Time To Explore
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Easing Up To Explore In July
We live in an efficiency, productivity-obsessed age. It's so easy to fall into the trap of believing the only things worth doing are those that equate to an exact calculation of the time, effort and investment they cost to complete. But the truth is that approach can be an unfulfilling way to go through life.
We must leave some room for exploring, for trying new places and things, for being a beginner, even for getting lost. It's those times that are unstructured and open-ended where the space exists for connections to be made, friendships to be fostered and trust to be built.
I spent some time with my daughter in Chicago recently. We were able to see the inspiring, thought-provoking motivational speaker, author and former lawyer Mel Robbins live at the Chicago theater. Mel reiterated through her show (and her book, Let Them) that generally speaking, people are burned out from overthinking, overgiving and overcontrolling. She emphasized how important it is to take time for a mental reset: a reminder to stay in our lane, preserve our energy and let things unfold naturally.
Even taking time to just meditate offers numerous benefits for physical and mental well-being. It can reduce stress, improve focus, enhance emotional regulation and even improve sleep quality. Meditation can also boost self-awareness and strengthen mental resilience.
Our hope is that this edition encourages you to make room for exploration. To prioritize time away from the regular schedule of life. To lose yourself on a trail or in a book. To plan that trip you’ve been thinking about, to make time for the things that matter most to you, but often come last on the calendar.
Here's to getting lost in timelessness once in a while, and as Mel encourages: “Start before you're ready.”
DANA WEISSENBERG, PUBLISHER @NEWTOWNCITYLIFESTYLE
PUBLISHER
Dana Weissenberg
Dana.Weissenberg@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Brian Wagner
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Haley Weltz
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Madeline Marriott, Julie Brown Patton
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Events With Ethan, Brian Wagner, Meg Griffin, Logan Hodson
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CEO Steven Schowengerdt
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inside the issue
Stockton Market Delivers Indoor, Artisanal Market With Unique Food, Music, Vendors, Experiences
Dilling Heating & Cooling Provides Professional, Punctual, QualityDriven, Community-Oriented Services Shopping Down
Rittenhouse Home's Brigantine Provides Luxury Furniture And Home Décor
Stockton Market owner Dana Rae Ashburn says the market spotlights fresh breads, pastries, seasonal café items, a full coffee bar, locally grown flowers and a curated assortment of home/table nonperishable goods, open Wednesdays through Sundays.
Logan Hodson
Newtown Real Estate
l a n d s c a p e d e s i g n & f i n e g a r d e n i n g
M A I N L I N E , B U C K S C O . & B E Y O N D
E v e r y t h i n g i n i t s p e r f e c t p l a c e .
A t R o o t s , w e d e s i g n s p a c e s t h a t c
n a t u r a l b e a u t y a n d a r c h i t e c t u r a l i n t e n t ,
g r o w i n g m o r e g r o u n d e d a n d m o r e
s t r i k i n g e a c h y e a r .
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Washington Crossing Brewfest 2025 was the event's 14th year. 2: Brewfest features local/regional/national beers, live music, food and beautiful, wooded setting overlooking the Delaware River. 3: Brewfest is volunteer-operated; proceeds to nonprofit Friends of Washington Crossing Park for education, park preservation. 4: La Grange Brasserie is now open, providing rustic French charm for socializing and unforgettable cuisine. 5: Savor the taste of France right in Yardley at La Grange Brasserie in Prickett Preserve. 6: 2025 BCCC Foundation's "Salute to Mothers Tea" event was record-breaking year, raising $21,000 for scholarships. 7: 18th "Salute to Mothers Scholarship Tea" at Tyler Gardens on Newtown campus attracted 260-plus attendees.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
BRIAN WAGNER / BWAGS PHOTOGRAPHY
BRIAN WAGNER / BWAGS PHOTOGRAPHY
BRIAN WAGNER / BWAGS PHOTOGRAPHY
business monthly
Partners in Planting: Bucks Beautiful Celebrates Latest Grant-Funded Projects
Washington Crossing Historic Park was among recipients of Bucks Beautiful grants to support impactful beautification and reforestation community projects. At the historic park, the funding will go toward rehabilitating and expanding the Thompson-Neely Kitchen Garden. Bucks Beautiful has provided community grants since 1991 to encourage nonprofit organizations, schools, garden clubs and local municipalities to host public garden or tree plantings. Grant awards are a 50/50 cash match-up to a maximum of $5,000 per year.
Bucks County Dancers Take Center Stage At NYC Chita Rivera Awards
The Dance Ground, a premier performing arts school/dance company based in Newtown, had 23 extraordinary dancers between ages of 11 to 18 invited to perform at the prestigious Chita Rivera Awards at NYU Skirball Center in New York City. It was a dream come true for some of these dancers, such as Carolina Minelli, 15, who has been a part of the company since age 3. The dancers were selected for artistry, passion and discipline.
Local Author Releases Debut Novel: A Rom-Com For Septuagenarian Market
The Golden Years Glitch new, 304-page novel was released this summer by Newtown resident Judy Smith. The book follows the life of protagonist Andi Parker, a successful businesswoman and happy grandmother looking forward to her golden years with her handsome husband, Jed—until he messes everything up in the worst way possible. And Andi seeks a very funny revenge. Susan Noles, a contestant on ABC’s "The Golden Bachelor," calls the book “fabulous!”
Photography by Washington Crossing Historic Park
Photography by The Dance Ground
Photography Provided by Michelyn Oros
Explore Locally Sourced, Seasonally Guided Shopping
MARKET DELIVERS INDOOR, ARTISANAL MARKET WITH UNIQUE BAKERY, FOOD, PROVISIONS, PIZZA, SPECIAL EVENTS, EXPERIENCES
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOGAN HODSON
STOCKTON
Dana Rae Ashburn
When Stockton Market owner Dana Rae Ashburn envisioned reopening this type of business post-COVID, she says she wanted to create something brighter, more modern, but still warm and welcoming: "A place where locals and visitors alike could feel at home. Think: the charm of a country market, but with the quality of a Dean & DeLuca or Daylesford in the UK. I’ve always been inspired by Round Swamp, Loaves & Fishes, Eataly, Gjusta To Go and even None Such, a local favorite with the best cornbread ever."
From operating within the ambiance of a building originating in 1890, Dana says jumpstarting Stockton Market on July 19, 2024, was "a full-circle moment."
"Many years back, the building was owned by the Ericco family, who ran Ericco’s Market, a beloved grocery and convenience store that locals still talk about. Some of the Ericcos still live nearby, and eat here at the market today," Dana explains.
The building then served as a furniture store, before it became the Stockton Farm Market, which was owned and operated by Dana's parents. "I worked alongside them, and loved being at the café, chatting with customers, soaking in the energy of the place," she recalls.
Later, the market changed hands, and like many businesses, Dana says it shut down during the pandemic. "At the time, I'd been looking to open a bakery nearby, initially inside the Stockton Inn. But when the inn staff needed the space for a private dining room, I needed more space for my ever-expanding ideas. That pivot brought me back to Stockton Market," she adds.
Now, the market spotlights fresh breads and pastries, a seasonal café menu, a full coffee bar, locally grown flowers and a highly curated assortment of home and table nonperishable goods. The Stockton Market is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.
"Our provisions assortment is designed around three core categories: Local and Seasonal, Chef’s Picks, and Yum!," explains Dana. "Local and Seasonal items come from nearby farms and brands from a 100-mile radius. Chef’s Picks are selected by our chefs, showcasing their personal favorites Yum! includes irresistible treats too good not to share. Our assortment ensures there’s something for everyone and every occasion."
Classic viennoiserie, an assortment of artisanal breads, seasonal cakes, tarts and more are led by head baker Guada Morón and lead bread baker Jacob Garfein. Gluten-free options are available.
"Everything is baked fresh daily. Nothing carries over to the next day. Leftovers are donated to Fishman’s Mark or go home with staff; nothing's wasted," assures Dana.
Chef Chadd Jenkins, formerly of Little Fish in Philly, created an all-day dining menu featuring craveable breakfast items, soups, tartines, sandwiches and seasonal salads.
Dana says Chef Chadd has an intuitive way of combining seasonal, local ingredients. "He designs our café menu, makes the prepared meals, the dinners to go. He’s the heartbeat of our kitchen."
The market also features locally grown flowers by Wildbird Flowers and a rotating pop-up corner in which Dana exclaims that new or returning vendors can shine. "It’s a living, breathing market, always evolving."
engage with this most unique market
Stockton Market is a bakery and café with provisions, pizza nights, special events and catering. It’s located at 19 Bridge St., Floor 1, in historic Stockton, New Jersey, just 15-17 miles from Newtown. Owner Dana Ashburn says the menus are thoughtfully crafted with locally sourced ingredients and guided by the seasons. The market also offers chef-recommended provisions and customer favorites. Dana invites guests to engage in hands-on experiences, such as floral workshops, and to hear from authors and speakers over coffee. Whether dining in or picking up, she hopes shoppers will enjoy exploring the market’s wide array of offerings.
“Stockton Market is a place where locals and visitors alike can feel at home. Think: the charm of a country market, along with quality products and services.”
— OWNER DANA ASHBURN
She says she really enjoys collaborating with others who make the market what it is. "Whether it's brainstorming seasonal displays with Annie from Wildbird, putting the finishing touches on a cake, or tasting a dozen dishes in a row, those creative, hands-on moments are when I feel most alive. I definitely roll myself out of here some days, but honestly, it’s the best job ever."
Dana confirms she also appreciates the market's community aspects.
"I've seen people meet for the first time, reconnect after years, gather in groups big and small, share meals with their children, hold book clubs, push tables together, wave across the room, and exchange information right in our seating area. It's become a true gathering place for all ages, and I love that," she adds.
Prior to operating Stockton Market, Dana's background and expertise thrived in the world of makeup artists, stylists, photographers and set designers. "By my high school senior year, I was interning in NYC with makeup legend Bobbi Brown," she shares.
She then studied Fine Arts at Syracuse and Parsons, but left to enroll at the Makeup Designory in SoHo, specializing in prosthetics. After graduating, she assisted celebrity artists at The Wall Group, with her first job being on set for "Project Runway." Thereafter, she says she built a strong client base of her own.
In 2015, she says her first cosmetic product, Cat Eye 101, was patented. "In 2017, Sephora selected me as one of 10 “visionary female founders shaping the future of beauty," a major milestone I'll never forget."
Over the years, her cosmetic work has been seen in popular consumer publications, such as Harper’s Bazaar, Seventeen , Women’s Health and Nylon .
She’s also collaborated with well-known brands, influencers and public figures.
However, through it all, Dana says she felt a steady, inner tug toward the hospitality field. "So I enrolled at the Institute of Culinary Education and dove into restaurant management, pastry and cake decorating. I loved it. On weekends, I’d help my mom at the market café. It was joyful chaos and it stuck with me."
When the pandemic hit, she says she saw it as an opportunity for big change. "I was ready to leave my childhood dream. I handed off my beauty clients, moved home to New Hope with my husband, and started baking for my friend, Chef Chadd Jenkins’s food pick-up business."
"People are often surprised by my switch from beauty to food, but to me, it’s always made sense. Both industries are rooted in service, creativity and joy. Nothing I’ve done has been wasted. Color, texture, light, shape, composition, team work, people skills, critiques, confidence -- it all flows into this," confirms Dana.
Dana says they recently launched Coffee Talk at the market, a popular series during which authors, speakers and guests share stories over coffee. She adds, "We’re also experimenting with a Supper Club; our first one sold out in just 15 minutes with zero promotion. I’m hopeful it becomes a monthly tradition."
Every Thursday is Pizza Night, a reservation-based event with spots offered on the market's website every Tuesday at 9 a.m. "We're also working toward launching a full dinner menu soon," reveals Dana.
609.483.2230 StocktonMarket.com
WEDDINGS FOR ALL SEASONS
TERRAIN GARDENS AT DELAWARE VALLEY UNIVERSITY
2100 Lower State Road, Doylestown, PA | 267.289.3639 | @terrain_events
Konnor & Samantha Photography
FAIRLESS HILLS // YARDLEY
EXAMINING HVAC EXPERTISE
Dilling Heating & Cooling Provides Professional, Punctual, Quality-Driven, Community-Oriented Services
ARTICLE BY MADELINE MARRIOTT
Dennis Ewing, a partner at Dilling Heating and Cooling, wants to get out a message: in a business crowded with private equity and skyrocketing costs in the last decade, there are still local companies doing good work for a fair price.
“I guarantee no one's going to take care of people like we do.” —Dennis
Ewing, Dilling Heating and Cooling
That’s the goal at Dilling, first established in 1955 and a Bucks County staple since 2020. Serving families up and down eastern Pennsylvania and in neighboring New Jersey, the crew's customer-first focus is a point of pride for Dennis, who joined the company a year ago after a cross-country move.
“This business is about serving people in their homes,” Dennis says. “No one is going to take care of people like we do — I guarantee it. We go in with the attitude that we get to take care of people, we get to help them in each individual situation.”
Dennis believes that the quality of the service is evidence in itself.
“These big companies don’t want people to find us, because we offer the same or better service for quite a bit less money,” Dennis says. “They’re banking on
their advertising dollars while we’re banking on the fact that once someone gives us a chance and sees our work and our pricing, they won’t go anywhere else. They’ll be a customer forever.”
For Dennis, the size and scope of the company is an asset.
“We’re large enough that we have enough people to take care of and cover the clientele, but small enough that we can know our customers and be less expensive,” he says.
Dilling team members handle all aspects of heating and cooling systems, including air conditioning installation, repair, maintenance, boiler, furnace and heat pump services, duct cleaning, indoor air quality (IAQ) tests, plus plumbing services, such as sump pump and water heater repair. They service all major equipment brands.
Top: Dennis Ewing, partner, Dilling Heating and Cooling.
Technicians at Dilling verify they want customers to be able to depend on their heating and cooling systems no matter the season or weather conditions.
“We understand how important home comfort is to our customers, which is why we work hard every day to ensure your home heating and cooling runs well,” Dennis says. “We only use high-quality parts and materials, and we guarantee that all of our work is done precisely and accurately, with no shortcuts.”
Additionally, Dennis says, customers don’t have to wait until there’s an emergency to call for service. Regular, preventive maintenance can give the peace of mind that air conditioners and heaters will be ready to go whenever they’re needed.
“Manufacturers suggest that you get each of your systems checked out every year,” Dennis explains. “Our preventive maintenance plan includes visits twice per year, once in the fall for heating season and once in the spring for air conditioning.”
“These machines are most likely to fail when you need them to work the hardest, and no one wants to be freezing in the cold or sweating in the heat in their own houses,” he continues. “Our preventive maintenance can help make sure that doesn’t happen, and our services are 100% satisfaction guaranteed.”
267.550.5942 [available 24/7 365 for emergencies] DillingHVAC.com
SHOPPING FOR RETAIL THERAPY down the shore
Rittenhouse Home's Brigantine Store Provides Luxury Furniture And Home Décor With Notable Light, Bright Vibes
When visiting Down The Shore, Jennifer Lynn Myers, interior designer and owner of Newtownbased Rittenhouse Home, invites everyone to stop by to shop at her second location in Brigantine, New Jersey, at 4228 Harbour Beach Blvd.
"Guests will find custom dinnerware, kitchen tools, serving dishes, unique jewelry, memorable candles, handy woven baskets, hostess gifts and comfy pillows among our home decor furnishings and coastal-themed furniture," promises Jennifer.
She says people often walk in and want one of everything. "I, too, love our products and want to buy one of everything I've secured to sell, because all of our items have been intentionally curated to tell a collective story. Because of that approach, all the pieces, colors and items pair well with each other, no matter what's combined."
Jennifer shares samples for furniture, custom cabinetry, lighting, décor and accessories. Within this 6,000-square-foot New Jersey location, she has two kitchen areas set up. Rittenhouse Home services cover bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, entertainment areas and exterior oases.
"We've been assisting homeowners with wholehome renovations, with more and more people making their Brigantine homes their main homes, not just their beach or weekend homes," she shares.
In addition to accessories for custom new house builds and multimonth home renovations, she says they offer carpet, tile and other flooring materials.
Jennifer says that Brigantine's winter or off-season hours are on weekends, or by special appointment. "Come May, our summer hours span Tuesdays through Sundays."
Blending function and timeless sophistication: Jennifer Lynn Myers founded Rittenhouse Home, a full-service design, furniture/decor and contracting company that’s been upgrading and renovating home interiors for 18-plus years. She operates two locations: one in Newtown and the other in Brigantine, New Jersey. Call 215.584.7988 or visit RittenhouseHome.com
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY RITTENHOUSE HOME
TOASTING NEW COMMUNITY SPACE
ARTICLE BY MADELINE MARRIOTT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EVENTS WITH ETHAN FERRY MARKET OPENS OUTDOOR BEER GARDEN IN CHARMING NEW HOPE
New Hope’s Ferry Market recently got an update with the opening of a new, outdoor beer garden at picturesque 32 S. Main St.
“The market has been here since 2017, and it just needed a facelift, so that’s what we’re giving it,” says Ryan Fuller, Ferry captain. “We wanted to deliver more upscale dining experiences. Our goal is to become more than just a market, rather a must-see destination for visitors for our town, and a hub of community events and carefree socialization.”
The open-air area officially opened in early May with a ribbon-cutting ceremony complete with performers and face-painting for young visitors.
“We had a lot of people here really excited about what we’re doing,” Ryan says. “We had activities for the kids and live music, which we’ll continue to have all summer on the weekends.”
The space is complete with overhead string lights, planters of blooming flowers and dozens of tables for patrons of all the market’s vendors. Its opening comes along with a freshening up of the interior of the market and the addition of several new vendors, including the Sushi Station and Indian food at Smell The Curry.
“We’re really trying to diversify the offerings here so there’s something for everybody,” Ryan says. “You come with your family, or with a group, and everybody can get something they want, meet in the beer garden, and have the meal together and socialize.”
Those looking to grab the garden’s eponymous drink can stop by Unionville Vineyards for beer selections from Forest & Main Brewery in Ambler. They also serve wine from the nearby vineyard to pair with the surrounding Ferry Market vendors’ fare. Those additional eateries and beverage providers include: Alta's Kitchen; Lima Fusion; Little Radish; Market Pizza; Sabor; Sciascia Confections; SkyRoast Coffee; The Good Gyro; and The Pork Shack.
“We’re really trying to diversify the offerings here so there’s something for everybody.”
With both indoor and outdoor space for socializing, the team at the market states that they can be an event destination moving forward.
“If anybody wants to have a birthday party or a rehearsal dinner, we’re open to all those types of events for the community,” Ryan says.
TheFerryMarket.com
—RYAN FULLER
Ryan Fuller, Ferry Captain
Dr. Joseph Brogan Orthodontist
Dr. Matthew Heine General and Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Roshni Dhruva Pediatric Dentist
Browsing Books/ eBooks, Historic Archives, Events
Newtown Library Company Welcomes New Librarian Who's Building Meaningful Connections Through Books
Debbie Carney recently joined the Newtown Library Company team at 114 E. Centre Ave.
Known to the youngest readers as “Miss Debbie,” she provides experience as well as a deep love for reading and research.
Originally from Westfield, New Jersey, Debbie moved to Newtown in 1987 with her family. "My journey into librarianship began with a simple love for information and books, and a career test that pointed me to the library world," she states.
Debbie holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from James Madison University and a master’s degree in library science from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Since 2008, she served as a part-time reference librarian at Bucks County Community College, assisting students and faculty with research and teaching information literacy. Her specialties include business research, literary criticism, popular culture and social issues.
Debbie’s taste in books is both classic and adventurous. She counts Charles Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers, Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises, Dodie
Smith’s I Capture the Castle, and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society among her favorites.
"I love cozy mysteries and modern retellings of literary classics," she confides.
Debbie's no stranger to the Newtown Library Company. She volunteered there from 2009 to 2015, and says she's thrilled to now return in an official capacity.
Passionate about history, she admits she's eager to become part of the ongoing story of Newtown and this cherished library, whose founding was Aug. 9, 1760.
The library also offers children's story hours, open mic events for poetry and the Penn Chair Traveler Series' presentations. Library members receive access to 20,000plus books, public reading rooms, free Wi-Fi, book signings and regular community events.
Debbie says she enjoys cooking and baking, practicing yoga and walking her two beloved dogs, a mini Labradoodle and a Chocolate Labrador.
Her favorite motto hails from Mother Theresa: “Spread love wherever you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JULY 1ST - 13TH
Vibrant Expressions Art Exhibit
Arete Gallery | 11:00 AM
This art exhibit showcases talents of sisters Marzena Haupa and Magda Dodd. The Vibrant Expressions exhibition culminates in a special event on the final day, July 13, from 2-4 p.m. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to meet the artists in person, view and purchase never-before-seen pieces. Contact Arete Gallery owner Kim Plyler at 484.554.5582.
JULY 4TH
DJ Dance Party
Havana Restaurant & Bar | 11:00 PM
Dance the night away in New Hope during DJ Time until closing at 1:50 a.m. at 105 S. Main St. Organizers indicate there's no cover charge for this event. Phone 215.862.5501 for any questions. The staff also will host a Karaoke Night on July 7 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
JULY 6TH
Rebels And Redcoats Classic Car Show 2025
Washington Crossing Historic Park | 10:00 AM
Show-condition cars from model years 2000 and earlier, from manufacturers based in one of the primary belligerents of American revolution (US, Britain, Germany and France) are welcome in standard class. Vehicles newer than model year 2000 can be registered for open class. Advance registration is $25 per car; $35 at gate. Proceeds fund educational programs and fieldtrips hosted by FWCP.
JULY 12TH
Music Off Main Presents Maggie Mae
Buttonwood Drive, Yardley | 6:00 PM
Join a free concert by Maggie Mae. The event is BYO chair and beverages. Maggie Mae is known as the queen of funky female-fronted folk, soul and rock and roll. Combining genuine, heartfelt lyrics with catchy, cutting guitar riffs, her songs touches souls and makes people want to dance. She has been described as “poppy, polished, talented and promising.”
JULY 20TH
The Best Of Clapton
The Newtown Theatre | 3:00 PM
This band takes audiences on a musical journey through Eric Clapton’s career, showcasing his musician evolution and his lasting impact in music. Starting with his early blues-based work with The Yardbirds and John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, the band moves on to Clapton’s time with Cream, Blind Faith, Delaney and Bonnie, Derek and the Dominos and his endless solo career.
JULY 20TH
Newtown NBA Car Show
State Street/Borough Hall | 7:00 AM
Calling all cool cars for the 2025 NBA Newtown Antique & Classic Car Show! This year’s annual Newtown Business Association Newtown Antique & Classic Auto Show is back in Newtown Borough. This festive event has been attended in the past by thousands of spectators. Any questions can be directed to event chair Dan Petty, dan.pettyjr@gmail.com. Rain date is July 27.
