Explore Summer Sensations
M a k e y o u r o u t d o o r
l i v i n g s p a c e a n o a s i s
l i k e n o o t h e r .
That Summer Feeling
As we welcome the warm embrace of July, we're thrilled to bring you an edition that celebrates the joy and exhilaration of summer fun, excitement and adventures. With youths out of school and vacations underway, this is the perfect time to embrace new experiences.
Summer is a time for exploring, rejuvenating and volunteering at your favorite organizations. Embrace new possibilities. We encourage you to seize the moment and make the most of this sun-kissed season. Let go of the familiar and embrace the thrill of the unknown. Engage in activities that bring you joy, create memories that will last a lifetime, and savor the vibrant spirit of summertime.
Speaking of summer joy, congratulations to Jeri Rogers, of Yardley, who won $25,000 cash in Pickering Manor's recent car/cash raffle. This retired school teacher reportedly has volunteered at the senior living community through playing bridge and leading arts and crafts with the residents.
As always, we're here to inspire and accompany you on your journey. So create your favorite mocktail, grab your sunscreen, pack your sense of adventure and let the summer fun continue!
Dave Marcolla, president of Newtown Business Association, (shown here with me) personally invites everyone to attend the Newtown Antique and Classic Car Show on July 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on State Street. More than 150 vehicles are expected to be showcased. The rain date is Aug. 4.
Wishing you a season filled with sunshine, laughter and unforgettable moments.
DANA WEISSENBERG, PUBLISHER
July
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
John Fiduccia, Julie Brown Patton
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Frank Goodwin Photography, Julie Brown Patton
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
inside the issue
Personal Transformations
ieving Marvelous Makeovers
Newtown
Glimpsing
city scene
1: Newtown Police and Newtown Fire Rescue representatives played a charity game of wiffle ball. 2: Sgt. Sean Orr, Newtown Boro Police supporting the cause. 3: Sgt. Paul Deppi joining the Phillie Phanatic. 4: Chief John Hearn: Newtown Township Police came out on top after a close game. 5: Newtown Boro Officer, Tiffany Winik representing the Blue! 6: A game for the ages! 7: Game benefitted Bucks County Heroes Scholarship Fund for youths whose parent(s) are killed or disabled.
Photography by Frank Goodwin Photography
8: Carnival ride during Upper Makefield Carnival at Washington Crossing's soccer fields as new 2024 location. 9: Upper Makefield Fire Company carnival is the fire company’s largest community event/fundraiser. 10: Washington Crossing 2024 Brewfest offered beer, hard cider, kombucha, seltzer, spiked tea and other beverages. 11: Red, White and Brewfest! 'Nuff Said. 12: Brewfest is hosted by, and benefits, the nonprofit Friends of Washington Crossing Park. 13: Every Brewfest dollar collected promotes historic events that took place in Bucks County in 1776. 14: First Highland Watch band at Brewfest does it in style and with gusto.
BRIAN WAGNER
BRIAN WAGNER
BRIAN WAGNER
WASHINGTON CROSSING HISTORIC PARK
BRIAN WAGNER
BRIAN WAGNER
BRIAN WAGNER
business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
New Hope-Solebury In Top 25 PA High Schools: U.S. News
Several Pennsylvania public high schools are among the best in the country, according to a new ranking from U.S. News & World Report. Coming in at No. 15 is New Hope-Solebury High School. Top high schools have students who score exceptionally high on math, reading and science assessments, as well as strong performance among under-served students. High school graduation rates/ college readiness among graduates also are measured. U.S. News also ranked magnet, charter and STEM schools.
Special Partnership Highlighted Between Terrain And Delaware Valley University
A recent Business and Community Open House at Terrain Gardens at DelVal spotlighted the collaboration between Terrain and Delaware Valley University. Brianna Alcorn, Terrain sales and marketing director, says the special partnership uniquely blends the university's agricultural foundation and Terrain's seasonal experiential approach to retail. Delaware Valley University President Benjamin Rusiloski, Ph.D., says the teams and students work closely together in support of educational missions and they "couldn't be happier with the outcome."
New, Premium Chicken Sandwiches To Be Future Offering In Wrightstown
At press time, the vacant Wrightstown Country Store property at the corner of Durham Road (Route 413) and Penns Park Road will become the future “Skip’s." The retail space is slated to offer breakfast sandwiches, coffee, chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders and loaded fries, along with a shop specializing in all natural organic herbal supplements. The Wrightstown Country Store reportedly closed during January 2020; Tom Coates now owns the property. Skip's Food Truck is a collaborator.
Photography by Dana Weissenberg
Photography by Courtesy of Skips Wrightstown
Bucks Culture Fest: Grassroots Effort By Diverse Community Members
"Many Voices, One Community" was the theme of the 2024 Bucks Culture Fest, a free, public event held at Linksz Pavilion at Bucks County Community College in Newtown. The fest featured local vendors, artisans, service groups, nonprofit organizations and food from local vendors. Newtown City Lifestyle publisher
Dana Weissenberg, who also is a director of the United Way of Bucks County board, participated at the UW table. Mukamuri is a Soul artist from Zimbabwe, currently based in Doylestown, who performed at the fest.
EXPLORING PERSONAL TRANSFORMATIONS
'Lumiere is more than just a spa, it's an experience.'
With treatments designed to enhance inner and outer beauty, the new Lumiere Pure Body Med Spa covers many aspects of self improvement. Founded and led by Gregory Scimeca, M.D., and staffed with experts across all their service areas, the spa's team
Lumiere Pure Body Med Spa Offers Ways To Look And Feel Great
says their goal is to have their patients look and feel their best.
Newtown City Lifestyle asked Dr. Scimeca about his new medical spa located in Langhorne at 950 Town Center Drive. The categories of services there cover treatments for anti-aging, fat reduction, laser treatments, skin rejuvenation and dermal fillers (Botox).
ARTICLE BY JOHN FIDUCCIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN WAGNER
Dr. Scimeca's medical background summary: After completing his undergraduate study in chemistry at Columbia University in New York City, Dr. Scimeca received his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He subsequently completed a pre-residency fellowship in neuro-ophthalmology at Pennsylvania Hospital. Dr. Scimeca then completed his ophthalmology residency at Temple Hospital in Philadelphia. He is a board-certified diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology and a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He's now a locally recognized surgeon, laser specialist and lecturer. He explains his newest medical services: "Our eye-related medical practice has always been involved in treating patients with medical conditions of the face, skin and lids, so it was a natural progression to address patients with cosmetic concerns as well."
DR. SCIMECA, YOU'RE THE FOURTH GENERATION IN YOUR FAMILY TO BE IN THE MEDICAL FIELD. HOW DID YOUR ELDER GENERATIONS' PRACTICES INSPIRE YOU?
"My great-grandfather was a physician before doctors began to specialize. I was inspired by the high degree of technology encompassing the field of ophthalmology, that I work with in both the office and the operating
room, and have patients from all backgrounds, male and female, young and old."
LUMIERE MEANS 'LIGHT' IN FRENCH. WHAT'S THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THAT IN THE BUSINESS NAME?
"Lumiere has a very special meaning. It purposely unites the medical experience of our laser expertise and superior outcomes with the service and ambiance of a medical spa."
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF MOST PATIENTS COMING INTO THE MED SPA OFFICE?
"The goal for most med spa patients is to turn back the clock a few years and maintain their present appearance."
WEIGHT LOSS IS A POPULAR TOPIC THESE DAYS. WHAT DO YOU OFFER IN THAT AREA?
"We offer body contouring and a few different machines to fit each individual's needs. We offer medical weight loss with compounded Semaglutide. We also provide treatments that reduce the fat cell population of the body employing radio-frequency, along with EMS (electric muscle stimulation) to stimulate the production of lean muscle. We also offer some liposuction treatments using a device called Bodytite, which uses heat to permanently destroy fat cells."
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MORE POPULAR PROCEDURES THAT YOU OFFER?
"Some of the other services we offer are laser hair removal, IPL, photo facials and spot removal, hydra facials and microneedling."
IN ADDITION TO MAKING CLIENTS LOOK BETTER, CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE ASPECTS OF HOW YOU MAKE THEM FEEL BETTER WITH SELFCONFIDENCE AND MENTAL WELLBEING DUE TO MED SPA SERVICES?
"Aesthetic treatments can boost self esteem, reduce anxiety and improve social interaction."
DO YOU OFFER A CONSULTATION WHERE YOU CAN HELP CLIENTS DECIDE ON NEEDS?
"All of our injectors and medical aestheticians are professionally trained and certified in all of our services. They give each patient a customized consultation, helping to address each person's desired results and achieve their goals."
Editor's Note: This team also staffs a medical spa in Moorestown, New Jersey.
ACHIEVING MARVELOUS MAKEOVERS
Newtown Event Makeup Artist Specializes In Standout Looks For Special Events, Weddings, Film/TV
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Makeup magic happens from a studio in Newtown at 19 S. State St. The associated cosmetic artist, Taya Bermudez, also takes her expertise mobile to masterfully handle makeup on-location for brides, celebrities and editorial participants.
"I really enjoy keeping in-the-know with makeup trends and individualizing makeup for others who might not know how to pair certain aspects. People often tell me they never thought they could look certain ways," Taya states.
Taya Bermudez, proprietor
When a young girl, Taya says she always had her hands on a paintbrush. As a true lover of art, fashion and beauty, she confirms she takes inspiration from fashion shows, films, TV, styles for editorials and everyday beauty to passionately translate it all into her creative work.
Introduced to the industry out of high school, Taya worked as a beauty consultant for a well-known cosmetic line while attending beauty school, during which time her love for the industry grew. "Even in high school, while I was working in child development, the moms often asked me to do their makeup," she recalls.
Currently, Taya is booking the ultimate summer "glow up" through eyebrow laminations and eyelash lifts and tints. She also provides one-on-one makeup lessons during which clients have her undivided attention for up to 2.5 hours.
267.854.3330 TayaBermudez.com
Taya Bermudez
Newtown-based professional makeup artist Taya Bermudez says she'd like her work to be recognized by the way brides, clients and models are left feeling confident and inspired through their natural beauty. She says she’s worked with 500-plus brides since graduating esthetician school and obtaining her esthetician license.
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
Check Out Summer Activities
ADVICE EDITORIAL: SEEKING FUN IDEAS TO INTERJECT RENEWED JOY?
Throwbacks
Enjoy Ferris wheel or zippy carnival rides. See drive-in movie. Blow bubbles. Play tag or hopscotch. Relish in miniature golf. Win a prize at a fair. Run with fireflies at night. Cruise on bike, roller skates or a skateboard. Tiedye a T-shirt. Climb a tree. Build a fort (indoors or out!).
Welcome Water
Jump in puddles after rainstorms. Run through sprinklers. Have a water balloon fight. Do a cannonball into pool. Build sandcastles at the beach. Go tubing. Wade in and wiggle toes.
Eat With Intention
Eat whole lobster with your hands. Pick fruit at a farm. Make own pesto. Eat slice of watermelon. Plant mini herb garden. Host old-fashioned ice cream social with homemade ice cream. Grill everything, including dessert!
Drink Deliciously
Sip on a sweating glass of iced tea. Make lemonade from scratch. Mix up a pitcher of sangria. Make own iced coffee. Drink frozen cocktail embellished with umbrella and special straws.
Relax, For Real
Nap in hammock. Stargaze. Picnic in new spot. Sit on porch swing. Take in outdoor concert. Watch clouds go by. Go to a Renaissance Faire. Paint rocks to decorate garden or give away. Lounge under tree while reading a book.
Photo by Bria n Wagner
Photoby
Julie Brown Patton
Outdoor Adventures
Plant wildflowers. Rent bikes. Camp. Hike. Go kayaking or canoeing. Toss Frisbees. Seek out birds and insects. Visit national park or state park. Finally try pickleball. Learn to skip stones. Put out hummingbird feeder or a bee/butterfly water dish.
Self Care
Sleep with windows open. Give yourself a pedicure. Wear pretty sundress or aloha tropical shirt. Dye hair fun, summery shades. Buy a big sun hat.
Revive Senses
Smell freshly cut grass. Feel the sun on your back. Walk barefoot in grass. Watch sunset from a beach. Stroll on boardwalk and listen to the boards creaking.
Embrace Inner Artist
Create sidewalk chalk art or share cheerful messages with neighbors. Make fairy house. Create wind chimes. Make a summer playlist. Embrace adult coloring books.
Extra Fun
Collect seashells at the beach. Take a last-minute road trip. See a summer blockbuster. Look for treasures at garage sales. Host a lawn game tournament.
Photoby Julie Brown Patton
Photo by Julie Brown Patton
Private Pilates Sessions
Pilates Classes (6 max)
Pilates Duet and Trio Sessions
ACUPUNCTURE
makeup MEETS WELLNESS
GLIMPSING INTO NEWTOWN CELEBRITY MAKEUP ARTIST
HELPING PEOPLE'S INNER BEAUTY SHINE
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Helping people feel their best selves is the heartfelt mission of Nicole Elle Rogers King, a Newtown Grant native and return resident who is a celebrity makeup artist in New York City.
“What I do often seems more like a wellness practice because it’s about having a well-rounded approach and assisting people with feeling comfortable in their own skin,” Nicole explains.
In addition to being a professional makeup artist, Nicole specializes as a barber and men’s groomer at The Wall Group, a talent management company that represents makeup artists, stylists, manicurists and hairstylists with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London and Paris.
Nicole’s also a certified personal trainer and yoga teacher.
This Council Rock North High School graduate recalls, “I think growing up in the Newtown and New Hope region awakened by senses, and led to my interests and sparks in drawing, painting, dance, choir, color guard, cheerleading, theater and anything in the creative field.”
She says she continued her passions by studying Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing at Penn State University. “While there, I also was in the Marching Blue Band, a 320-person organization, performing new routines every weekend in front of 110,000 people, with practice being every day except Thursdays. That amazing experience conditioned me to have a strong work ethic, discipline, being a part of a huge organization, time management, and most importantly how to be on time,” she adds.
Shortly after graduating college, due to her mother’s encouragement, Nicole says she enrolled in makeup school at Makeup Designory in New York City.
“I ended up loving the makeup world, and built my way from the bottom up. Sometimes working for free on TV pilots, films, photo shoots and music videos, whatever time it took to meet and grow in my field,” says the professional now employed by celebs such as Jimmy Fallon and Joe Jonas.
She eventually also did women’s hair and makeup for photo sessions at fashion magazines, such as Elle and Harper’s Bazarr
During 2016, Nicole says she caught her first big break by meeting actress Candace Cameron Bure at the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women fashion show.
After freelancing on her own for nine years, Nicole says she joined forces with The Wall Group in 2019.
Reflecting on those earlier years, Nicole admits it was an “intense” period. “There’s no set path for making it in this profession. No right or wrong. I was working nonstop, but because I loved what I was doing, it didn’t feel like work. I was just leaning into my gifts and talents.”
Because Nicole now maintains routines with more unusual work hours due to inheriting her client’s robust schedules, she says those early years prepared her for being able to get up at 3 a.m. and get into NYC by 5 a.m.
Then there are the special projects: “After working with Jimmy Fallon for four months, I was asked to fly to LA to do his makeup for the People’s Choice Awards. I was there for just those few minutes and flew right back,” she states.
Nicole says the biggest challenge of being a groomer for men is to find ways to handle their hair and makeup in manners that portray polished versions of themselves without looking like they have makeup on. “You’d be surprised how often a little moisturizer, lip balm and quick hair trim can help male clients look simply fantastic. Then we go from there.”
SAVING LAKE AFTON
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN WAGNER
NONPROFIT VOLUNTEERS TAKING CARE OF YARDLEY'S TOWN JEWEL SINCE 1969
Lake Afton is a manmade lake created in 1705 to provide water wheel power for a gristmill built for John Brock. The lake’s been enjoyed through the centuries, but requires consistent maintenance or it falls into disrepair. Volunteers for a civic 501(c) (3) nonprofit work to restore, improve, protect and maintain Lake Afton for all to enjoy.
Michelle Sharer, president of Friends of Lake Afton board of directors, says its historic importance and nature-related benefits are immense.
William Yardley purchased John Brock’s gristmill in 1732, replacing it in 1769 with Yardley Grist Mill. Lake Afton allegedly was named after the poem “Afton Water,” written by Robert Burns in 1791.
LakeAfton.org
01
THE GOAL:
Reduce the phosphorus and other pollutants in the lake. Clean-Flo International, LLC, was hired to provide treatments not harmful to local animals and wildlife. Project RELAY (Remediate the Erosion by Lake Afton in Yardley) was completed during fall 2019. Because the lake lost the majority of the trees around it, plans for Project Shade are underway.
YARDLEY’S DUCK LADY:
Picturesque Lake Afton is threatened by filamentous algae. Without efforts to rid the algae, it chokes oxygen out of the lake, which causes all that live in and depend on the lake for food and water supplies to become sick and die. The algae overload also would eventually result in Lake Afton becoming a swamp.
THE CHALLENGE: HOW TO HELP:
02 03 04
Volunteers are appreciated to share awareness via social media updates, as well as for fundraisers and community relations activities. Assistance is needed for events, such as boat rides, FOLA's Pop-Up Gift Shop (All Things Yardley Gift Shop) and clean-up days. FOLA has information regarding alternatives to using weed killers and pesticides for homeowners to use.
Michelle Gaudet Sharer and husband, Barry Sharer, are passionate about FOLA’s mission. Michelle has lived in Bucks County her entire life. After Alfalfa, her duck, came into her life, she would talk about him and show pictures of him to friends and relatives; they encouraged her to record his story. Straight from her heart came the book Alfalfa: The Story of a Duck from Lake Afton in Yardley, PA
JULY 6TH
Shady Brook Farm unWINEd
Shady Brook Farm | 5:00 PM
Enjoy an evening down on the farm in Yardley with great live music, tasty food, locally brewed craft beer, Rose Bank Winery wines, specialty cocktails, activities for the kiddos and fireworks. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. Outside food and drinks are not permitted. Tickets with fireworks are $20 online; $25 at the gate. Kids under 2 years old are free.
JULY 7TH
Independence Day Celebration: Rebels & Redcoats Car Show 2024
Washington Crossing Historic Park | 10:00 AM
As part of Independence Day celebration, Washington Crossing Historic Park invites classic car owners to compete in the sixth annual show. Spectators need no tickets. This unique show features American, French, British and German cars, representing the four countries involved in the Revolutionary War. Prizes determined by peer judging. Olde City Kettle Corn and Rita’s Ice will be onsite.
JULY 20TH
Buck's County Blues Festival 2024
Snipes Farm And Education Center, Morrisville | 10:00 AM
Celebrate the essence of blues music! The festival is BYOB. Organizers indicate the event embodies a laid back atmosphere; singing, air guitar and dancing are encouraged. Performers are both new and seasoned artists. General admission tickets are $35 each at BucksBluesFest.com. Tickets day of show at the gate $40 each (cash only). The festival concludes at 8 p.m.
Matthew Heine DDS General, Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry
Roshni Dhruva DDS Pediatric Dentistry Dat Vu DDS
Joseph Brogan DMD
