One of New Hope’s longestrunning galleries reflects on how curiosity has shaped its approach to art, artists, and community.
18 Rooted in Love Roots to River Farm gathers community around high-quality farm-to-table meals.
22 Leading a Legacy
John Godzieba brings George Washington to life through leadership, dedication, and a passion for preserving America’s past.
IN THIS ISSUE
4 PUBLISHER’S NOTE Community and Country
6 LOCAL PULSE Bite-Sized Updates
8 Q&A It Takes a Village
10 LOCAL TASTES Sunset Sensation
12 HOME FRONT Summer Entertaining
26 LOCAL ARTS Serenity Now
30 BOOK NOOK Land of the Free
32 PHOTO OP Color on the Canal
COVER
Gallery Piquel owners Jim and Tamara Cannon inside the gallery, in front of artwork by Sang H. Han, Daniel Watts, and Allen Levy
Photograph by Jennifer Janikic
Photography
PUBLISHER’S
COMMUNITY AND COUNTRY
iI WANT TO EXTEND a heartfelt thank you for welcoming us into your homes and hearts with our debut issue this past month. I am grateful for the messages I’ve received from so many of you who are excited to once again have a magazine of our own. Our vision is to become a meaningful part of the community fabric, and I thank you for entrusting us with that special opportunity.
With our second issue, we are excited to share a variety of stories that celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary. As we commemorate this historic and exciting milestone, we can all take pride in the fact that a significant piece of our nation’s history took place in our own backyard. We are delighted to bring you stories that celebrate both our country’s independence and our community’s role in that history.
You can’t walk through New Hope without admiring the exquisite artwork displayed through the glass front of Gallery Piquel. Owners Tamara and Jim Cannon have made it their mission to showcase the work of the many local artists we have come to know, love, and appreciate. In tribute to our nation’s 250th
anniversary, they have created a special exhibition honoring artists whose work reflects their connection to this historic moment.
We are also honored to share the story of John Godzieba, Washington Crossing Historic Park’s George Washington reenactor. John’s pride, passion, and reverence for this role are unmistakable, whether you are in his company or watching him bring this iconic figure to life for the public. We are honored to shine a light on what inspires him to portray this role with such authenticity and dedication.
If you haven’t visited Root to River Farm yet, consider this your personal invitation to discover one of our community’s special gems. As we embrace summer and opportunities to cook, gather, and connect, the story of Malaika Spencer and Ian Knauer reminds us how food can bring people together. With their incredible talents and vision, Root to River is sure to become a favorite destination for fresh vegetables, pizza nights, and the memorable events they host.
It’s finally outdoor dining season, and whether you’re dining out or entertaining at home, you’ll find inspiration throughout these pages. If you’re looking for the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset cocktail, look no further than Martine’s Riverhouse Restaurant. If entertaining is on your agenda, you’ll discover easy ideas for bringing the spirit of the season to your outdoor spaces. And whether you’re relaxing on the porch or heading to the beach this month, be sure to explore our recommendations for summer reading.
As we settle into the joys of summer and reflect on this remarkable chapter in our nation’s—and community’s—history, I wish you and yours a wonderful July.
Best,
Laura Lazar Publisher
newhopeandsoleburymag.com @newhopeandsoleburymag
Have a story idea? Email the editor: Lela.Casey@wainscotmedia.com
Publisher Laura Lazar
Laura.Lazar@wainscotmedia.com
Local Editor
Lela Casey
Lela.Casey@wainscotmedia.com
Writers
Tamara Cannon
Dominique Daniela
Buffy Hastings
Dari Kotzker
Photographer Jennifer Janikic Photography
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO
Mark Dowden
SVP, Group Publisher Thomas Flannery
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
Creative Director
Kijoo Kim
Art Director
Rosemary O’Connell
Executive Editor Elaine Quilici
Associate Editor
Sophia Carlisle
Advertising Services Director Jacquelynn Fischer
Operations Director Catherine Rosario
Production Designer Chris Ferrante
Print Production Manager Fern Meshulam
Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden
New Hope & Solebury magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of New Hope and Solebury Township, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2026 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
LOCAL PULSE
LOVE IS LOVE GALA
Sharyn Keiser, Xavier Dio, Andrew Chun, Will DeJesus, Sandy Santello, and Jason Chun attend the Love Is Love Gala.
PHOTOGRAPH
COURTESY OF SANDY
SANTELLO
CARVERSVILLE DAY
The Love Is Love Gala is an annual fundraising event hosted by New Hope Celebrates. Traditionally the kickoff of Pride Week, the gala brings together community members for an evening of art and entertainment. This year’s event occurred on May 14 at River House at Odette’s and featured an auction showcasing artwork by local artists, a live fashion show, illustrator demonstrations, and dancing. Proceeds support New Hope Celebrates’ yearround programming and community initiatives.
NEW HOPE DOG FESTIVAL
Carversville Day—the community’s annual celebration of local history, art, and small-town charm—was held on May 30. It featured live music, artisan vendors, family activities, food, and opportunities to explore one of Bucks County’s most historic villages. Organized by local volunteers, the day continued a long-standing tradition of bringing neighbors together while showcasing the unique character and community spirit that define the village.
On June 6, dog lovers gathered at Rice’s Market for the inaugural New Hope Dog Festival, which featured agility demonstrations, rescue dog adoptions, pet photography, live music, and other family-friendly activities. The event also helped participating rescue organizations raise funds, receive adoption applications, and recruit volunteers through the festival’s live-streamed dog rescue format.
BOOTS & GOWNS BENEFIT
Guests of Helping Friendly Farm’s inaugural Boots & Gowns Benefit on May 29 enjoyed an evening of live bluegrass music, comedy, farm-to-table cuisine, and community while raising funds to support the nonprofit’s nature-based therapeutic programs for individuals with disabilities and their families. Proceeds from the event will help expand access to the farm’s sensory and animalassisted experiences, which foster connection, emotional regulation, and joy.
NEW HOPE AUTOMOBILE SHOW
The annual New Hope Automobile Show, presented by the nonprofit New Hope Helping, rolls back into town on August 8 and 9 for its 69th year. The event draws car enthusiasts from across the region to admire antique, classic, and collector vehicles. The show raises funds for local scholarships, charities, and community projects while celebrating automotive history and innovation. For details, visit newhopeautoshow.com.
Judy Finn, Stacey Petrey, and Caitlyn Doyle enjoy the Boots & Gowns Benefit held on Helping Friendly Farm’s picturesque Solebury Township property.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF HELPING FRIENDLY FARM
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MARK BAUM BAICKER
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF DOG DADDY
It Takes a Village
Borough Council President Ken Maisel values input from the community.
BY STAFF WRITER
INTERVIEW WITH KEN MAISEL
A FORMER SMALL business owner in Princeton, Ken Maisel now dedicates his time to being president of the New Hope Borough Council. He has lived in New Hope for 18 years and has served on the council for 11 years. In his current position, he focuses on municipal development, historic preservation, and green initiatives. Here, Maisel discusses his work.
What do residents tell you they value most about New Hope?
Residents have made it very clear that they want us to preserve the character and history of New Hope. There’s been a lot of positive revitalization over the years, especially along the waterfront, but people also want to make sure we don’t lose what makes this place special. One of the themes we heard loud and clear recently is the importance
of maintaining the historic district. Slowly and imperceptibly, things can get eroded. Then you look back 10 years later and ask, “What happened?” We want to be thoughtful about growth while protecting the spirit of the town.
What project are you most excited about right now?
We’re working on what we’re calling a Green Initiative. The idea is to look at all of New Hope’s green spaces as one cohesive system. We have pocket parks and underutilized areas throughout the borough, and we’re asking how they can connect to each other and tell the same story. One area we’re especially excited about is the Borough Hall campus. We’d like to see trails, places to sit, and spaces where people can gather and enjoy the outdoors. New Hope is only one square mile, so this is actually something that’s achievable. We think it has the potential to make a real difference.
What makes local government effective?
For us, it comes down to listening and being responsive. Recently, someone pointed out a problem with a sidewalk on West Mechanic Street. The next day, we were working to address it. What’s important is being able to go back to residents and say, “You brought this to our attention, and we did something about it.” Communication matters. People want to know their concerns are being heard, and they want to see results.
Has a resident ever changed your perspective on an issue?
Absolutely. I’m very open-minded. If somebody says something that’s inconsistent with the way I’m looking at an issue, I stop and ask myself whether I’m seeing it correctly. At a recent workshop, residents spoke about a proposal involving single-use plastics. Their comments made me rethink our approach. Not everything is black and white, and I think it’s important to listen when someone brings a different perspective that has credibility.
Where is your favorite place to spend time in New Hope?
I recently took a walk on the towpath toward Stockton to see how far the water in the canal had worked its way south. It was probably the most spectacular moment of my day. The canal, the river, and the wildlife are reminders of what makes this place unique.
Sunset Sensation
Celebrate summer with a Lavender Skies cocktail from Martine’s Riverhouse Restaurant.
BY STAFF WRITER
FOR MORE THAN four decades, Martine’s Riverhouse Restaurant has welcomed generations of locals and visitors to its riverside tables, where beautiful views, good food and drink, and good company have become part of the New Hope tradition. Martine and Jarett Landry have owned and operated the restaurant since 1980.
Perched along the Delaware River, Martine’s offers a dining and bar experience that feels distinctly New Hope. The restored barn-boathouse setting combines rustic charm with waterfront views, creating a relaxed atmosphere that encourages guests to slow down and enjoy each other’s company. Whether seated indoors among the exposed beams or outside overlooking the river, guests are surrounded by the kind of scenery that has made New Hope a destination for generations.
A SEASONAL DELIGHT
The warm atmosphere and riverfront setting attract both longtime regulars
and first-time visitors year-round, but it’s Martine’s food and bar menus that keep them coming back. Emphasizing seasonal ingredients, the restaurant turns out thoughtfully prepared dishes and drinks. While every season is a great time to visit Martine’s, guests particularly delight in summer evenings on the deck, enjoying one of the bar’s signature drinks.
Martine’s version of a Lavender Skies cocktail is a perfect choice for that. Its delicate balance of floral, citrus, and tropical flavors captures the relaxed spirit of dining by the river. Coconut water softens the tartness of the lemon while allowing the lavender to shine, creating a cocktail that is both refreshing and subtly floral.
Beyond the taste, the drink’s elegant color is hard to resist. It gets its dreamy lavender hue from butterfly pea flower, a naturally vibrant blossom that transforms the cocktail into shades of blue and violet, mirroring the colors of a summer sunset over the Delaware River.
Lavender Skies Cocktail
Delicate floral notes, bright lemon, and refreshing coconut water make this cocktail perfect for warm summer evenings.
INGREDIENTS:
• Ice
• 2 ounces vodka
• 3/4 ounce lavender syrup
• 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 3 ounces coconut water
To try your hand making your own Lavendar Skies cocktail at home, check out Martine’s recipe.
Martine’s Riverhouse Restaurant is located at 14 E. Ferry St. in New Hope. For more information, follow Martine’s Riverhouse Restaurant on Facebook and @martinesriverhouse on Instagram.
• 1/4 ounce butterfly pea syrup for color
• Lemon wheel or lavender sprig, for garnish (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, lavender syrup, lemon juice, coconut water, and butterfly pea syrup for color. Shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass or coupe glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel or a sprig of lavender, if desired.
Serving Note: For a lighter, more refreshing version, top with an additional ounce or two of coconut water before serving.
PHOTOGRAPH
LUNCH, COCKTAILS
Summer Entertaining
A few thoughtful elements can quickly turn an ordinary gathering into a spectacular one.
BY DOMINIQUE DANIELA
WITH THE WARMTH and relaxation of summer upon us, there will be many opportunities for social gatherings. Summer parties work best when your home feels both welcoming to guests and comfortable enough that hosts can enjoy the gathering, too. Here are a few simple ways you can prepare to host this season.
SELECT A COLOR PALETTE
The first step to creating a seasonal yet effortless atmosphere is choosing a color palette that can be reused
throughout the summer. Blue and white with pops of yellow are timeless summer colors.
Thrift stores and offseason sales are great places to find summer treasures such as plates, glassware, and chair cushions belonging to this color palette.
KEEP
IT
EASY BREEZY
Whether you’re entertaining indoors or outdoors, early preparation and flexibility can make hosting far more enjoyable. If you have a swimming pool, move gatherings outside on
warm days and take advantage of the relaxing backdrop.
Preparing a charcuterie board before everyone arrives allows guests to immediately feel at home and offers the host something to snack on while entertaining. To minimize distractions and allow for more time to socialize, lay out table settings before guests arrive. Creating multiple areas for guests to gather encourages mingling and helps create a casual, relaxed atmosphere.
A self-serve drink station is a must for summer entertaining. Using reusable cups in your chosen color palette reduces waste while creating an elegant setting. Don’t forget the garnishes: Fresh herbs and lemon slices can elevate even a simple glass of water to a special summer refreshment. Homemade lemonade and iced tea are essential additions to any summer gathering.
PRETTY AND PRACTICAL
Summer flowers are a natural way to add color and charm without a lot of fuss. Use garden clippings or simple bouquets to decorate tables throughout your space. White and yellow vases mixed with a few brighter
colors can add to a festive feeling. Thoughtful touches, such as stocking the pool area with towels and extra pool accessories, allow hosts to stay part of the festivities instead of running back and forth for items throughout the evening. Even details like stocking up on bug repellent can contribute to a comfortable atmosphere. Fragrant incense sticks placed around the perimeter of the yard also help keep bugs away while adding a pleasant scent.
A SWEET FINISH
Summer entertaining often lingers long after the meal is over. A poolside fire, a self-serve ice cream station, and bowls of precut seasonal fruit create flexible options that guests can enjoy at their own pace. Thoughtful touches like simple desserts and inviting spaces to gather can turn an ordinary evening into a memorable summer night.
Dominique Daniela has been a resident of New Hope for more than 18 years. She recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of her fashion and interior design business, Dominique Daniela Designs. For more information, visit dominiquedaniela.com.
A Gallery of Curiosity
One of New Hope’s longestrunning galleries reflects on how curiosity has shaped its approach to art, artists, and community.
BY LELA CASEY
FFOR DECADES, Tamara and Jim Cannon traveled the world as performers and cruise directors on luxury cruise lines. In countries across Asia, Europe, and South America, they repeatedly encountered talented artists selling original work on the street for little money and wondered why more of them weren’t represented by galleries. Eventually, that question grew into a 12-year plan to open a gallery dedicated to championing living artists.
But where would this gallery be? The nature of their jobs meant they never stayed in any one place long enough to put down roots. Every option was on the table.
Then one day, they received an invitation from an old friend that would change their lives. “A Broadway performer and dear friend of ours named Byron Nease had a little cottage in Quakertown,” Tamara says. “He kept saying, ‘Come out to Bucks County. Come to my cottage. You’ll love it. It’s so cute.’”
Eventually, Jim and Tamara took Nease up on his offer. They rented a car and headed from their apartment in Hoboken, New Jersey, to Bucks County. As they drove through Lambertville, New Jersey, they marveled at the stone houses, art studios, and little shops lining the river. They knew about the area’s rich history, but seeing it in person shifted something inside them. “Both of us just looked at each other with the same thought: ‘Wait a minute, what? We could live here?’”
One year later, in November 2007, the Cannons opened the doors of Gallery Piquel, finally realizing the vision they had carried for decades: a gallery dedicated to championing talented living artists.
To thank and honor their friend Nease, who passed away in 2013, they
purchased a commemorative brick at the Bucks County Playhouse and dedicated the second-floor gallery space to him, naming it the Byron Gallery.
MAKING ART ACCESSIBLE
Today, Gallery Piquel is one of New Hope’s longest-established fine art galleries. While the gallery is home to many respected artists, the Cannons have retained the original spirit that inspired them from the beginning— creating a place where curiosity is welcome and art is accessible to everyone. “We try to convey our passion for our collection to all who enter the gallery, regardless of whether or not they may purchase anything,” Jim says. Tamara particularly enjoys when
young people come in with questions. “They’ll say, ‘What does that mean?’ and I’ll respond, ‘What do you think?’” she says. “Then we get a dialogue going, and that’s so satisfying.”
That commitment to making art approachable doesn’t end with conversation. The Cannons also work to remove the uncertainty that can come with purchasing original artwork. Through digital previews and in-home viewings, clients can see how a piece will look in their own space before deciding, helping to transform what can feel like an intimidating process into an enjoyable one. “We don’t want anybody to be stressed with their decision-making,” Tamara says. “We’re
Opposite page: Tamara and Jim Cannon stand outside Gallery Piquel, which features ‘Containers 629’ by Oscar Lakeman (top) and ‘Oz’ by Allen Levy in the window. Above: Tamara and Jim Cannon (left) advise customers amid works by Frank DiPietro, Daryl Hastings, and Andrea Kelly.
always happy to let them see something in their home before they decide.”
AUTHENTICITY MATTERS
That same spirit of discovery extends to the artists the gallery represents. Rather than focusing on a particular style, the Cannons have built a roster that ranges from traditional landscapes and still lifes to contemporary and highly imaginative work. “We try to show things that you don’t
see everywhere,” Tamara says. “Things that make you think, things that make you laugh.”
That philosophy has guided the gallery from the beginning. Rather than chasing trends, the Cannons look for work that feels original and authentic. “As long as we think it is well done, it doesn’t have to be a question of ‘How is this going to sell?’” Tamara says. “We want to
show unique, individual work that is unexpected.”
While Tamara is often the first to discover new artists, Jim also helps evaluate potential additions to the gallery’s roster. He says the couple looks for “quality of technique, differentiation from our existing artists, and consistency in being able to create beautiful, unique work.” One of those artists is David Henderson, whose meticulously painted personified animal portraits have become favorites among collectors.
Henderson credits the gallery with embracing work that might not fit neatly elsewhere. “As an artist, I’ve always felt an intimacy about New Hope that encourages creativity,” he says. “Gallery Piquel is a great fit for me. They’ve taken on my most unusual work and cultivated a serious audience eager to see what happens next.”
That willingness to support artists as they experiment is echoed by James Zamora. “As both a professor at Savannah College of Art and Design and a painter, I spend my days thinking about how people see the world,” he says. “Teaching encourages constant curiosity, and
Above: Tamara and Jim Cannon discuss art by Daryl Hastings, Judith Judy, and Daniel Watts. Bottom left: ‘Macarons’ by James Zamora (front), with sculptures by Jeanine Pennell (front) and Jane Neuss Cohen (two behind) atop the display. Bottom right: ‘Captain Jones’ painting by David Henderson and ‘Ready to Ride’ sculpture by Shawn Campbell
THE ARTISTS’ AMERICA
Continuing their spirit of curiosity and experimentation, the Cannons took on a new challenge this year. For the first time since opening the gallery, they invited artists to create work around a shared theme: the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
Tamara called the paintings “delightful and inventive and magnificently painted.”
that curiosity drives my studio practice. Working with Gallery Piquel has given me the freedom to explore a wide range of subjects while staying committed to craftsmanship and meaningful connection with collectors.”
These comments reflect the kind of artistic freedom the Cannons have encouraged since opening the gallery and which is now on full display in the gallery’s current Americana exhibition, “Celebrate America 250!”
Tamara was delighted by the diverse ways each artist interpreted the theme. The works in the “Celebrate America 250!” exhibit range from traditional portraits of America’s founders to colorful abstracts and whimsical reinterpretations of historical figures. Among the more unexpected paintings is David Henderson’s rabbit portrayal of George Washington called “George Unfinished (after Gilbert Stuart).”
For the Cannons, the exhibition is about more than celebrating America’s past. It reflects the same spirit of creativity and independent thinking that first drew them to New Hope. “New Hope has for decades been known as an art destination,” Tamara says. “Artists have always lived here. People come here to find antiques and art and that hasn’t changed.”
While the town has evolved throughout the years, she believes its identity remains intact. New venues and new visitors continue to arrive, bringing fresh energy to the community while preserving the qualities that have made New Hope special from the beginning. “This is a town for individuals,” she says. “The people who live here, they live here on purpose. They love the art, they love the music.”
Nearly 20 years after that first drive through New Hope, the Cannons are still doing what brought them here in the first place—supporting artists, encouraging curiosity, and helping people discover something unexpected.
Lela Casey has been writing professionally for over 15 years. She and her family live in Doylestown.
Top left: ‘Freedom Sail’ by Rebecca Hodges. PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF GALLERY PIQUEL Top right: Tamara Cannon displays art by Scott Cantrell, Elaine Kurie, Cheryl Popek, and Gary Schwartz. Bottom left: Tamara Cannon stands in front of ‘George Unfinished (after Gilbert Stuart)’ by David Henderson (top left), with additional art by Glenn Hidalgo, Robert Papp, James Vose, and Gary Schwartz.
Rooted in Love
Roots to River Farm brings together community around high-quality farm-to-table meals.
BY LELA CASEY
WWALKING INTO ROOTS
to River Farm on a Saturday evening feels like stumbling upon a bustling town square. Children race across the lawn while neighbors linger over gourmet appetizers and housemade sparkling red aperitivos. Steaming pizzas emerge from the outdoor oven as guests settle around communal tables and conversations stretch long into the evening. It’s hard to imagine
that this thriving gathering place began with a simple love story involving a farmer, a chef, and the most amazing vegetables. After nearly a decade of testing recipes for Gourmet magazine, chef and cookbook author Ian Knauer knew exceptional produce when he saw it. Years spent in professional kitchens and food media had trained him to notice every detail, so when vegetables from
Malaika Spencer and Ian Knauer stand in front of their Community Supported Agriculture vegetables.
a small Solebury farm began arriving at his newly opened cooking school in Stockton, New Jersey, he was intrigued.
“When I was working at the magazine, I would sort through lemons for 20 minutes just to find three perfect ones,” he recalls. “Then suddenly, all this picture-perfect produce was appearing like magic.”
The vegetables belonged to Bucks County organic farmer Malaika Spencer. From a young age, Spencer knew she wanted to work in agriculture.
“I had fallen in love with the work of farming and the food of farming,” Spencer says. “Farming expressed the way I wanted to be in the world.”
Spencer spent years studying sustainable agriculture and working on farms throughout the Northeast before returning to Bucks County 15 years ago to start her own organic farm. It was that farm, and the extraordinary produce it yielded, that first caught the attention of Knauer.
What began as a shared appreciation for exceptional food soon evolved into something much deeper. Spencer and Knauer began to imagine a life in which her passion for growing food and his passion for preparing it could exist side by side.
The two eventually married and started a family. In July 2025, after extensive renovation, the couple opened Roots to River’s Amara Kitchen & Tasting Room.
In a rural area with few public gathering spaces, it didn’t take long for neighbors to make it their own.
CULTIVATING COMMUNITY
Today, Roots to River is much more than a farm. It’s a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, market, cooking school, and gathering place where food
serves as a catalyst for connection. What makes Roots to River unique isn’t simply the quality of Knauer’s cooking classes or the beauty of Spencer’s vegetables. It’s the way every part of the business is designed to bring people together. Whether neighbors are picking up CSA shares, gathering for wood-fired pizza, or sharing a seat at one of the
Don Perkins (right) picks up his Community Supported Agriculture share from assistant manager Sam Marlow.
farm’s communal dinners, they are participating in something that feels increasingly rare: genuine face-toface community.
The cooking school extends that sense of connection beyond the farm’s immediate community. Along with local home cooks, Knauer regularly welcomes corporate groups, which come not just to cook but to practice working together in a different way. In the kitchen, participants have to communicate, share space, and trust one another. As Knauer often tells visitors, “If people can work together in a kitchen, they can work together anywhere.”
That sense of connection is especially visible on Wednesdays and Saturdays, when the tasting room is open to the public. Friends and neighbors pile into their cars or walk down the country road to Amara Kitchen & Tasting Room. “They pick their kids up from school, they bring their family, they order a pizza, they sit outside or inside, the kids go and play, and they
get a glass of wine,” Knauer says.
The couple’s own children, Oradel, 5, and Ellis, 1, take special delight in the community gatherings. In fact, Oradel has become one of pizza night’s biggest promoters. “She tells all of her teachers about pizza night every Wednesday, and then they come, and then she sits with them,” Spencer says.
BORROWING FROM TRADITION
The relaxed atmosphere of pizza nights wasn’t created by accident. Spencer and Knauer drew inspiration from their time spent in Europe, where gathering with friends and neighbors for a drink before dinner is woven into daily life. During a trip to Barcelona, Spencer was struck by the city’s relaxed aperitivo culture. “People were just getting out of work, and they’d come to the bar, and it was just this casual and relaxed way of interacting at the end of the day,” she says. “It’s such a different kind of drinking culture than what we have here.”
The sparkling red aperitivo known
as Amara that is now served at Roots to River traces its origins to their European travels. While Spencer fell in love with the long, lingering evenings, Knauer was intrigued by the bittersweet vermouth they enjoyed. He wondered how he could replicate those flavors using local ingredients.
The solution came in an unexpected way. “Years ago, Malaika came home from a farmer’s market with a crate of radicchio and was like, ‘Can you do anything with this, because it’s not going to make it to the next market?’” he says.
Knauer went to work. After weeks of infusion and fermentation, the result was the distinctive Amara aperitivo that transforms the vegetable’s characteristic bitterness into something surprisingly complex and drinkable. “I tried it with radicchio and a bunch of herbs that I had growing,” Knauer recalls. “The first time out, it was just so delicious.”
He immediately summoned the farm crew to taste it. “Nobody could believe it,” he adds.
MORE THAN A MEAL
What began as an experiment in the kitchen has become a signature part of Roots to River, particularly its monthly Tavolata dinners. Inspired by the Italian tradition of communal eating, the gatherings take place in the upstairs open-kitchen dining room, where guests can watch the chefs at work while sharing a meal together.
Many of the chefs who participate in these dinners bring years of culinary expertise, which enhances the experience. “The cooks who have found us and want to cook here have been attracted because of the quality of vegetables, but they all have Michelin experience,” Knauer says. “I can say that we have rutabaga and fennel, and they will create these incredible dishes featuring rutabaga and fennel.”
Even the dining tables reflect the farm’s philosophy. Crafted from a single tree harvested on the property, the long tables fit 12 guests and were intentionally designed to bring people together. “We don’t have any two-tops or four-tops,” Knauer says. “When you come, you sit with people you don’t know.”
Roots to River Project Manager
Mark Valente has witnessed the sense of community at Tavolata dinners firsthand. He has seen guests arrive as strangers and leave exchanging contact information and making plans to see one another again.
For some visitors, that sense of connection is part of what drew them to the area in the first place. Kira Barrett, who moved from Manhattan, says being able to enjoy locally grown food while participating in a community built around it has felt like “an absolute gift.”
The weekly gatherings have become a cherished ritual for Meg Loos. “Having the privilege of being able to dine at Amara Kitchen every Wednesday is the absolute highlight of our week,” she says. “Fabulous humans making incredible food in a killer space. Doesn’t get much better than that.”
STRIVING AND THRIVING
While the Amara aperitivo has become a centerpiece of the farm’s communal gatherings, the vegetable behind the drink reflects something equally important to the farm: learning to work with the land rather than against it. As changing weather patterns make
some traditional crops increasingly difficult to grow organically, Spencer has learned to focus on plants that are naturally suited to the region. “We can no longer grow cucumbers—the pest and disease pressure is too high in an organic system,” she says. “But something like radicchio can handle too much wet, it can handle too much cold. It’s a plant that feels like it’s supposed to be here.”
Likewise, rather than forcing an idea onto the landscape, Spencer and Knauer have built something that grows naturally from this place and the people who call it home. They have blended the best of the high-end culinary world with oldworld traditions of gathering around a shared table, creating something uniquely suited to this corner of Bucks County.
“When you sit at a table and you eat with people you don’t know, now you know them,” Knauer says. “Now you’re neighbors.”
Lela Casey has been writing professionally for over 15 years. She and her family live in Doylestown.
Leading a Legacy
John Godzieba brings George Washington to life through leadership, dedication, and a passion for preserving America’s past.
BY DARI KOTZKER
John Godzieba portrays George Washington.
VVIRTUE, DISCIPLINE, leadership. These are just a few words that describe the nation’s first president, Gen. George Washington. These compelling traits also describe another important figure in our community, John Godzieba, who portrays Washington right in our own historical backyard at Washington Crossing Historic Park and at reenactments throughout the country. Godzieba embodies the attributes and commanding presence that historians have long associated with Washington. Through his dedication, Godzieba brings this important historical figure to life for today’s generation and is proud of it.
“I take this position very seriously,” he says. “I want to portray George Washington with dignity because he was a dignified man. As soon as I put on my uniform, I get into character, and I do this for the public because
they want to see the man himself.” Godzieba was born and raised in Philadelphia. His interest in serving the community led to a career as a police officer. In 1979, he was hired by the Bristol Township Police Department, prompting him to move to Bucks County. After working in Bristol for 38 years, he retired as a lieutenant. His dedication to public service continued in the role of Langhorne Borough’s chief of police for seven years before retiring from law enforcement.
“I was always drawn to the idea of helping people and working in the community, so that’s how I ended up getting involved in police work,” Godzieba says. “In Bristol, I took on additional roles in the honor guard, as a canine officer, and as the commander of the Bucks County Major Incident Response team. As police chief in Langhorne, I loved the small-
town atmosphere, getting to know the residents, and helping them with their problems.”
HERE COMES THE GENERAL
Growing up in Philadelphia, Godzieba was introduced to historic sites at a young age. However, his interest in 18th-century history wasn’t piqued until he visited Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia as an adult.
Shortly after that trip, he saw a newspaper advertisement recruiting new members for the Revolutionary War Living History Reenactors 5th Pennsylvania Regiment. He attended a meeting at Washington Crossing Historic Park and joined the unit. He has now been with the regiment for three decades.
“With each unit, you become an extended family,” Godzieba says. “Together, we learn about uniforms, how to work a musket, how to march, and how the soldiers operated.
The annual reenactment of Gen. George Washington and his troops crossing the Delaware River
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF FRIENDS OF WASHINGTON CROSSING PARK
PHOTOGRAPH BY BRIAN WAGNER OF BWAGS PHOTOGRAPHY
Eventually, we go to reenactments where we camp out in tents, cook over the fire, and experience life as close to the real period as possible. By walking in the same areas that the soldiers walked in, it really draws you to continue to be involved.”
One of the standout activities the group participates in is the Crossing of the Delaware reenactments each December. Members also take part in more than 10 other reenactments a year around Philadelphia, New England, and the South.
Over time, reenactors move up in responsibility, and in 2003, Godzieba decided to audition for the role of Washington. The first two times he auditioned he did not get the part, but the third time was the charm. The audition process included answering questions about Washington’s life as a civilian and soldier, reciting parts of Thomas Paine’s “The American Crisis,” and looking the part with an authentic handmade uniform. Impressed by his performance, a panel of five judges selected him for
this prestigious role in 2009.
“George Washington is a fascinating guy,” Godzieba says. “I really like the background of the man himself, not just his military career. He loved consensus and enjoyed talking to his officers to make sure everybody agreed upon issues. I think we are similar because he was chosen to be a general and I was chosen to run police operations. I’m also a guy who loves consensus. I like to portray the human part of him when I come out to greet people at the crossing every year.”
Jennifer Martin, executive director of Friends of Washington Crossing Park, works closely with Godzieba on many projects and agrees that the two men share several qualities. “John is a natural leader,” she says. “Like Washington, he is thoughtful, composed, and intentional in how he carries himself. He has a strong moral compass, and I think his experience as an officer and chief has helped shape his leadership qualities that make him well suited for this role.”
A NATURAL LEADER
When Godzieba finally received his opportunity to portray Washington crossing the Delaware River, Washington Crossing Historic Park faced closure due to state funding losses related to the 2008 market crash. Not wanting to go a year without the famous reenactment, Godzieba and other community members raised money for the Crossing to continue and succeeded. Godzieba has led this momentous reenactment now for 25 years.
“Once you get in the boat, the first thing I always notice is the temperature drops 10 degrees,” he says. “We’ve had years where it’s snowed, sleeted, and rained, and you think a lot about what the soldiers went through with far fewer amenities. As you start crossing the river, you look at the Pennsylvania shoreline and it’s just wall-to-wall people. It’s amazing how many people come out to see something very important. Many of the visitors come every year, so I’ve met generations of families.”
The group that helped raise
PHOTOGRAPH BY BRIAN WAGNER OF BWAGS PHOTOGRAPHY
money for the 2008 crossing eventually formalized itself into the nonprofit Friends of Washington Crossing Park, which continues to support the park through fundraising, educational programs, and events for the park today. Godzieba has served as president of the group for the past 14 years.
“Washington Crossing Historic Park is not only a gem of a park, but it means so much to the history of this country,” Godzieba says. “I want people to understand what took place here and the sacrifices soldiers made. They gave their lives for something they thought was worth it, and I want to make sure that this park is preserved for years to come.”
Martin says that Godzieba has been very impactful as president. “John is a strong ambassador for our mission, passionate about the work we do, and very effective at encouraging others to feel that same connection to the site and its history,” she says. “In addition to portraying Washington on site, he does a lot of outreach events to share our history with our community.”
TIME TO CELEBRATE
Godzieba and Martin are on the board of Bucks250PA to help raise funds for local sites and plan commemorative events to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial. One of the highlights for Godzieba was working on a Revolutionary War Trail Map for Bucks County, encouraging people to visit multiple county locations tied to the Revolutionary War.
Washington Crossing Historic Park will host several special events on July 4,
with a Living History Day, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and fireworks—and Godzieba will be there as Washington, ready to greet visitors. He says although the park is celebrating America’s anniversary all year long with programs and new initiatives, the capstone of the 250th celebration will be the 2026 Crossing of the Delaware at the end of December.
America’s 250th birthday would not be possible without Washington’s leadership as a general and the nation’s first president. Godzieba feels connected to him on many levels and reflects on what the Father of His Country might think of this milestone celebration.
“I think Washington knew the strength of the people in this country and how we must continue to support it, fight for it, and carry it further,” he says. “I think today he would be proud to have been on the ground floor of something that has grown so much over 250 years.”
Dari Kotzker resides in Bucks County with her husband and four kids. She has worked as a reporter in television news and print media since 2001.
Top left: John Godzieba, as George Washington, speaks with schoolchildren on a field trip to Washington Crossing Historic Park.
Top right: Friends of Washington Crossing Park President John Godzieba and Executive Director Jennifer Martin at Washington Crossing Historic Park’s Visitor Center Bottom: John Godzieba before he retired as Langhorne Borough’s chief of police PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JOHN GODZIEBA
Serenity Now
Transport your mind and calm your soul with large-format paintings that move beyond color and design.
BY TAMARA CANNON
IT’S NO WONDER Sang H. Han and Daryl Hastings have been consistently popular with Gallery Piquel clients for more than a dozen years. Both artists evoke a sense of undiscovered dimensions. Their works encourage viewers to slow down, look more closely, and find meaning beyond the surface.
PICTURE OR PAINTING?
Han’s original paintings in “Shades of Gray” are reminiscent of Ansel Adams photographs. A misty clearing through the trees or a glowing moon over the water takes the viewer to a calmer, infinite place. At first glance, many of his large-scale works appear to be black and white or sepia-toned photographs. Upon closer inspection, however, viewers discover paintings filled with subtle textures, intricate details, and carefully rendered light.
Han first turned to art as a child and has developed a style of technical precision and emotional depth. Entirely self-taught, he experiments with new techniques while maintaining an emphasis on tranquility and beauty.
He often combines brushes and palette knives to create landscapes that feel both realistic and dreamlike. Whether a moonlit shoreline or a mist-covered field, his paintings invite viewers to pause and reflect on the beauty of the natural world.
MYSTERY IN THE FAMILIAR
Hastings’ work lives in between realism and abstraction. A painting of a barn may at first glance feel ordinary, but upon further scrutiny it reveals a
light here, a small door there. These details invite viewers to wonder what came before. The artist’s paintings are contemporary yet rooted in the past.
The artist, who studied at Windham College and the School of Visual Arts, draws inspiration from the New Jersey countryside where she lives and works. Her creative process often begins outdoors with plein air sketches, color notes, and photographs of local landscapes. In the studio, those observations evolve into paintings that range from traditional interpretations to more abstract explorations of shape, color, and memory. Hastings is known for her ability to transform familiar rural scenes into deeply personal visual experiences. A favorite landscape may inspire multiple works, each exploring a different mood, composition, or palette that reveals new possibilities within the same setting.
Tamara Cannon is the co-owner of Gallery Piquel in New Hope. For more information, visit gallerypiquel.com.
ART AROUND TOWN
Sophia Stef Gallery
28 N. Union St., Third Floor, Lambertville, New Jersey “Works on Paper: Unframed Originals in Blacks, Whites, & the Shades Between” Through July 25; closing reception July 25, 4 to 6 p.m.
View work by more than 40 artists in this juried exhibition.
The Dancing Elephant
17 W. Mechanic St., New Hope “By the Dawn’s Early Light” Through Aug. 14
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at the gallery’s new location with new work by Alexander Volkov and Linda Quinn.
New Hope Arts
2 Stockton Ave., Second Floor, New Hope “Expressions in Fiber” Through Aug. 2
This contemporary art exhibition, juried by Marilyn Cowgill, highlights the diversity, innovation, and expressive potential of textile and fiber art.
Above: ‘Summer Days’ by Daryl Hastings Bottom left: ‘Round Midnight’ by Sang H. Han
Family, Wedding, Maternity & Newborn Photography in the Bucks County Area
Jenny is a Bucks County–based photographer known for her evocative golden-hour imagery and refined storytelling. A devoted wife and mother of two spirited boys, she finds inspiration in love at its most natural — unguarded laughter, quiet embraces, fleeting sunset light. Her work blends authenticity with elegance, creating timeless, intimate imagery that preserves connection, warmth, and beautifully lived moments for generations.
jennyjphotography.com
2026 HOME SALES
New Hope & Solebury Township – 05/15/26-06/15/26
New Hope Borough and Solebury Township continue to behave less like a broad suburban marketplace and more like a tightly held collection of luxury micro‑markets, where scarcity, setting, and architectural quality shape outcomes as much as square footage or price point. Pricing remains resilient across 18938, even as the market feels calmer: buyers are more discerning, negotiation has returned in select segments, and days on market now highlight the difference between homes that are thoughtfully priced and presented versus those simply testing the waters. Well‑prepared properties with walkability, river or canal access, acreage, privacy, architectural distinction, or turnkey condition are still moving quickly and commanding premium results, while more ordinary or over‑ambitious listings take longer and invite deeper conversations around value.
Land of the Free
Pick up a book about living freely, as our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary of independence.
BY BUFFY HASTINGS
CHILDREN
THE DETECTIVE’S ASSISTANT
By Kate Hannigan
Based on real cases solved by America’s first female detective, Kate Hannigan’s novel features superior writing and is loaded with suspense and mystery.
DOMINIC
By William Steig
This book follows a cheerful, wandering dog who leaves home in search of adventure and discovers kindness, danger, love, and the joy of living freely in the wider world. It’s a book about what happens when you choose the road to adventure instead of the safety of home.
TUMBLEBABY
By Adam Rex
A baby rolls his way out of the crib and ends up Captain of the Coyotes, defeating villains, scaling unscalable mountains, and inspiring change. The book’s gorgeous illustrations by Audrey Weber will delight even the youngest readers.
THE TABLE WHERE RICH PEOPLE SIT
By
Byrd Baylor
A young girl learns her family is richer than she thinks. Beautiful and profound, this is the type of book you’d give to a new graduate or curl up in a chair and read to your youngest.
ADULTS
ONE MAN’S WILDERNESS
By Sam Keith and Richard Proenneke
Richard “Dick” Proenneke built himself a cabin in the Alaskan wilderness. These are his journals, along with photographs. This book celebrates the ideas of independence, freedom, and self-sufficiency.
WINTER’S BONE
By Daniel Woodrell
Young Ree Dolly sets out through the Ozarks to find her missing father before her family loses its home. This story is about what it means to go it alone, and Dolly is maybe the greatest heroine of modern American literature.
SLOW DAYS, FAST COMPANY
By Eve Babitz
In this collection of witty, semiautobiographical essays, Eve Babitz captures the glamour, absurdity, romances, and everyday pleasures of 1960s and ’70s Los Angeles. She writes beautifully of a world she understands intimately. Babitz lived freely during a time when many others feared true freedom.
SONGS OF UNREASON
By Jim Harrison
This meditative collection of poems explores the contradictions of being alive. It is arguably Jim Harrison’s finest book of poems in a long career of them. It is an ode to the independent life of chasing beauty.
Buffy Hastings is co-owner of Farley’s Bookshop in New Hope.
PHOTO OP COLOR ON THE CANAL
ALONG THE DELAWARE & Lehigh Canal path in New Hope, tall yellow wingstem flowers known as yellow ironweed line the trail, attracting pollinators such as this syrphid fly. The yellow wingstem is a native wildflower commonly found along the canal and river edges. It plays an important role in supporting local pollinators. Syrphid
flies are frequent visitors to this area, contributing to pollination while helping to control aphids in the surrounding vegetation. This close-up shot was taken using a Nikon D810 with a 24-70mm lens, zoomed in at 42mm, f/1.8, 1/800 sec, ISO 80, by photographer Lucy Espejel of Lucent Reflections Photography.
Have a fabulous New Hope/Solebury photo?
Email it to Lela.Casey@ wainscotmedia.com and it could be featured in an upcoming issue!
Now Accepting New Patients at our Lambertville Campus
72 Alexander Avenue, Lambertville, NJ 08530
At Hunterdon Health, we deliver high-quality compassionate care so you and your family can enjoy the everyday little moments.
• Hunterdon Family Medicine at Phillips-Barber 609-397-3535
• Hunterdon Advanced Imaging at Lambertville X-Ray (Walk-ins Welcome) 908-237-4150
