With celebrations ahead, Jennifer Martin and Friends of Washington Crossing Park invest in the future while honoring the past.
18 Let’s Go Birding
Bucks County Birders flock to see avian wildlife—some rare—flying through the local area.
22 Ready, Set, Race!
A couple paddles the Bucks County Dragon Boat Association into championships—and the future.
EVERY
4 PUBLISHER’S NOTE A Meaningful Month
LOCAL PULSE
Updates
GATHERINGS Our Magazine Celebrates
HOME FRONT The Art of Thoughtful Guesting
THINGS WE LOVE Top Summer Hostess Gifts 12 Q&A Harry N. Barfoot III
LOCAL ARTS Snapshots of Emotion 28 WELLNESS WATCH From Motherhood to Movement 29 BOOK NOOK Summer Reads Are Hot! 30 LOCAL EXPERT Why a Tax Plan Matters
Jennifer Martin says being executive director at Friends of Washington Crossing Park is a dream job. Photograph by Jennifer Janikic Photography, LLC
Happy 4 th of July!
At Voltage Bikes, we proudly celebrate the spirit of Independence Day—America’s birthday!
As you gather with family and friends for barbecues, fireworks, and summer fun, we invite you to take a moment to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and the incredible strength of our great nation.
This Fourth of July, let’s honor the values that make America so special: independence, resilience, and unity. From all of us at Voltage Bikes, have a safe, joyful, and patriotic holiday!
Mary and Chris
Voltage Bikes is kicking off the 2025 rental season with a brand new fleet of cutting-edge E-bikes, perfect for any occasion: We Also Have E-Bike Rentals!
• Fun outings with family or friends
• Birthday celebrations
• Group rides
• Bachelor or bachelorette parties
• Outdoor business meetings
Our E-Bikes are the perfect way to power up your adventure!
We also assemble and test ride your new E-Bike to ensure that everything is just right before your first ride!
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IA MEANINGFUL MONTH
I DON’T THINK there’s a more meaningful month for Upper Makefield Township than July. This month—and the year ahead—will be filled with excitement as we prepare for the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding— and for celebrations planned right in our backyard.
We couldn’t think of a more fitting story this month than featuring Jennifer Martin, executive director of Friends of Washington Crossing Park. Jennifer has led important advancements at the park, and she is proud to showcase the beauty and history of this treasured site to visitors from near and far. The year ahead will be busy and exciting as Jennifer and her team prepare for America’s 250th birthday.
If you’re wandering through our local parks, you may spot the Bucks County Birders—binoculars in hand, cameras at the ready. Their stunning photos come from a practiced eye
(and ear!) to spot bird species as members quietly explore our parks and waterfront. This group is as much about community as it is about birds, offering a warm welcome to experienced birders and newcomers.
Many Upper Makefield residents belong to another outdoor club. The Bucks County Dragon Boat Association is growing as members are drawn to its unique mix of strength, endurance, teamwork and fun. Paddling on the Delaware calls for the same grit and determination that Washington and his troops showed when crossing those very waters.
There’s an art to gifting—especially when visiting friends and family at the shore. While wine is thoughtful, in this issue we share creative alternatives that are fun, unique and just as welcome. Even better, you don’t have to go far: Our local shops are full of wonderful hostess gift ideas.
Health and wellness are always in season, and Body20’s technologybased workouts offer a fresh take on fitness. Its electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) system provides a full-body workout in just about 20 minutes—leaving you more time to enjoy your summer.
In May, we hosted our official magazine launch party. We were delighted to welcome township leaders, local business owners, advertising partners and community members who have generously shared their stories with all of you. With the help of our sponsors, we toasted to this exciting new chapter—and continue to be grateful every day for the warm welcome we’ve received.
I hope you enjoy all that July offers—from sunny beach days to celebrations with family, friends and neighbors.
Until next issue,
Laura Lazar Publisher
P.S. Please remember to reach out with feedback and story ideas for future issues!
Upper Makefield MAGAZINE
Publisher
Laura Lazar
Local Editor
Dari Kotzker
Writers Kelly Curtin
Dari Kotzker
Jennifer Pellegrino
Ashara Shapiro
Liz Young
Photographer
Jennifer Janikic Photography, LLC
Expert Contributors
Greg Dwornikowski
Anthony Petsis
Dominique Williams
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.
UNWIND ON THE WATER
Sip, savor and unwind at Wine on the Waterfront on Saturday, July 26, at Washington Crossing Historic Park—an afternoon of jazz and scenic river views featuring wine tastings from top Pennsylvania and New Jersey wineries. Proceeds support the Friends of Washington Crossing Park’s educational and historical programming. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/3tnhr2ux.
AN ANNUAL TREASURE HUNT
Seasons Garden Center’s Annual Scratch & Dent and Community Market will be Saturday, August 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event offers customers discounts on most of the center’s plant materials and décor items. The Community Market (glorified yard sale) allows any local person the opportunity to purchase a table to sell whatever they have to clean out their closets, garages, basements and attics. It is a fun day full of great finds, especially for the repurpose-minded shopper.
FIRST RESPONDERS’ FRIENDLY COMPETITION
The UMTPD vs UMFC softball game was back for a third year in a row and saw the Upper Makefield Police Department regain their title after their win over the Fire Company. The event is hosted by the Upper Makefield Youth Baseball and Softball League and has become a beloved tradition for the community.
THUNDER FOR MEMORIAL DAY
Firefighters from Upper Makefield Fire Company were on hand as Rolling Thunder came through Washington Crossing on Memorial Day weekend.
Upper Makefield Magazine Celebrates Its Launch
ON WEDNESDAY, May 7, Upper Makefield magazine hosted its official launch party at the beautiful Crossing Vineyards and Winery. Publisher Laura Lazar and Wainscot Media President Mark Dowden welcomed more than 50 guests, including local community leaders, neighbors and advertising partners for an evening of celebration. Guests enjoyed wine, hors d’oeuvres, and live entertainment in honor of the magazine’s debut.
We’re proud to share the stories, people, and places that make Upper Makefield such a remarkable community—and we couldn’t do it without the support of our readers and advertising partners. Thank you for being part of this exciting beginning!
The Art of Thoughtful Guesting
Contribute to brighter summertime gatherings, one gift at a time.
BY KELLY CURTIN
CONTRARY TO POPULAR
belief, a bottle of wine isn’t exactly the perfect hostess gift. Sure, grabbing a chilled white on the way out the door to a summer barbecue is lovely (and major bonus points if it’s wrapped in Homestead Princeton’s chic Jersey Shore dish towel). But when you’re invited to someone’s home— especially for a dinner party or an overnight stay—it’s worth getting a little more personal. Thoughtful host gifts are blowing up this summer. Why this new trend? Because connection and sincerity are back in style. People are opting
for more meaningful gifts over generic offerings, choosing gifts that reflect intention and wit to show they truly appreciate the effort their host has put in.
And the truth is, gratitude just hits differently with a creative twist.
Here are some hot hostess gifts topping our list this summer. See Things We Love on the opposite page for details.
• Elevate your game by pairing The Pink Daisy’s pickle paddle tray and all the fixin’s and garnishes for this summer’s sassiest savory cocktail: the “pickletini”. (If you appreciate pickles, google for recipe.)
• Next up: the Gurgle Pot. Beachside dinner parties just got a splash more fun with this whimsical fish-shaped pitcher that makes a charming gurgling as you pour. (A conversation starter, for shore.) Find it at Homestead Princeton, a truly standout gift and home décor destination that’s definitely worth a visit.
• Another fun way to level up your gift-giving is to offer to bring something—like an appetizer—and serve it right on the gift. The Pink Daisy’s whale resin tray is a standout piece that any shore-house kitchen would love.
• And no list would be complete without Seasons Gardens Center in Washington Crossing—a hidden gem for stylish gifting. The team curates with purpose, traveling the country and beyond to spot the latest trends. From chic candles to playful party-ready picks, every item tells a story.
• Now finally, what do you bring the hostess who has everything and needs nothing? Giana Rose Couture in downtown Yardley is full of summer staples, and let’s be honest—no summer wardrobe is complete without an American flag sweater. It’s the go-to piece everyone needs for breezy nights, holiday weekends and effortless patriotic style.
Life’s too short for boring gifts. Next time, skip the ordinary—shop local and spark joy for everyone.
Kelly Curtin of Suncerely Yours (SuncerelyYours.com and Instagram @suncerelyyours) elevates gifting, home and event moments with one-ofa-kind touches that leave a lasting impression.
Kelly Curtin curates top summer gift picks on this and the opposite page.
A Community Leader
A longtime resident continues the traditions and legacy of the Upper Makefield Business Association to benefit the community.
INTERVIEW WITH HARRY N. BARFOOT III
HARRY N. BARFOOT III has lived in Upper Makefield Township for 35 years. He is a Council Rock graduate, class of 1973. Upon graduation from Penn State, he joined IBM in New York City and advanced through various roles, eventually managing a Hartford, Connecticut, IBM branch with over $200 million in annual revenue and 200 employees before joining a high-tech startup in Madison, Wisconsin.
After a 40-plus-year career as an executive and general manager, he retired at the end of 2017. He serves as an advisory board member at Penn State Smeal College of Business and mentors undergraduate business students. He also has served on the Upper Makefield Environmental Advisory Council (member, vice chair) and continues to serve on the township’s Planning Commission (vice-chair). He joined the Upper Makefield Business Association (UMBA) in 2019 and has been UMBA president for two years.
Tell us why UMBA was created. The Upper Makefield Business Association is proud to have served this community for over 58 years. UMBA was organized during the fall of 1965 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan association organized to stimulate interest among its members in the development, promotion and public affairs of the township.
The first order of business was to organize and create the Upper Makefield Fire Company. It was decided that Upper Makefield Township needed its own fire company, given [that] the community was transitioning
from a predominantly rural area to a more suburban area.
In 1985, a scholarship program was established for high school students interested in furthering their education. Students who resided in Upper Makefield Township and surrounding communities were eligible to apply.
UMBA provides additional funding to our township and other local service providers whose missions are aligned with ours. We also engage and develop programs and events that highlight our beautiful historic area and further the sense of community.
Why did you get involved with UMBA?
Upon retirement, I wanted to give back to my community in some meaningful way. I knew a number of UMBA members at the time, and UMBA has always been focused on our local community. So I decided to join and became president in 2019.
Beyond the satisfaction of giving back to the community, members can build connections with a wide network of local businesses and organizations and their neighbors/friends. Monthly dinner meetings provide a platform for exchanging ideas, gaining insights from guest speakers and staying updated on the organization’s activities.
Who can join UMBA?
Anyone who lives in our area can join. UMBA welcomes individuals who share a commitment to community engagement. Membership is open to local business owners, employees and professionals from various industries who value the importance of fostering connections and contributing to meaningful initiatives.
Why did the Revolutionary Run start?
The Revolutionary Run was established by a local church in 1980. UMBA was asked to take over the event in 1999, solidifying its role for this annual community event. The RevRun is UMBA’s signature event and started a way to provide health and wellness and funding for various needs within the community. It now attracts over 1,200 runners from all over the county, as well as over 35 sponsors.
We welcome individuals, families, competitive runners and anyone who enjoys the festivities on a July 4 morning. It is a great community event, and we have had runners/walkers from 3 months old to 92 years of age in the past.
The funds raised from this event go toward the UMBA Scholarship Program, the UMBA Sunshine Fund, the Upper Makefield Township Emergency Services Fund, the Upper Makefield Fire Company, the Newtown Ambulance Squad, Washington Crossing Historic Park, the Upper Makefield Police Department and others.
Opposite page: The Upper Makefield Business Association, led by Barfoot, raises funds and offers financial support for a wide variety of community organizations.
This page: Scenes from the 2024 Revolutionary Run, also known as the RevRun.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY NICOLE MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY
What do you love about Upper Makefield Township?
The ongoing commitment to balance our rural and historical farm community with [our] now being a very strong suburban place to live and work. People don’t realize how great this place is until they move here and see it for themselves. Protecting 40% of our land from ever being developed is something very special.
My favorite thing to do in Upper Makefield is either walking or biking on the canal while listening to music. It’s great fun and great exercise!
Planning for America’s 250th Birthday
With semiquincentennial celebrations ahead, Jennifer Martin and Friends of Washington Crossing Park invest in the future while honoring the past.
BY DARI KOTZKER
HHISTORY COMES ALIVE every day at Washington Crossing Historic Park, whether it’s walking along the pathways and admiring the historic structures or taking a tour to learn more about this important American landmark. Jennifer Martin, Friends of Washington Crossing Park executive director, says it’s her dream job that she gets to work at the site of what many historians consider the location of the turning point of the American Revolution.
Martin grew up across the river in New Jersey visiting local historic sites and fostering a love of the colonial period. “At 9 years old, I visited Howell Living History Farm in Lambertville, put on historic clothes, made potato chips and played with historic toys,” she says. “I had what you would call a history spark—that moment you understand the power of the past and how education can help you learn from understanding how people once lived.”
As Martin got older, she was able to manifest that passion for history
into a full-time career. She graduated from Shippensburg University and continued her education with a master’s degree in public history from La Salle University (she’s currently finishing up her masters of nonprofit leadership at La Salle).
When she was 18, she started interning at Pennsbury Manor and became an educator there. After four years, she learned of an opportunity with the nonprofit Friends of Washington Crossing Park, a group that was formed in 2009 by Bucks County citizens who rallied together to raise funds and help save the crossing when the park was shut down due to the recession. Martin was hired as assistant to the executive director in 2014 and became executive director in 2018.
“When I joined the team, I was the second full-time employee that they hired, and our budget was under half a million dollars,” she says. “It was really an opportunity to grow programming, but I always wanted to do it in a way that was
Right: The Crossing Reenactment at Washington Crossing Historic Park (photograph courtesy Friends of Washington Crossing Park)
Opposite page: Jennifer Martin
as low-cost and free as possible. It’s been my greatest honor to help make it a community center—making sure we’re reaching out to as many people as possible, inviting people in—and to really work to promote love of country.”
CONNECTIONS TO HISTORY
Washington Crossing Historic Park is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) in partnership with the Friends of Washington Crossing Park, which runs
all the history education in the upper and lower parts of the park.
The nonprofit organization funds and plans lecture series, field trips, specialty tours, events like Washington’s birthday and larger community-wide celebrations like the Fourth of July and the Crossing Reenactment. The organization privately fundraises over a million dollars a year to run the programs, and raises project money that’s reinvested into different structures.
“When kids come here and feel part
of being connected to history, I feel that we are creating moments where kids leave here feeling like they want to learn more,” she says.
It’s an urge she characterizes as “that call to action to steward and to preserve their community but also know where they came from and what sacrifices the founding fathers made to make this country great. I believe in facilitating that—people leaving here as proud Americans.”
The park has had not only a professional impact on her life but also a personal one. She met her husband, Jared Pierce, at the park when he was stationed as a park ranger for the DCNR at this site for a year and half. He currently serves as chief of park rangers for Fort Washington State Park. They held their wedding on these historic grounds, too.
Martin says her staff is filled with people who are passionate for the work they do. They are constantly doing constituent surveys and talking to guests to help populate programs to meet the community’s needs. She’s also taken her team to speak with leadership at sites like Williamsburg and Mount Vernon and learn from each other about what’s working and what isn’t for visitors.
“We’re storytellers, we are preservers and conservators of the story, and we are also people who bring history to life,” she says. “I often tell my staff I’m not a manager. When you have the right people, they are often inspired. I consider myself driving strategic direction for the organization so we can impact as many people as possible.”
PREPARING FOR 2026
Excitement has been brewing as the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation approaches on July 4, 2026. Friends of Washington Crossing Park has received several major grants dating back to 2023 and continues to be awarded more. A development committee is helping
Friends of Washington Crossing Park Executive Director Jennifer Martin (front, second from right) and her team
the organization with fundraising and community engagement.
“One of the things we talk about a lot with the 250th is investing in the future while honoring the past,” Martin says. “Our vision for the park is to try to create opportunities for every single person in this community to be a part of and to be connected to their history.”
Numerous projects are going on in preparation for this milestone occasion. They include renovations to the Thompson-Neely mill, flume and garden; a bronze relief by a Philadelphia artist which was recently mounted; and an exhibit for the blind and low-vision. The organization is also working on a new introduction film and has launched a partnership with the Independence Seaport Museum to
build a Durham boat that will be out on the riverfront.
There has already been an increase in visitation as new initiatives are rolling out. To get the full effect of the celebratory happenings, Martin recommends the launch of the program season, which runs April 1, 2026, through the end of year, to experience the park in a more advanced and high-quality way.
“Community events will be more enhanced and interactive,” Martin says. “We’re having fireworks in 2026 and a lot more living history demonstrations, and we’re investing in the exhibit gallery by getting collections on loan from places like Fort Ticonderoga.”
Investments go beyond a one-time community celebration, she says: “We are creating educational opportunities that create a high-quality visitor experience in perpetuity.”
A COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE
During Martin’s tenure, she and her team have achieved significant growth and have no plans to stop. When she started, 2,800 schoolchildren visited the park on field trips annually, and now it’s 10,000. She hopes to continue growing the $1.2 million budget to further provide high-quality resources, both in-person and online.
Friends of Washington Crossing Park has over 550 active volunteers who help with reenactments, the farm, the gardens, tours and kids’ programs. Martin would like more community members to be engaged with the park because it’s such an important part of the fabric of Upper Makefield Township, especially with so many exciting events coming up.
“I want people to leave here with a call to action to learn more and explore,” she says. “For me, the 250th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect. If you live in Washington Crossing and have never been here, you can get involved in a community celebration right in your own backyard.”
It’s not enough to just know the park is here, she says. “Come to events, be an ambassador, bring family when they are in from out of town,” she suggests. “To be a part of the 250th birthday of America is very meaningful.”
To learn more, visit www.washingtoncrossingpark.org.
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.
Right: A bronze relief of Emmanual Leutze’s “Washington Crossing the Delaware” by Philadelphian Ellen Schicktanz is displayed as part of the 250th anniversary celebration of U.S. independence.
Bottom: Jennifer Martin and her husband, Jared Pierce, on their wedding day at Washington Crossing Historic Park
Bucks County Birders members (from left) Christopher Plummer, August Mirabella, Judy Greger and Barbara Stollsteimer
Let’s Go Birding
Bucks County Birders flock to see avian wildlife— some rare—flying through the local area.
BY DARI KOTZKER
BBIRDS OF A FEATHER flock together—a statement that’s very true for the members of Bucks County Birders.
When walking along the Delaware Canal Towpath or exploring Washington Crossing Historic Park, there is a familiar sight of someone looking through binoculars up at the trees or quietly taking a photograph in a wooded area. Whether those people are together or separate, they likely have a common bond: birding.
For many, what started as a hobby turned into a passion. August Mirabella is one of the founders of Bucks County Birders and an experienced bird recordkeeper. He recently helped research and write the second edition of “Birds of Bucks County,” published by the Bucks
County Audubon Society.
“There are so many gorgeous birds, but it is also about learning their different behaviors—how they adapt, what they eat, the migration,” Mirabella says. “It’s exciting to do bird watches because it’s just fascinating to learn. And in this area I discovered species I never knew existed.”
SHARED EXPERIENCES
In 2003, Mirabella was leading bird walks at Peace Valley Nature Center when he was approached by a fellow birder to help start a club so they could share what they were seeing and organize more walks. Mirabella had already created a Yahoo group with 400 members in which he sent out weekly updates with birding information. Mirabella and his
colleague partnered up and Bucks County Birders was born.
Now, more than 20 years later, the organization is still active with 120 members, 500 people on its weekly emails and more than a thousand followers on Facebook.
Bucks County Birders Treasurer and Membership Coordinator Barbara Stollsteimer joined in 2011, when her then-11-year-old son took an interest in bird-watching.
“The goal is to see all the birds that are in a spot, and you would do that by looking for motion, listening to the birdsong—those are your clues that there’s something there to try and see,” she says. “Some people enjoy the behavior, like watching nesting or feeding. And some just like looking at their beauty. It’s just [by] being out in
nature [that] you’ll get those experiences.”
The club promotes weekly bird walks at Bucks County nature centers, plans field trips once a month and holds monthly bird talks featuring speakers on a variety of topics. Whether you’re a novice or experienced, the club welcomes people of all levels.
Many books, field guides and videos are available to educate birders, and popular apps like eBird and Merlin now enhance the bird-watching experience. Stollsteimer says a group bird walk is the perfect opportunity for a new birder because with a group you explore your surroundings for two to three hours.
“Birding [offers] a nice community with a shared experience, and that’s how you learn,” she says. “Bird with other birders. Let the group know you are fairly new, [that] you don’t mind letting things be explained to you and what you want to see. You can always read and study on your own, but I recommend you find a group.”
SOARING CLOSE TO HOME
High seasons for birding are spring migration from the end of April through May and the reverse migration from August to October. However, there is
always something to see. Wintertime is focused on ducks and waterfowl, and summer viewers can see what’s nesting.
Every birder has an origin story of how they got into this activity, and the same goes for goals. Upper Makefield Township resident Christopher Plummer joined the club a few years ago after going on bird walks at Washington Crossing Historic Park. Like many birders, Plummer keeps a life list of birds he hopes to see in his lifetime. His number is 348.
“My goal is to identify, view and then photograph the bird,” Plummer says.
“I go out four to five hours at a time and totally lose track of time, which is a great feeling because you’re not thinking about anything else in the world. It’s all about your senses at the present moment. And when you see a rare one, it’s so exciting!”
Bucks County has 356 different species, and there are many locations that are hot spots in Upper Makefield Township. The Delaware River is a natural attractor for a high concentration of birds. Birders also flock to the Delaware Canal Towpath, the area around the Thompson-Neely House and Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, among other locations.
Upper Makefield Township resident and club member Judy Greger says,
BIRD SIGHTINGS
“Screech owls started roosting about five years ago, and this is the first time we’ve had nesting. Seeing a juvenile’s head pop out of the nesting box was so exciting.”
– Barbara Stollsteimer
“I saw a bird that looked like an osprey, and you normally don’t see them in Washington Crossing, so I took a picture of it. I sent it to someone who told me it was a Mississippi kite which was well off its path. It was an unusual find and made a stir among birders.”
– Judy Greger
“I find ducks beautiful, and they’re only available certain times of the year. I think they are living works of art. Even though they seem bland, when you start to observe them you realize there is a huge variation and coloration.”
– Christopher Plummer
Bucks County Birders President Vinobha Pannerselvam takes a selfie at one of the club’s bird walks.
“I think this area is popular because of the diversity; it really has a lot of different species and it’s a nice pattern for migration. I know birders who live outside of Bucks County and come to the Washington Crossing area because they’re always going to see something. Bucks County is rural enough that it still attracts a variety of species.”
Greger adds, “I was fortunate to walk past two Baltimore orioles building a nest and to look at the intricacies of what they are doing. Every bird makes a different kind of nest, and if you can get a clear picture, you can see all the soft parts of their feathers; they are just so beautiful.”
CORE CONSERVATION
Species diversity is an important part of bird-watching, but the bird population continues to drop nationwide due to development and bird collisions. Bucks County Birders
has become involved in conservation efforts. Although fundraising is not the group’s primary goal, when they do have extra money, they put it toward conservation efforts in the county.
“Conservation is an area we want to grow in the club, and we also want to preserve the culture of birding,” says Bucks County Birders President Vinobha Pannerselvam. “So we’re trying to protect habitats, raise awareness of bird collisions and slow down growth. I think birders automatically become conservation enthusiasts.”
Bucks County Birders continues to grow its programs and membership.
Birders say that the most unique part of birding is that it’s very accessible and
you can do it from almost anywhere. The love of this activity continues to bring people together, whether they connect over the eBird app or meet while birding.
“One of greatest things about it is the social aspect: You go birding and you suddenly have something in common with total strangers,” Plummer says. “There’s a camaraderie, and you can just say “What did you see today?”
Most birders will share with you enthusiastically. You’ll spend two to three hours walking around the wild looking for birds, pointing them out to each other and commenting on them. You end up making friends with this common interest.”
Ready, Set, Race!
Bucks County Dragon Boat Association
Cofounder Jacquelyn Wetzel (right) and President Chris Wetzel
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY BONNIE GEPNER
A couple paddles the Bucks County Dragon Boat Association into championships—and the future.
BY DARI KOTZKER
TTHE BEAT FROM the drummer, the synchronization of paddlers and the empowering words from the steersperson: This exhilarating team experience is dragon boat racing. Originating in China, this water sport has taken the world by storm, including right here in Bucks County.
As a child, Jacquelyn Wetzel had open heart surgery and did not participate in a lot of sports. However, that changed in adulthood when she and her high school sweetheart, Chris Wetzel, moved to Upper Makefield Township 15 years ago. Shortly after they moved to their home, Jacquelyn received an advertisement in the mail about dragon boat racing. From that moment on, her life took an unexpected athletic turn.
“I don’t know what it was, but when I saw that advertisement, my heart just leapt out of my chest and I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, I have to do this,’” she says. “Even though I had never done any kind of rowing or boating in my life, I was very drawn to it.”
Jacquelyn went to a dragon boat clinic at a New Hope club, and from the minute she paddled, she knew this sport would become an important part of her life.
Dragon boat racing consists of a long and narrow boat with 20 paddlers using synchronized strokes;
a person in the back who steers; and a drummer at the front who keeps cadence. Jacquelyn is a paddler and found it challenging at first, but she wanted to keep doing more.
FORMING A CLUB
After two years, Jacquelyn and fellow dragon boat racer Laurie McHugh decided to form their own club. In 2012, the Bucks County Dragon Boat Association (Bucks Dragon Boat for
short) was formed, with Jacquelyn and McHugh as founders and Chris as president. Initially, the Wetzels, along with McHugh and her husband at the time, self-funded the purchase of a dragon boat and paid for the use of the dock and boathouse. They had a shared love of the sport and wanted to expand dragon boat racing opportunities to as many people as they could in Bucks County.
“I loved being a part of something,
I loved that it was a group sport, I loved being athletic and I loved being on the water,” Jacquelyn says. “It’s magical to be active on the water and part of a team. Laurie and I wanted to have a club where we could foster the idea of teamwork, camaraderie and support, and to offer this sport to everyone.”
“For me, it’s about bringing people together of all backgrounds and skill levels and giving them the opportunity to achieve things they never thought were possible,” says Chris, who still serves as club president and races as a steersperson.
Sadly, McHugh passed away in 2023,
but her dedication and influence lives on through the club.
“Even though she’s not here, she’s still a huge part of the club,” Jacquelyn says. “I try my best to uphold the values that she and I based our club off of. I always hold true to our vision.”
PIPELINE FOR CHAMPIONS
When Bucks Dragon Boat launched, it was located in New Hope until 2020. Now the club practices at Core Creek Park and at Peace Valley Nature Center. Word of mouth and social media helped make people aware of the organization. The group started out
with four teams and grew to 10, with 200 participants. Now funded by membership dues, there is also a board. Most members are from Upper Makefield Township, Yardley and Newtown.
What was important to the founders was to make sure there was a place for everyone in the club no matter their ability. They have a pipeline for people to progress from a training program for beginners to a community team and eventually to a more competitive level called Fusion if they want to train hard and paddle on a world stage. With all the different levels, Jacquelyn says it’s satisfying to witness people on a dragon boat for the first time.
“When we see the beginners and their excitement, and their wide eyes and smiling—they are so proud of themselves [that] they’ve tried a new sport,” she says. “A lot of men and women go out of their comfort zones and try something new, and it’s very rewarding to offer this sport to new individuals every year.”
Both Jacquelyn and Chris say Bucks County is an ideal area for this sport because of the proximity to the Delaware River and the many dragon boat festivals nearby in Philadelphia, New York and Washington DC. Team members practice multiple times a week and compete in races locally, nationally and internationally.
Top and above: Cofounder Laurie McHugh, who passed away in August 2023.
NEVERENDING THRILLS
Although Jacquelyn has raced hundreds of times, she still gets that exhilarating feeling of nerves and anticipation when paddling to the start line. Her husband has a very special outlook when he is steering in races.
“When we race regionally, I get to steer our woman’s boat which is truly one of the biggest joys of my life, being on the boat with Jac and to see her as an athlete,” Chris says. “It’s one of the highlights of my life to do things together; it’s just so gratifying.”
“Paddling in a competition is a wonderful feeling—it’s like going into battle with 21 of your closest friends,” Jacquelyn says. “At the end of the day, we all want to win medals—you want your training and your hard practice to be worth it—but when I finish a race day and look around at my paddlers and see them smiling and just excited
to be there, it’s all worth it.”
The typical dragon boat season is from spring to fall, but competitors on the club’s elite Fusion program practice year-round. Since 2015, Bucks Dragon Boat’s highest-level teams have been going to nationals every other year, and if they win a berth, they qualify for the world championships.
Last year, Fusion became the 2024 World Champion Dragon Boat Team in Ravenna, Italy. All 60 men and women on the roster who competed in the races came home with a gold, silver or bronze medal. Jacquelyn is still in
disbelief that she went from being an open-heart surgery patient to a toplevel athlete.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think almost 13 years later that we would be as successful as we have been and that we would have touched so many lives,” she says. “It is so rewarding and thrilling that there are so many men and women in our community who love the sport as much as I do. As long as I have members who are just as passionate about the sport as I am, the dragon boat club will continue on for many years.”
Bucks Dragon Boat Bucks Fusion athletes at the IDBF Club Crew World Championships in Ravenna, Italy, in September 2024 with IDBF President Claudio Schermi
Snapshots of EMOTION
Pop artist Jae Martin is on a mission to spread love through color.
BY ASHARA SHAPIRO
BROOKLYN-BORN and now rooted in Philadelphia, pop artist Jae Martin is a vibrant force in the contemporary art scene. His work pulses with the rhythm of city life—bold, kinetic and alive with color. Drawing deeply from his urban upbringing, Martin fuses graffiti influences with a distinctive pop sensibility to create pieces that feel immediate, joyful and undeniably human.
A self-taught artist, Martin paints not only what he sees but also what he feels. His canvases are snapshots of emotion—fleeting thoughts captured in brilliant color and whimsical line. There’s a raw honesty to his work, but also a consistent message that elevates it beyond aesthetics: love, unity and connection.
Signature to Martin’s style is his joyful
palette—neon bursts, energetic forms and uplifting designs that seem to smile back at you. Whether he’s creating large-scale paintings, designer toys or wearable art, Martin’s mission remains clear: to make the viewer’s heart smile. Each piece is an invitation to feel more, connect more and love more.
CREATING BRIDGES
Martin’s upcoming project, The Space Lab, is a testament to his spread-love philosophy. Envisioned as a hybrid studio and gallery, The Space Lab will serve as a hub for creativity and community in Philadelphia. With plans for children’s art classes, artist workshops and monthly collaborative shows, Martin aims to build a space that nurtures talent, fosters selfexpression and champions selfsufficiency in the arts.
In a world that often feels fractured, Martin’s work is a radiant reminder that art can be a bridge. His creative journey—grounded in authenticity and driven by love—speaks to the unifying power of color, emotion and human connection.
Martin doesn’t just make art. He makes joy. And in doing so, he makes the world a little brighter.
EXHIBITIONS
ArtWRKD Exhibition Space
AIR Community Programming
Join us and our Granted Artist In Residence Greta Karr for Community Programming at ArtWRKD Workshop Space. Bring your own project and work alongside Karr.
July 9 and 23, 6 to 9 p.m.
Artist dialogue July 24 at 6 p.m.
Open Studio July 19, 4 to 6 p.m.
Unveiled Threads Wearable Art
Boutique
ArtWRKD will highlight the last two wearable art fashion shows and have some of the work available for purchase along with photographs of the models by photographer Mel Evans.
Michener Art Museum
Yesterday’s Dreams Are Real Explores the collection of Black art and the legacy of Lewis Tanner Moore. Through July 27
Judith Schaechter: Super/Natural Through September 14
Bucks County Community College Hicks Art Center
Dreams of Flora and Fauna
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.
Features the work of 17 local artists exploring botanic and animal depictions in various media.
July 24 to September 14
Endless Summer
Offers a different perspective on summer through artistic expression. Opens July 24
Family, Maternity & Newborn Photography in the Bucks County Area
Welcome friends! So glad you’re here! I’m Jenny, your local Bucks County, Philadelphia and New Jersey Photographer. Some things about me… I married the love of my life, I’m a mama to two rambunctious boys, I drink more coffee than I should, I love to travel and immerse myself in new cultures and I’m a true hippy at heart! I’m obsessed with sunsets and capturing motherhood, families and couples during the beautiful golden hour. I am captivated by raw, authentic emotion and moments between couples and families.
My work is what I would call emotive storytelling. I look forward to capturing your family’s story.
From Motherhood to Movement
How one woman journeyed to wellness and entrepreneurship by opening a fitness business in Newtown.
BY JENNIFER PELLEGRINO
AFTER MORE THAN 20 years as a stay-at-home mom, I found reentering the workforce overwhelming. I faced physical health challenges that made it hard to sit or stand for long periods, and I hadn’t worked outside the home in decades. But I wasn’t ready to give up on the idea of building something meaningful.
That’s when my husband and I discovered Body20, a fitness concept based on electromuscular stimulation
(EMS). EMS helped me stay active without aggravating my physical limitations. The workouts were short, low-impact and incredibly effective. I felt stronger, healthier and more confident. We knew we had to bring this to others.
squats and lunges, and sometimes light weights. EMS adds safe, controlled resistance that enhances results without stressing joints. Every session is private and fully personalized, with a certified coach guiding you through every move.
We opened our Body20 studio in Newtown, known for its healthconscious spirit. Our mission is simple: help people feel strong, confident and healthy in their own way. Whether someone wants to lose weight, build muscle or improve mobility, EMS offers a personalized path forward.
PERSONAL TRANSFORMATIONS
EMS works by sending electrical impulses to muscles, causing them to contract more deeply than traditional workouts. A 20-minute session can activate up to 90% of muscle fibers— equivalent to hours in the gym. It’s ideal for busy people, those with physical limitations or anyone looking for a smarter way to train.
You needn’t rely on EMS alone. Sessions include traditional movements like
Since opening in 2024, we’ve seen incredible transformations. A retiree regained balance after a fall. A parent found a workout that fits a busy schedule. One woman dropped two dress sizes in a few months. Another member, once self-conscious, now walks taller and smiles more.
Opening a business wasn’t easy, but the rewards are real. Seeing members thrive—physically and emotionally— makes every challenge worth it.
Body20 offers your first session free, including a full body composition scan so you can see where you are—and where you can go.
Jennifer Pellegrino, a devoted wife and mother of two, has overcome 13 surgeries and now channels her resilience into helping the Newtown community become healthier, stronger and more connected.
Summer Reads Are Hot!
Enjoy the season by relaxing with books about summertime travel, friendship and more.
BY LIZ YOUNG
“FOURTH OF JULY FUN!”
By Deb Adamson
Golden Books are the rage! In the last three years, we have stocked a bonanza of titles with a crossover appeal to kids, parents and grandparents. This preschooler title is perfect, with rhyming text and hometown quaint activities that celebrate a special holiday this year as we march and parade into the celebration of America.
“THE
BEAT OF THE DRAGON BOAT”
By Christina Matula and Nicole Wong
The legend of Dragon Boats is explained in symbols, power and the ancient traditions. This title is perfect for an early reader with an interest in magical stories to share with an engaged parent.
“A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING”
By K.L. Walther
Local author Walther has yet again captivated her young audience with her latest novel, providing a fun summer read with good vibes and a teenage search for love (and a wedding date!).
Walther paints a charming picture of Bucks County with a story packed with pop culture references and a relatable leading girl to enchant the reader.
“THE
SICILIAN INHERITANCE: A NOVEL”
By Jo Piazza
A summer novel for your next read or selection for a friend; mystery and a little romance, danger and historical fiction make a great add to your beach bag or your suitcase. Travel with a great story brought to you by a Bucks County native!
“MY FRIENDS”
By Fredrick Backman
As many readers know, stories written by Backman never disappoint and always provide great discussions in a book club or with a dinner companion. Enjoy the tale of the importance of art to a soul and a friendship.
“THE
MINISTRY OF TIME”
By Kaliane Bradley
Bradley’s debut novel keeps the reader on the edge of their seat with daring time travel, romance and a Victorianera Arctic explorer launched into the throes of the modern age. “The Ministry of Time” is an electrifying sci-fi read guaranteed to captivate audiences when the mystifying and somewhat concerning future collides with history.
“SANDWICH”
By Catherine Newman Newman tells the story, with her witty tone, of a woman at a moment of change in her life, dealing with her growing kids and aging parents and encountering a once-delightful promise of a summer turned around by rising despair for the future. Sandwich examines motherhood with raw honesty as memories of the fateful past come back all too soon, showing just how difficult change and life can be.
Liz Young owns 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.
Why a Tax Plan Matters
When charting your financial future, consider these key pointers from a top-rated local team.
BY THE PETSIS & ASSOCIATES ADVISORY TEAM
WHEN MOST PEOPLE think about retirement, they focus on savings: “How much do I need to retire?” But what often gets overlooked is just as critical: How much of that money will you actually keep after taxes?
Tax planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the self-employed. It’s a powerful— often underutilized—strategy that can make a significant difference in how long your money lasts, how much you leave behind and how smoothly your retirement goes.
At Anthony Petsis & Associates, we’ve seen it all: retirees accidentally triggering higher Medicare premiums because of required minimum
distributions (RMDs); missed Roth conversion windows; and Social Security taxes that could have been mitigated. The reality is that taxes in retirement can be complex— but also manageable with the right plan in place.
SMART STRATEGIES
Here are just a few planning strategies we help our clients in Upper Makefield and across Bucks County explore: Roth conversion analysis: Looking at the long-term impact of converting retirement assets over time to create more flexibility in future income planning.
Withdrawal sequencing: Helping clients decide when they should tap taxable, tax-deferred and Roth accounts to align with their goals and minimize surprises.
Qualified charitable distribution (QCD) strategies: For charitably inclined retirees, coordinating with financial and tax advisers to evaluate whether QCDs could enhance your giving strategy.
Holistic income coordination: Anticipating how retirement income sources—like pensions, IRAs, Social Security and annuities—may affect your overall tax picture, working alongside your CPA to align strategies. Tax rules change, and the impact on retirees can be significant. That’s why it’s wise to build tax-awareness directly into your retirement plan—ensuring that you and your professional team are on the same page before decisions are made.
For a stress test of your retirement income strategy to assess tax efficiency, visit www.apetsis.com or call 215-9686638 to schedule a complimentary planning session.
Anthony Petsis & Associates is Bucks County’s top-rated financial advisory firm, and its advisers empower clients to take control of their financial futures with confidence. With a legacy spanning two generations, the firm delivers personalized, fiduciary-driven financial advice tailored to clients’ unique needs.
Anthony Petsis & Associates offers fiduciary guidance, local roots, and planning. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth, Inc. is separately owned, and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth. Thirdparty awards, rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the adviser by any client nor are they representative of any one client’s evaluation. We are unable to accept buy or sell orders via email as we cannot assure execution in a timely manner. Osaic Wealth, Inc. and Anthony Petsis & Associates are not affiliated.
SERENE SUNRISE
JOSH FRIEDMAN took this photograph of the historic ThompsonNeely House in the northern section of Washington Crossing Historic Park on a recent morning this spring. He wanted to capture the rising sun peeking through the tree and merged three exposures with varied shutter speeds, each with an aperture of f/16, in order to create this HDR (high dynamic range) image. Follow Josh Friedman on Instagram (@JoshFriedmanPhoto) and Facebook (JoshFriedmanPhotography).
Have a fabulous Upper Makefield photo? Email it to editor@ uppermakefieldmag.com and it could be featured in an upcoming issue!
