Upper Makefield April 2025

Upper Makefield April 2025

CHARGED UP ABOUT E-BIKES CHRIS ARNDT AND MARY MAZZA

CAPTURING LANDSCAPES PHOTOGRAPHER JOSH FRIEDMAN

Making History Bloom Horticulturist Anna Davis

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APRIL 2025

Contents

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12

20

8

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26 F E AT U R ES

12 Planting Seeds of History

As Washington Crossing Historic Park’s historical horticulturist, Anna Davis enjoys growing both gardens and knowledge of the past.

16 A Passion for E-Biking

Chris Arndt and Mary Mazza of Voltage Bikes explain why it’s a charge to ride an electric bicycle.

20 Picture Perfect

Bucks County resident Josh Friedman reveals snapshots of how he became a successful photographer with a love of landscapes.

IN EVE RY ISSU E

4 Publisher’s Note A GORGEOUS SEASON 6 Local Pulse BITE-SIZED UPDATES 8 Q&A POLICE CHIEF MARK SCHMIDT 10 Living Well PRACTICAL ACTIONS FOR EARTH DAY 24 Local Arts CAPTURING THE ESSENCE OF SPRING 26 Local Tastes WARM-WEATHER CHEERS AT LOCAL BREWERIES 30 Book Nook OUTDOOR-ORIENTED READING 32 Photo Op THE PROMISE OF SPRING ON TH E COVE R

Historical horticulturist Anna Davis meticulously researches plants grown at Washington Crossing Historic Park to reflect colonial times.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JENNIFER JANIKIC PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

A Gorgeous Season PHOTOGRAPH BY JENNIFER JANIKIC PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC

and historian extraordinaire.

As we prepare for our spring sports and outdoor activities, count on Mary Mazza and Chris Arndt if you want to learn about the e-bike riding experience. With their roots in the area, their passion for e-biking led them to the perfect Washington Crossing e-bike store location, near the Delaware Canal towpath. You won’t meet warmer locals than Mary and Chris, who take the time to chat or fit you for an e-bike for a beautiful ride on the towpath.

If you want to surround yourself with beauty, just immerse yourself in the exquisite outdoors as seen through the lens of photographer Josh Friedman. Josh’s images capture the essence of Upper Makefield and the surrounding areas during all of our gorgeous seasons, but springtime is the perfect opportunity to explore Josh’s passion and see why he loves capturing the beautiful landscapes of Upper Makefield. You might just want to go exploring to capture your own images after seeing Josh’s work.

If you’re ready for a lighter beverage this spring, see our story on flavorful, lighter beers. Also in this issue, we have the tips you need for organizing home spaces that may have become cluttered over the winter. And as always, peruse our book recommendations for that perfect read!

I hope you enjoy this issue and are excited for all that the season brings. I’m already starting my outdoor walking routine, and could not be more excited to be outdoors and enjoy springtime. Please be sure to say “hello” if you see me on the towpath!

XO,

It’s finally here! Spring is in the air, filling each new day of this glorious season with promise and excitement.

From the delight of seeing the first blooms on the ground and trees to enjoying the outdoors on foot, court or bike, this month is all about getting outside after a long, cold winter!

While the rain may occasionally show up and dampen our plans, we can still get ready for the beautiful season ahead of us.

In this issue, we explore the spring beauty that will be blooming in our Upper Makefield backyard! At Washington Crossing State Park, Historical Horticulturist Anna Davis walks us through the historical explanations of the design and plantings in the gardens, shedding light on the myriad uses of plant species in colonial times. There is so much more to know about the plantings in the park than meets the eye, and Anna is the consummate tour guide, horticulturist

Laura Lazar Publisher

Upper Makefield MAGAZINE

Publisher Laura Lazar Local Editor Dari Kotzker Writers Gregg Bonstein Dari Kotzker Ashara Shapiro Liz Young Photographer Jennifer Janikic Photography, LLC Expert Contributors Greg Dwornikowski Anthony Petsis WAINSCOT MEDIA Chairman Carroll V. Dowden President and CEO Mark Dowden VP, Group Publisher, Regional Thomas Flannery VP, Content Strategy Maria Regan Creative Director Kijoo Kim Art Director Rosemary O’Connell Executive Editor Richard Laliberte 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 Upper Makefield magazine is published

by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Upper Makefield 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 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

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LOCAL PULSE

THE TIMELESS JOY OF BEER SALUTING GENERAL WASHINGTON The community came out to celebrate George Washington’s birthday at Washington Crossing Historic Park on February 16. The NJM-sponsored event included free activities for people of all ages to enjoy.

Brewfest returns for its 14th year on Saturday, May 3, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at 1638 River Road, New Hope. It’s the perfect setting to sip, savor and socialize while enjoying beverages from dozens of renowned breweries.

BENEFIT BASH A ’90s Dance Party benefiting the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Integrative Health Program was held at Crossing Vineyards and Winery on February 28. The event had more than 150 people in attendance and raised $32,300 for CHOP. The evening was organized by Keystone Community Coalition founder Heather Roberts and hosted by Upper Makefield resident Sabrina Thorne.

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POLICE PERSPECTIVE The Women’s Club of 31 holds monthly meetings featuring different guest speakers. The March meeting hosted Upper Makefield Township Police Officer Harry Vitello, who spoke about community policing, social media and public safety.

EARTH DAY AT BOWMAN’S HILL Celebrate Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22, with free admission all day for all guests at the Bowman’s Hill Wildlife Preserve. Enjoy the Preserve’s 51/2 miles of walking trails, native plant exhibits and native plant nursery from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.).

COME TO THE CARNIVAL The Upper Makefield Fire Company will be hosting its annual carnival for 2025. This is the fire company’s largest community event and a significant fundraiser for the volunteer department. The carnival is located on the soccer fields and can be accessed by entering at the flagpole at 1112 River Road. Once you enter, you will be guided to the parking area. The carnival will be open nightly at 6 p.m. from Tuesday, May 6, to Saturday, May 10.

FOCUSING ON PHOTOGRAPHY Phillips’ Mill Community Association celebrates the art of photography with its 32nd Annual Juried Phillips’ Mill Photographic Exhibition, recognized as the premier photography show in the region, from March 30 to April 18.

The Phillips’ Mill Community Association is located at 2619 River Road, New Hope; 215-862-0582; www.phillipsmill.org.

Above: “Sisters!” by Bucks County photographer Myhanh Bosse

A SHEAR DELIGHT Come out to the Washington Crossing Farmstead to see the Thompson-Neely sheep get shorn of their wool, and tour the grist mill at this family-friendly event on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Q &a

Four Decades of Leadership The chief of police continues to promote and improve public safety in Upper Makefield Township.

INTERVIEW WITH

MARK SCHMIDT

Upper Makefield Township Police

Department Chief Mark Schmidt joined the force in 1980 and has been Chief since 1996. As a leader, his No. 1 priority is safety for his department and the residents.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

The most rewarding part of this job is the finding of new talent for the future. I am very lucky to have the staff today, which makes my job easy. I think the basis of my administration has always been to educate them and provide all the tools needed to be successful in their careers. I’m very proud that more than half of the police department have master’s degrees.

Every officer here brings a special skill set to the township each day and is certified in everything from accidents to handling domestics to counseling children. Also, the younger officers are very much in tune with the problems that today’s criminals bring to the public, such as electronic scamming, which did not exist years ago.

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During his 45 years with the Upper Makefield Township Police Department, Mark Schmidt (center) advanced to chief, has grown the local force from five officers to 18 and has contributed to public safety advances such as a substantial drop in local burglaries compared to when he started in 1980.

What makes the Upper Makefield Township Police Department successful?

The nice thing about us is that in Upper Makefield, no matter what the incident, the same officer is with you from the point of taking the initial report and will stay with that case until its conclusion.

I’d like to say I’ve tailored it down to a personal touch in every case we handle.

When you call us for service, whether it’s a dog call, a lost child, really anything, we show that we care. You’re not treated as a number; I think that’s what makes this police department successful.

What are your biggest concerns as police chief ?

My biggest worry is that one of my people will get hurt on the job. That’s the reason why I emphasize that we are always attending specialized trainings to keep up with the latest tactics in law enforcement. In all situations, the officers are always aware of their surroundings and pick up on certain markers, so they can take the proper course of action so nobody gets hurt.

We don’t want anyone hurt, but we want to enforce the law.

As for the residents, I like to say things are better now than when I got here. In 1980, we had about 3,000 people in the township and 20 to 25 burglaries a year. We now have 9,000 people and had only one burglary last year. One of the biggest initiatives I pushed was for people to get alarms, and now 50% of residents have them.

What does the Upper Makefield community mean to you?

How would you sum up your 45 years with the force?

My favorite thing to do is to come to work every day. I also love getting out into the community. I’ve patrolled every Crossing of the Delaware and Revolutionary Run during my tenure. Upper Makefield Township is a great place to work because we’ve got a lot of support from the residents.

I can honestly say, when the COVID-19 pandemic was happening, we had so many people bringing us food because they felt the need to support their local police. To this day, people show up with all sorts of things, and we thank you for that.

I plan to retire in August of 2027, and my last day in unform will be September 15, 2026. So, to sum up the last 45 years, we have grown the police department from five to 18 officers; it is a good-sized force. I had the opportunity to create corporal positions, sergeant positions and the first detective. I’ve basically created pathways for everyone on the force to show those creative juices and give them career development. I think that’s my job as chief of police: to give these officers as much of an opportunity to shine, because they’re very intelligent and they’re very good at what they do.

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LIVING WELL

Earth Day Action Practical steps you can take to live more sustainably and protect the planet

Earth Day on April 22 offers an annual opportunity to remind ourselves that the way we live has an impact on the environment. A key idea is that mobilizing people globally to help protect the planet can make a cumulative difference.

Refill shops such as the newly opened Yardley Refillery at the corner of South Main and Afton in Yardley provide an example.

Customers bring their own containers or purchase reusable ones to fill with bulk essential goods, often with more sustainable and health-conscious profiles. The staff at Yardley Refillery suggests these small, practical steps you can take to live a greener life year-round.

REDUCE WASTE

Reduce, reuse and recycle with steps like these: •T ry shopping a refillery.

•B uy at local farmers markets (Yardley, Wrightstown).

• S hop consignment or vintage shops.

•P atronize thrift stores.

•U se compost services.

•W ear recyclable cotton clothing basics.

AVOID PLASTIC

Use popular plastic-free daily essentials: • Shampoos •C onditioner bars •T oothpaste/mouthwash tabs •C ream deodorant • S olid dish soap •L otion bars

BUY SUSTAINABLE GIFTS

Try ideas or products like these from Yardley Refillery: • A mason jar filled with organic chocolate • Towels made from recycled water bottles • Hyperlocal honey fills • Shampoo/conditioner bars • Plastic-free tea brewer with organic loose tea

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3/17/25 3:26 PM

BRAND NEW Rental Bikes for 2025

E-Bikes starting at $895

2-Year Warranty

Dear Upper Makefield Friends, With the arrival of Spring, April invites us to step outside, take in the crisp, fresh air, and admire the first blooms of the season. It’s the perfect time to explore the beauty of the Delaware River—why not do it on a Velotric E-Bike?

Whether you’re planning a scenic solo ride, a fun-filled joyride with friends, a relaxed cruise with your parents, or even a unique E-Bike date, the experience promises to be unforgettable. At Voltage, our mission is to help you find the perfect E-Bike, whether you’re looking for leisurely rides or something a bit more adventurous.

Spring is perfect for bike rides, and Voltage Bikes has you covered! Top Brands: We carry highquality E-Bikes from industry leaders Aventon and Velotric, perfect for commuting, off-road exploring, or leisurely rides. Personalized Fitting: We’ll help you find the perfect size E-Bike for comfort and efficiency. Test Rides: Try before you buy—right across from Washington Crossing Park! Peace of Mind: 2-year manufacturer warranty on all E-Bikes. Free Assembly: Buy from us, and we’ll assemble it at no extra cost!

OUR LOCATIONS Washington Crossing 1077 River Road Washington Crossing, PA 18977 Hours: We are open every day from 11AM to 5PM

Warminster 362 Nina Way Warminster, PA 18974 Hours:

By Appointment Only

We can’t wait to spring into E-Biking with you! Visit us and schedule a test ride today!

Mary and Chris

We also assemble and test ride your new E-Bike to ensure that everything is just right before your first ride!

Email: 1voltagebikes@gmail.com Tel: 215-377-9888  @voltagebikes18977 Please note that we are closed on major holidays.

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 @voltagebikesPA

3/12/25 9:17 AM

Planting Seeds of History

As Washington Crossing Historic Park’s historical horticulturist, Anna Davis enjoys growing both gardens and knowledge of the past.

BY DARI KOTZKER

people observe the beauty of what’s being grown, but Anna Davis, historical horticulturist at Washington Crossing Historic Park, always wanted to know the “why” behind plants and flowers.

Her grandmother was a major influence in her life when it came to learning about herbal medicine. At 9 years old, Davis asked her parents for an herb garden because she was enthralled by the magical properties of plants. She says her bachelor’s degree in anthropology and master of science degree in herbal medicine were the perfect combination for her current position.

“With this particular type of gardening and with the history angle, it allows me

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JENNIFER JANIKIC PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC

When looking at a garden, most

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to look deeper into colonial people,” Davis says. “To understand what they were growing and using at the time, how they would’ve prepared everything and how they were surviving, it allows me to translate this into good programming for the public.”

Multipurpose Gardens The Friends of Washington Crossing is responsible for historical interpretations, tours and most of the programming at the park, as well as fundraising efforts. Davis started to work as a volunteer for the nonprofit organization in 2014, mostly tending to a small garden that hadn’t been touched in years.

She resurrected the patch of weeds and dirt into a usable space and coordinated programming tied to it. Within a year of volunteering, she was hired by the Friends to work at the park. After becoming the park’s horticulturist, she was tasked with creating the Hibbs House Kitchen Garden, which includes 150 to 200 species grown in the colonial time period.

“It’s a garden based on the household needs from the 18th century,” Davis

says. “You’re going to have food items; medicinal herbs, since doctors were not readily accessible; flowers used to dye cloths; and vegetables not grown in large farms.

Anything introduced into the garden has to be heavily researched for accuracy. I try to find the exact variety match or we go with something similar.“ Davis leads programming for thousands of school-age children every year as well as lectures for adults and individual programs such as flower pressing and tea parties. She says it’s extremely rewarding when people learn from her and share her same interest.

Her favorite response from a visitor is, “I never thought about it like that.”

“I think the garden is an important

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Anna Davis carefully researches plants to accurately reflect what people in colonial times would have used for food, medicine, dyes and other uses, and works to educate the public through programs at the historic park.

program because it allows people to put themselves in the past,” Davis says. “We all cook food, we all need medicine and we all wear clothes, so I think it’s interesting for people to step back and realize how much work and time went into these things versus today when we can just go to stores to get what we need.”

Restoration Work In addition to her work at the park, Davis also co-owns a historical horticulturist and ecological restoration company called A Garden in Thyme. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she partnered with the Friends of Washington Crossing farmstead manager, Ross Heutmaker, to start this business, which works on homes and commercial properties.

They both continue to balance jobs.

What Davis loves about her position at the historic park is that every day is different; sometimes she’s a teacher, a gardener, a program designer or a grant writer.

“Anybody who knows me knows how frequently I say how lucky I am to work here,” she says. “I work with great people who have a love of history; they are extremely educated and share their knowledge with me, so every day I get

to learn new things. It encourages me to broaden our program availability and demonstrations we share with the public.”

Washington Crossing Historic Park had major building and water renovation projects starting in 2021 and only finished a year and a half ago. Due to the restorations, the Hibbs House Kitchen Garden had to be almost completely redone.

With the help of volunteers, Davis just finished restoring the kitchen garden over the past eight months. She’s now getting started on rebuilding the garden at the Thompson-Neely House, located in the upper part of the park. She hopes to get that one back on track by the end of the summer. She has plans to continue growing the gardens and their programming.

“To be outside in the fresh air is a great pleasure for me, and it’s such a peaceful place,” Davis says. “I enjoy the act of gardening because I get to bring extra beauty to places that may look absent of that. When I hear people commenting on how good the Hibbs House garden makes them feel, it’s so gratifying.”

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.

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A Passion for E-Biking Chris Arndt and Mary Mazza of Voltage Bikes explain why it’s a charge to ride an electric bicycle.

When someone first learns to ride a bicycle, it’s an exciting experience for both teacher and biker. Most of us remember the thrill of riding without the training wheels or someone holding onto you for the first time. The owners of Voltage Bikes, Chris Arndt and Mary Mazza, get to witness that excitement every day when they teach someone new how to ride an electric bicycle, also known as an e-bike.

“When we have a customer who has never ridden an e-bike before, and we show them how to do it and then

they start riding, seeing their faces light up with a big smile—we just love it,” Arndt says.

Arndt and Mazza met 24 years ago while Mazza was working as a local realtor and Arndt was selling his house.

After three dates, they’ve been together for more than two decades. Mazza is still a realtor and Arndt co-owns a car dealership, but together they opened up Voltage Bikes because of Arndt’s passion for e-bikes.

Arndt started riding e-bikes about 15 years ago but says they would break

down a lot, and every few years he would have to buy a newer model. Over time, manufacturers improved them, and when Arndt found the perfect make and model for himself, he decided to become a dealer. Once e-bikes were up to a higher standard, he convinced Mazza to ride with him and she fell in love with them, too.

“E-bikes are for everyone because they are easy to ride,” Mazza says. “What they offer is a couple of different options: You can ride them like a regular bike, they have pedal assist and they have a throttle

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JENNIFER JANIKIC PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC

BY DARI KOTZKER

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Above: Voltage Bikes owners Chris Arndt and Mary Mazza (front) take a ride with customers. Right: Mazza and Arndt in their shop.

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button that can help you up steep hills. With a nice e-bike, it gives you a chance to go to different or farther places that you might not be able to do with a regular bicycle.”

Arndt adds, “For example, if you go to Baldpate Mountain, located right here, it’s beautiful, but it’s uphill. So for some, it’s a challenge, but with an e-bike, you can go up, and if you still want a little workout, you can do that too.”

Good Vibes They opened their first Voltage Bikes location in Warminster in 2019 and then another store in Washington Crossing in 2022, right down the street from where they live. Mazza’s son, Peter Lackman, got involved in the business and now works directly for the e-bike brand Velotric.

Besides the sales aspect, the big draw to opening the second

storefront is the rental business due to its prime location near Washington Crossing State Park, the Delaware River and the canal. They have a fleet of about 30 rental e-bikes, which are are extremely popular for locals and tourists from springtime to late fall.

“I love this area; it’s beautiful.

It’s a nice community,” Mazza says.

“We love doing rentals because we have the perfect location for people who want to go to the river towns or explore our historical sites. There’s nothing like riding on a gorgeous afternoon along the canal; it’s just such a different experience.”

Arndt and Mazza have created a close-knit relationship with many of their customers. They say the best part of their business is all the interesting people they have met along the way. On a typical summer day, they say their parking lot is filled with people getting rentals, but also

Upper Makefield resident Heather Waters (far right) on an outing with her family

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Top left and above: Arndt and Mazza enjoy riding e-bikes during their free time and on vacations.

on the way back, my grandson loves when we use the booster button, which gets us back faster.”

Arndt and Mazza plan to continue to ride Voltage Bikes into the future. This upcoming season they have a brand-new fleet of rental e-bikes and will be adding some new models to the showroom.

locals stopping by to say “Hi” or grabbing a coffee before they head out on a ride.

“Bike people are happy and smiling; it’s just a good-energy business,” says Arndt.

“Whether you’re young or old, it’s a great activity to do as a couple, with friends or with family, because people want to be together and have fun together.”

Washington Crossing resident Heather Waters is a customer of Voltage Bikes. She says Arndt and Mazza are friendly, kind and always helpful.

As the weather warms up, Waters goes out a few times a week with her grandson Axl in tow.

“We love that we get to see a lot of nature outside and cover a lot of distance in a shorter amount of time,” Waters says. “What we usually try to do is keep the speed on low going out, and

Enjoying Life Together Despite the busyness of running a business, Arndt and Mazza always find time to go on an e-bike outing together. They also plan their vacations around places with popular trails.

Even after working seven days a week and long hours, they still find time to enjoy their favorite pastime together.

“This place is nuts during the summertime, but we want to ride too; it’s our passion,” Arndt says. “We’ll be exhausted, but we’ll force ourselves to go for a ride because we love it. I had about 1,000 miles this past season.”

Arndt and Mazza plan to continue to ride Voltage Bikes into the future. This upcoming season they have a brand-new fleet of rental e-bikes and will be adding some new models to the showroom. They both say they represent brands that they feel have excellent quality and warranty, and are worry-free.

Although they live and work together, the couple wouldn’t have it any other way. Arndt says he’s continually impressed by Mazza and learns something new about her every day.

Mazza says the feeling is mutual.

“Chris has such determination, and I’m happy to help him with the business because of his sheer love of riding e-bikes,” Mazza says. “Not many people get to do what they absolutely love every day, so it brings joy to me just knowing how much he loves it.”

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Picture Perfect Bucks County resident Josh Friedman reveals snapshots of how he became a successful photographer with a love of landscapes.

BY DARI KOTZKER

Famous American photographer and

environmentalist Ansel Adams once said, “The single most important component of a camera is the 12 inches behind it,” and for local photographer Josh Friedman, that sentiment is true.

While growing up in a New York suburb, his lifelong interest in photography started at just 7 years old. Friedman was introduced to this visual art form from one of his parents’ friends who had a side business taking pictures at events.

Friedman’s first camera was a Kodak Instamatic, which was a big deal in the 1970s, and by the time he was in middle school, he converted the storage room in his basement into a darkroom.

The Mahlon Taylor House in Washington Crossing Historic Park at sunrise

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Left: Josh Friedman has been taking photographs since he was a youth.

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY JOSH FRIEDMAN

“I would take pictures of anything and everything,” Friedman says. “I always had a camera with me at all family get-togethers, vacations and eventually school events like field trips. Most people didn’t have cameras back then, so I was known as the guy who took pictures.”

The Art of Seeing Friedman majored in psychology and became a full-time clinical psychologist, but his enthusiasm for taking pictures always remained. His photographic experience started during the film age, developing black and white photos in his youth and eventually evolving into single lens reflex (SLR) cameras.

Although skeptical at first, he eventually moved over to digital cameras. Friedman was

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“Our eyes naturally have a higher dynamic range than cameras do, so you need to be able to do all these steps to show more closely in a photograph what our eyes see.”

- Josh Friedman

mostly self-taught, but about 15 years ago, he started to put a lot of time into growing and expanding his digital photography skills.

“I think people are born with an eye, but I think a huge amount can be learned; the most important thing is composition,” Friedman says. “There are more people who have good cameras but who don’t have a sense of artistry. If you have a sense of artistry, you can make do with whatever camera you have.”

Although he loves shooting portraits, photographing the more artistic landscapes is where his passion lies. He says it’s the natural beauty, the serenity and the power of nature in all seasons that draw him to shoot his vast repertoire of photographs.

Friedman is an early riser by nature, so he likes to capture the pink skies in the morning or the golden light on something after the sun comes up. His absolute favorite setting is where there is fresh snow on the ground, so while everyone else is still in bed, he’ll head out to photograph the untouched scenery.

He says there are many reasons why he is drawn to different subjects.

“I think I gravitate toward things that have some kind of peacefulness, and the lighting is crucial,” Friedman says. “I may see something in a unique way than other people may see it, and I have to find a way to convey to the viewer what I’m feeling when I’m there.”

Nature and History Friedman moved to Yardley in 2001 and fell in love with the photographic possibilities in his

Top: Schwabacher Landing at the Grand Tetons at sunrise.

Bottom: The towpath and Thompson-Neely footbridge

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Top: Bowman’s Hill and the Thompson-Neely House.

Bottom: Pink skies and a frozen Delaware River at the historic crossing site before sunrise

new hometown and surrounding areas. “What’s great about Bucks County is we have a combination of natural beauty as well as history and historical architecture, and a lot of settings where they are blended,” he says.

Some of Friedman’s favorite earlymorning spots are around Washington Crossing Historic Park, including the view of the bridge from the park, its monuments and statues, and the canal which runs through Upper Makefield Township. However, a recent experience really stuck with him.

“From an historical standpoint, there were multiple times this year when I was out taking pictures when the temperatures were under 15 degrees and the river was frozen,” Friedman says. “And it was really unique in a beautiful and historical way to have a deeper appreciation of what George Washington and his soldiers went through.”

Friedman has a large customer base in Bucks County and he sells his prints on an Etsy page. He has shipped to 45 states and 18 countries.

His highest-selling works include shots of the canal, the New Hope bridge and Lower Trenton bridge, and images from various national parks and stadiums he’s visited.

Pointers for Picture-Takers Friedman’s knowledge as a photographer has made him popular as a presenter at photography clubs and local historical associations. He says it’s always rewarding when people like his final product, but it’s a process to get there.

“There are stages like the initial exposure, merging the gap between a scene with a lot of contrast and editing with software,” Friedman says. “Our eyes naturally have a higher dynamic range than cameras do, so you need to be able to do all these steps to show more closely in a photograph what our eyes see.”

For novice photographers, Friedman says some go-to locations to practice would be the upper and lower sections of Washington Crossing Historic Park. He suggests exploring the grounds and taking pictures of the architecture or a sunrise over the bridge and river. He also says any portion of the canal is a great opportunity to work on landscapes.

As for his future endeavors, Friedman plans to continue to grow

his business, possibly teach classes about composition and give tours of Bucks County. Besides during his professional endeavors, he always has his camera with him to catch special moments in time.

“It’s always rewarding when you can find a unique scene from a composition standpoint or catch the light in a certain way,” Friedman says.

“When that happens, I feel so good about what I do.”

APRIL 2025

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LOCAL ARTS

The Essence of

SPRING

The beauty of Kirby Fredendall’s ethereal works allow viewers to embrace nature through landscape art.

BY ASHARA SHAPIRO

In the ongoing conversation between artist and landscape, New Hope artist Kirby Fredendall invites the viewer into a space that moves beyond simple observation.

These paintings are not just representations of place; they reflect memory, emotion and a deeper connection to the natural world. The artist carefully deconstructs observed elements and reconstructs them into compositions that balance the familiar with a sense of discovery.

Rather than depicting a specific location, these landscapes capture the essence of place—the shifting interplay of water, light and air.

The viewer is gently drawn into this world, experiencing the depth of a body of water, the transparency of submerged objects and the way light and color interact. The varying perspectives allow for both immersion and a broader appreciation, offering multiple ways to engage with the scene.

“The Last Light of Day”

A Dynamic Medium The artist’s choice of medium— acid-washed tin—adds a distinctive quality to the work. The metallic surface, much like water itself, reflects and transforms with light, creating a dynamic, almost living presence. This material strengthens the connection to nature, emphasizing that place is not

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EXHIBITIONS IN APRIL Echoes of the Sublime: Landscapes in Water and Sound Kirby Fredendall Invitational ArtWRKD-Represented Artists and Member Group Show Jae Martin, Lucine Kaplan, Kev Von Holt, Margaret Koval, Jeanette Griffith and Michael Palladino April 4 to 27 ArtWRKD Workshop Gallery 126 South State Street Newtown Bucks Art Districts Tour A self-guided tour of artist studios, galleries and organizations in Bucks County April 25 to 27 For tickets, visit www.artwrkd.com.

Above: “Reflection” Right: “Spring Light”

just about physical space but also about the emotions and memories it inspires.

Fredendall’s works embody the energy of nature and our interconnected experience with our surroundings, reminding us how a spring season feels like renewal and transformation.

Just as nature awakens after winter, these landscapes present a fresh perspective on familiar places.

The interplay of water and light mirrors the changing seasons, the resurgence of color and the promise of new beginnings.

Through these serene compositions, the artist extends an invitation to embrace change, find beauty in fleeting moments and welcome the renewal and rebirth that happens in nature and is reflective in all of us.

Mark Sfirri: The Flower Show Turned wooden flowers, initially made for his son’s wedding, have preoccupied artist Mark Sfirri for more than two years. This exhibition brings springtime into the Michener Art Museum’s galleries with exuberant botanical sculptures made of different exotic woods. Sfirri’s flowers dance on twisting brass stems and emerge in lively arrangements from custom-carved and turned bases, demonstrating the artist’s skill and creativity in wood turning.

Ashara Shapiro is gallerist and curator of ArtWRKD in Newtown, an art consortium with a mission for discovering, fostering and sharing original work by emerging artists through its workshop and exhibition space.

Through May 4 Michener Art Museum 138 S. Pine Street Doylestown

APRIL 2025

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| 25 3/17/25 11:48 AM

LOCAL TASTES

BY GREGG BONSTEIN

Cheers to Warmer Weather!

Rising temperatures and outdoor activity make this the perfect time to sample lighter beers.

After being stuck inside during the cold winter months, people want to get out in fresh air, gather with good company and enjoy a nice, cold, refreshing beer. Bucks County has more than 30-plus breweries, so checking them out is a great opportunity for people to support small businesses while also enjoying the community feel of the taproom. You also get to see a lot of creativity with unique recipes and local craftsmanship in the beers you are drinking.

While you typically find darker, robust beers full of flavor and higher in alcohol content during winter, lighter beers with lower alcohol content like wheat beers or light lagers are more popular in springtime.

My favorites are a good, clean crisp kolsch or a fruity Belgian witbier with an orange slice. A shandy (also sometimes called a radler), which is typically a mixture of lemonade

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with a light lager at a much lower ABV, is also very popular in the warmer months.

If you’re used to drinking more of the commercial American light lager-type beers, you are more than likely able to find something very similar at a microbrewery as well!

Most local breweries will have a light lager or pilsner type beer that appeals to the masses, but you can also try a nice Belgian wheat beer, like a hefeweizen or witbier. These are usually less bitter and easier to appreciate for someone just getting into craft beer.

Many Local Options For a locally-brewed beer, I would recommend checking out popular beers such as the Newtown Brewing Company’s flagship hazy IPA, The Haze Is Strong with This

One, or its Philly sports-themed American light lager, Believe.

However, you can’t go wrong with hitting up any of the local breweries in Bucks County, and there’s usually one not too far from wherever you are!

Finally, if you’re planning to have a special drink for Cinco de Mayo next month, I would recommend any crisp lager or a Mexican-style cerveza for the celebration. Newtown Brewing Company has its seasonal Mexican light lager releasing soon, called Would You Say I Have a Plethora?.

No matter what day you decide to enjoy a beverage, don’t forget to enjoy some food along with your beverage. Whether the brewery has food trucks or in-house selections, salads, fresh fruit and cheeses pair great with lighter spring beers.

Credentialed beer expert and professional brewer Gregg Bonstein owns and operates the Newtown Brewing Company, a locally owned family brewery and taproom focused on community and the craft beer experience.

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BOOK NOOK

Springing Forward With temperatures starting to rise, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors guided by springtime books.

BY LIZ YOUNG

“KENZIE’S LITTLE TREE”

By Alison McGauley This book is a firm reminder of the sustenance, power and durability of nature, which is a much-needed reminder in today’s busy world of electronics and indoor play. The story can be read for youngsters over the course of years as the meaning grows deeper with a child’s understanding of the natural world.

“THE DO-OVER”

The arrival of April brings sunshine and smiles to our faces with the expectation of warm weather.

We all look forward to exploring the natural wonders in our beautiful countryside in Bucks County.

Check out some of these books to help guide your outdoor travels.

“BACKPACK EXPLORER: ON THE NATURE TRAIL: WHAT WILL YOU FIND?” This great little book is part of a series that explores the natural wonders via activities, stickers, checklists and interactive conversations between kids and grown-ups. The tools are easy to use and adaptable to all outdoor venues. Parents and adults will learn right along with youngsters how to interpret, absorb and interact with many different types of environments as well as the animals, birds and plants found there.

By Lynn Painter A young adult novel that traverses the challenges of teenage life by repeating scenarios best forgotten!

This teenaged Groundhog Day story is ripe for laughing out loud and remembering that waiting another day might be enough to get through the last one successfully.

“THE SERVICEBERRY: ABUNDANCE AND RECIPROCITY IN THE NATURAL WORLD”

By Robin Wall Kimmerer A final recommendation offers wisdom on how best to appreciate the nature blooming around us every day. The author has touched our hearts and minds for many years with her writing, and now burrows into our souls and hearts with a lovely, small and precious book. She reminds us that we exist together in the world with many souls, beings and life forms. The author emphasizes that we are all part of a web that is sustained together with all types of living organisms and that gracious reciprocity is the currency of our Earth.

“TOM LAKE: A NOVEL”

By Ann Patchett Available in paperback as of April 1, this is a riveting springtime review of a family’s journey and the stories that have not been shared until now.

Renewal and remembered stories are told, treasured and sometimes disturbed. The themes of family, marriage and generational love enraptures our imagination in this profoundly moving book.

Liz Young is the owner of Commonplace Reader (commonplace-reader.com), which just celebrated its five-year anniversary and hosts several adult book clubs each month along with kids’ activities on Saturdays in the shop on Main Street in Yardley.

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PHOTO OP

The Promise of Spring Spring wildflowers blossom in the foreground as the Delaware Canal and towpath disappear into early-morning fog.

This image was captured in spring 2022 by photographer Josh Friedman along a section of Delaware Canal State Park at the southern end of New Hope. Friedman shares that his settings were ISO 400, aperture f/22 and shutter speed one-fifth of a second. For more about Friedman and his work, see the feature article on page 20.

Have a fabulous Upper Makefield photo? Email it to editor@uppermakefieldmag.com and it could be featured in an upcoming issue!

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