Bucks County Magazine

Buc ks County Arts & Antiques Guide

HEALING ON HORSEBACK

300 YEAR OLD COUNTRY ESTATE HAND PIES FROM HEAVEN TIME TRAVEL WITH AMENITIES WHERE MAKE BELIEVE BECOMES REAL

Photographer Jennifer Gershon rather than use a brush, instead uses her camera to transform portraits into historic figures and even mythical creatures and still life photos into fine art / By Michele Malinchak

With a vision, a talented craftsman, a collection of historic photos and Cidney and Justin Gastaldello’ love and determination, this grand old Upper Makefield country estate has been brought to life again / By Beth Buxbaum

Flying these vinage airplanes is not easy / Photo Essay By Bobby Waite

On a 40-acre parcel in Central Bucks, horses of all sizes, breeds and backgrounds come together for a common purpose. / By Chrysa Smith

Bucks County Magazine’s Annual Guide to fine galleries, museums, antiques shops, fall events, artists and artisans

Regardless of an increase in interest rates, our market is still a vibrant seller’s market in which we need the assistance of professional realtors more than ever to help us buy or sell homes. / By Dan Spirer

On The Cover

Our artist-in-residence, Jennifer Hansen Rolli’s painting, “Delaware Glory,” is a stunning view of the Delaware, the canal and the Lumberville/Raven Rock Bridge, in all its late autumn glory.

56 g Art Galley / By Michele Malinchak

Having awards from the Philadelphia Sketch Club’s juried exhibitions of Works on Paper, painter Meg Constable takes heed of the advice of her professor and keeps drawing and painting

60 g In the Garden / By Lori Rose

Heritage or heirloom apples were often the center of a family's diet, and were eaten at every meal for most of the year, and now we are becoming increasingly aware of these tasty fruits thanks to local farmers’ markets

64 g People / By Cynthia Marone

Lindsay Ketterer Gates’s passion for art, especially crafts, forged in Upper Bucks County, resulted in her being an award-winning artist and director of the Touchstone Center for Crafts

110 g At Home / By Chrysa Smith

Susanne Olsen, owner and chief designer at Noah & Lilly Kitchen Design, spares no effort in designing a kitchen and personalizing it so that its beauty & use make it the heart of the home

116 g Style / By Chrysa

Smith

Anchored by the historic Nassau Inn, Palmer Square has been for Princeton and surrounding areas a shopping, lodging, and dining center that offers visitors a sophisticated and unique selection of venues

132 g Getaway / By Bob & TanyaWaite

Imagine staying in a 19th century hamlet set in the quietness of the Brandywine Valley with horse farms, splendid gardens and tall trees and in your stone-walled room is a Keurig Coffeemaker

162 g County Fare / By Diana Cercone

Writer Diana Cercone’s aversion to eating pies gave way when she tried rhubarb and strawberry hand pie from Pie Bird Farm at the Wrightstown Farmers Market and was instantly hooked

Publisher

William N. Waite

Executive Editor Bob Waite

Art Direction

BCM MEDIA CO., INC.

President

Vicky M. Waite

Administration Melissa Kutalek

Calendar Editor

Melissa Kutalek

Marketing Assistant Bobby Waite

Cover Artist

Jennifer Hansen Rolli

Contributing Writers

Beth Buxbaum, Diana Cercone, Michele Malinchak, Cynthia Marone Frank Quattrone, Chrysa Smith, Vicky Waite, Bob Waite

Circulation

BCM MEDIA Co., INC.

Contributing Photographers

Randl Bye, Stacey Simcik, Bobby Waite, Paul Wesley

Account Executives

Rich Baldwin, Frank Boyd, Jess Graves, Ann Ferro Murray, James Padilla, Bobby Waite

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 $18.95, in Canada $35.00, U.S. dollars only. Standard postage paid at Lancaster, PA. Single-copy price is $5.95 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.

JENNIFER HANSEN ROLLI

DESMOND McRORY

Signature

By Bob Waite

Ilove fall in Bucks County. The not too hot, not too cold weather, the view without a mist that would hide the stunning beauty of trees wearing their autumnal attire, and I like wearing flannel shirts and light jackets. It is the season in Bucks County for art shows and furnishing our homes. Of course these things happen all-year round, but I believe (without the aid of any statistics) they are accelerated in the fall. That’s why every fall Bucks County Magazine takes a long look at art and antiques in Bucks County and its surrounding areas.

This year’s Guide to Arts & Antiques has a lead story about Robert Beck’s art, called “Robert Beck—Here & Now,” which is the name of his upcoming exhibit at the Morpeth Contemporary in Hopewell, New Jersey. In this section we give insight into the large creative community in which we live and the opportunities we have to find those antiques and collectibles that we use as furnishings and accents to the beauty of our Bucks County homes.

The Fall 2024 issue of Bucks County Magazine also features photographer Jennifer Gershon who paints using a camera as her brush and brings her subjects into a world of history and make believe. Writer Michelle Malinchak in her story, “Jennifer Gershon—Light Painter,” tells us how Jennifer uses her camera to transform portraits into historic figures and even mythical creatures and her still life photos into fine art.

Our fall house is the story of a couple whose dream was to move into a nearby 300 year country estate before it ever was put on the market. Beth Buxbaum in “A Restorative Renovation,” tells about how Cidney and Justin Gastaldello’s dream comes true and how they renovated the home, keeping its original historic flavor.

“Healing on Horseback,” by Chrysa Smith is about a forty-acre plot of ground in Warrington that is the site of Special Equestrians, where healing is brought to children, adults and seniors by a dedicated staff and some very well-trained horses. In fact, people of all ages get help for autism, degenerative disorders, paralysis, ADHD, and mental health diagnoses by riding horses.

“The Men in Their Flying Machines,” is a photo essay by Bobby Waite taken at the Van Sant Airport in Erwinia. These men take pleasure in flying vintage aircraft, without the aid of all the accouterments of modern aircraft. The photos show the men with their planes and the joy they obviously have in taking them up in the wild blue yonder.

In our Fall 2024 issue of Bucks County Magazine, we also feature an interview with a Bucks County artist, two great restaurants, heirloom apples, a Brandywine Valley getaway, Great Escapes, a kitchen designer, Palmer Square, and much about the people, places and things to do in and around the county.

this stunning wall art piece is crafted from a cross-section of Olive burl, designed to highlight the intricate patterns and rich tones that make this wood species so unique. Its captivating shape draws admiration from every angle, making it an impressive focal point in any room. Available at Paramount Wood Company, 6162 Lower York Road, New Hope, PA. For more information contact them at 412-587-4166 or visit www.paramountwoodco.com.

Sampler

join the Bucks County Audubon Society on October 16, 2024 for their Pumpkin Carving Party. They will have pizza and refreshments. Be sure to bring along a pumpkin to carve, carving utensils, and creativity. Sessions begin 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

Bucks Audubon Visitor Center, 2877 Creamery Road, New Hope, PA. For more information contact them at 215-297-5880; www.bcas.org.

…City of Poppies, 2023, oil, 28”x 24” by artist John Schmidtberger who is a talented painter, gallerist, and cartoonist. He paints “en plein air” in the Delaware River Valley and coastal Maine. His paintings are both modern and poetic, featuring strong light, forceful brushwork, and a vivid palette. John founded SFA Gallery, 10 Bridge Street, Frenchtown, NJ. For more information contact John at 908-2681700 or visit www.sfagallery.com.

signature seasonal Meyer’s famous pies including traditional apple crumb, triple berry brown sugar streusel, salted caramel, apple crumb, Maine blueberry crumb, traditional pecan pie and chocolate bourbon pecan pie. These delicious pies and lots of other goodies are available at The Farm Bakery & Events, 2475 W. Zion Hill Road, Quakertown, PA. For more information, including seasonal hours for the holidays contact them at 215-645-9343, www.meyersfamilybakery.com.

…hand painted tiles made to order—Carly Quinn Designs was founded in 2011 with the idea of bringing life to an age-old art form known as Cuerda Seca. They are one of a handful of studios across the globe that creates hand glazed tiles using this old-world technique. All of the tiles are hand painted by talented artists and fired at 2,000 degrees to create lasting works of art. Each tile is a unique work of art and glaze variations add to the inherent beauty of each piece. They are not a manufacturing facility; all the pieces have the element of human touch and no two are exactly alike. Visit Heart of the Home, 7 Lambert Land, Lambertville, NJ or contact them at 215-862-1880; www.heartofthehome.com.

… fall is a great time to ride the backroads in a 2024 Slingshot® R gold rush roadster. Find your perfect Slingshot that commands attention and effortlessly stands out from the crowd and turn some heads. Available at Trumbauer’s Motor Sports, 2100 Milford Square Pike, Quakertown, PA. For more information contact them at 215-529-6556; www.trumbauersmotorsports.com.

HAPPINESS IS GOLDEN!

There’s a gaggle of geese, a rhumba of rattlesnakes and a bicycle of bees. But did you know that a group of Golden Retrievers is called a ‘happy’? In 2020, Doug and Rebecca Worple moved from their home in Ohio to a 275 acre storybook farm close to Stowe in Jeffersonville, VT. With expansive, uninterrupted views of Mt. Mansfield, the Long Trail and the ski runs of

Smugglers’ Notch, the Worples purchased and named the farm, Golden Dog Farm. Long-time lovers of Golden Retrievers, their dream was to one day host Golden Retriever Experiences “where guests could surround themselves with a “happy” of Goldens”.

With a vineyard, a sugarhouse, a Slovenian beehouse, more than 200 fruit trees and the jaw dropping backdrop, the stage was set.

They just needed more dogs. This is where longtime Vermonters Susan and Dana Menne came into the picture. For twenty-six years, Susan and Dana of Butternut Goldens have been breeding award winning Golden Retrievers. And with 13 goldens in their household, they most certainly had the “happy” of goldens. So together with Doug and Becca, the couples launched the Golden Retriever Experience on Golden Dog Farm.

This Fall, visitors can enjoy an hour long playdate with a happy of goldens enveloped in the dramatic oranges, yellows and reds of fall foliage. Doug most certainly will offer you a “shot of sugar” as you sample their Golden Dog Farm maple syrup while Rebecca, a professional photographer, captures you and the dogs in this breathtaking setting. For more information or to book your Fall Experience go to www.goldendogfarm.com. Also, be sure and follow the fun on Instagram @goldendogfarmvt.

NEW JERSEY STATE MUSEUM —LEARNING SOARS

The New Jersey State Museum is a “hidden-in-plain-sight” gem, offering visitors an exploration of history, science and the arts that makes learning fun at any age. Exhibitions offering insights into the past and present set the stage for a day filled with fascination–from fossils in the Paleo Lab to life-sized dinosaur casts and works of art created by some of the nation’s most acclaimed artists and artisans. The history of the region, from prehistoric peoples to modern, is covered in a variety of exhibits, providing an interesting look at the development of New Jersey and the Trenton region.

Visitors can take a deep dive into intriguing subjects at engaging exhibitions including Bark! Indigenous Cultural Expression on view now through January 5, 2025. This popular exhibit examines the global and ubiquitous ways bark has been harvested, crafted and utilized from prehistoric times to today.

Everyone likes to hang with the stars. And the Planetarium is the perfect place to do it. Zip through the solar system on a stellar journey with 360-degree views and reclining seats. Before the show, star talk presenters deliver a galaxy of captivating facts to make every experience truly out of this world.

Archaeology/Ethnography, Cultural History, Fine Art and Natural History collections are a source of wonder any time of year. Visiting the Museum is the perfect getaway for adults or families. It’s also the ultimate interactive field trip–whether a summer camp or a class. Groups of 15 or more can book a hands-on experience, tour or talk with a Museum expert. Customized adventures suit any age and any grade.

As always, admission to the Museum is free. There is a fee for Planetarium shows. Public Planetarium shows are held on weekdays and weekends throughout the year. The New Jersey State Museum is located at 205 West State Street,Trenton, NJ.To get up-to-the-minute details and showtimes, visit www.statemuseum.nj.gov.

THE OLD BARRACKS MUSEUM

Every year a brigade of teachers and chaperones took students from Washington School in Trenton on my favorite school trip destination—The Old Barracks, which, was built in 1758 to house soldiers of the British Army during the French and Indian War and it was where the British and Hessian troops stayed prior to the famous turning point of the war, The Battle of Trenton.

Occupied after the battle by Americans the barracks was used to hold British prisoners of war in the Officers' House. It also served as a hospital under Dr. Bodo Otto, who oversaw smallpox vaccinations for the Continental Army. Disease actually killed more soldiers than the war itself. This was the first mass medical treatment in the Western Hemisphere, and the Barracks is one of the only surviving structures used for that purpose..

In the early 20th century the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Colonial Dames launched a campaign to save the Old Barracks.They bought it and made it a repository for all things connected to the American Revolution and the colonial period. This became the beginning of the collections now kept by the museum. From1985 to 1998 the building underwent a multi-million dollar second restoration, resulting in its current appearance, which is believed to be a much more accurate representation of how it would have looked in 1758.

A visit to the Barracks now is beyond anything I saw as a child. The collection now has approximately 2,000 objects, ranging from fine art to militaria. Events are held there throughout the year. People dressed in colonial garb are seen in the museum doing demonstrations and the Museum features reenactments of the Battle of Trenton during Patriots Week. The Old Barracks is the most visited historic site in New Jersey

The Old Barracks Museum is open year-round, Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Three galleries are available to view in addition to its historic rooms being interpreted throughout the day.The Old Barracks Museum is located at 101 Barrack Street, Trenton, NJ. Make sure you check out the Events Page on the website for upcoming special events and information about Patriots Week. History lovers are encouraged to become a member of the Old Barracks Association to help support the museum's mission and programming. Schools and groups are welcome year-round—program information is available on the Group Tours page. For more information, visit www.barracks.org.

WEDDINGS AT SPRING HILL MANOR

Spring Mill Manor, a cherished wedding venue nestled in the heart of Bucks County, is delighted to announce its transition to new ownership. This exciting development marks a new chapter for the esteemed venue, renowned for its timeless elegance and picturesque setting.

The new proprietor, Bill Haas, who has owned and operated the prestigious Pen Ryn Estate on the Delaware in Bensalem PA, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the wedding and event industry.The vision for Spring Mill Manor includes a complete multi-million dollar refresh of the grounds and Manor decor. Renovations, already well underway, include the planting of over 400 trees and shrubs, Industrial Chic lighting, luxurious vinyl flooring, stunning wall treatments and furnishings throughout.

Arriving at the portico entrance, hosts and guests will enter the dramatic Foyer with its soaring columns, 20 foot ceilings and sweeping Grand Staircase. Proceeding to either the North or South Wing, each area includes private gardens, outdoor ceremony settings, beautifully decorated Bridal Suites, cocktail hour conservatories, Grand Ballrooms and patios overlooking the Manor pond and fountain.

With 30 years of prestigious Pen Ryn Estate experience, our team of Event Planning and culinary professionals are poised to elevate the service and guest experience at Spring Mill Manor to new heights.

Once completed this Fall, Spring Mill Manor will once again shine in

its ‘Gilded Age’ grandeur with the best of contemporary conveniences. Be Among the first to host an event at Spring Mill Manor. Event tour appointments are being conducted now Wednesday through Sunday. Dates are available beginning January 1, 2025.

For more information about Spring Mill Manor and to inquire about event tours and reservations, please visit www.springmillmanor.com or contact 215-874-6400.

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN FRAMING

In 1984, we embarked on a significant journey, moving 600 miles across the country with our 1-year-old daughter. Combining a passion for art and our desire to be closer to family, The Frame Game was born. Fast forward forty years, and we are still here, enjoying our time with customers both new and old. Our gratitude for our awesome customers and amazing staff knows no bounds.

Driven by a passion for art in all forms whether it be a gorgeous canvas, a thoughtfully designed home item or even an artfully created piece of jewelry. However, framing has always been the backbone of the business. Customer service, quality and our attention to detail have always been our top priority, and we strive to stay up to date with the latest trends in framing and conservation to ensure we provide the best service possible.

What sets this shop apart, aside from extensive experience and

expertise, is our large inventory of moulding, matboard and glass.

We specialize in framing fine art using conservation materials and they are experts in creating shadow boxes. From needlework and jerseys to military medals, diplomas, record albums, and antique jewelry, you name it, and we can frame it.

In the Frame Game stores, in addition to custom built frames, you’ll find unique photo frames, home accessories, and unusual and artful gifts.To all customers, “We wants you to know that you mean the world to us and are the reason The Frame Game is still here. Thank you for 40 wonderful years!”

The Newtown store is located at 24 Richboro Road, Newtown, PA; 215-860-8727. The Yardley store is located at 690 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, PA; 215-321-9141. For more information, visit www.theframegame.com.

Josh Lancaster, Joe Yarnell, Alan Markowitz, Karen Stark, Debbie Marutani, Chris Duda

FALL FAMILY FUN

Fall , with its moderate temperatures and clean air is also a fun time for the entire family to do outdoor activities, and Hellerick’s Adventure Farm starts its Fall Festival in September. There’s so much to do with your family, like hayrides, a corn maze, and loads of pumpkins! Located in Doylestown, PA, Hellerick’s is famous for helping people discover just how fun the great outdoors can be. Zoom down slides, run the obstacle course, challenge our aerial course and scale

our silo climbing wall.There are over 40 activities for all ages to explore. Plus, this September, Hellerick’s is opening the all-new Barnyard Mini Golf, a memorable 18-hole adventure complete with rolling hay bales, winding paths, and quirky farm animals. Come see us at Hellerick’s Adventure Farm this fall. It’s where families and friends discover great fun outdoors. Hellerick’s Adventure Farm is located at 5500 Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 215-766-8388.Visit www.hellericksfarm.com.

EAT, DRINK & STINK

Garlic is purported to be good for your heart, for infections and for keeping vampires away, but some people say it stinks, even if they love the way it tastes. In the past garlic growers, vendors, restaurants and others played this down, but now they are willing to admit it—not only admit it but revel in it.

Now you can eat, drink and stink at the Easton Garlic Festival. Just follow your nose to downtown Easton’s Centre Square on October 5th and 6th from 10 p.m. to 6 p.m. rain or shine and enjoy the delight of sizzling hot Latin Quarter with food and music on the mainstage all day long.

There will be chef competitions, tasting events such as the Gastric Garlic People's Choice Contest, where you can be one of the 400 lucky people to sample and judge the best garlic dish created by chefs from local restaurants.You determine which chef will take home the coveted Garlic Bulb Winners Plaque. And there is also an

Garlic Desserts Contest. You may want to eat a Big Stinkin’ Wheel of Cheese or hang out at the Beer Tent. There is even a Little Stinkers Row for the kids, plus a Culinary Kids Cooking Contest. And so much more is scheduled for all you garlic lovers. To learn more, see the complete schedule at www.eastongarlicfest.com.

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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.

Renningers

September 14: Kutztown Train Meet September 20-21: Kutztown Antiques Radio Meet

September 27: Vintage Antiques & Collectors Extravaganza

October 12: Pezylvania 14 Admission. Rain or shine. 740 Noble Street, Kutztown, PA. 570-385-0104; www.renningers.net.

Greater York Antiques Show

September 20-21: Featuring Fine Early China & Glassware – 18th & 19th C

Silver – Chinese Export Porcelain –

Oriental Rugs, Fine Antique Jewelry –Antique Toys – Pewter – Early Kitchen & Fireplace Accessories, American & English Samplers – Historic American Militaria

Navajo Rugs, Pueblo Pottery, Baskets, and Native American Artifacts York Fairgrounds and Convention Center, Memorial Hall East,334 Carlisle Avenue, York, PA; www.theoriginalyorkantiquesshow.com

Pook & Pook, Inc.

October 5-6: Americana & International October 25: Coins & Jewelry

November 15: Native American Indian & Ethnographic

463 East Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA. 610-269-4040; www.pookandpook.com.

Allentown Fairgrounds

October 5-6: Allentown Antique Book & Paper Show

October 19-20: Antique & Modern Arms

Peddler’s Village Scarcrow Festival September 44th & 15th.

Keystone Quilters Quilt Show October 11th & 12th.

Show

November 2: Allentown Antique Toy Show - Harris Hall

November 9-10: Frist Frost Train Meet 302 North 17th Street, Allentown, PA. 610-433-7541; www.allentownfair.com.

Annual Delaware Antiques Show

November 15-17: The country’s most distinguished dealers present the finest offerings of American antiques and decorative arts, including furniture, paintings, rugs, ceramics, silver, jewelry, and more. Admission. Chase Center on the Riverfront, Wilmington, DE. 800-448-3883. www.winterthur.org.

Flemington Fine Artisans Show

November 3: Come shop for arts and crafts at the Historic Stangl Factory. More than 30 vendors will be on site. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Flemington, NJ. www.flemingtonfineartisansshow.com.

2024 Annual Antiques Show

November 9-10: The Bucks County Antiques Dealers Association presents their annual antiques show—the largest of its kind in Bucks County. Saturday hours

are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $6. Children under 16 are admitted free. Free parking. 1410 Almshouse Road, Jamison, PA. 215-290-3140; www.bcadapa.org.

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56h Pennridge Gallery of the Arts

September 15: Celebrating the talents of local artists and crafters of all ages and backgrounds, the annual Art Exhibition and Crafts Festival takes place in the heart of Sellersville, PA. Booths lining the streets filled with art and crafts, the day also features live music throughout the festival, children’s entertainment and activities, Sellersville Restaurants open to the public, plus food trucks, as well as local breweries, wineries and more. Main Street, Sellersville, PA. www.galleryofthearts.org.

Phillips

Mill

September 19: Plein Air Painting with Chris Monteiro.

September 21 - October 27: The 95th Juried Art Show at Phillips' Mill. The area’s most prestigious juried art show cele-

brates its 95th year at the historic Phillips' Mill. Live at the Mill and online.

October 3, 17 and 31, November 14: Plein Air Painting with Chris Monteiro. Nov. 23: 7th Annual Emerging Playwright Competition Readings. On-stage readings of six winning short plays followed by talkbacks with the audience.

November 24: Salon at Phillips' Mill. Join host John McDonnell for an afternoon of shared performances in a casual, supportive setting. Salons focus on the expressive arts –– storytelling, monologues, poetry, fiction.

https://www.phillipsmill.org/events/events-calendar. Phillips’ Mill Community Association, 2619 River Road, New Hope, PA, (215) 862-0582.

Brandywine River Museum of Art

Through September 22: Frank Stewart’s Nexus: American Photographer’s Journey, 1960s To the Present

October 13-Janary 19: The Crafted World of Wharton Esherick

Through October 14: In Shadows’ Embrace: Prints by Peter Paone Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, PA. 610-388-2700; www.brandywine.org.

Banana Factory Arts Center

Through October 6: Resident Artist Annual Exhibition

Through November 3: Journey: Tali Margolin

25 West Third Street, Bethlehem, PA. 610-332-1300; www.bananafactory.org.

Artists of Yardley (AOY)

September 22: Art on the Farm: An outdoor festival featuring art, crafts, music, and food truck.

949 Mirror Lake, Yardley, PA. 215-493-1205; www.aoyarts.org

Artwrkd Gallery and Exhibition Space

September 20-October 5: Embodied Ego a Solo Exhibition of Lauren Peters

September 20-October 5: FIELDWORK A Solo Exhibition of Margaret Watson

October 11 - October 27: How Did I Get Here a Solo Exhibition of Jeanine Pennel

October 11 October 27: Good Spells and Other Offerings a Solo Exhibition of Hilary Peirce

October 11- October 27: How Did I Get Here a Solo Exhibition of Jeanine Pennel 126-128 South State Street Newtown

PA;215.377.9766; artcurator@artwrkd.com.

Artists’ Gallery

Through October 6: Progressions-The Art of Alan Klawans & Larry Mitnick

October 10-November 3: Not to be Forgotten-The Art of Alla Podolsky & Laura Rutherford Renner

November 7-December 1: Chromatic Wanderings-Paintings by Carol Sanzalone & Andrew Werth

18 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ. 609397-4588; www.lambertvillearts.com.

Allentown Art Museum of the Lehigh Valley

Ongoing: Ai Weiwei: Golden Age

Through October 13: Pennsylvania Impressionism: Paintings from the Leidel Collection

November 16- July 2025: New Conversations: Renaissance & Baroque Art at the Allentown Art Museum

November 16 through April 2025: New Realities: The Lens of Abelardo Morell Through February 9: Interventions: Video Works by Allora and Calzadilla Through February 9: American Galleries

Fall 2024

31 North Fifth Street, Allentown, PA. 610-432-4333; www.allentownartmuseum.org.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Ongoing: Collecting Japanese Art in Philadelphia Through January 5: Rodin’s Hands Through May 2025: Firing the Imagination: Japanese Influence on French Ceramics, 1860-1910

Through June 2025: Mythical Creatures: China and the World 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA. 215-763-8100; www.philamuseum.org.

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Through November 3: Layers of Liberty: Philadelphia & the Appalachian Environment Through December 1: An Exhibition of the Atwater Kent Collection at Drexel University

November 14-April 6: Making Strange: Sacred Imagery and the Self 118-128 North Broad Street, Philadel-

phia, PA. 215-972-7600; www.pafa.org.

Princeton University Art Museum

Through January 5: Art on Hulfish Under a Southern Star: Identity&Environment in Australian Photography

September 14-Febuary 2: Art@Bainbridge | Helène Aylon: Undercurrent Princeton University campus, Princeton, NJ. 609-258-4057; https://artmuseum.princeton.edu.

The Barnes Foundation

Ongoing: Barnes Collection

Ongoing: Archives, Library, & Special Collections

October 18:2024 Barnes Art Ball 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA, 215-278-7000; 300 North Latch’s Lane, Merion, PA, 215278-7350. www.barnesfoundation.org.

Wayne Art Center

Through October 5: Fall Members Juried Exhibition 2024 Through October 5: 2024 Faculty Exhibition 413 Maplewood Avenue, Wayne, PA. 610-688-3553; www.wayneart.org.

Woodmere Art Museum

Ongoing: La Cresta: A Land Sculpting Installation by Syd Carpenter & Steven Donegan

Ongoing: Expressionism in Bronze: The Sculpture of Viorel Farcas

Through October 27: The Photo Review: Best of Show 2024

Through January 2025: The Art & Photography of Harvey Finkly Through May 2025: A New House for Violet Oakley’s House of Wisdom 9201 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. 215-247-0476. www.woodmereartmuseum.org.

James A Michener Art Museum

September 17: Artistic Excursion: Visit the Berman with Sculptor George Anthonisen

September 21: The Stories We Tell with Assistant Curator Abi Lua

September 26: Putman Arts Leader Lecture Series: Thayer Tolles on Monuments and Myths

October 1: Artistic Excursion: Tour the Studio of Sculptor Harry Gordon

October 3: Art After Dark: Monuments and Myths

October 9: Exploring the Galleries with the

Executive Director

October 19: Jazz Night with Josh Lee and The Family

October 26: Doylestown Spooktacular: Trick or Treating

October 29: Steve Tobin Studio Tour

November 7: Art After Dark: Out of the Vault

November 7: Art Night Out:Silk Scarves

November 10: Postal Service for the Dead: Collage and Letter Writing Workshop

November 12: Tour of Stratton Sculpture Studio

November 13: Museum Remix: A Redesign of the Michener’s Permanent Collection

December 11: Cheryl Harper on the Works of Charlotte Schatz

138 S Pine Street, Doylestown PA; www.michenerartmuseum.org

Patricia Hutton Galleries

October 12: Open Reception Country Places, The Hendershot Legacy Ray Hendershot, An AWS, NWSÂ (1931 - 2019) Bradley Hendershot(1958) 47 West State Street, Doylestown. 215-348-1728. www.PatriciaHuttonGalleries.com.

Lachman Gallery 70th Annual Show

November 9 - December 14: Now celebrating 70 years of fine art by Bucks County Artist, AL Lachman. Peddlers Village, Street Road, Lahaska PA; www.allachman.com

C RAFTS

Doylestown Arts Festival

September 7-8: For this special weekend in September Doylestown turns into a festival. You will discover over 100 artists, live music on multiple stages, activities, food courts, and a bike race. Doylestown, PA. www.doylestownartsfestival.com.

The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

September 13-15: International Gem and Jewelry Show

September20-22: The Philly Show Sports Card & Memorabilia Show

September 20-22: The Whole Bead Show

October 18-20: Eagle Shows Guntoberfest 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA. 484-754EXPO; www.phillyexpocenter.com.

Rittenhouse Square Show

September 20-22: The Rittenhouse Square

Fine Art Show is the oldest outdoor art show in the country. Steeped in rich history and tradition, there is no other show like it. Returning visitors and patrons understand the unique sensations offered by our extraordinary setting. Step away from the frenetic world of schedules and deadlines. The color, imagery, and sculptural forms breathe life into the city during these two long-awaited events each spring and fall.

Admission. 717-431-8706; www.rittenhousesquareart.com

New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival

September 21-22: Visit this festival for over 160 artists and craftsmen with such media as ceramics, sculpture, pastels, glass art, and jewelry. Free admission and shuttle. Rain or shine. New Hope-Solebury High School, New Hope, PA. www.newhopeartsandcrafts.com.

Keystone Quilters Guild Quilt Show

October 11- 12: 250 + quilts and quilted items, some for sale. Boutique and Recycle Room. Chance drawings and free demonstrations

Finland Mennonite Church 1750 Ziegler Rd, Pennsburg PA; www.keystonequilters.org

Crafts in the Meadow Fall Invitational Craft Show

October 19-20: 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 exhibitors will represent the mediums of wood, fiber, ceramic, metal, glass, jewelry, and sculpture. Admission. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tyler Park Center for the Arts, Tyler State Park, 10 Stable Mill Road, Richboro, PA. 267-218-0290; www.tylerparkarts.org.

Annual Juried Holiday Fine Arts

and Crafts Festival

November 2-3: The Reading-Berks Guild of Craftsmen present this annual craft event featuring vendors, as well as live entertainment and antique appraisals. Admission. Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA. www.rbcrafts.org.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Contemporary Craft Show

November 15-17: This annual art event is for the benefit of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Funds raised are used to purchase works of art and craft for the permanent collections, to fund conservation and publication projects, and support exhibitions and education programs. Admission. Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA. 215-684-7930; www.pmacraftshow.org.

Christkindlmarkt

November -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 St. Nicholas. PNC Plaza, SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA. 610-3321300; www.artsquest.org.

Pearl Buck Holiday Craft Show

November 29-December 8: Juried artists and crafters display their works in the preCivil 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. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Admission. 520 Dublin Road, Perkasie, PA. 215-249-0100; www.pearlsbuck.org

E NTERAINMENT

Langhorne Players

Through September 22: Tiny Beautiful Things by Nia Vardalos

October 18-November 3: Dark Matters by Robert Aguirre-Sacasa Route 332, Newtown, PA. 215-860-0818; www.langhorneplayers.org.

McCarter Theatre Center

Through October 6: Empire Records: The Musical

September 28: Ballet Hispanico

October 3: An Evening with David Sedaris

October 9-13: Duel reality

October 25: Swing Out

November 6: Yunchan Lim

November 7: Ebo Taylor & Pat Thomas

November 21: Randall Goosby Returns

November 23: The Moth

December 10-29: The Christmas Carol 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ. 609258-2787; www.mccarter.org.

Town and Country Players

September 28-October 6: The 39 Steps

November 8-17: Rodgers & Hammersteins

Cinderella 4158 York Road, Buckingham, PA. 215348-7566; www.townandcountryplayers.org.

Bucks County Playhouse

October 11-November 3: The Rocky Horror Show

November 22-January 5: Anastasia the Musical

70 South Main Street, New Hope, PA. 215-862-2121; www.bcptheater.org.

New Hope Winery

September 20: Adrenalize-The Ultimate Def Leppard Expereince

September 27: The Sensational Soul Cruisers

October 4: The Ledbetters-Pearl Jam Tribute

October 5: Steve Forbert and The New Renditions

October 18: The Weeklings

October 19: Splinered Sunligh-A Grateful Dead Tribute

October 26: Ambrosia

November 8-9: Lives Killer Queen Experience

November 15: Double Vision-The Foreigner Experience

November 23: Chris Smither and The Motivators

6123 Lower York Road, New Hope, PA. 215-794-2331; www.newhopewinery.com.

Bristol Riverside Theatre

Through September 29: The Gin Game

October 22-November 10: Venus in Fur 120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA. 215785-0100; www.brtstage.org.

State Theatre Center for the Arts

September 15: Chapin Family Presents Harry Chapin Greatest Stories Live

September 20: Late Nite Catechism

September 28: Air Supply

October 1-2: Tina-Tina Turner Muscial

October 10: The Vampire Circus

October 17: Blueys Big Play

October 20: NeedToBreathe: The Caves

World Tour

October 26: Martin Media presents: Whose Live Anyway

October 27: Haunted Illusion Starring David Caserta

November 9: Swan Lake

November 21: Michael W Smith-Every Christmas 453 Northampton Street, Easton, PA. 800-999-7828; www.statetheatre.org.

Act I

September 26-October 6: Little Shop of Horrors

October 10-20: The Servant of Two Masters

November 16: 72 Hour Film Challenge 2024

November 21-December 8: Mr. Dicken’s Hat DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA. 610-282-3192 ; www.desales.edu.

SteelStacks Concerts

September 14: The Rise and Fall of Bethlehem Steel Tour

September 21: Cobra

September 28: Twilight: New Poon a Drag & Buresque Tribute

October 5: The Blair Witch Project

October 19: Whatever Fate Decides

November 16: Boat House Row-A Yacht Rock Experience

ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA. 610-332-1300; www.artsquest.org.

Allentown Symphony Orchestra

September 21-22: Beethoven’s 5th

October 5: Offenbach;s Les Contes D’Hoffman

October 19: Ann Innocent Man-The Music of Billy Joel

October 25: Ben Roseblum

October 26: Jeanine Tesoris Grounded

October 29: New Chamber Music Concert #1

November 9-10: Rhapsody in Blue @100

November 15: Steven Sandberg Quartet

November 23: Jim Brickman Comfort & Joy Holiday Celebration 2024

December 7: RDTS Nutcracker

Miller Symphony Hall, 23 North Sixth Street, Allentown, PA. 610-432-6715; www.millersymphonyhall.org.

Pennsylvania Ballet

October 18-26: Le Corsaire

December 6-29: The Nutcracker

The Academy of Music, 240 South Broad

Street, Philadelphia, PA. 215-893-1999; www.paballet.org.

Newtown Arts Company

October 17-20: The Crucible

December 5-8: Irving’s Berlins White Christmas the Musical

Newtown Theatre, 120 North State Street, Newtown, PA. 215-860-7058. www.newtownartscompany.com.

Roxey Ballet

October 17: Dancing on the Green

November 17: The Nutcracker "Suites" and Tea Party

November 30-December 8: The Nutcracker

December 14: The Sensory Nutcracker 609-397-7616; www.roxeyballet.org.

The Bach Choir of Bethlehem

December 7: How Brightly Shines the Morning Star (First Presbyterian Church, Allentown)

December 8: How Brightly Shines the Morning Star (First Presbyterian Church, Bethlehem)

440 Heckewelder Place, Bethlehem, PA. 610-866-4382; www.bach.org.

E QUESTRIAN

Tinicum Park Polo

September 14: Hat Day

September 21: Club Game

September 28: British Car Show Cup River Road, Erwinna, PA. 908-996-3321; www.tinicumparkpoloclub.org.

Bucks County Horse Park

September 21: Judged Trail Ride

October 5: Pink Ribbon Ride

November 9: Saucon Valley Acres Year End Banquet

November 23: Friendsgiving Hunter Pace 8934 Easton Road, Revere, PA. 610-8478597; www.buckscountyhorsepark.org.

Dressage at Devon Horse Show

September 24- September 29: This annual horse show features more than 700 horses competing for 35,000 spectators. 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.

E VENTS

Mount Hope Estate & Winery

Through October 22 : Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire

November 29-Decmeber 15 : Yuletide at the Pennsylvania Renaissane Faire 2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim, PA. 717-665-7021; www.parenfaire.com.

Peddler’s Village

Through October 27: Scarecrow Competition & Display

October 12-13: OctoberFeast

November 2-3: Apple Festival

November 15: Grand Illumination Celebration

November 15-17: Holiday Kickoff Weekend

November 15-January 12: Gingerbread House Competition and Display Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, PA. 215794-4000; www.peddlersvillage.com.

Doylestown Art Festival

September 7-8: Designed to illuminate the region’s ongoing commitment to arts and culture, the Doylestown Arts Festival annually features 150 juried artists, live

music on 5 stages, local food vendors, live art, and interactive demonstrations. www.dtownartsfestival.com

Jenkintown Festival of the Arts

September 15: Join the Jenkintown Community Alliance for art, music, crafts, food, drink, and lots of fun. There will be over 70 juried artists, a kid’s court, and much more. 1 to 6 p.m. Jenkintown, PA. www.jenkintown.net.

Yardley Harvest Day

September 21: Come to Yardley for the day and celebrate its history, shops, and restaurants. The special day features arts and crafts, music, food, and historic tours. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Yardley, PA. www.yardleyharvestday.com.

New Hope Arts and Crafts Festival

Sept 21-22: Paintings, Pastels, Sculptures, Jewelry, Photography, Woodwork, Leather, Glass, Metalwork, Illustrations, Fiber Arts, and More Food and Music, too! 10 to 6 pm. www.newhopeartsandcrafts.com.

Peace Fair

September 21: This fair is dedicated to promoting 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.

Historical Society of Hilltown Township

September 21: 14 Annual Fall Festival

October 23: The Notorious Doan Gang of the Revolutionary War

407 Keystone Dr & Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville, PA 18960; www.hilltownhistory.org

Bucks Fever Events

Fridays: Brown Bag It

September 19: State of the State Address & Cocktail Reception

September 25: Young Professionals Cornhole Tournament

November 21: Spark Bowl in Partnership with Delaware Valley University

Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, Doylestown, PA. 215-348-3913;

Come to Chestnut Hill

September 15: Fall for the Arts Festival: Enjoy as the Streets and Stores of Chestnut Hill Fill with Festivities and Exciting Activities as Visitors Explore Everything

This Urban Village Has to Offer. Guests Can Expect Live Music and Delicious Food from Chestnut Hill’s Top Restaurants While Kids Enjoy Games, Arts, And Crafts Throughout This Free, Family-Friendly Event.

Chestnut Hill Visitors Center, 16 East Highland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. 215247-6696; www.chestnuthillpa.com.

Annual

Celtic Classic

September 27-29: 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.

Easton Garlic Festival

October 5 & 6: Eat, drink and stink at the Easton Garlic Fest! Follow your nose to downtown Easton’s Centre Square Over

120 vendors, cooking competitions, live music, and more.Chefs will cook it, musicians will sing about it, artists will create with it and you can eat it. Rain or shine. www.eastongarlicfest.com.

Haunted Hustle 5k Run/Walk

October 19: The Newtown Haunted Hustle 5K is a Halloween themed scenic run (or walk) through historic Newtown Borough, PA. Locals and visitors are strongly encouraged to wear their best or spookiest costumes and festive Halloween gear

https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Newtown/NewtownHauntedHustle5K.

Quakertown

Alive

October 19: Autumn Alive

November 23: Christmas Tree Lighting Festival

Quakertown, PA. 215-536-2273; www.quakertownalive.com.

Newtown Market Day

October 5: Newtown Historic Association present the annual craft fair. Over 45 crafters, artists and demonstrator will present a wide variety of interesting crafts. 105 Court Street, Newtown PA

18940; www.newtownhistoric.org

Annual Fall Harvest Sampler at Peace Valley Nature Center

September 27: The celebration includes an extraordinary selection of craft beers expertly paired with tasty harvest foods and desserts served by B&B Beverages. There is live music, silent auction, door prizes and lots of fun.

170 North Chapman Road, Doylestown, PA. 215-345-7860

Canal-O-Ween

October 30-November 5: Canal-O-Ween is annual weeklong traditional style lighting of Jack-O-Lanterns that starts before Halloween with the Carve-O-Thon. Located on the North Edgewater Avenue along the historic Delaware Canal in the Rivermawr Neighborhood, the Canal-OWeen stroll enable residents and visitors to enjoy the fall’s beauty within the natural setting of the canal. http://www.experienceyardley.com/canal-o-ween

Ghost Tours of Historic Hulmeville Borough

October 4-12: View a short film about the history of Hulmeville and the paranormal

hot spots in town. Then follow lantern led walking tour through downtown historic Hulmeville exploring 152 years of haunted history. Be sure to bring your camera to see if you can capture any ghosts or orbs in your photos. Hulmeville Borough Hall, 321 Main Street, Hulmeville PA; hulmeville150.org

Skippack Days

October 5-6: This closely knitted festival is brimming with artistic sophisticates as well as an impressive array of local resident artists.Arts and Crafts Vendors, Food, and Entertainment are located throughout the entire Village. Rain or shine. www.skippackvillage.com.

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. 215-6931290; www.buckskids.org.

The Crayola Experience

Ongoing: This fun and colorful children’s attraction features interactive Crayola exhibits. 30 Centre Square, Easton, PA. 610-515-8000; www.crayolaexperience.com.

Da Vinci Science Center

Ongoing: This Lehigh Valley science center promotes creativity, curiosity, and imagination with exhibits designed to encourage science and math learning. 3145 Hamilton Boulevard, Allentown, PA. 484-664-1002; www.davincisciencecenter.org.

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

September-October: Fall Excursions

November-December: North Pole Express Train 32 West Bridge Street, New Hope, PA. 215-862-2332; www.newhoperailroad.com.

Northlandz

Ongoing: Visit the home of the Great American Railway, doll museum, and art gallery. Up to 100 trains travel over 8 miles of track, 40-foot bridges span huge canyons, and cities and villages feature thousands of buildings. Admission. 495 U.S. 202, Flemington, NJ. 908-782-4022; www.northlandz.com.

Philadelphia Zoo

Ongoing: Visit the nation’s first zoo, complete with over 1,000 animals, many of them endangered or rare. 3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. 215243-5254; www.philadelphiazoo.org.

Please Touch Museum

Ongoing: Visit the Children’s Museum of Philadelphia, where the key word is play. Families can enjoy over a dozen themed

exhibits, theater, art, music, special programs, the carousel, and storytime and character appearances. Admission. 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA. 215-581-3181; www.pleasetouchmuseum.org.

Sesame Place

Ongoing: Visit the nation’s only Sesame Street theme park. There are special events throughout the park season. 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA. 215-702ELMO; www.sesameplace.com.

Bucks Country Gardens

September 19: Workshop -Fall Planters

December 5: Workshop: Winter Planters 1057 North Easton Road, Doylestown, PA. 215-766-7800; www.buckscountrygardens.com.

Terhune Orchards

September –October : Apple Days Fall Harvest Festivals

330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ. 609924-2310; www.terhuneorchards.com.

Shady Brook Farm

September-November: This Bucks County farm has lots in store this coming fall. They will be having festivals honoring different crops, including apples and pumpkins. Late November brings Santa and the Holiday Light Show. 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, PA. 215-968-1670; www.shadybrookfarm.com.

Linvilla Orchards

September 14-15: Arts and Crafts Festival

September 28: Apple Festival

137 West Knowlton Road, Media, PA. 610-876-7116; www.linvilla.com.

Black River & Western Railroad

November-December: North Pole Express Liberty Village, Flemington, NJ. 908782-6622; www.blackriverrailroad.com.

Snipes Farm and Education Center

October: Fall Harvest Fun

890 West Bridge Street, Morrisville, PA. 215-295-1138, ext. 102; www.snipesfarm.org.

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

September 27, October 25: Dino’s After Dark September 28: Your Inner Fish Screenings

October 13: Sensory Friendly Mornings 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA. 215-299-1000; www.ansp.org.

Lehigh Valley Zoo

September 14: Brew at the Zoo

September 28: Fall Wine Festival

October 5: Ottertoberfest

October 12-26: Boo at the Zoo

5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville, PA. 610-799-4171; www.lvzoo.org.

Tree Trails Adventures

September: Fridays: Glow Friday, Glow Friday-Go!

October: Haunted Tree Trails

November 9-11: Thank You Vets

November 29: Thanksgiving Gobbling Got You Waddling?

301 West Bristol Road Suite A. Trevose; PAwww.treetrails.com

H ISTORY

Battleship New Jersey

Ongoing: The Battleship New Jersey is open for guided and audio tours. Visitors can select from a variety of tours. Admission. Camden Waterfront, Camden, NJ. 856-966-1652; www.battleshipnewjersey.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

Ongoing: Parry Mansion Museum Tours 45 South Main Street, New Hope, PA. 215-862-5652; www.newhopehs.org.

Newtown Historic Association

Ongoing: Self-Guided Walking Tours

September 22: Tyler Park Self-Guided Walking Tour

October 5: Markey Day in Historic Newtown

November 18: Painting Conservation Techniques and Materials

December 7: Holiday Open House Tour Newtown, PA. 215-968-4004; www.newtownhistoric.org.

Pearl S. Buck House

Ongoing: Discover the Legacy Tours

September 15: Writers Guild

September 18: Memoir Writing Class Finding Our Truth

September 19: Volunteer Orientation

November 14-January 5: Festival of Trees

November 29-December 8: Holiday Craft Show

520 Dublin Road, Perkasie, PA. 215-249-0100; www. pearlsbuck.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. www.historicsummerseat.com.

Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum

October 27: Closing Day and Farmers

Honor Roll

December 14-15: Annual Christmas on the Farm

Admission. 1605 Daniel Bray Highway, Lambertville, NJ. 609-397-2752; www.holcombe-jimison.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.

Historic Fallsington

October: Historic Fallsington Day

Admission. 4 Yardley Avenue, Fallsington, PA. 215-295-6567; www.historicfallsington.org.

Sigal Museum

Ongoing: Easton Historic District Walking Tour

Ongoing:Destination:Norhampton County

September 25: Conversations with the Curator: Artifacts and Stories from Bethlehem Steel

September -October: Eerie Easton Walking Tours

Sigal Museum, 342 Northampton Street, Easton, PA. 610-253-1222; www.sigalmuseum.org.

Historical Society of Princeton

September-December: Historic Princeton Walking Tours (Sundays)

Ongoing: Einstein Salon and Innovators Gallery

Ongoing: Princeton’s Portrait

September 22: Princeton Community Chili Coof-Off

November 2: Princeton University Eating Clubs Tour

Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road, Princeton, NJ. 609-921-6748 ; www.princetonhistory.org.

Mercer Museum

September 16: Friends Of The Bucks County Historical Society Program: The Moravian Pottery And TileWorks Then And Now

September 18, October 30: Coffee and

Doan-uts

September 19, October 17: Movies at the Mercer Museum

September 25, October 24: Meet the Curator Tours: The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution

October 26: The Craftery Market at Mercer Museum

Admission. 84 South Pine Street, Doylestown, PA. 215-345-0210; www.mercermuseum.org

Fall Festival and Open House

September 21: 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. Hartzel-Strassburger Homestead, 407 Keystone Drive and Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville, PA.

267-614-9174; www.hilltownhistory.org

The Friends of Howell Living History Farm

September 21: Horse & Carriage Day

October 5: From Harvest to Hearth

October 12: Basket & Broom Making October 19: Forging & Fences

October 26: Fall Foliage Hayrides

November 2: Cider Pressing

November 16: Corn Harvest & Husking Bee

November 23: Logging & Firewood

Cutting

November 30: Thanksgiving Hayrides & Corn Picking

December 7: Christmas on the Farm 70 Wooden’s Lane, Lambertville, NJ. 609-737-3299; www.howellfarm.org.

Historic Bethlehem

Ongoing: The Moravian Legacy

September 14-15: Apple Days

Through October: Cemetery Tour: Death & Dying

Bethlehem, PA. 610-882-0450; www.historicbethlehem.org.

Pennsbury Manor

September 15: Open Hearth Cooking: Great Cakes

September 29: Animals at Pennsbury

October 6: Historic Trade Demonstrations

October 13: Living History Theater

October 27: Tricks & Treats

400 Pennsbury Memorial Road,

UNIQUE AND FUNCTIONAL ENTRYWAYS TO WELCOME YOU HOME

Gemmi Construction brings beauty, function, and more than 25 years of award-winning craftsmanship to your renovations in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. GemmiConstruction.com

Heritage Conservancy

October 2: Aldie Mansion and Tree Tour

Historic Aldie Mansion, 85 Old Dublin Pike, Doylestown, PA; 215-345-7020; www.heritageconservancy.org.

Bucks County Joyrides

Ongoing: Experience a one-of-a-kind private tour with Bucks County Joyrides! Join us as we explore the area, showcasing scenic landscapes, traversing meandering creeks, and visiting historic covered bridges and landmarks along the way. We do the driving, so you don’t have too! 215-664-7092; www.buckscoountyjoyrides.com

N ATURE

Morrisville, PA. 215-946-0400; www.pennsburymanor.org.

Lambertville Historical Society

October through November: Guided Walking Tours of Lambertville

September 21: On This Day in 1924 60 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ. 609-397-0770; www.lambertvillehistoricalsociety.org.

Fonthill Castle

Ongoing: Fonthill Castle Evening Tours

Online Exhibit: Building Henry Mercer’s

Fonthill: 1908-1912 Exhibit East Court Street and Route 313, Doylestown, PA. 215-348-9461; www.fonthillmuseum.org.

Bristol Cultural & Historical Foundation

October 19: Historic Bristol Day. There will be private house tours, riverfront tea, historic cars, a food court, fun for the kids, and free entertainment. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

321 Cedar Street, Bristol, PA. www.bristolhistory.org.

Bucks County Covered Bridge Tour

Ongoing: The Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau and the Bucks County Covered Bridge Society present this selfguided tour of Bucks County’s covered bridges. The tour begins at Washington Crossing Historic Park. 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: Morning Bird Walks

September -October: Fledgling Flock Session

September: Home school Discovery

September 17: Babes in the Woods Fall 2024

September 17: Full Moon Walk

September 25 & October 6: Meditative Forest with Barb Enger

September 21: Discovery Day - Magnificent Migrations

170 North Chapman Road, Doylestown, PA. 215-345-7860; www.peacevalleynaturecenter.org.

Silver Lake Nature Center

Fridays: Volunteer Garden Club

September 21 & October 19: Invasive Plants

Removal Project Day

September 21: SLNC Earthship Tours

September 28: Crafting Fun with Invasive Plants

October 5: Volunteer Workday

October 12: Winter Invasives

November 2: Charlie Zahm & Tad Marks

Concert

November 9: Winter Sowing

1306 Bath Road, Bristol, PA. 215-7851177; www.silverlakenaturecenter.org.

Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve

September 27: Fourth Fridays for Families: More than Just Honeybees with Priscilla Hayes

October 5: Knowing Native Plants: Trees of the Preserve with ED Lignowski, PH.D.

October 11: Nature Therapy Walk: A Shinrin-yoku Experience with Sharon Lohse

October 19: Nature Therapy Walk: A Shinrin-yoku Experience with Sharon Lohse

October 25: Fourth Fridays for Families: Falling for Fall with Priscilla Hayes and Peggy O’Connor

November 2: Knowing Native Plants: From Flowers to Seeds with ED Lignowski, Ph.D.

November 22: Fourth Fridays for Families: Terrific Turkey Trek with Pam Newitt

1635 River Road, New Hope, PA. 215-862-2924; www.bhwp.org.

Churchville Nature Center

Ongoing: Saturday morning Bird Walks 501 Churchville Lane, Churchville, PA. 215-357-4005; www.churchvillenaturecenter.org.

Bucks County Audubon Society at Honey Hollow

Ongoing: Bird Walks 2877 Creamery Road, New Hope, PA. 215-297-5880; www.bcas.org.

Light the Night Walk

September 28: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk brings help and hope to people battling blood cancers. Central Park, 452 Wells Road, Doylestown, PA. www.lightthenight.org

Central Bucks Bicycle Club’s Annual Covered Bridges Ride

October 13: This cycling event takes bikes through scenic Bucks County. Riders have many routes to choose from. Travel through up to six historic covered bridges. The ride concludes with picnic. Rides start and end at Tinicum Park, Route 32, Erwinna, PA. www.cbbikeclub.org.

Don’t Stop Drawing!

Having awards from the Philadelphia Sketch Club’s juried exhibitions of Works on Paper, painter Meg Constable takes heed of the advice her professor gave her and keeps drawing and painting

The oversized canvas takes up a good portion of her studio as Meg Constable sits on a stool talking about her latest work in progress. Larger than life, the portrait of a man’s face with haunting eyes stares back at you. “I was going through a dry spell with no painting ideas, when I started looking at old photos online. His came up and I knew I had to paint him, though I

never thought I’d be painting a convict,” she said.

The original 1902 black and white mug shot was taken in North Shields, England and the accused, named Alfred, holds a placard. “I think he stole some chickens,” she said. Pictured here wearing a soulful expression, he appears contrite and more personable in her version of him. “I wonder what he’d think if he knew his portrait was being painted here in 2024,”

she laughed.

It’s always the eyes of her subjects that intrigue her. “I really like direct eye contact,” she said, “It feels like they’re still there.”

Mostly she works from live models, either painting in oils or doing charcoal drawings. Her canvases run large, typically 5 feet by 4 feet. “The bigger the better,” she said.

Meg defines her style as slightly abstracted realism and seeks to simplify shapes. Diving right into her work, she draws her subject directly onto the canvas with no preliminary sketching. First she’ll make a mark on the canvas for the head, then brush in the rest of the face using paint thinned in turpentine. Multiple thin layers of paint and glazes are applied to achieve her end result.

She generally works on two paintings at the same time. “I like taking a break and then re-looking at them,” she said.

Her palette is limited, consisting of Payne’s grey, vermillion, yellow ochre, raw

sienna, burnt sienna, raw umber, burnt umber, Italian green umber and some white. As for brushes, she never buys expensive ones because, “I kill them,” she said. She goes through large brushes quickly and buys them at the hardware store, but also paints with extra-long filberts.

In addition, Meg works in clay and has sculpted the heads of her three children, among other subjects. “I have about 20 clay heads sitting on a shelf in my dining room,” she said.

She also enjoys painting plein air and her landscapes of Sheard’s Mill Covered Bridge were done on site. Using expressive brush strokes, the warm reds of the bridge are reflected in the cool blue-gray waters of Tohickon Creek.

Her favorite spot to paint, however, is her studio. She has been artist in residence at 7th Street Studios in Perkasie, PA for four years where, almost every Sunday, she draws and paints from live models. She is also a regular at the life drawing ses-

sions held at the home of artists George and Emily Thompson.

When asked why most of her subjects tend to be men, she answered, “It’s hard for me to do anything pretty.” She’s more comfortable painting rugged male faces, many of which are bearded.

She has, however, painted her daughter, Peighton, which appeared in Pennsylvania’s Art of the State exhibit in 2021 at the State Museum in Harrisburg. The painting, which sold, features a full body portrait of Peighton at Ocean City, NJ. Her teenage scowl is perfectly captured amidst the muted background of the amusement rides. The woman who bought the painting said her teenage daughter often wears the same expression and could relate.

Meg's drawings have also won several awards at Philadelphia Sketch Club’s juried exhibitions of Works on Paper. She was also in their 158th Annual Exhibition of Small Oil Paintings in 2022.

No relation to British artist John

Constable, she did have a great grandmother who painted. “I have her painting of daisies on my wall and it’s quite different from my style,” she said.

Painting and drawing since she was a child, Meg was born in North Wales, PA, and attended North Penn High School.

Her father was a carpenter who let Meg paint on large boards he had lying around the barn. There were only a few cans of paint available, and Meg used big house painting brushes to cover them. “I was surprised that 30 years later, my father had saved all the boards I had painted,” she said.

Meg later attended Tyler School of Art and graduated in 1995 with a bachelor of fine arts degree. Her experience there was rewarding and said, “I definitely give Tyler two thumbs up.”

At Tyler she took figure drawing from

Her father was a carpenter who let Meg paint on large boards he had lying around the barn.

professors Stanley Whitney and Susan Moore, who were both influential in her art career. “It was amazing there,” she said. “We could bring large rolls of paper, tack them to the wall and work on full sized life drawings.”

There she also worked on large canvases and remembers putting hinges on the stretcher bars of her paintings so she could fold them in half for easier transport.

She kept in touch with Susan Moore after she graduated and when Meg was about to marry and move to the suburbs, Susan emphatically told her: “DON’T STOP DRAWING!”

Meg has taken her advice to heart throughout the years. “I tried painting as much as I could (sometimes with my kids), and took a bunch of workshops. It was like playing hooky,” she said. “And life drawing sessions everywhere I could…in Philly,

Norristown…I finally started to enter work in exhibitions in 2017.”

But it wasn’t until the pandemic and lockdown that she began painting fulltime, inspired by the work of old masters online. “Just looking at their work and thinking about paint and color and form— it was so amazing just to sit and study,” she said. She attempted to match the neutral colors they used and created a whole series of “afters,” or paintings after other artists. These include works by Diego Velasquez, Antonio Mancini, Ilya Repin, Joaquín Sorolla, Ferdinand Hodler and Andrew Zorn. The turn-of-the-century Russian faces Meg has depicted are particularly contemplative and soulful.

When she’s not making art, Meg works as a day-of wedding coordinator and plans corporate events at the Joseph Ambler Inn in North Wales. She has been there 25 years making sure everything is pulled off seamlessly during the day of the event. The job can be stressful and requires strong organizational skills. “That’s

These include works by Diego Velasquez, Antonio Mancini, Ilya Repin, Joaquín Sorolla, Ferdinand Hodler and Andrew Zorn.

The turn-of-the-century Russian faces Meg has depicted are particularly contemplative and soulful.

why I love coming to the studio where it’s the opposite of what I do on the job,” she said.

Always on the lookout for new subjects, she has even painted some of the kitchen staff at the inn. “Now others want theirs done next,” she said. She also does

commissioned work which challenges her but still brings enjoyment.

Taryn Day, artist and owner of 7th Street Studios, said of Meg's work, “I love the way she works in an all-or-nothing way, diving in to work with her full attention and then leaving it in a state of discovery.” She called Meg’s portraits serious and powerful, adding, “She is a very considerate person to have around, very talented but treats everyone the same, beginners to experienced artists.”

In many ways she’s still that girl in the barn having fun with her dad’s brushes and a few cans of paint. Though her current subjects are more complex as her skills have advanced, painting has and always will be her happy place.

Meg’s paintings can be viewed on her website: www.megconstable.com and at 7th Street Studios in Perkasie. She is also on Instagram @megconstable_studio.

Michele Malinchak is a freelance writer who has a degree in art and enjoys oil painting.

In the Garden / Lori Rose

Heritage Apples

Heritage or heirloom apples were often the center of a family's diet, and were eaten at every meal for most of the year, and now we are becoming increasingly aware of these tasty fruits thanks to local farmers’ markets

John Chapman, a.k.a. Johnny Appleseed, had nothing but good intentions when he traveled west in two canoes lashed together, one for him and one for a mound of apple seeds. Johnny journeyed throughout the uncharted Midwest with a sack of apple seeds slung over his shoulder, planting them anywhere his bare feet would take him.

During frontier days, apples had many uses, not the least of which was making hard cider. Apples were something people drank and, as Johnny knew, good cider requires the right mix of many different apples, with sweet, spicy and bitter flavors blended together. Hard cider was the principle use for apples right up to

the days of Prohibition.

The saying “as American as apple pie” is probably untrue. Settlers brought the apple tree over from Europe, where it had already been grown for centuries, and established it right here in our area. Apple trees love our climate, and are a rewarding addition to yards and gardens.

Heritage, antique, or heirloom apples were often the center of a family's diet, and were eaten at every meal for most of the year. Apples were originally stored in cellars or barns. These apples were allowed to fully ripen and develop the complex flavors that can't be found in supermarket varieties.

Most of America's original apples were planted from seed and as a result became wild, one-of-a-kind trees that took several years to bear fruit, many of which were unnamed varieties unique to a particular village, farm or estate. During the18th century, farmers and others participated in a nationwide experiment; planting and growing thousands of seedlings. By the 19th century, popular seedlings were grafted onto rootstock and professional nurseries were distributing varieties throughout their regions.

At the beginning of the 20th century, up to eight thousand varieties of apples thrived in America. These apples were mostly small, multi-colored fruits with a fragrance and taste as individual as their historical names. Apples were nothing like the sturdy picture-perfect fruits we have today, but with advancements in industry and trade, the heritage apple began to suffer. Cold storage and easy transportation helped the professional grower. Growers began to focus their attention on

heavy-bearing and reliable varieties. The ultimate decline of heritage apples was consumer demand for perfection. The glossy and comparatively tasteless apples that dominate the produce aisles of supermarkets have little of the unique flavor or complexity of these old-time apples. But superficial appeal is often short-lived, and it was only a matter of time before heritage apples resurfaced and found a following once again.

The resurgence of heirloom apples is probably due to the popularity of heirloom tomatoes, which while imperfect in appearance, can have outstanding flavor. The local farmers markets have been the main source of awakening us to these old treasures.

A lovely little heirloom can still be found at your local supermarket during the holiday season. The Lady Apple from France, circa 1628, is also known as Pomme d’Api or the Christmas Apple). It is a famous old apple, very small in size with a slight flattened appearance, bright red skin highlighted with yellow, and crisp,

FULL

juicy white flesh. The Lady apple has a wonderful flavor and is highly aromatic. It is popular as an ornament on wreaths and Christmas trees.

Although New York is wont to steal our apples and consider them its own, it is said that these heirloom apples originated right here in Pennsylvania:

Fallawater originated in Bucks County, probably before 1842. The fruit is very large, sometimes over 6 inches in diameter. It is green shaded with red or bronze with greenish white, tender, juicy flesh. The Fallawater apple was a great favorite in our area in the 19th century, and was considered a “good keeper”, meaning it could be stored for a long time without losing its flavor. It is good for applesauce and cooking, and best of all for eating out of hand.

Priestly, also called Priestly’s American, Red Cathead, or Bartlett also originated in Bucks County, and was first described 1817. This fine fresh eating apple is noted for its keeping ability, stay-

ing fresh and quite juicy in storage until late spring. The fruit is medium to large, covered with red and darker red stripes. The yellowish-white flesh is firm, coarse and very juicy.

The Smokehouse apple originated in about 1837, and was discovered by William Gibbons of Lancaster County. The original tree grew up near Mr. Gibbons' smokehouse, thus its name. Also known as Gibbons Smokehouse, Mill Creek or Red Vandevere, it is a very flavorful fresh, baking or cooking apple. The greenish-yellow skin is covered with shades and stripes of red, and the flesh is yellowish, crisp and firm with a pleasantly spicy flavor.

Apple trees can be planted now in our area or in March and April. Since they need six hours of sunlight a day, a southern or western exposure is best. Most apple varieties can be pollinated by any other variety if they flower at or near the same time. Most white-blossomed crabapple trees are also good pollinators for many apple varieties. Crabapples are lovely

native ornamental apple trees.

Take these tips into consideration when planting a new apple tree: Plant your apple tree when it is cool and cloudy. Dig a hole as deep as the tree’s roots and at least twice as wide to give the roots room to grow. Loosen the soil on the bottom and sides of the hole. Fill the planting hole with water. If it doesn't drain within an hour, choose another site for your apple tree. Remove any labels attached to the tree before you plant it. Wires and even twine can bite into and damage the tree as it grows. Water the tree in its pot or ball the day before and the day of planting.

To plant the tree, remove it from the pot and gently loosen the root ball to allow the roots to grow outward instead of continuing in a circle. If your tree is balled with burlap and tied with twine, plant the whole thing as is, then untie the twine and move it and the burlap away from the trunk before filling the planting hole.

Set the tree in the soil at the same level that it grew in the nursery. Setting it higher

may cause the tree to topple, and setting it too deeply can kill it. Then check it from all angles to see that it is standing straight before filling the hole. After filling the hole, create a shallow ridge around the tree to prevent water from flowing away. Give the tree a good soak right after planting, and again the next day. Water the tree every second or third day (if it doesn't rain) for the first few months until the tree is established. Add mulch to retain moisture and protect the tree from weeds. Keep mulch about four inches away from the trunk of the tree.

Plant an apple tree or two this season. Depending on the size of the tree, you can expect a small harvest next year, and increasingly larger harvests each year to come.v

Lori Rose, the Midnight Gardener, is a Temple University Certified Master Home Gardener and member of GardenComm: Garden Communicators International. She has gardened since childhood and has been writing about gardening for over twenty years.

Passions From Childhood

Lindsay Ketterer Gates’ passion for art and especially crafts was forged in Upper Bucks County, and resulted in her being an award-winning artist and director of the Touchstone Center for Crafts

The Laurel Highlands in southwestern Pennsylvania may be Lindsay Ketterer Gates’ home now, but the seeds of her life there were planted in Bucks County. Her encouragement to pursue the arts, her passion for the natural world, her flair for the analytical and her unique perspective that sees things in a different way were all nurtured throughout her childhood in Dublin, Sellersville and Perkasie.

“I was always encouraged to look at how things had potential. I look at everything as potential art material. That comes from being around both of my parents,” Lindsay, 50, said. “My

dad was really resourceful with using different things if we needed to repair something, like repurposing things. My mother was the same way, really good at looking at discarded furniture or other random materials and repurposing them for the home or making something artistic out of them. It was a natural way of me moving through the world.”

Lindsay’s mother Beverly taught art for 15 years at schools throughout the Pennridge School District while father Larry was a math teacher for 35 years at Doylestown’s Lenape Middle School in the Central Bucks School District. Growing up, there were outings to Lake Nockamixon for canoeing or kayaking

and, when not on the water, Lindsay would dip into her stash of creative supplies. “Instead of playing video games, I was always making things,” the Sellersville Elementary School and Pennridge High School graduate said. “I remember having a giant garbage bag, a trash bag, full of scrap paper of different colors and sizes. I would spend the day cutting things apart, gluing things together, making all kinds of random assemblages and images and exploring that side of things, so I really feel like I was always an artist.”

The passions and pastimes forged in Bucks County has led the award-winning

artist, whose work has been showcased across the globe, to the Touchstone Center for Crafts. Since 2018, Lindsay has been guiding the 230-acre creative paradise that sits 60 miles south of Pittsburgh as its executive director. “I always loved learning environments. I love nature and use nature as inspiration,” Lindsay, who was awarded the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Individual Artist Fellowship in 2005 and the Smithsonian Craft Show Award for Excellence in 2003, said. “I always say craft schools in general bring together everything I love, which is art, nature and the building of community.”

Touchstone Center for Crafts, which was founded in 1972, offers immersive arts education for ages 18 and older, with additional programs and designated weeks for the younger set. Scholarships, residencies, internships and retreats open the campus to all types of artists while community events, tours and exhibitions let others take a peek behind the magic. The “crafts” in its name includes contemporary and experimental approaches to an array of disciplines, such as blacksmithing, ceramics, painting, drawing, mosaics, fiber arts, and more, for beginners and seasoned artists alike. Workshops are led by

Opposite left, Lindsay Ketterer Gates. Opposite right, a mixed media creation by Lindsay “Lilly of the Valley”. Top, “Basket with Protruding Spirals.” Bottom left, “Pistachio Shells” by Lindsay Ketterer Gates.

nationally known talents and can range from a few hours to several days with on-campus housing and a dining hall available to those participating in the latter.

The trek to Touchstone may seem a lengthy one for Bucks County residents, but the craft school nestled in the Laurel Highlands is just one jewel in a crown of many.

Nearby are the architectural wonders of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob, miles of cave passages in Laurel Caverns, history at Fort Necessity National Battlefield and the call of the wild at Ohioplye State Park, where Lindsay herself likes to hike and bike. “It's a beautiful area surrounded by great things,” Lindsay, who serves as vice chair of the board of directors for the destination marketing

organization GO Laurel Highlands, said, adding, “Our campus is very peaceful and serene. We get a lot of artists who come and do two-week artist residencies just to be in the environment of our campus because it is so peaceful. You have that tranquility of it being in a rural, wooded setting with access to a lot of hiking and outdoor

water sports like whitewater rafting and kayaking and all of that and then you have wellequipped studios. It's a really wonderful place to be. Anybody who comes to our campus, whether it's for an artist residency or a workshop, all they have to think about is being creative.”

Lindsay, who earned a bachelor’s degree in crafts/fibers in 1996 from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in Berks County and a Master of Business Administration in 2018 at Ramapo College of New Jersey, describes her own art on her website as “transforming mundane materials into something extraordinary.”

“I was always drawn to the idea of working with random materials. I loved going to hardware stores—I still do—

At Touchstone Center for Craft, Noborigama kiln rebuild crew (front row) Meghan Burke, Daniel Tomcik (back row) Julia Castor, Kevin Crowe, Noah Hughey-Commers, Dan Kuhn.

buying things you could buy by the pound, like scoops of old washers and things like that. I would incorporate them into different art pieces,” Lindsay, whose work has been featured in numerous magazines, including on the cover of Metalsmith and in the pages of American Craft, Fiberarts, Fiber Art Now, Surface Design Journal, and Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot, said. “I just see a shape and a surface texture. If I could layer a hundred of these together, what would that do? What would that look like? What kind of surface would that make? With my own artwork, I like the tediousness of figuring out how to make a structure work. That is kind of that side of the brain, the mathematical side of the brain.”

7” and “500 Baskets: A Celebration of the Basketmaker's Art” while she and her work were in the 2017 book Making Good: An Inspirational Guide to Being an Artist Craftsman, had her work on loan to the U.S. Embassy Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei Darussalam and in the national touring exhibition Innovators and Legends: Generations in Textiles and Fibers that showcased artists in the field of fiber art.

Lindsay’s work has crisscrossed not

only the country but the globe, including in the permanent collection of the U.S. Embassy in Djibouti, as well as the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, the Racine Art Museum in Wisconsin and the Yale University Art Gallery in Connecticut. Lindsay, whose pieces were also featured in the books “Fiberarts Design Book

The artist herself travels to Bucks County several times a year, and it’s always a special trip. Topping her must list are visits to family (her father calls Perkasie home) and friends and to some of her favorite haunts, including the James A. Mi-

continued on page 159

Andy Upright (workshop instructor) in the Hart Moore Blacksmith Studio at Touchstone Center for Crafts.

9 Great Fall Weekend Getaways

Getting away for the weekend changes things, especially when the routine of work, friends and family fill your minds with busy thoughts. Fall is the season for that weekend getaway, going somewhere in your car where you can leave everything behind and instead turn your mind to something outside of that daily routine. The clear blue skies, crisper air and beautiful autumn colors add to the adventure of finding time to enjoy either small towns or big cities that are within a two to three hour drive. You can turn your attention to each other while enjoying together the scenery, fine dining and cultural attractions. These nine romantic weekend getaways can give you a chance to simply enjoy each other and make new memories that you’ll never forget.

POCONO MOUNTAINS

French Manor Inn & Spa

The French Manor Inn and Spa is an enchanting stone chateau, Poconos bed and breakfast that sits atop Huckleberry Mountain in Newfoundland, Pennsylvania. Enjoy 30+ mile views of beautiful crests and ridges of the Northern Pocono Mountains. This elegant bed and breakfast is secluded and private, offering spacious uncompromising accommodations. The French Manor Inn and Spa is perfect for your romantic Poconos Getaway, Girlfriends' Spa Retreat, or to just unwind and enjoy an amazing meal at the onsite AAA 4-diamond restaurant. Select from 19 premium rooms/suites, complete with the very best amenities. Le Spa Foret, the onsite green spa, offers a full menu of relaxing spa services and complimentary amenities such as an indoor saltwater pool, sauna, an outdoor Tranquility Garden with hot tub, firepit, and outdoor relaxation area with elegant outdoor woodburning fireplace. Close proximity to the very best Pocono attractions and activities.

THEFRENCHMANOR.COM 570-676-3244

LANCASTER COUNTY, PA

The Inn at Twin Linden

Escape to The Inn at Twin Linden and experience an extraordinary historic and tranquil bed & breakfast in Churchtown, PA. The inn offers eight well appointed guest rooms all with private en-suite bathrooms, some with soaking tubs, others with walk-in showers and one with a beautiful clawfoot tub. The commonareas showcase the inn’s deep history with original pine floors, locally crafted furniture and antiques as well patios, porches and pergolas for you to enjoy! Take a walk around the manicured gardens and take in the viewof the countryside from the observation deck or large firepit area and visit with our chickens! You’ll be treated to a 4-course breakfast crafted from locally sourced and seasonal ingredients; some from our own back yard! Maybe even make a weekend out of it and stay for an Amish dinner or one of our monthly Farm-to-Table dinners with chef John Banes from Chester County. Call us to reserve your spot!

INNATTWINLINDEN.COM 484-319-5884

LAUREL HIGHLANDS OF PA Fernwalk Cottage

Conveniently located between Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, Ohiopyle State Park, and Deep Creek Lake, MD. Fernwalk Cottage offers clean casual luxury surrounded by endless options for a long weekend of relaxation and adventure! Reserve a gourmet breakfast, then hike scenic trails, trout fish, bike the GAP Trail, explore waterfalls, antique shops, or go to the depths of Laurel Caverns, then enjoy wine and Hor d’oeuvres on Fernwalk’s deck, or relax inside by the fire. Historic sites include Fort Necessity National Battlefield, the Petersburg Toll House, the 354’ long 1813 stone arch Casselman Bridge, Fort Ligonier, and more. As you leave, you may choose to pay your respects at Flight 93 Memorial. We trust if you visit once, you will be back!

FERNWALK.COM 215-313-0112

HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ

Woolverton Inn

Experience exceptional hospitality at the tranquil world of Woolverton Inn, an elegant bed and breakfast near New Hope and Lambertville. This historic, romantic inn offers 14 luxurious cottages and guest rooms, styled with relaxation in mind. With fine linens and private, upgraded baths, guests enjoy quality amenities, a delicious 3-course breakfast, free parking, wireless internet, and 10 bucolic acres to explore. There are also six friendly sheep! Visit the pampered luxury of Woolverton Inn whether you’re looking for a special overnight getaway, exchanging vows, or gathering for an off-site retreat. Woolverton Inn is a Trip Advisor “Traveler’s Choice” property and one of the top 10 B&B’s in the United States. Enjoy onsite dining and catering. We will soon be opening our new restaurant and indoor event space.

CAPE MAY, NJ

The Mason Cottage

Escape to the Mason Cottage Bed and Breakfast, nestled in the heart of downtown, historic Cape May, New Jersey. As a lively, year-round destination, Cape May enchants visitors with its timeless Victorian charm, well beyond the summer months. The Mason Cottage’s downtown location makes it the perfect base for exploring the towns picturesque, tree-lined streets, charming boutiques, romantic restaurants and strolls along the beach. This lovingly restored 1871 Victorian inn invites you to unwind in thoughtfully designed guest rooms, where period antiques blend seamlessly with modern amenities creating an ambiance of warmth and romance. Several suites feature gas-burning fireplaces and soothing Jacuzzi jetted tubs, adding a touch of indulgence to your stay. At the Mason Cottage, every detail is meticulously crafted to ensure your romantic getaway is nothing short of unforgettable, no matter the season.

THEMASONCOTTAGE.COM 609-884-3358

PHILADELPHIA Manayunk Chambers Guest House

Come and enjoy a memorable weekend getaway to the hippest neighborhood in Philadelphia. Historic Manayunk offers many fine gourmet restaurants and specialty boutique shopping and art galleries. www.Manayunk.com. Walk along the famous Manayunk Bridge high above our Main Street and over the Schuylkill River leading you to the gorgeous Cynwyd Heritage Trail towards the famous Main Line. Hop on the very convenient Regional Rail to immerse yourself with all of what Philly is famous for. The birthplace of our "Great Nation". www.visitphilly.com. Manayunk Chambers Guest House is ranked #1 Bed and Breakfast in the entire city. Experience the genuine heartfelt hospitality in an Old World Charming setting and the delicious home baked pastries from your Chef and gracious Hosts Mark and Neal who make it their business that you have an incredibly memorable time while you are here.

MANAYUNKCHAMBERS.COM 215-482-4203

Frenchtown NJ

The beginning of the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park is here. The towpath meanders south from Frenchtown for a bit before it hits the canal itself. From here, bicyclists can pedal along the Delaware River all the way to Trenton. Frenchtown is also a great strolling and shopping town, with numerous small charming boutiques. The town’s three big festivals – Wine and Art in May, Bastille Day in July and RiverFest in September – are a cool way to check out all the local offerings. Visit Frenchtown this spring and enjoy shopping and dining along the Delaware River. It’s just across the Uhlerstown - Frenchtown bridge from Bucks County.

Jennifer Gershon Light Painter

By Michele Malinchak

Photographer Jennifer Gershon rather than use a brush, instead uses her camera to transform portraits into historic figures and even mythical creatures and still life photos into fine art

Tucked away in Bucks County is a place where make believe becomes real. From her New Hope studio, fine art photographer Jennifer Gershon transports us to a world of beauty and imagination.

She has specialized in fine art portraiture and still life light painting for the past five years. What some artists are able to do with a brush, she is able to achieve with her camera. At first glance you might think her photographs actually are paintings. There’s a luminosity about them, a dramatic play of light, colors and textures reminiscent of the old masters.

“If I could paint, I would!” she said. “I have the utmost respect for painters. It’s less messy to make art with a camera.”

Her background in art history and interest in classical painting have provided a wealth of inspiration for her compositions. Artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Jacques-Louis David, Ingres and the Pre-Raphaelites have all influenced her work.

In an interview from a 2023 issue of Whimsical Magazine, Jennifer said, “Light, color and expression are the main subject matters to me, so I like to establish light patterns that add a combination of punch and softness.” While she tries to achieve a painterly quality right out of the camera, she often takes 200-300 pictures from which she edits and uses only two to six of them.

In composing her photos, she goes with the energy of the person she’s photographing. “I col-

Photo: Paul Wesley

Above, Jennifer Gershon with one of her four beloved cats being photographed in her studio. Opposite, “Blue Monday,” which is one of three photos that received an award for Best Body of Work at the 31st Annual Phillips’ Mill Photographic Exhibition.

lect all sorts of objects, clothing and costumes and find it inspiring to watch how the subject reacts to something. You just sort of get a vibe and then it’s pure improvisation. From there, we just make up stories and scenarios and see what happens. I’m not after the perfect pose.”

She spends time with her subjects to get a read on them and storytelling plays an important role in creating a portrait. “A subject may offer ideas,” she said, “but if they remain open to possibilities and to exploration, this is when the unexpected and often most gratifying images are realized.”

She doesn’t usually hire models for her shoots, but relies on friends or people she’s connected with through social media. Friends will often lend their kids and grandkids to be models. Above all, she enjoys the personal relationships that are forged between her and her subjects. “It’s very difficult to enjoy the process when there isn’t some personal connection, even if it’s just brief,” she said.

D850 and her lens of choice is a 70-200. “I shoot with a very narrow aperture to capture details,” she said.

In Jennifer’s world you can be anything—a king or queen, historical figure or

Contrary to what you’d think, Jennifer does little to prepare for her shoots. Aside from making sure the batteries are charged, she improvises as she goes along. “I literally put the sets together as the models are getting ready,” she said.

The room where she works is small, but it doesn’t hamper her ability to stage spectacular sets.

Her favorite camera is her Nikon

movie star. It is, in a sense, a land of make believe for grownups. “The opportunity to play is something that I think adults forget to do,” she said. “My hope is that the experience of creating the photo is as enjoyable as seeing the actual photo itself.”

There’s an entire room devoted to vintage clothing, costumes, shoes and accessories that subjects can choose from. The workmanship in some of the clothes, espe-

cially those from the Victorian era, is exquisite. She holds up the sleeve of one dress admiring the fine lace and comments on the numerous buttons. “Imagine how long it must have taken to button all these!” she said. Everywhere you look there are racks of clothing and hats of all kinds, even a green silk leprechaun hat. “No one yet has worn the leprechaun costume,” she said, somewhat disappointedly. Her photo sessions can be empowering for people, enabling her to reveal something about them that may not be visible in everyday life. She loves that moment when the first captured images of her subjects are revealed to them on the computer screen, often surpassing their expectations.

Besides people wanting portraits of themselves or their pets, Jennifer’s photo shoots have special appeal to clothing collectors, makeup artists, actors and artists. Dot Bunn, an artist who lives and paints in Plumstead Township said, “I have worked with Jennifer to develop digital images that capture the beauty of a still life or portrait that I am hoping to paint. There is something rare and beautiful in her work which elevates my creativity when using those digital images as reference for my paintings.”

Jennifer is a big nostalgia buff and her whole house is a museum of sorts. One room is devoted to her collection of old

Above, in this photo are two of Jennifer’s four Devon Rex cats. All her cats are known for being mostly cooperative in the her photo sessions. Bottom, still life, “Light Painting Fluter Sprayer.”Opposite, a portrait called “Lost Love.”

cameras dating as far back as the 1890’s. Artfully arranged, they share the room with her TV collection from the 1950’s.

Her fascination with cameras dates back to when she was a child. Her father, who was a pathologist, took pictures of microscopic specimens with his Olympus camera. One day Jennifer picked up his camera and was hooked.

He also had a library of medical books which fostered an interest in science. In addition, her grandfather was a pharmacist in Kansas City, MO where she remembers being intrigued by all the medical curiosities in the shop.

Her mother was an artist who studied fashion illustration and graphics at Parsons School of Design in New York City. She painted abstract works and one of her

paintings of a cityscape is hanging in Jennifer’s home.

Jennifer sketched extensively during her high school years and kept several sketchbooks which, regrettably, were lost during a family move.

Her formal education in photography consisted of middle school and high school darkroom classes using her father’s film camera, which, she said, “I’m not sure I ever gave back to him!”

She was born in Cherry Hill, NJ and grew up in Haverford, a suburb outside of Philadelphia. Jennifer attended Connecticut College and received a bachelor’s degree in art history in 1990. Three years later she received her master of arts in teaching degree from the same school and was certified to teach Spanish grades 7-12.

She did some temporary teaching and subbing for a year or two, but became frustrated with too much repetition in the daily schedule and discipline issues. “It was difficult to earn beyond a certain ceiling and challenging to have to always be “on,” she added.

It wasn’t until her 40’s that she re-educated herself on photography, eager to learn all she could about lighting, using the strobe and umbrella. During this period she mostly photographed abandoned buildings and places she had traveled to.

Fifteen at the time, she traveled to the Netherlands to study one-on-one with renowned fine art photographer Gemmy Would-Binnendijk. For two days she and her son, Ehren attended the workshop. Nineteen at the time, Ehren served as the reluctant model. “He was dressed in tights and ruffled collars and was not happy,” Jennifer said.

From Gemmy she learned much about lighting, including something called dodging and burning, a technique used during the printing process to manipulate the exposure of select areas on a photographic print.

Jennifer also studied light painting techniques with Lancaster, PA based teacher Harold Ross. She uses light painting to create her still life compositions.

On his website the process is described: “Light painting requires working in a completely dark studio, opening the camera for an extended period of time, and “painting” the light onto the subject. This reveals greater shape, texture and color.” Over the course of one weekend Harold taught her how to base light an image using multiple flashlights and LED lights.

She credits both of these instructors with helping her hone her craft. “They set the bar for me,” she said, They’re the best of the best and showed me what can be achieved.”

Additionally, she learned from Natalia Taffarel, a photo retoucher from Argentina. During Covid 19 lockdowns, she studied color schemes and composition with her online.

When she’s not behind the camera, Jennifer works in the legal field as a contract manager for Paramount Global in New York City. She’s been there for the past 26 years, but portrait photography is her creative outlet or fun “side hustle” as she calls it.

Her work has been exhibited in Bucks County, Philadelphia and New York and she’s a member of the Professional Photographers Association of Pennsylvania (PPA). This year she won an award for Best Body of Work at the 31st Annual Phillips’ Mill Photographic Exhibition for her photos Blue Monday, Bristol Derby and Reidemeister’s Dilemma.

Blue Monday features the surreal photo of a woman dressed as a mermaid. Surrounded by iridescent bubbles, she is simultaneously vacuuming the floor and holding a vintage phone receiver. Shades of aqua predominate and it’s unclear whether she’s underwater or indoors.

“It all started with the aqua color of the old vacuum cleaner,” Jennifer said. “From there we just improvised.”

Her advice to other photographers is to experiment and play. As a guest on the Modern Romantic Podcast, she said, “Don’t analyze it. You have plenty of opportunities to do it another way. Make use of what you have. When you have to make it work with whatever you have on hand, you have fewer decisions to make and your creativity will stretch further.”

Jennifer also offers individual and smaller group workshops at her home on request and may offer larger group workshops in the future. She has also presented at PPA in Carlisle, PA and has done a few presentations/QA sessions online for photo clubs.

Looking ahead she’d like to return to doing more lighted still life and location shoots. Her plans also include possibly photographing more artists in their studios, portraits of local figures and more in

depth personal portraits exploring identity. “I have thought about still life commissions memorializing significant objects of loved ones,” she added.

She enjoys living in Bucks County with her two sons, Ehren and Emmet and has recently adopted a young rescue dog. But the stars of the family are her phenomenal felines. Photographer William Wegman may have his Weimaraners, but they have nothing over Jennifer’s four Devon Rex cats. Intelligent, mischievous and elegant, they appear in many of her photos. With their wavy coats and enormous eyes, they make great subjects who are willing, well, most of the time.

Jennifer’s photographs can be viewed on her website, www. jennger shon.myportfolio.com and also on www.facebook.com/vizzuals and Insta gram@vizzuals. She can be reached by email at jenngershon@comcast.net

Michele Malinchak is a freelance writer who has a degree in art and enjoys oil painting.

Opposite, “Faith,” a portrait. Above, portraits of a friend posing as Benjamin Franklin and a portrait called “Noise.”

A Restorative Renovation

With a vision, a talented craftsman, a collection of historic photos and Cidney and Justin Gastaldello’ s love and determination, this grand old Upper Makefield country estate has been brought to life again

Text by Beth M. Buxbaum | Photography by Randl Bye

Family and friends have enjoyed this country estate for more than 300 years. The estate, once known as River Wood was a summer home only a few hundred yards from the river in Upper Makefield.

The history of this house intrigued Cidney and Justin Gastaldello. Living in a ranch house just behind this property since 2009, they’ve seen glimpses of this striking property and the family who lived there. Cidney says, “We were never actually in the house, but we knew we loved it.”

They always admired this home and dreamt of one day owning it. “We used to have conversations over the fence with the

owner, George Shows.” explains Cidney. “At one point we told him that if he ever sells the house, we would like to buy it.” Several years ago, they had not seen George for a few months and were concerned. What they found out was that George’s mental health declined and his family was talking about putting the house on the market. As fate would have it, George had a moment of clarity and remembered that Cidney and Justin wanted to buy the house.

This was an unexpected turn of events and they were excited with the prospect of owning this home. In 2015 Cidney and Justin put in a bid without seeing the inside of the house. Not really knowing the house’s value, their first bid was rejected for being too low.

They upped their bid and the house of their dreams was theirs. Before settlement, they snuck into the property several times to see what they had just purchased. “It was a time capsule,” said Cidney. So much was uncared for and very little was updated. “It was tired,” Cidney reveals, “and it was sad and neglected.” The house was dark and dusty when they took possession. By the condition of the house, it was evident that George was unable to really care for the property. After a careful and thorough assessment, Cidney and Justin knew how they wanted to transform their new home. While modernizing and expanding, they wanted to bring the house back to its original grandeur.

As they began their stewardship, they heard many stories and literally dug up evidence of the house’s past. On this land, an original structure was built in the early 1700s. In 1863 the home was expanded to add more living space. Evidence and tales swirled as they continued to delve into the house’s history. At one point, during their explorations in the basement they found tunnels and a trap door in the dining room. Neighbors shared accounts that this house used part of the underground-railroad. With some conjecture they envisioned that the slaves coming up from the north along the river used this house as a stop on the underground

Opposite, the front entrance is colorfully appointed with fall gourds and squashes. Top, the flagstone patio and welcoming seating accent the back entrance. Bottom, in full view is the pool house set into a landscape of towering trees.

system. For the majority of the homestead’s past it was owned by the same family for more than a century. “We found out that it was owned by George Justice, a wealthy man from Philadelphia beginning in the mid 1800s,” adds Cidney. The estate was a summer home for his family and friends. Justice passed down the home to his daughters and the house stayed in the family for generations. One family friend who spent a lot of time at the estate was William Keeney, a pharmacist and amateur photographer. Keeney documented the time he spent at the house with his two daughters, the Justices and other families and friends.

Cidney and Justin procured Keeney’s pictorial history from the Chester County Historical Society. “Keeney’s primary residence was in Chester County which is why his photos ended up there,” Cidney explains. All the pictures tell a story, filling in many questions and painting a detailed account of the people who summered at River Wood. There are photos, dated as far back as 1894 and as current as 1940, with captioned references to Camp Oconeo. Cidney and Justin believe this is most likely what they were calling the country estate during that period. This collection of photos capturing the essence of the estate as a summer retreat,

Opposite, entrance to the 1863 section of the house through the gallery and foyer, in soft hues of blue, showcases a collection of select art pieces. Top, further into the entrance is more of the gallery and the stairway to the second floor. In the far left corner is the opening to the kitchen and dining room. Bottom, artwork continues on both sides of the foyer and up the staircase. To the right is an opening to the original living room.

As a family that enjoys cooking and eating meals together, the expansion has provided them with an efficient and inviting space to gather.

hosted by Justice and enjoyed by Keeney and the Suplees. Many were group shots on the front porch, views of the front of the house and the tree-lined lane leading up to the house. Activities captured in these photos include swimming in the Delaware, horseback riding, riding in a horse and buggy and canoeing. This pictorial documentation of the homestead allowed Cidney and Justin to envision the estate’s persona during a piece of its history.

Understanding the estate’s glory days helped Cidney and Justin as they began their restoration. “We wanted to bring the house back to its original state, but even better,” Cidney explains. As a reference point, the old photos were helpful in replicating a lot of the architectural elements of the house. This was also helpful as a marker of the house’s early footprint. What they discovered as they began the renovation was that changes were made over the years to modernize the living space. Also, after a fire in 1940, there were structural changes that covered up or changed the original architectural elements, like adding dropped ceilings and covering up the fireplace. Structurally sound, this homestead was in need of repairs and upgrades. As a contractor and owner of the AGB Group,

Opposite, an intricately sculpted oven hood was designed with an elegant arch, crisp-lined trim and rosettes sitting above the La Cornue French oven. Above, kitchen accents include gray and white Calcutta marble counter tops and island against the crisp, white cabinetry. On the back kitchen wall is a custom-built cabinet over what was once a defunct fireplace. To the right is a stairway to what was believed to have been the servants’ quarters.

Justin had a sense of what needed to be done. “We did not begin any renovation until 2018,” continues Cidney. Justin decided that the first project was to repair the exterior. “Much of the wood and parts of the structure were rotted,” Justin explained. “We brought the exterior structure down to the studs, added insulation and a new exterior of healthy plank siding,” he adds.

Once the exterior was completed they began their interior projects. One focus was to open up and modernize part of the original 1700s and 1863 structures. “It was a massive project,” adds Cidney, “we even had a project manager.” For an entire year Cidney, Justin and their two teenage sons used her craft room as a make-shift kitchen and dining area while the renovation was taking place. The former footprint of the downstairs living space, which including the kitchen, dining room and family room, was chopped up into

Opposite, in the French Provincial influenced formal dining room, the table is set in shades of pink and aqua. Covering the right wall is a custom wall unit, in a soft light aqua shade, accented with architectural details replicating the original period. On display is Cidneys’ extensive collection of English China. Above, a portrait of Lincoln, one of Cidney’s mom’s prize possessions, is the focus of the library filled with shelves of books. This room was, in the 1940s, transformed into the library .

Above, the living room, full of natural light from the bay window, has a more formal setting. Opposite top, a full view of the library, which functions as the family room, which offers a cozy seating area for gathering. Bottom, a soothing and mellow primary bedroom suite in the 1863 section of the house.

smaller rooms.

“We gutted everything from the back door to the 1700’s section of the house,” Justin adds. Cidney says “the former kitchen was a dark space with head-to-toe knotty pine accented with Mercer tiles, brick laminate floors and a one-burner stove.” Removing walls and raising the ceiling created one open space with an airy flow and more natural light. When this work began they discovered the electrical system had not been modernized. Some accounts have established that during much of the homestead’s early period there was no electricity, running water or bathrooms. “When we began the renovation we had to disconnect the plumbing and move it to raise the ceiling,” explains Justin. Layers of old flooring were removed and replaced with repurposed wide width pine from an old barn. Structural appointments were in place and the expansion was accomplished. Now it was time for the makeover.

Working with Jeff Hogge, a local artisan specializing in restorations and cabinetry, they redesigned this living area. “I am very creative and had a good idea of what I wanted,” Cidney explains. “We actually used a lot of the old photos of the house to restore the interior architectural details,” adds Cidney. In a collaborative partnership, Cidney described what she envisioned and Jeff drew her ideas. “We gave him a lot of creative freedom,” explains Cidney. “I wanted the dining room and kitchen to have the feel of an old time French pastry shop,” she continues. They wanted to replicate some of the architectural details of the original living space, but with a flourish.

Jeff Hogge masterfully designed all the woodwork and trim. Curved arches, rosettes, intricate dentil molding and a coffered ceiling defined this transformation. Counter tops and the island top were accented with a soft gray and white Calcutta marble. This marble complemented the crisp, white cabinetry. Jeff designed an intricately sculpted oven hood with an arch, crisp-lined trim and rosettes. Cidney requested that Jeff use Mercury glass inserts in the cabinets. “I wanted the glass in the cabinets to give the appearance of an older glass,” Cidney adds. Floors were pulled up and replaced with repurposed wide-width pine wood from an old barn. In the back of this space, Jeff built a cabinet over what was once a defunct

Above, the exterior of the house encounced in the fall foliage. Bottom left, a flower lined front entrance to this centuries-old country estate with its intricately detailed wood trim that was added during the restoration. Bottom right, in contrast, is a photo of the house taken in 1893 which displays a widow’s walk and cupola that is no longer there.

fireplace. To the right is a stairway to what was believed to have been the servants’ quarters. Beyond this space is the 1700 portion of the house, which they repurposed as a mud and laundry room. Jeff designed and installed built-in cabinets and storage closets and painted all the woodwork a dark navy.

On the other side of the kitchen is the newly created formal dining area. Jeff designed and built a wall unit, painted in a soft light aqua shade, accented with architectural details replicating and honoring the original period. This stunning wall piece now displays Cidneys’ extensive collection of English china. To complete this expansion, Justin built an addition to create a morning room off of the formal dining room. Surrounded by windows, this space is their informal eating area where they enjoy views of their landscape. The kitchen and dining room area were the focus of this restoration. There are several rooms in the 1863 section of the house that have not been refurbished, including the living room and library. Cidney has some ideas about how she would like to redesign the library, but for now they are just enjoying the new living space that has been created.

As a family that enjoys cooking and eating meals together, the expansion has provided them with an efficient and inviting space to gather. Reflecting on the house’s past has been an interesting journey for Cidney and Justin. Appointments and details honor that past while illuminating the present. With a vision, a talented craftsman and a collection of historic photos this grand old estate is alive again.v

Beth S. Buxbaum is a freelance writer from the Philadelphia area.

The Men in their Flying Machines

If you’ve never been to Van Sant Airport in Erwinia you’ve never seen these pilots who love to fly vintage taildraggers along the Delaware River. In the fall they enjoy the crisp cool air and the view from up high looking down at the fall foliage and countryside along the river.

Flying these vintage airplanes is not easy. They say it’s tail low, nose high on landings. And they just love the thrill of being in control without all the technology of today. Student

pilots who learn this challenging style of flying develop better rudder and coordination skills. These skills will help them in takeoff, landing and taxiing.

Van Sant is the perfect place to learn how to fly while taking a flight back in time. Van Sant airport offers rides and instructions in several small planes and gliders. And they have many events open to the public. For more information, be sure to check out their website at www.vansantairport.com.

Mike Posey

Bar Eisenhauer

Bobby Waite

A Photo Essay by Bobby Waite who is a student pilot at Van Sant Airport

Bill Hills

Tom Marden

Stephen Lindrooth

Brendan Kressler

David Turner

Raul O’Brien

Rick Cangialosi

Brian Allen

Healing On Horseback

At the Special Equestrian Therapeutic Riding Center in Warrington, people of all ages get help for autism, degenerative disorders, paralysis, ADHD, and mental health diagnoses by riding horses / BY

CHRYSA SMITH

On a 40-acre parcel in Central Bucks, horses of all sizes, breeds and backgrounds come together for a common purpose. And that is to provide equestrian therapy for those with a variety of special needs. The thoroughbreds, cartpulling, privately-owned, Norwegian Fjords, ponies and mini horses have what it takes to land the job—good temperaments that can significantly help children with autism, people with physical disabilities, those with substance abuse issues and others that occupational (OT), physical therapists (PT), talk therapists and sometimes pediatricians believe will be of help to their patients. OT and PT programs take place in the complex— therapists working on a program while the client is on a horse.

According to Janice Witt, Executive Director (and reg-

Janice Witt, Executive Director

istered and licensed OT) of the Special Equestrians Therapeutic Riding Center in Warrington, “Herd animals make them very in tune to emotional states. When in the wild, they need to be able to sense changes in breathing and heart rate, and they can recognize facial expressions. This acts as a mirror to our emotions and sets us up to recognize them and learn coping skills.” Maybe that’s why close to 50 percent of their riders are dealing with Autism,

and the variety of sensory perception and interactive skills which come with it. “Therapeutic riding (their biggest program), that is riding lessons taught by an instructor, are tailored to the individuals,” Janice adds.

“We receive some referrals. We also work directly with Bucks County Behavioral Health to provide alternative therapy opportunities to kids that aren’t responding to traditional talk

therapy,” Janice says. And the facility has received several accreditations, both for their high standards, as well as safety. They have a Premier Center certification from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH International), as well as Equus Guardian Status and are a US Equestrians Federation Community Partner.

People with degenerative disorders, paralysis, substance abuse, Down’s syndrome, ADHD, and mental health diagnoses (PTSD, depression, anxiety) and the elderly benefit too—whether it’s confidence that comes with interacting with the animals, building skills or helping with mobility issues. “The gait of the horse mimics a human gait, so it helps to strengthen the muscles needed for ambulation. Sitting on the horse also requires a lot of core strength and flexibility,” Janice says, “Being able to sense changes in heart rate and breathing help keep the herd safe in the wild to alert to danger. This makes them fantastic mirrors for our participants thought and emotions.”

“There are currently 19 horses on the property—17 working in the program, one retired and one privately owned by a staff member,” the director says. There is a ‘right temperament’ for the horses, and it does consist of a few key traits— mainly their willingness to stand, be slow and steady, easy to manage and non-reactive to loud noises. According to Janice, “Horses are paired

based on size and ability of the rider. Taller riders get a taller horse. An anxious rider or a rider that struggles with balance will get one of our older horses that have slow, even, predictable gaits. A more advanced rider that is ready to learn new skills might match with a horse that has more get up and go.” This generally makes the job perfect for horses around the age of 15-20.

According to Janice, “Older horses make for better therapy horses. They have the experience and aren’t as reactive to environmental stimuli.” The horses are monitored for changes in behavior, like an unwillingness to participate. If so, they take them out of the program—perhaps retire them. Yet there is a need for horses that present more of a challenge as members progress with their therapies. So, the youngest horse in the program is six.

Besides the arena and stalls, the complex contains some other ordained spaces— like the one used for initial evaluation of riders. It’s here where the PTs, OTs and their assistants shine. There is an electronic horse saddle simulator to judge a candidate’s ability. And an observation room for parents and siblings to wait and watch, the food and Rx room and the equipment room, where the special riding accessories are kept.

Adaptive equipment is used according to needs. Therapy pads, soft saddle-shaped pads offer

Each with their own personalities and abilities, the four-legged staff even contains members with their own disabilities.

more comfort. Rainbow reins (with blocks of color on them) enable the riders to hold the rein in the correct color location. Ladder reins (which look like their name) are used with one-sided paralysis/weakness issues. And a cup that sits inside stirrups for added strength and stability. You might think riders are regularly paired with favorite

characters.

Janice, serving as director since 2019, surely knows her way around a paddock. As she introduced me to her four-legged friends, she spoke of her childhood spent around horses and her time as a riding instructor and a competitive rider. “I always wanted to be around horses,” she says. She

horses, but not so. They get to ride several of the horses that work best for their situation depending upon availability of the horses already in session.

Founder Kathy Quinn began the program in 1982, with a Psych degree and the study of riding for the handicapped, she had worked and volunteered at another therapeutic riding center in Collegeville, and has experience working in special education. It’s been a steady climb ever since. Last year, there were 440 participants, with about 100 of them riding weekly and others in group programs. Still, the waiting list is long—over 400 others hope to take part in the programs—in working with this array of equine

certainly got her wish. “We don’t have a need to search for horses recently,” Janice says. “Many times, they come to us.” She rarely says no to a good horse looking for a home. Yet, because of the set number of stalls, they are about at capacity. To accommodate their large waiting list, expansion is something always on their minds.

So naturally, Janice introduced me to the program’s stars. Each with their own personalities and abilities, the four-legged staff even contains members with their own disabilities, like Salem, who is blind in her right eye. Or Bear, the longest tenured horse in the program who is missing one eye. But he was inducted into the EQUUS Hall of

Fame.

With four full time staff, over two dozen part-time workers and over 200 volunteers, the program is a large operation.

According to the organization, the purpose of the Horse Stars Hall of Fame is to honor the contributions of amazing horses, share the stories of their athletic and humanitarian feats, and build a more informed and compassionate America that values the bond between horses and people.

And then there’s Bailey, considered a free lease—with owners that still visit and maintain ownership. Seems that horses have issues too, like digestive problems, requiring time spent with vets and if necessary, a trip to a special facility in New Jersey. While there are exceptions, their health issues don’t seem to fully stop them. From thoroughbreds to pasture horses to those pulling carts, a change in career often comes with these special horses who have a magical working relationship with their riders.

One of my particular favorites was Glow, a dwarf mini horse. He dons a pair of sneakers and a diaper when out on the town. He climbs into the

back of a truck, head hung out the window as he makes his way to nursing homes and schools. Another, JZ, also leaves the complex for such visits.

Opus, one of the aging horses, had his moments of fame at the Devon Horse Show, winning top honors in the Therapeutic Rider Division. Others participated in the Commonwealth Golf Course

fundraiser. The program is both serious and fun. Riders get to play games with their horses, like throwing toys and playing with wind chimes. “These are activities we use to engage the riders,”

Janice adds. “Tossing toys requires a lot of balance, strength and sensory skills to complete. While on the horse, we use these tasks to add an increased challenge and motivation where appropriate. Some of the horses like to try and chime in.”

Most of the riding takes place in an indoor arena—outside on good weather days. Within the ring, a soft groundcover provides comfort for the horses, while pictures are hung on the wall. They are visual cues for the participants while learning

As far as success stories; the organization’s first child with disabilities came to them in 1982. He still comes.

to ride, A person called a lead might tell a rider to go as far as a picture on the wall when they first begin. Other times, there are obstacle courses set up for a seasoned rider’s challenge. The program for skill development is created by OTs and PTs, while OT interns from Temple University help with the implementation. But in every case, there is always a lead and two side tenders to make sure the rider is safe at all times—and only three horses at a time in the arena. For those with mobility challenges, there is a handicap-accessible ramp to help raise kids up to the horse’s level. “We try to make it as fun as possible for the riders, with new challenges along the way,” says Janice. Outdoors, a sensory garden adds to the fun and challenge, with games to play outdoors

Amazingly, the riders begin at age two, and keep going up through their 70s. At two, the basics are introduced. And in later years, the focus is more on riding with agerelated concerns. Petting and spending time with the horses is another opportunity, often providing an activity and a sense of purpose for older folks.

As far as success stories; the organization’s first child with disabilities came to them in 1982. He still comes. Two other young people have been riding for over 20 years. Others gain skills and are able to operate with more confidence, flexibility, mobility and a decrease in emotional issues, anxiety, depression and PTSD. Janice says the average retention rate is about eight years, many riders discharged upon the evaluation of the PTs and OTs.

With four full time staff, over two

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dozen part-time workers and over 200 volunteers, the program is a large operatio— one that includes everything from administration and marketing to horse grooming, feeding, property maintenance, leading the horses and participants around—The large parcel, requires a lot of work—time, funding and involvement.

There are corporate sponsors who provide funding as well as volunteers. “Most of our new participants we find are through an internet search or word of mouth,” Janice says. And of course, there are financial grants.

Warrington Township had granted them a 30-year lease, which is up in five

years. And of course, everyone involved is doing all they can to ensure that this successful and beneficial program continues. Perhaps most touching of all, participants come to Special Equestrians regardless of their ability to pay. Upon joining, everyone’s fee is immediately reduced by 50 percent and many riders receive additional funding through their own grants. The program is truly an impressive venture. What was started over 40 years ago still provides a wonderful service to the community. And everyone involved pulls together to make this a special place for so many special people.

The Special Equestrian center is located at 2800 Street Road, Warrington, PA. To learn more about Special Equestrians, including opportunities to make a difference, visit www.specialequestrians.org. v

Chrysa Smith is a regular contributor, born and bred city girl who finds her new stablebred friends most interesting—and a tad intimidating.

Heart Of The Home

Susanne Olsen, owner and chief designer at Noah & Lilly Kitchen Design, spares no effort in designing a kitchen and personalizing it so that its beauty and use make it the heart of the home

While searching for a gift, I came across a sign that read: Home is where family gathers, friends meet, and roots grow. I can vouch for that. And possibly the most important room where it all happens is the kitchen. When mine was redone several years ago, the transformation was magical. Now, five years later, I still smile when I enter the room, knowing that beauty and function merge to ensure all these good things come together. And that’s exactly the kind of feeling Washington Crossing-based interior designer Susanne Olsen loves to evoke from her clients. From Bucks County to Central New Jersey and beyond, homeowners know her and know that her 20 years of experience will deliver the kitchen they hoped for.

Susanne’s business, named Noah & Lilly (for her children), is mainly known for upscale kitchen designs. “It’s a difficult space to design because it’s highly technical,” she says, “I love kitchens because

Credits: Countertops by Suburban Marble & Granite, Appliances by Rogers Appliances,Tile by A Step in Stone, Don Houtz of Trademark Improvements, Photography Linda McManus Images. they are challenging.”

Unless you’ve had a kitchen renovation, it doesn’t really click that designers need to be incredibly meticulous—Susanne says measuring spaces is taken down to a 1/16th of an inch.” All sorts of things need to be considered in addition to the size of the room and the layout,” she adds. “You need to think about appliance specs, CFM (cubic feet per minute is a measurement of airflow volume) required for the BTUs

Credits: Countertops by Stonetech, Appliances by Rogers Appliances, Flooring by Rivers Edge Flooring, Don Houtz of Trademark Improvements, Photography Linda McManus Images

(British thermal units) which measures the heat content of a range, because the proper range hood will need to be selected for ventilation. “Today, there is a lot of engineering that goes into it,” says Susanne. “But kitchens are so personalized, with so many gadgets, even beyond the scope of coffee makers.”

In her 900 square foot showroom, she not only showcases beautiful kitchen displays, but it’s also where meetings take place. Contractors and designers, like those selecting tile come together to make the plan work. Computer programs such as AutoCAD, (which creates 2D and 3D renderings of what the space will look like)—offers possibly the best preview of a finished product. Other rendering pro-

This determines what the potential client is looking for and get a feel for how the two can work together. This includes things like personalities and budgetary

grams are also used. It certainly is the technology that gives clients a feel for the space, how they will move through it, and the overall functionality and beauty.

So, how does it all happen? Like many redesign/construction projects, an initial consultation is done. This determines what the potential client is looking for and get a feel for how the two can work together. This includes things like personalities and budgetary considerations. The difference with Noah & Lilly, is Susanne’s first consultation is complimentary. According to Susanne, “Everything is considered. How the space is used, what the clients schedule is like, if they eat together or the kids do homework on the island, if they actually cook, have people over on the weekends.”

The more she knows, the better she can design a space.

Susanne says of relationships, “They’re important to determine a good fit between designer and client. I don’t want to waste anyone’s time or money, if the relationship is not going to work. Often, a potential client will come to the meeting with a notion of what they’re looking for. Naturally, everyone is different. “Clients come in and it can be overwhelming,” Susanne says. “They might have a collection of inspirational photos. Or they may have gone on the Noah & Lilly website portfolio, which can offer inspiration.”

Following a successful consultation, initial plans will be drawn up, and if all goes well, design development begins. This involves creating a general plan based upon the concept layout. And it is here where door designs, cabinet configurations, crown molding and additional details of the design will be fleshed out. This is fol-

lowed by the selection of finishing details—like fixtures, countertops, appliances, sink and faucet, and paint colors. With all there is to know about ranges, those and other appliances will be recommended, and contractors will sharpen

This involves creating a general plan based upon the concept layout.

their pencils and refine budget numbers, check site measurements, finish technical plans and consideration of elevations. Through it all everything is coordinated— from material selections and drawings to door styles and finishes. Once the final approval is signed off on by both the client and designer the contract is finalized. Cabinetry, countertops, backsplashes and co-

ordinating hardware are agreed upon. And just to make sure, everything is reviewed again by the staff—most significantly Susanne herself, ensuring her involvement every step of the way. Finally, it’s time for installation, where a sigh of relief and excitement is palpable, as the project comes to a close.

“Design is always evolving based on lifestyles and what’s happening in the world,” the designer says. “I bring in different elements to personalize a space. I keep it relatively neutral, with cohesion— like repeating patterns in different areas of the space. Emphasizing a client’s personalization is what’s important.” And often, while Susanne is primarily a kitchen designer, she will be asked to design an adjacent space, including powder rooms. Just ties a look together.

As for trends, she says people tell her they like her style. And that has everything to do with what she assesses from the meetings. She is seeing a less kitcheny

look, with a more open and airy feel—with cabinetry that looks and feels more like furniture.

I asked about those deep blue and green appliances and accents. “Blue is a very popular color,” she says. “It’s the most popular color in America. Green is second. I see navy blues as more classic, as they hint toward black. I like to use color for accents and parts of a design. If someone is looking to go timeless, the safest option is to keep the selections mostly neutral.” And what about the return of wallpaper? It has been trending too. Much like colorful accents, it all goes back to small doses. And that makes perfect sense since she says a kitchen’s lifespan can be up to 20 years, with the proper product selection. It’s an important investment in your home—both in terms of financial resources and time. Susanne and her team of hand-selected contractors may be part of everyday life for months, depending upon the scope of the project.

Emphasizing a client’s personalization is what’s important.

So, what advice does Susanne have for someone thinking of a kitchen redesign? She says, “Take your time, go on Pinterest, Instagram, find pictures and find the right designer to partner with. You need to enjoy working with them.” You’ll have a relationship that lasts months, and a result that will last far, far longer.

Noah & Lilly is located at 1091 General Knox Road, Suite 2, Washington Crossing, PA. To contact Susanne, call 215-648-2223 or cell at 973-219-9958. You can email her at Susanne@noahlilly.com. For more information, and become inspired, visit www.noahlilly.com.v

Chrysa Smith is a regular contributor to Bucks county magazine.

Visiting Palmer Square

Anchored by the historic Nassau Inn, Palmer Square has been for Princeton and surrounding areas a shopping, lodging, and dining center that offers visitors a sophisticated and unique selection of venues

Long before the malls and strip malls lined Route 1 in the Princeton Corridor, there was the Square. In fact, there still is. Palmer Square, to be exact. Besides Nassau Street (the main drag lined with small shops and eateries) Palmer Square has been the gathering place for high-end shopping and dining, historical lodging, or simply lounging on the grass. And for good reason. It’s a beautiful homage to towns of old, most notably those found both in England and New England—when life focused around the center of town, where important matters were discussed, people gathered, and shops easily navigated. In Princeton, Palmer Square also happens to sit across from another historic site—namely Princeton University.

Palmer Square was built in the 1930s by Edgar Palmer— a wealthy New Jersey heir to a zinc fortune, and graduate of Princeton University. Since the 1700s it has been, besides the post office, anchored by The Nassau Inn—undoubtedly its longest operating business dating back to colonial times. A stately brick and Shaker building, it was a stopping point for those historical characters we know well—Paul Revere, Thomas Paine and members of both the Continental Congress and the Continental Army. Today, it serves as the preeminent lodging facility in downtown Princeton.

When I stepped into one of their lobbies, it was distinctly a homage to earlier times—a masculine vibe—huge stone fireplace, red leather couches and chairs anchored by more red, patterned

The change of seasons brings with it special events like Music Fest Sundays beginning October 6th from 1-4pm. And, the annual tree lighting friday, November 29th at 5pm., and Skating on the Square every Saturday through February. Visit www.palmersquare.com for shopping, dining and event information.

area rugs and a dark atmosphere. Perhaps a snifter of brandy and an offering of tobacco would serve its earlier visitors well. But today, there is the Yankee Doodle Tap Room for a burger and a beer—maybe brunch on the weekend. And a little entertainment in the evenings. However, the Inn offers more in the way of lodging, and special events such as business meetings and weddings.

During my walk, I immediately noticed the staples—the businesses that I remember from so many years ago. Winberies Restaurant and Bar, and Thomas Sweet Chocolates, to name those that live in my most cherished memories. Thomas Sweet Ice Cream is what I remember most—just a short walk to Nassau Street. Winberies was, and still is, a place to grab a burger or salad—also weekend brunch. Frequented by university students, townies and visitors, I remember business lunches there. The menu may have changed, but it being a dining hub on the square has not.

Perhaps what makes the square so charming, is that it truly reminds me of shopping in an English City—maybe harkening back to Dickens. There are the large stacked, brick fireplaces that are visible on the rooftops, and the small shops with older, paned windows are a far cry from the prefab sorts of shopping mall stores you find both on the corridor and throughout the country. But, as with many older towns, chain stores have also found their place on the square—Arhaus Furniture, Triumph Brewery, Lily Pulitzer and Hermes to name a few. Another familiar name to those in Bucks, and frequenters to Peddler’s Village is Lace Silhouettes—a cute lingerie shop with unique jammies and undergarments that has not only found its way into the square, but to Cape May as well.

When I visited Olsson’s Fine Foods, my olfactory senses went into overdrive, as a case full of specialty cheeses sat in front of me. Accoutrements such as crackers, jams and dips lined the walls.

my olfactory senses went into overdrive, as a case full of specialty cheeses sat in front of me. Accoutrements such as crackers, jams and dips lined the walls. And in reading through the Palmer Square merchant’s information, Olsson’s has been rated as one of the best cheese shops in NJ. Pair some cheese with a bottle of your favorite wine from Corkscrew, just across the street, and take a place on the lawn. It’s beautifully landscaped—from lush plantings to fountains, the atmosphere is both charming and refreshing in a town lined with concrete sidewalks and a main street across from the university.

NIC & ZOE is an interesting boutique. One-of-a-kind women’s clothing was explained to me by the owner. Since it is high-end, and I’d venture to say a bit eclectic, her seasons are even further out on the calendar than ordinary women’s wear shops. She claimed her shoppers know what they want and line it all up in advance of upcoming travel and social events. So, not only does everything move quickly, you won’t likely find summer clothes during summer; fall clothing in fall. And unlike large retail stores, her business slows during the fall/winter holidays, because of the unique buying schedule.

After NIC & ZOE, it was a short walk to The Bent Spoon—clearly the place on the square for a cold treat. A long line, and a pre-dinner timeframe left me outside, but in retrospect, it may have been a mistake. Because this shop has been rated as perhaps the best ice cream shop in the country by several organizations, newspapers, and magazines. Over 600 rotating flavors are among the offerings that are generally unique and locally sourced.

Next, onto Miya Table & Home. This shop is the product of a gentleman who incorporated his flower shop on 28th Street in NYC a few decades ago and began importing goods from Japan. All types, colors and sizes of Japanese dinnerware were on display, as well as quirky gifts— like funky pencils and dog note pads—a big appeal for me.

I bypassed Hermes, as my closet,

though not Hermes, is chock full. But for those with a taste for high couture, you can find it there. From jewelry to shoes to handbags that are often difficult to score. It was a quick crossover and down the street to the other side of the Nassau Inn and near Triumph Brewery. And it was back to Huffish Street, past Mediterra Restaurant with, as its name suggests, a mediterranean menu. Outdoor dining and a front courtyard with a fountain were flocked by its own little green square just to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

There’s even a beauty lift, compliments of Blue Mercury. It does have several locations selling high-end product lines like SkinCeuticals, La Mer, Trish McEvoy and Tom Ford—selling higher-end products than the widely known chain beauty shops like Ulta and Sephora.

And finally, one of my favorite stops is the Lindt store. For chocolate lovers, a veritable playland. Rows of wrapped flavored Lindt truffles and filled candies sat in two long lines of bins, ready to be grabbed up and mixed and match according to your taste. One side, US-made. The other, European.

As you might suspect, the square isn’t only a place for retail and regular dining hours. The change of seasons brings with it special events like Music Fest Sundays from 1-4pm throughout October, with groups that include everything from the Beatles and soul music to The Grateful Dead. And of course, in November, it all culminates with the annual tree lighting on Friday, November 29th at 5pm. Lots to do both daytime and in the evening, including your early holiday shopping.

Princeton has always been a great town with great offerings. It’s different than I remember, but I say better—especially Palmer Square. Ever evolving, it’s a great place to visit, for a short drive.

Palmer Square is located at 40 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ. For more information, visit www.palmersquare.com.v

Chrysa Smith is a regular contributor who enjoyed her trip back to the Princeton, New Jersey.

CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS by Robert A. Kline

Bucks County’s Town & Country Real Estate

New Market Trends

by Dan Spirer

Economic trends also project a strong residential resale market as well as a robust residential new construction market

The dynamic summer months are introducing new trends to the Bucks County real estate market.

Data and economic trends point to an exciting and active real estate market for this year’s sellers. In this article, we’ll discuss how these trends are affecting hopeful buyers that want to break into the Bucks County area.

Bucks County Association of Realtors, Bucks County has seen a 4.4% increase in the median sold price for residential properties from May to June Bucks County Association of Realtors and a 6% increase over the past year.

Buyers can now expect to pay 100 percent of the seller’s ask-

ing price, or in some cases, over the asking price. Many homes are spending a mere average of seven days on the market before being sold without any contingencies.

This points to two trends that have persisted over the past few years: low inventory and rising prices. Low inventory results in a quick sale period and, paired with high demand, drives doubledigit growth in prices.

Economic trends also project a strong residential resale market as well as a robust residential new construction market. With inflation unexpectedly spiking in the first quarter of this year, expectations for interest rate cuts were terminated. However, inflation now appears to be dropping, and there is a real possibility of

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interest rate cuts this year from the Federal Reserve Bank. This may in turn reduce mortgage rates, thereby accelerating buyer options.

Despite the bright seller outlook, the steady appreciation of listing prices makes Bucks County homes unaffordable for many. According to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, Realtors, Bucks County saw an 8% increase in the average price per square foot over the past 6 months, from $430,000 to $506,000. The Suburban Realtors Alliance and the Bucks County Opportunity Council Needs Assessment indicates “71% of respondents named affordable housing as the leading challenge facing Bucks County.”

The summer of 2024 has brought unique surprises for buyers, sellers, and their mortgage representatives. Limited inventory yielding rising prices highlight the exciting and active real estate market that has been present for sellers this summer. Looking to the fall in anticipation of a potential interest rate cut, buyers may find themselves with many more new and exciting opportunities.

Temple University graduate and former owner of several successful small businesses, Dan Spirer is a seasoned real estate agent in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland specializing in luxury residential estates and construction.

CLIENT SATISFACTION

Mark understands the challenges in todays real estate market. He is committed to find you a home of your dreams and with your complete satisfaction.

Mark Farrell, has had a journey filled with diverse experiences that ultimately led him to where he is today. Growing up in an Irish household, Mark's formative years were shaped by his upbringing and education. He attended Saint Dominic's grade school, where he learned the values of faith, discipline, and community. Later, he enrolled in Father Judge High School, an all-boys Catholic school known for its commitment to academic excellence and character development.

Mark work a various jobs before entering the Marine Corps and served in Desert Storm. The Marines provided him with a transformative experience, instilling within him a profound sense of discipline, dedication, and a deep appreciation for the importance of service to his country. Mark's time in the military shaped him into a resilient and committed individual.

After his honorable discharge from the Marines, Mark embarked on a new endeavor – real estate. He obtained his real estate license in 1994 and dedicated himself to the industry for the next two years. However, his desire to serve others in a more direct and immediate capacity led him to seek a different kind of service – becoming a Philadelphia firefighter. Despite the demanding nature of his job, he continued to balance his firefighting duties with his work as a real estate agent during his four days off, showcasing his exceptional work ethic and dedication to multiple passions.

Throughout his journey, Mark's resilience, determination, and commitment to his family and community have remained unwavering. The experiences he gained as a plumber, cook, Marine, real estate agent, and firefighter have shaped him into the person he is today. Mark's multifaceted background equipped him with a diverse skill set, a well-rounded perspective, and an unwavering dedication to offer his clients a first class service with the up most integrity.

Today Mark is passionate about real estate and works full time to help his clients sell or buy a home in Pennsylvania. He listens to your needs and will and helps guide you through the process. He loves to help you find that dream home and as an agent knows how to protect you when buying and selling a home.

Jim Briggs, GRI, CRS, Associate Broker

I specialize in the sale and purchase of residential and income properties and have been licensed as a Realtor in PA since 1976 and New Jersey since 1986. I love this area, which is easy to see since I have lived here since 1975. My knowledge of the area and real estate is going to be useful for you when making a decision about a home or property and getting the best advice available

New Hope / Doylestown

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Stunning home in parklike, private setting has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, huge windows for natural light and views, exquisite millwork, great floor plan, formal living and dining rooms, den/office, large kitchen that is open to a 2-story family room with Heat & Glo propane fireplace that can heat the main floor. The primary bedroom has a sitting area and ensuite bathroom. Enormous walk-out basement w/windows, large deck, superb landscaping with many specimen plantings. Fenced garden area with greenhouse, steppingstone paths, lots of special features, inside and outside. $975,000.

4872 River Road | Point Pleasant, PA

Extraordinary property showcases incredible stone and tile work, inside and outside. Creative expression and use of materials, including Mercer tiles, gives this residence character ambiance and a unique living space. An open main floor plan has a large living room. full bathroom, and a kitchen that opens to the family room with an energy efficient wood stove. Upstairs are two large bedrooms, a fully tiled bathroom plus an office that could be used as a walk-in closet. A pull-down staircase leads to a finished, heated attic. Walk-out lower level has tile floor and could be an additional bedroom. The exterior is a beautiful mix of tile and stone patios, mature trees and terraced gardens that provide many places to relax, dine, and entertain. $750,000.

Jim represented the buyers.

A beautiful mix of tile and stone Patios, mature trees and terraced gardens!

For over 65 years, the Sanford Alderfer team has been setting the standard for exceptional service in real estate and auction sales.

WHY CHOOSE US?

Sanford Alderfer Real Estate, a trusted local name in real estate, is partnered with Tranzon, LLC, a nationwide leader in real estate and business asset auctions. Together, we empower sellers by achieving market value within a defined timeframe, ensuring the seller remains in control throughout the process.

Tranzon is a cooperative partnershop of real estate professionals all over the country who are dedicated to providing you with a better way to buy and sell real estate.

Situated on 10.2 acres in Bucks County Pennsylvania, this lovingly maintained, 5+ bedroom, 4 bath residence with two-story, 2 stall horse barn/workshop is less than 3 miles from Bucks County Courthouse and Doylestown Hospital. Major thoroughfares including Route 611 and 202 provide easy access to Philadelphia and Newark International Airports and only 80 miles from New York City. The 5500 +/-Sq.Ft. residence includes a 2000 Sq.Ft. versatile addition that is ideal as a home office, private living quarters, or main level Master Suite with a private fully equipped galley-style kitchen and a spacious, ADA modified Master Bath including a wheelchair-accessible shower and Jacuzzi tub.

The property boasts a magnificent 2,500 sq ft flagstone patio, perfect for outdoor gatherings. The two-story barn, approximately 2,000 sq ft, includes two horse stalls and a one-car garage with an automatic door opener, offering ample space for equestrian enthusiasts.Located at 125 Edison Furlong Rd, Doylestown, PA.

SHERRY W. JONES has received consistent recognition as a TopProducer in both international rankings and Central Bucks County. She has extensive knowledge of the Buckingham and surrounding areas and understands our local market conditions. Having relocated her family across the country in 1999, Sherry has personal experience dealing with the challenges sometimes associated with a move. She is familiar with the public school systems and raised three children in the Central Bucks School District. By realizing how important it is to focus on the needs of her clients and always keep herself accessible, Sherry alleviates many of the frustrations encountered during the process of buying or selling your home. For 20 years Sherry has continued to accumulate numerous awards; but more importantly, she continues to accumulate life-long customers. Integrity, Dedication and Experience WORKING FOR YOU!

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TOWN AND COUNTRY REAL ESTATE

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Welcome to an enchanting cottage located at 6124 Carversville Rd., in the sleepy hamlet of Carversville. This section of Central Bucks County is quiet and peaceful. None of the roads in this town are used dining at the Carversville Inn, currently undergoing extensive renovations. Once reopened, you can walk to it from this home, sip a cocktail, enjoy dinner and walk back home, happy and well fed. The home sits high and dry and gets great light and air. On the Main Floor, the Living Room and

updated with Stainless Steel appliances. Public Records states that this is a 3 Bedroom home but the one on the Main Floor has been used as an Artist’s Studio as it has walls of windows that bring in fabulous light. There is a 1/2 Bath there and upstairs there is a Full Bath and 2 Bedrooms. Outside there is a stone patio, perfect for Summertime barbecue and picnics. The detached

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Discover this stunning 6-acre estate in picturesque Bucks County, nestled along the Delaware River and adjacent to D&R Canal State Park with direct access to a 60-mile hiking and biking trail. It features two distinctive homes,a detached two-car garage with guest cottage, and a stand alone, temperaturecontrolled, barn-style garage with electricity and water, and a covered run-in shed, ideal for horses, RV lovers & automobile enthusiasts alike. Zoned for multigenerational living, commercial mixed-use opportunities, or creative ventures, this property offers potential rental income as well.

The Main House, a meticulously maintained Craftsman Bungalow circa 1930, blends original charm with modern updates. Adjacent to the Main House, the "Garden House" functions as a versatile commercial space with two luxurious guest suites, each equipped with private baths and kitchenettes.

The "Garden View" suite showcases a cathedral ceiling, kitchenette, and patio access.Professionally landscaped grounds feature a deer fence, gated entries,and a whole-house generator, enhancing the property's appeal. Conveniently located near Frenchtown, NJ, and equidistant from Easton, PA, and New Hope, PA, with easy access to New York City and Philadelphia. This magnificent property represents true beauty and offers a versatile investment opportunity.

FALL

Getaway / Bob & Tanya Waite

Time Travel With Amenities

Imagine staying in a 19th century hamlet set in the quietness of the Brandywine Valley with horse farms, splendid gardens, tall trees and in your stone-walled room is a Keurig Coffeemaker

Tanya and I leave our Langhorne home around noon and soon are in what seems to be either an obstacle course or demolition derby or some combination of both. Route 95 south often requires driving around road work, and dodging cars that seem to be trying to knock me off the road. Tanya, rather skeptical of my driving, covers her eyes when those pushy blinking arrows squeeze us into another lane of drivers who are unwilling to let anyone get in front of them.

Driving is hurried all the way to Wilmington, and then like entering a spearmint gum commercial, we find ourselves on Route 100 in the Brandywine Valley. The difference is refreshing. Tanya no longer covers her eyes as we drive past horse

farms, splendid gardens, tall trees, hill and dale. Instead she praise the Creator of all beauty, exclaiming, “Beautiful! Glory to God!”

We arrive at our destination, The Inn at Montchanin Village, an hour before check-in time. As we drive around the property looking at the stucco houses that were once homes for workers at the Dupont powder mills, Tanya says, “It looks like we are going back in time.” I assure her we are doing just that, and soon our Nissan Altima will turn into a horse and buggy. She says, “Oh you.”

We arrive on the hottest day of the summer. Right now it is 99 degrees and humid. It is so hot you could fry a frozen hamburger on blacktop. We decide not to walk around this

Opposite top, The room where Tanya and I stayed, the Dupont, is one of the class of Superior rooms at The Inn at Montchanin Village. Top left, a wedding in the Gathering Room. Top right, Privy Lane, a wide pathway that is often turned into an outdoor wedding and reception venue. Bottom left, Buttermilk Calamari, , which we ordered as an appetizer when dining Krazy Kats, the onsite restaurant. Bottom right, Tanya enjoys sitting at a table in Krazy Kats and preparing to order.

19th-century village until later when it cools off, so we take another drive, enjoying the tranquility of the Brandywine Valley.

We return in time to check in and walk up the slate steps and through the French doors into the Dilwyne Barn, a restored barn that is now a lobby and the Gathering Room—a beautifully furnished room, which is also a wedding venue.

We meet Jessica Tracz, director of sales and catering at the check-in desk. She is ready to show us around the grounds and take us on a tour to see the various wedding venues and several of the rooms in the restored homes that make up the inn. Jessica gives us time to get settled and tells us that our room, the Dupont, is one of four rooms that are called Super-

ior rooms because they are large, beautiful and luxurious. The inn has 28 luxury rooms and suites in total.

We park right beside the house where our room is located. There are four rooms in the house, each with a private entrance. Our entrance is from the front porch on which are two chairs facing the grounds. Tanya says, “Look how cute. I could just sit there all day.” I know if it were cooler, we would linger there and enjoy the view of the grounds and the path leading elsewhere into Montchanin Village. A little foyer and a staircase meet us. Tanya’s eyes sparkle as we approach our room. I know I will be relegated to some unseen corner of the room and may as well put my suitcase in the closet at the top of the stairway. Tanya, I know, is itching to take photos. She already gives me that “get out of my way” look.

Watching Tanya enter a beautiful room is more entertaining than watching my favorite sit coms. This time, instead of screaming, she greats the room. “Well Hello!” I actually expect the room to answer, saying, “Hi, I’ve been expecting you.”

The first thing we notice is the large stone wall and high ceiling. It is a big room with a fireplace, a sitting area with a couch and two very comfortable chairs each facing a table that is between them. The table has wooden legs and a tabletop made of painted metal. Regional art decorates the walls, and the very room itself is a work of art. Besides the magnificent stone wall, we immediately see from the hallway the large king-size reproduction period solid canopy bed with four turned posts and detailed to look like a genuine antique, including little nicks on the footboard. In front of it is an antique pine blanket box. “Check out the bed,” I say to Tanya. She says to the bed, “Wait for me.”

The room is full of period furniture and is large enough to accommodate an amenities area that has a refrigerator, a microwave, a Keurig coffeemaker, sil-

verware, lots of teas and Keurig cups, sugar, half &half and artificial sweeteners. In a corner is a tv. There is also an upholstered plaid loveseat sofa, that has a period portrait painting of a woman above it.

The bathroom is large. In it is a super large porcelain tub with room around it to put a glass of wine, scented oils and/or candles. There is a rainforest shower and the sink is set in a large cabinet that has shelves on the side of it for toiletries. There are also small windows on each side of the sink.

After enjoying the room we unpack and meet up with Jessica in the lobby. She leads us into the Gathering Room. It is described on the Montchanin.com website as “… our largest venue and boasts a pole barn design with 28-foot high ceilings, a stately stone fireplace, wide plank wood floors, a grand piano, and tons of rustic elegance.” Jessica explains how this room, which is furnished with beautiful period furniture, sitting areas with small tables and a bar, is transformed into a wedding venue. Combined with the adjacent Dilwyne Room it can comfortably host 60 people for weddings or other events.

After we leave the Gathering Room we visit The Spa at Montchanin Village. Tanya loves the waiting room with its stone wall, colorfully upholstered chairs, reading lights and bottles of water. The spa itself is big inside with treatment room for facials, hydra facials, body treatments, massages of every type, including Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, lavender flower and even an expectant mother massage. Treatments also include facials, paraffin, waxing, tinting and also a few treatments for men.

On the grounds we walk through gardens crisscrossed with little paths and areas to sit and read, and we enter several of the suites and rooms. Then we visit some of the indoor wedding venues. The Crow’s Nest is a venue graced with charm, stately elegance, a fireplace, natural light and is ideal for up to 40 guests.

Farm Furniture is closing it’s showroom after 59 years. All Invenory is 50% off !

For smaller weddings there’s the Carpenter’s Room and Patio, about which the website calls, “… our most intimate private venue combines a private landscaped patio along with a magnificent space for celebrations of up to 14 guests…”

Outside there are spots in the gardens, patios and other areas for outdoor weddings. The largest of these outdoor spaces is Privy Lane. It is a tree-lined wide cobblestone walkway that can be transformed into a beautiful setting for a wedding and a reception. (Jessica explains to us how she creates this magical

transformation).Tanya swoons as she visualizes Privy Lane as the perfect place to say those sacred vows and to hold a joyful reception.

After the tour we go back to our room, freshen up and get ready to go to Krazy Kats Restaurant for dinner. I’m hungry and Tanya, who never admits she is hungry, says, “I’m ready to eat.” Our reservation is for 6 p.m. so we leave the Dupont and walk down a shady path, crossing one of the village roads and soon find ourselves outside of Krazy Kats.

Tanya photographs the outside of the building, which is a converted 19th century blacksmith shop. “I love the door!” She exclaims. The strap hinged wooden door brings to my mind movies that show Vikings storming a medieval castle.

Once in the door we are awed by the

charm of this on-site restaurant. There are large painted portraits of cats in costumes on the walls. Tables have beige top coverings under which is a burgundy colored cloth. The upholstered chairs are regal in appearance and very comfortable. The lighting is perfect. Everything is sparkling and magical. Tanya is fixated on the spiral staircase that goes to a more private dining room for small events and groups.

Our waitress, Clementine, brings us menus and a smile. We are brought sparkling water and order an appetizer— Buttermilk Calamari (fried calamari

served with avocados, cherry tomatoes and lemon caper aioli). Clementine, not missing a beat, also brings us bread. As we nibble on the calamari and peruse the menu for our entrées, I savor the calamari. Many times in the past I had calamari that is overcooked. This calamari is perfect—fresh and cooked just right.

While waiting to order, Beth, a manager, comes to our table to see how we are doing. Tanya and Beth hit it off immediately, and in an uncanny way, they seem like they knew each other for years. Hospitality of the kind we are experiencing is a precious rarity.

Clementine visits the table and asks us if we are ready. I order Krazy Kats Sherry Crab Bisque and cannot make up my mind about the entrée. I am tempted to order the Herb Rubbed Elk Rack served with sweet celeriac puree, frisee

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and walnut salad nest, seared zucchini medallions, and blueberry sauce au poivre. As I ponder, Tanya orders a Romaine Salad that has chopped romaine hearts tossed in parmesan dressing, cherry tomatoes, garlic croutons and parmesan tuiles. She selects the Blackened Salmon served with shrimp etouffee, white rice, Brussel sprout kimchi, apricot ginger coulis and tarragon lemon crema. After she orders I choose the Filet Mignon that is served with duck bacon and goat cheese dauphines, grilled asparagus, caramelized cipollini onions and demi glaze.

I

choose Crème Brûlée and Tanya orders the Vegan Berry Tarts. My Crème Brûlée is delicately light and, like our entrées, perfect.

Wow! The food is cooked to perfection and the tastes are subtle. Full, we order dessert. I choose Crème Brûlée and Tanya orders the Vegan Berry Tarts. My Crème Brûlée is delicately light and, like our entrées, perfect. The three tarts filled with mixed berry compote with almond milk crème anglaise and crushed walnuts are more than a full and content Tanya could eat, so I helped her. They were really good and maybe even healthy.

Upon leaving Krazy Kats, Tanya sees Beth and says, “Let me give you a hug.” They hugged, and I knew that if we lived in the area they would become longtime friends.

We retire to our room, make some tea and watch television for a while be-

fore turning in.

I wake up early, get dressed and go to the porch to see how the day looks. On the porch is today’s New York Times. The Times is delivered to each room every morning compliments of the inn. I lay the paper aside and pick up my Bible, reading a few Psalms and then open the paper. Tanya gets up and is ready to go exploring. I am surprised since Tanya usually takes some time to wake up and I dare not speak to her while she is in the process.

We lounge around a while. Tanya takes a bath in the large tub and I take a shower. We leave around 10:30 and decide to take a sightseeing tour of the area. We stop at a little diner in Wilmington and have a big breakfast and then take the scenic drive on Route 100. We drive to the north and cross the state line into Pennsylvania. In Chadds Ford we decide to visit the Brandywine Battlefield but it is closed, so we head back to the inn. Our sightseeing tour of the area ends and it already 4:30 p.m.

We buy some food to eat in the room and talk about how we could have visited Longwood Gardens, the Hagley Museum, Winterthur and so many wonderful places during our trip, but we love the room and our two-day stay at The Inn at Montchanin Village. Our visit and scenic tours of the countryside not only refreshed us but also gave us a deep appreciation for the hospitality, beauty, and tranquility of the Brandywine Valley— somewhere we want to visit again and again.

The Inn at Montchanin Village is located at Route 100 and Kirk Road, Montchanin, DE. For more information call, 302-888-2133 or visit www.mont chanin.com. For information about weddings and other events, call Jessica Tracz at 302-888-4204 or email her at salesand catering@montchanin.com.

Bob Waite is the editor of Bucks County Magazine and Tanya is his wife, travel companion and the co-writer of this department.

Art & Antiques

Robert Beck—Here & Now

Robert Beck’s paintings are immediate, because they are encounters made about us through his surrogacy and are always, like the name of his solo show at Morpeth Contemporary—Here & Now

By Bob Waite

Robert Beck has come a long way since his first show at the Riverside Theatre during the ’90s. That show was promoted by a grueling process of looking up addresses in a phone book, putting together invitations that included a folder, resume, background information and an invitation. Each envelope was hand-addressed, and he mailed 100 of them. The show’s opening only drew a handful of people because the date was the same day as the Eagle/Giants game. He says, “Now, I sometimes check when I schedule.”

Now Robert can say, “I was just delighting to myself that I have everything I need. I've gotten to that point as an artist where I'm not held up by the things that would get in my way when I was first starting out. Because then I didn't have a studio. And now I have accumulated those trappings of my career that enabled me to just go from thing to thing to thing.”

This nationally known Bucks County artist who paints Bucks

County, Maine and New York, left his corporate job and changed the whole direction of his life. He enrolled at the Pennsylvania Academy of Art. “In the 90s, right? I was forty, forty-one or something like that. Yeah, that was delicious. Because I was older and I knew what I was going after. It was a sacrifice to go there. It wasn't my parents' sacrifice. It was my sacrifice to go there.”

Besides painting, Robert is also a writer. He writes a monthly column for Icon Magazine and a bi-monthly column for the West Side Rag in Manhattan. He says, “And because I like to write, I write things that I just never get published. I write a lot of letters. I'm a letter writer.”

Robert, like the name of his upcoming show at the Morpeth Contemporary gallery, lives in the here and now. He admits, “I am not always sure of what day of the week it is.” Explaining what Robert views as an almost perfect life for someone who loves to paint and write, he says, “I'm writing with my cup of coffee and

I'm writing with my drink at night. And I'm painting in the middle. I'm the painter in the middle.”

Robert feels a sense of immediacy in his life. He says, “The party doesn’t go on forever.” At age 74, not in a frantic sense, he realizes that what he does now “has to count.” There is a kind of earnestness in his art.

Classification according to various schools of art can elude even the most erudite viewer of Robert’s art. He is a representational painter, but not a Pennsylvania Impressionist. “Some people think Impressionist is the manner of the brush stroke. There are these globby strokes. When you get back, they come together. Impressionism is when an artist is trying to capture that moment of recognition or a moment of encounter. In that respect, yes, I'm after the encounter. I'm after that thing that made me stop and look and say, ‘Hey, look at that.’ If I'm categorized, most people would place me in an era of art that's called the Ashcan School.”

would have the tenements. Out back of the tenements were the trash cans that had the ashes in them.”

Placing this particular school of art in America’s big picture, he says, “You would equate that in American history with jazz, being an American art form. An American art form, a coming of age for not just the arts, but it's what America is coming of age and contributing as well.”

The Ashcan School, which began in New York with artists that started to use ordinary people and places as subjects. Robert says, “As typical, the critics stuck their nose up. One of them referred to the paintings as the ‘Ashcan School’ because they

Further explaining his connection to the Ashcan School Robert says, “It's the artists painting us. That's what I do. I'm the surrogate for us. I don't go out and say, I think you'd like this. All of these are things that occur to me, stop me. I

Art & Antiques

ROBERT BECK

HERE AND NOW

September 14 - October 6

Receptions

Friday, September 13, 5:30-7:30 Saturday, September 14, 1:00-4:00

•

wonder something like, how would you paint that? How would you get that across? How would you make that statement? I call it naming it. How would you give that thing a name so that someone else would get it?”

Robert wants his paintings to have both a universal meaning and he wants it to be personal. He talks about his painting of the inside of a barn that is hanging in his studio. “Everybody's been in that barn. Even if you haven't, you know what it is. And the fact that I haven't used the classic Pennsylvania Dutch barn sort of wakes you up a little when you come in because it's new. It isn't typical. You come in and you look at it and you know exactly where you are. You can feel the space. You can smell the dirt floor–the little light coming in. It's dark. While I was painting that, one of the farm workers came in. He turned the lights on in the barn because he figured it would help me. And I said, no, you have to turn them back off again. He thought I

was crazy to be painting in the dark. But that's what it feels like when you walk in there. And it feels more personal to encounter that place like that. You just walked in the door. You haven't even turned on the lights yet. That smell. The whole encounter.”

Robert uses primarily an earthtone palette. He says that his palette is earth color on the left side with prismatic warm and cool red and blue at the top. “I work out of that left side, that earth palette, basically a Zorn palette or limited palette, whatever you want to call it. I'll work out of three or four colors, dirt colors, to do the majority of the entire painting. But towards the end, when I've set that table, then I can move over to the right side of the palette and introduce that lemon yellow to create the sunlight, and it'll have a contrast. Everything else is dirt, that's the prismatic color, that's the bright. I don't do the dark darks, I don't do the light lights. I do the middle zone, and I make sure that

it's kind of earthy, kind of gray. And when I'm done, anything I do to the bottom and the top is much more accentuated because it's against this gray middle background.”

Robert’s paintings bring you right into his experience. A painting of a person standing on a beach in front of the ocean is a powerful and inspiring image. Dorian, Robert’s wife, is standing with her back turned to the viewer and facing the ocean. “You can hear that thunderous crunch of the wave. You know what it's like to stand there. It's just, it's awesome.”

Roberts thinks and asks, “How do you paint awesome?” He answers himself saying, “I think you need the person, her gesture, that motionless transfixion focused on the waves, tells you a lot about the waves. Like I can see the light coming through the top of the crest there on the other side. They do that.”

Robert Beck encounters his subjects and catches something in the here and now that is immediate and it speaks to us because it is us. This is the theme of his exhibition at the Morpeth Contemporary Gallery. It is his theme. In the process of pursuing his art, he has received 29 significant painting awards, was a finalist for the Pew Fellowship in 2000, and in 2014 was awarded the Philadelphia Sketch Club Medal for Excellence and Contribution to the Arts by the oldest artists’ club in America. He was the Honored Artist at the 2017 Phillips Mill Exhibition and the New Hope Arts Center Legacy Artist in 2018. In 2020 he was elected a Signature Member of the American Society of Marine Artists.

Here And Now is an exclusive solo exhibition featuring the latest paintings by Robert Beck. This event marks Beck's first solo exhibition since his acclaimed retrospective at the Michener Art Museum and will run from September 14 to October 6, 2024 at Morpeth Contemporary, located at 43 West Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ. To contact the Morpeth Contemporary gallery, call 609-3339393. For more information, visit www.morpethcontemporary.com.

First Light, oil on panel, 18" x 24"

VRed Tulip

isit Red Tulip Crafts to experience the best in handcrafted fine craft being made in the Eastern PA and Central NJ regions while meeting the artists who made them. This artists’ cooperative is the hidden gem of the New Hope crafts community, featuring a range of disciplines, such as jewelry, pottery, glass, fiber, pysanky, carved gourds, photography, painting and wood.

We're staffed entirely by our artist members, so you can rely on our deep understanding of the crafts we represent. We love to talk about our art and will eagerly answer questions you may have about techniques, materials, and processes. You’ll always find beautiful, unique, and creative pieces that will be treasured for generations—ideal for gifting or adding to your own collection. We welcome you to visit us in person or take a look at our website. Red Tulip is located at 19C West Bridge St, New Hope, PA. For more information, call 267454-0496 or visit RedTulipCrafts.com.

Art & Antiques

Lachman Gallery

Celebrating 70 Years of Fine Art

Al Lachman is celebrating his 70th year as a professional artist with his annual show at the Lachman Gallery. Ever since he sold his first painting at age 17, Al Lachman has lived and breathed his art. During his career as a fine artist, he has drawn and painted thousands of original works. He’s a master at his craft, yet technical expertise plays a minor role in creating his vibrant expressionist work. Intuition plus the willingness to take risks are what keep his work fresh and alive.

Originally from New York City, Lachman has lived and worked in the New Hope area for the last 25 years and continues to create one-of-a-kind paintings in various mediums (oil, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, etc.) often within the same painting.

His expressionist style hovers between the real and the abstract with sub-

Lachman Gallery will bring the paintings of your choice to view in your home. Best of all, there is no obligation for this service

ject matter ranging from figurative to landscape and still life. In much of his work he simplifies forms and liberates color in a way that sets him apart. The negative space surrounding objects takes on equal importance, but the subjects themselves serve merely as a vehicle to get to the other side. “I let my subconscious take over,” he said, “and go into that zone where the soul emerges.”

A painting by Lachman will not only capture your imagination but will also become the focal point of the room in which it is hung. Each beginning of a painting is different for Lachman. He explains, “Each medium has its own personality … things it can do and things it cannot. So when I put them together in the same painting, I can achieve something truly unique. I am a morning painter. I get up and I go to work. I then say to myself how can I paint this differently than I have ever painted it before? I challenge myself with the possibility of failure so that I can find new edges within myself but I don’t allow it to fail. I stay with it, as long as it takes, until the magic is there.”

So mark your calendar and be sure you visit this show from November 9–December 22, 2024. The Lachman Gallery is located at Peddler's Village (Shop #44), Street Road, or Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska, PA. For more information, call 215794-5500 or visit www.allachman.com.

Country Places, The Hendershot Legacy

This Autumn, Patricia Hutton Galleries will present Country Places, The Hendershot Legacy. Ray Hendershot, AWS, NWS (1931–2019) & Bradley Hendershot (born 1958).

Bradley Hendershot is a painter of rural Pennsylvania and coastal Maine, regions that he knows well and that have special

meaning for him: “My Pennsylvania paintings depict the rural community and a way of life that is quickly fading into the past.” Brad, who works in watercolor which he finds challenging and rewarding, was inspired by his father, artist Ray Hendershot. Ray, a signature member of the American Watercolor Society and the National Watercolor Society, exhibited widely over a 65 year career. “My world is a simple life in a simpler time, far removed from the difficulties and complications of today. It speaks of values and dedication to a life of honest, wholesome living.” Mr. Hendershot was a painter of textures. Although he selected the barns, farmhouses, wagons and fence rows, his true subjects were their surfaces. He used a limited palette of muted earth tones and gradually built his textures in alternating

C A S C A D E

JENNIFER HANSEN ROLLI THROUGH OCT 13 2O24 SEPT 14

layers of wash and dry brush, creating surface depth that enriches the painting. Ray said of his work, “In painting, my goal is to communicate to the viewer my emotional response to the subject.”

Both Ray and Bradley have won multiple national and regional awards for their finely detailed, evocative depictions of country landscape. Some paintings record historical houses and locations and others were drawn from the mind’s eye, combining elements that the artist found aesthetically pleasing. Gallery owner Patricia Hutton says, “We will be reminded of how lucky we are to live surrounded by peaceful countryside.” The show will open with a celebratory reception on Saturday, October 12 from 5 - 8 p.m. and be on exhibit until November 23. The gallery is located at 47 West State Street in Doylestown’s historical district. For more information, call 215-348-1728 or visit the website www.PatriciaHuttonGalleries.com.

OCTOBE 2024 Fall Invitational C R 19 & 20 raft Show

All-Ages Fun & Entertainment

• Hands-on art experiences

• Beer garden

• Great food

• Kids’ activities

• Capoiera Demonstrations

• Sculpture garde

• Artist demos

• Cobb oven and bench experien

• Wood Kiln Firin and Events!

• Door Prize!

Fine Craftspeople

• Ceramics

• Fine art

• Fiber

• Furniture

• Glass

• Leather • Metal

• Photograph

• Sculpture

• Wood n ce gs Sponsored in part by y

• Jewelry

Distinguished Jurors Represent Each Medium

T 10 STAABLEMILLTRAIL RICHBORO, PA • 267-218-0290

T TyylerParkArts.org

Annual Small Works Show

It is that time again, for our Annual Small Works Show running November 3 through December 28. It is a good opportunity if you are looking for a special new piece of art by a local artist for yourself or as a gift. The opening reception is Nov. 3 from 1p.m. – 4p.m. Also, if you need framing for the holidays, it is best to bring it in asap. Canal Frame-Crafts Gallery at 1093 General Greene Rd.; Washington Crossing, PA 18977, www.CanalFrame.com , 215-493-3660.

“Long Valley Winter” by Joe Kazimierczyk; Oil on Canvas; 7 x 11. Representative of the artwork in Small Works 2024

Art & Antiques

CCurated Collections

urated Collections, a fine home furnishings and decor consignment shop, recently opened along Rt. 202 in New Hope, PA. The shop is owned and run by mother-daughter duo, Michelle and Ariel Corace. Michelle, a native New Hope resident, also owns Bucks County Vintage, a vintage and antique shop located in the same area. She noticed the need for a home furnishings consignment shop after receiving numerous inquiries to consign pieces at Bucks County Vintage. After discussing the opportunity with her daughter, Curated Collections began.

Curated Collections opened their doors in June and are quickly becoming a staple in the community. Located in the red barn at The Courtyard at Lahaska along Rt. 202 and directly across from Peddler’s Village main entrance, Curated Collections offers a showroom filled with beautiful pieces and has something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking for modern, vintage, or antique, they have it all. As their name states, they curate their selection of home furnishings and decor to provide only the finest quality pre-owned pieces for your home. They are always welcoming new consignments and have a constantly changing inventory. If you are downsizing, changing your style, or are in search of quality pieces at affordable prices, you should consider Curated Collections.

Curated Collections’ showroom located at 5791 Lower York Road, New Hope, PA. Their hours are Mon: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Tues: Closed, Wed–Sat: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Sun: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

For more information about the consignment process, call 215-798-6970 or visit www.curatedcollectionsbc.com. You can also follow on Instagram@curatedcollectionssbc.

“Quiet Season,” watercolor

Art & Antiques

LFloral Fine Artist

aura Brady Gallery, located at The Shops at 3900, Hamilton, Blvd, Allentown, is on a mission to impart a sense of wonder for nature through art, offering a moment to pause and reflect on the beauty that surrounds us in creation. The gallery showcases the award-winning work of floral fine artist, Laura Brady. At the gallery, you will also find Laura’s working studio, as well as fine art prints and floral art inspired gifts. As an avid garden enthusiast, Laura’s process begins in her cut flower garden. Her work is inspired by the wonder of creation, and she truly desires to capture the pure essence & beauty of nature with each paint stroke creating a unique connection between the flowers she paints so the viewer can truly “Experience the Wonder” of nature For information, visit laurabradygallery.com.

95th Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill

The iconic Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill, Bucks County’s most prestigious annual art event, celebrates its 95th Anniversary this year in the historic 18th century mill that’s been its home since 1929. Serious art collectors from across the region and beyond anticipate this show as an important opportunity to expand their collections.

Work by this year’s Honored Artist, Janine Dunn Wade of Doylestown, will be featured as well as the show’s signature image, March Afternoon by Frenchtown artist Donna Ruane Rogers. The work of over 100 additional artists will be on display including paintings, drawings, works on paper, sculpture, printmaking and multimedia pieces. Offering a wide variety of media and artistic styles, this show never disappoints.

Considered the Birthplace of Pennsylvania Impressionism, Phillips’ Mill Community Association was founded by William Lathrop and fellow artists including Daniel Garber, Edward Redfield, Fern Coppedge, John Folinsbee and others. They began the annual exhibition tradition that the PMCA continues to this day.

This year’s show runs September 21–October 27, open daily 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Phillips’ Mill Community Association is located at 2619 River Road, just north of New Hope.

All works are for sale at the Mill and online. For more information, call 215-862-0582 or visit www.phillipsmill.org.

March Afternoon by Donna Ruane Rogers, the signature image of the 95th Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill.

Peonies, Pansies and Badger by Janine Dunn Wade, Phillips’ Mill’s 2024 Honored Artist

Art & Antiques

Bucks County District Tour

Prepare to immerse yourself in the creative pulse of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with the highly anticipated inaugural Bucks Art Districts Tour. This annual spring event will run from April 25th–27th, Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and is a celebration of the county's rich and diverse artistic talent. It will offer a unique, behind-thescenes look at the creative processes of local artists, making it a must-see for art enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.

This tour has been an ongoing dream of ArtWRKD Founder Ashara Shapiro. She envisions a coming together of community and creatives and bringing the conversation she has at her exhibition space in Historic Newtown out into greater Bucks County. “We have to rewrite our discussions and predisposed opinions of the importance of living a creative life and rebuild the support structures necessary to hold these creatives up as the only valid storytellers of their generation. In an advanced technological world, art will be the only true pictorial history. We have to celebrate these creatives by investing in connecting with them and learning from them …” said Ashara.

Forms: From traditional to contemporary, the tour boasts a dazzling array of artistic disciplines. Meet the Masters: Personal Connections: During the tour, you’ll have the unique opportunity to engage with artists face-to-face. Take Home a Piece of Bucks County: The tour offers a fantastic opportunity to purchase original artworks directly from the artists. Hands-On Learning: Workshops and Demos: Some artists will be offering live demonstrations and handson workshops. Building a Thriving Artistic Community: The Bucks Art Districts Tour perfectly aligns with ArtWRKD’s mission to nurture and promote emerging and seasoned artists while creating unique experiential opportunities for art enthusiasts.

The Bucks Art District Tour includes Open Studios: Where Magic Happens: The Bucks Art Districts Tour invites you into the private studios of local artists, offering an exclusive peek into their creative sanctuaries. A Feast for the Eyes: Diverse Art

The Bucks Art Districts Tour offers various participation levels, ensuring everyone can be part of this vibrant celebration. From patrons purchasing tickets to artists, art organizations and galleries. ArtWRKD community sponsorships are now open to be a part of the Guidebook and QR code maps all ticket holders will receive directing them where to eat, stay, visit. We are thrilled to announce that Bucks County Magazine is our first sponsor. This publication has been a beacon for Bucks County and we are thrilled to have them onboard.

For more information on the Bucks Art District Tour, visit www.ArtWRKD.com.

THE FACTORY ANTIQUES

& COLLECTIBLES

Art & Antiques

Elise M. Redfield Artist

Of The Art Reproductions

Visit Oil Paintings by Jim Lukens

Bucks County Impressionist Oil Painter Jim Lukens

MAIN STREET GALLERY

1236 W. Broad Street • Quakertown, PA 18951

Open noon - 5pm, Friday - Sunday 610.442.4112 • JIMLUKENSART.COM

AOY Art Center

949 Mirror Lake Road Yardley, PA 215-493-1205

www.aoyarts.org

AOY Art Center offers various programs, including shows, education for adults and youth, and a popular summer art camp. With over 290 artist members, ranging from beginners to professionals, AOY provides exciting and innovative programs taught by professionals. They host juried and non-juried shows, fundraising events, and social gatherings to showcase artists' work.

Artefact Architectural Antiques

Rt. 263, The Village Barn Furlong, PA 215-794-8790 www.artefactantiques.com

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, terra cotta, and wood.

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 areas.

Images: Elise M. Redfield©

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 fullservice gallery. Featuring both originals and prints, we represent many fine local artists. We have also received awards for our custom framing.

Doylestown Gold Exchange

812 N. Easton Road

Doylestwon, PA 18902

215-345-6630

www.doylestowngoldexchange.com

Turn old and broken jewelry into cash that you can use today.We buy and sell gold and jewelry.

Factory Antiques

130 W. Main Street Silverdale, PA 215-453-1414

Exceptional selection of antiques and vintage from over 45 dealers displayed on three floors.

Fallsington Antique & Craft Shop

4 Yardley Avenue Fallsington, PA 215-295-0251

The Antique & Craft Shop provides a charming selection of collectibles and antiques appropriate to Fallsington. You’ll find candles, vintage dressers, linens, pottery, stenciled slates, primitive cupboards, antique country tables & chairs and antique lighting.

Main Street Gallery 1236 West Broad Street

Quakertown, PA 610-442-4112

www.jimlukensart.com

Bucks County Impressionist oil painter. Landscapes, wildlife and still life.

Mercer Museum

84 S. Pine Street

Doylestown, PA 215-345-0212

www.mercermuseum.org

The Mercer Museum is a six-story reinforced concrete castle designed by Henry Mercer (1856-1930) and completed in 1916. Today, it is one of Bucks County’s premier cultural attractions and a Smithsonian affiliate. The museum complex features local and national traveling exhibits, as well as a core museum collection of over 50,000 pre-Industrial tools.

Michener Art Museum

138 S. Pine Street 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 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.

Morven Museum & Garden 55 Stockton Street Princeton, NJ 08540 609-924-8144

Morven.org

Morven Museum & Garden, is a historic 18thcentury house. It served as the governor's mansion for nearly four decades in the twentieth century, and has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

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 bowls, decoys, pottery, and fine frames. continued on page

Autumn Pocono Daydreams

Fall in the Poconos is a dream of relaxation and seeing mountains, lakes, forests painted in vibrant hues, resorts, festivals, tours, restaurants, cabins, cottages and house hunting

BY HENRY CRYSTAL

My favorite time of year to visit the Poconos is the fall. The crisp air and colorful foliage comes sooner than it does here in Bucks County. Just the thought of waking up in a cabin overlooking a lake surrounded by trees showing off their bright apparel while I’m wearing a warm flannel shirt, drinking a cup of hot coffee and peering out the window makes me long to actually be in this daydream.

Now in this daydream, I wait for my wife to wake up and when she does, I make a stack of pancakes and a pan full of scrambled eggs and we enjoy the view from the kitchen window as we eat and plan our day. If we are lucky a few deer will in sight, foraging in the nearby forest.

If this is the first day of our visit, I would want to take a road trip. The scenic beauty of a drive through and around the Pocono Mountains, snugly encased by our automobile, is stun-

ning. We like to visit Big Pocono State Park. Every time we take that drive we see deer. If we get out of the car, we may even see other creatures. Once I saw a very tired looking coyote. Maybe we will get out of the car and walk a little on the trails. By the time we finish driving around the park area, we normally drive to the summit of Camelback Mountain. From the top we see the ziplines and can view three states. Over the side below the ziplines is the Camelback Resort. For hikers, the park features 8.5 miles of trails, some of which include steep grades.

There are so many things to do while enjoying the foliage. The Pocono Mountains Website (www.poconomountains.com) lists 25 ways to enjoy this magnificent display of colors. A few that really appeal to me are taking a train tour of the foliage on the Pocono Express (www.thestourbridgeline.net). Or taking walking tours in Pocono towns like Jim Thorpe and Milford or maybe walking the trails at Bushkill Falls (www.visitbushkillfalls.com).

There are also hayrides, ziplines, vineyard tours, and you can also enjoy fall’s splendor by skydiving, kayaking, fishing and sailing at one of the Pocono Mountain’s 150 lakes. Then, of course, there is bike riding and golfing.

Although single day visits to the Poconos are always fun, staying there a while is better. It is good to experience the relaxation of staying in a cabin. And there are so many opportunities to get excellent rentals.

The Poconos are a great place to have a second home—one that begins as a getaway for family and friends and may become permanent after retiring. Many fall visitors to the Poconos are in-

terested in buying a vacation home, retirement home or plan on moving to this vibrant region. The Poconos offers many kinds of cabins, lakefront properties, townhomes, resort properties and small town living. And vacation homes are the best way to insure great vacations and weekends throughout the year.

Large resorts like Camelback, Great Wolf Lodge, Skytop Lodge, Mount Airy Casino Resort and others draw vacationers and weekenders all year long. The indoor waterparks, golf courses, adventure parks and gaming are available for fun and entertainment, and the Poconos have a plethora of restaurants that offer both casual and fine dining. Bed & breakfasts are plentiful and so are honeymoon hotels with romantic packages that include everything from a setting for the proposal to getaways for couples wanting to add spice to their marriages. Family fun can be enhanced by camping in the many campgrounds and state parks.

What is great about the Poconos in the fall is how close they are. There is no need to make a reservation on an airline or spend the first day there with travel fatigue. The area is large. Maps on www.pocono.com show an area that begins just north of the Lehigh Valley and ends being adjacent to New York State. It is one of the skiing capitals of the East Coast and it is nearby. It is a land of mountains and lakes, forests and streams, resorts and restaurants, hotels and cabins. No wonder I daydream about going there, especially during the autumn.v

Henry Crystal is a freelance writer who lives in Bensalem, PA.

Our late 1800’s Victorian bed and breakfast has all the charm and serenity that you can hope to find while visiting Historic Jim Thorpe.

Phillip’s Mill

2619 River Road

New Hope, PA

215-862-0582

www.phillipsmill.org

The historic Phillips’ Mill has been a welcoming space for visual and performing artists for more than 100 years. Yet, our quaint center for the arts was once a working grist mill, a structure of historic significance that we must preserve for generations to come. The Phillips' Mill Community Association supports programming in the visual and performing arts and hosts social and educational events.

Phoenix Art Supplies & Framing

1810 S. Easton Rd

Doylestown, PA

215-345-0980

www.phoenixartsupplies.com

Acrylics, Oils, Watercolors, and Gouaches top quality paints are available for beginners and pro artists alike! To suit your needs, a selection of popular paints, mediums, and varnishes ranging from student to professional grades are in stock. And Phoenix Art Supplies & Framing has one of the largest and most eclectic frame selections in the area with over 2,200 frame choices selected from 21 different manufacturers.

Red Tulip Gallery

19C Bridge Street

New Hope, PA

267-454-0496

www.redtulipcrafts.com

Red Tulip Gallery is an artists' cooperative run by members of the Bucks County Guild of Craftsmen, a local chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen. We're artists and fine craftsmen working in a range of disciplines, such as jewelry, pottery, glass, textiles, photography, painting, and wood.

Silverman Gallery

4920 York Road, Route 202

Holicong, PA

215-794-4300

www.silvermangallerybuck scounty.com

The Silverman Gallery of Bucks County Impres-

sionistic Art is committed to promoting the next generation of fine artists painting in the Impressionistic style. These proven, award-winning artists carry on the tradition of such eminent painters as Edward Redfield, Fern Coppedge, Daniel Garber and the other fine artists that produced a legacy of creative expression reflecting the beauty of Bucks County.

Simons Fine Art

Framing & Gallery

122 N. Main Street Dublin, PA

215-249-9155

Simon’s is artist owned and passionate about art. And it is dedicated to the craft of fine art framing and committed to keeping it affordable and accessible.

Stover Mill Gallery 852 River Road Erwinna , PA

610-294-0420

www.tinicumcivicassociation.org

In its 64th season, Bucks County's longest continually running art gallery will hold its 10th Juried Art Exhibition during four weekends beginning October 12th with a gala opening on Sunday, October 13th - 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

The Frame Game Stores in Newtown and Yardley, PA 215-860-8727 Newtown 215-321-9141 Yardley

www.theframegame.com

The Frame Game specializes in Custom & Do-ityourself framing. You name it, we'll frame it! We have two locations with a huge selection of moulding, and a unique collection of gifts and home decor items.

WhoaShop Woodworking 220 Jacksonville Road Hatboro, PA 19040

845-642-9732

WhoaShop Woodworking designs and builds custom furniture that is an eye-catching centerpiece of your home. We work with top interior designers and provide the highest quality tables, wood countertops, home bars, islands and heirloom pieces.

continued from page 67

chener Art Museum, TileWorks and Fonthill Castle. Yet, Laurel Highlands is where she hangs her hat and, when not shaping the future of Touchstone, Lindsay is shaping her own haven, a 1939 log home, that was purchased two years ago. “That's been the most recent project, renovating this house and doing all of the gardening and the interior as well. It’s another creative avenue I guess,” Lindsay, who has three cats and a dog, all of them rescues, said. “I've really enjoyed doing it. Not that there haven't been some tears. Learning how to do tile and all of that. That's been really challenging, but rewarding.”

Taking something with decades of history behind it and bringing it into the future with creativity, skill and vision sounds an awful lot like Lindsay’s day job at Touchstone Center for Crafts, but don’t tell her that. “It doesn't feel like a job. I talk to so many people who are unhappy with what they do as a career. I never feel that way. Not that there aren't challenging days. It's not an easy thing to be doing, but I like the challenge of it. I like the people I work with. I like the team. I like interfacing with other arts administrators in the field,”

Lindsay Ketterer Gates said. “I’m definitely excited about the future for Touchstone. We've spent the last six years making some great improvements. Touchstone is going really well and our audience is expanding, and we're working on expanding what we are offering to the community. I think we're just excited about the future in general.”

For more information about Touchstone Center for Crafts, 1049 Wharton Furnace Road, Farmington, PA or its upcoming events, call 724-329-1370, email info@touchstonecrafts.org or visit www.touchstonecrafts.org. For more information on Lindsay Ketterer Gates, visit www.lindsaykgates.com, or on the Laurel Highlands website, visit www.golaurelhighlands.com.v

Cynthia Marone is a freelance writer who lives in Philadelphia.

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Easy As Pie

Writer Diana Cercone’s aversion to eating pies gave way when she tried a rhubarb and strawberry hand pie from Pie Bird Farm at the Wrightstown Farmers Market and was instantly hooked

You’ve probably heard the saying “easy as pie.” Well, to anyone who has sifted through mounds of flour, beat pounds of butter (unsalted, of course) or tins of lard to a creamy consistency— not to mention a day’s worth of peeling apples, peaches or pears—knows, it is not easy to make a pie. I know. Though considered by my family and friends to hold my own when cooking, the art of baking alludes me. So much so that I gave up trying years ago. I even convinced myself I

didn’t like pie—tamping down any memories of my mom’s scrumptious pies she’d crown our holiday tables with.

That is until one fine Saturday this past May. My sister-in-law, Susan, bought a rhubarb and strawberry hand pie from the Wrightstown Farmers Market as a treat for me since I was homebound, having recently had shoulder surgery. The hand pie, she said, was made by Pie Bird Farm.

I thanked her, not letting on that I was less than thrilled. (It’s the thought that

counts, right?). I set it aside while I put away the market’s other fresh bounty she had bought. But every time I moved the hand pie, which was six-inches wide, weighed about 1/2 lb. and enclosed in an open-ended, pastry wrapper, I could feel that it was still warm. Its aroma ignited my tastebuds and, like Odysseus, I capitulated to its siren call. Still I told myself, “Okay, one bite and then toss.”

Boldly, like confronting an enemy, I took a bite standing and eating it over my kitchen sink, ready to defend my taste-

Photo: Paul Wesley

buds. The rush of sweetness from the strawberries quickly followed by the refreshing tang of the rhubarb left an intoxicating mouth feel of deliciousness. And, oh, the crust! Buttery, sweet and flaky. Before I knew it, I gobbled it up like I had never had had pie before. And just as clear as a dry martini, I knew I had to have more.

Pie Bird Farm is the culinary creation of husband and wife team, Eric Theesfeld and Jennifer (Jen) Brodsky. Jen is the baker and Eric, a jack of all trades kind of guy, heads farming their land with Jen as well as prepping the fruit that she magically turns into pies.

I caught up with them one Saturday on their 58-acre, 1860’s farmstead in Ottsville. Caught up might not be entirely true. My Siri was not cooperating that morning and, totally lost and a half hour late for our interview, I called Jen. “No worries,” she said, and sent Eric to my rescue.

Shortly after, Eric pulled next to my car in Wehrung’s Lumber & Home Center’s parking lot. Flashing a countrywide smile, he said it happens all the time—even to delivery truck drivers to the farm—and told me to follow him. (I figured he said that to make me feel better. But, once at the farm, he assured me he didn’t.) He also introduced me to his car companion, one-year-old Potato, affectionally called Tater, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Jen and Eric had adopted him from Waiting on a Friend Animal Rescue in Ottsville.

For now, Eric said, all the pies are made in their farm house. Most of the piemaking and prep work happens in their airy, walk-out basement stainless steel kitchen, with the rolling of dough and boxing of the baked pies in the window-filled room upstairs. The future plan is to move the pie baking operation to the farmstead’s barn, a short walk from their kitchen door.

As I walk down the stairs, strains of “C’est si bon” (“It’s so good!”), a classic French jazz standard fills the air. Reaching the bottom, I turn to find Jen, her hair tucked beneath a dark green baseball cap

with the words “May the Forest Be With You” imprinted on the front, busy crimping mini tart shells at the large work table. Not missing a crimp, she looks up and, greeting me with a warm smile that shows off her dimples, explains that ever since she saw Meryl Streep in It’s Complicated, she tunes into a French song station on Pandora when creating her pies.

As we chat, Jen confesses that she wasn’t much of a pie person herself at first. Growing up in Bristol, and later in East Falls, she says, making pies wasn’t among her parents’ talents. Her first encounter with pie-making came when she was in 5th grade at The Miquon School in Conshohocken. Her assignment was to make a pie from scratch without a recipe. So memorable was her success that upon graduating, her art teacher had drawn a pie on her diploma to commemorate her achievement.

Watching her expertly roll out dough for the mini tarts which, when baked, she’ll fill with her freshly made lemon curd and crown with fresh whipped cream and blueberries, it’s hard to believe so many years had passed since her Miquon pie-making. So seemingly natural does it suit her.

Fast-forward to 2020. By then, Jen had traveled to Europe, joining a friend in Ireland where she belonged to the only CSA [at the time] on the Aran Island. That fall, she helped friends create a huge dinner around a pumpkin from the farm. That simple act of creating something from a single vegetable to bring people together has driven her career and life ever since, she says.

Leaving Ireland, she worked at a farm in France for a short time before heading back to the States. By now, farming and community became her raison’d’etre.

Back home, Jen worked as a farm manager for the first organic farm in Montgomery County before settling in Bucks County, where she worked with José Garces on his New Hope farm; become a food consultant and a vocal voice for fresh, local food; as well as meeting

Eric online (their first date was on Valentine’s Day), and, later, marrying him. The couple moved to Erwinna before buying their present Ottsville farmstead almost four years ago.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, she and Eric opened Farmhand, delivering food from local farms to customers from Newtown to Riegelsville. On a whim,

Watching her expertly roll out dough for the mini tarts which, when baked, she’ll fill with her freshly made lemon curd and crown with fresh whipped cream and blueberries, it’s hard to believe so many years had passed since her Miquon piemaking. So seemingly natural does it suit her.

Jen added a mixed fruit galette she had made to the menu. An immediate hit, the galette sold out with customers clamoring for more.

Shortly after, the couple sold their business and bought their Ottsville homestead with the goal of becoming regenerative farmers and pie makers. For by now, Jen had become passionate about making pies and seeing how through them, she and Eric connect with their community—both with the farmers whose products she uses and with her customers who buy—one delicious bite at a time.

And, oh, her pies! Each is made from scratch using only quality ingredients: either organic, like the cultured, organic butter and cream from Oasis Farm in Lancaster, or from local farms and orchards that practice sustainable farming. “Ingredients are the inspiration for me,”

Jen says. “I’m not looking for shortcuts, though I probably should. But I just can’t. Nothing I use is pre-sliced or manufactured.”

That’s evident in her perfect in every way pies. The array of which seems boundless. Jen is always thinking of new creations, such as her recent Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Pie with a rhubarb compote and lilac-infused whipped cream. Jen likes to add a compote to some of the pies, she says, especially a mixed berry one. Lately, she says, she’s been thinking of a double chocolate crumb crusted cream pie with cocoa and chocolate chips. (Gotta love the way this woman thinks!)

Some of the pies she’ll be making this fall and for the holidays are: Classic Lattice Apple, Salted Caramel Apple, Blueberry, Pumpkin, Salted Caramel Bottom Pumpkin, Maple Whipped Cream, Pear Maple, Cheesecake Pie with Italian Plum Compote and Mile-High Apple as well as hand pies and galettes. All full-size pies and galettes are nine-inch and chock full of fruit. Her Mile-High Apple starts with a whopping seven pounds of apples and, after baking, comes in around a hefty five pounds.

So want to know what’s really easy as pie? Eating one of Pie Bird’s. C’est si bon!

You can find Pie Bird pies one Saturday a month at the Wrightstown Farmers Market (www.wrightstown farmersmarket.org), Wheat & Vine Provision Co. in Doylestown (www.wheatandvineprovisions.com) and Farmer Jawn (farmer jawn.com), a 2024 James Beard Award Winner, in Westown, as well as at Pie Bird Farm (www.piebird farm.com). For all venues, call or check its website for pie availability or to place an order. For example, Jessica Jackson, co-owner of Wheat & Vine with her husband, Kevin, picks up freshly baked pies from Pie Bird Farm on Friday mornings to sell in their shop. For Thanksgiving pies, all orders should be placed by midOctober. v

Diana Cercone is an area freelance writer who specializes in food, art and travel.

Upper Bucks County

Historic small towns and villages connected by country roads that run beside farms, forests, lakes and rolling hills is Upper Bucks County where the old provides a setting for shopping, dining and entertainment. Visit Upper Bucks!

Imagine iconic villages surrounded by rolling hills presenting historic stone farmhouses, barns, open space, parks, and it’s very own Vansant airport where you see vintage biplanes fly above the Delaware river. Then think of new shops, upscale boutiques, fine restaurants, breweries, artists and artisans. Your imagination has taken you to Upper Bucks County. Here we see small farms, baled hay and shoppers scurrying in and out of stores shopping. The contrast seems almost stark; cosmopolitan and small-town, commercial and rural, historic and modern. This is why Upper Bucks County

with its deep roots in the past, scenic countryside, glistening river and bountiful farms is a tourist destination that caters to lovers of natural beauty and up-to-date culture, art, cuisine and fashion.

The towns in Upper Bucks County are connected to each other by state and county roads which traverse the rural countryside. Although there is similarity between them, they each have their own history and character. Take a drive up there and visit the shops and businesses on the attached two pages and enjoy it!

EVERYTHING SETS US APART

Update your existing cabinets with a high quality factory finish.

Custom carpentry, colors and many other design choices are available. No Brushes or rollers.

And we do it in a fraction of the time & cost of a full renovation.

• Soffit Removals

• Cabinet to Ceiling trim

• Pantry Walls

• Custom Hood Vents

• Beverage & Wine Bars

• Upgraded Door Styles

• Custom Colors

Restaurants with Taste / Frank

D.Quattrone

Blue Olive

The first thing you’ll notice about A hidden gem tucked into the corner of a modest shopping center in Warrington, the Blue Olive delivers to guests what co-partner Nabil Amri calls “a culinary cruise in the Mediterranean.” More than mere metaphor, Blue Olive’s menu boasts an impressive array of what Nabil deand Morocco, with generous nods to Italian, Greek, and other Near Eastern foods.”

family’s kitchens, and the Moroccan Lamb Shank was inspired by the chef’s.

The menu has been fashioned by the partners, with major input by Nabil’s dear friend, Moroccan-born Executive Chef Taoufiq Chouikhi, who also helmed the kitchen of Nabil’s previous restaurant, Doylestown’s Blu Mediterranean Cuisine, which thrived for years until the pandemic

ancient Moroccan myth. And the chef has transformed that “wealth” into his culinary art.

Nabil and co-partner and cousin, Amir Amroussi, are most proud of what they call their authentic homemade dishes. Amir says, “Our guests tell us it’s like dining out with family. The food is home style in presentation and taste.” In fact, Nabil says many of the dishes—like the steamed couscous and the taben (or tabil, a versatile spice blend, generally of coriander, caraway, fennel, and chili) originated in his

The chef describes cooking, which he says is encouraged among Tunisian men and women from their early years, as “artistic, musical, very sensuous. It’s like art— how the food is presented, how its aroma reaches you and, of course, how it tastes.” And Taufiq should know about art, having toured with his former band, Tiraline, as a professional singer, guitarist, and pianist, both in his home country and here in the states. It's fascinating to learn that Tiraline was a mythical city of fabulous wealth in

Which brings us to Blue Olive’s raison d’être, or reason for being. Your meal might begin with Grilled Calamari Tubes (Italian) or Spanakopita (Greek) and end with a cup of strong Turkish coffee. In between you can choose from a host of familother savory Mediterranean flavors.

For their appetizers (mezze, or small plates, similar to Spanish tapas), many guests wisely choose the restaurant’s Meze Cold Trio or Meze Hot Trio, a sampling of three great Mediterranean specialties. For our Meze Cold Trio, we reveled in the familiar Hummus and Baba Ghanoush, but enjoyed most the Muhammra, a spicy Syrian dip made of walnuts, roasted red peppers, pomegranate molasses, and spices. On a previous visit we enjoyed a

Photos: Paul Wesley

Ristorante Imperatore

The name is decidedly regal. It fits the restaurant well. Imperatore, translated from the Italian, means emperor. The restaurant’s vaunted Caesar Salad is a crown of homemade crostini filled with Romaine lettuce and dressed with homemade Caesar and Reggiano and Parmesan, the latter considered “the king of Italian cheeses.” And that’s just for starters.

And why Italian? After all, Chef Adel, like many Italian restaurateurs in the area, was born in Tunisia. For those who’ve forgotten their ancient history, Tunisia was the site of Carthage, an affluent civilization in northern Africa that became one of the most important trading hubs in the Mediterranean and a worthy rival of Rome during the Punic Wars and beyond in the early years of the first millennium.

he’s adapted for Imperatore, a dish you won’t find in too many other Italian restaurants. Pappardelle Coda di Bue is a homemade wide pasta graced with slowcooked oxtail ragù. We tried it during our most recent visit and were absolutely sold on its originality and piquant taste. And “homemade on the premises” is the key at Ristorante Imperatore—from the dressings and sauces to the pastas,

The latest creation of Chef-owner Adel Khemiri, a proud Tunisian who has served the industry faithfully for nearly a quarter century, Ristorante Imperatore has attracted a loyal following since its opening in 2017. Not hard to understand why. For all its regal trappings and high professionalism in the kitchen and dining rooms, this Ambler mainstay remains a warm, down-to-earth destination for families, couples, and friends who simply savor great Italian food.

Chef Adel reminds us that “our histories are intertwined. Even today, Tunisia produces much of Italy’s fine food. It’s a natural connection. I love Italy. I’ve been there many times. Do you know that Rome is less than an hour’s flight from Tunis?” That’s roughly the distance, by air, from Philadelphia to Baltimore or the Nation’s Capital. And it’s only scant nautical miles from the island of Sicily.

On a recent trip to Italy, Chef Adel tasted a wonderful Roman specialty that

which is clearly a labor of love for Chef Adel, who believes in keeping it fresh, and shops for produce himself virtually every day.

During our last visit, Eve and I were greeted by the courtly Luis Hernandez, who recited a host of tantalizing menu specials from memory and with great relish. He told us that all the servers, including the ever-genial Nancy Cullum, many of whom have worked with Chef Adel at his previous kitchens in Montgomery County

Meze Hot Trio of Falafel, Arancini (a crisp risotto dumpling with a slow-cooked tomato sauce, a traditional Sicilian street food), and three pieces of Grilled Shrimp Saganaki on a bed of arugula.

An attractive alternative to the usual order of appetizers and entrées is Blue Olive’s “Signature Meze,” a combination of five hot and four cold mezes for just $80.00. Both times we couldn’t resist a steaming hot plate of Cheese Saganaki, a popular Greek appetizer soaked in brandy, then flambéed before being doused with lemon juice. The chef told us that many guests order this dramatic dish every time they visit.

Then came our entrées. Eve loved her Moroccan Lamb Shank, braised and brushed with a savory sweet-sour agrodolce sauce and dried fruits. And I had the spicy, perfectly seasoned Seafood Kabob, a generous plate so laden with alternating juicy jumbo shrimp and chunks of yellowfin tuna that the skewer nearly dis-

RISTORANTE

and elsewhere, do the same and feel the same. The chef later confirmed that most of these specials are available on any given night, as his guests enjoy them so much.

The two we chose as appetizers—Burrata, a rich shell of Mozzarella wrapped around a mixture of cheese curds and topped with roasted red pepper and a balsamic glaze, and Artichokes Romano, whole artichokes marinated and grilled and served with a garlic aioli—easily whetted our appetite for more of the chef’s inspired fare.

We also shared three entrées. In addition to the Pappardelle Coda di Bue, we ordered two of the regular menu items— Vitello Imperatori, veal medallions sautéed with crispy-tender asparagus, crab meat, and fresh herbs, served in a white wine sauce and topped with melted mozzarella; and Sacchetti Formaggi e Pere (also known as “Beggar’s Purse”), pasta parcels stuffed with pear, ricotta, and Parmesan,

appeared beneath the seafood, the pilaf rice, and grilled carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and yellow squash. Desserts include Pistachio Baklava.

During our meal, we spoke with a very happy customer, Toby Hess, a regular at the nearly three-year-old restaurant, who told us, “I come here for the [Seafood Couscous] Paella. It’s the best I’ve tasted anywhere this side of Spain.” Nabil also shared that many guests have compared Blue Olive to Philadelphia’s heralded Israeli/Middle Eastern restaurant Zahav. While that might not be literally true, the Warrington gem never disappoints.

And it’s not just the menu that draws loyal guests back to Blue Olive again and again. It’s the hospitality so revered in Middle Eastern countries. Partner Amir Amroussi, born in the U.K. to a British mother and a Tunisian father and with his business based in New York, tells us that he’s been in the hospitality field for more than a decade. This cosmopolitan gentle-

man, in his charming British accent, takes pride in what he calls “our proud heritage of hospitality.”

This is why you’ll see Nabil, Amir, or Taoufiq mingling comfortably with guests, making recommendations, explaining the intricacies of the menu, or asking how they enjoyed their meal. And don’t be surprised if the chef offers you a cup of

“Moroccan whiskey,” the nickname of the popular aromatic Moroccan tea, augmented with a huge mint leaf, as an alternative to Turkish coffee. The perfect way to top off your Mediterranean cruise aboard the Blue Olive.

Blue Olive Mediterranean Cuisine is located at 1432 Easton Road, Warrington, PA; 215-3373113; www.blue-olive.com. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Closed Monday. BYOB. Reservations highly recommended on weekends. Available for takeout, delivery, catering, and private parties.

topped with a rich cream sauce—all three among the most enjoyable Italian dishes we’ve had in years.

As generous as our portions were, we still had room to enjoy a surprisingly fluffy Pistachio Ricotta Cheesecake for dessert, with a demitasse of espresso—a perfect finish to a great meal. Again, we were not surprised, as we’ve enjoyed Chef Adel’s culinary magic from the time he opened his first charming neighborhood ristorante, Venezia, in Hatboro in 2003, to the present.

He says he began cooking during his college days in southern Tunisia (“to have good things to eat”) and learned much of his craft by experimenting, ultimately refining his technique at the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in Philadelphia. “It can be exhausting,” he says, “but it’s a job I’ve always loved. I befriend many of the people I meet and serve and love to see them go home happy and come back again.”

A committed family man, Chef Adel has always found time for his lovely wife Melek and their two children—Fares, 12, and Malak, 7—who have enjoyed coming to the restaurant since day one. Just as he cares for his family and his guests, you’ll soon learn that he pours his heart into every dish.

The menu at Ristorante Imperatore is a revelation and a delight. Even more so are the chef-owner and his devoted staff. Don’t miss it!

Ristorante Imperatore is located at 36 West Skippack Pike, Ambler, PA; 215-646-8500; www.ristoranteimperatore.com. Open Tuesday to Thursday & Sunday, 3:30 to 9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 3:30 to 10 p.m.; closed Monday. BYOB. Lunch returns in September. Reservations recommended; walk-ins always welcome. Available for banquets, private parties, and takeout. Wine lockers available for regular guests.

Dining Out Guide

EXPERIENCE ING

BUCKS COUNTY

Baci Ristorante

Route 202 & 413, Buckingham, PA 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.

Charcoal BYOB

11 South Delaware Ave. Yardley, PA 215-493-6394

www.charcoalbyob.com

A neighborhood gem, since 1995, Charcoal has been crafting seasonal meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At Charcoal we experiment with modern culinary techniques while incorporating the classics.The room is casual and comfortable, entertaining both young families and long time regulars. In the evening, the music changes, candles are set out on the tables, and many diners show up with some of their favorite bottles of wine. Handmade pastas, the freshest seafood, Painted Hills beef, Griggstown Farm Chickens fried to order, and house made bread and desserts make any evening feel special. Charcoal BYOB is a family restaurant, with a bit of a modern twist.

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 peppercornbrandy 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.

McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn, c 1750, corner of Main & Broad Quakertown, PA; 215-538-1776

Dining Out Guide

Country Inn Serving Fine & Casual Fare

We invite you to sample freshly prepared seasonal specials…

Come in and relax in our comfortable dining rooms featuring unique pieces of original art Wed., Thur., Fri., Sat. dinner from 5pm • Sun. dinner from 4pm

Closed on Mon. & Tues.

Reservations Appreciated 610-847-2662

Rt. 611 and Churchill Road, Ferndale, PA 15 miles N. of Doylestown on Rt. 611 www.theferndaleinn.com

www.mccoolesredlioninn.com

Upscale atmosphere for the working person’s wallet, featuring humanly raised, antibiotic and growth hormone free foods with cooperation of local farms. The best of live entertainment on weekends and Al fresco dining on the patio in season. Online and phone reservations available and suggested for weekend dining.

La Villa Pizza and Family Restaurant

21 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Morrisville, PA

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 Thursday 10 a.m.—10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.—11p.m. Weekday buffet 11a.m.—3 p.m. Major credit cards accepted.

Non Solo Pasta Ristorante

900 West Trenton Ave. Morrisville, PA; 215-736-0750

www.nonsolopasta.restaurant

Non Solo Pasta features creative Southern Italian cuisine with the delicate flavors of an authentic Italian kitchen. Our menu includes modern and original interpretations of handmade pastas, seafood, veal and other traditional dishes that maximize the flavors of seasonal fresh ingredients. Carry Out Premium Wine and Beer available.

Pineville Tavern

1098 Durham Road, Pineville, PA 215-598-3890 www.pinevilletavern.com

Since 1742, the Pineville has served the greater Philaselphia area, making us one of the country’s oldest operating taverns. Serving steaks, pasta, ribs, burgers, crab cakes and chicken. Upstairs, the 1742 Room is an intimate space that boasts vaulted ceilings, random-width pumpkin pine flooring, and a handcrafted farm table made from reclaimed wood. An ideal venue for business functions, birthdays, wine dinners, holidays, and showers.

Springtown Inn

3248 Main Street, Springtonw, PA 18981

Dining Out Guide

610-346-7262

www.springtowninn.com

We offer a large selection of delicious, freshly made to order entrees and desserts at reasonable prices. Our friendly, professional staff provides exceptional customer service. Specialities include Prime Rib, Steak,Seafood and Chickenn. Tavern Menu and our famous Strawberry Shortcake.

Tonys Place

1297 Greeley Ave, Ivyland, PA

215-675-7275

www.tonysplaceivyland.com

Prepared by a world class culinary staff, the menu at Tony’s Place features a full array of small plates, sandwiches, salads, and entrees that are sure to delight. Our chefs have developed a menu that adapts to the seasons with locally sourced ingredients to satisfy your taste buds. Cocktail bar and entertainment.

Vela, 140 Veterans Ln, Doylestown, PA

215-230-8352

www.veladoylestown.com

is named for our location on Veterans Lane in Doylestown. We opened our doors in 2018, excited to join the community at the heart of Bucks County.We believe that the best experiences are shared with friends and family enjoying food and drink with warm hospitality. From fresh, house-made pastas to craft cocktails featuring local spirits, we offer a taste of Doylestown that values traditions, both new and old.

Washington Crossing Inn

1295 General Washington Memorial Blvd., Washington Crossing, PA 215-493-3634

www.washingtoncrossinginn.com.

The Washington Crossing Inn adjoins the spot where George Washington and his troops assembled before crossing the Delaware River on Christmas Eve night in 1776. Executive Chef Estaurdo Gonzalez serves up fresh salads, appetizers, and entrees such as Filet Mignon, Apricot Pork Chops, Chicken Schnitzel, Homemade Gnocchi Primavera, Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Grilled Salmon, Crabcakes, and Sesame Tuna. Bar and cocktails.

Vela

Staying Fit at Any Age

A HIDDEN GEM

by Vicky Paraxismos Waite

One bright and sunny Sunday morning, my son asked me if we could go on what he calls a mom and son day to Frenchtown, New Jersey. He wanted to catch up with his friends and customers in one of his favorite towns. It sounded good to me. Along the way we came across a garage sale and we stopped to see if there was anything interesting to find. Sure, enough not long after we arrive, Bobby spots an interesting, unusual and unique type of treadmill. I was already familiar with it. I have read about it before, and it's supposedly a great piece of equipment. It's called the NOHRD Sprinkbok Treadmill. I know it's known to have a hefty price!

This treadmill was brand new, and I just couldn't turn it down at the price. Luckily, we brought my truck. Bobby and a couple others carefully put the NOHRD Sprinkbok in the back of the truck. This is a motorless curved manual treadmill. It is an attractive piece with a handcrafted wooden frame. It can be ordered in different shades of wood. I’m more than ready to go home and try it out.

We got back from Frenchtown much later than I had expected. But overall, it's supposed to be a mom and son day,

right? Once home Bobby gets me all set up and I can’t believe how new it looked. Such a great price made me feel like I made out like a bandit. I'm looking at the handlebar that is sleek and sturdy with a built-in display for tracking workout data during use. I anxiously leap on this beautiful well-made sturdy well put together treadmill.

You can do any kind of running training through the ball bearing mount slats. The running belt’s inward curve gives the motorless treadmill the natural running feel. I felt it as soon as I hopped on it. And, when running on a manual treadmill it takes about 37% greater oxygen uptake and about 22% higher heart rate compared to running on a track or motorized treadmill at the same speed. You are getting more burn in less time. The 47" x 17.3" running deck and 4-inch-wide foot rails are smaller than any average treadmill which is ideal for small spaces. The 112 ball bearings offer an extremely smooth glide which I feel every step of the way as I continue power walking.

With the NOHRD Sprinkbok Treadmill you can do all types of running, sprints, distance training and interval runs. The natural linoleum, laminated wood slats, guarantee, antislip, even with a wet surface. The handlebar features the monitor screen at the top with all cables and electronic engineering stored on the inside of the rails. The vibration absorbing natural rubber makes this quiet running noise when in use. With the highest quality materials, the Sprintbok is a maintenance free machine. No dusting or belt tightening. No oiling or greasing of the parts necessary.

The Sprinkbok Treadmill knows no speed limits, nor does it require any settings. Compared to conventional treadmills, the Sprintbok’s curved manual treadmill technology delivers a more tense and effective running workout. I can certainly say it's unlike the other treadmills. As I continue my workout, I can definitely feel the difference

since I am the motor and it's so quiet. With the Sprinbok being a curved treadmill, it has been proven to increase average calories by 30 to 40%. This in contrast to walking for 10 minutes on a flat treadmill at 3 mph. To walk, jog or run just climb on and shift your body weight forward. No buttons necessary. Since you don't have to push to propel yourself forward, traditional treadmills don't activate your whole legs. You can go from a comfortable walk to an all-out sprint, runners can fully take it at their own pace.

The rubber surface of the curved treadmill helps absorb the impact on your joints and connective tissue, preventing injuries associated with pounding the ground. And curved treadmills are great for sprint intervals. The Sprinkbok curved Treadmill will force your legs activating everything from your glutes to your hamstrings. Traditional treadmills aren't

designed like a curved treadmill, meaning your joints are more prone to wear and tear over time. There's a lot to offer in the NOHRD Sprinkbok Treadmill App: Free training, scenery runs, and fitness trails. With the Sprinkbok Treadmill it’s less friction when the foot strikes, making more muscle engagement. As I speed up my power walking to a running pace the belt

EXCEPTIONAL CARE

starts moving faster in return. How fast you want to run is entirely up to you at any given moment while using the Sprinkbok Treadmill adjusting your own speed and stride.

The benefits of the Sprinkbok Treadmill is that you burn calories faster, zero electricity, no required power, customized workout no matter the fitness level, different uses in just one machine, service life, and less maintenance.

As I get off the Sprintbok Treadmill, Bobby, being the clean freak that he is, brings out his detailing mitts, brushes, and his Adams polishing pads to tackle my Sprinkbok Treadmill. They don't call it mom and son day for nothing, right?

For more information visit www.nohrd.com and like with any other fitness program always consult your physician before beginning.

Sunset

Seedtime & Harvest

the Lord said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man's heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done. While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”

Genesis 8:20b-22 (ESV)