UpperMakefield NOVEMBER 2026
A VIEW THROUGH HISTORY BOWMAN’S HILL TOWER
INSPIRING OTHERS MELISSA TENZER HELPS GROW FUTURES
Crafting a Legacy
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Contents NOVEMBER 2026
20
F EATU RES
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Crafting a Legacy
At the wooded Solebury campus her father created, Mira Nakashima carries George Nakashima’s vision forward through craftsmanship, community, and reverence for the natural world. 20
A View Through Time
For nearly a century, Bowman’s Hill Tower has offered sweeping views of Bucks County while becoming a place where history and memories come together. 24
Melissa Tenzer connects people with opportunities while building a legacy of service in her professional and personal communities.
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Inspiring Through Action
30
I N EVE RY I S SUE
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE Take It All In
6
LOCAL PULSE Bite-Sized Updates
8
Q&A Jason Guenther
12
LOCAL TASTES Thanksgiving Trends
28
LIFE OUTDOORS Turkey Bowl Time
30
HOME FRONT Celebrate the Harvest
31
BOOK NOOK Turning Pages
32
PHOTO OP Beauty in the Details
COVER
Mira Nakashima in her studio Photograph by Juan Vidal Photography
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PUB LISH ER’S NOTE
WE ARE NOW knee-deep in fall, surrounded by the exquisite colors of autumn and a carpet of fallen leaves. As the weather cools further, we have an opportunity to look around, experience, and appreciate all that enriches us right here in our community this season. How lucky are we to have so many incredible artisans as our neighbors? In this issue, we’re honored to share our visit with Mira Nakashima and a glimpse of the beauty we experienced firsthand at her design studio. Being surrounded by Mira’s warmth, alongside gorgeous wood tones and exquisite textures, felt like bringing the outdoors inside—a perfect feeling for fall. Mira; her husband, Jonathan; and their team graciously opened their hearts and workshop to share the magic that happens as they honor her father’s design past while creating current works that remain everlasting. We have no shortage of historic landmarks in our backyard as well, and if you haven’t taken the trek
PHOTOGRAPH BY JUAN VIDAL PHOTOGRAPHY
w
TAKE IT ALL IN
(or elevator) to the top of Bowman’s Hill Tower, you’re missing out. The tower is steeped in history and provides a bird’s-eye view of the area’s spectacular landscape. Visiting the tower isn’t just for showing out-of-town guests—it’s a perfect way to reflect on the incredible beauty that encircles our community. As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving and focus on everything that we’re grateful for, one of our community members is helping others do just that. As the executive strategic advisor for Dress for Success Worldwide, Melissa Tenzer supports those in need through her very generous heart and spirit. She has furthered this mission personally through the establishment of The Cherry Tree Foundation in memory of her sister, Kathryn Marie Sottile. Melissa’s generosity makes her the kind of neighbor and friend we all search for or are proud to have. With holiday festivities abounding, we’ve got your tablescapes covered (no pun intended). Colonial Farms Gourmet Food shares trends for the holiday meal and a sweet dessert recipe that everyone will love. Then, our friends at Seasons Garden Center show us how to make a cornucopia—a classic way to dress up your holiday table. For after dinner, don’t miss our ultimate guide to a family-friendly game of flag football or our suggestions for some relaxing reads. At this time of year, I am grateful for so much but especially to be part of this amazing and special community. Thank you for sharing your stories and for opening your homes to us each month. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
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MAGAZINE
Publisher Laura Lazar Laura.Lazar@uppermakefieldmag.com Editor Dari Kotzker editor@uppermakefieldmag.com Writers Nick Angelakis Lela Casey Deborah Pomroy Elizabeth Young Photographers Juan Vidal Photography Lucent Reflections Photography (Lucy Espejel) Expert Contributors Greg Dwornikowski Anthony Petsis WAINSCOT MEDIA Chairman Carroll V. Dowden President and CEO Mark Dowden SVP, Group Publisher Thomas Flannery VP, Content Strategy Maria Regan Creative Director Kijoo Kim Art Director Rosemary O’Connell Executive Editor Elaine Quilici Associate Editor Sophia Carlisle Advertising Services Director Jacquelynn Fischer Operations Director Catherine Rosario Production Designer Chris Ferrante
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Have a story idea?
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Upper Makefield
Email the editor: editor@uppermakefieldmag.com.
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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 2026 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
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LOCAL PULSE
COMMUNITY DAY FUN Upper Makefield Township held its annual Community Day at Brownsburg Park on Sept. 19. The day was filled with pumpkin painting, inflatable attractions, historical reenactors, Taste of Upper Makefield, and more.
Upper Makefield Township’s board of supervisors PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF UPPER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP
GOLF FOR A GREAT CAUSE The Greg McDonald Foundation Golf Classic brought together golfers, sponsors, and special guests to celebrate the life and legacy of Upper Makefield resident Greg McDonald. McDonald passed away in 2023 after a 24-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles and more than 20 years coaching youth hockey. Proceeds from the event will help the foundation develop young leaders through its four pillars: Lead With Purpose, Nurture Relationships, Care for Your Mind, and Serve Your Community. Top right: Greg McDonald Foundation (GMF) President and Co-Founder Patricia Fox-McDonald (left) with Vice President Carrie Casey (right) and Michael Jacoby (center), a Council Rock High School North graduate, GMF scholarship winner, and event volunteer Top left: Former professional football player Jeremiah Trotter, former professional football player Brandon Graham, sports commentator Merrill Reese, and sports reporter John Clark came together for the fundraiser. Bottom left: Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders celebrate New Jersey resident and 10-year-old hockey player Briana Alvarez (center), a Greg McDonald Foundation scholarship recipient. PHOTOGRAPHS BY NICK DAVIS
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VETERANS DAY CEREMONY Washington Crossing National Cemetery will hold its Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. The event will be hosted by Guardians of the National Cemetery, the official support committee of Washington Crossing National Cemetery. This is the first time the event, which is free and open to the public, will take place on a Saturday, giving more veterans, families, and community members an opportunity to attend.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JASON GUENTHER
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF FRIENDS OF WASHINGTON CROSSING PARK
FREE TOURS FOR VETERANS On Nov. 11, all U.S. veterans and active-duty military personnel and their families are invited to take a free tour of Washington Crossing Historic Park’s historic village and Thompson-Neely House & Grist Mill (pre-registration is required) or enjoy free admission to Bowman’s Hill Tower. All you need to do is bring your military ID.
“Live Edge No. 4” by Chuck Fischer is composed of wood, aluminum, gesso, acrylic, and gold leaf. PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF CHUCK FISCHER
A TRIO OF LOCAL ART Three local artists—Chuck Fischer, Brian O’Leary, and Gene Underwood—are featured in an exhibition called “Perception Deception” at the Hicks Art Center Gallery on the Bucks County Community College campus. The opening reception will be on Nov. 21, and the exhibition runs through Feb. 27, 2027.
KIWANIS TREE LIGHTING The Kiwanis Club of Washington Crossing-Yardley will host its annual tree lighting and food drive at Washington Crossing Historic Park at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 27. Stop by to take pictures with Santa and enjoy hot chocolate, juice, and cookies.
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Remembering
OUR VETERANS
The director of Washington Crossing National Cemetery works to honor those who served. BY STAFF WRITER Here, Guenther talks about his work and the surrounding community.
JASON GUENTHER JASON GUENTHER is the director of Washington Crossing National Cemetery. A Philadelphia native, he joined the U.S. Army at age 17 and served as an infantryman from 2004 to 2012. During his military service, he completed two tours in Iraq and later worked as an Army recruiter. After leaving the Army, Guenther launched a career in federal government and held several positions at Washington Crossing
National Cemetery. He started as an office automation clerk, then served as a cemetery caretaker and program support assistant. He eventually became administrative officer, overseeing office operations, budgets, finance, and administrative support for Washington Crossing National Cemetery and its four satellite cemeteries. He later served as assistant director and acting director before being appointed permanent director on April 19.
What are your duties as director? I am responsible for making sure Washington Crossing National Cemetery and our four satellite cemeteries operate properly every day. That includes overseeing burial services, grounds, employees, safety, contracts, budgets, historic preservation, public affairs, and our relationships with the surrounding communities. I have done much of the work I now supervise. I have maintained the grounds,
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF JASON GUENTHER
INTERVIEW WITH
How did you become the director of Washington Crossing National Cemetery? My desire to serve others began long before I joined the Army. As a child, my mother taught me that we have a responsibility to give back. I also grew up around veterans in my Philadelphia community who taught me what it meant to be a good person and young man. Their guidance stayed with me when I became an infantryman and later deployed to war. I never imagined a national cemetery would become my career. As a caretaker and later a cemetery representative, I conducted burial services and worked directly with families who often arrived not knowing what to expect. Seeing the relief, gratitude, and peace afterward showed me how much this work mattered. Being around veterans and serving their families also helped me heal from some of the wounds I carried home from war. Being director allows me to protect that mission, support the people doing the work, and continue serving the community that helped raise me.
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conducted burials, coordinated services with families and funeral directors, and managed the administrative side. That experience helps me understand what employees are carrying and keeps me from leading only from behind a desk. I want them to have the training, tools, and support to do the job well, because they are the ones families meet on some of the hardest days. What is your goal as director? My first goal is to make sure every veteran receives a proper burial and every family feels supported when they come here. I also want our cemeteries to remain beautiful, welcoming places where people can remember, learn, volunteer, and understand the lives behind the headstones. Being director also gives me a chance to advocate for veterans beyond the cemetery. When I meet a veteran or volunteer who needs help with another part of the Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA), I can connect them with the right office and help make sure their concerns are heard. That is one of the most meaningful parts of the job for me. Who is eligible to be buried here, and how does the process work? Washington Crossing National Cemetery is a 205-acre national shrine. VA purchased the property in 2008, formally dedicated the cemetery in 2009, and conducted the first burials in January 2010. In general, veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable may be eligible, along with certain spouses, dependent children, and qualifying reserve-component members. Families can request a pre-need eligibility determination through VA.gov. Planning ahead can remove some uncertainty during a difficult time. At the time of need, the family or funeral director contacts the National Cemetery Scheduling Office and provides the veteran’s discharge documentation.
We conduct committal services where families are able to gather and pay their final respects. Eligible veterans may receive military funeral honors from their branch of service, including the folding and presentation of the American flag and the playing of taps. The level of honor a person receives depends on eligibility and the family’s wishes. Why is Upper Makefield Township a good location for a cemetery honoring veterans? Upper Makefield is beautiful, peaceful, and closely connected to our nation’s history. It is also a deeply patriotic community that consistently supports the cemetery and the many veteran activities held throughout the Washington Crossing area. What stands out most is how the community treats the cemetery as one of its own institutions. Residents, township leaders, and local organizations make our veterans and their families feel welcomed, respected, and supported. NOVEMBER 2026 |
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What volunteer organizations help at the cemetery? Guardians of the National Cemetery is one of our most important partners. Its five weekday teams provide a full-time volunteer honor guard throughout the year, in every season and in all kinds of weather. While the military branches provide the honors required for each veteran based on eligibility, full military honors are generally limited to certain categories. The Guardians help close that gap by providing the rifle salute and taps, allowing us to offer full honors for every veteran interred here. Since the cemetery opened, the group has supported more than 20,000 honors and has become part of the identity of Washington Crossing National Cemetery. The Guardians also donated the first Gold Star Families Memorial Monument located within a national cemetery, the George Washington Monument, and provided other improvements. Individual members regularly give their own time, money, and resources to care for the grounds, support families, and strengthen the cemetery.
What happens at Washington Crossing National Cemetery on Veterans Day? Guardians of the National Cemetery hosts our Veterans Day service on Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. Veterans, families, community organizations, local leaders, and residents gather to recognize those interred here and everyone who has worn our nation’s uniform. It is a day when the cemetery feels especially connected to the surrounding community. You see older veterans, military families, local residents, and young people standing together and listening to the same stories. For some, it is a day of pride. For others, it brings back memories of people they served with or loved ones they have lost. I believe we have an obligation as Americans to keep their memories alive every day through the way we live and serve others.
What do you enjoy most about Upper Makefield Township and the surrounding area? I have always been interested in history and architecture, so I enjoy seeing the historic sites, older homes, and preserved structures in Upper Makefield. Washington Crossing Historic Park, the Delaware River, the canal, and the surrounding landscape all give the area a character that is difficult to find anywhere else. I also appreciate the community’s commitment to preserve the area’s history and natural beauty. It is fitting that a national cemetery dedicated to honoring service is in a community with such a strong connection to the founding of our country.
Washington Crossing National Cemetery
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PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF NICK ANGELAKIS
LOCAL TASTES
Thanksgiving Trends This holiday, welcome guests to the table by serving a few tasty surprises mixed in with your classic dishes. BY NICK ANGELAKIS
THANKSGIVING is a special time for family and friends to come together around the dinner table to enjoy good food, good company, and the bounty of the season. What makes this holiday different from others is that it is celebrated by people of all backgrounds and traditions. Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t just mean turkey and pie, or football and parades; it’s an American family holiday that we love here at Colonial Farms Gourmet Food. When I see customers pick up their Thanksgiving food—whether that’s a fully catered turkey dinner or some add-on desserts—I take great joy in knowing that
they will soon be sharing a meal we worked hard to prepare. There is a lot of love, care, and respect that goes into everything we make. I often say that we are feeding our family, not just customers, and we have a duty to make the best meal for them. A TWIST ON TRADITION Turkey has always been the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner, but one trend we’re seeing more of lately is serving turkey drumsticks. They’re a fun, hearty addition to the holiday table and a great way to put
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PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF NICK ANGELAKIS
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars INGREDIENTS • 15 ounces pumpkin puree • 4 eggs • 1 ½ cups sugar • 8 ounces butter, melted • 2 cups organic all-purpose flour • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1 teaspoon salt For icing • 8 ounces butter, softened • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened • 2 cups confectioner’s sugar • 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
a twist on tradition. When it comes to selecting side dishes, my favorite recommendation is a sweet potato souffle. It’s sweet, creamy, and rich—the ultimate comfort food. As delicious as the main course may be, I think dessert is the best part of Thanksgiving. Pies, cakes, and cheesecakes are holiday classics, but there’s something special about smaller sweets that are easy to share and enjoy. Cupcakes, cookies, and miniature bites are a perfect way to add more variety to the table.
Our Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars have become a favorite not only for Thanksgiving but throughout the entire season. We start with moist pumpkin cake, baked thin and topped with rich, smooth cream cheese icing. It’s a personal favorite and the trendiest dessert this season. Just one bite has all the warm spices, sweetness, and comforting flavors of Thanksgiving and autumn. If you enjoy baking during the holidays, try making these bars at home with our recipe here.
DIRECTIONS Combine pumpkin, eggs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix at medium speed until fluffy. In separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture. Mix at low speed until combined. Spread into greased 9-by-13-inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Let bars cool. To make icing, combine softened butter and cream cheese. Mix at low speed until smooth. Add confectioner’s sugar and vanilla until combined. Spread icing on cooled pumpkin bars.
Nick Angelakis has owned Colonial Farms Gourmet Food Market since 1991. He attended the Culinary Institute of America and studied hotel and restaurant management at Penn State. He has lived in Upper Makefield Township with his family since 1985. NOVEMBER 2026 |
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Mira Nakashima inside the Conoid Studio
M
Crafting a Legacy At the wooded Solebury campus her father created, Mira Nakashima carries George Nakashima’s vision forward through craftsmanship, community, and reverence for the natural world. BY LELA CASEY
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MIRA NAKASHIMA does not command attention in the usual way. Soft-spoken and small in stature, she moves quietly through the nearby Solebury campus her father created, carrying a legacy of extraordinary scale with little interest in personal grandeur. While Mira’s presence may be gentle, her words carry enormous weight among the craftspeople who sustain George Nakashima’s work. She is the living link between her father’s vision and the designers
and craftspeople who continue that work today, preserving a place shaped by reverence for nature, craftsmanship, and spiritual purpose. For designers such as Zane Shalchi, even ordinary tasks can be a reminder of how closely that work remains connected to nature. “It’s just a joy every time we get to wet the wood down and stare at the beautiful colors,” he says. “None of us take it for granted.” At the center of the process is
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for architect Antonin Raymond in India, he became a disciple of spiritual teacher Sri Aurobindo and was drawn to karma yoga, “the yoga of doing,” a spiritual practice rooted in action. “It is a spiritual practice realized through doing something, making things, and putting your spirit into what you’re making,” Mira says. That belief became inseparable from his woodworking, which he recognized as a relationship among the tree, designer, craftsperson, and person who would live with it. George later met Marion Okajima in Tokyo. They settled in Seattle, where Mira was born in 1942. While she was still an infant, the family was forced from the West Coast and incarcerated at Minidoka, in the Idaho desert. The upheaval stripped the family of their home and freedom at the beginning of Mira’s life, an experience that would remain part of the family’s story long after they left the camp. There, Japanese carpenter Gentaro Hikogawa taught George about traditional hand tools and joinery. Raymond later helped secure the family’s release and brought them to Bucks County. GROWING UP NAKASHIMA For Mira, Bucks County became home almost immediately. She remembers
Mira Nakashima with her husband, Jon Yarnall
playing in sawdust and making toys from wood scraps. “I didn’t really consider it art,” she says. “It was just stuff that I did.” Before George completed their first house, the Nakashimas lived in a tent without running water. Mira remembers carrying soap to Ingham Creek to wash and being carried across patches of poison ivy by her father. “We lived pretty rough,” she says. After Minidoka, even the hardship carried a sense of joy. In one surviving letter, Marion described the family playing “in the creek
PHOTOGRAPHS BY JUAN VIDAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Mira, an architect and designer who returned to New Hope in 1970. Now in her 80s, she continues to design furniture, select wood, and guide the studio’s creative direction. “I never really felt there was a huge difference between what Dad wanted and what I was doing,” she says. “I tried to make sure there wasn’t a huge difference.” THE YOGA OF DOING The calm order of the campus conceals the complicated path by which George arrived at woodworking. Born in Spokane, Washington, in 1905 to Japanese immigrant parents, he studied forestry and architecture before traveling abroad. While working NOVEMBER 2026 |
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Craftsman Matthew Seezox works on a Nakashima chair.
in the cold, clear water,” adding simply, “We’re free.” Mira’s childhood was also shaped by her godmother, Mildred “Millie” Johnstone, whom she met in a New Hope bookstore. Johnstone invited her home, and Mira’s parents simply let her go. “No toothbrush or anything,” Mira says. When the family had little money, Johnstone became a devoted presence in Mira’s life, arranging lessons and later taking her to the Bach Festival. “Bless her heart,” Mira says. “She just took such good care of me growing up.” Johnstone’s connection to the family continued throughout her life. She eventually had part of her home redesigned and furnished entirely in Nakashima pieces.
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FINDING HER PLACE Gifted in mathematics and fascinated by languages, Mira entered Radcliffe College thinking of studying linguistics, but George had other plans. “My dad said to me, ‘No. You’re going to study architecture,’” she says.
The Conoid Studio at the George Nakashima Woodworkers campus
After graduating from Harvard University in 1963, Mira studied at Waseda University in Japan. Still learning the language and lacking drafting experience, she relied on classmate Tetsu Amagasu for help. Their friendship became a romance—she married her first husband, Amagasu; started a family; and moved to Pittsburgh. Several years later, George invited them back to New Hope. According to Mira, he asked, “Would you like to come home? I’m building you a house. And I bought some land across the road.” Mira’s response was simple: “It was an offer we couldn’t refuse.” When they returned in 1970, Marion put Mira to work typing order cards. Her architectural training soon gave her another role: translating George’s small sketches into detailed drawings the craftspeople could use. Over time, Mira’s work expanded beyond interpreting her father’s designs. The studio continues to make George’s furniture, preserving the forms and philosophy he established, but Mira has also created designs of her own using the same materials, techniques, and attention to each piece of wood. Among them is the Concordia chair, designed with classical musicians in mind and one she considers distinctly her own. She sees her work as part of a tradition
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Jaysond Neill, Zane Shalchi, and Mira Nakashima work through the design of a piece.
in which innovation grows from knowledge of what came before. ‘WE’VE GOT TO KEEP GOING’ That long apprenticeship took on new meaning after George’s death in 1990. He left behind a backlog of orders, many well-organized stacks of lumber, and a staff accustomed to his leadership. Suddenly, Mira and the senior craftspeople had to determine how to move forward without him. “The head men in the shop and I looked at each other and said, ‘OK, I guess we’ve got to keep going,’” Mira says. One of the studio’s most daunting commitments was recreating the Nakashima collection of longtime clients Dr. and Mrs. Krosnick after their Princeton home burned down. Mira wanted to fulfill her father’s promise to replace it. The commission became one of her first tests as the studio’s leader. “Mrs. Krosnick was here like every week for three years,” Mira says. “It was really good training for me because it was right after Dad passed away, and I thought, Mrs. Krosnick is my trainer. I have to learn how to be patient.’” THE WORK CONTINUES More than three decades later, Mira remains closely involved in design and
wood selection. Her second husband, longtime Nakashima chairmaker Jonathan “Jon” Yarnall, is also part of the studio community. Preserving George’s legacy means protecting not only George’s furniture forms but the intention behind them, while leaving room for the work to evolve. “The workers are working in harmony with the designers, and the designers are working in harmony with our clients,” Mira says. “There is a certain kind of communal energy which is imparted in each piece of furniture. And we hope that continues.” Senior designer Jaysond Neill says the scent of the lumber room seems to fall over him when he opens the door. “You can close your eyes and just know where you are,” he says. Mira remains a working designer, although leadership often interrupts the quiet work she hopes to accomplish. “Every day, I think I’m going to get drawing done,” she says. “But something else happens.” In July, Mira returned to Japan with her 22-year-old grandson, Toshi Amagasu, for exhibitions devoted to George’s work. “It’s interesting that his recognition is still going on,” she says. “He’s been gone for 36 years.”
Mira returned there as the steward of her father’s work, accompanied by a grandson beginning to find his own place within the family story. Toshi works at the studio in sales and public relations and plans to study in Japan. ALTARS FOR PEACE George’s work eventually extended beyond furniture. Inspired by a vision and a large black walnut tree, he conceived monumental altars as gathering places for meditation and prayer. The first was consecrated at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York in 1986. After his death, Mira and the Nakashima Foundation for Peace continued the project, placing Sacred Peace Tables in Russia and India. For Mira, continuing her father’s legacy has never meant simply reproducing what he left behind. It means preserving the spirit with which he worked while making room for her own designs, new hands, new places, and another generation. Lela Casey has been writing professionally for more than 15 years. She and her family live in Doylestown. NOVEMBER 2026 |
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VIEW
Through
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Bowman’s Hill Tower
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For nearly a century, Bowman’s Hill Tower has offered sweeping views of Bucks County while becoming a place where history and memories come together.
BY DARI KOTZKER
PHOTOGRAPHS BY LUCENT REFLECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHY (LUCY ESPEJEL)
RISING 125 FEET above the trees on Bowman’s Hill, a unique stone tower offers amazing views in Bucks County. On a clear day, visitors can see nearly 14 miles in every direction, taking in the rolling landscape that surrounds Washington Crossing. Located near the intersection of Route 32 and Lurgan Road within Washington Crossing Historic Park, Bowman’s Hill Tower has remained a popular landmark for generations. Locals and visitors return season after season to climb to the top to take in the beauty of the area. “It’s a very unusual structure; it’s almost designed like a medieval castle tower in the middle of Bucks County,” says Friends of Washington Crossing Park’s Visitor Services Coordinator Gaetano “Guy” Sava III. “Visitors are very intrigued and want to know all
the details of when it was built, why it was built, and who built it.” For Sava, the curiosity of the tower goes back further than his current job. He grew up in Bucks County and became interested in the structure when he visited it as a boy. His interest deepened when he chose Bowman’s Hill Tower as the focus of his Eagle Scout project. FROM INTRIGUE TO ACTION Sava started his service project at age 14 and completed it when he was 18, in 2011. He researched the history of the tower, then built brackets that would eventually display signs containing information based on his research. He also spearheaded repair projects, including repainting the railings and doors as part of his project. At 17, Sava was hired as a seasonal
weekend tour guide for the tower since he had researched the site and had deep knowledge of its history. Just two weeks into the job, Hurricane Sandy hit, forcing the tower to temporarily close for repairs. While closed, he learned more about other aspects of the park before returning to the tower when it reopened. After graduating from Temple University with a degree in business, Sava was hired full-time and has been sharing his expertise in all aspects of Washington Crossing Historic Park for the past 12 years. With his love of history and tourism, he says having a career here was a natural transition. “As a history buff and growing up near this major historic site, it’s the perfect fit,” he says. “It’s very cathartic as a historian to be able to talk about the history of the tower and the revolution.”
Friends of Washington Crossing Park’s Visitor Services Coordinator Gaetano “Guy” Sava III stands in front of the entrance to Bowman’s Hill Tower.
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Left: Philadelphia resident Victoria Rinner (right) hikes up the hill and tower with her young daughter, mother, and dogs. Right: Doylestown resident Kylie McCullough Ruggieri and her three young sons learn about Bowman’s Hill Tower.
HISTORY REVEALED In 1926, the nation was celebrating the 150th anniversary of America, sparking interest in preserving, commemorating, and promoting sites connected to the American Revolution. The creation of Bowman’s Hill Tower was a state project designed by Pennsylvania state architect Arthur Cowell, with construction work done by Washington Crossing Park Commission employees. Construction began in 1929, and the 125-foot tower was erected in 1930. Visitors would have
to wait another year before they could climb to the top. The tower officially opened to the public in September 1931. “The tower was, in a sense, built to commemorate Bowman’s Hill, which was believed to have been used as a lookout during the Revolution,” Sava says. “It could give people the same sort of view Gen. George Washington’s troops would have had to watch for enemy activity along the Delaware River. The tower was also built to be the centerpiece of the recreational development of the
Upper Park, surrounded by walking paths and picnic pavilions.” Building the stone tower atop the hill was no small undertaking. Throughout the roughly two years of construction, workers used approximately 2,400 tons of material, including nearly 20,00 feet of native stone gathered from the hill and nearby stone fences, cut stone from local quarries, 517 tons of sand, and 225 tons of cement. Even after the tower itself was finished, there was still work to be done before the public could enter. A railing for the staircase needed to be sourced and installed, and a lightning rod was also a necessity because the tower was struck four times during construction. Landscaping was also added to beautify the attraction. Bowman’s Hill Tower has always remained remarkably accessible to the public. It was closed only for an extended period from the late 1970s until 1984, when it underwent repairs and an elevator was installed, and again during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even when the tower was closed, visitors could still enjoy the surrounding Bowman’s Hill area. The distinctive stonework and medieval appearance of the tower are exhilarating to see in person. Whether visitors make their way up the 125 steps or take the elevator, the lookout is an added reward with its breathtaking views.
Above left: Bowman’s Hill Tower being built in 1930 Above right: Bowman’s Hill Tower after it opened in 1931 PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF FRIENDS OF WASHINGTON CROSSING PARK
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POPS OF COLOR For the third year in a row, Bucks County has been named a top leafpeeping destination in the United States, according to Priceline and TravelAwaits. Within the county, the views from Bowman’s Hill Tower are especially popular for their scenic beauty. The attraction draws approximately 40,000 visitors each year, with fall being the busiest period. “When you look out from the top, the area is heavily wooded, so you get a very nice pantheon of colors all blending together, and it attracts a lot of people who come to see the fall colors,” Sava says. “If you go up later in the day, right before sunset during the golden hour, the sun gets low and that golden hue reflects off of the yellow leaves. It’s very striking.” Victoria Rinner enjoys visiting from Philadelphia to hike up the hill and tower with her young daughter, mother, and dogs. “It’s such a beautiful place to visit,” she says. “There’s always a sense of peace and tranquility while you’re there. Once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with beautiful views of the surrounding area, and I also really appreciate the historical significance of the tower.” Although fall may bring the biggest crowds, Sava says the scenery is worth experiencing throughout the year. During the winter and early spring, before the leaves grow back, the landscape opens up in a different way. Features once hidden by foliage become visible, offering a chance to notice things visitors may have missed during warmer months. In summer,
Gaetano “Guy” Sava III
the views include people tubing down the Delaware River and endless fields of greenery. For many, it’s nostalgia that brings them back to Bowman’s Hill again and again. Sava says he frequently encounters adults who fondly remember visiting the site as children with their parents, running up and down the stairs. When he sees
children experience the tower for the first time, he notices that it inspires a sense of wonder, as they imagine themselves in a fairy tale or call it Rapunzel’s tower. Doylestown resident Kylie McCullough Ruggieri recently brought her three young sons to the tower for the first time. “We loved it, it was so scenic,” she says. “My boys enjoyed climbing the stairs to the top, and they all loved riding the elevator down. It’s a neat local attraction for kids that has a lot of history.” The tower also has been a backdrop for people celebrating milestone events. “One of my favorite stories is when someone proposed to his wife at the top of the tower,” Sava says. “Now it’s their pilgrimage every year—to go to the spot where they got engaged.” Bowman’s Hill Tower has welcomed locals and tourists for generations and remains a defining feature of Upper Makefield’s rural character. It takes approximately three minutes to walk to the top or five minutes by elevator, and for nearly 100 years visitors have stood at the same high point, looking over the gorgeous landscape and enjoying the beauty of the community below. Dari Kotzker is the editor of Upper Makefield magazine. She has worked as a reporter in television news and print media since 2001 and resides in Bucks County with her husband and four kids.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALEXANDRU VALERI-BRUSCHINI
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Inspiring Through Action
PHOTOGRAPHS BY LUCENT REFLECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHY (LUCY ESPEJEL)
Melissa Tenzer, executive strategic advisor for Dress for Success Worldwide and CEO and founder of The Cherry Tree Foundation
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Melissa Tenzer connects people with opportunities while building a legacy of service in her professional and personal communities. BY DARI KOTZKER
THE WORD “inspiration” is defined as a person or influence that moves the mind and emotions, sparking creativity, action, or enthusiasm. As executive strategic advisor for Dress for Success Worldwide and CEO and founder of The Cherry Tree Foundation, Washington Crossing resident Melissa Tenzer has dedicated her career to empowering others, serving her community, and creating meaningful opportunities for those around her. She embodies the very definition of inspiration through her words and actions that enhance the lives of others. A Bucks County native, Tenzer says she always felt a calling to stand up for others and use her voice to make a difference. While she initially
thought she would pursue a career as a newscaster, she ultimately graduated from Rider University with a degree in business administration. After college, she entered the staffing industry where she helped people find opportunities to reach their potential. Twenty-five years ago, Tenzer took that passion and opened CareersUSA, a subsidiary staffing agency in Mercer County, New Jersey. “I helped people find jobs, strengthen their résumés and cover letters, prepare for interviews, and recognize the skills they already had,” she says. “I wanted our clients to see that what they brought to the table had value— and that there was a path forward, whether they were graduating from
college or reentering the workforce.” While working with clients through the staffing agency, Tenzer also volunteered her services to local nonprofits in Mercer County, including HomeFront and Eden Autism Services, helping individuals find jobs. “I started to see the gaps in what people needed,” she says. “The individuals referred to me were capable, but they didn’t always know how to present themselves or tell their story in an interview. And just because someone is missing one or two skills on a job description doesn’t mean they aren’t worthy of the opportunity. I wanted to help bridge that gap— between what employers were looking for and the resources people needed to get there.”
Above: Kathryn Marie Sottile, Melissa Tenzer’s sister and Mina Tenzer’s aunt PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MELISSA TENZER
Right: Melissa Tenzer and her daughter, Mina Tenzer, honor the memory of Melissa’s sister, Kathryn Marie Sottile, through The Cherry Tree Foundation.
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EMPOWERING WOMEN The global nonprofit Dress for Success opened a location in Mercer County in 2007, and Tenzer was invited to speak at a luncheon. She immediately felt connected to the organization’s mission to empower low-income, underserved women to achieve economic independence. She became an advisor initially, and her impact continued to grow when she was hired as CEO of Dress for Success Central NJ (DFSCNJ) in 2015. The idea for this nonprofit started in 1996 in a church basement in New York City with just a few volunteers providing women with clothing to wear to job interviews. Years later, Tenzer helped expand the organization to include career services and workforce development programs. “I submitted and then received grants to bring computers and technology into underserved communities,” she says. “I launched a mentorship program to help people in career centers navigate job boards, build their confidence, and learn how to present themselves to employers. That became the heart of what I do.” Tenzer quickly grew within the organization. She founded the Dress for Success Business Academy at Trenton Central High School to help prepare future generations for success in the workplace. She also
was promoted to executive strategic advisor for Dress for Success Worldwide. In this position, she brings in more programming and curriculum, strengthens partnership opportunities with funders, and works to ensure women continue to recognize their worth and make their mark on the world. “There is nothing like seeing a woman land a job at a company we’ve partnered with and knowing we played a part in helping her get there,” Tenzer says. “It’s about more than getting someone a job—it’s about giving them the confidence and opportunity to build a career and believe in what they’re capable of. We cheer them on, and then we get to celebrate their success stories.” CONNECTED TO COMMUNITY Although her work takes place primarily in New Jersey, for the past 25 years, Tenzer has lived in Washington Crossing alongside her daughter, Mina Tenzer (now a senior at Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg), and her fiancé and stepdaughter. “I love Upper Makefield,” Melissa says. “The parks and the canals where I walk at least two to three times a week are so beautiful. Everybody knows each other and is so kind to each other. My daughter had the best experience in Council Rock School District,
Melissa Tenzer represents Dress for Success at Nasdaq. PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MELISSA TENZER PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MELISSA TENZER
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and the moms I met through her are lifetime friends.” Mina shares her mother’s appreciation for the surrounding community. “I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in Upper Makefield,” she says. “I spent a lot of my childhood horseback riding and playing for local travel soccer leagues, so many of my memories are tied to this area. As I’ve gotten older, nothing seems to compare to the comfort, safety, and natural beauty that Upper Makefield has to offer.” A LASTING LEGACY In 2024, Melissa experienced profound personal loss when her sister, Kathryn Marie Sottile, passed away from acute myeloid leukemia. Sottile was a Bucks County schoolteacher and singer who performed at many local venues including Washington Crossing Inn and Pineville Tavern. To honor her sister’s love of education and music, Melissa created The Cherry Tree Foundation in January 2025, which provides scholarships to students majoring in education or music. The foundation’s name comes from their families’ love of cherry trees and Sottile’s favorite song to perform—“Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” by KT Tunstall. The organization has already held two scholarship fundraising events, with plans to expand its efforts in the coming year. Family members, Upper Makefield friends, local businesses, and Sottile’s co-workers have all come together to support the cause. “It melts my heart to see how much this has helped my family through the grieving process,” Melissa says. “It has truly been a labor of love, a way to keep her spirit alive, and a way to turn our love for her into something that gives back to students.” Mina has worked as a content creator for The Cherry Tree Foundation and has helped with marketing materials and fundraising campaigns. “The Cherry Tree Foundation is incredibly important to my family because it has given us a meaningful way to keep my aunt’s memory alive,” she
says. “I think there is something really special about being able to take the love we have for her and turn it into an opportunity to help someone else. Through the scholarships, her memory gets to be connected to students who are working toward their own futures and accomplishments.” FINDING PURPOSE Melissa’s entrepreneurial spirit and ability to take on multiple projects are fueled by passion. She has received numerous honors and accolades for all her professional and community work. “When you’re looking to work with a community-based organization or start a nonprofit, you have to be passionate about the purpose,” she says. “It’s also about finding the right balance in your life—something that works with your time, plays to your strengths, and feels meaningful to you. When those things come together, that’s when you can really make a difference.” For Mina, her mother’s lifelong work has shown her the importance of giving back to the community. She says her mother’s ability to build relationships with others is one of her defining qualities. “My mom has
the ability to connect with all different types of people and treats everyone with respect,” she says. “Her personality allows her to build genuine connections with people across so many different communities and businesses, and people naturally want to work with and support her.” Melissa encourages others to volunteer with Dress for Success, noting the two nearest offices are located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. Whether through donating clothing and accessories or providing styling services, every contribution makes a difference, and many Upper Makefield women are involved, she says. Melissa plans to continue her work with Dress for Success by increasing partnerships with national and global organizations. With The Cherry Tree Foundation, she hopes to raise awareness, grow its fundraising events, and build partnerships with more local high schools and colleges. No matter what project she takes on, her ultimate goal remains the same: “I want to have a voice, but I wantº to make sure other people’s voices are heard,” she says. “That’s important to me—in my work and in my life. You have to be willing to stand up for others, use your voice, and do something that creates positive change.”º NOVEMBER 2026 |
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LI FE OUTDOORS
Turkey Bowl Time It’s time for families and friends to take the field for some all-American football fun. BY DARI KOTZKER THANKSGIVING DAY and football go hand in hand. While families look forward to watching NFL games on T.V., the pros don’t have to be the only ones throwing passes and making touchdowns. For decades, families and friends of all ages have gathered over Thanksgiving weekend for informal football games known as Turkey Bowls. Usually played in a backyard or a nearby park, these matchups are about fun and friendly competition. They are typically unofficiated with flag-football or twohand-touch formats so everyone can participate at any age or skill level. There is no official record of when the tradition of Turkey Bowls started for Americans, but for many, it’s an activity to burn off some calories before or after eating an abundant
Thanksgiving meal. Whether you’ve been playing in a Turkey Bowl for years or are thinking of starting a new annual tradition, here are a few pointers to help you kick off a great time. Pick a time and location. Most Turkey Bowls take place Thanksgiving morning, giving players a chance to work up an appetite before dinner. Choose a flat backyard or a local park and mark the boundaries with cones or markers. Aim for a 60- to 90-minute game to help prevent exhaustion and reduce risk of injuries. Organize teams and set safety rules. Create balanced teams based on age and skill level before the game begins. If a variety of ages are playing, even out the teams by pairing adults and kids. Establish basic rules prior to starting and encourage good sportsmanship
and a positive atmosphere. Stick with flag football or two-hand touch to minimize injuries. Bring the essentials. Pack your gameday gear: footballs, cones, and pinnies or jerseys to separate teams. Have plenty of water, sports drinks, and healthy snacks. Dress appropriately for the weather and tell players to layer up if needed. Have fun! Invite family and friends to cheer from the sidelines. Make it a friendly competition with fun awards, medals, or ribbons for participants. The goal is to enjoy time together and make memories. Dari Kotzker is the editor of Upper Makefield magazine. She has worked as a reporter in television news and print media since 2001 and resides in Bucks County with her husband and four kids.
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REAL ESTATE REPORT
SEPTEMBER HOME SALES Upper Makefield (UM), Lower Makefield (LM), Newtown (NT), Doylestown (DO), Solebury (SO) Address
Area
Bed
Bath
List Price
Sale Price
Sale Price % of List Price
DOM
174 Thompson Mill Rd.
Upper Makefield (UM)
4
4.1
$1,740,000
$1,740,000
100%
4
15 McConkey Dr.
Traditions WashXing (UM)
3
4
$999,000
$1,100,000
110%
12
917 Greenway Ave
Edgehill Gardens (LM)
5
4.1
$1,100,000
$1,075,000
98%
20
1055 Garey Drive
Wyndhan (LM)
4
4
$1,495,000
$1,365,000
91%
129
308 Hart Alley
Newtown Walk (NT)
3
4.1
$1,300,000
$1,275,000
98%
35
18 Amy Circle
Eagle Glen (NT)
4
4.1
$1,699,000
$1,725,000
102%
8
156 E Oakland Ave
Doylestown Boro (DO)
4
3
$1,379,000
$1,275,000
92%
19
388 Linden Ave
Doylestown Boro (DO)
4
3.1
$2,000,000
$1,950,000
98%
6
6175 Carversville Rd.
New Hope (SO)
4
3.1
$1,900,000
$1,897,000
100%
7
3521 N. Sugan Rd.
Solebury (SO)
6
6.1
$2,395,000
$2,400,000
100%
7
Brought to you by The Colleen Evanchik Team, Royale Homes of Washington Crossing, PA The accuracy of the statistical data in this table is not guaranteed by Upper Makefield magazine. All information is deemed accurate, but is subject to errors and omissions. The listings broadly represent the local real estate market rather than the listings of any single agent or agency. MLSP in condo and single-family sales in Bucks County from 9/1/2026 – 9/30/2026
Royale Homes Since 1993
The Colleen Evanchik Team
COLLEEN
TANYA
JOE
The Colleen Evanchik Family Team have been helping clients buy and sell homes across Bucks and Montgomery Counties from Upper Makefield/Lower Makefield/Yardley, to Doylestown and beyond. Whether you are selling a cozy condo or a luxury home, our hands-on team is with you every step of the way. From prepping and staging to tackling that honey-do list, we make selling simple.
Call the Colleen Evanchik Team - where everyone is treated like royalty! We offer FREE and FRIENDLY real estate advice, so call us anytime!
The Colleen Evanchik “Family” Team Colleen Evanchik – Broker/Owner, Tanya Evanchik and Joe Maher, Realtors (215) 493-2400 (office) | (215) 801-8957 (direct) | realbrit007@gmail.com Licensed in PA & NJ
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10/13/26 10:13 AM
HOM E FRONT
this step, you can find a classic woven cornucopia in the holiday section of most craft stores.
HARVEST Learn how to create a festive handcrafted cornucopia in time for the holidays. BY DEBORAH POMROY THERE IS SOMETHING wonderful about harvest season. It’s nature’s way of reminding us to pause, gather, and appreciate all the abundance growing around us. Bucks County is full of farm stands dotting our roadsides, offering fruit, vegetables, and flowers lovingly grown by our neighbors. Our own gardens are even bursting with enough vegetables for family meals and to share with friends. A festive way to celebrate the abundance of the fall harvest and the holiday season is to display a colorful cornucopia in your home. Traditionally shaped like a horn, the cornucopia was made to hold newly harvested food products and is a popular Thanksgiving decoration.
Here are three steps to help you design a lush and colorful harvest display to reflect the bounty of Bucks County. STEP ONE: BUILD THE BASKET Creating a cornucopia takes a bit of weaving but can easily be done. We created ours out of kiwi vine that we have growing in our garden, but grapevine or willow can also work nicely. Be sure the vines or branches are fresh and pliable to shape into a tubelike structure. Using a traffic safety cone as a mold, we strand by strand wove the kiwi vine with small pieces of wire to form the shape we wanted. This process can be creative and relaxing, but if you want to skip
STEP THREE: PERFECT YOUR DISPLAY Place your finished cornucopia on a dining table, in an entryway, on a porch, or on a garden bench where it can welcome family and friends. Since we did not move our cornucopia after we completed it, we let the filler pieces remain loose. However, if you plan to make yours and then move it to a different area, insert a wooden skewer into each component and then into the cornucopia; this will help prevent moving or shifting. This season, celebrate what grows. Gather a bit of beauty, a little bounty, and a whole lot of gratitude—and let the lush landscape of Bucks County take center stage. Deborah Pomroy is the director and educational, event, and floral coordinator at Seasons Garden Center in Washington Crossing. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Ornamental Horticulture from Delaware Valley University.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SEASONS GARDEN CENTER
Celebrate the
STEP TWO: ASSEMBLE THE FILLING After your cornucopia shell is complete, it’s time to fill it with the treasures of the season. Pumpkins, gourds, and ornamental corn are readily available an easy to use as a base. Then layer in colorful vegetables such as butternut squash, peppers, heirloom carrots, and eggplant. Adding apples, peaches, grapes, and blueberries gives the display pops of natural color. Flowers such as sunflowers, celosia, and dahlias bring the arrangement to life. Seed pods, wheat, grasses, eucalyptus, herbs, and interesting branches can add texture and movement. Mixing fresh and dried elements will keep your cornucopia looking beautiful for an extended period. The secret is to embrace abundance rather than perfection. Let things spill over the edges. Combine unexpected colors. Mix bold blooms with humble vegetables. A little whimsy makes the arrangement feel personal and inviting.
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BOOK NOOK
Turning Pages As the trees thin out, leaf through these cozy books to extend the magic of fall. BY ELIZABETH YOUNG
Heather
By Caitlin Mullen Dig into this crime novel that presents an unsolved mystery that will keep you turning the pages. It examines a mother and daughter relationship in flux amid the wilds of the New Jersey Pine Barrens.
The Wayfinders
By Adam Johnson An epic novel of huge proportion, this story combines history with the tale of young girl who sets out to save her fellow island natives from starvation in the South Pacific. It is told with appreciation of the human spirit and the natural world.
The Sparrow
YOUNG AND MIDDLE-GRADE READERS The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh By A. A. Milne This is a timeless treasure of stories that will be well read and much loved over the course of years, occasions, and precious moments.
The Cranky Cranberry
By DK Children The preschool and kindergarten crowd will love this fun story about graciousness that reminds us of what’s important in the world. The beautiful artwork throughout reinforces the book’s message and captures the wonder of nature.
Dog Man: A Sprinkle in Time
By Dav Pilkey Embark on a time-travel journey with Dog Man, who wants to rejuvenate the world and learns that through adversity comes growth.
Baby-Sitters on Board!
By Raina Telgemeier This Baby-Sitters Club graphic novel features pure babysitting fun, excitement, and page-turning suspense as four friends take off on a summer adventure not soon forgotten.
ADULTS The Tainted Cup
By Robert Jackson Bennett This fantastical mystery reads as a classic detective novel. It is an engaging masterpiece with some inventive world building and clever characters.
By Mary Doria Russell This fictional book of amazing structure and depth lends readers to think beyond our human emotional and intellectual boundaries here on Earth. It is a wonderful, suspenseful story not to be put down.
The Sisters
By Jonas Hassen Khemiri Sibling rivalry takes center stage in this multigenerational saga about family tension and the impact of childhood memories, culminating in a shocking revelation. Elizabeth Young is the owner of Commonplace Reader, which is located on Main Street in Yardley. The bookshop hosts monthly adult book clubs along with weekly kids’ activities. For more information, visit commonplace-reader.com. NOVEMBER 2026 |
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PHOTO OP
PHOTOGRAPH BY FRANK KAISER
BEAUTY IN THE DETAILS BY STAFF WRITER AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER Frank Kaiser spends time each week searching for interesting wildlife to photograph. His primary subjects are the bald eagles that call Bucks County home, but he also enjoys finding beauty in other raptors and waterfowl throughout local parks and along the Delaware River. On the morning of Sept. 14, Kaiser visited the Honey Hollow Nature Center for the first time and discovered several mallards resting in the pond. Most of the ducks were settled along the shoreline, but one lone mallard floated peacefully on the water. Its bright-blue wing plumage provided a striking contrast against the brown and white tones of the rest of its body. Kaiser captures his photographs using a tripod-mounted Vortex Crossfire 20-60x80 spotting scope fitted with an adapter that allows him to mount his iPhone 16 Pro. He uses a remote shutter control to minimize camera movement. For this photograph, the spotting scope was set to its minimum magnification, while the iPhone was positioned in landscape orientation with no digital zoom.
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Have a fabulous Upper Makefield photo? Email it to editor@ uppermakefieldmag.com and it could be featured in an upcoming issue!
10/15/26 11:24 AM
Is Your Financial Plan Future-Proof?
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