New Hope & Solebury
NATIVE BEAUTY BOWMAN’S HILL
‘NEW HOPE CELEBRATES’ HOW THE MAGIC HAPPENS
Thoughtful Transitions
A NEW ACT BEGINS AT BUCKS COUNTY PLAYHOUSE
FEATURES
12 A New Act Begins
Producing Director Alex Fraser reflects on Bucks County Playhouse as he prepares to hand over the reins to BT McNicholl.
16 Rooted in Nature
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve receives national recognition for its efforts to strengthen the ecosystem by promoting native plants.
20 The Magic of Pride
The all-volunteer team behind New Hope Celebrates works year-round to create joy, unity, and an unforgettable celebration.
IN THIS ISSUE
4 PUBLISHER’S NOTE A New Voice in Town
6 LOCAL PULSE Bite-Sized Updates
8 250TH ANNIVERSARY CALENDAR
Celebrate America
10 Q&A Mark Baum Baicker
24 LOCAL TASTES A Family Classic
26 LOCAL ARTS A Mix of Media
30 BOOK NOOK Summer Reading
32 PHOTO OP A Fresh Perspective COVER
Bucks County Playhouse’s Alex Fraser and BT McNicholl
Photograph by Juan Vidal Photography
PUBLISHER’S
A NEW VOICE IN TOWN
wWELCOME TO THE debut issue of New Hope & Solebury magazine!
Preparing for this launch has given me the opportunity to talk to so many thoughtful and passionate people who care deeply about the place they call home. Over and over, people told me how excited they were to once again have a publication dedicated to the locals who truly understand what makes New Hope and Solebury so special.
Magazines have the unique ability to blend words and visuals into stories that feel personal and lasting. Our goal at New Hope & Solebury magazine is to celebrate what makes this community unique— what we create, grow, eat, read, wear, and celebrate. And perhaps most importantly, the people we meet along the way and suddenly want to have coffee with. With that spirit in mind, we hope you enjoy the magazine.
There’s a certain magic in simply saying “Bucks County Playhouse.” The name alone conjures the energy, nostalgia, music, and drama that have filled its stage for generations. Under Alex Fraser, the playhouse has enjoyed an extraordinary run of acclaimed productions and memorable moments. In our debut
issue, we are honored to share Alex’s reflections as he prepares to pass the torch to BT McNicholl. Together, the two share their passion for theater, their vision for the playhouse, and their deep appreciation for Bucks County.
New Hope and Solebury have been landing on quite a few “best of” lists these days. Now, one of our local treasures, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, has earned recognition as a Top 10 Best Plant Nursery in the nation from USA Today. Executive Director Peter Couchman and his team share their passion, knowledge, and dedication to preserving Bowman’s for longtime admirers and first-time visitors alike.
What a Pride celebration we had in May! New Hope has long been recognized as a major Pride destination in the Northeast. While so many people enjoy the festivities, few understand how much work happens throughout the year to make the event a success. Under the leadership of Melissa Patterson and Ryan Segura, dedicated volunteers at New Hope Celebrates work tirelessly to bring Pride Week and so many other related events to life.
As you get to know our magazine, you’ll discover some of our regular columns, including Local Tastes, Local Arts, Book Nook, Home Front, Life Outdoors, and Wellness Watch. In this issue, explore what’s happening at New Hope Arts, try Karla’s famous macaroni and cheese recipe for Father’s Day, and discover your next great read through recommendations from Buffy Hastings, co-owner of Farley’s Bookshop in New Hope.
I want to thank you for welcoming us into your homes and into this extraordinary community. I hope these pages leave you feeling a little more connected to the people and places around you.
Please feel free to email me with story ideas, thoughts, or simply to say hello. I’d love to hear from you.
Warmly,
Laura Lazar Publisher
Publisher
Laura Lazar
Laura.Lazar@wainscotmedia.com
Local Editor
Lela Casey
Lela.Casey@wainscotmedia.com
Writers Buffy Hastings
Dari Kotzker
Christine Ramirez
Alexis Zanias
Photographers
Jennifer Janikic Photography
Juan Vidal 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.
PHOTOGRAPH BY JENNIFER JANIKIC PHOTOGRAPHY
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‘CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF’ PREMIERES
Bucks County Playhouse celebrated opening night of Tennessee Williams’ sultry American classic “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” on April 25. Following the premiere, over 200 donors, staff, cast, creatives, and crew gathered for a reception hosted by opening night sponsor Ferry Market.
BOWMAN’S HILL ANNUAL GALA
On April 25, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve hosted its annual fundraiser with this year’s theme being “Rooted in Our Future.” The evening celebrated native plant conservation while guests enjoyed live jazz, botanical cocktails, interactive demonstrations, and a spring-inspired menu.
PERKASIE HONORS JUNETEENTH
The African Diaspora Collective of Bucks County’s fifth-anniversary celebration of Juneteenth takes place on the bucolic grounds of Still Rise Farms in Perkasie on June 19. The event features food, vendors, farm tours, educational opportunities, and children’s activities. For more information, email dtownjuneteenth@gmail.com.
A CELEBRATION OF FLOWERS
Mira Nakashima delivered opening remarks at this year’s Ohanami ceremony, which draws inspiration from the Japanese custom of flower viewing and appreciation. The celebration, which took place on April 19, invited guests to gather among blooming cherry and dogwood trees for an afternoon of live music, reflection, and community connection.
ENJOY A FARM-TO-TABLE EVENT
Heritage Conservancy hosts its summer Farm to Table fundraiser on June 13 at Russell-Mandel Preserve in New Hope. The evening includes a social hour with refreshments from Manoff Market Cidery and Doan Distillery & Tavern, live music by Lorenzo Branca, and a farm-fresh, family-style dinner by Jeffrey A. Miller Hospitality Group. Tickets and full event details are available at secure.qgiv.com/event/farmtotable2026.
PHOTOGRAPH BY MEGAN CLOSE
Peter Couchman, executive director of Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, and Jenny Rose Carey, fundraiser co-host PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BOWMAN’S HILL WILDFLOWER PRESERVE
Kevin Daugherty, owner of Ferry Market; his wife, Arlene; and Ryan Fuller, manager of Ferry Market PHOTOGRAPH BY MARK GARVIN
Mira Nakashima, president of Nakashima Foundation for Peace
PHOTOGRAPH BY ZAK WINOKUR
Members of the Juneteenth planning committee with Kevin Aster Young’s collaborative artwork at the 2025 Juneteenth celebration
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA COLLECTIVE OF BUCKS COUNTY
Celebrate AMERICA
Check out these special events to honor our nation’s 250th anniversary.
GATHER YOUR family and friends to commemorate the United States’ semiquincentennial at one of the many patriotic events being held locally and around the region. Here’s a sampling of celebrations you can find:
New Hope and Lambertville -
America Celebrates 250
July 3 to July 5, various times
Locations throughout New Hope and Lambertville, New Jersey
July 3: Revolutionary-era theater performances followed by fireworks, a 200-drone sky show, and synchronized patriotic music across both downtowns.
July 4: Geroge Washington reenactorled pub crawl and an outdoor concert featuring Donna Summer and ABBA tribute bands. July 5: Freedom Parade, a dragon-boat race between America and Great Britain, and church bells ringing in unison from both sides of the Delaware. americacelebrates.org/our-events
Wawa Welcome America
June 19 to July 4 (including July 4 fireworks), various times
Locations throughout Philadelphia visitphilly.com/things-to-do/events/wawawelcome-america
Sail4th 250
July 3 to July 8, various times
Locations along the shoreline in New York and New Jerseysail4th.org
44th Annual Revolutionary Run (RevRun)
July 4 at 8 a.m.
Washington Crossing Historic Park, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing revrunpa.com
Independence Day Celebration 2026
With Fireworks
July 4, 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Washington Crossing Historic Park, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing washingtoncrossingpark.org/event/ living-history-july-fourth-2026
America’s Time Capsule
July 4, time TBD
Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut St., Philadelphia america250.org/time-capsule
Fourth of July Jubilee at Morven Museum & Garden
July 4, time TBD
Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., Princeton, New Jersey experienceprinceton.org/princeton250
Democracy Day Picnic
July 4, noon to 4 p.m.
Mill Hill Park, 165 E. Front St., Trenton, New Jersey revnj.org/events/heritage-week-in-trenton
Baseball and Fireworks Presented by Trenton Thunder
July 4 at 6 p.m.
Trenton Thunder Ballpark, 1 Thunder Road, Trenton, New Jersey revnj.org/events/heritage-week-intrenton
Independence National Historical Park Commemorates First Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence July 8 at 11:30 a.m.
Independence National Historical Park, Fifth and Market streets, Philadelphia nps.gov/inde/learn/news/firstpublic-reading-of-the-declarationof-independence.htm?utm_ placement=reliable-feedspress
Celebrate America’s 250th in Newtown
Aug. 8, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Various Locations throughout Newtown newtown2026.com
Celebrating 250 Years of American
Resilience - In Pursuit of Justice and Equality
Ongoing, various dates and times
Gather Place Museum, 188 South Canal St., Yardley gatherplace.org
COCKTAILS
Stewarding Solebury
Board Chair Mark Baum Baicker is a champion of preservation.
BY LELA CASEY
INTERVIEW WITH MARK BAUM BAICKER
MARK BAUM BAICKER is an attorney with a master’s degree in taxation. He’s run a financial planning and insurance business in Doylestown for nearly 40 years. In 2017, he was appointed to Solebury Township’s Board of Supervisors and was unanimously elected to board chair in 2018. Here, he shares how preserving farms, finances, and open spaces helps protect Solebury’s unique character.
What do you enjoy most about your role as board chair?
The best part is that we’re able to accomplish things. Solebury’s way of life is about the viewscapes and preserving farms, the environment, and historic buildings. I always joke that I’m a “jack of no trades and a master of none.” My job is to shepherd the board and help get things done.
What achievements do you find you are most proud of?
About 40% of our land is now preserved, and we’ve done it in a fiscally responsible way. We balance our budget, rarely raise taxes, and have one of the lowest tax rates in Bucks County.
What makes Solebury special?
Drive along roads like Armitage, Meetinghouse, or Paxton, and you’ll see wide-open space with gorgeous farms and old farmhouses. It’s not the most convenient place to live, but you give up a little convenience for a lot of beauty. People may have different views, but almost everyone rallies around preserving what we have.
What might surprise people about your job?
It’s basically a volunteer job, but you still have to run a campaign, raise money, organize supporters, and go through an election before the work even begins.
How do you like to spend your free time in Solebury?
My wife and I love walking. We live in Carversville and often walk about five and a half miles to the river and back. We’ve probably done it more than 1,000 times. It’s a different walk depending on the season. That’s one of the things we love most about living here.
Lela Casey has been writing professionally for over 15 years. She and her family live in Doylestown.
Mark Baum Baicker and his wife, Cindy, enjoy a bike ride and some ice cream.
A New Act Begins
Producing Director Alex Fraser reflects on Bucks County Playhouse as he prepares to hand over the reins to BT McNicholl.
BY LELA CASEY
AAFTER 12 YEARS of bringing world-class entertainment to Bucks County Playhouse, Producing Director Alex Fraser is ready to move on to the next chapter of his life. As he looks back at his long career, there is one theme that rises above all the rest: joy. “All I ever wanted was to have fun and joy in my life, and theater is a place where I could not only experience that joy myself, but also share it with an audience,” Fraser says.
MAKING CHANGES
When Fraser first stepped into Bucks County Playhouse in 2014, it had just undergone renovations in an attempt to revive the luster of the once-iconic venue. Although it had been a staple in the summer-stock circuit, times had changed, and live theater just did not seem to captivate local audiences the way it had in the past. Ticket sales were sparse, and the historic building was losing its appeal. “If we had 100 people in the audience, that was a
good night,” Fraser says.
While Fraser knew a change was necessary, it took time to figure out how to bring back audiences.
“My producing partners, Robyn Goodman and Josh Fiedler, and I spent the first two years doing what we thought the audience wanted to see instead of really trying to figure out what they actually wanted to see,” Fraser says.
That insight led to one of the most important lessons of his tenure.
“I began to realize that history alone does not sell tickets,” he says.
“The legacy [of the playhouse] is wonderful, but the real challenge is making sure it feels alive right now, not just remembered for what it used to be.”
Opposite page: Bucks County Playhouse producing directors Alex Fraser and BT McNicholl in front of the set of ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,’ designed by Jack Magaw PHOTOGRAPH BY JUAN VIDAL PHOTOGRAPHY Below: ‘Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story’ PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BUCKS COUNTY PLAYHOUSE
AUDIENCES RETURN
Fraser remembers the moment when everything began to shift. “We put on a production of ‘Buddy Holly,’ and audiences just loved it,” he says. “We ended up doing it three times. It became very clear to me from the success of that show that what the audience wanted to see was very popular work.”
Over the next decade, attendance continued to grow as audiences showed up to watch hits like “Guys and Dolls,” “Clue,” and “Anastasia.”
Word spread quickly that the playhouse was once again the place to be for top-notch productions.
“You have to build up this critical mass,” Fraser says. “It is like this little snowball, and it gradually builds. It was just a much longer hill than I realized.”
The larger audiences did more than just boost ticket sales—the casts fed off the new energy they brought. As the crowds got bigger,
the productions got even better. “Every single actor who works on that stage comments on the extraordinarily warm feeling they get from the audience,” Fraser says. “That energy made such a difference in the quality of the shows.”
A COMMUNITY TREASURE
Nicole Hackmann, executive director of Bucks County Playhouse, emphasizes how essential community support has always been to the theater. “Our community has stood by us through reopening, the pandemic, and now this transition,” she says. “Our donors, subscribers, and partners, from fellow nonprofits to local businesses, make this work possible.”
While Fraser often receives praise for the playhouse, one particular comment from a loyal patron has stayed with him throughout the years. “One woman told me that every time she saw a show here, she
walked out on a cloud,” he says. “She could come in after a hard day’s work, and it took her completely out of whatever she was worried about, and she left feeling like a million bucks. Comments like that make us all feel proud of the work we have done.”
Now, as Fraser prepares to step away from Bucks County Playhouse after more than a decade at the helm, the question on many minds is not
whether the theater will continue to thrive but how its unique sense of joy and connection will carry forward under incoming Producing Director BT McNicholl.
PASSING THE TORCH
McNicholl is no stranger to the stage. He spent a decade as producing artistic director of La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada,
Left: ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’
Below: ‘42nd Street’
California. He also has worked on a dozen Broadway productions, including Tony Award-winning shows such as “Spamalot” and “Billy Elliot.”
Careful deliberation went into the decision to hire McNicholl, and Hackmann looks forward to his tenure. “Following a thorough national search led by members of our board of directors, I have complete confidence that BT, given his relationships, experience, and depth of knowledge, will be an inspiring artistic leader for Bucks County Playhouse,” she says.
While Gayle Goodman, the playhouse’s board president, is sad to see Fraser leave, she also welcomes the transition from Fraser to McNicholl and believes it will be natural. “BT’s experience, imagination, and respect for our legacy will guide us into that exciting next chapter, one that will continue to strengthen our vision of being recognized for world-class productions and for nurturing future generations of artists and audiences,” she says.
McNicholl has a strong appreciation of the theater’s past and a clear vision for guiding the playhouse into the future. He understands that anyone who comes into an organization as successful as Bucks County Playhouse stands on the shoulders of the people who came before. “It is my intention and hope to continue that trajectory,” he says.
Fraser also is confident that McNicholl will be a good steward of the beloved playhouse. “It is so much easier for me to leave the theater to somebody like BT, who comes from the same world as I do,” he says. “I am proud that the work that I have done is going to allow him the opportunity to come in and take the next step.”
THE MAGIC OF THE PLAYHOUSE
McNicholl and Fraser seem to have a shared vision that extends beyond programming. Both understand how integral the theater’s physical space is to the playhouse’s allure. In fact, it is one of the things that drew McNicholl to accept the position.
“This setting, being on the corner of the river and the creek and the waterfall, there is something about the light on the river that feels magical,” he says.
Fraser shares that deep
appreciation for the aesthetics of the playhouse and believes it is one of the most beautiful theaters in the country. “The proportions of the building are perfect,” he says. “It almost feels like a small Broadway playhouse, with something of a dollhouse feeling to it. When the audience leaves here, they know they have been part of something special.”
But taking in a show at Bucks County Playhouse isn’t just about
the theater itself. For Fraser, an important part of building up the venue was understanding that the entire town was part of the overall experience. “People do not just come for the show,” he says. “They come for the whole night. They come into New Hope, walk around, have dinner, and come back to the theater. It becomes a whole experience.”
When McNicholl takes the reins of the theater on June 22, it will be with respect for the legacy Fraser helped build and a clear understanding of the feeling that has always been at the heart of Bucks County Playhouse: the joy of sharing great theater with an audience. “When the lights go down and the curtain rises, there should be that sense in the room that anything can happen,” McNicholl says. “That is the magic of theater.”
Lela Casey has been writing professionally for over 15 years. She and her family live in Doylestown.
There Still Sex In the City?’
Top right: Nicole Hackmann, Alex Fraser, and BT McNicholl sit in the audience at Bucks County Playhouse. PHOTOGRAPH BY JUAN VIDAL PHOTOGRAPHY Bottom left: ‘Is
Rooted in Nature
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve receives national recognition for its efforts to strengthen the ecosystem by promoting native plants.
BY DARI KOTZKER
PHOTOGRAPHS
PHOTOGRAPH BY ARIEL WAPNICK, COURTESY OF BOWMAN’S HILL WILDFLOWER PRESERVE
Peter Couchman, executive director of Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
SSTEPPING INTO the Native Plant Nursery at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, visitors are immediately immersed in a landscape rich with colors, scents, and a vast ecosystem. Beyond the beauty of the grounds, there is a welcoming sense of community as the nursery is filled with nature enthusiasts, volunteers, gardeners, and customers who share a commitment to helping the environment flourish. This nursery is more than a place to purchase plants; it’s an experience where education and inspiration take root.
A LOCAL TREASURE
The preserve is nestled in Solebury Township, which is blooming with excitement over the fact that this premier nature destination recently received a highly acclaimed national honor. The Native Plant Nursery was named one of the Top 10 Best
Plant Nurseries in the country by USA Today. This beautiful location was nominated by a panel of industry experts and voted on by the public.
Peter Couchman, executive director of Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, has led the organization since 2020. He says the mission is to increase the knowledge and use of native plants by serving as an educational resource as well as a destination that inspires conservation action. “We were so delighted and thrilled about the recognition,” he says. “It’s an incredible honor and validation that our mission in action is truly serving our community.”
Glenn White, a member of the preserve for two decades, has been overseeing operations of this award-winning location as its manager for the past five years. The USA Today mention had an
especially deep meaning to White because he fell in love with Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve long before he worked here. “I was grateful personally because we’re the only organization on the USA Today list that is dedicated solely to native plants,” he says. “I think it speaks to the strengths of the native plant movement, and it means our mission resonates with people.”
PHOTOGRAPH BY KATHLEEN WHITE, COURTESY OF BOWMAN’S HILL WILDFLOWER PRESERVE
Peter Couchman, executive director of Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, and Glenn White, Native Plant Nursery manager
STRIVING AND THRIVING
The Native Plant Nursery is just one aspect of the preserve’s impressive 134 acres. Visitors can see firsthand more than 750 species of native plants, explore nature trails, attend community events, and participate in educational programs. The preserve was founded in 1934 when Mary Parry, then president of the Federation of Gardens, and William Heinitsh, a consultant for the Department of Forests and Waters, met at the site and recognized the land’s importance for native plants to thrive. They petitioned the state to make these acres formally part of Washington Crossing Historic Park to be conserved as a preserve for Pennsylvania’s native plants.
Over the decades, the preserve has steadily evolved—adding a greenhouse and propagation house in the 1960s, becoming a nonprofit in the 1970s, earning accredited museum status in the 1980s, and continuing to grow today with more than 2,000 member households.
Couchman attributes the continued growth to the group’s conservation efforts and visitor experiences. “When you come to the preserve, you’ll notice we look different than other green
spaces,” he says. “We have a deer fence that surrounds 100 of our 134 acres and protects our native plants from the deer population in this region. When spaces are not protected, it’s rather bare for the first 5 feet, but here you’ll see green from the ground level up. It’s like walking into our version of a tropical rainforest.”
Since visitors can see native species in their natural element, it helps translate into how they can support sustainable practices at home. “Native plants serve as the foundation for our ecosystem and are essential to all life regardless of where you live,” White says. “Often the definition of ‘native’ is native to the United States, but here we take a very local approach by focusing on plants from Pennsylvania and within 100 miles of the preserve. There’s a web of life that can’t be sustained without having some percentage of native plants in our garden and public spaces.”
GROWING CONNECTIONS
This incredible nursery offers more than 200 different native straight species (the plants have evolved in
nature without human intervention or special breeding), which are available for purchase from April through November. Following the national distinction by USA Today, demand surged and opening sales generated 25% of the annual goal in just four days. Couchman and White say in addition to the high-quality plants they sell, another reason they think they have received this honor is because of the depth of knowledge the staff and volunteers share with their patrons.
“No matter the level of expertise, size of yard, or if it’s just a balcony or patio, our volunteer native garden guides will help every visitor select the best plants for their conditions, and explain the benefits of the plants they are purchasing and their connection to the ecosystem,” Couchman says.
The preserve is supported by over 350 active and passionate volunteers. Many contribute through their naturalist program, providing guided nature walks, working in the marketplace with customers, and propagating plants directly from the collection to sell to the public.
Jean Barrell has volunteered since
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve volunteers with Glenn White (back row, center), Peter Couchman (front row, right), and Jean Barrell (front row, second from right)
the 1990s. She used to lead nature walks and now works exclusively in the nursery. “I love working with people and getting plants out into the world,” she says. “I grow a lot of these species at home, so I’m able to share my knowledge with the customers. Most of the people who shop here understand the importance of native plants. I’ve noticed that over the past few years, a lot of young people want to plant them. People talk about what they can do in the world to have purpose, and what I can do is try to help save the ecosystem, and this is how I do it.”
PLANTING FOR THE FUTURE
The preserve’s Bucks County location is another standout feature that draws more than 3,000 visitors a year. This steady flow of tourists helps to support the local economy by benefiting local restaurants, shops, and lodging in Solebury Township, New Hope, and Upper Makefield Township.
“We are here doing what we do because of the beautiful landscape and the support we receive through Solebury Township, New Hope, and Upper Makefield Township,” Couchman says.
“These communities support us deeply, and we return the favor through our mission.”
Among the nursery’s most popular plants are cardinal flowers, bluebells, and blueberry bushes. With Father’s Day around the corner, White suggests buying asters, goldenrods, or sweetbay magnolia. However, any of the native species sold at the preserve is a great gift not only for people, but for the environment.
Looking ahead, the nursery is expanding its propagation efforts by building a series of raised beds dedicated to plants that have been difficult to source locally like trillium and bloodroot. The nursery’s offerings are always evolving and creating a lasting impact for future generations.
“The nursery is the preserve’s mission in action,” White says. “It’s really rewarding to know we’re putting all these wonderful native plants into our local ecosystem. It’s why we do this. This is a magical place to experience.”
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 right: Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve volunteer Jean Barrell (right) helps a customer. Bottom right: Glenn White working around the nursery
The Magic of PRIDE
The all-volunteer team behind New Hope Celebrates works yearround to create joy, unity, and an unforgettable celebration.
BY LELA CASEY
W
WALKING THROUGH the streets of New Hope during Pride Week feels like slipping into a technicolor dream. Music spills from open doorways, rainbow flags flutter from storefronts and balconies, and parade-goers covered head to toe in glamour and sparkle saunter through this river town with the unmistakable air of people who are exactly where they belong. For the tens of thousands of visitors who flock to New Hope each May, the exuberant joy and spectacle can feel like pure magic.
But magic like this does not happen on its own. Even before the glitter has been swept from the streets and the last tourist has headed home, organizers are already thinking about next year’s event.
“Pride is on our minds all year long, but
New Hope Celebrates board members
the real planning starts in November,” says Melissa Patterson, board president of New Hope Celebrates. “By January, we really hit the ground running.”
CROSSING INTO JOY
Because this parade is the only wellknown Pride parade that crosses state lines, the logistics are even more complicated. The board spends the months leading up to Pride Week filing permits in both states, arranging road closures, securing noise permits, and coordinating with the bridge commission.
Even something as simple as hanging the Pride flag for the event kickoff requires extensive coordination. “Just to hang the flag, we have to get a certificate of insurance and attend the borough meeting to get it approved,” Patterson says. “I do not think people are aware of how much thought has to go into every detail of the event.”
Under ideal circumstances, coordinating Pride Week is an enormous undertaking, and when unexpected obstacles arise, organizers must adapt quickly.
For example, in one recent year, ongoing bridge construction forced organizers to make contingency plans. “One lane of the bridge was completely off-limits, so we had to figure out how to get the floats
through,” says Rich Lucarini, the organization’s vice president of finance. “We even talked about using boats at some point.”
Ultimately, the easiest solution was to require narrower floats, but the decision caused a great deal of stress for the board. “We all had minor
coronaries,” Patterson jokes.
While the efforts that go into planning the parade are significant, organizers say it is all worth it for the moment when the parade steps over the bridge from Lambertville, New Jersey, into New Hope. “That feeling of crossing the bridge is just so intense,” Patterson says. “While you are walking across, everything sort of slows down and gets quiet. But then when you step onto the other side, there is the huge banner and just a sea of people waiting for you and cheering, and it just feeds your soul with hope.”
Organizers say that the walk over the bridge is a symbolic representation of a very real unity. “It is technically
Top right: Ryan Segura, vice president of events for New Hope Celebrates, and Melissa Patterson, president
Bottom left: Volunteers walk over the bridge from Lambertville, New Jersey, into New Hope.
two different states, but it is all one big community,” Patterson says. “We could not do this without each other.”
AN ALL-VOLUNTEER EFFORT
Although the parade may be the most iconic part of Pride Week, it is only a small portion of the celebration. The event also includes a wide variety of offerings, including the Pride Fair, Pride Bingo, and the Love Is Love Gala. Each of these events takes extensive planning to ensure everything runs smoothly.
All the planning is done exclusively by the 11-member board. “Something that people do not realize is that we are an all-
volunteer board,” Patterson says. “We do everything from top to bottom.”
Board members say they often devote hundreds of hours a month leading up to Pride Week. “We all have full-time jobs, so we work all day and then spend our nights on Pride,” says board member Jaye McNeill. “There was a time when we were meeting almost every night after 11 p.m. on Zoom.”
The committee’s work does not stop with Pride Week. Throughout the year, the board meets to raise money and plan events such as the High Heel Drag Race, cocktail parties, and queer family nights, each of which requires significant effort and time—yet they keep showing up to help.
Though the board works tirelessly, members are quick to point out the larger network that helps bring Pride Week to life. “We feel so much community support,” Patterson says. “Whether it is the volunteers, business owners, mayor, or police chief, whatever you ask for, they help make it happen.”
MORE THAN A PARTY
For the members of New Hope Celebrates’ board, the reasons for volunteering are as varied as the community they serve, but nearly all of them center on preserving the spirit of this town and making sure everyone feels welcome.
For Patterson, that means protecting the openness and
inclusivity that define New Hope.
“I think it is very important for us to make sure that the place where we live and spend time is diverse, open, and safe,” she says. “Pride is not just accepted here, it is celebrated. It is the most community I have ever felt anywhere I have ever lived.”
McNeill finds their work rooted in advocacy. “I volunteer because it is important to me to speak for those parts of the community that do not always have a voice,” they say.
Ryan Segura, vice president of events, says he joined the organization after realizing that celebrations like Pride Week only happen when people are willing to put in the work behind the scenes. By being a part of New Hope’s celebration, he wants to ensure all members of the LGBTQ+ community
Top left: New Hope Celebrates board members plan for Pride Week.
Top right: Crowds enjoying the Pride festival
Bottom right: Grand Marshalls Alex Fraser and Peter Maloney in the Pride Parade Bottom left: A participant in the High Heel Drag Race in New Hope
have a space where they feel welcome and events that speak to them. He adds that some of the money the board raises quietly goes to specific members of the community who need assistance. “It is the most worthwhile thing I have ever done,” he says.
The mission is also about preserving New Hope’s identity and history. Lucarini
sees Pride Week as a way to celebrate and sustain New Hope’s special vibe. “I want to make sure we keep the funkiness and artiness alive in New Hope so it does not get whitewashed into just another suburban town,” he says.
THE BIG DAY ARRIVES
The decision to hold Pride Week in May rather than during the traditional June celebrations was a result of the rich connection to the New Hope community. McNeill explains that the unorthodox scheduling is a tribute to the beloved drag queen Mother, who is an integral part of New Hope’s history. “Mother was so important to the community for a thousand different reasons, and so we start on Mother’s Day weekend in Mother’s honor,” they say.
This year, on May 9, after months of planning and coordinating, long nights, and time away from family, Pride Week began, grand marshaled by the exiting producing director of Bucks County Playhouse, Alex Fraser, and his husband, Peter Maloney. Volunteers arrived as early as 6 a.m. to set up, and vendors organized
their displays. Board members said goodbye to their families and settled into their designated areas where they spent 15 to 16 hours each day during the festival ensuring events ran smoothly.
At the end of the week, they all headed home, looking forward to a brief period of rest before the planning starts again.
Though visitors may come to New Hope for the glamour and spectacle of Pride Week, the real magic lies in the strength of the people behind the pageantry. Bringing the event to the community doesn’t just shower joy on attendees; it imparts a sense of happiness and satisfaction to the committee members who help plan it.
For Segura and many other volunteers, Pride Week is a reminder that no man is an island. “I have had so many personal losses, but I do not feel like I am alone,” Segura says.
“I have the most amazing support system, and it is pretty much all due to getting involved with this organization.”
Lela Casey has been writing professionally for over 15 years. She and her family live in Doylestown.
Top: Volunteers unfurl a Pride flag to kick off Pride Week in New Hope. Bottom: Spectators at the 2026 Pride Parade
A Family Classic
Come together on Father’s Day over homemade panko macaroni and cheese from Karla’s Restaurant.
BY ALEXIS ZANIAS
THERE’S SOMETHING special about gathering around a table to share comforting meals with the people you love. For nearly 40 years, Karla’s Restaurant has been a place where locals and tourists alike come to enjoy delicious, homemade food and drink. The family-owned eatery serves lunch and dinner daily and offers a full breakfast on weekends. Sunday brunch is also a local favorite.
COMFORT FOOD
One of customers’ favorite dishes is the restaurant’s panko macaroni and cheese. If you decide to stay at home for Father’s Day, this recipe works beautifully as a side dish for
a barbecue or as the main course for a sit-down dinner to honor the special men in your life. Made with a rich blend of mozzarella, cheddar, pecorino, and parmesan cheeses, this creamy, comfort food classic is finished with seasoned panko breadcrumbs for the perfect golden crunch in every bite. It’s a dish you can count on to bring even the pickiest eaters to the table. The owners of Karla’s have always believed that the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love. Whether you dine in to delight in the panko macaroni and cheese or try your hand at making it at home, Karla’s has you covered this Father’s Day.
Alexis Zanias is the owner of Karla’s Restaurant. Born and raised in Bucks County, she is passionate about small businesses and continuing her family business of over 45 years.
Panko Macaroni and Cheese
INGREDIENTS
• 1½ pounds elbow macaroni
• 4 cups heavy cream
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella, plus additional for garnish
• 1 cup shredded cheddar, plus additional for garnish
• 1 cup pecorino
• 1 cup parmesan
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• Seasoned panko breadcrumbs
DIRECTIONS
Boil the pasta until it is al dente. In a blender, combine the heavy cream, milk, mozzarella, cheddar, pecorino, parmesan, salt, and pepper and blend until smooth. Once the pasta is cool, mix with the cheese sauce. Refrigerate overnight.
To heat: In a saucepan over medium heat, stir the macaroni and cheese until it is warmed through. Transfer it to an ovenproof dish, top with additional mozzarella and cheddar, and bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with seasoned panko breadcrumbs, and serve.
A Mix of MEDIA
The variety of work on view at New Hope Arts reflects both local history and the voices of contemporary artists.
BY CHRISTINE RAMIREZ
THROUGH ITS EXHIBITIONS and programming, New Hope Arts presents a variety of work across disciplines, creating space for both established practices and emerging voices. That range, spanning material, process, and perspective, remains central to the organization’s approach, with a focus on both visual arts exhibitions and a growing roster of performing arts programming and events.
The “A” Space, New Hope Arts’ recently reopened rotating gallery located on the first floor, is a space for emerging artsits. Here, the gallery continues to expand opportunities for artists to present solo and
group exhibitions in a publicfacing setting. In July, the gallery features paintings by Jennifer Kish, whose work is rooted in a deep connection to the natural landscape. Working in oils, Kish captures the shifting light and atmosphere of the environment, finding moments of stillness and reflection within scenes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
MATERIAL AND PROCESS
Looking ahead, “Expressions in Fiber” opens June 26 and runs through Aug. 2. This multimedia exhibition brings together artists working in textile and fiber-based practices,
‘Path to the Light,’ oil on canvas, by Jennifer Kish
ART AROUND TOWN
Gallery Piquel
35 N. Main St., New Hope “Celebrate America!”
June 6 to Sept. 6
This group exhibition of paintings by Gallery Piquel artists showcases a range of styles and techniques in celebration of America’s semiquincentennial.
Red Tulip Gallery
19C W. Bridge St., New Hope Artists’ Cooperative Ongoing
This local cooperative of artists and fine craftsmen produces work across jewelry, pottery, glass, fiber, photography, painting, and wood. Discover one-ofa-kind handcrafted work from artists across Eastern Pennsylvania and Central New Jersey.
Ferry Market
32 S. Main St., New Hope Market Fresh Art Ongoing
This rotating exhibition of regional artists curated by Christina Galagarza integrates visual art into the dining experience. Works are available to explore and purchase via QR code.
Arete Gallery
122 S. Main St., New Hope Ongoing
Founded by Kim I. Plyler, Arete Gallery showcases artists whose work reflects a commitment to elevating humanity and addressing contemporary issues. The gallery presents a diverse range of work, including painting, textiles, sculpture, and photography.
from traditional techniques to more experimental approaches. It explores material, texture, and process in ways that expand the boundaries of fiber as a medium while honoring the craftsmanship and labor deeply rooted in textile traditions.
The new exhibition is juried by Marilynn Cowgill, a lifelong fiber artist, weaver, and designer based in Lambertville, New Jersey. Inspired by the natural world and drawn to the interplay of color, texture, and natural fibers, Cowgill’s own woven work reflects the same sense of material exploration and reverence for process that defines the exhibition itself.
Works on view during New Hope Arts’ exhibition ‘Structures and Constructions in Fiber’ in 2024
A CREATIVE ENVIRONMENT
Together, these exhibitions highlight the breadth of programming at New Hope Arts, where diversity in both medium and perspective remains central. That spirit extends throughout the arts center building, which is also home to Donna Lillo Stained Glass, Dark Side of the Wood, Eyecatcher Iris Photography, Megan Coonelly Studio & Friends Gallery, Wild Hart Paper, Only Jams, and Italian Cucina— nurturing an environment where many creative practices intersect, evolve, and delight.
Christine Ramirez is the executive director of New Hope Arts, where she oversees exhibitions and programming that support both emerging and established artists across disciplines.
‘Weeping,’ mixed media sculpture, by Jennifer Kish
2026 HOME SALES
New Hope & Solebury Township – 04/15/26-05/15/26
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.
Summer Reading
It’s time to stock up on some page-turners for those lazy days ahead.
BY BUFFY HASTINGS
WHETHER YOU’RE headed to the beach or the mountains to relax this summer, there’s no better time to pick up some good reads to keep you entertained. Here are a few of our favorites.
CHILDREN
TREEHOUSE TOWN
By Gideon Sterer
In this book, a group of imaginative kids secretly builds an elaborate treehouse city together, creating a joyful world of adventure and community. This marvelous picture book is one of our absolute favorites.
THE ADVENTURES OF CIPOLLINO
By Gianni Rodari
This imaginative story follows a brave young onion who fights injustice in a whimsical world populated by fruits and vegetables. He rebels against a cruel ruler and sets off to rescue his father from the evil Prince Lemon. It’s brilliant,
funny, an absolute classic, and subversive children’s literature at its finest.
BOOK SCAVENGER
By Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
This story centers on a puzzleloving girl who becomes caught up in a literary treasure hunt filled with hidden codes, clues, and dangerous secrets. Rippling with mysteries, it features code breaking and ciphers, engaging characters, and great writing that appeals to a variety of ages.
THE WANTING MONSTER
By Martine Murray
Part fable, part fairy tale, this book is about a lonely monster who endlessly longs for more and discovers unexpected truths about desire, connection, and contentment. It is one of those picture books that stands out as literature. It’s stunning, poignant, and a must for every household.
ADULTS
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE LONESOME
By Jonathan Bernstein
This excellent biography of songwriter Justin Townes Earle reads like a Greek tragedy. It stands as a superb work of journalism and biography about one of the great songwriters of our time.
TAPPING THE SOURCE
By Kem Nunn
In this gritty, “surf noir” novel that inspired the movie “Point Break,” a man searching for his missing sister is drawn into the violent, drug-fueled underworld lurking beneath Southern California’s surf culture. This National Book Award finalist features exquisite writing, especially when author Kem Nunn describes the ocean. It’s a modernday “Siddhartha.”
A MARRIAGE AT SEA
By Sophie Elmhirst
This nonfiction book about lives tested and lives made reads like a thriller. When a young couple’s dream voyage turns into a harrowing 118-day fight for survival after a whale sinks their boat, the limits of their marriage, sanity, and resilience at sea are tested.
BEWARE THE WOMAN
By Megan Abbott
In this chilling psychological thriller, a pregnant newlywed’s visit to her husband’s remote family cottage spirals into paranoia and fear as her controlling in-laws and buried family secrets threaten her autonomy. The page-turner is perfect for a long, rainy night.
Buffy Hastings is co-owner of Farley’s Bookshop in New Hope.
jennyjphotography.com
A FRESH PERSPECTIVE
BY STAFF WRITER
LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER Kevin Crawford discovered Cuttalossa Mill years ago while exploring the back roads of Bucks County. At the time, sheep with bells around their necks wandered the green pastures.
The sheep may be gone, but the magic of the property remains. To this day, it is Crawford’s favorite Bucks County gem to visit in every season. It feels like walking into a fairy tale, or at the very least, a completely different country, he says.
Finding new angles on such a frequently photographed location can be challenging. For this particular shot, the goal was to capture not only the iconic cabin and mill, but the beautiful surroundings, including the sprawling trees in the background and the dreamy water reflection in the foreground. Crawford shot the image on a Canon R6 at 32mm, using an aperture of f/6.3 and a shutter speed of 1/125.
Have a fabulous New Hope/Solebury photo? Email it to Lela.Casey@ wainscotmedia.com and it could be featured in an upcoming issue!
PHOTOGRAPH BY KEVIN CRAWFORD IMAGERY
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