TASTE OF TUSCANY /BLACK HORSE FARM / FROG HOLLOW
BucksCounty magazine ©
Bucks County SPCA
Bristol Riverside Theatre
Fall 2015
Arts and Antiques
Over 3550 Artists ts & Craffttsmen en All 100% % Amer A ican Made ad
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FALL 2015
Vo lume 4 – N umber 3
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F E AT U R E S
60 Black Horse Farm 74 The Best Pet in the World
Chris French and Betsy Cutaiar transformed their historic home to have modern amenities and renewable energy sources. ❉ WRITTEN BY BETH S. BUXBAUM
By preventing animal cruelty, educating the public and placing animals into people’s homes, the Bucks County SPCA saves lives and heals broken hearts. ❉ WRITTEN BY BOB WAITE
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Broadway in Bristol
The critics and audience both agree that Susan T. Akinson and Keith Baker produce and direct New York quality plays at the Bristol Riverside Theatre. ❉ WRITTEN BY DIANA CERCONE
108 Arts & Antiques Guide
Your guide to the fine galleries, antique shops, artists and artisans.
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The Keeper of Documents
Tom Lingenfelter has a knack for finding very rare historic documents. ❉ WRITTEN BY MARY BETH SCHWARTZ
On The Cover
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE JAMES REDDING’S COLORFUL FALL PAINTING SHOWS A SPRINGHOUSE SURROUNDED BY BRIGHT
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ORANGE PUMPKINS.
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DEPARTM EN T S
Fall 2015 SIGNATURE
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SAMPLER
18
CLOSE UP
22
CALENDAR
24
DESTINATIONS
98
REAL ESTATE
142
SUNSET
144
GOODLIFE 40 / B U CKS P E O P L E Michael Smerconish
FOOD & DRINK
46 / A RT G A L L E RY
COUNTYFARE
52 / AVA N T G A R D E N
RESTAURANTS WITH TASTE 132 DINING GUIDE 135
Harry Boardman
Artistic Inspiration
56 / WO R KBE N C H Ashley King
88 / YOU R H E A LT H Tr e at i n g C h r o n i c Pa i n
92 / B E D N ’ B R E A K FA S T Fr o g H o l l ow Fa r m
104 /AT H O M E
Building Dream Homes
128 / I N ST Y L E Wat e r G a r d e n s 6
B U C K S C O U NTY M A G . C O M
Taste of Tuscany
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Addison Wolfe Real Estate A BOUTIQUE REAL ESTATE FIRM WITH GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
THE WILLOWS: The main home has been totally re-imagined over the years to reflect wide plank flooring,new porch,high-end designer kitchen, new baths, central air, quality built-ins and much more.Toward the rear of the property is an amazing barn with impressive Great Room featuring original wide plank flooring, stone fireplace, walls of glass, open kitchen and balcony that overlooks the heated salt water pool set with an oversized herringbone bluestone patio.The lower level has 2 bedrooms and a full bath. $1,495,000
TURTLE ROCK: Set on 5.4 acres in the pastoral community of Tinicum Township, "Turtle Rock" commands views of the Tinicum Creek as well as one of the remaining covered bridges in the county. The exquisite workmanship is evident throughout. A new addition was added to the original that houses a state of the art kitchen with radiant heat floors,family room,central foyer,powder room and master suite. $998,000 Contact Art Mazzei at 610-428-4885 or Paul DiCicco at 215-651-1435
WILDCAT FARM: A spectacular stone, stucco and log home sited on 16 acres in the rolling Tinicum countryside.The genesis of the home is the original log portion with wide chinking. This section of the home has become a large family room that exudes charm and history. As the centuries passed, the more affluent additions were added. Wildcat Farm offers a period perfect barn, in-ground pool and cook house. $1,175,000
THE LODGE AT COOKS CREEK: This very special Lodge style home evokes the spirit of the Southwest in Upper Bucks. A private road leads to the home with spectacular views. Multiple bedrooms, 2 story stone fireplace, pristine wood floors and rustic timbers add to the ambiance.Pool, patio Cooks Creek and carriage style garage.It has it all. Close to Saucon Valley Country Club or 90 minutes to Manhattan. $1,395,000
FRENCH COUNTRY HOME : A long sinuous drive, past mature woodlands, brings you up to the home on 4 plus acres.This French inspired country home offers the three traditional steep gabled roof lines. The lead glass front door opens to a welcoming foyer with barrel ceiling, symmetrical dining room and formal living room. First floor master bed chamber. Includes a separate 2 bedroom apartment. $899,000
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PR IC E
TWIN PONDS FARM: A classic Bucks County mini-farm that's perfect for your modern lifestyle. The historic plaster over stone farmhouse built in 1754, is nestled on 6.4 acres, 3 zoned C-2 commercial, 3.4 AP Agricultural. Located just 15 minutes north of Doylestown in Pipersville, the property offers the visibility of Rt.413. Yet the main house, featuring 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, is far enough from the road,and buffered enough,to feel private. Separate office building and bank barn. $549,000
RIVERFRONT CONDOS: Very rare opportunity to purchase four contiguous River front condominiums, on prestigious North Main Street,equaling approximately 12,000 sq feet. These large units are equivalent in size to a regular home. Two of the units,if combined,would be 7,000 sq.ft. You can live in one and rent the other three; combine two into a regular home. Unique and different, not to be duplicated. $3,150,000
UNION HOUSE: Located among private residences and Bed & Breakfasts with just an easy stroll to downtown New Hope riverfront. This stately 3-storyhome has been carefully renovated into 3 spacious and modern apartments. All apartments are rented and individual utilities have been separated out. The exterior of the building was freshly painted in late 2014 and all aspects of the structure have been maintained over the years. $599,000
PONDMEADOW FARM: One of those rare properties that can boast a substantial parcel of land, a stone manor home, pool, pond and rentals spaces, only minutes from a thriving town of restaurants and shops. This homestead delivers an antique home built by early American craftsmen while neighboring new construction tries to capture what Pondmeadow already owns. $899,000
For property information contact Art Mazzei directly at 610-428-4885
550 Union Square, New Hope, PA • 215-862-5500 • www.AddisonWolfe.com
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HOME t GARDEN t PATIO
BucksCounty magazine ©
Publisher William N. Waite Executive Editor Bob Waite Art Direction BCM MEDIA CO., INC. Advertising Director Vicky M. Waite Administration Melissa Kutalek Calendar Editor Mary Beth Schwartz Cover Artist James Redding
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MUMS & ASTERS PANSIES ORNAMENTAL GRASSES SEDUM CORAL BELLS ORNAMENTAL PEPPERS KALE & CABBAGE GOURDS PUMPKINS CORN STALKS
Rake in the FALL FUN Experience the beauty of Bucks Country Gardens– Your local Lifestyle Garden Center. Fall is for Planting...and Saving! Now thru Oct 22
Fall is the best time to plant, so join us for weekly specials, plant features & more!
Pre-Season Christmas Tree Sale Event Oct 8–Nov 4
Shop now for the biggest selection and the best prices of the season!
Christmas Open House Weekend Nov 6, 7 & 8 0REVIEW 0ARTY .OV s TO PM
Kick off the Christmas Season with great shopping, fantastic savings and holiday cheer!
Girls’ Thyme $EC s TO PM
Grab your girlfriends for an evening of special savings and lite bites & wine from local businesses. Visit our website for more details!
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1057 N. Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902 | 215.766.7800 | buckscountrygardens.com 10
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Contributing Writers Beth Buxbaum, Diana Cercone, Derek Fell, Bob & Sue Gordon, Patti Guthrie, Lew Larason, Michele Malinchak, Margo A. Ragan, Mary Beth Schwartz Bob Waite Circulation BCM MEDIA Co., INC. Contributing Photographers Randl Bye, Derek Fell, Jess Graves, Melissa Kutalek, Stacey Simcik, Paul Wesley Account Executives Kathie Bachmann, Lisa Bridge, Kathy Driver, Lisa Kruse
Bucks County Magazine, (ISSN 2164-9847), 309 W. Armstrong Drive, Fountainville, PA 18923, phone 215-766-2694 • Fax 215-7668197. www.buckscountymag.com. Published quarterly by BCM Media Company Inc., Fountainville, PA. All contents copyright by BCM Media Company DBA/Bucks County Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Published quarterly. Four-issue subscription for U.S. is $15.95, in Canada $35.00, U.S. dollars only. Foreign one-year rate is $90. Standard postage paid at Lancaster, PA. Single-copy price is $4.95 plus $3.00 postage and handling. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Bucks County Magazine, PO BOX 36, Morrisville, PA 19067. This magazine welcomes, but cannot be responsible for, manuscripts and photos unless accompanied by a stamped, selfaddressed return envelope.
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By Bob Waite
utumn is my favorite season. There is nothing I like better than to be outside on a crisp, clear October day. I love that darker hue of blue the sky becomes and that special afternoon light that brings sparkling clarity to the colorful foliage displayed all over the County. And what can be better to do on a colorful autumn day than to hop in my car and bounce along the county roads searching for finds at yard sales, flea markets and antiques shops? And since I am not the only one who does this on a beautiful fall day, we have our Annual Arts and Antiques Guide every fall. We also have a very enlightening article by Mary Beth Schwartz about Tom Lingenfelter who researches, finds and sells historic documents. In his office is a very early copy of the Declaration of Independence along with documents signed by founding fathers and documents and antiques from every period of American history. As evenings get cooler and darkness descends earlier, outdoor entertainment and events are given over to indoor activities like going to the theatre. So we highlighted Bristol Riverside Theatre in an article by Diana Cercone titled, “Broadway In Bristol.” The story of how this professional theatre came into being and the kind of direction and plays shown is both fascinating and edifying. Last year I saw two performances there and was completely dumbfounded. New York level entertainment is available right in Bristol, PA. And by the way, Bristol Borough is a very pretty town to visit during the fall. My dog Crystal likes the fall, but considering she is a Siberian husky, she probably likes the winter better. By the way, she was adopted nine years ago and is the best pet in the world. And she’s the inspiration behind the article I wrote called, “The Best Pet in World.” But the article isn’t about Crystal, but is rather about the Bucks County SPCA. This organization does such a remarkable job of taking in orphaned animals and preparing them for adoption that almost all adopters agree that their pet is the best pet in the whole world. However, none of them have even met Crystal. Our featured house this fall is Black Horse Farm in Perkasie, a historic farm originally built in 1851. The home, after its remodeling by owners Chris French and Betsy Cutaiar to bring it more up to date, gets its heat and electricity completely from renewable energy sources. Our writer Beth Buxbaum explores the remodeling and change to renewable energy in her story “Black Horse Farm.” In our departments for the Fall 2015 Issue of Bucks County Magazine we have a woman whose tomato sauce is now being sold at Whole Foods and other retailers, artist Harry Boardman, Frog Hollow Farm Bed & Breakfast, woodworker Ashley King, Art and the Garden, an interview with talk show host Michael Smerconish, treatments for chronic pain, building a dream home, ponds and waterfalls, and two favorite Bucks County restaurants. So on those few fall days that are rainy and gray, you will have plenty to read about in Bucks County Magazine.
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Karen Advanced Lung Disease Survivor and Lung Transp plant Recipient
THE HARRON LUNG CENT TER IS #1 IN THE REG GION, TOP 10 IN THE NA N TION. I lived e with sarcoidosis which h turned into pulmonary hypertension. The disea ase made leavin ng the house or doing everyday things unimaginable. e The Harron Lung Center at Penn Medicine helped me manage my advanced lung diseasse and gave me the confidence to feel at a ease about receiving a lung transplant. With mo ore top pulmonary doctors than all Phila adelphia hospitals combine ed – I knew I was in good hands. Thanks to them, I’m alive and enjoying y my new job – full-time e grandma.
To sch hedule a consultation, ation in the citty or in your community, call 800.78 89.PENN (7366) or visit PennM Medicine.org/BreatheEasier
… this handcrafted Tsuitate sofa by Mira Nakashima is finished in maple root burl on a walnut base. Just an example of the beautiful workmanship done at George Nakashima Woodworker Studio, 1847 Aquetong Road, New Hope, PA; 215-862-2272 or online at www.nakashimawoodworker.com.
Sampler ... ten years ago, Bucks County author Mary Shafer released her book, Devastation on the Delaware: Stories and Images of the Deadly Flood of 1955. Post-Katrina, the entire first printing sold out in just 42 days. A revised second edition was released in 2010, and 6,500 copies later, the title is still going strong. The author launched the third and final edition of her book on August 19—the 60th anniversary of the flood in Bucks County—at a special event hosted by the Nurture Nature Center in Easton. The treatment covers both sides of the river from Port Jervis/Matamoras/Montague to Trenton/Morrisville. It provides detailed historical, cultural and meteorological context for this tragic weather disaster that changed life in the Delaware Valley forever. The book has received multiple publishing industry awards and is available at 55Flood.com, the Doylestown Book Shop, Farley's in New Hope, The Book Garden in Frenchtown, and through Amazon.com in print and eBook format.
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...Gien Darling Dog pattern features the cutest of pooches on this new novelty pattern of giftware for the table. Each adorable image of the dog is surrounded by a corded braid and patterned background with the name of each dog on the corresponding tag. Available at F.X. Dougherty Home & Gift, 64 South Main St., Doylestown, PA; 215-345-7541; fxdougherty.com.
... autumn splendor by Al Lachman, renowned for his pastels as well as his oil paintings, he is a master painter, instructor, juror and author celebrating 60 years as a professional artist. Visit his gallery at Peddler’s Village, Street Road, Lahaska, PA; 215-794-5500; or go to www.lachmanstudios.com.
...Antique molded edge brass, left hand, 8-1/8" x 5-3/4" Face mounting screws make this lock RARE. With the original oval knobs shown at this price, fitted to your door thickness, complete lock, ready to install for more years of use. Available through Ball and Ball (TCS Antiques), 465 W. Lincoln Hwy, Exton, PA; 610363-1559; www.ballandball.com.
…enjoy this comfortable Pattern Pay Wear outfit in gold with night blue layer wrap and hoodie printed in leaf complete with side pockets and gauzy linen scarf available at Blue Fish, 62 Trenton Ave., Frenchtown, NJ; 908-996-3720; www.bluefishclothing.com.
...this living room arrangement in country floral design is durable yet comfortable and comes in many chooses of fabics and frame designs. Made in America and available at David’s Country Furniture, 2205 Bristol Pike, Rt. 13, Croydon, PA; 215-788-3240; www.theoaksuperstore.com. FA L L 2 0 1 5
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Close Up MATHNASIUM COMES TO PEDDLER’S VILLAGE
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athnasium operates on the core belief that virtually any child can become great at math. The Mathnasium Method™, implemented at more than 600 Mathnasium centers in the U.S. and abroad, is a unique program that provides each child with a customized learning plan and innovative personalized instruction. Mathnasium of Buckingham is getting kids "Crazy About Math" by teaching them to think in the ways that natural mathematical thinkers do. In a day-and-age where the educational climate of the United States is pressurized by the demands of high-stakes standardized testing, Mathnasium takes a refreshing and holistic approach that focuses on each student’s long-term mathematical growth and success. Students at Mathnasium quickly learn that math can be fun and interesting as well as extraordinarily useful, both in terms of succeeding in school and for the valuable life skills it provides. Mathnasium of Buckingham is an Affiliate Center of Mathnasium of Manhattan (New York, NY), which is owned by wife and husband team, Tammy and Marc Goldberg. The Goldbergs, who have owned and operated successful Mathnasium centers in Manhattan since October 2008, are thrilled to be operating Mathnasium in Bucks County. To find out more about Mathnasium of Buckingham at Peddler’s Village, please visit www.mathnasium.com/buckingham.
B UC K S C OUNTY B RAVA AWA RD W INNER
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r.Vail P. Garvin, President and CEO of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, received a Brava award, which celebrates female CEOs, nonprofit leaders and high impact executives who combine their irrepressible entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for giving back to the community. President and CEO Dr. Vail P. Garvin has a healthcare background and has been appointed to the Independence Blue Cross board of directors by the Bucks County Commissioners. “I am involved in many other boards of directors,” Garvin says. “In fact, my entire life has been devoted to the nonprofit world.” Smart CEO, when giving the award cited Vail Garvin’s leadership of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce and all the things it does in the community as the main reason for her receiving this prestigious award. Mentioned in Smart CEO magazine was how the Central Bucks Chamber builds alliances among its members by uniting business, industry, professionals, artists and non-profit organizations. It also mentioned the Business Growth Series, the Women in Business Committee’s raising of scholarship funds for women in transition, the Entrepreneurial Assistance program and the Bucks Fever Program that raises money to generate 33,000 copies of a 38-page brochure that reflects more than 200 activities conducted by Bucks County nonprofit organizations. 22
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A FA M I LY OF REM ODELERS
n 1990 Dennis Gehman founded Gehman Design Remodeling (GDR) in a basement office in his home. Since that time, Gehman has grown to over 20 dedicated professionals providing quality design and remodeling services to homeowners throughout the Southeastern Pennsylvania area. GDR offers a full range of remodeling services, specializing in kitchens, baths and room additions. Gehman Design Remodeling is a family business in a real sense. Dennis’s sons Elijah and Aaron are both skilled tradesmen who were project managers and are now remodeling consultants for the company. Daughter Kaela is our CFO, and her husband, Travis, is their marketing director. His daughter Teesha is married to Nick Martin who has his master’s degree in architecture. The company offers a unique five-year guarantee on labor (Structural elements are guaranteed for 10 years). GDR also has a skilled project manager approach to managing client projects. Today, GDR has offices and a showroom located in a Mid-Nineteenth century renovated barn at 355 Main Street in Harleysville, PA. For more information call, 215-660-5635.
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COOPER MECHANICAL SHOWROOM ADDITION
he newest addition to Cooper Mechanical’s Kitchen and Bath Showroom at their Ottsville Corporate Office is on the second floor. Cooper Mechanical recently refreshed their showroom with the newest product offering from their leading plumbing partners. A preferred Kohler distributor, Cooper Mechanical has the largest registered Kohler Showroom in Upper Bucks County. In this showroom are a wide variety of high quality faucets, sinks, tubs, toilets and bathroom accessories. Other brands represented in this addition include Grohe, Moen, Delta, and more. Open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, a visit to Cooper Mechanical’s Kitchen and Bath Showroom can be taken by simply walking in or it can be personalized by making an appointment with Showroom Manager Chrissy. Whether you’re building a new house, adding an addition, or just replacing an existing fixture, Cooper Mechanical has everything you’ll need to complete the job including a professional team of experienced installers and service technicians. If you need a part for an existing fixture, call them and they’ll have your order ready for quick pick-up or they’ll order it and call you when it arrives. Cooper has been in business for 40 years and is a full-service HVAC and Plumbing Company. Cooper Mechanical is located at 7696 Easton Road, Ottsville, PA. For more information call, 610-847-2441, email information@coopermech.com or visit www.coopermech.com.
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VALUES AND HAIRSTYLING
incent Prinzi is not an ordinary businessman. He is an accomplished musician, who has written two books and lives by a set of values that he imparts to the stylists working for him at Stars Di Prinzi in Warrington. He says, “Being a good hair stylist is not only about styling hair. There are a thousand people in Bucks County that can style hair. But what makes you a better stylist is when you truly and sincerely work and live with the same values. And you work with passion and commitment and love what they do. That’s when people know you are different than the other guy.” Vincent wrote two books about this, one published last year, called Breakthrough Journey and another ready to come out at the end of the year. In these delightful books he describes what he teaches his staff at Stars Di Prinzi. His goal is not getting rich but performing a service that is transformative, done with a big difference.Vincent’s staff are people, and he treats them that way. The work experience is life enhancing when there is mission and purpose. The building itself, with its high ceiling, chairs for chatting and services ranging from wash, style and color to pedicure, facials, and massage, exemplifies these values. He also has a line of his own products, but most of all he is mentoring and coaching his staff in the five core values that define his approach to hair styling and life itself: vision, passion, purpose, commitment, and love. Stars Di Prinzi is located at Victorian Village, 1438 Easton Road,Warrington, PA. For information or appointment, call 215-343-4877 or visit www.starsdiprinzi.com.
P ERFEC T SC ORE FOR C LOSET C ITY LTD.
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t the 2015 Cabinets & Closets Gala Awards two entries received perfect scores from the judges (a first in the history of the award) and made them both Overall Winners. One of the winners was Janet Stevenson, Closet City Ltd, Montgomeryville PA, for her project “Personal Boutique,” entered in the Closet: Laminate Under 18 Linear Feet category. She said,“My client wanted to take an unused bedroom located directly off of the master bedroom, and make it into her ‘Personal, Glamorous Boutique’ closet … She wanted lots of shelving, cabinets, and hanging areas around the outskirts of the room, with an island in the center filled with multiple jewelry drawers. Her request was for as much bling and ‘drama’ for her boutique as we could provide, while keeping her budget in mind as she was simultaneously having a major kitchen renovation done. Her wish list included having her shoes visually available, all of her folded sweaters behind glass doors, a ‘jewelry store’ affect, and a Hollywood-style dressing table.” Closet City Ltd. is located at 619 Bethlehem Pike (Route 309), Montgomeryville, PA; 215-855-4400 or visit www.closetcity.com. FA L L 2 0 1 5
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Bucks County
Calendar
Above top, through September, the Annual Bucks County Quilt Showcase. Below, The Trinity Church Autumn House Tour on October 17th.
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ANTIQUES ART CRAFTS ENTERTAINMENT EQUESTRAIN EVENTS FAMILY GARDENS HISTORY NATURE
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Antiques GOLDEN NUGGET ANTIQUE AND FLEA MARKET Ongoing: The Golden Nugget offers authentic antiques, collectibles, art, and interesting items. Over 60 indoor shops and 200 outside dealers. Free parking. Open Wed., Sat, and Sun. 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1850 River Road, Lambertville, NJ. 609-397-0811; www.gnflea.com. NEW JERSEY ANTIQUE SHOWS September 20: Hunterdon County Fall Antiques Fair (South County Park, Lambertville) December 5-6: Christmas Antique Show (Turnpike Road School, Oldwick) Admission. 609-865-9846 or email: ellenbob360@gmail.com. ALLENTOWN FAIRGROUNDS October 3-4: Allentown Antique Book and Paper Show October 17-18: Antique & Modern Arms Show November 7: Antique Toy Show December 5-6: Antique & Modern Arms Show 302 North 17th Street, Allentown, PA. 610-4337541; www.allentownfair.com. RAGO ARTS AND AUCTIONS November 5: Marine Art 333 North Main Street, Lambertville, NJ. 609397-9374; www.ragoarts.com. VALLEY RAIL PROMOTIONS November 7: The Great Lehigh Valley Slot Car Show and Swap Meet December 12: The Great Lehigh Valley Antique Toy and Collectible Show
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Admission. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Merchants Square Mall, 1901 South 12th Street, Allentown, PA. 610-440-0487; www.lehighvalleytrainmeet.com. 2015 ANNUAL ANTIQUES SHOW November 14-15: The Bucks County Antiques Dealers Association presents their 68th annual show. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission. Eagle Fire Hall, Route 202 and Sugan Road, New Hope, PA. 215-290-3140; www.bcadapa.org. FALL ANTIQUES AUCTION November 20-21: Antiques Roadshow Expert Noel Barrett announces this annual fall auction of vintage toys, trains, advertising, carousel animals, dollhouses, miniatures, and more. Eagle Fire Hall, Route 202 and Sugan Road, New Hope, PA. 215-297-5109; www.noelbarrett.com.
Art BANANA FACTORY ARTS CENTER Ongoing: First Friday November 6-8: Olympus InVision Photography Festival 25 West Third Street, Bethlehem, PA. 610-3321300; www.artsquest.org. CANAL FRAME-CRAFTS GALLERY Ongoing: A full-service gallery and frame shop, Canal Frame features both originals and prints. Many fine quality local artists are represented. 1093 General Greene Road, Washington Crossing, PA. 215-493-3660; www.canalframe.com.
PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART Through February: Cy Twombly: Sculptures Through December 6: The Wrath of the Gods: Masterpieces by Rubens, Michelangelo, and Titian Through Mid-November: Inside Out Through November 15: Take Two: Contemporary Photographs Through October 25: Into Dust: Traces of the Fragile in Contemporary Art Through October 4: Northern Lights: Scandinavian Design Through September 28: Shelley Spector: Keep the Home Fires Burning October 27-January 10: Audubon to Warhol: The Art of American Still Life 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA. 215-763-8100; www.philamuseum.org. ALLENTOWN ART MUSEUM OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY Through December 6: Jeffrey Becom: Colors of India Through October 11: Above Zero: Photographs from the Polar Regions by Sam Krisch Through October 11: A Shared Legacy: Folk Art in America Through October 11: Woven Welcome 31 North Fifth Street, Allentown, PA. 610-4324333; www.allentownartmuseum.org. JAMES A. MICHENER ART MUSEUM Through November 15: Veils of Color: Juxtapositions and Recent Work by Elizabeth Osborne Through October 25: Iron and Coal, Petroleum and Steel: Industrial Art from the Steidle Collection Through October 11: Herman Leonard: Jazz Portraits
October 24-February 7: Paul Grand: Beyond the Surface November 14-February 21: Blanket Statements 138 South Pine Street, Doylestown, PA. 215-340-9800; www.michenermuseum.org. PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF THE FINE ARTS Through November 1: Rock, Paper, Scissors: Drawn from the JoAnn Gonzalez Hickey Collection Through October 11: feast famine Through October 11: Traction Company September 16-November 29: James Toogood: Watercolors October 9-January 3: Mia Rosenthal: Paper Lens November 11-April 9: World War I and American Art November 13-April 3: Procession: The Art of Norman Lewis 118-128 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA. 215-972-7600; www.pafa.org. WOODMERE ART MUSEUM Through November 1: Raymond Theel: Making a Big Impression Through October 18: Woodmere Welcomes Pope Francis: Biblical Art from the Permanent Collection September 26-January 24: We Speak: Black Artists in Philadelphia, 1920s-1970s November 7-March 14: The Weight of Watercolor: The Art of Eileen Goodman 9201 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. 215-247-0476; www.woodmereartmuseum.org. ARTISTS’ GALLERY Through October 4: Beatrice Bork and Carol Sanzalone October 8-November 1: Joe Kazimierczyk and
Alex McKibbin November 5-December 6: Charles David Viera and Debbi Pisacreta December 10-January 31: Gallery Members Group Show 18 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ. 609-397-4588; www.lambertvillearts.com. THE UPSTAIRS GALLERY Through September 25: New Hope Art League Member’s Show September 27-October 30: Chaz Walter November 1-December 4: John Mertz December 6-January 8: Darcy Feralio Peddler’s Village, Shop 10, Route 202 and Street Road, Lahaska, PA. 215-794-8486; www.theupstairsgallery.com. PRINCETON UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM Through September 20: Collecting Contemporary, 1960-2015: Selections from the Schorr Collection September 19-January 3: Cezanne and the Modern: Masterpieces of European Art from the Pearlman Collection October 3-January 10: Sacred Caves of the Silk Road: Ways of Knowing and Re-Creating Dunhuang October 3-January 24: Princeton’s Great Persian Book of Kings Princeton University campus, Princeton, NJ. 609-258-3788, www.princetonartmuseum.org. STOVER MILL GALLERY September 12-October 4: Ron Bevilacqua & Harry Boardman October 17-November 8: Fourth Juried Art Exhibition 852 River Road, Erwinna, PA. 610-294-9420;
www.stovermillgallery.org. TRAVIS GALLERY September 12-October 4: Oils of Greg Bennett October 10-November 1: Art of Daniel Anthonisen November 7-29: Annual Exhibit of Peter Fiore December 5-20: Annual Small Paintings Exhibit 6089 Lower York Road, Route 202, New Hope, PA. 215-794-3903; www.travisgallery.com. ARTISTS OF YARDLEY (AOY) September 18-October 10: 2015 Local Color 949 Mirror Lake, Yardley, PA. 215-493-1205; www.artistsofyardley.org. THE BARNES FOUNDATION September 19-January 4: Ellen Harvey: Metal Painting September 19-January 4: Strength and Splendor: Wrought Iron from the Musee Le Secq des Tournelles 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA, 215-278-7000; 300 North Latch’s Lane, Merion, PA, 215-278-7350. www.barnesfoundation.org. PATRICIA HUTTON GALLERIES September 19-October 11: Country Roads: A Group Landscape Exhibition October 17-November 15: Dot Bunn Solo II 47 West State Street, Doylestown, PA. 215-3481728; www.patriciahuttongalleries.com. PENNRIDGE GALLERY OF THE ARTS September 20: This Sellersville arts festival features the works of local and visiting artists. 12 to 5 p.m. Main Street, Sellersville, PA. www.galleryofthearts.org.
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86TH ANNUAL JURIED ART EXHIBITION AT PHILLIPS’ MILL September 26-October 31: This prestigious art exhibition features artists living within a 25-mile radius of Phillips’ Mill. Works of art include oils, watercolors, prints, mixed media, drawings, and sculpture, and modern, abstract, representational, and traditional styles. Daily 1 to 5 p.m. Admission. Phillips’ Mill, 2619 River Road, New Hope, PA. 215-862-0582; www.phillipsmill.org. HUNTERDON ART MUSEUM September 27-January 3: Through the Lens September 27-November 8: Sally Spofford November 15-January 3: Arturo Cabrera 7 Lower Center Street, Clinton, NJ. 908-735-8415; www.hunterdonartmuseum.org. ASPIRING ARTISTS OF THE EARTH October 10: Night of Fire December 4-6: Holiday Celebration 174 South Main Street, Dublin, PA. 215-239-3934; www.aaote.com.
Crafts ANNUAL BUCKS COUNTY QUILT SHOWCASE Through September: Over 100 quilts of various types will be on display at the Bucks County Visitor Center. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 3207 Street Road, Bensalem, PA. 215-639-0300; www.visitbuckscounty.com. ANNUAL TRADITIONAL ARTISAN SHOW September 12-13: Bedminster Land Conservancy hosts this annual show. There will be over 40 artisans from 12 states selling Redware pottery, Windsor chairs, hooked rugs, Shaker boxes, floor cloths, Theorem paintings, stained glass, and more. Visitors also can see craft demonstrations. Delaware Valley College, 700 East Butler Avenue, Doylestown, PA. 215-795-2352; www.bedminsterlandconservancy.org. AUTUMN FEST September 19: The Makefield Women’s Association presents this annual festival. There will be a unique selection of arts and crafts, as well as live entertainment, food vendors, and booths sponsored by the community. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Rain or shine. Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, PA. 267-573-9692; www.makefieldwomensassociation.org. 19TH ANNUAL RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS September 19-20: This annual festival combines art, music, and literature where the Lehigh meets the Delaware River. Free admission. Larry Holmes Drive, Easton, PA. www.eastonriversidefest.com. BYERS’ CHOICE September 20-27: Expanded Nativity Exhibit October 17-18: Design Your Own Witch November 1-December 31: Byers’ Choice Christmas Experience December 11: Gerald Dickens 4355 County Line Road, Chalfont, PA, 215-822-6700; www.byerschoice.com. NEW HOPE ANNUAL OUTDOOR JURIED ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL September 26-27: This juried festival features over 200 crafters and artisans. Works shown include photography, furniture, jewelry, watercolors, oils, pastels, pen and ink drawings, ceramics, glass, wood, and sculpture. Rain or shine. Free admission. New Hope-Solebury High School, New Hope, PA. 215-862-9990;
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www.visitnewhope.com. HOOKED RUG FESTIVAL October 3-4: Come to this second biennial festival sponsored by four area rug hooking guilds. There will be hundreds of rugs exhibited. Also part of the event are presentations, workshops, demonstrations, raffles, boutique items, and rugs for purchase. Admission. Prallsville Mills, Route 29, Stockton, NJ. 908-735-7985; www.rugfestival.com. PENNSYLVANIA GUILD OF FINE CRAFTSMEN FAIRS October 9-11: Philadelphia, PA November 14-15: Lancaster, PA Admission. 717-431-8706; www.pacrafts.org. CRAFTS IN THE MEADOW FALL INVITATIONAL CRAFT SHOW October 17-18: This fine art and craft event showcases excellence in craftsmanship alongside a weekend of live music, children’s activities, demonstrations, performing arts, and cuisine. Over 100-plus exhibitors will represent the mediums of wood, fiber, ceramic, metal, glass, jewelry, and sculpture. Tyler Park Center for the Arts, Tyler State Park, 10 Stable Mill Road, Richboro, PA. 267-218-0290; www.tylerparkarts.org. FALL 2015 FINE ART AND CRAFT SHOW November 3-11: Over 95 of the area’s top artisans display and sell an assortment of fine art and crafts. Admission. Aldie Mansion, 85 Old Dublin Pike, Doylestown, PA. 610-869-4444; www.lydiasguild.com. HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW November 27-December 6: Juried artists and crafters display their works in the pre-Civil War barn located on the historic Pearl S. Buck estate. There will be art, ceramics, glass, pottery, wood, and jewelry. Visitors also will find decorative accessories, holiday décor, antiques, and holiday candies, jams, and jellies. Admission. 520 Dublin Road, Perkasie, PA. 215-249-0100; www.psbi.org. CHRISTKINDLMARKT BETHLEHEM Late November-Late December: This noted Lehigh Valley holiday market offers aisles of handmade works from around the globe. Visitors also can enjoy live Christmas music, food, craft demonstrations, and Saint Nick. PNC Plaza, SteelStacks, 645 East First Street, Bethlehem, PA. 610-332-1300; www.artsquest.org.
Entertainment MCCARTER THEATRE CENTER September 11-October 11: Baby Doll September 24: Chick Corea and Bela Fleck Duets October 13-November 1: A Comedy of Tenors October 20: Eric Owens November 6: Wynton Marsalis & LCJO November 20: Arlo Guthrie November 25-28: The Nutcracker December 4-27: A Christmas Carol 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ. 609-2582787; www.mccarter.org. THE ACTORS’ NET OF BUCKS COUNTY September 11-27: A Raisin in the Sun October 23-November 8: Major Barbara December 4-20: Meet Me in St. Louis The Heritage Center Theatre, 635 North Delmorr Avenue, Morrisville, PA. 215-295-3694; www.actorsnetbucks.org.
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OPEN AIR THEATRE AT WASHINGTON CROSSING September 12-13, 19-20: Little Red Riding Hood September 18-20: Heathers September 25-27; October 2-4: Shrek the Musical September 26-27; October 3-4: The Snow Queen’s Frozen Adventure October 9-11, 16-18: Sweeney Todd October 10-11, 17-18: It’s the Great Pumpkin in the Park 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ. 267-885-9857; www.dpacatoat.com.
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TOWN AND COUNTRY PLAYERS September 18-October 3: Caught in the Net October 9-11: Tales for Nightmares November 6-21: Miracle on 34th Street 4158 York Road, Buckingham, PA. 215-3487566; www.townandcountryplayers.org. NEW HOPE WINERY September 18: Donna the Buffalo October 2: Rik Emmett October 3: Chris Smither October 9: Lucy Kaplansky October 17: Caravan of Thieves October 18: Rhonda Vincent October 24: The Glimmer Twins November 6: Richard Shindell November 10: Madeleine Peyroux November 15: Loudon Wainwright III 6123 Lower York Road, New Hope, PA. 215-794-2331; www.newhopewinery.com. SELLERSVILLE THEATER September 19: Colin Quinn September 29: Mediaeval Baebes October 2: Peter Tork & Shoe Suede Blues October 4: Glenn Miller Orchestra October 28: The Tubes November 7: Robert Klein November 8: Herman’s Hermits November 22: Lee Ann Womack 24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, PA. 215-257-5808; www.st94.com. BUCKS COUNTY PLAYHOUSE September 26: Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass October 6-18: Rat Pack Show December 11-27: It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play 70 South Main Street, New Hope, PA. 215-862-2121; www.bcptheater.org.
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STATE THEATRE CENTER FOR THE ARTS September 26: Movies at the Mill October 23: Brian Wilson October 24: A Night of Doo Wop & Rock N Roll November 10-11: Elf the Musical November 13: Johnny Rivers November 20: 50s Dance Party December 4: The Irish Rovers Christmas Concert December 6: Jimmy Sturr Christmas December 12: Great Russian Nutcracker 453 Northampton Street, Easton, PA. 800-999-7828; www.statetheatre.org. BRISTOL RIVERSIDE THEATRE September 29-October 18: Bus Stop November 3-22: Mountain: The Journey of Justice Douglas December 10-20: An American Christmas Songbook 120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA. 215-785-0100; www.brtstage.org.
ACT I September 30-October 11: Bus Stop October 15-25: Once Upon a Mattress November 21-22: Screendance Festival December 2-13: Merry Christmas, George Bailey December 6-12: Gaudeamus Christmas Concert DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA. 610-282-3192; www.desales.edu.
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ARTSQUEST FESTIVALS October: Oktoberfest October 19: Greater Lehigh Valley Filmmaker Festival Bethlehem, PA. 610-332-1300; www.artsquest.org. LANGHORNE PLAYERS October 2-17: Breaking The Code Spring Garden Mill, Tyler Park, Route 332, Newtown, PA. 215-860-0818; www.langhorneplayers.org. PTD BANK AMPHITHEATER 2015 October 3: Fall Festival celebrating community pride. The music will be by The McCartney Years. 6 p.m. 2400 Byberry Road, Bensalem, PA. www.tdbankamphitheater.com. MUSIKFEST CAFÉ PRESENTED BY YUENGLING October 13: Dave Davies October 18: The Lehigh Valley Beatles Showcase IV October 31: The Yardbirds November 11: Leon Russell November 19: 10,000 Maniacs ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA. 610-332-1300; www.artsquest.org. NEWTOWN ARTS COMPANY October 15-21: The 39 Steps December 3-9: A Wonderful Life Newtown Theatre, 120 North State Street, Newtown, PA. 215-860-7058; www.newtownartscompany.com. ROXEY BALLET October 23-November 1: Bram Stoker’s Dracula (Canal Studio Theater, Lambertville, NJ) November 28-December 7: The Nutcracker (TCNJ, Ewing, NJ) 609-397-7616; www.roxeyballet.org. THE BACH CHOIR OF BETHLEHEM December 12: Christmas Concert (First Presbyterian Church, Allentown) December 13: Christmas Concert (First Presbyterian Church, Bethlehem) 440 Heckewelder Place, Bethlehem, PA. 610-866-4382; www.bach.org.
Equestrian TINICUM PARK POLO September 19: Pooches and Polo September 26: Sportsmanship Cup (Wine and Polo Benefit) October 3: British Festival River Road, Erwinna, PA. 908-996-3321; www.tinicumparkpoloclub.org. BUCKS COUNTY HORSE PARK September 20: Judged Trail Ride September 27: Hunter Derby and Fall Jumper Classic October 3: Pink Ribbon Ride to benefit LVH October 11: Starter Trial/Combined Tests/School Dressage October 17: USEF/USDF Dressage at the Park V November 1: Schooling Horse Trial
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8934 Easton Road, Revere, PA. 610-847-8597; www.buckscountyhorsepark.org. DRESSAGE AT DEVON HORSE SHOW September 29-October 4: This annual horse show features more than 700 horses competing for 35,000 spectators. 2015 marks the 40th anniversary of the event. This year you can see the Lipizzan Stallions perform October 2-4 during show breaks. Along with equestrian competition, attendees can enjoy the festival shops, offering apparel, fine arts, antiques, collectibles, and food. The Kids Corral provides activities for children, and exhibitions are geared towards family fun. Admission. Devon Horse Show Grounds, 23 Dorset Road, Devon, PA. 610-358-1919; www.dressageatdevon.org.
EVENTS DOYLESTOWN FARMERS’ MARKET Through November: Established in 1975, this weekly market features over 20 diverse vendors. Shoppers will discover locally grown produce, arts and crafts, and much more. 7 a.m. to Noon. Rain or shine. South Hamilton Street, Doylestown, PA. www.buckinghampacivic.org. PEDDLER’S VILLAGE September 14-November 1: Scarecrow Competition September 19-20: Scarecrow Festival November 7-8: Apple Festival November 13: Kick Off to the Holidays November 20: Grand Illumination Celebration November 20-January 2: Gingerbread House Competition & Display December 5-6: Christmas Festival Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, PA. 215-794-4000; www.peddlersvillage.com. DOWNTOWN FLEMINGTON September 18: Annual Central Jersey Jazz Festival September 19-20: Hunterdon Harmonizers Craft Fair October 25: Flemington Street Fair November 2: Flemington Restaurant Week November 26: Turkey Trot Flemington, NJ. 908-617-3243; www.downtownflemington.com. BUCKS COUNTY DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL September 19: Mark your calendar for this first annual festival. Produced by the Bucks County Dragon Boat Association and St. Mary Medical Center, the event features competitions, fun, and culture. Proceeds from the event benefit the Bucks County Housing Group. Core Creek Park, 901 Bridgetown Road, Langhorne, PA. www.buckscountydragonboatfestival.com. FARM TO TABLE DINNER September 19: Join the Bedminster Land Conservancy for an evening of elegant dining in a private barn in Bedminster Township. There will be farm fresh cuisine prepared by noted area chefs. Advanced reservations. 215-795-2352; www.bedminsterlandconservancy.org. NEWTOWN BEERFEST 2015 September 19: Presented by the Newtown Fire Association, this beer festival features beer tasting, live music, food, and lots of fun. Admission. 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. The Stocking Works, 410 South State Street, Newtown, PA. www.newtownbluesandbrews.com. PEACE FAIR September 19: This fair is dedicated to promot-
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ing harmony in the home, community, environment, and world. There will be fun for children, live entertainment, food, local crafts, poetry readings, and a book sale. Buckingham Friends Meeting & Buckingham Friends School, 5684 York Road, Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, PA. 215-794-5816; www.quakerpeacefair.org. THE VILLAGE RENAISSANCE FAIRE September 19-20: This Faire is a recreation of a 12th-through-16th-century village named Penn’s Park. The village consists of stages and various sets: merchant squares, living history pavilions, food courts, gaming area, multi-cultural enclaves, craft corners, and Kid’s Kingdom. Admission. Children under 5 free. Free parking. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Middletown Grange Fairgrounds, Wrightstown, PA. www.villagefaire.org. SALUTE TO MOTHERS’ SCHOLARSHIP TEA September 24: This annual fund raiser helps struggling mothers attend college. Tyler Mansion, Newtown, PA. 215-968-8224; www.bucks.edu. ANNUAL CELTIC CLASSIC September 25-27: Come to Historic Bethlehem to celebrate all things Celtic. There will be a whisky tasting tent, haggis contest, Highland games, fiddle competition, pipe bands, drum major competition, and much more. Bethlehem, PA. www.celticfest.org. BUCKS FEVER EVENTS September 27: Excellence in Design Architectural Tour October 18: FilmFest November 5-21: Bucks County Sculpture Show Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, Doylestown, PA. 215-348-3913; www.centralbuckschamber.com.
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VISIT FRENCHTOWN October Weekends: Frenchtown in October Late November-Late December: Shopping Just Got Better Bridge Street, Frenchtown, NJ. www.frenchtownnj.org. QUAKERTOWN ALIVE October 3: Pumpkin Ball October 17: Autumn Alive December 4: Christmas Tree Lighting Quakertown, PA. 215-536-2273; www.quakertownalive.com. 2015 HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR November 19: Four Lanes End Garden Club's 2015 Holiday House Tour and Tea For more information call 215-322-9668 or 267-307-2212. COME TO CHESTNUT HILL October 4: Fall for the Arts Festival October 16: Harry Potter Festival December 9, 16, 23: Stag & Doe Nights Chestnut Hill Visitor’s Center, 16 East Highland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. 215-247-6696; www.chestnuthillpa.com.
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Family BUCKS COUNTY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Ongoing: A fun, interactive, and educational environment for children, parents, and schools, with exhibits that reflect Bucks County’s history and culture. Exhibits include Town Square, Factory Works, Artifact Dig, Covered Bridges, Tree House, and Hot Air Balloon Ride. Activities are planned year round. 500 Union Square, New Hope, PA. 215-693-1290; www.buckskids.org.
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GIGGLEBERRY FAIR Ongoing: Climb Giggleberry Mountain, learn at Giggles Discovers, visit The Game Room, and take a ride on the antique Grand Carousel at Giggleberry Fair. Peddler’s Village, Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, PA. 215-794-4000; www.peddlersvillage.com. NEW HOPE & IVYLAND RAILROAD Ongoing: Hourly Excursions November 27-January 3: North Pole Express 32 West Bridge Street, New Hope, PA. 215-862-2332; www.newhoperailroad.com. SHADY BROOK FARM September 19-20: Apple Days October 2-31: Fall Fest November 21-Early January: Holiday Light Show 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, PA. 215-968-1670; www.shadybrookfarm.com. SNIPES FARM AND EDUCATION CENTER September 20-November 2: Fall Harvest Weekends 890 West Bridge Street, Morrisville, PA. 215-295-1139; www.snipesfarm.org. SESAME PLACE September 26-November 1: The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular November 21-December 31: A Very Furry Christmas 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA. 866-GO-4-ELMO; www.sesameplace.com.
reflect early twentieth-century horticulture, and originally were influenced by larger Italian and French gardens. Divided into compartments and levels, separated by shrubs and stone walls, the gardens include manicured lawns, water fountains, gravel pathways, an espalier, and bronze sculpture. Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA. 215-968-8000; www.bucks.edu. HORTULUS FARM Through October: A one-hundred acre 18th-century farmstead and nursery operation. It was created by garden and event designer Renny Reynolds and garden writer and author Jack Staub. 60 Thompson Mill Road, Wrightstown, PA. 215-598-0550; www.hortulusfarm.com. LINDEN HILL GARDENS September 19: The Perennial Diva October 3-4: Spring Outlook October 10: Tovah Martin Terrarium Workshop and Book Signing October 17-18: Season Finale December 5-6: Ottsville Holiday Festival 8230 Easton Road, Ottsville, PA. 610-847-1300; www.lindenhillgarden.com. ST. MARY COMMUNITY LEAGUE’S ANNUAL KITCHEN & GARDEN TOUR October 11: This annual Bucks County kitchen and garden tour is a must see. Funds from the tour benefit St. Mary Medical Center. Advance admission. http://communityleague-stmary.org.
Gardens TYLER FORMAL GARDENS Ongoing: Built in the early 1930s, the gardens
History FONTHILL CASTLE Ongoing: Tower Tours for Families & Behind the
Scenes Tours October 16: Mercer’s Night Tales December 5-January 3: Winter Wonderland: Holiday Decorations at Fonthill December 6: Holiday Festivities for the Family East Court Street and Route 313, Doylestown, PA. 215-348-9461; www.fonthillmuseum.org. HISTORIC CRAVEN HALL & THE JOHN FITCH STEAMBOAT MUSEUM Ongoing: House and John Fitch Steamboat Museum Tours Street and Newtown Roads, Warminster, PA. 215-675-4698; www.craven-hall.org. NEW HOPE HISTORICAL SOCIETY Ongoing: Walking Tours of Downtown New Hope Through November: Tours of Parry Mansion September 19: New Hope History Day December 12-13: Victorian Christmas Celebration 45 South Main Street, New Hope, PA. 215-862-5652; www.newhopehs.org. PEARL S. BUCK HOUSE Ongoing: Discover the Legacy Tours October 25: Ghost Tours December 10: Community Holiday Open House 520 Dublin Road, Perkasie, PA. 215-249-0100; www.psbi.org. SUMMERSEAT Ongoing: First Saturday of every month: The stately Georgian mansion of Summerseat is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free tours also available by appointment. Historic Morrisville Society, Hillcrest & Legion Avenues, Morrisville, PA. 215-295-7339;
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FALL FESTIVAL AND OPEN HOUSE September 19: The Historical Society of Hilltown Township presents this annual event. You can tour the homestead, see local artisans, buy baked goods, even get antique appraisals. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain or shine. Free admission. HartzelStrassburger Homestead, 407 Keystone Drive and Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville, PA. 267-614-9174; www.hilltown.org.
www.historicsummerseat.com. LAMBERTVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY Through November: Guided Walking Tours of Lambertville October 18: Lambertville Autumn House Tour 2015 60 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ. 609-3970770; www.lambertvillehistoricalsociety.org. OCTAGONAL SCHOOLHOUSE Through October: Come to the open house of this unique schoolhouse. It is open the third Sunday of each month, May through October. Open house hours are 1-5 p.m. Admission is free. Corner of Swamp Road and Second Street Pike, Wrightstown Township, PA. HOLCOMBE-JIMISON FARMSTEAD MUSEUM Through October 25: Museum Tours 1605 Daniel Bray Highway, Lambertville, NJ. 609-397-2752; www.holcombe-jimison.org. MARGARET R. GRUNDY MEMORIAL LIBRARY Through October 9: Funny Film Fridays September 24: Ghost Hunters October: Everyone Has a Story to Tell - What’s Yours? 680 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA. 215-788-7891; www.grundylibrary.org. HERITAGE CONSERVANCY September 16: Concerts in the Garden at Aldie Mansion December 6: Christmas at Aldie Dinner Historic Aldie Mansion, 85 Old Dublin Pike, Doylestown, PA. 215-345-7020; www.heritageconservancy.org.
GRAEME PARK September 19: Paranormal Investigation September 23: Home School Day October 25: Mini Moonlight October 30: Moonlight Tales November 28: A Soldier’s Christmas Admission. 859 County Line Road, Horsham, PA. 215-343-0965; www.graemepark.org. DAVID LIBRARY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION September 20: The Good Wife: Mrs. Benjamin Franklin October 7: From Tea Party to Lexington and Concord: The Missing 16 Months October 11: Becoming Men of Some Consequence November 18: Mastering Empires: The Anishinaabeg of the Great Lakes and the Making of America November 23: Carolina in Crisis, 1761: The James Grant Expedition Against the Cherokees and the Rumblings of Revolution December 3: The Indian World of George Washington and the Other Revolution 1201 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA. 215-493-6776; www.dlar.org.
PENNSBURY MANOR September 20; November 15: Open Hearth Cooking October 4: Historic Trades October 11: Living History Theater October 18: Apple Harvest Sunday October 25: Tricks and Treats at the Manor/Witch Trial November 28: Wreaths & Greens Workshop December 3-4: Holly Nights 400 Pennsbury Memorial Road, Morrisville, PA. 215-946-0400; www.pennsburymanor.org. MERCER MUSEUM September 21: A Lively Afternoon with Mark Twain October 3-January 17: Lego Castle Adventure October 4: Mad Hatter Day October 30: Mercer by Moonlight Tours November 21-January 3: Under the Tree: A Century of Holiday Trees and Toys December 8: Mercer Museum Holiday Open House Admission. 84 South Pine Street, Doylestown, PA. 215-345-0210; www.mercermuseum.org. WASHINGTON CROSSING HISTORIC PARK September 27: McConkey’s Market and Muster Day December 13: Crossing Dress Rehearsal. Admission. December 25: Annual Christmas Crossing Washington Crossing, PA. 215-493-4076; www.washingtoncrossingpark.org. NEWTOWN HISTORIC ASSOCIATION October 3: Market Day. This 39th annual Colonial craft and art fair rungs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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December 5: Holiday House Tours. Admission. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Snow date December 7. Half Moon Inn, Court Street and Centre Avenue, Newtown, PA. 215-968-4004; www.newtownhistoric.org. THE FRIENDS OF HOWELL LIVING HISTORY FARM October 10: Quilting Bee October 17: Fall Hayrides October 31: Corn Harvest November 6: Harvest Moon Barn Dance November 28: Thanksgiving Hayrides Wreath & Sleigh Bell Sale December 5: Christmas on the Farm 70 Wooden’s Lane, Lambertville, NJ. 609-737-3299; www.howellfarm.org. HISTORIC FALLSINGTON October 10: Historic Fallsington Day October 25: Spirits of the Past Tours November 14: Fall Fling December 1-23: Special Guided Christmas Tours December 14: Christmas in Fallsington Admission. 4 Yardley Avenue, Fallsington, PA. 215-295-6567; www.historicfallsington.org. BRISTOL CULTURAL & HISTORICAL FOUNDATION October 17: Historic Bristol Day 321 Cedar Street, Bristol, PA. www.bristolhistory.org. PRALLSVILLE MILLS November 7: Rare Pair Wine Pairing December 4-5: Apollo Link December 6: Holiday Party December 12-13: Annual Fine Crafts and Arts Show
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29 Risler Street, Stockton, NJ. 609-397-3586; www.prallsvillemills.org.
Nature BOWMAN’S HILL WILDFLOWER PRESERVE Ongoing: Knowing Native Plants September 19: Community Open House and Discovery Saturday October 1-31: Guided Wildflower Walks October 24: Woodland Pumpkin Hunt December 5: Wreath Workshop December 12: Natural Crafts December 22: Winter Solstice Walk 1635 River Road, New Hope, PA. 215-862-2924; www.bhwp.org. BUCKS COUNTY AUDUBON SOCIETY AT HONEY HOLLOW Ongoing: All Seasons Guided Bird Walks (Saturdays) September 17: Evening Bird Walk Along the Delaware October 4: Fungi in the Ecosystem 2877 Creamery Road, New Hope, PA. 215-297-5880; www.bcas.org. BUCKS COUNTY COVERED BRIDGE TOUR Ongoing: The Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau and the Bucks County Covered Bridge Society present this self-guided tour of Bucks County’s covered bridges. The tour begins at Washington Crossing Historic Park. The 90mile tour makes a large circle through Bucks County and is designed so that travelers can start at any one of the bridges. GPS coordinates are given for each of the bridges. Pick up a copy of the brochure Visit the Historic Covered Bridges of Bucks County at locations throughout Bucks
County. www.visitbuckscounty.com; www.buckscountycbs.org. PEACE VALLEY NATURE CENTER Ongoing: Bird Walks & Naturalist Forays September 12: Vulture Day September 27: Harvest Moon Walk October 23: Gaggles of Ghosts and Ghouls November 1: Too Good to Toss Sale 170 North Chapman Road, Doylestown, PA. 215-345-7860; www.peacevalleynaturecenter.org. SILVER LAKE NATURE CENTER Ongoing: Sunday Strolls September 16: Fall Fling and Earthship Dedication September 19: Flea Market and Craft Fair in the Park October 3: Bird Seed Sale November 14: Charlie Zahm & Tad Marks Concert 1306 Bath Road, Bristol, PA. 215-785-1177; www.silverlakenaturecenter.org. CHURCHVILLE NATURE CENTER Through September 26: Saturday Morning Bird Walks Through October 25: Lenape Village Public Tours 501 Churchville Lane, Churchville, PA. 215-3574005; www.churchvillenaturecenter.org. HAWK MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY September 19-20: Fall Native Plant Sale November 14: Golden Eagle Saturday November 28: Holiday Open House 1700 Hawk Mountain Road, Kempton, PA. 610756-6961; www.hawkmountain.org. FRIENDS OF THE DELAWARE CANAL
September 27: Paddling on the Canal II October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Canal Walk 2015 October 4: Faces & Places: Behind the Scenes in New Hope 215-862-2021; www.fodc.org. LIGHT THE NIGHT WALK October 10: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk brings help and hope to people battling blood cancers. Preregistration at 4:30 p.m. Central Park, 452 Wells Road, Doylestown, PA. www.lightthenight.org/epa. CENTRAL BUCKS BICYCLE CLUB’S ANNUAL COVERED BRIDGES RIDE October 18: This cycling event takes bikes through scenic Bucks County. Riders have five routes to choose from. Travel through up to six historic covered bridges. The ride concludes with a Grande Finale Picnic. Rides start and end at Tinicum Park, Route 32, Erwinna, PA. www.cbbikeclub.org. ANNUAL RACE FOR RESOURCES November 7: Run, walk, talk, and have fun at this annual event benefitting the Autism Cares Foundation. There will be food and beverages, as well as face painting, balloons, and music for the kids. Preregister is required for the 5K race, 10K race, and the Autism Expo. Tyler State Park, 101 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA. www.raceforresources.org. TO HAVE YOUR EVENT FEATURED IN THIS MAGAZINE OR ONLINE EMAIL CALENDAR EDITOR MARYBETH_SCHWARTZ@YAHOO.COM. VISIT WWW.BUCKSCOUNTYMAG.COM FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF EVENTS AND OUR LATEST INFORMATION.
Trinity Church Autumn House Tour 2015 marks the 25th Annual Trinity Church Autumn House Tour. The popular area fund raiser was started in 1991 by parishioners Helen Montgomery, Sandy Ryon, and Maggie Niles. Proceeds from this year’s house tour will help to fund Trinity’s local, regional, and international mission and Peacemeal, a ministry of Trinity that has been providing meals and hospitality to persons with HIV and AIDS for over 20 years. The first part of the event is a lecture and short concert given by Organist and Music Director Tim Harrell on Trinity’s handcrafted Opus 17 pipe organ. The sanctuary, which contains a handcrafted Nakashima alter, also will be open for viewing all day. The second part is a tour offering five Bucks County properties with a mix of historic, renovated, and repurposed houses and structures. Every house has docents that are prepared to speak of the history of the house, architectural elements, design, and furnishings. The gardens at each location are open and self-guided. The 25th Annual Trinity Church Autumn House Tour will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2015, rain or shine. The tour hours are from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Advance tickets are $33, or $39 the day of the tour. They can be purchased online, via the mail, or at Trinity Church. The church address is 6387 Upper York Road (Route 263 and Sugan Road), Solebury, PA 18963.You can call Trinity Church at 215-297-5135. Online, you can visit www.trinitysolebury.org/housetour, or like Trinity Church on Facebook.
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BucksPeople
MICHAEL SMERCONISH
Most widely known for having shows on CNN and Sirius, Michael Smerconish is a native Bucks Countian with memories from his boyhood Doylestown and his early forays into politics / BY MARGO ARAMIAN RAGAN
H
is last name has given many people pause, how does one say or spell it, but Bucks County native Michael Smerconish has made his name familiar to folks coast to coast. He wears many
room floor. Michael's career path has taken many twists and turns, but all its elements begin with his roots in Doylestown, Bucks County. “I look back at my childhood as a Rockwellian kind of experience,” Michael said.
hats—attorney, cable network talk show host, Sirius radio host, newspaper columnist, author, classic rock music enthusiast, and yes, actor, even though his scenes ended up on the cutting
“It was a time when my parents knew our neighbors, my friends lived down the street or around the corner, and everyone had a sense of pride in the community. One of the best things was that
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I was raised in a town, which has such a strong place in local and national history. That totally nurtured my innate love of history and helped to lead me to where I am today.” Michael's parents, Walter and Florence (Flo) Smerconish came to Doylestown not knowing anyone in the area from what Michael calls “coal cracker country,” but they quickly established themselves in the community. Walter was an educator and guidance counselor, Flo found her niche in real estate, and the Smerconish name today is on billboards throughout the county. “We lived on 24 Mercer Avenue, and my pal Michael Stachel Jr was at 42,” Michael recalled. “With my brother Wally and his friends, we played on the grounds of Fonthill Castle on Swamp Road, Henry Chapman Mercer's home, or we went downtown to Kenny's News Stand for newspapers, Gardy's for stationery, Al Bonc's for hardware supplies, Ed's Diner for coffee, and Weisbard's for prescriptions.” What is memorable for Michael is that these establishments represented families who were neighbors and/or friends, instead of an impersonal corporate link that dominates the landscape today. “We knew these people who owned the stores, or they knew us. The environment was a nurturing one in every way,” he said. Although Michael compares his childhood as one Norman Rockwell could paint, there is an element of Tom Sawyer in his narrative too. When he was an 8th grader at Holicong Middle School, he pulled a prank worthy of Tom Sawyer. At the time Holicong was a new school with a motto that defines its standards, “Opening Doors to Excellence Each Day.” The usual early morning announcements were made on a closed circuit television system, cutting edge technology that eliminated the traditional radio broadcasts. The system gave youngsters like Michael an opportunity to do feature interviews and gain camera presence. Michael actually credits this early experience as the incentive
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for following a career in television. On this particular day the camera crew began filming while Michael's gym class was in session. As the camera swung around the gymnasium, Michael and a few of his friends, all clad in regulation white shirts and shorts, “flipped everyone a moon” on live television broadcast to the entire school. Naturally, what the teenage boys thought was hilarious was an entirely different matter to the school administration. “My father was upset with me, but actually a little relieved that I had only flipped a moon. He thought I had exposed myself!” said Michael. “Nonetheless I was punished.” Fonthill Castle and its imposing structure was a natural attraction for Michael and his friends. A caretaker named Mrs. Swain lived alone on the property and for a 25-cent fee from each boy, she would conduct a tour of the building. “We would follow this 95-year-old woman from room to room, as she would tell us stories. She
would stop at a large pirate's chest, and with the proper dramatic tone in her voice, tell us that there was a sleeping pirate inside. We believed her and were terrified.” Years later, Michael spotted a painting in a New Hope art gallery that featured the same pirate's chest, so he immediately purchased it. Today the painting hangs prominently on his office wall, a reminder of very happy times. Michael Stachel Jr. was a friend and often, a fellow conspirator. His father Michael Sr. owns Mountain Lake Pool and Patio, and according to Smerconish, has employed every kid in the neighborhood, which included himself, of course. The two younger Michaels were dispatched one day to deliver product to Larry Kane, who was Philadelphia's top news reporter, and friend to the Beatles, two credentials, which were totally appealing to Smerconish. As the story is told, Smerconish convinced the maid that Larry Kane had to personally sign a delivery order of chlorine,
giving him the perfect opportunity to introduce himself to this Philadelphia icon. It's yet another example of Michael's drive and willingness to engage. When Michael was a senior at Central Bucks West, his father decided to run in an open primary for a Bucks County Commissioner's seat, and Michael jumped in to do what he could to help his father's campaign. This was his first, but definitely not his last, experience in politics. “My father was a Republican, but political party membership did not mean we weren't friends with people who were active in the opposition. Working long hours at the polls could have been boring or wearisome, but we all got along, joking with one another. I especially remember the cookies Judi Fonash would bake. She was married to Carl Fonash, who was the Democrat Commissioner on the Bucks County Board of Commissioners, and an active Democrat worker, but she shared cookies with all of us.” Michael's teen years marked a time
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when he began to explore the political arena. He was 13-years-old when he began corresponding with Frank Rizzo, who was then Police Commissioner of Philadelphia. The eager, energetic teenager and the political savvy Rizzo began a long-standing friendship, which ultimately led to a position as Political Director in Rizzo's mayoral campaign in 1987. The larger point is that early on, Michael began reaching out to those individuals who had life's lessons to share, especially in the political arena, and they in turn recognized his talents. A person who had a great influence was Herb Barness, a prominent Republican and real estate developer. “He had an office in a shopping center on Route 611 and Bristol Road, above a hardware store,” Michael said. “His meetings would begin at 8:00 in the morning, and you had better be prepared for whatever discussion you were going to have.” Michael credits Barness for giving him political insights and counsel. “Here was one of the most important persons in the
political atmosphere of Bucks County, a leading developer and outstanding business leader, but he generously found the time to talk with me,” said Michael. “I have much respect for him.”
When Michael was a
senior at Central Bucks
West, his father decided to run in an open primary for a Bucks County Commissioner's seat. Herb Barness wasn't the only person to appreciate the basic intelligence and tenacity of the young Smerconish. Harry Fawkes, powerful chairman of the Bucks County Republican Party for 40 years, took Michael under his wing also. When
Michael began attending political meetings, he was consistently the youngest person there, but he did not let that fact intimidate him. Michael asked probing questions, reflective of his research and curiosity. Fawkes encouraged Michael's journalistic talents, and Michael began writing and publishing The Elephant's Ear as an official newsletter for the party. “I was a staff of one, but the journalism bug bit me, and writing has become a part of my professional career.” At the same time that he was immersing himself in politics, Michael was graduated from Lehigh University in 1984 receiving a dual degree with Phi Beta Kappa honors, in government and journalism. Three years later, he had a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Michael's professional career journey has taken him from the radio talk show booths, to the television cameras of the major cable news networks, to the White House itself. He has consistently received
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accolades from colleagues and awards for his incisive and objective interviews with his radio show guests. A busy man, Michael can be heard daily from 9 a.m. to noon on Sirius radio, POTUS channel 124, and can be seen and heard on CNN on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. EST, and 6 to 7 p.m. EST. What is not so well known is Michael's generosity, not only in terms of money but in his wholehearted commitment to people and causes in which he believes. Michael is the author of six books, including one work of fiction about a talk show host called Talk. After the events of September 11, Michael wrote Flying Blind: How Political Correctness Continues to Compromise Airline Safety Post 9/11. He has donated all proceeds from sales of this book to the Garden of Reflection, located in Lower Makefield. Michael is the major donor to the Garden of Reflection, which honors those from Bucks County who perished on that day. Michael's interest in the events of 9/11 led him to write another book on the topic, this time about a man whose name is probably unknown to most of us, Jose Melendez-Perez. The title tells the story, Instinct: The Man Who Stopped the 20th Hijacker, and again, Michael has donated the profits to Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville PA. He co-authored a book with Maureen Faulkner, widow of slain Philadelphia Office Daniel Faulkner, entitled Murdered by Mumia: A Life Sentence of Loss, Pain, and Injustice. The book made the New York Times Best Seller's List, and all proceeds have been donated to the Daniel Faulkner Educational Grant Fund. In addition, Michael served as a source in a documentary entitled The Barrel of a Gun in 2010, which examined the case of Mumia Abu-Jamal, convicted killer of Daniel Faulkner. His support for justice for Daniel Faulkner has not stopped, even when the klieg lights are turned off. The year 2008 proved to be a sort of tsunami in terms of Michael's career. He came from a staunchly Republican background, and had been active in the party for
many years. Michael made an announcement on his show that he was supporting Barack Obama for President. Thousands of emails were sent to his radio station calling him a Communist, Socialist, or worse. Members of the Bucks County Republican Party were shocked. Two years later, he explained his thoughts in an essay for the Huffington Post, entitled “For Me, the Party is Over,” and officially designated his political affiliation as Independent. To understand what happened, he offers what he calls the Suburban Manifesto, which he believes to be a reflection of how people think in a county such as Bucks. The Manifesto explores both the liberal and conservative side to his own thinking. On the liberal side, he supports increased land preservation, legalization of marijuana and prostitution, and gay rights. Conversely, he is the owner of firearms, supports profiling in cases of suspected terrors, also supports torture as a last measure for getting information from terrorists. The teenager who mooned his classmates has grown up to be a man who has interviewed all of the living Presidents of the United States, three Vice Presidents, nearly every important political figure in Washington, and attended as many classic rock concerts as his crowded schedule allows. In other words, Michael Smerconish does not fit into a box, which he attributes directly to his Bucks County roots. “I have benefitted in every way from having lived in Bucks County as a child. My Central Bucks public school education gave me the tools to succeed in higher education as well as in life itself. Friends from my childhood are still my friends, they offered me different experiences which broadened my understanding,” he concluded. “My wife Lavinia and I have a second home in Bucks County because I wanted my four children to experience the bounty of Bucks as I did.”
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ArtGallery
HARRY BOARDMAN
Painting details in his landscapes of such things as power lines, telephone poles and other manmade structures allows Harry Boardman to use art to bring meaning to ordinary life / BY MICHELE MALINCHAK f you visit Harry Boardman’s website you won’t find lengthy dissertations about his art, his background or the creative process. He’d much rather have you experience his
I
unique style is often characterized by dark outlines and defined brushstrokes that create a rich, textural quality. He works in a variety of media including pen and ink, oils and oil pastels and
art than read about it. You also won’t learn about the vital role he plays in bringing art to the community. What you will find are paintings and drawings that are meant to be savored. Comprised of everyday scenes that many of us take for granted, his work deftly defines and brings new meaning to our surroundings. With a background in illustration, his
enjoys depicting landscapes, barns and animals. “I like to convey everyday scenes and turn them into something we can pay homage to,” he said. In Harry’s paintings you may recognize a farm you’ve driven past every day that’s been transformed into something extraordinary. Barns rise up majestically from the land, enveloped by billowy white clouds and fields of
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green. His snow scenes evoke the perfect stillness of winter, such as the painting Telford Train Parked for Winter. The old train blends in with the tree lined landscape and snow covered tracks lead the eye far beyond. Even the water tower in the distance becomes an integral part of the scene. Harry leaves in power lines, telephone poles and other manmade structures in his paintings. “Some artists might not paint them,” he said, “but that’s what we really see.” Common objects like the tin cup inthe oil pastel, My Old Cup, take on lives of their own and beg to be noticed. No matter what the subject, he approaches each with similar zeal though the style may vary. In a 2011 interview with Junkyard Arts, an art commentary Internet site, Harry said, “Unlike so many artists who seem to be able to work in one style consistently, I am drawn to many different styles and media. My challenge is to make a body of work look like one person created it instead of twenty.” Two artists in particular captivate his attention: Wassily Kandinsky and Vincent Van Gogh. “You could say if you kind of mashed them together, that would be my style,” he said. In Harry’s work one can see Kandinsky’s expressionist style of freeing color and simplifying form and also the bold post-impressionist brushstrokes of Van Gogh as he painted every day subjects with similar reverence. Becoming an artist is something Harry wanted as early as age five. He was born in Holland, PA in 1977. His father was a scientist for RCA and later taught junior high. One of Harry’s fondest memories was watching him draw Popeye in chalk on the sidewalk. “He had the formula down and I was amazed by it every time,” he said. His mother was also a teacher and in addition had the unusual sideline of being a clown. “She was kind of scary in her clown makeup,” Harry said, “but she entertained others and even started a clown club.” While in junior high school, he took private art lessons every Saturday morning
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MICHENERARTMUSEUM.ORG Blanket Statements: New Quilts by Kaffe Fassett and Historical Quilts from the Collection of the Quilt Museum and Gallery, York, UK is generously supported by Visit Bucks County. Additional support is provided by Silverman Family Partnerships, Harriet and Charles Ermentrout, and Byrne Sewing Connection. In-kind media support is provided by Fig® Doylestown. Images, top to bottom, left to right: Kaffe Fassett (b. 1937), Autumn Crosses, Herringbone Stripe, Snowball Bouquets (details). Kaffe Fassett Studio, photographs by Dave Tolson.
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with a watercolor painter and illustrator named Jeanne Doan Burford in Southampton, PA. “Jeanne taught the girls how to paint in watercolors and read stories to the boys who then illustrated them with pen and ink,” he said. Jeanne is now 92 and Harry hopes to visit her. He later attended Council Rock High School and intensified his art studies. While in 10th grade he took evening classes at Bucks County Community College to satisfy the social studies requirement enabling him to fit in another art class. After graduating, Harry was accepted into the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, and received his bachelor of fine arts in illustration in 1999. While he has regrets about his major, to a large degree it has shaped him into the artist he is today. “I should have been a fine arts major,” he said. “I also liked industrial design.” He recalled having to beg the school to let him take a painting class because illustration and fine art were considered worlds apart. Finding illustration work proved to be
a full-time job and Harry supported himself through a variety of jobs including power washing decks and delivering mattresses. He continued to practice art in his
Harry cuts and preps
his painting surfaces and
has a wood shop where he builds his own frames. This enables him to keep costs down and gives him complete control from start to finish. spare time as well as doing faux painting and murals. From 1996 through 2010 he became a contractor and did remodeling. Always interested in building things, Harry was self-taught and also had a custom cab-
inetry business. The shift from contractor to full-time artist was gradual and happened for the best including physical reasons. Pointing to his legs he said, “I was born with bad knees and joints.” Harry likes to draw outdoors and captures his subjects quickly in pen and ink studies. His color work is done from the numerous photos he takes—about 10,000 a year using his phone and camera. Instead of a computer monitor he uses a large 42inch TV screen in his studio to view the images he photographs. “That way I can stand at my easel clear across the room and be able to paint from the screen.” His basement studio is cool and cavelike—the “lair” as he calls it. There he’s able to seal out the world and have the complete focus he needs to create his art. The studio is decorated with several hand-carved Indonesian animal sculptures that hang from the ceiling. Works of different artists are hung on the walls for inspiration and a huge 55-gallon aquarium provides serenity and entertainment.
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Harry cuts and preps his painting surfaces and has a wood shop where he builds his own frames. This enables him to keep costs down and gives him complete control from start to finish. “Sometimes I even go people’s homes and hang the paintings on the wall for them,” he said. He doesn’t toil over paintings for months, but prefers to work quickly, often in spurts. After he completes a number of paintings, he emerges from his basement to meet with people at galleries, catch up with artist friends and network. Then the whole cycle begins again as he returns to his lair to create more art. “I’m like an art hermit,” he said. “I like to do my thing and disappear again.” In addition to depicting traditional subjects, his work can also be edgy. On Halloween 2008, he dreamed up the idea of painting monsters every day for one year. “There was an economic crisis and the art market was slow—I decided to create a project that would be fun and challenging,” he said. Each of the colorful creatures was
accompanied by a short story, which Harry put on a blog. Called “365 Monsters,” it drew fans who would anxiously await the next day’s painting. Some of the monsters
After he completes
a number of paintings, he emerges from his basement to meet with people at galleries, catch up with artist friends and network. appeared in publications as far away as Australia where they were used to illustrate a lesson in a science textbook. The size of his work also varies. He’s able to switch from small pen and ink drawings to large scale murals such as the
one he did at the Indian Valley Library in Telford. Other murals he’s created with the help of volunteers include Faces of Diversity on the Keystone Opportunity Center in Souderton and another entitled Art Starts Here also in Souderton. Almost as important as creating art is Harry’s desire to bring it into the community. His skill in networking has been a strong asset as well as his ability to match the skill sets of volunteers with the tasks at hand. One event he helped create is the Art of the Barn Tour sponsored by the Bucks County Audubon Society (BCAS). The idea began with a small group of artists called Creative Endeavors who would show their work each September at a member’s barn in Pipersville. The barn belonged to Ann McCauley who became involved with the Audubon Society and now serves on their board of directors. When BCAS approached her about starting a tour, she in turn contacted Harry. They, with the help of many volunteers, collaborated on the idea of expanding the
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event to include other barns and feature local artists. Ann ran the barn aspect of the show while he handled the art component, initially as artist coordinator and later handling graphic design and social media marketing. This year Harry and his wife Heather, who designs and makes her own glass beads and jewelry, were both participating artists in the show. He was also instrumental in naming and organizing the Souderton Art Jam that takes place September 26 in the Souderton Community Park. He was asked to develop the festival by Joanne Coppens, manager of Main Streets, a government sponsored five-year program aimed at revitalizing communities. Now in its third year, the show features live music, food, fine art and crafts, art workshops and wine and beer tasting. Harry also serves on the board of directors of the Indian Valley Arts Foundation, which oversees three subcommittees: Concert Sundaes in the Park, Montgomery County Poet Laureate Program, and the
Community Arts Initiative (CAI). Harry works with Marsha Stevens who helped found the CAI, which partners with businesses to fund art projects. “The money is used for supplies and the surplus is put back for other community art projects,” he said. In keeping with bringing art into the
Harry’s success is the result of sheer talent
and also the connections he’s made. community and investing in the future, Harry and Heather are excited about their recent purchase of an old cigar factory on Main Street, Souderton. Built in 1901, the historic building will become their new home and studio. There will be ample space for a gallery, classroom and rental space for community events. Until
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the move occurs, the couple resides in their Telford home, which they share with Crusher, a mini Australian Shepherd and two cats who keep a safe distance from him. Harry’s success is the result of sheer talent and also the connections he’s made. He admits, “It’s who you know and where you are at the right time.” From September 12-27, he and sculptor Ron Bevilacqua will have an exhibition at Stover Mill Gallery in Erwinna. His work is also available on the internet at (harryboardman.com) and at a number of stores and galleries including JoAnne’s Frame Shop in Quakertown, 43 Canal Studio in New Hope and Clay Rat Studios in Souderton. Harry also does commissioned portraits of people, pets and homes. Despite being a basement hermit, he’s funny, warm and engaging and welcomes visitors to his studio by appointment. MICHELE MALINCHAK
IS A FREELANCE WRITER
AND AVID GARDENER FROM QUAKERTOWN, PA.
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ARTISTIC INSPIRATION
From the time great French Impressionists, gardens have been an inspiration to artists and conversely artists have inspired gardeners / BY DEREK FELL “Nothing is more the child of art than a garden” – Whistler
T
hroughout history artists have been drawn to gardens in search of stimulating motifs. Some have even planted gardens to paint, including Renoir, Cezanne and Monet among the great French Impressionist artists. Indeed, all three of their gardens have been restored and are now open to the public: Renoir at Cagnes-sur-Mer, Provence; Cezanne at Aix-en-Provence; and Monet at Giverny, Normandy. What is fascinating to me is the way in which their gardens differ even though they were linked by the Impressionistic style of painting. Monet’s is the most ambitious, consisting of a flower garden composed of straight plant bands to give it long lines of perspective, and a separate water garden, designed for introspection, where islands of water lilies float on the surface of a pond. Renoir, a close friend of Monet, developed a meadow garden within a grove of ancient olive trees and a separate rose garden inter-planted with citrus trees. Cezanne’s garden is all shade with paths that zigzag among mature pines, mock orange shrubs with their multiple trunks pruned of lower branches to create leafy tunnels, and large sycamores cloaked in ivy. His favorite motif was nature reclaiming man’s dominion, and that is how his garden is clearly an extension of his art: deliberately intended to look overgrown and reverting to wilderness. My own garden, Cedaridge Farm, draws inspiration from Cezanne in that when I make a new planting I let nature take its course because I want to see a naturalistic effect rather than 52
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ARTISTIC INSPIRATION: Opposite, this painting by Jessie Krause, very Impressionistic in form, shows a garden shed at Cedaridge Farm. Top left, another Jessie Krause painting of a Japanese Willow. Top right is a painting of a pond at Cedaridge by Dot Bunn. Bottom is Dot’s painting of a footbridge at Cedaridge.
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something engineered by man. Jessie Krause, owner of Netherfield Gallery, Frenchtown and a prolific artist, says that is exactly what draws her to my garden to paint. “It doesn’t have that manufactured feeling like Longwood Gardens. It doesn’t look designed. It looks as if it just happened.” The observation pleases me immensely because my garden serves as an outdoor studio for my photography and like Cezanne I want to see my garden reverting to wilderness rather than evoke a controlled
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artist who has painted the gardens at Cedaridge Farm is Dot Bunn, using oils as her medium. Dot recalls, “I have painted the gardens in all seasons and have been challenged by the transformation that
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each season brings. “just planted” appearance. Jessie says she likes coming to my garden to paint because it is private, screened from the road by trees so she feels like she is in an intimate space: safe, secure and protected, and closer to nature than she could be in a public park or even along the Delaware River towpath. That’s what I like to hear because I look on my garden as a sanctuary, a sacred space to feed the soul and feel close to nature. What’s different about photography and painting as works of art is that you cannot be more realistic than a photograph, and so you must play with fleeting atmospheric effects like mist in the garden, rain, snow or frost, to evoke an emotional response, whereas an artist can project an
emotion much more dramatically by showing what they see with their inner eye, a form of exaggeration is you will, but somehow more satisfying than a photograph when an appealing composition and skillful use of paints come together. Jessie uses several forms of artistic expression, notably pastels and oils, with a leaning towards Impressionism. Another talented artist who has painted the gardens at Cedaridge Farm is Dot Bunn, using oils as her medium. Dot recalls, “I have painted the gardens in all seasons and have been challenged by the transformation that each season brings. The pond has always been a favorite place for me with the reflections on the water
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exactly what draws her to my garden to paint. and the grasses that soften the edges. It is interesting to watch the shadows shift and the colors blend across a mosaic of flowers and foliage because a garden is never static. The ever changing forms and textures offer me unlimited material to work with.” Jesse Krause will celebrate the move of her Netherfield Gallery from New Hope to Main Sreet, Frenchtown, with an opening day party on Saturday, October 3 from 5 to 7 pm, open to all. Dot Bunn has a fall solo show at the Patricia Hutton Galleries, Doylestown, from October 17 to November 15. DEREK FELL IS THE AUTHOR OF ‘THE MAGIC OF MONET’S GARDEN’ (FIREFLY) AND ALSO A WALL CALENDAR TITLED ‘MONET’S GARDEN’ (BROWN TROUT). HE TRAVELS TO FRANCE EVERY YEAR TO REFRESH HIS FILE OF IMAGES OF MONET’S GARDEN. HIS VEGETABLE GARDEN AT CEDARIDGE FARM IS OUTLINED WITH PEONIES LIKE THE PAINTING OF MONET’S VEGETABLE GARDEN BY WILLARD METCALF. FA L L 2 0 1 5
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WorkBench
RESTORING ANTIQUE CLOCKS Ashley King’s skills in restoring antique clocks and timepieces coupled with years of patient practice and a knowledge of their history has made him a sought after expert in the field of horology / BY LEW LARASON
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shley King first became interested in clocks in 1970 when stationed in Germany with the Air Force. “I was there long enough to become friends with a clock repairman, referred to as
could ruin a great clock.” In 1980, Ashley returned to the United States. At that time, he opened his own business. He had shops in a few different areas through the years: New Hope, Buckingham,
The King of Clocks. The more I was with this fellow, the more interested in clocks I became.” Eventually Ashley bought into the business with the King. “I took lessons from a horologist from Poland. He was very skilled. Clock restoration requires meticulous attention to every detail. You have to know what you’re doing or you
Penn’s Purchase in Lahaska and Lambertville, New Jersey. Most of these locations were among antiques shops, since along with repairs, he buys and sells clocks. He now has a well set up small shop that has a feeling of space feeling of space because of large windows that open up to the lawn, flowers and trees. In his shop Ashley
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Paul Wesley
works on all kinds of clocks, including shelf, wall, tall case and cuckoo. They come from Europe, England and the United States. “I also work on music boxes. I work on modern and antique clocks and timepieces. I love them all. And, each is individual with its own personality” (The difference between a clock and a timepiece is the latter lacks a striking mechanism.) Although some clocks won’t run because they aren’t level or set up correctly, most antique clocks stop running because they have worn bearings and pivots. The bearings are inserted into the plates of the movement. The pivots or arbors are finely turned ends which rotate in the bearing. At first, these connections may not seem loose. However, once he has removed the movement from the case and cleaned it in his ultrasound machine, getting rid of all of the wrong kinds of lubricants that probably were used for years and which attract and hold dust. “Then,” he said, “we can see just how loose the joints are.” After the cleaning, Ashley has to figure out the best course of action for the clock. “Once I can see what needs to be done, I can decide whether or not the piece is worth the effort and cost of restoration. It also depends upon its age. Clocks and watches made before World War II were built to much higher standards than those made after the war. Newer clocks just should have their movements replaced instead of trying to restore the original ones. Some of these can’t be repaired.” After cleaning the movement of a clock, Ashley takes it apart. He is careful to keep all of the pieces together and to mark anything that might get mixed up. By testing the bearings in each wheel while disassembling, he sees which bearings and pivots must be replaced. He pointed out how simple it is to check the wheel movement once all of the oil and dust have been removed. Although the motion may be very little, any moving indicates the necessity of replacing the bearing. Since the bearings are brass, he can ream them out to make the hole large enough to
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insert a new one. He has special tools for this job. However before he inserts the new bearing, he makes certain it fits the pivot or arbor end it is to be connected to. This fit must be as close as possible. And since there are several size bearings, it can be a slow process of testing until he gets the correct fit. All of the worn parts must be repaired or replaced. Ashley said, “Most parts can be found. And, I have a lot in stock. But if I can’t find a part I need, generally I can fabricate it.� He has many, clock-size tools, including a small lathe that sits on a bench he brought from Germany. All of his tools are easy to reach when he’s working on a clock. Some are hanging, others in drawers, while many are on his workbench next to him. “When I’m doing a standard job, I know which tools I’ll use and try to keep them close by,� he said. Once the movement has been carefully put back together and lubricated with the correct clock oil, the finished assembly is placed on a sturdy metal movement stand. He has several of these since there’s a different design for each type of clock movement. Once it’s secured on a stand, he attaches the pendulum. The movement is set up to run for at least three months. During this time, Ashley can adjust the pendulum bob or weight to get the clock to keep accurate time. If it’s running too fast, he can slow it down by lowering the weight. To speed it up, the weight is moved up. Once it’s been adjusted and allowed to operate for the three months, Ashley feels he can re-install the movement into its case. The clock now is ready to go back to its home and owner. As a horologist, Ashley feels very strongly about the ethics involved in clock restoration, saying, “Most people have no idea about what might be wrong with their clock. They’re at the mercy of the repairman, many of whom shouldn’t be working on clocks. Like any other business or trade, there are bad apples to avoid.� He said that you must get a good recommendation before you trust your clock to any repairman. He thinks there are too few qualified restorers, especially for antique clocks.
Ashley feels that to be a good restorer, it’s important to be a clock historian. Particularly when working on an antique clock, it’s important to have some idea about its history and what methods were used during the time that clock was built. “The more you know about the piece you’re working on, the better chance you have to restore it correctly,” he said. “In order to restore clocks properly, you have to invest a lot of time and practice before you know what you’re doing.” A clock restorer also needs a lot of patience. Ashley enjoys talking to people about clocks. Among other things, he lectures on the subject. Also he has taught clock repair at the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors Museum in Columbia, Pennsylvania. At each session, he’s had 12 students of different ages for his five-week course. He taught there for two years. He suggested that anyone interested in clocks should visit one of the museums devoted to horology. The NAWCC Museum in Columbia has over 12,000 timepieces. It’s an easy trip from Bucks County and well worth it. There’s another fine repository called the American Clock and Watch Museum in Bristol, Connecticut with over 3,000 clocks and timepieces on display. A third museum worth a visit is the Timexpo Museum in Waterbury, Connecticut. It’s associated with the former Waterbury Clock Company that subsequently became Timex. Ashley King is a member of the Bucks County Antiques Dealers Association and a clock appraiser. He also has many clocks for sale and is happy to show them to anyone who might be interested. His inventory includes tall case, aka “grandfather”, shelf, cuckoo and wall clocks. All are displayed set up and running. To see Ashley King’s collection of clocks, talk to him about the restoration of a piece you have or have him present a lecture to your group, call 215-262-7139 or email him at patsy1108@msn.com. LEW LARASON
IS A FREELANCE WRITER WHO
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Black
Horse Farm Chris French and Betsy Cutaiar transformed their historic home to have modern amenities and renewable energy sources without sacrificing its 1851 Bucks County farmhouse appearance By Mary Beth Schwartz
Originally built circa 1851, the house was constructed on land deeded in 1845 to Samuel and Elizabeth Hager. The homestead is actually in the tiny town of Hagersville and Samuel Hager is buried in the local cemetery. SITTING ON 34 BUCOLIC ACRES IN PERKASIE, Black Horse Farm this centuries-old farmhouse has been made over several times. Since 1993 it has been refurbished and maintained by Chris French and Betsy Cutaiar. Now on the market, this lovingly maintained historical farm property is ready for its next owners. While having the charm and history of a traditional Bucks County fieldstone farmhouse, Black Horse Farm's upgrades elevate it to function as a 21st century home. Both structural and system renovations have taken place over the last 16 years. Most notable is the 2008 conversion to renewable energy from solar panels and wind turbine. In addition, a geothermal heating and cooling system was installed with 4 zones of high efficiency. This property has been brought into the next century with an eye to environmental sustainability, efficiency and conservation. With skill and vision, it has been preserved to provide many more years of country living. Originally built circa 1851, the house was constructed on land deeded in 1845 to Samuel and Elizabeth Hager. The homestead is actually in the tiny town of Hagersville and Samuel Hager is buried in the local cemetery. Little is known about the earliest inhabitants, but what is evident is how the dwelling was transformed and expanded during its 164 years. Records indicate that there was an addition of a new kitchen and second bedroom in 1930. After that very few architectural changes were made until 1993, when Chris and Betsy bought the property. As its newest caretakers, they continued with the transformation, embellishing and enlarging the structure. From a modest fourroom stone house, Black Horse Farm is now a sprawling twostory 4000 plus square-foot country estate. With the ambiance and authenticity of a centuries-old homestead, this country estate is punctuated with many modern
amenities. Adding to the stature and grace of the main house is a landscape overflowing with historic significance and natural beauty. A stroll around the property reveals a wide expanse of rolling hills, with a lush landscape offering a spring-fed pond with a dock, an in-ground pool overlooking the pastures, approximately 15 to 20 acres of five fenced pastures, a fenced garden area with raised beds and a nearby orchard with apple, pear and peach trees. Several impeccably maintained outbuildings make up the homestead's exterior footprint. Intertwined throughout the landscape is a stone bank barn with six horse stalls, a stateof-the-art, five-bay stone agricultural building, a renovated spring house, a stone structure presently functioning as a gym, a run-in shed and a detached two-car garage. Tucked into this picturesque landscape, along a tree-lined driveway, the country farmhouse comes into view. Black Horse Farm has had three stages of transformation in more recent years, including a 1993 addition, more renovations in 1999 and additional renovations beginning in 2007. Each phase upgraded, expanded and embellished what was already there. These were masterfully renovated, restored and reconstructed by Brett King, a local award-winning builder known for his historical renovations. With his carefully executed renovations, Brett's craftsmanship preserved the farmhouse's history while updating for modern living. Careful to balance the preservation of the period details with the accouterments of contemporary living, during the 1999 renovation all new sections were constructed to complement the original 1851 structure and the 1930 addition. Designed to enlarge and modernize, this two-story addition created a living room, office, tack room, gallery hall, bedroom and bath. Brett maintained and showcased the original elements of the house's architecture, colors, textures, stonework, and woodwork. This two-story addition was constructed using reclaimed materials
Opposite left, a flagstone path leads which passes a rock garden and perennial leads to the rear of the house and its more popular entrance. Top right, a red side door to the barn with a tiny birdhouse perched above. Bottom left, a green door leads into horse barn. Bottom right, a pathway between two of the five fenced pastures dotting the landscape of the farm.
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Above, reflections on the water of the stunning fall foliage create a calm ambiance. Bottom left, alongside the stone bank barn is the centuries-old spring house and shaded trees that are painted with the colorful brush of autumn. Right, a back view of the house reveals the years of expansion. On the far right is the original 1851 section, with the middle section being the 1930 addition and the left side is the 1999 addition.
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from the property; including stone from the local fencerows, pine beams and floor boards from York and local fieldstone. His primary goal was to keep the house's authenticity intact, highlighting the original wood beam ceilings, random width pine floors, exposed stone walls, deep set window sills and five fireplaces. With this addition, Chris and Betsy added living space to enhance and enjoy their lifestyle. It was not until 2007, when Chris and Betsy retired, that they decided to work on some outside projects. “Now we had time to do more to the property,” Chris says. Spanning the next seven years they completed a series of projects, some larger than others. Smaller projects included giving the springhouse a facelift with a new slate roof, dredging the pond and adding a dock and replacing windows and doors. One focus was their horses. During this period they added two more stalls to the barn. “Over the years the barn has been
Smaller projects included giving the springhouse a facelift with a new slate roof, dredging the pond and adding a dock and replacing windows and doors. One focus was their horses. During this period they added two more stalls to the barn.
renovated to the highest of standards for the equestrian dream property,” Chris adds. With those smaller projects completed, they were ready for two of the major design and construction projects. They chose to work again with Brett King. The first project was an exterior addition. Chris and Betsy needed more storage and were uncertain about how to solve that problem. With Brett's input and guidance they decided to add a new outbuilding to the property. “In addition to more storage,” Brett explains, “they were also trying to figure out what would be the best fit for the property and for their needs.” The existing barn was not large enough to store and access all of their farm equipment. Understanding their lifestyle, interests and needs from past projects helped Brett advise them on a suitable solution. With the addition of a five-bay agricultural building, Chris and Betsy now had a dedicated
Top left, dotting the landscape are eight solar panels that produce electricity for the property. Top right, an antique carriage is housed in the new agricultural building. Bottom left, the refurbished stone bank barn with six horse stalls. Bottom right, this empty bench in front of the stone barn casually invites passersby to have a seat and enjoy the colorful autumnal vista.
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space to store and easily access their farm equipment. This massive 75-foot by 30-foot building was not just for storage. To add space for Chris and Betsy to enjoy their hobbies, Brett also designed a few extra areas. A heated workroom was added for Chris to use year-round, as well as space for Betsy to enjoy her antique collecting. Also there was a place to house their collection of horse-drawn carriages and to raise their bees. Of utmost importance was that the building fit into the footprint of the property. Brett orchestrated this by using materials that matched those already on the property, including the stone used from an area quarry, the slate roof and the siding that was similar to the barn's. “This building blends into the rest of landscape,” Brett adds, “without being an eyesore.” lending and creating a flow is a signature styling that Brett has mastered. In the second project, in 2010-2011, Brett also intertwined old and new in the redesign of the guest bathroom, which was a part of the original structure. Brett worked with Betsy to create the space that she envisioned. During the excavation it was evident that the age of the room took its toll on some of the original materials. “We removed plaster to uncover the original exterior stone wall and found that some of the stone had deteriorated and had to be replaced,” Brett adds. He also had to replace a few of the damaged ceiling beams and re-do the floor with reclaimed old heart pine. “This added warmth to the bathroom that wasn't there before,” Brett adds. What was just a bathroom is now a comfortable, inviting space. Another space that needed some attention was the kitchen. A kitchen upgrade was done in 2014 to modernize the room. Changing the color palette transformed the entire character of the space. Part of the 1930 addition, the kitchen had a facelift. The red walls, dark wood cabinets and corner cupboard were transformed into a light and airy space with off-white cabinetry, granite counter tops and a center island. While maintaining the character and feel of a traditional country kitchen, the repainting and addition of high-end appliances and new light fixtures made quite a difference in the redesign. Upgrading and embellishing were not the only things on their to-do list. In keeping with his respect for the history of his homestead, Chris also believes in being environmentally conscious. Chris wanted to make the homestead less reliant on other energies and create less of a burden on the environment, as well as become energy efficient. In 2008 they installed the solar and wind turbine systems, as well as a geothermal heating and cooling system. They enlisted the expertise of Paul Stepanoff, of Boucher & James, where he is the Director of Environmental Services. “Chris wanted to lower his energy footprint and consume less energy,” Paul explains. “He also wanted to explore ways of saving
B
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Photo: Randl Bye
A back porch entrance reveals the exposed stone wall and flagstone floor leading to the gallery hallway.
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Photos: Randl Bye
Opposite, the majestic kitchen stone fireplace makes the kitchen toasty on a cool autumn night. Above, warmed by the fire, the newly refurbished kitchen has been brightened with a fresh coat of paint on the cabinets, walls and center island. Bottom, a view of the newly refurbished kitchen showcases the granite countertops, newly painted cabinetry, new lighting and high-end industrial stove.
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Photos Randl Bye
Top, a cozy and warm setting in the living room, part of the 1999 addition, with doors on the left opening to the flagstone terrace. Above the fireplace is an original Ranuph Bye watercolor. Bottom, in the office, also part of the 1999 addition, is a dark walnut custom wall unit and fireplace cabinet. Opposite, a rustically elegant dining room accented with an exposed stone wall and ceiling beams. This space was the original living room, part of the oldest section of the house. 70
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Paul Stepanoff is the Director of Environmental Services with Boucher & James, Inc. His responsibilities include representing and managing the environmental services department in all work for municipal and private clients. Paul has over 20 years of consulting experience in the area of renewable energy. In addition to his work with Boucher & James, Paul has been the renewable energy consultant for Richland Township, Quakertown Community School District, Bensalem Township School District, Warrington Township, Delaware Township, Moore Energy, and several others. He also teaches two NY and PA approved courses on Solar PV and Solar Thermal for professional engineers, home inspectors, and firefighters. Paul practices what he preaches. “I don’t just teach and design renewable energy, I also live it at home,” Paul adds. His personal sustainability systems include Solar PV, Solar Thermal for hot water and pool, wind turbine, comprehensive batteryback-up emergency power (solar PV/Thermal and wind), geothermal HVAC, virtual net metering, Electric Vehicle (i3) with direct Solar PV charging, passive solar design, LED lighting and lighting controls, solar PV awnings, super-insulation, and the first solar PV net-metering system approved/installed with PPL. Paul's email address is pstepanoff@bjengineers.com.
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Photo: Randl Bye
Paul Stepanoff
In hues of blue, the guest bedroom in the original part of the house is accented with exposed ceiling beams. FA L L 2 0 1 5
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Photos: Paul Wesley
Above, the Moyer family with their adopted dog Hawking. Opposite, Anne Irwin, director of Bucks County SPCA.
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The Best Pet
In the World
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By preventing animal cruelty, educating the public and placing animals into people’s homes, the Bucks County SPCA saves lives and heals broken hearts
by Bob Waite
I FIND OUT WHILE TOURING THE SPCA IN LAHASKA THAT Mrs. Bun Bun is a rabbit. She is in the same room as a chinchilla and a big turtle. In another room there are cats of all ages from kittens to seniors, and there are people talking, petting and playing with them. Outside the building a dog is playing on the grass and another is being walked on a leash. Other dogs are in their own little spaces waiting for their walk or maybe for someone to come and talk to them. A few have signs that say things like, “Please do not stare at me,” or “I am shy, approach me quietly.” I always loved animals. I remember trying to decipher the enigmatic expression on a cat’s face and laughing when my collie Duke would tilt his head in an effort to understand something I said or did. Animals were fun, friends and companions. And in my childhood innocence I could never imagine such a thing as animal cruelty. Yet man’s inhumanity to animals has been a problem long before our
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The SPCA in Lahaska you’ll find dogs, cats, snakes, rabbits, snakes and other pets for adoption.
Top left, cute little Harvey, sitting in a basket.Top middle Blue, a Red-eared slider waiting for a new home.Top right, surgical clinic at BCSPCA Upper Bucks shelter, used to care for shelter animals and also shared with No Nonsense Neutering. Below, staff member Abigail Zeiser with Howdy, an Akita/husky mix. Opposite, Lucy Domingo, a volunteer takes Opal through the agility course.
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present time. That’s why in 1824 in England the first SPCA was formed to stop the baiting of animals, cockfights and other kinds of animal cruelty. SPCA is a generic term. A society for the prevention of cruelty to animals is a term like fire department. This is important because many people donate money to what they think are umbrella national organizations like the ASPCA, and they are not. The ASPCA is, in fact, New York
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City’s SPCA. Although many SPCAs operate the same, they are not connected organizationally. Director of Communications Alison Levine says, “People get confused about what and who we are. We are the Bucks County SPCA and even though several SPCAs have national outreaches for donations, they are not supporting us in any way and we are not connected to them.” The staff and volunteers are proud of
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The puppies were being kept legally but were in shock, so they were brought to Lahaska and given some much needed tender loving care. Staff members Diehl Mollica and Ashley Harvey supervise a play group for dogs waiting to be adopted.
the Bucks County SPCA because of the quality care they give lost, neglected, abused and orphaned animals, and how they are able to match most of them, after some preparation, with people who adopt them. As I walk around I discover something else they should be proud about. Alison, I ask, “How come this place doesn’t smell bad?” She explains, “Sometimes some areas do for a very short time, but we are on top of it. Cleaning is a major priority. And when you deal with animals, it is something you have to do continually.” Cleaning animal areas is where the current director, Anne Irwin got her start, volunteering while she was home from college. Her mother worked at the Bucks County SPCA and brought her in. In no time she was part of the paid staff and forty years ago, in 1975, she became the director. Now Director Irwin’s job is mainly about fundraising, securing cooperation with other community agencies, lobbying for better animal cruelty laws, and handling administrative tasks, but nonetheless, she still likes to go into the field every once in a while. She explains, “It’s like a police chief who generally doesn’t go on actual criminal investigations, unless one comes up that is particularly interesting.” Such a case came by her recently when a call came in at 5 a.m. about an accident on the Pennsylvania Turnpike that involved a van full of puppies. “This was a new one, even for me,”
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she remembers. The puppies were being kept legally but were in shock, so they were brought to Lahaska and given some much needed tender loving care. Cruelty enforcement is part of what the Bucks County SPCA does. And they have animal protection officers that investigate cruelty complaints. Most of the cases that they resolve come from tips and calls by people who notice things and call the SPCA. Director Irwin said, “Our officers are very much like police officers. We are experienced with handling the animals so we file the charge and in many of cases of neglect there are summary charges and they are heard in the district court the way a traffic ticket would be but they carry fines up to $750 and 90 days in jail. Our officers can process those cases just like police officers can.” Cruelty can involve things such as betting on fighting dogs, neglect and abuse of pets. One kind of cruelty that is often unintentional is called animal hoarding.
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Director Irwin says, “Hoarding is a big problem, and it’s a hidden problem. There is a whole spectrum of situations. Basically, it’s people with too many animals. They can’t properly care for them, and they don’t want to let them go. It’s certainly best to discover the situations early and be able to work with people to come up with something reasonable then discover them when it’s too late.” On my tour of the facility I meet several puppies that were the victims of animal hoarding. Some are doing well, but some are having a hard time. They can be unresponsive, shy or just physically and mentally stressed. Hoarding of animals, Director Irwin explains, is as much an animal care problem as it is a perception problem. “Sometimes it is just that people think they are the only ones who can rescue animals. They think every animal in need has to come to their house. And often it becomes overwhelming and they can’t take care of
The SPCA in Lahaska you’ll find dogs, cats, snakes, rabbits, snakes and other pets for adoption.
them.” Hoarder’s living environments often degenerate into very unsanitary places with animals living in their own feces and not seeing the light of day. Children are often in these environments that are very unhealthy and hoarders don’t notice because it gets that way gradually and they become desensitized to the strong odors and sad conditions. Animals seized for evidence of hoarding or more malicious cruelty are kept by the SPCA first as evidence, and then if a court determines to take them out of their owner’s hands, they will be trained for adoption. Adoption is what motivates the staff and the volunteers. Getting animals ready to be someone’s pet and then hearing later about the experiences that the people and pets have is a great joy for people who spend much time preparing animals for their future families. Anne Irwin says, “It’s so rewarding to meet people out of the community all over
the place who say I got the best cat in the world from you. How many different people all have the best cat in the world and they got if from here? And that’s all right because it’s the best cat in the world to them, so it is the best cat in the world.” Many of the animals that come to the two Bucks County shelters are surrendered by their owners because they are having financial problems or emergencies and are overwhelmed. The SPCA is always supporting households in crisis to keep their pets, through education, free services to needy owners, and just sitting down and finding solutions. Yet many animals need adoption. “We try to make them ready to be successful in their homes and that’s something is good to me too because back in the early years we couldn’t do as much for animals as we can do now. Now they are neutered before they leave, they have a microchip, they are vaccinated and they are groomed continued on page 87
Opposite, volunteer Diann Schmidt with Poki. Above left, Carol Hinckley, Bucks County SPCA Lahaska shelter manager. Above right, happy owner with a Bucks County SPCA adopted pet.
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Paul Wesley
Broadway in Bristol
The critics and audience both agree that Susan T. Akinson and Keith Baker produce and direct New York quality plays at the Bristol Riverside Theatre
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By Diana Cercone
F YOU’VE ENJOYED SEEING A BROADWAY PLAY, THEN it’s a good reason to see one at the Bristol Riverside Theatre (BRT). You won’t be disappointed. And if you’ve never seen a Broadway play, then it’s an even better reason to see one at BRT. The Bristol Riverside Theatre is a regional theatre, and it is here where it all begins—the passion, the talent and the love of the theatre. To see a live production on stage is to fall in love with the theatre. And the Bristol Riverside Theatre makes you fall in love again and again. Not surprising, then, that BRT was founded on love, passion and talent. The year was
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Opposite, Keith Baker and Susan T. Akinson standing inside the Bristol Riverside Theatre. Top, Megan McDermott, Bruce Graham, David Edwards, Carl Wallnau and George Deihl in 2014 season play, “Laughter on the 23rd Floor.” Bottom left, the 2013 season play, “Pirates of Penzance “ cast. Bottom right, Jessica Wagner as Patsy Cline in the immensely popular 2015 season hit,“As Always Patsy Cline.” (photo by Mark Garvin).
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Top left, Derek Cobey and the Harlem ensemble in popular 2015 musical “Ragtime.” (photo by Mark Garvin.) Middle, Danny Vacarro and Richert Easley in “Tuesdays with Morrie.” Right, Jessica Bedford, Samantha Kuhl and Hannah Kahn in 2013 “Pride & Prejudice.”
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1986, and Susan D. Akinson, who grew up in New Britain, had returned to Bucks County a decade earlier to be with family and work in New York City. By ’86 she had 40 years experience with the theatre including directing, producing, developing new plays and teaching on both the East and West coasts. Though she enjoyed working in New York, she felt the pull to produce in Bucks County even more. “I wanted to start The Repertory Theatre Company of Bucks County,” Susan says. This she tells me as we’re sitting in BRT’s comfortable lobby, its large, picture windows overlooking the Bristol Waterfront Park and the Delaware River. With her connections to New York theatre and to local talent, she started producing and directing plays wherever she could find free space in Bucks—in New Hope restaurants, The George School, The Solebury School. Venues changed so much, she says, she had to send maps to critics so they would know where to go. The nomad life for a serious theatre soon lost its luster and Susan wanted a home where she could build a repertory theatre— and where theatre-goers and critics could have a stable stage to come to. Her chance came in 1983. She read in the local paper that the Grundy Foundation had purchased the shuttered adult movie house on Radcliffe Street. She envisioned turning it into a legitimate theatre and approached the Foundation.
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I
t took some persuading on Susan’s part—and the better part of three years, but The Foundation recognized a good thing for the community. And recognized that not only was Susan serious but she had the credentials to back her up. While at the American Conservatory Theatre, she was an assistant to such luminary directors as William Ball, Gower Champion, George Abbott and Ed Sherrin. From there she went on to be guest director at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre Company and the Marin Shakespeare Festival and has directed numerous plays, including world and area premieres. In New York, Susan had a widely respected reputation not only as a director but also as a play doctor (more on that later). The Grundy Foundation, she says, did a magnificent job in renovating the rundown building and eyesore into a high quality professional theatre. The Bristol Riverside Theatre opened its doors in 1986. And by its 1987-1988 season offered five Mainstage plays, beginning with the award winning play The Good Earth, no doubt a homage to Pearl. S. Buck and her roots here in Bucks County. Today BRT produces five Mainstage plays, musical revues, a new play-reading series entitled America Rising, the ArtRageous summer education program for children and special events. Pretty impressive—and all this in less than 30 years.
But Susan is pretty impressive herself, so it’s no surprise that BRT has grown under her as founding director. Delving a little deeper into how she was first smitten by the theatre, I find that it all started when she attended The George School. She was 14 and in a play directed by Headmaster Mr. Richard McFeely. Not her most shining moment, she recalls, laughing at the memory. However, he did give her sound advice. “‘Well, you know,’ he said, ‘There are other things in the theatre you can do. Directing, maybe, that’s what you should do,’” says Susan. “My poor drama teacher, Mr. Cleveland, got stuck with me and all my ideas.” Cleveland offered her a deal. If she could clean out a large area in the basement of Main Hall, she could have the space and a budget of $50 to produce a play. If he thought the tasks would dissuade her from the theatre, he didn’t know Susan. Nothing could dim her enthusiasm. She made the basement sparkle and put on her first play. And in the process she found her calling. After George School and college, she went on to earn prestigious directing positions and awards, including the Drama-Logue Award for her direction of The Fantasticks in Los Angeles and garnering 23 Barrymore Award nominations for plays she directed at BRT, the majority of which were world premieres. She was also asked to direct Larry Gatlin’s world premiere musical Texas Flyer at both BRT and the Theatre Under the Stars in Houston. About that definition of play doctor? When a play is ready to go into preview, Susan explains, a play doctor is called in to identify what’s wrong with it—what needs to be shored up or cut out. This is still one of her roles at BRT. Another hat she wears is that of a technical director. I’ll let her tell you more about it, but basically, it’s to check that everything is working as planned. Actors are where they should be, sets are right, props are on stage when and where they need to be, and lighting and sound are working perfectly. BRT’s success and reputation for top
caliber productions was growing with each passing season. By ’98 Susan decided to hire an artistic director to help with the demands of directing and programs. She tapped Keith Baker for the position, remembering him from when they worked together in a play about Edward R. Murrow in 1991 at BRT. “Keith was first an actor, then I found out he could direct,” she says. “And then I found out I really respected his artistic aesthetic and made him Artistic Director in 1998. He was an Associate Artistic Director for three of those years. I take a long time to make up my mind. “Keith and I have a great relationship. We can just look at each other [while watching a rehearsal] and know what works and what doesn’t without saying a word. Going on some twenty years, we’ve lasted more than most marriages,” she says, breaking into one of her infectious laughs. As if on cue, Keith walks in to joins us. “Keith and I pick the season together and then audition here and in New York,” says Susan. “He tends to have an actor in mind for a role in the play. I’m the total opposite. But we totally and completely respect the way each other works and decisions.” “It’s true,” says Keith. “For certain plays, I have a clear actor in mind.” For example in last season’s play Enemy of the People by Ibsen, Keith would not have considered it if Kevin Bergen, who played the main lead, Dr. Stockman, was not available. According to reviews, Keith was spot on. Critics loved Bergen—as well as Keith who played a minor character. As one critic said of him, “Veteran BRT actor Keith Baker, as Kiil, is wonderful as usual, playing a nasty, unlikeable old man ...” (Sitting here chatting with him, he’s totally delightful. Which only goes to prove what a master actor he is.) For this season Keith had the actor Robert Newman in mind for the title role of Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha before committing to the play. The play, starring Newman, runs May 10 to June 5.
continued on page 107
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Black Horse Farm Continued from page 66
and producing his own energy.” Chris wanted the property to be self-sufficient. In order to make it self-sufficient, he had to discontinue using oil, propane and gas. Paul worked with Chris to review their energy usage. What they discovered was that his biggest usage was in the heating and air conditioning. Paul advised them to first install the geothermal heating and cooling systems. “This was the most efficient system,” Paul continues. “Next we calculated Chris' projected electric energy usage to determine how much energy he had to produce with the solar thermal and wind turbines.” The goal was to balance the production of electricity to match his usage. With these two renewable energy systems in place the farm was able to sustain itself. Chris was even able to sell some of his electric supply back to PECO. Chris did what he set out to do and was very pleased with the end result. “The farm is at one with the environment.” He and Betsy also added gardens and grew vegetables that they contributed to Penn Ridge Fish, a local food bank. “We did a lot of good for a lot of people,” he says. Chris and Betsy had all their dreams realized, from the early years when they bought the property and began to create their vision, to the last few years where they added their finishing touches. In 2013 Betsy died suddenly and unexpectedly. Chris said goodbye to his wife of 30 years and it broke his heart. He reflects on the great life they shared together at Black Horse Farm and the fact that they got to enjoy their retirement here for seven years. “I never thought that I would recover,” he reveals, “but I have learned to live my life again without Betsy." And so Chris is ready to handover what they created to its next caretaker. “We spent our years here creating our dream. We had our time here and now it is somebody else's turn. I hope whoever buys the farm loves it and enjoys it as much as we did.” BETH S. BUXBAUM IS A FREELANCE FROM THE PHILADELPHIA AREA.
WRITER
… that give them a better start. And we can find homes for animals that would have been overlooked years ago. Older dogs and cats, people are so kind about taking animals that even have a handicap and loving and enjoying them,” Director Irwin explains. Adoptions cost a small donation but considering what a person gets with their bundle of love, it is a supremely good deal. Benefits of adopting an SPCA animal include: temperament evaluation, a basic health exam and vaccines (if appropriate), sterilization of animal (spay/neuter), feline leukemia and FIV testing for all cats/kittens, heartworm testing for all dogs/puppies over 6 months, Cat carriers, and Microchip IDs. Not bad. The atmosphere at the SPCA is light. The staff and volunteers give the animals temporary names if they don’t have their own. They talk to them and pet them and clean them and love them. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Bucks County SPCA. Alison says that even in the worst storms the volunteers come. It seems they are particularly dedicated and know that without them the level of love and care would drop. Volunteers include everyone from high school kids to senior citizens who dedicate their time to walk, cuddle, wash, brush, and talk to the animals. And they all seem to be having a ball. Director Irwin talks about a volunteer who has been crocheting catnip balls for more than 30 years. “We order the catnip for her and then she crochets these little things that are soft so they don’t make any noise and yet are a great toy for a cat” She says, “We have volunteers that are in here every day working with the animals and out there promoting them every day in the community. Here in Lahaska they have a group called the Behavior Modification Squad and they do a lot of training and are very well trained themselves. They can take a shy dog and help it have more confidence or will take a very high-energy dog and get it to sit when they come to a doorway. I’m just in Awe of our volunteers!” Anne Irwin says, “Bucks County is
supportive. Our legislators have been very supportive of animal friendly laws and the county commissioners are all animal lovers. I think they all have animals from the Bucks County SPCA.” The Bucks County SPCA helps all animals in distress from turtles to cattle and horses. They have grown and in addition to operating two shelters, they have a stateof-the art operating room and are able to medically help animals in their care. They have a behavior hotline, cruelty prevention officers, public training classes and they donate pet supplies to food shelters. The SPCA is funded by donations from the community. Not all donations need be cash. They also need pet food, toys, non-clumping litter, sheets, towels, blankets, cleaning supplies and treats. There is also an Amazon.com wish list for the Bucks County SPCA. See www.bcspca.org/support/donate-online. After 40 years, Anne Irwin is retiring from her position as director of the Bucks County SPCA and turning the reins over to Linda Reider, who says, “I have great respect for the professionalism and compassion of the BCSPCA staff members and volunteers who work hard each day to better the lives of animals and people. I have enjoyed meeting many of them already, and am eager to get to know more of the people in the community who support the organization that saves lives, prevents cruelty, and teaches humane values. My husband and I (and our two cats) are delighted to be moving to lovely Bucks County this coming fall!” The Bucks County SPCA shelter in Lahaska is located at 1665 Street Road (use New Hope for GPS). The shelter in Quakertown is located at 60 Reservoir Rd, Quakertown, PA 18951. Phone for Lahaska is 215-794-7425 and for Quakertown it is 267-347-4674. You can visit the Bucks County SPCA at www.bcspca.org. BOB WAITE IS THE EDITOR OF BUCKS COUNTY MAGAZINE AND HAS AN ADOPTED HUSKY WHOSE NAME IS CRYSTAL. SHE’S THE BEST DOG IN THE WHOLE WORLD.
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YourHealth
TREATING CHRONIC PAIN
Scott J. Loev, D.O. and Steven M. Falowski, M.D. of the St. Luke’s University Health Network are recognized nationally for their collaborative approach to chronic pain treatment / BY MARY BETH SCHWARTZ
I
t is estimated that almost 100 million people in this country are affected by some type of chronic pain. Annually, this adds up to $635 billion in lost productivity and medical treatment. Pain sufferers often try
Luke’s University Health Network to receive chronic pain treatment. Dr. Loev is affiliated with St. Luke’s Spine & Pain Associates. He serves as Medical Director and Interventional Pain Specialist.
Steven M. Falowski, M.D. and Scott J. Leov, D.O.
multiple treatments without relief. And, unfortunately, this pain interferes with one’s daily routine. In our area, those suffering from pain can consult leading doctors Scott J. Loev, D.O. and Steven M. Falowski, M.D. of the St. 88
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The doctor also is an adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, for Temple University School of Medicine. Dr. Loev went to medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic
Medicine. He completed his internship at GSBS-Statford Division/UMDNJ. His residency was at Temple University School of Medicine. Dr. Loev chose the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine for his fellowship in Interventional Pain Medicine. “I am a great believer in doing the right thing for my patients. Some clearly need interventional treatment, but for others, the cause of the pain isn’t that obvious. For those patients, our services are diagnostic, and in some cases, I refer my patients to a neurologist, surgeon, or other specialists for more targeted treatment. It isn’t unusual for me to work out a medication management plan, supplemented by physical therapy, for example—whatever helps the patient,” Dr. Loev says. At St. Luke’s Spine & Pain Associates, patients are treated by fellowship trained physicians. In fact, Dr. Loev was awarded the 2010 Purdue Partners Against Pain, which recognizes professionals who have made strides in the pain research, management, or improving quality of life for those with chronic pain. Patients can receive treatment for a range of conditions, including neck, back, joint, and shingles pain, sciatica, herniated disc, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis. Some patients have peripheral neuropathy, and do not feel pain in their feet. Others have persistent pain from a number of surgeries. Patients also may suffer from CRPS, complex regional pain syndrome. This form of pain can affect a leg or arm and usually develops after a heart attack, surgery, injury, or heart attack. St. Luke’s Spine & Pain Associates offers the latest in surgical procedures and medical treatments. Depending upon the patient, there are various injections and nerve blocks. The latest in neuromodulation also is offered. “This is broken down into peripheral nerve stimulation and spinal cord stimulation. Peripheral nerve stimulation is used for treating headaches and migraines. With spinal cord stimulation, we implant a small device that pow-
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ers thin wires along the spinal cord. It emits low levels of electrical energy to interrupt or mask the transmission of pain signals to the brain. The advantage of neuromodulation is that there actually is a trial period. Before this is permanently placed, the patient goes home with the device for four to five days to see if the therapy is beneficial. When they return to the office, the device is removed. If this is a good fit, the patient is referred to a neurosurgeon to have it permanently implanted to manage chronic pain,” Dr. Loev says. According to Dr. Loev, there is a new form of neuromodulation called Burst. “We were selected out of 20 exclusive sites nationwide to use this. It is currently
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under studies to be approved in the United State from the FDA. This procedure can offer the patient complete resolution from pain if it is successful.” Collaborating with Dr. Loev is Steven M. Falowski, M.D., a functional neurosurgeon with St. Luke’s Neurosurgical Associates. Dr. Falowski completed medical school at UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Both his internship and residency were with Thomas Jefferson University. The doctor chose Rush University Medical Center for his fellowship in Functional Neurosurgery. Annually, Dr. Falowski performs over 100 spinal stimulator implants. He also implanted the first Restore Sensor Spinal Cord Stimulator System in the region, and the second in the country. Dr.
Falowski and Dr. Loev have worked together for five years to help patients in Bucks County, the Lehigh Valley, and Montgomery County with chronic pain. “I work closely with the company that makes the neuromodulation devices. This helps in improving the devices and in making new devices. After patients see Dr. Loev and have the temporary device removed, I implant a permanent one. This is a same day procedure and is minimally invasive. Spinal cord stimulation, a form of neuromodulation, has been used for over 40 years to manage chronic pain of the trunk, arms, and legs. At St. Luke’s, we have a 80 to 85 percent success rate. Success is measured by the reduction of pain by 50 percent,” Dr. Falowski says. To schedule an appointment with Dr.
Spinal cord stimulation, a form of
neuromodulation, has been used for over 40 years to manage chronic pain. Loev or Dr. Falowski, the patient needs to have a referral. Most insurance is accepted. Dr. Loev works out of the Bucks County office for St. Luke’s Spine & Pain Associates. It is located at 1534 Park Avenue, Suite 310, in Quakertown. The office phone number is 484-526-7246. Dr. Falowski works out of the Lehigh Valley office for St. Luke’s Neurosurgical Associates. The office is located at 701 Ostrum Street, Suite 302, in Bethlehem. The phone number is 484-526-6000. You can read more about the doctors, neuromodulation, St. Luke’s Spine & Pain Associates, and St. Luke’s Neurosurgical Associates by visiting www.slhn.org. MARY BETH SCHWARTZ
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Patti and Mitch Adler learned lots from their own stays at B&Bs and decided that this is what they want to do, so with zeal they opened up Frog Hollow Farm Bed & Breakfast in Kintnersville / BY PATTI GUTHRIE
F
rog Hollow Farm Bed & Breakfast in Kintnersville, owned by Patti and Mitch Adler, opened ten years ago. Patti said, “We met the neighbors before we bought the property. We wanted to tell them our intentions of turning the private residence into a B&B. We were living in Buckingham and were friends with the Byrds who then owned Ash Mill Farm. Between their encouragement and the fact we love to travel and stay at B&Bs, we decided, ‘We can do this.’” The original section of their stone farmhouse, built in the mid-1700s, consisted of single rooms on two floors connected by a pie staircase. Mitch commented, “They probably kept their animals on the ground floor until they built the large bank barn. That part of the house is original except for the floor. We found the draft doors for the walk-in fireplace in the basement a few years after we moved in.” In the mid-1800s, an 92
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addition was built, another Art Deco styled section added in the 1920s and a large porch across the front after that. The working farm was 250 acres, registered in 1798. It’s been whittled
down to the present four and a half. The first floor had been renovated when they purchased the property. “We did add new countertops in the kitchen where breakfasts are served and had the stone fireplace in the sitting room repointed and converted to
Photos: Paul Wesley
Frog Hollow Farm: Opposite, innkeepers Patti and Mitch Adler standing in front of their Model A Ford with a rumble seat. Next to the Model A is a 1949 Ford custom sedan. Top, the Sunroom with a piano and cozy sitting areas. Bottom left, a view of the bed and brick wall in Petie’s Room, which also has a Jacuzzi in the bathroom. Bottom right, a view of the four-poster bed in the Porch Room.
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gas,” said Patti. Remodeling the second floor to create three guest rooms with bathrooms was a bigger project than they expected, considering they had to build an addition for the third room and a corridor. “We thought the work would take a few months,” she said. It actually was more than a year. Mitch said, “It took us awhile to find an architect and a contractor. Joe Moors, our present contractor from Ottsville, is amazing. I’ll have an idea and he’ll bring it to fruition, regardless of what’s involved.” All three guest rooms have queensize beds, WiFi, basic cable and old fashioned televisions. But, that’s where their similarities end, as each is completely different. Because of that, some guests want the same room, while others choose to sample all three. The Cathedral Room, the smallest, has a tall ceiling, as its name implies. The bathroom features a steam shower and retro tile. There’s a full closet, exposed stone in the room and charming older details. The bed headboard is made from a bench, an example of the Adler’s penchant for recycling and repurposing anything they can. “Lots of couples love this room,” she said. Petie’s Room, the largest, is named for their previous dog. It features a brick wall and a balcony reached by an old-fashioned Dutch door. There’s a small closet and an armoire. The bathroom has a Jacuzzi, a double sink and a stall shower. The Porch Room is the addition, with its new hickory floor. The highlight is a four-poster bed. The bathroom has a tub/shower with a skylight and a vanity from Massachusetts. All three have wellloved furniture, some of it antique, from the Adler’s parents and other relatives. Actually, the downstairs also is furnished with items from both families. For instance, the bone china on the dining table belonged to Patti’s grandmother. “People say we ought to keep it in a cupboard. But, we feel it should be used.” There are several small stained glass windows used creatively, one as the top half of a guest room door. Also, there are frogs
throughout the house made of ceramic, glass, metal, wood etc., many given by guests. And there’s a 1950s telephone in working order, along with original gaslight fixtures, now electrified, in three rooms. Mitch grew up in Willow Grove, graduating from Upper Moreland High School, then West Chester University, with a B.A. in Psychology and an M.E.D. in Secondary Guidance Counseling from their graduate school. His last job in the field, lasting 16 years, was at Lenape Middle School. “I also was a waiter until I was 50, working in several ‘higher end’ restaurants, including the Dilworthtown and William Penn Inns,” he said, telling about meeting
There’s a full closet,
exposed stone in the room and charming older details. The bed headboard is made from a bench, an example of the Adler’s penchant for recycling and repurposing anything they can. Bob Denver who had ordered via room service: “When Denver answered the door, I told him I knew the hardest trivia question and it was about him: “What’s the G. stand for in Maynard G. Krebs? Walter! He was pleased.” Patti is from Newton, Massachusetts. After high school she earned a BS in nursing at Boston University, And then went to graduate school at Boston College, earning an MSN and nurse practitioner. She worked at the Boston Floating Hospital for Children for 9 years before a successful interview for an opening at Children’s Hospital brought her to Philadelphia in 1985. Her last job in the field was as a pedi-
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atric nurse practitioner in Doylestown, a position she held 16 years. When she retired in 2011, “I hung up my stethoscope and picked up a toilet brush,” she said. She met Mitch at the Rose Tattoo in Philly in 1989. They married in 1994 and lived in Jenkintown for a year before moving to Buckingham. She explained, “While we were having work done on our Ash Mill Road home, we stayed at the Byrd’s B&B. I started helping them, which led to us innsitting. They knew we were interested in opening our own and steered us to places for sale.” The Adlers decided to look at just old stone farmhouses. She commented, “We saw this one in February 2001. Since it was a private residence, we asked the Byrds to check it out as a possible B&B. They said
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it would be perfect.” They saw the property in February, settled in April and moved during the summer. She explained, “Without the Byrds and Mary Shafer to move us along, I’m not sure we’d have a B&B yet. Mary said to call her for cards when we were ready. She came up with our laid-back frog logo and ‘a ribit of heaven on earth’ phrase. When we need fresh flowers, we use Holly Urban of Froggy’s Garden.” Full country breakfasts are prepared by Mitch and served by Patti. She said, “The average stay is two nights. So, we do a sweet dish one morning, savory the next.” The former may be Challah French toast, homemade waffles with fresh peaches or 96
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ricotta pancakes with lemon sauce and berries, the latter three-cheese omelets with sherried mushrooms and vegetables, eggs Benedict with homemade Hollandaise or scrambled eggs. All savory dishes are paired with Mitch’s special potatoes. Breakfasts start with fresh fruit and include the entrée with bacon or pork sausage. Patti makes orange juice, lemonade or blended juice of strawberries, bananas and yogurt. Their orchards produce fruit, including Bosc pears that he caramelizes. The garden provides their cooking herbs and many of their vegetables. They also maintain a compost pile. And, fresh eggs are purchased locally. Although they have a website, www.froghollowfarmbnb.com, “We don’t take reservations over the Internet. Instead, we ask people to call. That way, we can find out about their preferences, food allergies and so on. We cannot take guests with pet allergies because we have Gracie our Jack Russell, outside cats, two sheep Ben and Ippie, and Billie our goat, plus abundant wildlife.” Mitch has “carved” walking trails that meander through the wooded areas and meadows and past the pond with its resident frogs. The relatively new garage houses two gems: a Model A Ford with a rumble seat and a 1949 Ford custom sedan. In fact, he takes guests for rides through the scenic upper Bucks countryside. According to Patti, what sets Frog Hollow apart from other B&Bs is the hospitality. “We’re very welcoming. We have only three rooms and literally are sharing our home with our guests. We try not to leave out anything, having learned a lot from staying at other B&Bs.” If a leisurely ride in the rumble seat of a Model A at the height of the fall foliage is appealing, you should plan a getaway to Frog Hollow Farm. For information and reservations, call the Adlers at 610-847FROG (3764). PATTI GUTHRIE
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Destinations & Getaways - D A Y T R I P S and W E E K E N D S
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ucks County is only a half hour from Center City and a little over an hour from New York City. Bucks Countians are within driving distance to the Pocono Mountains, the Jersey Shore, the Endless Mountains and countless other destinations that can provide many opportunities for day trips, jaunts, weekend getaways and even longer stays. And not only are there many interesting destinations outside of the county, but Bucks County itself is a major destination to which people from all over the country come to spend their time and money. You can too. It’s fun to go to Washington Crossing on a family picnic or to visit the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown and
maybe take a train or ferry ride from New Hope. I like to just take a day riding around the countryside of Upper Bucks County, visiting flea markets and admiring the rustic scenery. A good place to find local destinations is in our Calendar of Events in Bucks County Magazine or in the What To Do section of our Website. Here are some getaways—some very close and some that are further away. To find out more about getaways and destinations that you have in mind, visit Buckscountymag.com and under the heading “What To Do” click on the bar at the far left labeled “Getaways.” You can arm yourself with information before you go on a great trip.
PEDDLER’S VILLAGE Peddler’s Village…We’re everything but ordinary for fall and holiday shopping! From home wares, trendy clothes, and comfort foods to unique toys, local artisans and a day spa, you’ll easily check off your list in the Village’s 60 specialty shops. Rediscover the legendary Bucks County shopping oasis. This beautiful shopping, dining, lodging and entertainment destination is bursting with appealing amenities in the heart of historic Bucks County. Show your local love at these Indie-owned shops where you can find both your favorite national brands and locally made merchandise. The Village touts upscale boutiques and little gems of specialty stores tucked into charming neighborhoods for a town and country shopping experience in a fresh, upscale garden setting. Get fall and holiday style inspiration for you and your home. Discover the latest styles and accessories and stylish looks. Update your art collection, support local artists & get some amazing handcrafted gifts from a variety of galleries and studios with a
range of mediums and an abundance of creativity. Trendy shops that range in style are blooming with unique clothing and accessories for women, men and kids. Whether you’re on the hunt for that perfect birthday gift, a new piece of home décor or anything in-between, a boutique lover’s paradise awaits. During Scarecrow season which runs through November 1st, the Village is dressed up for fall with colorful mums, hay bales, corn stalks and more than 100 life-size, creative scarecrows lining the brick pathways. Peddler’s Village celebrates its 36th season of scarecrows in 2015 with the Annual Scarecrow Competition and Display, which kicks off on Monday, September 14th, followed by the weekend Scarecrow Festival on Saturday, September 19th and Sunday, September 20th. Parking is always free and convenient with easy access to all shops and restaurants. For more information, visit http://www.peddlersvillage.com/shop/ or call 215-794-4000.
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Destinations & Getaways - D A Y T R I P S and W E E K E N D S DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS CITY Bethlehem, which got its name on Christmas Eve of 1741, is known to people around the world as the Christmas City and as the place to go for holiday fun. As Christmas approaches, Downtown Bethlehem turns into a winter wonderland with decorated streets, carolers, horse drawn buggies and even a live Advent Calendar with a different merchant coming out of the door at the Goundie House on Main Street every night at 5 p.m. with a “treat” for whoever is waiting at the door. Each shop in Downtown Bethlehem is decorated in ways that complement the Victorian architecture, making it look like a scene right from Dickens’ Christmas Carol. There is a competition among the merchants for the best decorated doors and windows. There are also historically themed Christmas walking tours and all the excitement of the larger celebrations that go on in this remarkable city. Also in Downtown Bethlehem there will be an authentic German Weihnachtsmarkt (translated open-air Christmas market and pronounced vy-noktsmarkt) that is located in Bethlehem’s historic downtown shopping district along Main Street. At this market there will be 35 wooden huts that are decorated for the holidays and filled with potential Christmas gifts. There will also be plenty of bratwurst with sauerkraut. There is First Friday on January 6, which is a monthly celebration of arts and culture in the Southside Shopping and Arts District of Bethlehem. And in February there is a celebration by the both downtowns of a Week of Romance. For more information about Downtown Bethlehem events, visit www.downtownbethlehemassociation.com.
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w y v t P L A N YO U R V I S I T N O W ! C H R I S T M A S C I T Y V I L L A G E . C O M
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ife expectancy is on the increase and many people are living into their 90s and beyond. This means that planning for aging is of vital importance for everyone. People remain healthy as when they they have day to day social intercourse, eat well and get plenty of exercise. This is why the whole range of senior living from independent living in apartments to assisted living, nursing care, memory care and hospice are things that we need to think about. Our Senior Lifestyles section presents a variety of living situations for seniors from apartments to total care, where people can be safe, live according to their abilities and have a sense of community. Aging can be done purposefully and with dignity in the Bucks County area. Living situations are now staffed with professionals who offer rehabilitation, recreation and medical care. Diet and lifestyle can make a difference, so it can never be too early to think about these things for ourselves and those we love. Aging does not have to be something to dread, but can be another step in our development.
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More Time – More Friends – More Choices Setting Standards of Excellence in Retirement Living Since 1967
A t Foulkeways at Gwynedd, community members look forward to
exploring new horizons and re-establishing past interests and hobbies. There’s always something close at hand to inspire both mind AND body! So, what are you doing with the second half of YOUR life? For more information about life at Foulkeways Continuing Care Retirement Community, call Marketing Counselor, Kimberly McCloskey, at 215-283-7339 today.
Guided by Time-Honored Quaker Values 1120 Meetinghouse Road, Gwynedd, PA 19436
www.foulkeways.org Foulkeways at Gwynedd does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap or sexual orientation. ®
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SENIOR LIFESTYLES Ǥ Activityy. Friendship.. Support. Convenience e. Value. ‘—ǯŽŽ ƤÂ?† ‹– ƒŽŽ ƒ– Š‡ ”‹†‰‡• ƒ– ƒ”™‹…Â?ÇĄ ™Š‡”‡ ‡˜‡”› †ƒ› ‹• ƒ …‡Ž‡„”ƒ–‹‘Â? ‘ˆ •‡Â?‹‘”•Ǥ ‹–Š —•ǥ ”‡•‹†‡Â?–• ‡Â?Œ‘› ƒ •‡Â?•‡ ‘ˆ ’—”’‘•‡ ƒÂ?† …‘Â?–‡Â?–Â?‡Â?–ǥ ƒŽ‘Â?‰ ™‹–Š ˆ—Â?ÇĄ ’‡”•‘Â?ƒŽ‹œ‡† …ƒ”‡ ƒÂ?† ƒ ˆ‘…—• ‘Â? –‘–ƒŽ ™‡ŽŽnj„‡‹Â?‰Ǥ ‡ǯ”‡ —…Â?• ‘—Â?–›ǯ• Â?‡™‡•– •‡Â?‹‘” Ž‹˜‹Â?‰ …‘Â?Â?—Â?‹–› Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ …‘Â?‡ ƒÂ?† •‡‡ ™Šƒ– ™‡ǯ”‡ ƒŽŽ ƒ„‘—–Ǥ
Supportive Assisted Care
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Wlo C Welcome Center t Noow o O Open!! ‘Â?–ƒ…– • –‘ ‡ƒ”Â? ‘”‡Ǥ ͖͕͙Ǥ͗Í?͙ǤÍ?Í?͚͛ ™™™Ǥ–Š‡„”‹†‰‡•ƒ–™ƒ”™‹…Â?Ǥ…‘Â?
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Senior Living Directory Bridges at Warwick, 1600 Almshouse Rd., Jamison, PA 18929 215-395-9976; www.thebridgesatwarwick.com At The Bridges at Warwick, every day is a celebration of seniors. Living here provides residents with a sense of purpose and contentment. Days are filled with fun and friendship with a focus on total well-being. Our brand new community, located in the heart of Warwick Township, offers a unique alternative to traditional assisted living and memory care. Our supportive, personalized lifestyle boosts residents' self-esteem by helping them stay as independent as possible for as long as possible, no matter what their current abilities may be. Christ’s Home, 1 Sheppards’ Way, Suite 100, Warminster, PA 18974 215-956-2270; www.christshome.org Christ’s Home is one of the few organizations in the country to offer an array of life-enhancing services to both older adults and children. Our legacy of caring and compassion is interwoven into all of our dynamic programs and services. We are committed to quality programming and services that exceed community standards while providing exceptional value.The heart of Christ’s Home is to serve the Lord by providing services to senior adults and disadvantaged children in an atmosphere graced with love, dignity, compassion and respect. 102
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Wh here Each Ge eneration Ma akes Its Own His story. Classicc continuing care retirement living moves into th he next generation at Pine Run with the very re eal benefit of four decades of experience. A mem mber of Doylestown Health, Pine Run offers indepe endent living cottages, personal care suites, secure memory care, and a 5-star rehabilitation centerr.
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777 Ferry Road, Doylestown, PA 18901 800.992.8992 • pinerun.orgg
Foulkeways at Gwynedd, 1120 Meetinghouse Road, Gwynedd, PA 19436; 215-643-2200/7575; www.foulkeways.org Guided by Quaker values, Foulkeways has been setting standards of excellence in retirement living since 1967. Whether your plans include a cozy studio, mid-sized apartment or spacious, cottage, Foulkeways provides proven financial stability, comprehensive health care and a community where friendship, caring, dignity and respect are a way of life. Oaks of Bensalem, 6400 Hulmeville Rd., Bensalem, PA 19020; 215-752-9140; www.sierraoaksofbensalem.com Oaks of Bensalem is a welcoming, caring senior community. Offering comfortably furnished rooms to fit individual preferences and budgets. “Oaks” is unique in providing highquality compassionate care. Visit us and discover why so many choose to call “Oaks” home! Pine Run Retirement Community, 777 Ferry Road, Doylestown Pennsylvania 18901; 215-345-9000; www.pinerun.org Pine Run is committed to and passionate about seniors, and we are dedicated to being an exceptional retirement community. By focusing on a spectrum of wellness for everyone in our continuum, we will enhance the quality of life throughout the region. Pine Run attracts those with an affinity for independence, who appreciated the fine setting and neighborly ways.
“We are authentic, compasionite, and deeply committed to serving each person we encounter.” 6400 Hulmeville Rd., Bensalem, PA 19020 215.752.9140 / www.oaksofbensalem.com FA L L 2 0 1 5
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AtHome
BUILDING DREAM HOMES
Cookie Cutter design and building is a foreign concept to Bela Rossmann of POLO Design Build whose specialty is designing and building unique homes that meet the needs of their clients / BY MARY BETH SCHWARTZ
W
hen you envision your dream home, what do you see? Is it a New England Saltbox? A Long Island vacation home? A Bucks County manor? Mine would be a Cape May Victorian. I would be torn between the Eastland Style with its ornate spindles and knobs; the Second Empire Style with its high mansard roof; and the Italian Style with it low roof, wide eaves, and a designer cupola on top. Dreams are the fuel for the custom homes designed by Bela Rossmann of POLO Design Build. In business for 25 years, POLO Design Build has designed and built one-of-akind residential additions, renovations, and homes in Amagansett, NY, Connecticut, Maine, Manhattan, Princeton, NJ, Bucks County, the Main Line, Miami, FL, and Montecito, CA. These projects include estate homes, family compounds, townhouses, and apartments. The company’s philosophy is to allow clients to benefit from POLO’s experi-
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ence during the design/build process, culminating in a meticulously crafted home that embodies the desired lifestyle of their clients. “We measure success on how well we meet the
needs of our clients by matching the proper designs, materials, and execution of each project. In-house, POLO Design Build oversees all land preservation and development, con-
BUILDING DREAM HOMES: Opposite, Bela Rossmann, POLO Design Build’s CEO and designer of custom homes. Top, a Craftsman style home built outside of New Hope, said to be one of the ten finest homes built in the Greene and Greene Craftsman Style anywhere in the United States in the last century. Bottom left, an outdoor room that is surrounded by gardens and marries style with function in a way that presents integrity of design. Bottom right, an iron gate on stone pillars designed to be part of a plant covered wall outside an ultra-modern designed home in Connecticut.
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struction management, as well as architectural, interior design, and landscape plans to ensure the highest degree of integrity and success,” says Bela Rossmann. With POLO Design Build, there is a return to the Gilded Age— a creation of museum quality masterpieces, following the traditions of fine art and architecture. They are a unique firm in that they do not offer a signature style. POLO possesses an inordinate and extreme attention to detail and offers unlimited diversified periods and designs. “We have completed or will
It included 10-foot
ceilings and an open
plan on the entertainment/public level. Home & Garden Art • Culture History • Health Lifestye
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perform the research on any style. We specialize in turnkey productions, which most firms no longer accommodate.” POLO Design Build designed and built a Craftsman home outside of New Hope. According to Rossmann, it is considered to be one of the ten finest homes built in the Greene and Greene Craftsman Style anywhere in the United States in the last century. POLO Design Build was selected to design an oasis and home where the owners could raise their three children, and then be happy there for the next phase of their lives. “As the project was nearing completion, the scope of the work was expanded where we designed and built 80 percent of the furniture for the residence, a feat that is rarely contracted for. This attention to detail is hardly ever seen today, except for a very few who are fortunate to contract POLO or a small number of nationally recognized architectural and design/build firms.” The firm also built and designed a French Country estate for a couple moving from San Diego to Doylestown. The initial phase of the project included coordinated phone and weekend meetings. POLO Design Build designed a French
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Country house with details of Old World plaster walls; French casement windows with hinged screens; 8-foot-tall French doors; a proper fenced raised bed garden area; and informal appointments to entertain family and friends. “We developed a floor plan with sophisticated and timeless details. It included 10-foot ceilings and an open plan on the entertainment/public level. There are three bedroom suites— two on the second floor and one in the bank house side of the residence overlooking the Secret Garden. In addition, there are numerous terraces for entertaining. There also is a kitchen designed to accommodate every need of the owner who is a fabulous cook complete with a gas range top adorned with an architectural element of a custom copper hood, set in front of a picture window highlighting specimen plantings and gardens.” The owners are such avid gardeners that after only 18 months completion, the home was featured on a regional kitchen and garden tour. POLO Design Build designed and built a contemporary treasure in New Canaan, Connecticut, an ultra-modern home incorporating steel and glass. According to Rossmann, this home was designed as a weekend retreat. The owners wanted to showcase fine art, as well as Early American, European, Mid-century furnishings, and other pieces, some of which were designed by POLO. The owners and their guests can get outdoors in several ways through bedroom terraces, verandas, and balconies. “The steel and glass envelope brings the outside in, extending the living areas of the home to the outside rooms, where there are pools for recreation and others just recreating a relaxing Zen-like atmosphere.” You can see additional POLO homes on www.polodesignbuild.com. They also are on Facebook. To arrange a consultation with POLO Design Build, please call 215-297-5233. MARY BETH SCHWARTZ
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WRITER WHO FREQUENTLY CONTRIBUTES TO REGIONAL PUBLICATIONS.
Bristol Riverside Theatre Continued from page 85
(BRT theatre -goers will remember Newman from Gypsy as well as from his award-winning role as the handsome Joshua Lewis on the Guiding Light.) Opening the season on September 29 is William Inge’s play Bus Stop. “People always say to me ‘Oh, I’ve seen Bus Stop,’” Susan says. “‘No, you didn’t,’ I say. The first 45 minutes of the movie that starred Marilyn Monroe has nothing to do with the play. The play is much funnier, sadder, endearing and heartwarming.” Next play up is Mountain, the Journey of Justice Douglas, with Keith in the starring role. Says Susan, who will be directing, “And no, it’s not a one-man show. It has two other characters that are funny, fun and informative. It has a huge connection about what we’re dealing with today.” Following in January is the Philadelphia premiere of The Language Archive, a lyrical, bittersweet comedy and love story. Look for Keith and his wife, veteran stage, movie and TV actress Jo Twiss (her professional name), in the roles of Resten and Alta. (Last season Twiss played Louise Seger in BRT’s Always ... Patsy Cline to great reviews and has appeared in 17 Law and Order episodes.) Comedy continues in March with Neil Simon’s Rumors, a delicious evening of farce with nonstop laugh-out loud confusion and miscommunication as only Simon can spin it. The fifth and last play of the season is the celebrated Broadway musical and winner of five Tony Awards Man of La Mancha. Always striving to engage the Bristol community and subscribers in the Mainstage productions, BRT offers special events. Theses include Preview Nights, where theatre-goers can interact with artists at the post-show discussions; Opening Nights include a catered reception to meet the cast and artistic staff; Wine Down Wednesday occurs the second Wednesday of each play, kicking off at 6:30 p.m. with crudités, desserts and wine (compliments of Got Wine?); Thirsty
Thursday happens the third Thursday of every production from 6:30-7:30 p.m. with snacks and beer (compliments of Philly Style Soft Pretzel and Broken Goblet Brewing). In addition there’re lively discussions on the religious themes and issues after each show. Everyone loves Fridays, and so does BRT. To show how much, there’s a preshow event starting at 7 p.m. on the first Friday of each production where you can enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres and dessert followed by a discussion of the play by a guest speaker. But BRT isn’t content to rest there. In between there are other productions such as An American Christmas Songbook, an evening of favorite carols and holiday songs. Dates are Dec.10-Dec. 20. Like the popular Summer Musical Fest, a series of concerts, the Christmas Songbook was conceived by Keith and features the BRT Concert Band. Keith, along with talented other entertainers, take the stage to perform at Christmas and in summer. In addition there are special events such as Late Nite Catechism in September and celebrating Ol’ Blue Eyes centennial is Steven Maglio’s Sounds of Sinatra coming in February. Another special production is America Rising, a series of four new plays. These are performed as readings, says Susan, and are designed to help the director and author. “The audience is nice,” Susan says, “but I don’t care. And that sounds cruel, but what I care about is their honest response. What did they enjoy? What didn’t they? What did they understand? What didn’t they understand?” For this reason, she says, attendance for the readings is limited. “The point is to have a manageable enough group that you can actually have a discussion about what you just saw. Because that’s what’s helpful to the director and author.” Still for Susan and Keith, it’s always the audience and community that come first. They may fall in love with a play, but if they think their audience wouldn’t love it, then they won’t do it. It all comes down to
knowing your audience, they say. “My job as artistic director is to listen to the audience,” says Keith. “Susan and I are out there talking to them, asking what they thought after every show.” Regional theatres are either in the business of developing the culture, he says, or in the business of “rehashing the tried and true.” “We like to push the culture, to have a broader view of the human imagination,” Keith says. “We want to give something to the audience so compelling it can’t be compared to watching a movie or a TV show because it’s living theatre. It’s alive.” And by the way, Susan doesn’t have to send out maps to critics anymore. They know where to find the Bristol Riverside Theatre. And gladly flock to review productions—letting you know to come and fall in love. The Bristol Riverside Theatre is located at 120 Radcliffe Street in Bristol. For more information, tickets or subscriptions, call 215-785-0100 or visit brtstage.org. DIANA CERCONE
IS AN AREA FREELANCE
WRITER WHO SPECIALIZES IN FOOD, ART AND TRAVEL.
Holiday Gift Guide Reserve a space today 215-766-2694
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Arts & Antiques Funk N Junk
K
imberly Lapierre traded a
Wall Street career for a more
authentic connection to the creative process. Kim started Lapierre Designs, which led her to start her company Funk N Junk that offers vintage and industrial style case goods. She teamed up with Gene Salerno, a carpenter since the age of 15, who was passionate about reclaiming treasures he found in rivers and abandoned buildings and repurposing them into unique handcrafted furniture. Following his dream, he established Wild Edge
Designs in 2010. He worked with interior designers in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to create custom tables, benches and lighting to meet their specifications.They instantly realized that their artistry and creativity complemented each other producing furniture that is stylish, functional and funky.Thus giving birth to Funk N Junk. Now Funk n Junk sells authentic reclaimed furniture and accessories with integrity, readymade or to order in custom sizes and materials. Funk N Junk is located at 19 N. Franklin St., Lambertville, NJ. For more information, call 609460-4494 or visit www.funknjunkfurniture.com.
Dot Bunn Solo Show
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atricia Hutton Galleries is proud to present our second Dot Bunn
Solo exhibition. The gallery will present 25 recent works of the artist in this exhibition, which opens with a reception on Saturday, October 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. One of our best known and popular Bucks County painters, Dot Bunn's reputation has grown with national recognition by the Allied Artists of America and membership in the American Artists Professional League. She is a studio painter with a strong commitment to continuing the traditional methods of oil painting. She has studied with Myron Barnstone through whom she was inspired to learn in depth about color and composition in the tradition of the great masters. She continues to advance her knowledge of painting by working with distinguished artists through workshops and private study. She also teaches color theory and technique used in drawing and traditional oil painting at her studio in Plumsteadville, Bucks County. Patricia Hutton Galleries is located in the historic Kolbe House at 47 West State Street, Doylestown, PA. For more information, call 215-348-1728 or visit www.patriciahuttongalleries.com. 108
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Tiffany Circus Set
1962 family-owned Stephenson’s Auction has been the most trust-
tephenson’s Auctioneers & Appraisers will be selling a Tiffany &
Industrial Blvd., Southampton, PA in Bucks County, PA we are a
Co. silver and enamel 21 piece circus set designed by Gene
multi-faceted, full-service auction house known for our profes-
Moore ca. 1990 in our September 25th Antiques & Decorative
sionally conducted sale of antiques, estates, residential contents,
Arts auction. A large selection of fine silver, porcelains, jewelry,
and real estate. Please contact us at 215-322-6182 or visit us at
crystal, artwork and furnishings will be sold in that auction. Since
www.stephensonsauction.com for your buying and selling needs.
S
ed choice for the appraisal and sale of estates, antiques and collections throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Located at 1005
The Cheers of Antique Shops
W
hen walking into the Bucks County Antiques Gallery Inc., be prepared to be greeted heartily by owner Marlene Tegge or
one of her staff. You will hear, “Welcome to our home,” or “You are going to get good service whether you like it or not,” Marlene says, “We are the “Cheers” of antiques stores.” They are informal and remember people’s names and there is always a cup of coffee for a customer and plenty of cookies. Marlene likes to have whimsy in the store. There are silly signs and pictures of James Dean and Marilyn Monroe in the restrooms along with chalkboards where customers can write things about the ’50s. The store blends old and new and it is very large and divided into rooms. “There is always something for everyone,” Marlene says. The mix is very interesting because there is vintage furniture, collectibles, decorative accessories, primitives, Bucks County art, and vintage clothing from 50s, 60s and 70s. It is fun just to visit and impossible to leave empty handed. Bucks County Antiques Gallery, Inc. is located at 8 Skyline Drive, Chalfont, PA; 215-997-3227.
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Arts & Antiques Paul Grand: Beyond the Surface
O
ctober 24 to February 7, 2016 in the Bette and
Nelson Pfundt Gallery at the James A. Michener Art Museum. Paul Grand began an odyssey of making images that focus on rich color, jarring contrasts, architectural renderings, and the play of textures, light and shadow on impervious surfaces. His approach is painterly, his spaces are angular, structured, and rhythmic. Grand’s travels to Morocco, India, and especially Mexico are cultural explorations that inform a compositional approach virtually devoid of human presence, yet man-made references populate the images in the form of industrial objects, concrete, wiring, molded tin and peeling paint. The James A. Michener Art Museum is located at 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown, PA 18901.
Mark Daly At Rich Timmons Studio & Gallery
M
ark Daly was taught to draw at an early age by his mother, and by Woodhull Young, a marine painter and curator of the Vanderbilt
Museum. Today, CW Mundy, a master artist, has been mentoring Mark. Daly's work has been featured in solo and group shows and is in many private and corporate collections. He has received prominent awards in national juried art exhibitions. He is a member of the American Impressionist Society, Oil Painters of America, Cincinnati Art Club and Greenacres Artist Guild. Daly has studios in Ohio and Maine. He travels worldwide to paint directly from nature. Mark has been blessed with several God-given talents. Besides painting, he is a composer of original mandolin music and a voting member of the Grammy's. He has been CEO of several successful businesses. He is author of Five Steps to Board Success and has served on many business and not-for-profit Boards. Mark graduated from Cornell University. He has a master's degree in business from The University of Pennsylvania. Mark Daly and other fine artists are all on display at Rich Timmons Studio & Gallery, 3795 Route 202, Doylestown, PA. For more information about Mark Daly and other fine artists, call 267-2475867 or visit www.3795gallery.com.
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Close To Home Exhibit
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Simons Fine Art Gallery and Boutique presents “Close to Home” original paintings by featured artists Jeffrey Charlesworth and Stafford Ordahl, September 19 to October 31. Florals and landscapes taken from the beautiful Bucks County we all know and love are the theme
of this exhibit. Charlesworth brings his own impressions of local landscape colors and nature to his canvas, inspired from his own garden and the Delaware River year round. Ordahl captures the grandeur of the landscape, with majestic sunlit clouds and reflections of the golden hour. Simons Fine Art specializes in custom framing and design, features fine art, unique women’s fashions, designer jewelry and accessories. Simons Fine Art Gallery is located at 122 N Main St, Dublin, PA. For more information, call 215-249-9155.
25 Years For Canal Frame-Crafts
D
ebbie Crow took on the challenge of starting a framing business
25 years ago in 1990 after a short career in music education and
a stint with a family craft supply business in Manayunk. She says, “Being a perfectionist, I loved the challenge and variety that framing presented. Balancing the visual presentation with the need for preservation, I have encountered a number of interesting projects over the years.” Debbie moved to her present location on General Greene Road in 1998 and expanded the gallery side of her business. “In an area like this with so many wonderful artists, it was once again a challenge to come up with combination of quality and variety of art to serve the needs of the clientele.” Today, Canal Frame Crafts is known for having one of the finest collections of artists in Bucks County. Canal Frame-Crafts Gallery is located at 1093 General Greene Road, Washington Crossing, PA. For more information, call 215-493-3660 or visit www.canalframe.com.
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Photos: Melissa Kutalek
The Keeper
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of Documents Tom Lingenfelter has a knack for finding very rare historic documents and an appreciation for history behind them that leads him to make some unprecedented discoveries by Mary Beth Schwartz
W
e are fascinated with history. We love to watch films and television dramas based on historic events. We attend events by local historical societies. We listen to lectures by noted historians. We buy best sellers about historic figures. And increasingly, serious collectors are seeking out investment quality original historical artifacts and memorabilia from Tom Lingenfelter, President of Heritage Collectors’ Society, Inc. According to Bucks County resident Tom Lingenfelter, age 76, he has been around and done everything. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from The King’s College in New York. Tom earned a bronze medal at the Pan-American Games on the U.S. Olympic Field Hockey Team. (He is preparing for the 2016 Olympic Shooting Trials.) Tom was selected for the elite Counter-Intelligence Corps (CIC). After the military, he was a public school teacher for four years. He then started his own advertising business, which led to the founding of Heritage Collectors’ Society,
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Inc. “I am involved with the history of America every day. I have a natural affinity with it. I deal with documents every day. I get them at auctions, from institutions; people call me. I am the keeper of the documents. There are a lot of facts in history that people think are facts and they are not facts. The whisper down the lane thing is a very big deal in history. I try to determine what the truth of the matter is,” Tom says.
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Tom is working with the Museum of the American Revolution, a state-of-the-art museum set to open in early 2017. The museum will be located in the center of historic Philadelphia—two blocks from Independence Hall, across the street from Carpenter’s Hall, and about a block from Benjamin Franklin’s home. It will include exhibit galleries, education spaces, theaters, and collection storage. In Washington, D.C., Tom has done multiple appraisals for the White House. nother important project for Tom is the writing of his book on the history behind the Declaration of Independence. The book will be a collection of his research on the important document. Tom has led investigative work that uncovered the previously unknown only true copy of the original Declaration of Independence. He claims there are only two known authenticated copies of the Declaration of Independence that used the anastatic process of printing. One is his, and the other can be found at
A
Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. “It was a serendipitous discovery. I found something that didn’t exist.” Another top item in Tom’s inventory is a sketch by 10-yearold George Washington. The 270-year-old postcard sized sketch is of a sailboat. It is signed Geo. Washington and dated March 12th, 1742. If it is truly genuine, it would be the earliest known document produced by Washington. Tom purchased the sketch over 10 years ago at an auction for $500. Tom also has a document with a roster of the 1736 Union Fire Company. Among the members on the list is Benjamin Franklin. “If all of the paper documents would have survived in the last 500 years, we would have to wade through papers. Time and the elements take care of it for one reason or another. Most things are seen, read, used, and discarded. That is where we get rarity.”
On Tom Lingenfelter’s Top 10 list you will also find some true rarities. He has Edwin Forbes Civil War etchings. There is a 1776 letter from Thomas Lynch, the rarest signer of the Declaration of Independence. He has a letter from Jefferson Davis about the Constitution and slavery. Tom guarantees all of his documents with authenticity. On www.heritagecs.com, Tom keeps a small sampling of his vast inventory. He divides his collection into several categories. Space, Aviation, and the Wright Brothers features rarities related to the Mercury 7 astronauts and “Ace of Aces” Rickenbacker, even Orville Wright’s signed 1928 Balloon Pilot’s License. Science and Invention includes artifacts from Marconi and Edison. Under Sports and Entertainment you’ll discover a letter from American composer Rodgers, a signed Jack Palance movie poster, and a Sandy Koufax autograph. The Authors, Artists, and
Opposite top, an origanal JeanJacques Audubon watercolor. Opposite bottom, an invoice for the marble tomb that Benjamin Franklin was buried in. Above, a check written out by Benjamin Franklin. Below, Tom Lingenfelter is taking histoic papers out of a file cabinet that is full of rare early American documents and other interesting artifacts.
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Poets category holds a letter by Thornton Wilder, a rarity from Monet, stationary from Charles Dickens, and Audubon bird and animal prints. Under Civil War, a letter to General Lee from West Point classmate Jack Mackay, and a document signed by Ulysses S. Grant. With the 1776 American Revolution category, you’ll find a document by Marquis de Lafayette, along with a 50shilling Delaware colonial currency note printed by Benjamin Franklin on his printing press. Tom has a Military & Naval category, and one for U.S. Presidents, Vice Presidents, and First Ladies. There are artifacts from Queen Victoria and Indira Gandhi under World History. Signers of the Declaration of Independence has a rarity from John Hancock, and the 1776 Revolutionary War Cheval de Frise Document from George Clymer. Last but not least, there is U.S History. In this category, you can purchase original Confederate currency, or the Charles Schwab Bethlehem Steel Archive. With historic documents, the Library of Congress offers some helpful tips on their care. You can take proper care of documents, manuscripts, drawings, prints, posters,
and maps by not using fasteners, rubber bands, glue, or self-adhesive tape. They should be kept away from food and drink. Be sure to handle them with clean hands in a clean work area. To store the documents, keep them away from direct or intense light. They should be a distance from vents and radiators. The room temperature should be cool with 35 percent humidity. You can store oversized papers unfolded and flat or rolled. For a particularly sensitive document, you can purchase a supportive protective enclosure. For acidic papers, these should be stored in isolation to prevent acids from migrating onto other works of paper. Serious collectors can inquire about Tom Lingenfelter’s investment quality original historical artifacts and memorabilia the old-fashioned way, via telephone, at 215-345-7955. You can visit the website of Heritage Collectors’ Society, Inc. at www.heritagecs.com. MARY BETH SCHWARTZ IS A FREELANCE WRITER WHO FREQUENTLY CONTRIBUTES TO REGIONAL PUBLICATIONS.
Above left, a distinguished gentleman holds a Revolutionary War musket. Above right, a description of the Pony Express revolver that was used by William F. Cody, before he became the Wild West celebrity, Buffalo Bill. Opposite, Tom Lingenfelter holding William F. Cody’s Pony Express revolver.
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arts & antiques guide Largest Antiques & Collectibles Mall in Bucks County 1,000 sq ft Art Gallery featuring Local Artists in all mediums.
“Come in and browse through yesterday...” Spanning 18,000+ sq Feet More than 100 Vendors with street level entrance an ample free parking.
900 sq ft Event Center hosts clinics, classes, lectures, mixers and music.
Primitives to Art Deco & Art Neuveau; Mid-Century to Steam Punk and shabby chic; Ephemera, military and political collectibles, toys and some of the most Unique Gift items you will find anywhere. Only 90 minutes from New York, 30 minutes from Philadelphia. (I-95, exit 44), 4 minutes from Sesame Place and surrounding hotels.
Same quality merchandise as the boutique shops along the Delaware, with much “different Prices.”
Kat’s Antiques
Antiques, Collectibles & Unique Gifts
1337 E. Lincoln Highway • Langhorne Square Shopping Center • Levittown, PA • 215.945.3700 • www.katsantiques.com This is a listing of artists, artisans, galleries, antique shops and other useful shops and services that support the Bucks County Guide to Arts & Antiques. This list can help you add to the quality of your home décor. It is resource that you can bring along with you when you go hunting for antiques, or looking for fine arts and crafts in Bucks County. It is also a listing that you may want to keep by your computer or phone when looking for a specific item or service. ANOTHER TIME ANTIQUES 301 Mill Street, Bristol, PA 215-788-3131 www.bristolantiques.com Unique antique shop established in 1978. Everything from jewelry to furniture and many find diamonds form estates. Paintings, prints, and lithographs. A purchase from the past is 118
an investment in the future. 18TH CENTURY CLOCKS Leonard Marschark 215-795-0375 www.18thCenturyClocks.com In their Bucks County Pennsylvania shop Leonard and Eve Marschark handcraft tall case clocks of uncompromising quality with the magnificent look of the originals. Finely figured woods with traditional joinery and hand painted dials are the hallmark of these accurately recreated 18th century clocks. ANTIQUES AT 200 EAST 200 E. Broad St., Quakertown, PA 215-536-4547 EAST BROAD ANTIQUES 131 E. Broad St., Quakertown, PA 215-536-4408 Unique Antiques, & Collectibles,
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One Stop Shopping, Two stores in heart of Historic Quakertown antique district. Authentic Lionel & Ho Trains & Accessories, A wide selection of antique,furniture, art, glass, lighting, one-of-a-kind items and more. ANTIQUES CENTER AT PEOPLE’S STORE 28 N. Union Street, Lambertville, NJ 609-397-9808 www.peoplesstore.com The legendary antiques center dating to 1839, anchoring “antiques row” in the center of beautiful Lambertville, just across the bridge from New Hope. Housing fifty dealers plus working artists, The People’s Store features antiques of all periods, including furniture, art, silver, jewelry, vintage clothing, books, lighting, mid-century, primitive, architectural & industrial.7 days, 10 AM to 6PM
DANIEL ANTHONISEN GEORGE ANTHONISEN KENN BAKCHAUS GREG BENNETT ROGER DALE BROWN MICHAEL BUDDEN PETER FIORE BRADLEY HENDERSHOT RAY HENDERSHOT NEAL HUGHES KARL J. KUERNER, III DON PATTERSON J.STACY ROGERS BETH SCHOENLEBER HODGES SOILEAU ANTHONY THOMPSON EMILY THOMPSON LAUREN TRAVIS
ARTEFACT ARCHITECTURAL ANTIQUES Rt. 263, The Village Barn. Furlong, PA 215-794-8790 www.artefactantiques.com Our store is open to the public and situated in an eighteenth century stone barn with half an acre of formal gardens. The majority of our inventory is antique and includes fireplace mantels, stained and beveled glass windows, doors and entryways, interior and exterior lighting, decorative objects, furniture, and garden appointments. In the formal gardens, you will find antique and reproduction garden pieces in bronze, iron, marble, stone, terracotta, and wood. ARTISAN MARKETPLACE 60 James Way #2, Southampton, PA 267-989-1481
”Spring Thaw” 16x20 Oil on linen by Greg Bennett
arts & antiques guide
September 12 through October 4, 2015 Opening Reception, Saturday September 12th, 5-8pm
“Observations in Solitude-Oils of Greg Bennett” 6089 Lower York Road (Route 202) • New Hope, PA • 215-794-3903
www.travisgallery.com
www.localartisanmarket.com Over 250 artists and crafsmen. All 100% American made. Large selection of art, glass, hand bags, pottery, jewelry, wall hangings, pens, wood, and gift and home decor items. BALL AND BALL 463 Lincoln Hwy, Exton, PA 610-363-7330 www.ballandball.com Ball and Ball produces antique reproduction hardware of the highest quality. We have built our reputation by only producing items that are true reproductions. Using the 18th century craftsman as our guide we carefully recreate the expertise of that period. BUCKS COUNTY ANTIQUE GALLERY 8 Skyline Drive, Chalfont, PA 215-997-3227
www.buckscountyantiquegallery.biz Bucks County Antique Gallery is a unique destination. 12,000 square feet of eclectic finds: antiques, painted furniture, primitives, vintage décor, Bucks County art, linens and accessories. Come visit and see why everyone loves this store. BUCKS COUNTY ANTIQUE DEALERS ASSOCIATION Newtown, PA www.bcadapa.org The Bucks County Antiques Dealers are an association of professional Antique Dealers located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and the surrounding area, who are dedicated to the preservation and advancement of quality Antiques and Collectibles.
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arts & antiques guide Holiday Small Works
November 8th - December 31st Opening reception November 8th, 1-4pm.
Kathie Jankauskas
FRAMING FAMILY TREASURES FOR OVER Twenty five YEARS
Upcoming Antiques & Decorative Ar#s Auction September 25th, 2015
Stephenson’s Auctioneers & Appraisers
Weekly auctions in our 5,000 square foot galler!. 1093 General Greene Rd. • Washington Crossing, PA
215.493.3660 • www.CanalFrame.com
1005 Industrial Hwy., • Southampton, PA 215.322.6182 • www.stephensonsauction.com
ANTIQUE FURNITURE • VINTAGE JEWELRY LINENS • ARTWORK • COLLECTIBLES
Winter Holiday Gift Guide
Antiques, Art, Jewelry, Clothing, China, Crystal, Home Furnishings and Gifts. Over 52 VendorsLocated in the Heart of BUCKS COUNTY
761 Durham Road (Route 413), Pineville, PA 18049 215-598-8830 www.makefieldantiques.com 120
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Be sure you are included, contact us now. Bucks County Magazine 215-766-2694
arts & antiques guide
A Unique Destination
8 Skyline Drive • Chalfont, PA • 215.997.3227
CANAL FRAME-CRAFTS GALLERY 1093 General Greene Rd. Washington Crossing, PA 215-493-3660 www.CanalFrame.com We are not just another frame shop, but a full-service gallery. Featuring both originals and prints, we represent many fine local artists. We have also received awards for our custom framing. Check our our website for scheduled events and holiday hours. CHIMAYO GALLERY & SHOP 528 W. Market Street, Perkasie, PA www.chimayoperkasie.com Chimayo is part of a new species of gallery in Bucks County¬–one that’s been overlooked by those rushing through smaller towns. Artwork at Chimayo runs the gamut from glass to pottery to painting, displaying
works from over seventy artists. DAVID JOHN METAL ARTISAN 5752 Rt. 202 Lahaska, PA 215-794-7387 Specializing in both indoor and outdoor antique lighting/metalwork, David John has inspired homeowners and designers with his custom, oneof-a-kind designs and architectural pieces. Visit our product studio for a glimpse of hallmark pieces. FUNK N JUNK 10 N. Franklin Street Lambertville, NJ 609-460-4494 Handcrafted modern rustic and industrial furniture and accessories. Made from reclaimed materials.
GEORGE NAKASHIMA, WOODWORKER 1847 Aquetong Road, New Hope, PA 215-862-2272 www.nakashimawoodworker.com Mira Nakashima, accomplished furniture designer in Solebury, has continued the work of her father, George Nakashima, whose woodworking and furniture is known worldwide for its unique simplicity and beauty. Carrying on this legacy since 1990, her designs are equally as captivating as her father’s. GRISTIES BUCKS COUNTY 9730 Easton Road Kintnersville, PA 610-847-1966 www.myantiqueshops.co.nz Located in an old mill, Gristies Bucks County Antiques and Oddities has FA L L 2 0 1 5
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arts & antiques guide Handcraſted moder& r"stic and indust'ial f"r&it"re and accessories. Made (om reclaimed materials.
Mid-century chairs, repurposed communal tables, bars crafted with industrial bases and old doors, vintage lighting and decor.
ARCHITECTURAL ANTIQUES
ANNIVERSARY SALE October 1st, 2nd & 3rd
Garden Decor • Home Decor Fireplace Mantels • French Doors Fluted Columns • Stained Glass
FUNK N JUNK 10 N. Franklin St Lambertville, NJ 609.460.4494
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The Village Barn, Rt. 263 & Edison Furlong Rd., Furlong, PA 215-794-8790 • www.ArtefactAntiques.com
arts & antiques guide
Tiger Lily Pond 24’’ x 24” oil
Dot Bunn Solo II Recent Work by the Award Winning Artist Opening Reception: Saturday, October 17 5 - 8 pm Through November 15
Patricia Hutton Galleries IMPRESSIONISM and REALISM
47 West State Street, Doylestown, PA 215.348.1728 www.PatriciaHuttonGalleries.com
three floors filled with antiques and collectibles. And, it has an annex in lower level with architectural antiques. HEART OF THE HOME 28 S. Main St., New Hope, PA 215-862-1880 www.heartofhome.com Handmade American crafts and functional, well designed pieces for the home and garden. We strive to find the unusual and one-of-a-kind piece. Handling glass, jewelry, wood, pottery, paper products and more. JAMES REDDING STUDIO Bucks County, PA 215-860-9074 www.jamesredding.com James Redding, a popular Bucks County landscape artist, is well known for the painstaking detail and unmistakable realism found in his watercol-
or depictions of historical landmarks. His beautiful Buck County paintings have merited him to be the artist-inresidence for Bucks County Magazine. He can also be reached at his email address reddingeditions@verizon.net. JESSY LEE ANTIQUES 1874 River Road, Lambertville, NJ 609-397-2104 Come take a stroll back through time in our 19th century country store atmosphere. Full of fine american and european antiques, estate jewelry, mid-century modern and vintage items. Just seconds from the golden nugget flea market. Open weds-sun 10-5. JIM’S OF LAMBERTVILLE 6 Bridge Street Lambertville, NJ
609-397-7700 Jim’s of Lambertville is 7,000 sq. ft. gallery specializing in Pennsylvania Impressionist and Modernist paintings. Included is over 250 works by such local greats as: Redfield, Garber, Coppedge, Folinsbee, Leith-Ross, Nunmake, Sotter, Lathrop, Meltzer, M.E. Price, Martha Walter and many more. KAT’S ANTIQUES 1337 E. Lincoln Highway Levittown, PA 215-945-3700 www.katsantiques.com Kat’s Antiques boasts the largest antiques mall in Bucks County, with more than 100 vendors housed in 18,444 sq. ft., selling antiques, collectibles and unique gifts, with prices to fit every budget. Also, The Gallery which is 1,200 square foot art gallery featuring a wide array of art. FA L L 2 0 1 5
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GRISTIES BUCKS COUNTY ANTIQUES AND ODDITIES
Located in an old mill, Gristies Bucks County is filled with Antiques, Collectibles and Architectural Antiques.
Route 611 • near Route 32 9730 Easton Road Kintersville, PA * 610.847.1966
LACHMAN GALLERY Peddlers Village, Rt 202, Lahaska, PA 215-794-5500 www.lachmanstudios.com Renowned for his pastels as well as his oil paintings, Al Lachman is a Master colorist. He is recognized for his expressive painterly style and luminous paintings of barns and landscapes of Bucks County and beyond. 124
MAKEFIELD COLLECTION OF ANTIQUES AND ART 215-598-8830 761 Durham Road Route 413, Pineville, PA www.makefieldantiques.com Over 7,000 square feet and 50 plus vendors. You will find a charming atmosphere with many fine antiques and vintage items, from furniture, collectibles, fine art, pottery, jewelry and linens.
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MAXWELL STUDIO/GALLERY 215-884-2401 www.junemaxwell.com Her work is described at “Still Life with an Inner Glow.” June Maxwell creates textural classics in pastel and oil from her studio and Gallery.
arts & antiques guide JESSY LEES ANTIQUES • Antiques • Jewelry • Vintage Collectibles
Come take a stroll through time in our 19th century country store atmosphere.
Like Us!
1874 River Road • Lambertville, NJ 609.397.2104
-LP·V RI /DPEHUWYLOOH
River Run Antiques
Specializing in Pennsylvania Impressionist & Modernist Paintings
For thirty five years specializing in Childhood antiques, games and other paper play things from the past.
Gallery Hours: Wed. - Fri. 10:30 - 5:00 Sat. & Sun. 10:30 - 6:00 www.jimsoflambertville.com 609-397-7700
6 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ 08530
Edward Willis Redfield (1869-1965)
Winter Sports, c. 1920 Kŝů ŽŶ ĐĂŶǀĂƐ͕ ϮϮ dž ϭϴ ϭͬϮ͟ *period Newcomb Macklin frame
MICHENER ART MUSEUM 138 S. Pine St, Doylestown, PA 215-340-9800 www.michenermuseum.org The Doylestown-based museum has 35,400 square feet of space, with a landscaped courtyard, an outdoor sculpture garden and terrace built in the original prison yard, seminar and conference facilities, a museum shop and café, and the George Nakashima
A large selection of antique holiday items is available the entire year including Halloween, Christmas, Easter and others.
166 River Road • Point Pleasant, PA 18950 215.297.5303 Open weekends and by appointment.
Reading Room. As a regional art museum whose principal focus is Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the Michener Art Museum collects both historic and contemporary American works, with a focus on the art of Bucks County. PATRICIA HUTTON GALLERIES 47 West State Street,
Doylestown, PA 215-348-1728 www.PatriciaHuttonGalleries.com A fine art gallery located in the charming historic district of Doylestown, specializing in Impressionism and Realism by renowned Bucks County and New England Artists. We also offer small antiques, vintage and antique sterling silver and etched glass. We also carry artisan crafted, hand painted wooden FA L L 2 0 1 5
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bowls, decoys, pottery, and fine frames.
“Bronze Bass with Kumquats”
pastel 16” x 20”
“Still Life with an Inner Glow” Exquisite Textural Classics
by JUNE L. MAXWELL, PSA, Master Pastelist Original Paintings in Pastel and Oil
MAXWELL STUDIO/GALLERY
215-884-2401 email: JuneLMaxwell@aol.com www.junelmaxwell.com
Tues-Sat by Appointment
RED TULIP 19 C West Bridge St., New Hope, PA 267-454-0496 www.redtulipcrafts.com Red Tulip Gallery opened in May as an artists' cooperative that was formed by members of the Bucks County Guild of Craftsmen, a chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen. It represents 18 artists. At the Red Tulip Gallery art jewelry, pottery, raku, basketry, handmade books, stained glass, woodcarving, leather bags and belts, fiber and pysanky are offered. RICH TIMMONS STUDIO & GALLERY 3795 Buckingham Pike (Rt 202) Doylestown, PA 18902 267-247-5867 www.3795gallery.com Our goal is to provide a special and unique art gallery experience by presenting a balanced mix of nationally recognized artist, along with the best of our local Bucks County talent, including several first time, never been seen artists. Our gallery has over 150 paintings and sculptures for your viewing pleasure. We offer a wide selection of fine art including traditional, impressionistic, landscapes, florals, and portraits. We will also include some abstract art along with sculptures. RIVER RUN ANTIQUES River Road (just north of Walter’s Nursery), Point Pleasant, PA. 215-297-5303 Celebrating 35 years of buying and selling in Bucks County! Stop to see quality antiques, antique holiday, toys and miniatures and the Halloween Room is a real treat. If in doubt, call for hours, directions or just a chat.
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SANTA BANNON FINE ART 25 W. 3rd St, Suite 93, Bethlehem, PA www.santafineart.com 610-997-5453 The Lehigh Valley’s premiere gallery solely dedicated to the fine arts...and nothing else. Gallery, consultant, Curator, and dealer. STEPHENSON’S AUCTIONEERS & APPRAISERS 1005 Industrial Highway Southampton, PA 215-322-6182 www.stephensonsauction.com Since 1962, family-owned Stephenson’s Auction has been doing appraisals and sales of estates, collections, and real estate in Greater Philadelphia and throughout the midAtlantic region. Stephenson’s is highly experienced in the liquidation of business and commercial property via the auction method. TRAVIS GALLERY 6089 Route 202, New Hope, PA 215-794-3903 www.travisgallery.com Established in 1990 by Lauren Travis, Travis Gallery is a fine art gallery representing some of the best known living representational artists, specializing in original art in oil, watercolor, and acrylic. Full-service fine art gallery specializing in landscapes, figurative and still life oil, acrylic, and watercolor. Custom framing and oil painting restoration. TWENTY EAST VINTAGE JEWELRY 20 E. Oakland Ave., Doylestown, PA 215-345-1161 The shop buys and sells antique and vintage-jewelry and watches. Popular items include necklaces, bracelets, watches and earrings. We buy gold.
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InStyle
FLUID SCAPES Richard Burns of Flowing Springs Landscape Design, Inc. designs and builds breathtaking water features that appear as if they occurred in nature / BY MARY BETH SCHWARTZ
M
ost homeowners dream of having a unique water feature on their property. Today’s water gardens go beyond the standard fountain, pond, or waterfall. You can have a
pond, complete with different rocks and plantings. You can squeeze in a tiny water feature operated by a remote if you have a crowded backyard in the suburbs. When homeowners are ready to bring their water
stone wall with water gently flowing down it. It doubles as an art piece when viewed from indoors. You can have a European style fountain with some cafe seating around it. You can have a water garden based on Asian design. You can have an over-the-top feature with a meandering brook, waterfalls, and a raised
feature to fruition, they call upon Designer Richard Burns of Flowing Springs Landscape Design, Inc. Burns was introduced to plants by his grandfather, who was the nurseryman for a noted estate in Devon. He studied at Unity College in Maine, spending his summers as a
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Paul Wesley
IN STYLE: Opposite Richard Burns of Flowing Springs Landscape Design, Inc. wading in one of three ponds that are part of a project in Wayne, PA. Above, two of four waterfalls built on same property in Wayne. Left, one of several rock bridges on same property.
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Staying Fit at Any Age
By Vicky Waite
Rebounding Your Way to Fitness
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ait … don’t laugh yet. These silly looking shoes can give you some really serious results. I saw them in a magazine sometime ago, and yes, I did think they were a little strange looking and didn’t give it another thought. Then recently I saw them in another magazine and started reading reviews about them and it blew me away. They are called Kangoo Jumps Rebound Shoes. For short, they are Kangoo Jumps. I do a survey and order a pair. When they arrive, I am just so excited to give them a go. And there’s nothing to put together here. For my husband’s sake, this is a real blessing. I throw on some thick high socks and head out to Peace Valley Park to cut loose. At the park there are some bike trails that my son and I use. I can’t begin to tell you how much fun these are! Okay, at first, they feel a little awkward but not for long. Wearing them a while, they begin to feel normal and more balanced, especially as I move around. They are stable despite the contraption on the bottom. It’s like I’m bouncing along with mini trampolines on my feet.They are a real attention grabber! They have a bouncing feel caused by the rounded springs on the bottom. As I go bouncing and prancing along, I am now starting to look and feel like the Energizer Bunny. I am going on and on and on and I am having one heck of a time.Way too much fun to feel like a workout. I find out, ages six to 90 plus can own a pair of the Kangoo Jumps. They can be used for aerobics, running, dancercise, and all types of exercise. The Kangoo Jumps are safer than normal high cardio aerobics because they protect the knees and joints. The
impact is reduced on the ground to 80 percent, according to various studies. You spend 20 percent more calories with the Kangoo Jumps compared to doing the same exercises made with conventional shoes. With regular use, your metabolic rate will become much more efficient with noticeable improvements in your muscle tone and calorie burning. The manufacturer claims they can give you a great workout without all the wear and tear on your joints. With your core being engaged, your core becomes your body’s stabilizer, rebounding off the ground. Since the Kangoo Jumps absorb 80 percent of the shock while you are running in them, you are using more muscle than you would in sneakers. The Kangoo Jumps are recommended by doctors and physical therapists for safe rehabilitation of sports injuries. By rebounding off the ground you can work out longer and at a higher intensity than normal. It’s a total body workout toning and strengthening all the muscles with every bounce of the way. They have been around since the 90s produced by the Swiss entrepreneur Denis Naville. The Kangoo Jumps range in price from $179 for kids to $299 for most advanced series. These are a great alternative to running and biking. It’s all about having fun while getting great results as you walk along. They have my vote. I’m going to order my son a pair right away. Instead of us doing our usual bike route at the park, we can now do some Kangoo Jumping. My son loves to ham it up so these should work out perfect! Or should I say a perfect workout. For more information visit www.kangoojumps.com and like with any other exercise program, always consult your physician before you begin.
landscape designer and stonemason. With his Bachelor of Science in Ornamental Horticulture, Burns went on to work for top nurseries in Maine and Pennsylvania. In 1993, he combined the horticulture, the natural stone, and the water into Flowing Springs Landscape Design, Inc. “Our team is made up of highly experienced craftsmen. For over 20 years we have designed and built custom exterior environments for entertaining, family gatherings, special events, and peace and tranquility. Our clients are based in Bucks, Chester, and Delaware counties. With our residential projects, we utilize the finest natural materials and plants in creating water gardens, stone walls, walkways, custom patios, ponds, streams, and waterfalls,” Burns says. Burns and his team also work on historic restorations and landscape lighting. According to Burns, water gardening is getting more popular. “People love to bring nature into their backyard—butterflies, hummingbirds, and wildlife. We completely stock the ponds with goldfish or Koi, or freshwater fish, such as bass and bluegills, even snails. Frogs and other creatures come on their own. The clients also like that the ecosystems are easy to maintain. My job is to make the water feature look like it occurred naturally. A good designer will have a love of nature, a knowledge of plants, vision, creativity, perceptiveness, and experience with the construction materials.” Flowing Springs Landscape Design, Inc. has been doing a lot of ponds that are adjacent to stone patios. “You need a space to sit at and enjoy the water feature. Some people term it a summer fireplace. People enjoy sitting by the water feature at a party to watch the waterfalls. Others like to sit at the dining room table and look out the window at the fish.” For New Hope clients with a custom Bucks County style stone farmhouse, Burns built a bluestone patio with a water feature tied into it. The property had a bit of a slope, which was perfect to add to the realness of the water feature. Burns created continued on page 141
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CountyFare
TASTE OF TUSCANY
Katie Robbins’s homemade sauce is so good that she could break every rule of marketing and still sell it to Whole Foods and a host of other local stores / BY DIANA CERCONE
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kets as a Taste of Tuscany in nine area Whole Food stores, McCaffrey Markets in Newtown, Yardley, Doylestown and in Princeton and West Windsor in New Jersey as well as the Shop N Bags in Richboro and Dreshertown.
ing a lemon into lemonade, what she cooked—a rich, chunky tomato sauce— everybody loved. Including the decision makers of new products at Whole Foods. Today, Katie sells her sauce, which she mar-
This past July, Katie and her sauce were featured on Channel 6 “FYI Philly.” Now when I first heard about her freshly made tomato sauce, I admit I was a little skeptical. I mean, she didn’t even have an Italian
Paul Wesley
hen Katie Robbins couldn’t find a full-time job in her field, she turned to what she’s loved since she was a teen. She cooked. And like the lesson of turn-
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RESTAURANTS With Taste by Sue Gordon
Paul Wesley
Penn Taproom
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've been eating my way back and forth across Bucks County for almost 30 years now (Yiks!) and, like anyone in my position, people are constantly asking me to choose my "favorite" restaurant. And I always tell them, "That's impossible, because it changes with my mood, my cravings and the people I am with." I can, however, tell you which restaurant I have visited the most in recent years. It's Penn Taproom in Doylestown, and it's been my go-to place for drinks after work, a casual lunch or dinner with friends, or just a quick bite when a lovely salad or juicy burger (in my case, veggie!) will do. In a town with a variety of upscale din132
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ing options, Penn Taproom was designed to offer "approachable" food and drinks: straightforward and affordable. I would describe the menu as quality "pub grub," with an emphasis on freshness, and dishes that appeal to a wide range of palates. For example: bring the family after a ball game and feast on burgers and fries, or a traditional Philly cheese steak. Out to the lunch with the girls? Then it's salads all around; the Fruit and Nut with creamy goat cheese and candied walnuts is my favorite. Hanging out with friends? Why not order a variety of appetizers to share? You've got plenty of choices from Boneless Wings to Spinach Artichoke Dip served with pita bread to
spicy Nachos made with homemade tortilla chips. With summer days waning, my husband, Bob, and I took the opportunity to enjoy dinner on Penn Taproom's spacious, tree-shaded outdoor patio, one of the most perfect perches in Doylestown. I started out with an appetizer of five Mini Crab Cakes served with a spicy Cajun tartar sauce for dipping. I expected them to be terrific because right down the street, in Doylestown's Main Street Marketplace, is the Taproom's sister restaurant, Pennsylvania Soup and Seafood. And, as I suspected, the crab cakes in both places are eerily similar— creamy and nicely spiced, with virtually no filler. Bob opted for a delightfully fresh Shrimp and Scallop Ceviche made with tiny, tender bay scallops and medium shrimp "cooked" in fresh lime juice with diced tomatoes, peppers and onions and served with an overflowing plate of multi-colored tortilla chips for scooping. Penn Taproom's sandwich board is perfect for lunch or light suppers. It's diverse selection includes "Billy Hillsman Wrap," basically a Buffalo Chicken wrap with (nottoo) hot sauce, mixed greens and blue cheese; California-style fish tacos made with flakey sautÊed white fish and crunchy shredded cabbage; and a delicious Reuben Sandwich made, for a change of pace, on grilled
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Bridgetown Millhouse Inn Paul Wesley
B
ucks County has its share of country inns where the art of gracious dining glows as soft and warm as candlelight. Many are sprawling fieldstone structures hugging the verdant banks of the Delaware, but one in particular sits inland, a hidden gem nestled beside a busy highway in Langhorne. I'm referring, of course, to the Bridgetown Millhouse Inn, a charming stone manor home standing valiantly for more than two centuries at the corner of Langhorne-Newtown Road (Rt. 413) and Bridgetown Pike. In 1998, the historic seven-acre property was lovingly converted to a bed and breakfast. In 2003, the restaurant was added and quickly became one of the most popular upscale dining destinations in Lower Bucks. In addition to two beautiful indoor dining spaces, the large, shady outdoor patio and bar is a perfect venue for drinks or an al fresco dinner under the stars. Fast forward to 2014; the property changed hands and new owners, Liliya Lyashenko and Dmitry Luzhanskiy, have continued the tradition of casually elegant American cuisine. The smaller of the inn's two dining rooms has been reimagined as a romantic hideaway with curtained tables, soft lighting and elegant table settings. The main dining room with its large fireplace,
exposed brick floor and picture window view over the grounds is as lovely in the snow as it is in the spring, summer and fall. Our most recent dinner at the Bridgetown Mill House began with warm rolls baked with a topping of shredded cheese and a piquant dish of green and ripe olives. Then, as our first course, we selected an Escargot Crepe and Cantaloupe Gazpacho. The single crepe was folded over a half dozen plump sautéed snails, and sauced with an herb-flecked buerre blanc mildly flavored with garlic and leeks. Enjoyable, but I'm a purist when it comes to snails, so to me, it's hard to improve on the more robust "garlicky" flavor of traditional Escargots baked in their shells. The Cantaloupe Gaz-
pacho was a refreshing, slightly sweet version of the traditional tomato-based cold soup made with pureed melon, carrots, celery, sweet onions and green peppers with a hint of cayenne pepper for a little tingle. Lovely and light. The Inn's appetizer list also features two different carpaccio plates: salmon and beef, and seafood favorites like jumbo lump crab cake, steamed little neck clams and P.E.I. mussels in Marinara Sauce. Moving on to the main course, the entrée menu offers a nice balance of meat and fish, including several dishes with a Portuguese spicing. Among the most interesting were grilled Swordfish with lime agave aioli; "Alentejana" Portuguese Pork and FA L L 2 0 1 5
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Penn Taproom Naan bread pilled high with juicy pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing. Gooey but worth every caloric bite! But this particular night, another seasonal sandwich caught my eye, one you don't often see on contemporary menus, a sandwich built with Fried Green Tomatoes. As described on the menu, it was a variant of the classic BLT, but since I no longer eat meat for ethical reasons, I asked the server to hold the bacon and still thoroughly enjoyed a full-flavored sandwich made with thick slices of green tomato, rolled in bread crumbs and fried, and served with red, ripe tomatoes, lettuce and mayo on generous slices of seven-grain bread. All sandwiches at the Taproom are accompanied with spicy, homemade Chesapeake Bay Chips and a garlicky pickle. Matched with a glass of Weyerbacher Whit, a crisp Belgian-style summer ale, it was a delightful and filling al fresco supper. Penn Taproom does offer a small list of larger entrée plates including Baby Back Ribs, Fish and Chips and a flavorful Vegetable Napoleon. My husband opted for one of the eatery's most popular dishes, the
Taproom Top Sirloin served with quinoa and a colorful mélange of sautéed veggies including zucchini, carrots, red peppers and onions. The steak was prepared very rare, as requested, and got two thumbs up from Bob for tenderness and seasoning.
Clams prepared with a white wine and garlic sauce and served with fried potatoes, black olives and pickles; and Bridgetown Mill House seared duck breast with a mushroom Porto wine sauce. My husband, a rabid fan of Ahi Tuna, ordered that for his main course—very rare. And the kitchen did not disappoint, sending to the table a good-sized tuna steak seared on the outside, but still jewel-red on the inside and glazed with hoisin sauce. It was accompanied by a moist (yeah!) rice pilaf and steamed fresh asparagus. For my entrée, I did what I love to do— I built my dinner from two smaller appetizer plates: a vegetable crepe filled with braised red cabbage, sliced asparagus and carrots with a herb-flavored cream sauce;
and a Petite Shrimp Casserole with Portuguese Garlic Sauce. Both dishes were made with fresh ingredients; the shrimp casserole contained 10 large, tender shrimp baked in what tasted like butter and sriracha sauce. I enjoyed the preparation, and although I would not characterize the shrimp's broth as "garlic" sauce, it was quite tasty and a perfect "dip" for my extra roll. Finally, we ended our meal with a yummy Espresso Martini and Molten Chocolate Cake. The Bridgetown Mill House offers a "served" Sunday Brunch with a nice mix of breakfast dishes(Ham and Spinach Frittata, Gourmet Omelets and Waffles or Pancakes) and lunch items (Angus Burger with blue cheese, Roasted Chicken Breast with
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All sandwiches at the
Taproom are accompanied with spicy, homemade Chesapeake Bay Chips and a garlicky pickle.
Because this is a taproom (although a far cry from the corner "tappies" that my grandparents used to talk about) I would be remiss if I didn't mention the interesting selection of beers, ales and ciders on tap. From local brands like Neshaminy Creek J.A.W.N brewed in Croyden, to a light and lovely Allagash White from Portland, Maine to deep, dark Guinness ale from
Dublin, Ireland, there are always at least a dozen draft brews available, and many other fine bottled selections as well. And if beer is not your preference, there's also a nice list of reasonably priced wines by the glass (California predominates) and, of course, a full service bar. Even as the days grow shorter and fall is creeping in, the Taproom's patio is still open to help you enjoy the changing colors and the last warming rays of the sun. And when winter closes in, what better place to meet friends and enjoy a casual bar-side dinner, or retire to the upstairs dining room, order a pint of beer and a plate of gooey hand-cut cheese fries, or chow down on a 1/2 pound hand-pressed beef burger, and watch the snowflakes drift gently down over picture-perfect Doylestown. PENN TAPROOM IS LOCATED AT 80 WEST STATE ST, DOYLESTOWN: 215-230-7299; WWW.PEN NTAPROOM.COM. KITCHEN HOURS: MON., 4:30–10 P.M.; TUES-THURS., 11A.M.-10 P.M; FRI.–SAT., 11 A.M.–11 P.M.; SUN. 12 NOON– 10P.M. PUB OPEN UNTIL MIDNIGHT, SUN.–WED, (11PM ON MON.) AND 2 A.M.THURS-SAT.
Israeli couscous, and even country style Meatloaf ) at very reasonable prices. And while the weather is still warm enough for al fresco dining, don't miss Friday nights on the patio with live music from 6-9pm, smoking permitted (cigars available for purchase) and the patio's regular tasty tapas menu. The patio is even dog friendly! LOCATED AT 760 LANGHORNE-NEWTOWN ROAD (RT. 413) IN LANGHORNE, PA; 215-7528996; WWW.BRIDGETOWNMILLHOUSE.COM. OPEN TUES.-SAT., 4-10 P.M; SUNDAY, 2-5 P.M. (SPRING & SUMMER), 12 P.M.– 8 P.M. (FALL AND WINTER) INCLUDING THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS EVE, CHRISTMAS DAY AND EASTER. AS AN ADDED BONUS, THE OWNERS SPEAK 6 LANGUAGES INCLUDING UKRAINIAN, RUSSIAN, SPANISH, FRENCH PORTUGUESE AND ITALIAN.
Dining Out Guide
BUCKS COUNTY Baci Ristorante, Route 202 & 413, Buckingham, PA 18912; 215-794-7784; www.baciristorante.com. A charming Bucks County fieldstone restaurant that offers fireside and balcony dining in the upstairs restaurant. Enjoy the Heart of the Oak Pub offering both the Pub menu and Baci’s menu. Serves Northern Italian cuisine including pasta, seafood, chicken, chops, veal and steak entrees. Facilities for weddings and private parties up to 120. Extensive wine list and imported beers on tap in the Oak Pub. Online menus. Enjoy the piano bar on Friday and Saturday evenings. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Menus online. Reservations accepted. Accepts major credit cards. Bowman’s Tavern, 1600 River Rd., New Hope, PA, 215-862-2972; www.bowmanstavernrestaurant.com. A tavern with casual dining and entertainment. Rustic decor with nice bar. American cusine
offering a nice selection of steaks, salads, chicken, seafood, and burgers. Fresh local meats, fish and produce. Open Mon.–Thurs 11:30 a.m. – Midnight. Fri.- Sat., 11:30 a.m. –1:00 a.m. Sun. 11:30 a.m. –Midnight. All major credit cards accepted. Caleb’s American Kitchen, 5738 Route 202 & 263, Lahaska, PA; 215-794-8588; www.calebsamericnkitchen.com. Caleb's American Kitchen is BYO New American restaurant helmed by Chef Caleb Lentchner. Inspired by all things American including steaks, burgers, lobster, shellfish, Creole, California and of course, local and regional farmers from PA and NJ, Caleb's American Kitchen offers the finest in New American cooking. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, Caleb’s American Kitchen is proud to recognize the gluten-free diner by offering gluten-free bread for all burgers and sandwiches. Vegan and paleo dishes are also included on the menus.
Bridgetown Mill House Inn, 760 Langhorne Newtown road, Langhorne, PA 19047; 215-752-8996; www.bridgetownmillhouse.com. Fine dining restaurant with signature dishes from executive chef, that include Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Beef/Salmon Carpaccio, French Onion Soup, Escargot, Pork Chop, Duck, Filet Mignon, Lamb. Full Bar with beautiful outdoor seating. Tapas menu in summer. Open Tuesday-Saturday 4-10 PM, Sunday 12-8 PM. Open all holidays. Private parties and special events. Live entertaiment on Saturday. Bed&Breakfast with five romantic bedrooms. Rates start from $155.00 to $225.00/ night. Inn is open all year round. Canal Street Grille, 27 East Afton Ave., Yardley, PA19067; 215-321-1333; www.ccanalstreetyardley,com Located in historic downtown Yardley, the Canal Street Grille has been an esteemed dining establishment for many years. This casual, BYOB escape offers the finest in Greek and American comfort food, with tranquil views overlooking the Delaware Canal. Owner Mihail Petinos, and his daughter, FA L L
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DINING OUT GUIDE
HISTORIC INN NESTLED ON THE DELAWARE RIVER Live music every Friday and Saturday evening in the upstairs dining room
Enjoy our signature cocktails in our newly renovated Baci Bar New Lunch Menu in Heart of Oak Pub
Salads, Panini’s & more
Live Bands Every Saturday Night in our Heart of Oak Pub
COCKTAILS • DINNER • BRUNCH • LODGING OUTDOOR DINING ON OUR CANALSIDE TERRACE
14 miles north of New Hope on River Road Serving fresh, local, sustainably produced food
Baci Italian Steakhouse
www.goldenpheasant.com or call 610-294-9595
Routes 202 & 413 Buckingham, Pennsylvania 215-794-7784
Book Now! 763 RIVER ROAD (ROUTE 32), ERWINNA, PA 18920
Regina, welcome you to try on of their many homemade specialties – from soups, plentiful salads, pita sandwiches and burgers to their fresh seafood, grilled meats, and the best wings in town. Please call to hear about daily lunch and dinner specials.
sustainable local offerings. Open Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Voted “Best Ambiance” and “Most Romantic” on OpenTable. Zagat rated "Excellent". All major credit cards accepted.
Ferndale Inn, 551 Churchill Road (Route 611), Ferndale, PA 18921; 610-847-2662; www.theferndaleinn.com. Casual fine dining with Chef Karen Baron’ signature dishes that include jumbo lump crab au gratin, soft shell crabs, duck with green peppercorn-brandy cream, angel hair pasta with lobster, and creme brulee. Full bar. Online menus. Open for dinner Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 5–9 p.m.; Sunday 4–8 p.m. closed Tuesdays. Reservations accepted. Accepts Visa, MC, and American Express.
La Villa Pizza and Family Restaurant, 21 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Morrisville, PA 19067; 215-736-3113; www.lavilla-restaurant.com. La Villa is a family owned and operated restaurant. You will always receive the most pleasant and quick service. We offer the best in Italian Cuisine. Everything is prepared from scratch, from our Bruschetta to our Fettuccini Alla Villa. We have Trenton tomato pies. BYOB. Hours are Sunday Thrusday 10 a.m.—10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.—11p.m. Weekday buffet 11a.m.—3 p.m. Major credit cards accepted.
Golden Pheasant Inn, 763 River Road (Route 32), Erwinna, PA 18920; 610-294-9595; www.goldenpheasant.com. Beautifully restored inn nestled along the Delaware River in Bucks County. Perfect for a relaxed country meal, weekend getaway or a glass of wine by the fire. Seasonal that reflects our philosophy of serving the best fresh and 136
Marsha Brown Creole Kitchen and Lounge, 15 S. Main Street, New Hope, PA; 215-862-7044;www.marshabrownrestaurant.com. The restaurant is dramatically designed inside a 125-year-old church located directly in the heart of New Hope. Refined Creole kitchen and lounge that make the authentic taste and charm of New Orleans available. Open Monday to
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Thursday 5-10 p.m. Saturday 4:30–11 p.m. Sunday 4:30 -9:30 p.m. Lunch in Lounge, now open Wednesday–Sunday 11:30–4:30 p.m. Major credit cards accepted. McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn, Main & Broad, Quakertown, PA; 215538-1776; www.mccoolesredlioninn.com. Upscale atmosphere for the working person’s wallet.” The best of live entertainment on weekends and Al fresco dining on the terrace in season. Online and phone reservations available and suggested for weekend dining. Business luncheons, celebrations and special occasion catering available in our private facility. Monthly featured wines and microbrews from our own Red Lion Brewery. Serving Tues. through Thur. 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Fri and Sat 11:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m., Sun. 11:30 a.m. –9:30 p.m. Kitchen serves full menu up to one hour before close. Daily Happy Hour serving special appetizers, wine, cocktails and beer, Tues. – Thur. 4 –6 p.m., Sun. 3 –5 p.m. Double Happy Hours Fri. 4 –6 p.m. and 9– 11 p.m., Sat. 3 –5 p.m. and 9 –11 p.m. Free parking. www.mccoolesredlioninn.com Ottsville Inn, 245 Durham Rd., Ottsville, PA, 610-847-5463; www.ottsvilleinn.com.
DINING OUT GUIDE
Looking to bring a little southern hospitality north of the Mason-Dixon Line? Look no further than Marsha Brown; the highest quality of fish, meat and poultry, and relaxed yet elegant surroundings. Lunch and Dinner Served Daily
15 S. Main St., New Hope, PA • 215.862.7044 www.marshabrownrestaurant.com
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www.bowmanstavernrestaurant.com
bridgetown mill house Restaurant & inn
COME AND SEE WHAT IS NEW ON THE FALL 2015 MENU
BOWMAN’S
A tavern - Casual Dining & Entertainment Bowman’t Tavern • 1600 River Road New Hope, PA • 215-862-2972
Restaurant & Inn • Outdoor Bar & Seating • Wedding • Birthday • Bar/Bat Mitzvah Baby/Bridal showers • Corporate dinners • Meetings • Brunch • Special events up to 150 people•All Holidays • Bed & Breakfast has 5 bedrooms. Tues-Fri 4:00 PM-10:00 PM • Sat 4:00 PM-11:00 PM • Sun 12:00 PM-8:00 PM Mon- open for Private Functions only. Reservation Appreciated
760 Langhorne-Newtown Road , Route 413 • Langhorne, PA 19047 215-752-8996 • www.bridgetownmillhouse.com
La Villa
PIZZERIA & FAMILY RESTAURANT
SIMPLY Y DELIG GHT TFUL 21 South Pennsylvania Ave. Morrisville, PA • 215-736-3116 or 3113 www.lavilla-restaurant.com
Dine, graze, imbibe, enjoy live music on the weekends withinn a historic inn setting … there are many ways to delight yourr senses at McCoole’s McCoole s this fall fall. BROAD & MAIN STREETS,, QUAKERTOWN | 215.538.1776 | www.McCoolesRedLionInn.com
Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily Monday is Locals Night! $22/person for 3-courses Friend of a Farmer dinners on September 24 & 25, October 22 & 23
www.CalebsAmericanKitchen.com 5738 Route 202 & 263, Lahaska / 215.794.8588 138
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DINING OUT GUIDE
THE PENN TAPROOM ALFRESCO DINING ON OUR BEAUTIFUL GARDEN PATIO FULL BAR UPSTAIRS DINING ROOM BOOK FOR ANY OCCASION: BRIDAL SHOWERS, REHEARSAL DINNERS OR WEDDINGS The Penn Taproom and its sister restaurant, PA Soup & Seafood House, offer full service on or offsite catering for any occasion. Call for details.
80 West State Street, Doylestown, PA 215-230-7299
Pennsy vania Sou p & Seafood House
FRESH HOMEMADE SOUPS GOURMET SANDWICHES & SEAFOOD DAILY SPECIALS • CATERING AVAILABLE 22 South Main Street • Doylestown, PA 215-230-9490 PASoupandSeafood.com
Yardley’s Greek Dining Experience Continental Dining in a cozy restaurant with a Char$ing Bar Established 1873
Book Special Occasions & Holiday Par#ies • Mediterranean, Greek and American specialties available • Homemade soups, appetizers, salads, pita sandwiches, burgers and delicious entrees • Vegetarian and gluten-free options
27 East Afton Avenue Yardley, PA 19067 215.321.1333 • B.Y.O.B canalstreetyardley.com
Continental dining in a cozy restaurant with a charming bar. All major credit cards accepted. Chef and Owner Filippo has welcomed guests to his refurbished dining room since June 2007. Thirty years in the restaurant business, Filippo heads a culinary team preparing varied dishes of steaks, seafood, pasta, veal, eggplant, chicken and Pizza with Sweets & Desserts to end a wonderful meal. All major credit cards accepted. PA Soup & Seafood House, inside Main Street Marketplace, 22 S. Main Street, Doylestown, PA; 215-230-9490; www.pasoupand seafood.com. We feature homemade soups, fresh seafood entrees, salads, and gourmet sandwiches in a casual comfortable setting. Online menus. Offering lunch and dinner Monday thru Saturday. BYOB. Takeout and catering available. Penn Taproom, 80 West State Street, Doylestown, PA; 215-230-7299. The Penn Taproom offers a varied menu of
SEAFOOD • STEAKS PASTA • SALADS EGGPLANT • VEAL CHICKEN • PIZZA
O)sville Inn
245 Durham Rd, Ottsville, PA 18942
soups, salads, sandwichCall Filippo es, steaks, fish and seafood, plus a kids’ 610-847-5463 menu. Both the restau- Take-out and bar menu rant and bar offer daily NEW JERSEY food and happy hour specials. Online menus. The property also has a beautiful garden and HUNTERDON COUNTY patio which can seat around 80 people in the summertime. Book any occassion such as business meetings, holiday parties, showers and Lambertville Station, 11 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ 08530; weddings. 609-397-8300; Tony’s Place Bar and Grill, 1297 Greely www.lambertvillestation.com. Ave., Ivyland, PA 215-675-7275; www.tonyspla- Experience new American Cuisine in a renovated Victorian train station on the banks of the ceivyland.com. Friendly and fun atmosphere. The home of the Delaware River. Signature dishes include original Tomato Pie. Serving chicken, veal, Roasted Rack of lamb, Chesapeake Bay Crab steaks, seafood, and pasta dishes. Great sand- Cakes. Downstairs in the wine cellar are wines wichs and wings. Over 60 bottled beers and 10 from around the world and cheeses, tapas and drafts on tap. Open Sun.–Wed. 11a.m.–12a.m. chocolates. Private party rooms and special occaThurs.–Sat. 11a.m–1a.m. Bar open daily sion dining are also available. Open 365 days per year. Serving lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. 11a.m–2a.m. All major credit cards accepted. Reservations recommended. FA L L
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nonna to teach her the generations-old traditions of making sauce. Her ancestors came from Germany, Sweden and Ireland and, as she’ll tell you, she doesn’t have “a drop of Italian.” So how then did she come up with such a winning recipe for her Italian sauce? To find out I made a date to meet her at her parents’ home in Northampton. It’s here in the house she grew up in and in her parents’ kitchen where Katie, Rumpelstiltskin-like, turns simple ingredients into gold. Sitting at the kitchen table, Katie says that the road to marketing her sauce, though totally dreamlike, was far from without its road bumps. Encouraged by her friends and family she cold called Whole Foods in Jenkintown, Montgomery County, and made an appointment for a taste-testing of her sauce. Refreshingly candid, Katie admits having known nothing about marketing at that first meeting. “I brought my sauce in a Tupperware container,” she says. “They couldn’t believe I didn’t have a name, label or a nutritional breakdown of the ingredients.” The meeting was brief, with Katie leaving her sauce with them and her dream considerably dented. “Thirty minutes after I was out the door, I got a call from them saying I had a contract.” You guessed it. They tasted her sauce and were won over. They then told her what type of testing she needed to determine her sauce’s shelf life and nutritional information. She lost no time in following through. She also came up with the name Taste of Tuscany for her label as well as the name of her sauce, Vegetarian Goddess. Her husband Chase and his family still have relatives in Tuscany. For the label, Katie used her husband’s aunt’s photo of the castle in their ancestral town and where the aunt still lives. When it came to packaging, Katie eschewed the usual route of jars for her 140
sauce as too bulky and hard to store. She also wanted her sauce to be fresh and preservative free. Katie packages her sauce in BPA-free resealable, freezable and recyclable 1lb. 9oz. bags. Each comes with a sell by date on the back. If near the sell by date, she says, just pop it in the freezer. The bags are easy to store on any shelf or door in your refrigerator and slip easily into the freezer. Once opened, just reseal and pop back into the fridge; it will stay fresh until its sell by date. You’ll find her sauce next to the fresh pastas in the refrigerated food section of Whole Foods, McCaffrey’s and the two Shop N Bags. Katie makes her sauce from canned tomatoes, tons of finely diced vegetables, a splash of heavy cream, fresh chopped garlic, a smidgen of sugar and other seasonings such as oregano, parsley, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper. Everything is made fresh. For her vegetables she travels no farther than down the road to Tanner Brothers, hand-picking the best zucchinis, yellow squash and mushrooms. “They know me very well there,” she says. Katie suffers from acid reflux and wanted to find a healthy and natural way to cut the acidity of the tomatoes without adding lots of sugar. Adding heavy cream accomplishes this and because the sauce has no more than 1/4 cup per package, it has no cholesterol. Sugar is kept to a bare 5 grams. Mindful also of salt intake, she makes her sauce with only 25 grams of sodium. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Before contacting Whole Foods Katie had first been encouraged by a friend to sell her sauce at a local farmer’s market. Even before she could stir one pot of sauce to sell, she had to prepare it in a Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) approved commercial kitchen. Enter her parents, Bev and Rick Stapleton. Her mother, says Katie, was a school teacher and her father was an accountant. They were in secure, 9-5 jobs all their lives, she says, and those were the same values that she and her brother were raised with. Katie has a bachelor degree in elementary education and a master’s in counseling.
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With her educational background, she had fully intended to follow in her mother’s footsteps. What she was now proposing to do was totally alien to them. Going out in her own business, there would be no safety net. For her parents, not only did it mean converting their kitchen into a commercial one, but also tearing up their front lawn so the PDA could test their water. A loving and patient father, the only question he asked her, she says, was, “Katie, are you sure you want to do this just to sell at one farmer’s market?” Katie nodded affirmative. Call it divine retribution. After all it was concern for her dad’s health that led Katie to first develop her sauce. “I love vegetables,” she says, “but my Dad is strictly a meat lover. He won’t eat anything green. I worried about his health.” Determined to get him to eat his veggies, she finely chopped them, giving her sauce a chunky texture. “When I first served it to him,” she says, “he thought it was a meat sauce and loved it.” It wasn’t until weeks later—and many more dishes of pasta with her Vegetarian Goddess sauce—that she told him it had only vegetables in it and no meat. By that time he was hooked. Having the support of her parents, her husband and his parents has been a tremendous help to her, she says. Her father-inlaw, David Robbins, who has his own business, Noble Roofing and Sheetmetal in Richboro, has been a mentor to her, she says. When orders come in, her parents assist her with making the sauce as well as with the deliveries. And she and her mom conduct weekly demonstrations in stores. Katie’s working on developing her second sauce: her take on a vegan marinara. “It won’t have the heavy cream, so it won’t be as sweet. But it will have some veggies and more basil.” To be sure, it will also carry the Taste of Tuscany’s tagline “fresh, yet simple.” She might also consider adding Delizioso! DIANA CERCONE
IS AN AREA FREELANCE
WRITER WHO SPECIALIZES IN FOOD, ART AND TRAVEL.
Fluid Scapes
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several tiers of waterfalls that bumped into a bottom pond. This spring an irrigation system was installed, along with sodding. The firm will be returning in the fall to install plantings. Flowing Springs Landscape Design, Inc. is in the process of working on a project in Willistown. The clients are building a timber frame barn for entertaining, along with a pool. On the property are multiple stone bridges crossing natural creeks. The clients made the special request of a frog pond for their grandchildren. “The pond is about 15 x 15 and about 18 inches deep. We put pea gravel on the bottom so that it is easy for the kids to walk on with their bare feet. The pond has frogs, water lilies, and reefing in it.” For clients in Wayne, Flowing Springs Landscape Design, Inc. designed and built an intricate project that included three ponds, four waterfalls, a stream section, and several rock bridges. “There is water running everywhere. Their backyard is an oasis with plantings, levels of water, fish, and lighting. LED lighting is great for ponds. It is easy to install and allows you to enjoy water features longer during the fall months.” When the weather starts to get colder, Burns and his crew get ready for the Christmas season. “More people are having professional lighting done. We use classic lighting just on trees. We can do one nice tree on a property, or a series of trees leading down a driveway.” To set up a consultation with Richard Burns, you can call the company’s line at 610-408-0739 or his cell at 610-656-8948. Flowing Springs Landscape Design, Inc. is located at 426 Conestoga Road in Malvern, PA. You can send an email to: rtburns426@gmail.com. Visit www.flow ingspringsdesign.com for an online portfo lio of water features, patios, and landscapes.
is our Bankk of Choice
Vicky & William Waite, Bucks County Magazine
“When we decided to lauunch the NEW Bucks Countyy Magazine, we searched to find a bank that would be happy to have our business. Monument Bank was theere to assist us through the looan process and provide solutions to meet our needs.” “We would recommend the Monument Teeam to any business person that values service in theeir banking relationship.” 2 Bucks County Locations t serrve to v you
Service Beyond Expectations 465 North Main Strre eet, Doylestown s 215.340.1 1020 33 Swamp Road, R Newtown s 215.968.9100 0
MonumentBankPA.com
Dining Out in BUCKS COUNTY Go to page 135 for dining out in Bucks County or check us out online at Buckscountymag.com
MARY BETH SCHWARTZ IS A FREELANCE EDITOR WHO FREQUENTLY CONTRIBUTES TO REGIONAL PUBLICATIONS.
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TOWN & COUNTRY REAL ESTATE
Fantastic Estate Home in Buckingham Twp with private but convenient location. 4434SF, set on 2+ Acres. Updates & a very flexible floor plan make this an excellent value. A steal at: $999,000. Donna Weikel / Danielle Davis Office: (215) 348-5600 Cell: (215) 262-7403
Regional Statistics say that Carol Mayhew ranks in the top 5% of the 2,669 Bucks County Real Estate Professionals.
RICH S.: “Carol is one of those unique individuals who can seamlessly blend the flawless execution of her professional duties while at the same time making you feel like a dear friend.” NORM S.: “Finding myself on the ʻother side of the tableʼ (at settlement), I remember thinking, next time I move, Iʼm calling Carol first. She manages with high integrity and ethics.” CAROL MAYHEW SAYS: There is no better way to do business than through recommendations of former clients, friends and other real estate professionals. If you are considering using a Realtor, please call for an extensive list of both buyers and sellers who I have sucessfully served in my 20 years in the business.
267-350-5555 ext. 2541
Cell 215-805-2927 100 Brandywine Boulevard, Suite 302, Newtown, PA 18940 • hmslr@aol.com
TOWN & COUNTRY REAL ESTATE
Historic i Es Estatte Home H iin Moore M estown, NJJ
Moorestown’s premier neighborhoods. Convenient to Philaadelphia and NYC. $2,675,000 Paul Canton III Cell phone: 609-230-80177 paul.canton@longandfoster.com m www.paulcanton.lnf.com p m
Long & Foster 10 West Main Street Moorestown, NJ 080577 856-642-8700
Gentleman’s Farm with 20 acres of seclusion
The gently sloping property has views to Haycock Mountain and adjoins hundreds of acres of protected natural woodland with nature trails and a fishing creek. It is an artist or photographer’s paradise in the most scenic, least developed part of Bucks County.
Call owner at 267-707-5475 for more information and appointment to view
To advertise, contact Lisa Kruse 215-860-3090
Sunset
Stacey Simcik
A
glimpse skates on the rim of eternity, seeing for an instance the hand of an Almighty Providence ordaining all that is to come to pass.
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