Newtown, PA August 2025 by City Lifestyle

The Power Of Kids & Pets

While I recently was dog-sitting a beloved Golden Retriever, Ducky, I was reminded of how important and helpful that pets are in our lives. Pets decrease stress, improve heart health and even assist children with their emotional and social skills. Perhaps most of all, pets are our dedicated companions who help combat loneliness, give us a sense of purpose and boost our overall well-being.

On the other hand, having kids is like being a live-in comedian. You’re constantly on stage, trying to juggle homework, sports, messes and questions like, 'Why is the sky blue?'—all while holding a coffee that’s gone cold… for the third time. Joking aside, being a parent has been hands down the most rewarding thing I've ever done. It's like everything I've worked for finally came together in the form of these young adults. I’m proud of every moment, even the chaotic ones.

Let's devote the month of August to recognizing those times when the youths and pets in our lives are notably beneficial to our overall well-being, because “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened," reminds Anatole France, a French poet, journalist and novelist.

DANA WEISSENBERG, PUBLISHER @NEWTOWNCITYLIFESTYLE

August 2025

PUBLISHER

Dana Weissenberg

Dana.Weissenberg@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Brian Wagner

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Haley Weltz

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Madeline Marriott, Bailey Hall, Julie Brown Patton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Marisa Dufort, Brian Wagner, Daria Terry

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle Learn

inside the issue

Jessica

Newtown Real Estate

1: Memorial Day Ceremony, Washington Crossing Historic Park: gravesite of Continental soldiers located near Thompson-Neely House. 2: 2025 Memorial Day Ceremony/Washington Crossing Historic Park included colonial color guard, fife/drum music, Revolutionary War reenactors, veterans. 3: Minesh Pathak (right) won 2025 Business Expo $2,100-valued gift basket, presented by Dave Marcolla, NBA president.

BRIAN WAGNER / BWAGS PHOTOGRAPHY

business monthly

New Hope-Solebury School District Ranks In Top 25: PBJ

New Hope-Solebury School District was ranked 15th by Philadelphia Business Journal staffers who evaluated all of Pennsylvania's school districts by test scores. The recently published 2025 School Guide ranks districts based on scores from the past three years of PSSA and Keystone Exams standardized tests. Of the top 25 districts, only one is located in Bucks County; eight are from Allegheny County, four from Delaware County, three from Montgomery County and two from Chester County.

Bucks County Community College Names New Dean Of STEM School

Bucks County Community College officials in Newtown selected Lisa Burgess to lead the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics as the Dean of STEM, effective July 1, 2025. Lisa, a community college graduate herself, has more than 25 years of higher education experience as an educator and administrative leader. She has extensive experience in STEM pedagogy and program assessment, curriculum development, faculty training and development, student success initiatives, strategic leadership and grant management.

Niche Ratings: Where Did Council Rock School District Align?

Council Rock School District, based in Newtown, ranked 10th in Niche’s 2025 Best Schools and Districts current rankings among the best in the five-county Philadelphia metro area. Niche employees provide profiles, reviews, ratings, and personalized recommendations for K-12 schools, colleges, universities, cities and towns. The rankings were based on student and parent ratings of teachers, teacher salaries, teacher absenteeism, teacher tenure, student-teacher ratio and the Niche Academics Grade for the district.

Photography by Bucks County Community College

WEDNESDAYS, 5-7PM May - October

Join us for seasonal sips and live music enjoyed in our lush garden setting.

HEINE & ASSOCIATES FAMILY DENTISTRY: SETTING UP KIDS AND BEYOND FOR DENTAL SUCCESS

Healthy Smiles

All-Around

ARTICLE BY MADELINE MARRIOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN WAGNER

Bucks County native Nicole Alden, D.M.D., is the most recent staff addition.

Heine Family Dentistry professionals strive to be patients' first, and only, dental providers. They pride themselves on being a one-stop-shop for all ages. Located in Newtown since 1977, this team offers all components needed for a lifetime of comprehensive dental care.

Young patients start by seeing Roshni Dhruva, D.D.S., the practice’s board-certified pediatric dentist. An alumna of NYU College of Dentistry, she explains the cleaning process to children and their parents to ensure their comfort during appointments.

“From ages one to three, a lot of what we do is education,” says practice owner Matthew "Matt" Heine, D.D.S. “We educate parents on what to look for, how to take care of young ones early on, and the timeline of teeth coming in. When you get people comfortable coming to the dentist at an early age, they become great dental patients as adults, cutting down on fear factors.”

Patients that need orthodontic care go to Joseph Brogan, D.M.D., the practice’s on-site orthodontist. A former professor at Temple University and graduate of the University of Scranton, Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania, he applies braces, elastics, headgear, retainers and removable aligners.

“As an orthodontist, I’m in a unique position to affect whole families in positive ways by building beautiful smiles and developing good habits for a lifetime of oral health,” he says. “I get great satisfaction knowing orthodontic treatments we provide have profound physical and psychological benefits.”

According to Matt, visiting a dentist and an orthodontist at the same practice equals better care, as the doctors can consult and make decisions based on the full picture of patients' dental health, including fillings, extractions and braces before orthodontic therapy.

The practice is rounded out by two general dentists, Matt and Nicole Alden, D.M.D.

Nicole, a Bucks County native, is the newest addition to the practice’s team. Dentistry runs in the family for her. While she originally had aspirations to be an orthopedic surgeon, she entered the dental field after shadowing at her uncle’s practice during college. She attended Villanova University and Temple University’s Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry.

Nicole joined Heine’s practice last summer after completing her residency at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem. She practices general dentistry, focusing primarily on adult care, but works closely with the team’s pediatric and orthodontic practitioners.

Joseph Brogan, D.M.D.; founder Matthew “Matt” Heine, D.D.S. (middle); Roshni Dhruva, D.D.S.

“One of the greatest things about being a general dentist is you can track a patient’s care through different stages of their lives,” she says. “We’re fortunate to have an orthodontist and a pediatric dentist who set our patients up for success before they transition to us; that continuity of care is a very special thing about our practice.”

Matt believes this continuity of care is what sets Heine Family Dentistry apart from the rest. “With a lot of pediatric

dentists, you have to leave at 18 to find a new practice. That’s not the case with us."

The staff is rebranding to address the practice’s recent growth and focus on dental care for all ages. “Our practice treats all generations of patients, so that’s where we’re going with the name: Generations Dental of Newtown,” Matt explains.

215.968.4545

HeineFamilyDental.com

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Jessica Heisen: “Life is Short, Pop More Balloons!”

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN WAGNER

Looking to make themed birthday celebrations, baby announcements, Sweet Sixteen parties, mitzvahs, fundraisers, grand openings, graduations and Back to School events even more memorable? Jessica Heisen, founder of Bucks County Balloons based in Washington Crossing, creates dynamic balloon or flower arches, centerpieces, balloon columns, balloon bouquets and yard cards for every season. She's happy to fashion balloon deliveries to dress up event venues, schools, homes or storefronts, too.

"We do fantastic, colorful displays to spruce up any affair," says Jessica.

One of her mainstay products is the “Pop Me” balloon in which themed objects, such as candy, confetti or plush toys, can be placed in a large clear balloon; it’s become a party favorite.

Jessica also specializes in large background balloon installations, feather walls or shimmer walls, which serve as photo backdrops or dramatic displays at entry and key points of party locations. She says she can design a balloon bouquet or balloon photo frame for any occasion, fusing a customer’s request with her creative and artistic mind.

Additionally, she rents lit-up marquee items, pedestals, flower walls, flower boxes, various types of specialty chairs, big shiny balls and custom party décor.

JESSICA HEISEN

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY NEWTOWN THERAPY AND WELLNESS CENTER

NEW ADHD GROUP OFFERED AMONG OTHER NEWTOWN THERAPY AND WELLNESS CENTER'S SERVICES

CHILD, ADOLESCENT, ADULT COUNSELING

Mental health support is for every area of life, assure the psychotherapy and counseling providers of Newtown Therapy and Wellness Center. The

adolescents and adults in individual, couples, group and family sessions. Many of the clinical psychologists there also provide psycho-educational test-

"THERAPY HELPS PEOPLE OF ALL AGES BETTER UNDERSTAND THEMSELVES, DEVELOP HEALTHY COPING STRATEGIES, AND NAVIGATE LIFE’S CHALLENGES

WITH MORE CONFIDENCE."

center's co-owners/managing directors and licensed clinical psychologists Stacy Hunt, Ph.D., and Kathryn Shipley, Ph.D., state individuals have the innate ability to heal, grow, change and self-actualize, so their team wants to share the techniques, tools and support to do so.

"Our methodology involves encouraging clients to be actively involved in their treatments, through client-centered, collaborative approaches. We believe strongly in the power of in-person therapy,” explains Stacy, who also is a sport psychologist.

"We rely heavily on interpersonal and Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) models of therapy while incorporating aspects of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, psychodynamic and solution-focused techniques," adds Kathryn.

Newtown Therapy and Wellness Center providers work with children,

ing, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) evaluations and other psychological assessment services. They provide psychological services, dance movement, hypnotherapy and EMDR, plus offer support for individuals of all ages with autism.

Additionally, these professionals just launched a new ADHD group led through two simultaneous sessions, one for parents and one for children. It's hosted in the group's Newtown office at 4 Terry Drive, Ste. 1; the next groups start in September. "Our curriculum is designed to support executive functioning, emotion regulation and empathy," says Katherine Bascom, co-director of the group.

In today’s world, children and teens face unique stressors, from lingering social and academic impacts of COVID19 disruptions to constant pressures and comparisons created by social media and digital life, says Stacy.

"Therapy provides a safe, supportive place for kids to make sense of these experiences and learn healthy ways to cope with anxiety, loneliness and uncertainty. It helps children build resilience, improve emotional regulation and strengthen problem-solving and communication skills," she adds.

While each child's different, Kathryn says some signs that extra support may be needed include sudden changes in moods or behaviors, withdrawing from friends or family, persistent worry or sadness, difficulties sleeping, frequent headaches or stomach-aches, changes in eating habits, dramatic weight loss, trouble concentrating in school or acting out in disruptive or aggressive ways.

"Many times, children express distress through behavior rather than words," she explains.

Rounding out thorough services and extensive experience of this center are David Hunt, MBA, operations director; [licensed clinical social worker and clinical director] Kelly Corbitt, LCSW; [licensed clinical social worker and clinical coordinator] Carey Young, LCSW; [licensed clinical psychologist and co-director of Newtown ADHD Center] Katherine Bascom, PsyD, LBS; [licensed psychologists, Christina Pallotti, Ph.D. and Diane Menago, PsyD; [licensed professional counselors] Erica Gambino, MFT, LPC, Elena Goldblum, MS, LPC, RYT-200, Melissa Graham, LPC, MPC, Angela Sargiotto Lucarini, MA, LPC, NCC, Jeffre St. James, LPC, and Katie Lyons, LPC; [licensed clinical social workers] Leena Saini, LCSW, Shannon Wasel, LCSW; [master’s level therapists Liz Dooley, M.Ed., Stephani Herman Duggan, MA, R-DMT, Alyssa McDougall, MS, LaPC, Allen Vayner, LSW, Zehavit Weisman, MS,Caitlyn Wunder, MA, Richard Yahn, MS; [certified hypnotherapist] Jill Tannenbaum, CHt; and [certified yoga therapist] Renée Laevsky.

"There’s no wrong time to seek therapy. If you or your child feel overwhelmed, stuck in unhelpful patterns, or notice that daily life, relationships or school performance are suffering, therapy can help. Parents know their child best. If something feels off, trust your instincts and reach out," suggests Kathryn.

267.755.9333 NewtownTherapy.com

Stacy Hunt, Ph.D.

Kathryn Shipley, Ph.D.

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

It's Adopting Cats And Dogs

Advice Editorial: Tips For Integrating New, Especially Rescued, Lifelong Furry Friends

When embracing a furry family member within one's home, it's vital to understand what's become known as the 3-3-3 Rule . This phased adjustment approach reflects time-tested guidelines that it can take a dog or cat 3 days to decompress from its prior circumstances, particularly if coming out of noisy, unfamiliar shelter surroundings; 3 weeks to adapt to a new environment; and 3 months to bond and build trust with new pet parents. In other words, patience, patience, patience is essential as new pets learn to heal and enjoy life again in a safe, loving environment.

Consider how to handle the following top reasons that pet adoptions don't feel like they're working out; often it's because pets don't immediately show appreciation, affection or interaction.

Behavioral Issues: Adopted animals may need to be redirected from food guarding, chewing, marking, separation anxiety or difficulty getting along with other pets.

Lifestyle Mismatch: Decide ahead of time if a high-energy dog will receive enough exercise, if a long-haired cat will get enough grooming, or if a dog with separation anxiety can settle into a busy household with young children or vacant house during work shifts.

Unexpected Veterinary Costs: Adopting a pet can come with unexpected veterinary bills due to pre-existing conditions later discovered or finally identified.

Training and Socialization: Seek assistance with a new pet's adequate training or socialization, before giving up too soon.

Change in Adopter's Circumstances: Life changes, such as job loss, relationships or moving, can make it difficult for adopters to continue caring for pets. Always first try to place pets with a trusted friend or relative.

Lack of Resources: Budget for veterinary care, food, grooming or perhaps training.

By asking questions before adopting and then establishing a comfortable routine for pets, you'll become friends for life.

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN

ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARIA TERRY

DIY DOG BIRTHDAY PARTY

THROW A PAWSOME BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR YOUR FURRY FRIEND

DIY PARTY FAVORS FOR DOGS

Create delightful DIY party favors for your dog guests by filling small bags or boxes with goodies. Include a tennis ball for playtime fun and a selection of treats for them to enjoy. You can also add a small toy or chew for variety. These favors ensure that every pup goes home happy and tired from all the play and treats.

TREAT STATION FOR OWNERS

Keep the human guests happy with a creative Treat Station for Owners. Use brand new, clean dog food bowls as serving dishes for snacks like chips, pretzels, and candies. Arrange the bowls on a table with a festive tablecloth and some dog-themed decorations. Label each bowl with fun names like “Puppy Chow” for trail mix or “Doggie Biscuits” for cookies.

HOW TO MAKE A DOG BIRTHDAY CAKE

A birthday party isn’t complete without a cake, even for dogs! To make a dog-friendly birthday cake, start with ingredients like peanut butter, bananas, and carrots. Mix 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of cinnamon in one bowl. In another bowl, blend 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 1 mashed banana, and 1/2 cup of grated carrots. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool, then frost with a mixture of Greek yogurt and peanut butter. Decorate with dog treats and serve to your excited pup!

TRAINING DANCERS FROM GROUND UP

The Dance Ground Faculty In Newtown Strive To Provide 'NYC/LA Caliber' Instruction And Programs

ARTICLE BY MADELINE MARRIOTT

At The Dance Ground, there’s a class for everyone, from 2-year-olds learning their first dance steps to adults with decades of experience.

The goal of this family-owned studio, featuring courses taught by industry professionals, is to foster a love for dance while challenging students to be the best they can be.

“Activities like dance are so important in the age of social media, technology, YouTube and gaming,” says managing director Liz Jovovich. “It gets the body moving, and the brain working as well.”

Photo by Marisa Dufort

Liz adds, “You never know what child who walks through the door will fall in love with dance and stay the next 15 years with aspirations to be on a Broadway stage.”

Carolina Minelli, now 15, has been part of the TDG family for more than a decade.

“Growing up at The Dance Ground since I was 3 years old has shaped not just the dancer I’ve become, but the person, too,” she says. “It’s more than a studio; it’s my second home, my creative outlet and my foundation.”

Beginning in September, the studio will offer classes in nine dance styles: Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theater, Contemporary, Acrobatics, Strength and HipHop. Additionally, they offer vocal lessons, with plans to add more music and acting options.

TheDanceGround.com

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Liz studied dance since childhood and worked with some of New York’s finest. Her dance training stems from the Pennsylvania Ballet School of Dance and Fosse’s own Gary Flannery. Liz teaches, coaches and choreographs.

Liz Fitchett Jovovich

AUGUST 1ST, 9TH, 16TH, 23RD, & 30TH

Yardley Farmer’s Market

Buttonwood Park | 9:00 AM

The stated mission of this group is to promote sustainability through focusing on locally grown and sourced produce, meats and materials, while expanding marketing opportunities for local farmers, artisan food vendors and small businesses. The market’s operations conclude at noon.

AUGUST 1ST

New Hope Summer Series: Block Party, Fireworks and Drone Show

Stockton Avenue | 5:00 PM

The "spectacular fireworks and synchronized drone show" is set to begin around 9:10 p.m., but the celebration starts early with a block party beginning at 5 p.m. on Stockton Avenue between Bridge and Ferry streets. Expect a mix of returning favorites and new vendors, plus local artists, live entertainment, and all the small-town magic New Hope has to offer.

AUGUST 9TH

Soldier Saturday Program

Washington Crossing Historic Park | 11:00 AM

Historical interpreters and reenactors bring a piece of history to life. Held throughout the park, this educational program takes place throughout the park and focuses on various aspects of military life during the American Revolution. Learn about artillery, camp life, how cannons worked and more. There's no admission or registration.

Dr. Joseph Brogan Orthodontist

Dr. Matthew Heine General and Cosmetic Dentist

Dr. Roshni Dhruva Pediatric Dentist

events CONTINUED

AUGUST 13TH - 17TH

Middletown Grange Fair

576 Penns Park Road, Newtown | 10:00 AM

This fair is a family event with animals, exhibits, rides, food, music and shows. Admission is free and parking is $20 per carload. The fair is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Amusement rides open at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and noon on Saturday and Sunday.

AUGUST 16TH

Bird Walk

Honey Hollow Environmental Education Center | 8:00 AM

Join naturalists for a guided. 2-hour bird walk in New Hope around the Bucks Audubon property, 2877 Creamery Road. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Bring a field guide, binoculars or borrow some of theirs. Call 215.297.5880 with any questions.

AUGUST 24TH

The Dirty Grass Players Bluegrass Band

Zlock Performing Arts Center | 2:00 PM

With a nod to the past and a wink to the future, The Dirty Grass Players push the leading edge of bluegrass music. With harmonies to please purists, fresh compositions and improvisations that fearlessly stride to the end of every limb, this band plays as clean as anybody but isn't afraid to get a little dirty. Tickets are $27 each.