became a Girls on the Run Coach for Edgewood Elementary."

WHAT GENERAL TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS?

"Start small! Small changes over time compound into monumental changes that will have a long-lasting impact on our health and happiness. Make the goal, create actionable steps, get support where you need it and commit to the process. Anything of meaning takes time! Pitbull always says, "What comes quick, leaves quicker!" If you want something to last, and want it to be impactful and meaningful, well, then you will earn it with effort. And it will be worth it."

Danielle Brody

DANIELLE BRODY WELLNESS

Yardley resident Danielle began her wellness company after a decade-long battle with Lupus and depression. After years of doctors telling Danielle about her health and how it should look and feel, she states she learned that she needed to inform herself about her disease and her body. From this life experience, the business Danielle Brody Wellness was born. Danielle has a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and holds additional certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine in nutrition, fitness and Reiki healing.

Some examples of her recent events, workshops and speaking engagements include:

• Creating girls empowerment workshops for The Girl Scouts.

• Serving as a panelist and speaker at the West Chester Mama & Child Wellness Expo.

• Partnering with local female leaders to host Wellness Events for Women at Hortulus Farms and Stuart Barn Newtown.

• Creating a workshop “Lit From Within Wellness” for The Studio Lit Retreat in The Dominican Republic.

Danielle loves to see all women thrive and she, too, is one of those women. Learn more at: DanielleBrodyWellness.com

DO YOU MIND GIVING SOME POINTERS ON LIVING WITH AN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE AS INSPIRATION FOR OTHERS?

"We are not our disease, but we can contribute to healing from it. We can strengthen our minds and bodies to fight for ourselves. That is what gives us our power back and makes us active participants in our life story. My disease is just one thing about me now. I forgot that for a while and let it rule my whole world. But know if you are sick also, you can learn to understand your disease, learn what helps you, learn your mind and you most certainly can and will learn to live with anything."

CAN YOU SHARE ANY CHALLENGES YOU'VE FACED AS A WORKING MOM TRYING TO JUGGLE A WORK/LIFE BALANCE AND WORDS OF WISDOM FROM WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED?

"For years, I was a stay at home mom and a piece of me always felt unfulfilled. I do think there are people who can stay home and thrive. They love it and it fulfills them. I loved being a mom, but as a woman, I needed to expand and work. It was within my heart to go for it. I now know that this was what I needed for me. I truly believe I am a more present, more loving mother because I now feel genuinely happy as a woman. My identity and happiness are multilayered and multifaceted: being a mother is a joyous, special, wonderful piece of who I am, but it is one piece of many."

WHAT IS SOME OF THE FEEDBACK YOU HAVE RECEIVED?

"The most common feedback I receive from clients is that they never knew how much they needed to work with someone like me. Most of my clients have tried 'dieting' coaches and haven’t found changes that actually felt good and long-lasting. The level of care and support I give is my proudest asset. I really care because I have been exactly where each person starts. I walk with my clients every single step and I don't believe in guilting or shaming people into change."

The Strong Mom PROJECT

CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER SPECIALIZES IN WOMEN'S PRE/POSTNATAL EXERCISE, REBUILDING STRENGTH

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Certified pregnancy and postpartum athleticism coach Krista Williams dedicates herself to educating women and mothers about physically preparing for and recovering from pregnancies, along with advice under the heading ‘I wish someone had told me...'

As a personal trainer for 20 years, Newtownheadquartered Krista knew volumes about how bodies work. What she discovered about persistent bodily changes due to pregnancies was a whole other dimension.

At a six-week postpartum appointment after Krista's first son was delivered through a C-section, she says she got a doctor's clearance to resume normal activity without restrictions. She recalls thinking: "I knew better than to take that ‘without restrictions’ line seriously," especially given how sore her body still was.

"It’s no wonder most women do nothing to promote healing their core and pelvic floor in the first six weeks postpartum. It’s no wonder so many women return to exercise too soon and do too much. It’s no wonder back pain and pelvic floor dysfunction are made worse," she says.

Krista decided a better approach was needed. "When you know better, you do better!"

Because she wants other women to "do mom life better," she conducts classes for safe prenatal exercises and postpartum strength rebuilding. She offers a complimentary 15-minute consultation. Clients can book 1-hour Group Strong in-person classes held in a private space on the property of Newtown Athletic Club. Her all-access fee includes recorded strength and foam rolling sessions to do at home; video library and resource pages; and monthly social events. She also provides an early postpartum series called Diapers to Dumbbells, and free 45-minute community classes.

"Women come to me scared, and particularly in postpartum, just exhausted and not in a good head space because they don't feel like themselves. The reality is women don't get educated in high school years about how to prepare for pregnancies, or what their true needs are going to be," she says.

"We educate moms regarding safe prenatal exercise, postpartum core, pelvic floor rehab."

Krista Williams, NASM-CPT, says seeing women regain themselves postpartum never gets old. / Photo by The Moods of Motherhood Photo

"It’s never too early or late to get the help you need!"

For moms or soon-to-be moms seeking more information prior to participating in Group Strong, or any new client starting a personal training membership, they can book Krista for a private assessment/foundations session, either in-person or virtual. Krista says this session evaluates posture, alignment, and muscle recruitment, and assesses common tendencies that may affect exercise progression.

"For women told they need additional surgeries for post-pregnancy issues, they should first try strengthening their pelvic floor because surgeries don't always hold over the long haul. Sometimes, our challenges are due to trauma to our cores, or postural patterns after birthing that cause other complications," says Krista. "Our whole bodies can shift without us actually realizing it."

She says the wonderful news is most post-pregnancy physical problems or pelvic pain can be resolved fairly quickly, even though the issues might seem like such a huge mountain to climb. "With proper steps taken to restabilize the core and pelvic floor, results can be seen in the first month."

Catch Krista and co-host Jenn Perna, DPT, on their podcast: Moms in Motion. The episodes drop once weekly on Monday mornings.

Krista Williams (front row; left) with fellow mothers/clients.

forMom

HANDMADE

BREAKING BREAD

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Making homemade bread is coming back, and while the convenience of buying a pre-made loaf is readily available, there is nothing like the taste of a warm, homemade loaf right out of the oven. This easy-to-follow recipe is exploding with flavor and is simple to make.

FOCACCIA

This recipe is quick and easy to make with just a few simple steps. It tastes great on its own, but dipping it in olive oil infused with fresh herbs adds an extra level of flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ¾ cups warm water

• 2 ½ teaspoons sugar

• 1 package active dry yeast

• 4 cups flour

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• Optional:

• Fresh rosemary

• Coarse sea salt

• Fresh pressed garlic

INSTRUCTIONS:

Use a stand mixer with a fitted dough hook, and stir together the water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and stir again. Set mixture aside for 5 minutes. Mixture should be foamy. Next, add the flour and salt and mix on low until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed and mix for an additional 4-5 minutes. Brush a large bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Set aside for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until the dough has doubled in size.

Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of oil. Uncover the dough and rub hands with olive oil. Slide your hands under the dough and fold it onto itself. Continue to work your way around the edge of the bowl, folding the dough onto itself until there is a ball that you can lift from the bowl. Place the dough in the prepared pan and press the dough to the edges. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a damp towel and set aside to rise for about 45 minutes until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough. Rub your hands with olive oil and use your fingers to make indentions on the surface of the dough. Sprinkle it with salt and rosemary and any desired toppings. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.

�:� Private Makeup Lessons with Taya Bermudez (90 minutes)

MAY 5TH

Cinco de Mayo Brunch Party

Green Parrot Restaurant Pub & Patio | 12:00 PM

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with DJ Brother Mike from noon to 4 p.m. There will be a brand-new Cinco de Mayo brunch menu with mimosas, bloody Marys, margaritas and themed cocktail specials. The location has three fireplaces and 24 HD TVs. For table reservations, call 215.504.7277.

MAY 5TH

The Ugly Duckling (Three Performances)

Bucks County Playhouse, New Hope | 7:30 PM

Semifinalists from “America’s Got Talent” in a show for the young and young at heart: Lightwire Theater brings a classic tale to the modern stage in an unforgettable theatrical experience. Lined with electroluminescent wire, the beloved story of The Ugly Duckling plays out through a cutting-edge blend of puppetry, technology and dance. Student group rates available for student matinees. MAY

Jazz Concert On The Riverbank 2024

Washington Crossing Historic Park | 6:00 PM

Friends of Washington Crossing Park/Newtown Theatre supporters are teaming up to present a free outdoor jazz concert until 8 p.m., held on the banks of the Delaware River near the park’s visitor center. Rita’s Ice will be available on-site. Attendees are welcome to bring picnic dinners, chairs and blankets; alcohol isn't permitted. Four-legged friends are welcome but must be leashed.

The Buxton Complex will be hosting the 2nd Annual NJ EGG FEST, April 27th, 2024 11am - 3pm in Ewing, NJ. Whether you’ve had an EGG for years, are just getting started or are thinking about purchasing your first EGG, EGG FEST is the perfect place to get all your questions answered.

New Hope Arts Center Lands New Leader

NEXT CHAPTER UNDERWAY OF VIBRANT SPACE FOR ARTISTIC EXPRESSION, APPRECIATION

ARTICLE

Christine Ramirez recently became the new executive director of New Hope Arts.

Christine's journey with New Hope Arts began in 2005 when she joined the nonprofit as the director’s assistant, working closely alongside the organization's inspirational founder, Robin Larsen. Board members confirm Christine played a pivotal role in shaping the artistic vision of the center until the unexpected passing of Robin in 2009. In the absence of a director, Christine, with the unwavering support of the board of directors, along with several volunteers, dedicated herself to running the arts center for two years until local art historian Carol Cruickshanks took the helm. Christine transitioned into the role of exhibition specialist.

Now retired, Carol says Christine's long association with New Hope Arts provides the continuity that keeps members and supporters confident of the organization's commitment to the community. "She has personally been my best supporter during the last 13 years, and I'm reassured that the change in administration is in the best hands.”

"Christine brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and energy to our organization. I'm confident her passion for the arts will ensure a positive, seamless transition for New Hope Arts," states Larry Keller, New Hope Arts board chairman.

The center is located at 2 Stockton Ave.

Christine says, "Assuming the leadership at New Hope Arts is more than a career move for me; it's a deeply personal journey that spans 18 years of devotion to this organization and community."

215.862.9606

NewHopeArts.org

BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

BY MK HAMMERSTEIN

Christine Ramirez (left) and Carol Cruickshanks