Doylestown Town & Country - Spring/Summer 2021

Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021

Town & Country

Doylestown Profiles • Dining • Shopping • People The Arts • Entertainment • Around Town

Hardwood, Cork, Laminate, Luxury Vinyl Tile, Lenoleum Vinyl, Carpet, Area Rugs, Runners, Ceramic Tile Window Blinds

TWO NEW EXHIBITS

May 23 – September 6, 2021

Contents spring/winter 2021

36

50

45

26

AROUND TOWN 10 DOG PHOTOS

45

CALENDER

16 MERCANTILE

56

PEOPLE

18 STYLE

62

ART

26 DINING

66

JEFFERY GREENE

36 LOOKING BACK 68 Cover: Photograph of Hargrave House by Bobby Waite

4 Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021

You are buying more than a home, You are buying a lifestyle!

Serving the Real Estate needs of the community since 1963!

215-348-8111 •

ClassHarlan.com

From My Desk / Bob Waite

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here is nothing like walking down State Street on a breezy summer day and seeing people, some rushing to get back to the courthouse after finishing their lunch breaks, while others are window shopping, dining al fresco, or on their way to cultural institutions, like the Michener and Mercer Museums. And, of course, people are walking their dogs. What would we do without these lovable creatures that are walked up and down the streets of Doylestown?

From them we get unconditional love, comic relief and a break from the rushing about we think is so important. Photographer Lisa Bridge, through her lens captures the beauty and winsomeness of man’s best friends who happen to live in Doylestown in her photo essay, “Dogs.”

Doylestown, culture and the arts are practically synonyms. A new market with a new concept, Mercantile, opened in November 2020 in what used to be the Bon Ton building at the Doylestown Shopping Center. An artisan market with a department store feel, Mercantile is much more than your typical crafts market. Writer Crystal Malachi tells us about this unique venue for artists of all kinds in her story, “Shopping At Mercantile,” and she even tells us what she bought there.

In our Spring/Summer 2021 issue of Doylestown Town & Country we also look at the artistic career of world class furniture designer and maker Jeffrey Greene. In our feature, “Art & Engineering,” writer Chrysa Smith explores the work of this creative genius and his acomplishments.

In our Spring/Summer issue of Doylestown Town & Country we also have an interview with the director and CEO of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, a story about a local artist who paints rural landscapes and animals, a Calendar of Events, profiles of interesting people living in Doylestown, shops and services around our town, and many other things that make Doylestown so special. So let us help you to have an enjoyable spring and summer in our great town.

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For those who call Doylestown home….

Flo Smerconish Flo Smerconish is your unparalleled real estate professional. And she offers the perfect pairing: Her encyclopedic knowledge of every nook and cranny in the Borough and Township combined with Compass, a cutting-edge company building the first modern real estate platform. It’s the best of all worlds.

Flo Smerconish and Compass. An ageless pairing.

215.694.8500 mobile • 215.348.4848 office 54 W. State Street • Doylestown, PA flo.smerconish@compass.com

Doylestown Town & Country Publisher William N. Waite

Account Executives Lisa Bridge, Kathy Driver

Executive Editor Bob Waite

Lisa Kruse

Art Director BCM MEDIA, INC.

Adminstration/Circulation

Photography Bobby Waite Advertising Director Vicky M. Waite 215-480-9675

Melissa Kutalek Doylestown Town & Country Living Guide is published annually by BCM Media Company, Inc., 309 W. Armstrong Drive, Fountainville, PA 18923. 215-7662694. Published 2x a year in the spring and fall. All contents copyright by BCM Media Company. All rights reserved.

J EA N C HI LD S BU Z G O

verman Gallllleery Sillv

BUCKS COUNTY IMPRESSIONIST ART

IN BUCKIN GH A M G REEN - on Rt. 202, 5 miles north of Doylestown 4920 York Road, Road Holicong, Holicong PA A 18928 • 215 215-794-4300 794 4300 • www www.si silvermangallery.com lvermangallery com

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AROUND TOWN

The Larder Will Test Your Taste Buds

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short distance from the center of town in Cross Keys Place you’ll find The Larder where you’ll discover hundreds of products available for cooking, baking, snacking and entertaining. If you never been there, you’re in for a treat. Products are sold in any quantity you would like, from ounces to cases. You buy only what you need and they have gluten free items too. Also, check out their custom made gift baskets for any occasion.

A friendly staff awaits you and can help you find your favorite nuts, candy, coffee beans, dried fruits, jam, herb or spice.Visit The Larder at 800 N. Easton Road, Doylestown, PA. Call them at 215-345-5757 or visit www. larderofdoylestown.

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Le Macaron French Pastries

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s longtime residents of Doylestown and parents to four boys, Steve and Louise Lee have shared the common goal for a change of pace from the life they built over the years.They found the right fit when they opened Le Macaron French Pastries franchise. They have a very unique product offering. Because the brand’s signature, macaron is made without preservatives or gluten, we can also reach a more diversified, health-conscious customer base.

Being French Canadian and having been raised in Canada for a number of years, they fondly remember enjoying French pastries rarely seen offered here in the states. Having the opportunity to share their culture by bringing authentic macarons and other French pastries to Doylestown added to the appeal.

Their French pâtisseries have a modern European design offering signature pastries each handcrafted by our team of French chefs. Our true French macaron is made with the finest glutenfree ingredients, no preservatives and is about 80 calories each. Beyond the signature macarons, our menu includes gourmet chocolates, French gelato, classic French pastries, European style beverages and homemade candies. Steve and I share duties managing the store and bring complimentary skills to meet the needs of the store.Visit them at 4 W. Oakland Ave., Doylestown, PA. Call 267-454-7193 or visit www.lemacaron-us.com.

SPRING REAL ESTATE • BOSTON GETAWAY • DINING OUT

BucksCounty magazine Annual Wedding Guide Gardening At Andalusia Racals, Rogues & Rapscallions A Stockton Renovation Evan Harrington

Spring 2021

Pick Up a Copy

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hile in Doylestown be sure to stop by Doylestown Bookshop and pick up a copy of Bucks County Magazine.The spring issue is loaded with entertaining features on homes, gardens, people, food, the arts, events, and our Annual Wedding Guide. Keep one handy in your car while touring Bucks County this spring and summer.To order a copy contact us at 215-766-2694 or visit www.buckscountymagazine.com.

Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021 11

AROUND TOWN Period Architecture

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eriod Architecture is celebrating the opening of their second office in the Borough of Doylestown. Located in the Main Street Marketplace building at 22 S Main Street, this office is the epicenter for the firm’s design projects located in Bucks County and its surrounding regions.

“Doylestown is the heart of Bucks County and we’re thrilled to have a space to host our local clients and colleagues,” says Joe Mackin, CoFounder and President.“Our designs have always been driven by the character of the region, and this region exudes limitless inspiration.”

Period Architecture is a custom architectural firm specializing in in new homes, additions, renovations, barns, and buildings with enduring designs tailored to each distinct client. See their entire portfolio on their website at www.periodarchitectureltd.com.

Haring Brothers

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Haring Brothers, Inc. is a full-service country butcher shop offering a wide variety of quality meats including fresh beef, veal, lamb, poultry, fowl, and seafood to name just a few. Our meats are freshly cut and cut to order to our customers' satisfaction. Our steaks are hand trimmed to our customer's specifications. Our mission is to provide our customers with quality meats and personalized service. Everything is cut to order to meet our customers' satisfaction. For more information, visit www.har ingbrothersmeats.com..

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Evolution Candy

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ames and Tracy started Evolution Candy in October of 2018. They absolutely love the small town vibe of Doylestown and enjoy getting to know their customers and their favorite treats. Open 7-days a week year-round, they take great pleasure in being not just a candy store, but also an ice cream shop that is famous for their milkshakes. They also do gift baskets filled with candies, gourmet snacks, and chocolates for any and all occasions.Visit them at 45 E. State St., Doylestown, PA. 215-3490874 or www.evolutioncandy.com.

New Beginnings, Growth and Renewal

ow on view at Patricia Hutton Galleries: New Beginnings, Growth and Renewal–a gallery wide Spring Exhibition of seasonal landscape and floral still life. The show featues twenty awardwinning artists painting in oil, pastel and watercolor. Expect to see budding trees, blossoming flowers, meandering Hamden’s Spring, a 12” x 26” pastel by Michael Filipiak brooks, river banks and the rolling hills of Bucks County and beyond. The beautiful soft colors of Spring are on view through June 6. The Spring Exhibition will be followed by their annual Summer Vacation show featuring holiday destinations near and far in landscapes as well as marine paintings. See their website for complete information about all artists. Patricia Hutton Gallery is located on 47 West State Street, Doylestown, PA. 215-348-1728 or visit www.patriciahuttongalleries.com.

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Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021 13

AROUND TOWN Import1 Motorsport

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obert Winn, owner of Import1 Motorsport is no ordinary car dealer. He specializes in pre-owned sport cars. Robert likes to drive cars from his inventory home each night as his own personal test before they are given the rigorous performance testing and detailing to make them ready to sell. Import1 Motorsport is more of an automotive toy store than your run of the mill dealership. Robert attributes his success to what he calls personalized service. From the days of matching buyers with sellers, he never stopped building relationships with his customers and he stands behind his products.

Lately Import 1 Motorsport has been focused on a large Corvette inventory complemented by an array of collectibles and other interesting offerings. They also offer a very effective consignment program for customers that would like their vehicle professionally advertised, Maximizing their sale price.Visit Import1 Motorsport at 6773 Easton Road, (Rt. 611), Pipersville, PA;.

215-783-2897; www.import1motorsport.com.

Stay Over Night in Doylestown

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lan your stay at the Doylestown Inn in the heart of town. The Inn offers 17 spacious rooms to accomodate business professionals, couples and families. Most of the rooms have been recently renovated, offering upscale, refined details while still staying true to the history and character of the building. And, while there enjoy dinner at The Hattery, Stove & Still. To reserve contact the Inn at 215-345-6610 or visit them at www.hatterydoylestown.com.

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Mearns Mill Manor 2021

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he Village Improvement Association of Doylestown held its first Bucks County Designer House & Gardens fundraiser in 1971 at Wheelbarrow Hill. With community support and member dedication for 50 years, this event is now the VIA’s largest annual fundraiser and has raised more than $5 million to benefit Doylestown Hospital and to fund its mission-focused programs.

This year is the 46th Annual Bucks County Designer House and Gardens. It will feature a 1870s historic Ivyland property owned by the Heritage Conservancy. It has over 5,000 sq. ft. of design space including eight fireplaces, seven bedrooms, and extensive grounds. As usual, in addition to the fabulous interior and landscape design areas, they plan to have our wonderful boutiques. It will be open from May 2 to May 30, 2021. For tickets call 215-345-2191 or visit www.buckscountydesignerhouse.org.

The Native Cafe

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wner Jay Sullivan owns and operates Native Cafe, which is a lot more than your typical java stop. He offers a breakfast and bunch menu which includes breakfast sandwiches with eggs, meats and cheeses. And he serves Nord bread, Avocado toast,Tomato Jam Tosties and a Holy Basil Breakfast Burrito to name a few.

All of this along with assorted baked goods, and various coffee blends including coffee mochas, cappuccinos, cafe Au Lait, loose leaf tea, green chai, and tea lattes. So, stop by and see Jay at 12 S. Main St., Doylestown, PA or call him at 267-247-5096.

Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021 15

Calendar Spring/Summer 2021

Bucks Beautiful Garden Tour Sunday, June 13, 2021 Doylestown Historical Society Come visit and see our collections and artifacts of our past in Doylestown. We also collect stories. The narratives are the human connection to our past and it is these stories that help bring history alive.

Without the stories, all those photos, documents, and objects are just interesting things to look at. We also celebrate our past with events that commemorate Doylestown's people, places and events, so that they may long be remembered. Museum Hours: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Wednesday-Saturday or by appointment. 56 S. Main Street, Doylestown, PA 18901; 215-345-9430.

Bucks County Designer House and Gardens May 2- May 30: Mearns Mill Manor: Join us in 2021 for our 46th annual Bucks County Designer House & Gardens. We will be restoring a wonderful 1870s mansion to its former grace and splendor. This historic Ivyland property is owned by the Heritage Conservancy. It has over 5,000 sq. ft. of design space including eight fireplaces,

16 Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021

seven bedrooms, and extensive grounds. As usual, in addition to the fabulous interior and landscape design areas, we plan to have our wonderful boutiques, and we will be following Doylestown Health’s COVID protection guidelines.

This year our major cause is the Doylestown Hospital Women’s Diagnostic Center as well as the other charitable missions of the VIA. www.buckscountydesignerhouse.org.

Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce May 13: Bucks Fever Talent Show June –September: Bucks Fever Brown Bag-it with the Arts September 26: Excellence in Design Tour http://www.centralbuckschamber.com.

Pearl S Buck June 3: Grand Opening of the new Conference & Event Center June 24: Woman of influence Dinner & Award Ceremony September: Taste of World Gourmet Reception

520 Dublin Road, Perkasie, PA 18944; www.pearlsbuck.org.

Peace Valley Nature Center Ongoing: Saturday Morning Walks May 9,16,30: Naturalist Foray June 17: Firefly Frolic June 20: Naturalist Foray, Herps June 25: Bring Your Own Kayak 170 North Chapman Road, Doylestown, PA. 215345-7860; www.peacevalleynaturecenter.org.

Bucks County Covered Bridge Tour Ongoing: The Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau and the Bucks County Covered Bridge Society present this self-guided tour of Bucks County’s covered bridges. The tour begins at Washington Crossing Historic Park. The 90-mile tour makes a large circle through Bucks County and is designed so that travelers can start at any one of the bridges. GPS coordinates are given for each of the bridges. Pick up a copy of the brochure Visit the Historic Covered Bridges of Bucks County at locations throughout Bucks County. www.visitbuckscounty.com;www.buckscountycbs.org.

Mercer Museum May 21-September 6: Measurement Rules Exhibit 84 South Pine Street, Doylestown, PA 18901;215345-0210; www.mercermuseum.org.

Michener Museum Through July 11: Essential Work 2020: A Community Portraits April 29-September 26: Collection Spotlight: Etchings by Daniel Garber July 30-Januaray 2: It’s Personal: The Art of Robert Beck 138 South Pine Street, Doylestown, Pa 18901;215-340-9800; Michenerartmuseum.org.

Doylestown Pride Festival June 17-20: Celebrating diverse sexual orientations and gender identities in the Doylestown community, a collection of local organizations and businesses came together to create this local tradition. The multi-day event will feature a series of films at the County Theater, panel discussions, a block party on State Street, and various pop-up events and celebrations throughout the community. https://dtownpride.com.

Bucks County Classic Race September 12: The Bucks County Classic in beautiful Doylestown Pennsylvania is more than just a

race. We embrace the sport of cycling and offer experiences for all to participate. Bring your child to one of our Learn to Ride clinics, join local organizations on a group ride, try your hand at virtual racing or experience the thrill of American bike racing on race day when racers give their all as they circle the eight turn 1.4-mile course vying for their piece of the prize. www.buckscountyclassic.com.

28th Annual Doylestown 5k Race May 28: The Doylestown 5K Race and 1 Mile Fun Run are a Memorial Day Weekend tradition. We are taking all precautions necessary to host a safe and fun event this year. www.doylestown5k.com.

Bucks Beautiful Garden Tour June 13: This tour showcases an inspiring mix of properties in Doylestown, with top local designers showcasing their finest work. Bucks County Master Gardeners are also on hand to educate guests.

215-340-3639; www.bucksbeautiful.org.

Doylestown at Dusk Car Show July 17: Doylestown At Dusk is a classic car show featuring over 500 cars annually. Located on the streets of Doylestown, Pennsylvania the show offers a unique experience for car owners and admirers. Enjoy live music, local restaurants, and much more–all free to the public. www.doylestownatdusk.com.

Doylestown Art Festival September 11-12: Doylestown Arts Festival returns for its 29th anniversary. Featuring 160 juried artists, live music on 5 stages, local food vendors, live art, and interactive demonstrations, the festival is a great experience for all ages! Free to attend, the Doylestown Arts Festival is one of the largest and most celebrated arts festivals in the region. The festival runs 10am-5pm each day. www.dtownartsfestival.com.

Bedminster Traditional Artisan Show September 11-12: Meet over 35 of the top American folk artists, handcrafted period American art, museum reproductions. What you will see in the booths at the University is decorative arts, paintings (both oil paintings and theorem art), fabric art, pottery, furniture, quilts, baskets, carvings, all produced with the most skilled and conscientious craftsmanship. This wonderful fine arts & craft show is conducted each year in Doylestown, PA at the Delaware Valley University. www.traditionalartisanshow.com.

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People O By Bob Waite

Vail Garvin Dr. Vail Garvin FACHE, the director/CEO of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce finds her joy in helping people and making a difference in her community

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he first time I talked to Dr. Vail Garvin, it was on the phone. My brother, Bill told me that Blue Cross decided not to advertise in Bucks County Magazine. As a joke I told him, I think I can get the account. Being an editor that seemed farfetched, so he laughed. Then I found out from some friends at the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce that Vail was a vice president of Blue Cross/Blue Shield. So I called her and asked her to advertise. It so happens that she loved the magazine and thought that it was a good fit because of the upscale audience we reached. She ordered her marketing department to run a full page ad in every issue.

A few years later in 2000, when Don Whitney retired from the being the director of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, Vail Garvin, who had left Blue Cross became the new di18 Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021

rector and CEO. At the time the Chamber’ offices were on top floor of the Wachovia Bank on State Street in Doylestown. It so happened that Wells Fargo, who owned the building, sold all their buildings to another entity and they were raising the rent. Vail using her person to person method of solving problems, spoke with Fred Beans, owner of a Ford dealership in Doylestown and active in the chamber, and he helped her find new offices on 252 Swamp Rd STE 23, Doyles-

As a graduate in nursing, she was a good nurse but it was her organizational skills and ability to bring people together that made her most lasting contribution as an emergency room nurse. town, PA. The Chamber bought the space, paid it off and no longer pays rent to anyone.

Vail began serving the Chamber in the early 80s. She was on the board and in 1993 became the elected president. Her work for the Chamber had always been a labor of love. Speaking of her current job as director/CEO, she says, “This job enables me to help people in so many ways—in business development, healthcare and insurance. And that is what gives me the joy. That’s why I am still doing it.

As long as I can make a difference, I’m still doing it.”

Vail actually began working as a nurse. When she enrolled in the premed/biology program at Emory University, she realized that being a physician 20 Doylestown Sping/Summer 2021

may not be what she really wanted to do.

She says, “Back in the 60s women, if they were doctors, and there were very few of them, that had to be your life. And I knew that one day I wanted to meet somebody, get married and have children. And I didn’t see how I could necessarily do both.”

As a graduate in nursing, she was a good nurse but it was her organizational skills and ability to bring people together that made her most lasting contribution as an Emergency Room nurse. “My nursing career didn’t last long, although I was a great nurse. There I started the first chapter of the Emergency Department Nurses Association in Georgia. I lived in Georgia for 15 years and then I came back to Bucks County. I am a Bucks County girl and love it here.”

After coming back to Bucks County, Vail, a divorcee with two children, needed a good job. She applied at Warminster Hospital to run a home health agency.

Her credentials and post graduate degrees in public health made her a good candidate. She went to the CEO’s office to apply and the secretary asked her to leave her resume. Vail wouldn’t. So, she got an interview that day with the health inspector. “I told him I wanted a job, I could do it. I have two little boys. I needed the job and I’m very loyal.” She got the job on the spot.

After six years Vail became the CEO of Warminster Hospital. As CEO she saw opportunity when The Trauma Foundation was going to pick one Level II Trauma Center in the area. She worked hard to get Warminster up to the task, and it was the hospital the Foundation picked.

“My thought was to build Warminster Hospital from within, because if you’re in a bad accident and you go to that hospital you get great doctor care, great nursing care and you walk out, you are going to stay loyal.”

She worked hard to make Warminster Hospital into more than simply “a nice community hospital.” And she was being watched. The CEO of Blue Cross/Blue Shield saw what she had done to enhance the quality of care in the hospital and invited her to lunch. Vail says she was petrified by this sudden invitation. “At lunch he says, ‘Vail I want to offer you a job. I want you as a senior officer of Blue Cross.

And I am putting you in charge of public relations, public affairs, government relations.’” Vail, who calls herself an adventurer, took the job.

In 1993, Vail won the Bucks County Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award in the Humanitarian category. She got the award for her work at Blue Cross and many non profit organizations. She says, “I’ve given my life to non-profits, United Way etc., And I love it. I like making a difference. I often use the quote from Churchill. ‘You earn a living by what you get.

You have a life by what you give.’

As a vice president of Blue Cross, Vail met many movers and shakers, including Newt Gingrich. She was attending an event in Washington with the Congressman from Bucks County, Jim Greenwood and was introduced to Congressman Newt Gingrich, who she was told, was going to be the next Speaker of the House. As they talked, he recognized her, although she did not recognize him. He remembered her from classes at Emory.

Later he sent her an 8 by 10 color photo of himself, signed “your college friend, Newt Gingrich”. She promptly sent him a photo of herself signed, “your college friend, Vale Garvin.” Newt’s secretary was in stitches, and she made a connection with the Speaker of the House. Vail says, “My boss at Blue Cross could not believe it,” she says.

After Vail left Blue Cross in 1997, she remained on the board and she is also a 22 Doylestown Sping/Summer 2021

member of Blue Cross’s Corporate Business and Advisory Board and the Regional Advisory Board.

Dr. Vail Garvin sees her role at the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce as visionary. Her competent staff includes Sally Parham chief administrative officer and corporate secretary, Amanda Soler chief operating officer and editor of W4, Brad Sanders chief marketing officer and graphics designer of W4, and Debbie Hays, facilities and finance manager. Vail says, “We work together as a team and we all wear many hats.

Vail runs the Chamber like it is her own business. This was evident when early on she asked for a 33 percent cut in her salary because she knew that the Chamber could not afford it. “We get paid good salaries but to support that we have to do good to do well. So we have to put on wonderfully meaningful events that assist our businesses to grow and to understand different pieces of businesses.”

Vail is proud of the Bucks County Chamber of Commerce. “We are the only Chamber of Commerce in Bucks County that supports the arts, and that is just what Bucks Fever is all about.” Vail realizes that sculptors, painters and even museums are businesses and they all need help from the chamber.

She also likes to talk about exciting things that the Chamber provides such as the mentoring program where experienced people from a variety of businesses can meet with and help new start-up business owners jump through the hurdles of starting and maintaining a viable business. And things like the Chairman’s Circle that consists of the top 25 CEOs in the area. Vail, with her ability to bring people together has provided speakers for Chamber events that have included Joe Galloway, Dick Vermeil, Steve Forbes and Admiral Michelle Howard.

The Central Bucks Chamber of Com-

Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021 23

merce has scaled back some of their live events because of COVID 19, but it has used technology to keep their programs for businesses running. It has also helped the business community since day one of COVID restrictions and helped members apply for the various aid packages to local businesses as soon as they became available. Vail sees that training and adapting to changes in the local economy and technology challenges that need Chamber support. Amanda Soler is in charge of a business growth series that is on Zoom now.

Dr. Garvin wants the local business community to know, “We are here. We are in this together and our arms are always open to welcoming new people and businesses.”

For more information about the Central Bucks County Chamber of Commerce, visit www.centralbuckschamber.com. O Bob Waite is the editor of Bucks County Magazine.

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Alessio’s Seafood Grille

Fresh Italian Seafood Homemade Italian Specialties • Delicious Pizza 827 Easton Road Warington, PA

267-483-8500 alessioseafoodgrille.com

Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021 25

Art O Bob Waite

Jim Lukens Impressionist artist Jim Lukins is a joyful artist, grateful to display the beauty of rural Bucks County rural landscapes and animals in his paintings

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im Lukens is an oddity when compared to the cultural stereotype of the artist. He does not wear a beret, nor have an intense, stern and serious look. Instead he sports a smile, wears a cap and looks like a normal guy.

Jim as been painting for some time and he loves it, every bit of it. He says, “Staying around this long is one thing, but the over-the-top happiness my dog and pony show brings me is surprising.” No wonder. Jim, since fifth grade has known he would be an artist, and he has kept this desire at the center of his life. He has persevered and now it is paying off in joy, every day.

When I first met Jim, I only saw landscape paintings and few still lifes, but now, still being primarily a landscape painter, he has added many animal paintings to his repertory. Jim says, “I always considered myself to be a landscape painter, but my sister owns a

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hundred acres of farmland in Upper Bucks County and on it she has a family of foxes. I was taking photos, watching the foxes grow, so I put a fox painting in my gallery window years ago and it sold in a day. Now I always have a fox painting in the window and it looks like all I paint are animals, but I am still mainly a landscape painter.”

Jim paints landscapes in his signature impressionistic style. He sometimes adds people to his landscapes. “If there is activity going on, I want to include it, but I don’t do portraits. I leave portraits to people who have a propensity for that.”

Although Jim has painted landscapes in New Hope, Carversville and the other areas of Central Bucks County, Upper Bucks is now the subject he paints the most. And his scenes reflect the rich rural culture of an area of Bucks that Jim feels gives him un-

limited subjects for his paintings. He says, “The longstanding base of cultural activity enjoyed by Central Bucks can leave an artist feeling like small fish in a big crowded pond.

It’s the opposite for me here, and I’m happy to see it change, hopefully for the better.”

Jim uses a lot of earth tones in his paintings. His respect for the soil is evident in the earthy base of his palette, which serve as a perfect backdrop for colors of a spring bloom or sunlit snowbank.

Jim makes his paintings sparkle by adding vibrant colors that create a dazzling contrast by being set against a backdrop of muted earth tones. “I have to be appropriate, but the colors do stand out. I use one stroke of cobalt violet or blue. You don’t really see it. I put it there and they draw you in. They are a little bit like secret weapons.

I have to be careful that I don’t overdo it.”

Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021 27

Things took off for Jim when Jan Hench, the owner of McCoole's at the Historic Red Lion Inn and the theatre and art center next door, set Jim up in a classroom there. Jim’s life changed with teaching art 28 Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021

to serious adults who wanted to either improve their painting or begin to paint. “I love teaching and I do not want to simply collect funds and have a good time there. I really want people to learn.”

He also found that by teaching aspiring artists, his own art got better. “So when I teach students that they have to look at things like the values in their own composition and then I go home and look at mine. I sometimes say, ‘Oh crap!’ I have a list of trouble shooting guidelines, and before you call a painting finished, here’s all the checkpoints I want you to look at.”

Jim’s checkpoints include making sure the color is in the right place on the canvas, that brushstrokes are appropriate, that sizes and shapes have appropriate edges and so on. He says, “I now go down the checklist before I call one of my paintings finished.”

Jim describes his life as a teacher and artist as being more than a full. “I sit in my car sometimes and say, ‘I can’t believe this is really happening. I get so excited about

how my students are doing. I love painting and it’s getting better all the time. I am always in that vortex of being happy.’”

Jim Lukens exhibits his work in his own gallery, Main Street Gallery, 1236 W Broad St, Quakertown, PA; 610-442-4112; www.jimlukensart.com. In Doylestown Jim has his art in the Chapman Gallery, 46 E State St, Doylestown, PA; 215-348-2011; www.thechapmangallery.com. Jim has had a relationship with the Chapman Gallery for more than 20 years. He says, “More than any other gallery, I feel like there is a family connection there. It’s always been a good feeling to be there.

Bob Waite is the editor of Bucks County Magazine and Doylestown Town & Country.

Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021 29

SHOPPING Chapman Gallery

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H I S T O R I C D OY L E S T O W N Haring Brothers, Inc. Country Butcher Shop

Personalized Service & Quality Meats Steaks, Pork Chops, Lamb Chops, Veal Chops, Rib’s Hamburger Patties and Hot Dogs

Jim Lukens Original Art Custom Framing Prints Conservation 46 E. State Street Doylestown, PA 215.348.2011 thechapmangallery.com

Fantastic Steaks for Grilling 5484 HARING ROAD DOYLESTOWN, PA 215-766-8330

haringbrothersmeats.com "Curbside service is available"

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SHOPPING

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WE SELL BUCKS COUNTY From Condos to Castles.

• Seller Representation • Buyer Brokerage • Relocation

HEARING SERVICES

If you are dissatisfied with your: - hearing - hearing aids - cur ent hearing health care provider Call to schedule an appoint ent today!

O: 215.340.3500 ext. 129 M: 215.870.4101 Top, left to right: Fred Dunn, Scott Wilson, and Suzy Vore.

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AROUND THE BLOCK OR AROUND THE WORLD

RELOCATION IS OUR BUSINESS

Dr. Patrick M. Murphy Au.D., M.Ed., CCC-A, FAAA Board Certified and Licensed Private Practice Audiologist

330 North Main Street • Doylestown, PA 18901

215-230-9000 murphyhearingservices.com

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

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BUCK SBEA S UTIFUL.OR RG i ets also available at these locations: Tick • Blue Violet Flowers & Gifts, 1345 Easton Road, Warrington • Bucks Beautiful Office, 85 E State Street, Doylestown • Bucks Country Gardens, 1057 N. Easton Road, Doylestown • The Doylestown Bookshop, 16 S. Main Street, Doylestown

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Pine Run Retirement Community features a variety of dining options, a new fitness and aquatics center and easy access to the rich cultural life of Doylestown, as well as the security of being a part of the Doylestown Health System.

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32 Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021

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36 Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021

ART &

ENGINEERING

By Chrysa Smith

Doylestown furniture designer and world class artisan sees design as a balance of art and engineering

I

f you want to be a furniture designer, you have to explore,” says Jeffrey Greene, of the design studio by the same name. In his business, or I might say passion, he has done plenty of that, resulting in his 50 years as what I would call a highly skilled artisan in the furniture making business.

At the most basic level, Greene takes slabs from trees, and turns them into coveted dining and conference tables.

Over the years he has developed a nationwide client base of interior designers, including those who happen to stumble upon his website. But there is much more to Jeffrey Greene’s Design Studio. In an unassum-

ing building up nearDoylestown Airport, Greene’s workshop is full of slabs from trees that come from nearby Lancaster or other sourced suppliers located throughout the nation. Known to hand pick what is needed for a project, which he claims brings him great joy, Greene has delivered popular “live edge” tables that have found homes in places as far away as Russia and as near as the Michener Art Museum.

How does he do it? Through a lengthy process that involves securing slabs that are properly dried. According to Greene, that’s the starting point. Without proper drying, his designs would not be the generational pieces they are—pieces that get passed Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021 37

down to children and grandchildren.

“The air drying takes at least a year,” Greene says, “Then slow kilndried for as long as three months, and briefly kilned at a higher temperature.

This is a slow and costly procedure requiring skills specific to the large slabs.” Greene then adds what are called butterfly inlays underneath the center joint to assure that the piece never separates. The slab, says Greene, “is hand-rubbed about seven times equally to the top and slab underside, ensuring that seasonal moisture exchange is uniform on the top and bottom to prevent warping or cracking.”

He says, “A great design is a balance of art and engineering,” and Greene has done well at both. With a father who was a modern painter and sculptor (with a permanent collection at The Guggenheim), the talent to sketch and an eye for perspective and

00 Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021

detail come together with his love of building beautiful objects of art. n Greene’s website, which he says has become his design studio, a client can select table styles and leg styles. The supports are usually metals such as welded steel, aluminum or cast bronze—sometimes wood. This website showroom puts a picture together with a vision, and each piece is custom-made.

Greene has filled hundreds of sketch books throughout the years, depicting in pencil just what a finished product will look like. His drawing has allowed for him to specify metals, which are modeled, molded and cast. But it not only has to look good, it has to be functional as well, which is why dimensions are accurate and the edges of the slabs are smoothed. Epoxy is used to fill

O

Opposite bottom, Silver Forest Dining Table black walnut and brushed aluminum. Above, Spaceship Bench (In the Allentown Art Museum), black epoxy and cherry. Bottom, Jeffrey standing in front of wooden slabs in his workshop.

Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021 39

any cracks, which are common in the slabs. Some are purely performance related. Others are part of the design. In one particular black walnut slab, black epoxy ran down the middle of the table for the

entire length. It served as a design element, visually separating the table lengthwise and adding a bit of extra interest. Greene says black walnut is fairly popular, although he designs with more exotic

Top, Live Edge Single Claro Walnut Slab Dining Table with sculpted T bases in brass finish with brass butterfly inlays. Bottom, Shinto Dining Table black walnut. Opposite bottom, Black River Dining Table, English walnut, black epoxy, bent blackened steel.

40 Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021

woods, including Rosewood, Ebony, Lacewood and African Bubinga (and there’s more). “Rare wood doesn’t go out of style,” he says. And while the live edge is popular, it’s not the only design in his wheelhouse. Square and elliptical shapes are also part of his portfolio and has resulted in 56 projects last year alone.

So how does it work? Say for an example, for an 11-foot dining table, Greene will look at 12-foot slabs, which can be cut down. In fact, he has used the remnant to make a sort of small matching serving piece that can be pulled up to the table, accommodating more dinner guests. Once clients have visited the site and picked out a look, Greene will do the sketches, provide the quote, and then once decided, work will begin. Most tables will take an average of three months to produce, depending upon the complexity. “The decorating community is used to matching certain colors,” he says, which can be a

challenge when dealing with ‘nature’s art.’

Some will even want a whitewashed finish to go in shore homes. For this work, one of his apprentices has the skill to tweak coloration to meet designer standards. ike many creatives, Greene is an accidental furniture designer. Studying for a master’s degree in psychology, but not convinced, his father was instrumental in encouraging him to follow his passion. At first, he rented a dirt floor garage and built himself a sailboat from scratch. Putting himself out there through classifieds in fine woodworking journals, he began getting orders for beds and odds and ends. And that’s when he taught himself to draw. He says it gave him the ability to think ahead and create pieces that hadn’t been made before. And through it all, tables became his mainstay.

After about five years, he began an apprenticeship program, where he taught

L

Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021 41

would-be woodworkers the art and skill of furniture-making, marketing, and sales in return for a one-year commitment. For about 20 years, he had an average of five apprentices at a given time. About 50 apprentices came out of that program, some high-profile people, such as Jeremy Kimchi in Israel, Earl Nesbit in New Mexico, and Skylar Morgan in Atlanta. And as you might imagine, teaching and designing concurrently became quite a task. So, after about 20 years of teaching, Greene returned to his original love—sketching designs for tables. The sketching helped get commissions for his uniquely designed pieces.

While Greene is mostly self-taught, he did have designers who influenced him—

like George Nakashima out of New Hope, Phillip Lloyd Powell, a Germantown-born woodworker, important in the mid-century studio furniture movement and wood sculptor James Martin, renowned New Hope artist and sculptor, and of course, his dad George.

If you’re familiar with any of these gentlemen, you’ll get a sense of the flow and craftsmanship that make Greene’s passion for his skill so easy to understand.

Jeffrey Greene Design Studios is located at 3853 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA. For more information, call 215-3485232 or visit www.jeffreygreene.com.

Chrysa Smith is a freelance writer and a mom who lives in Bucks County.

RaphaelArchitects raphaelarchitects.com

42 Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021

215.348.5501

Tours available by appointment

Laine Walker is the Executive Director and Principal Guide of Maria’s House. A Montessori Diplomate of the Princeton Center for Teacher Education with a Masters in Educational Administration and advanced post-graduate work in early child development, Laine creates and maintains program standards that meet or exceed those established by the American Montessori Society, ensuring that each child is welcomed as an honored guest, treated with respect and hospitality, and guided to explore the wonder of simple things. Tours available by appoint-

ment. Schedule yours on the Inquire page of our website!

Tours available by appointment. Schedule yours on the Inquire page of our website!

Laine Walker, MA, NBCT

MariasHouseMontessori.com/Explore/Ponte-Montessori or call us at 610-290-5019.

DOGS Photo Essay by Lisa Bridge

They are our friends with ultimate benefits. Unconditional love and an extension of family. They are our guardians and playful clowns. Some are pedigrees and others are an endearing mix of canine beauty. They are an integral part of our neighborhood. We take comfort in their appearance and worry about their absence. They share their stories with soulful eyes and a wagging tail. Meet the dogs of Doylestown.

Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021 45

46 Doylestown Sping/Summer 2021

Opposite top, Rocco Kear with human cousin Collin. Opposite bottom, Jacque Pomper with arm candy Manuel, Edith Anne and Ruth Anne. Above, local heros, Dutch Shepard K9 Baron and Officer Andrew Hochmuth.

Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021 47

48 Doylestown Sping/Summer 2021

Opposite top, best friends and RV Travelers, Angie and Pepito. Opposite bottom, Champion show stoppers Journey and Hustle with their entourage of body guards. Above, guest greeters and guardians of the permanent residents at the Historic Doylestown Cemetery, Rorie and Harry. Bottom, Rosie Daugherty enjoying her girls day out with a spa treatment and a possible luncheon with friends.

Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021 49

DOYLESTOWN MAYOR • Ron Strouse In many ways, Doylestown runs on volunteerism. We have so many non-profits that help strengthen our community. Whether they are our museums or our social service non-profits, they depend on volunteers.

Our local government, in very major ways, depends on that same spirit of volunteerism.

There are more than 100 volunteers serving on boards and commissions. The nine members of Borough Council can also be seen as volunteering and serving without compensation.

For me, volunteerism is both a privilege and a responsibility. Before becoming Mayor, I chaired the Doylestown Revitalization Board as well as the Human Relations Commission. I've chaired boards of the County Theater and the Bucks County Tourist Commission and actively participated in a number of others too.

Not unlike everyone else, I've had a "real job.” For me, working in the US House of Representatives and then training as a chef and owning a couple restaurants and boutique hotels.

The real jobs have provided real satisfaction. However, it is my belief that the opportunity to volunteer in our community and beyond, in small ways and larger ways, will have the more lasting impact.

We have an extraordinary community. I hear that frequently. It does not mean that we don't face challenges. It does mean that, more often than not, we work together to meet those challenges. Volunteerism is a big part of that.

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MARIA’S HOUSE MONTESSORI • Director Laine Walker Laine Walker is the Director and Principal Guide of Maria’s House. A career educator, National Board Certified Teacher and mom, Laine inspires and supports her staff, guiding the continuous professional development of MHMI guides and assistants, channeling the spirit and vision of Dottoressa Montessori throughout our house and our program. A Montessori Diplomate of the Princeton Center for Teacher Education with a Masters in Educational Administration and advanced post-graduate work in early child development, Laine creates and maintains program standards that meet or exceed those established by the American Montessori Society, ensuring that each child is welcomed as an honored guest, treated with respect and hospitality, and gently guided to explore the wonder and beauty of simple things.

Her work as a Pennsylvania certified teacher drew Laine to Maria Montessori, whose understanding and experience led to a way of working with children that was as natural as it was revolutionary. Laine breathes Montessori, and inspires us all.

At Maria’s House a child learns by going from concrete to abstract. And when the guides teach and show children something, they also teach them how to show it to other children.

This social development is seasoned with what Laine calls grace and courtesy. “It can be as simple as opening a door for someone or helping another child who is having a hard time handle his or her work. To find out more about Maria’s House or arrange for a visit, call 610290-5019 or visit www.mariashousemontessori.com.

MURPHY HEARING SERVICES • Dr. Patrick M. Murphy Dr. Patrick M. Murphy, Au.D., M.Ed., CCC-A, FAAA is a board certified and licensed private practice audiologist in Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He obtained a Doctorate in Audiology from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences in 2016, a Master of Education degree in Audiology from the University of Virginia in 1987, and a Bachelor of Science degree at Frostburg State University in 1980. Dr. Murphy has firsthand experience with hearing loss. He has a bilateral mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss and wears binaural completely-inthe-canal digital amplification.

“After working in the Washington DC area for about four years, I realized that I was unsatisfied with the direction I was going in. I wanted to get into a profession where I would be able to work for myself and also help myself. I’ve had the hearing loss all of my life, but it was never properly diagnosed until I was 26 and in the graduate program at the University of Virginia. attended UVA from 1984 to ’87 in the three-year Master’s program for audiology. I decided I wanted to go into private practice, work for myself, and also be able to help myself since I’ve got a hearing loss and I needed hearing aids.

To this day, my favorite part of the job is being able to help people with a problem that I can identify with because I experience it myself. To make a positive difference and improve the quality of someone’s life is basically what it amounts to.”

At Murphy Hearing Solutions, my focus is working with you to find the best solution for your needs, whether that’s being fit with hearing aids, or better understanding your hearing health. To arrange an appointment call 215-230-9000 or visit www.murphyhearingservices.com.

00 Doylestown Guide 2020

FRED BEANS AUTOMOTIVE • Beth Beans Gilbert Elizabeth (Beth) Beans Gilbert is a longtime Doylestown resident. She grew up in town, graduating from Central Bucks East High School before going on to Hood College. She returned to Doylestown to live, raise her own family, and work in the family owned business started by her father, Fred Beans.

Beth serves as Vice President of Fred Beans Automotive Group, headquartered in Doylestown, with dealerships and other operations throughout Southeastern PA and extending into Hunterdon County, NJ and out to Cumberland County, PA. Beth enjoys helping her neighbors with all their automotive needs–from servicing, to body work, and especially buying a car. Beth also oversees the Fred Beans Charitable Trust, which has funded significant projects for the YMCA of Bucks County and Doylestown Hospital, and annually supports area organizations that deal with youth and education, human services, arts and culture, and community development.

Starting in Spring 2020, she implemented the management team’s idea for the Fred Beans 500,000 Meals Challenge to support food banks’ efforts to feed the hungry during COVID-19.

The Bucks County Opportunity Council was among the organizations that received a monthly donation from Beans last year, as well as a steady stream of eager volunteers.

Beth is personally committed to supporting the community that has given her and her family so much. She serves as a member of the Central Bucks K-12 Plan Advisory Council, offering insight and support as the school district changes to best meet students’ needs. She also is involved with the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, James A. Michener Art Museum, Central Bucks Family YMCA, and more recently, with the Board of the Central Bucks Regional Police Foundation.

Doylestown Guide 2020 00

DOYLESTOWN HEALTH • James Brexler FACHE James Brexler is the president and CEO of Doylestown Hospital and Doylestown Health.

Prior to coming to Doylestown in January 2013, Mr. Brexler was President and CEO of Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 2010, he served as chairman of the Tennessee Hospital Association, and received THA’s Distinguished Service Award in 2011.

James began his career as a healthcare executive at Cone Health in Greensboro, North Carolina. He later served as President and CEO of the Baton Rouge General Medical Center in Louisiana; President and CEO of Oakwood Healthcare in Dearborn, Michigan; and Vice Chancellor and CEO of the Healthcare Services Division of the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center.

James is active in both professional and community affairs. He is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and has previously held leadership positions in the American Hospital Association and Tennessee Hospital Association. He is currently on the boards of the Bucks County Health Improvement Partnership, the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, and Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania. He also served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of the University of Tennessee School of Medicine, and in various teaching capacities at Louisiana State University in public administration, public health and healthcare administration.

James Brexler earned a Master of Public Affairs from North Carolina State University, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Westminster College, and is a graduate of the Executive Program in Healthcare Financial Management at the University of North Carolina School of Public Health. He is married and has seven children and four grandchildren. For more information about Doylestown Hospital and Doylestown Health, visit www.doylestownhealth.org.

00 Doylestown Guide 2020

DOYLESTOWN FIRE COMPANY • Chief Mike Wood Mike Wood has been a volunteer fireman for the Doylestown Fire Company since October 1981. He is a fourth generation firefighter, whose great grandfather, grandfather and father were all members of the Point Pleasant Fire Company, which is where Mike began his volunteer fireman career and then moved to Doylestown and changed companies. He was chief from 2001 to 2005 and again beginning in 2017. His job as a volunteer fire chief is full time, which he does in addition to being in the fire prevention business.

Mike’s job is half firefighting and half paperwork, personnel and planning. He says, “Being chief is a very busy job.” Yet he loves it. “It’s about giving back to the community. When you call 911, you want someone to show up. It’s not for everybody—you run into a burning building when people are running out.”

The Doylestown Fire Company has 600 to 700 emergency responses per year. Not all these are fires. Some calls are alarm system problems, wires dangling from telephone poles, vehicle rescues, flooded roads, and domestic, for example, someone getting caught in a bicycle chain.

Mike wants us to know that there are people risking their lives to save others who are on call every day, and we need more of them. To volunteer and become a community hero, stop by either station on any Wednesday night and pick up an application. The stations are located at 68 Shewell Avenue in Doylestown Borough and 40 Warden Road in Doylestown Township.

Doylestown Guide 2020 00

Shopping at

Mercantile

By Crystal Malachi

Mercantile at Doylestown is a market designed to connect artists with art lovers in a way that brings greater awareness to the rich history of the arts in Bucks County heir mission statement reads, “We envision the Mercantile as a collaborative of makers who wish to share their art through dialogue and demonstration and work together to bring greater awareness to the rich history of the arts in Bucks County.” So I want to find out more.

It’s cold outside, so I am glad Mercantile at Doylestown is indoors. I wonder if it is one of those indoor flea markets—you know, the kind that looks like a warehouse with a bunch of folding tables set up and the vendors sitting there, selling their wares.

I leave Bristol at ten, taking my even more skeptical husband with me. Franklin likes art, artisans and fine craftsmanship but suspects we are going to see knited potholders and hand painted mailboxes. Arriving at the Doylestown Shopping Center, we find Mercantile, and we are immediately dazzled by the fashionable clothing in the window display.

Once inside we find Mercantile is elegant in it’s interior design, looking more like a department store than a crafts market.

And that’s another thing, it is not a craft’s market, but a maker’s market, so the vendors that are there are all makers, including a vendor who makes whiskey. At the Triple Sun Spirits store you

T

56 Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021

Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021 57

can buy an awesome cocktail. Triple Sun Spirits is a local small batch distillery with tasting rooms in both Emmaus and Newtown, PA. I like home jewelry and fashion, while my husband likes paintings and fine woodwork. I find myself looking intently at various clothing stores in the Mercantile. As I am looking very carefully at the jewelry, Frank says, “Crystal, buy yourself something.” He leaves me for a while to look at Nicholas Benton’s store, Wood Repurposed. He is especially drawn to a glass 58 Doylestown Sping/Summer 2021

topped table that has a pedestal made from an old fashioned railroad crossing sign. I join him there and fall in love with one of the lamps and just about all the tables made from wood and various materials that were once part of other structures. The finish on his art ranges from fine to not finished at all, but made from old wood, not distressed.

Being health nuts, both Frank and I are fascinated by The Salt Cave, that sells Himalayan salt to offer relief for numerous conditions, including mine, asthma. I have to leave Frank for a while because I see Payton

Jewelry, that is handmade in Doylestown, and is right up my alley. I admire the Sacred Elements Collection that are necklaces with the option of four stones, Moonstone (white), Labradorite (grey/blue), Chalcedony (aqua), coming with a gold chain that is 16 to 18 inches long.

Then I see it, a store that sells pocketbooks. To Frank’s dismay I always say that there is no such thing as having too many shoes or too many pocketbooks. The first shop I pop into, looking for a bag, is Chilcote & Richards Ltd. This vendor also has some really cute crewneck sweaters, but with what Frank calls glazed over eyes, I am searching for a pocketbook and that means studying each one that catches my eye. I like the gold Mini Faux Suede Messenger Bag. While I am immersed in my pocketbook hunt and am going in and out of the many clothing vendors, my husband is looking at art.

Frank is seduced by the paintings of Peter Stolvoort, whose art, though abstract, presents subjects in a way that connects with experience. Frank is especially attracted to his paintings of trees and the lines of thick paint giving them an almost sculptural quality, like Jackson Pollack paintings, but in the confines of recognizable forms.

Visiting other stores Frank checks out some representational, impressionistic work and even pop art produced by an assortment of talented painters.

I find the pocketbook I am looking for at Chilcote & Richards Ltd. It is a large bag with horizontal black and white stripes and a needlepoint Southwestern design that from a distance looks like it is made of small

beads. I also buy a little purse for my 27 year-old daughter, whom I facetimed, so she could decide which one she wanted. Problem is, she wanted them all. So, I pick a little, bright yellow one and she loves it.

Mercantile is a space where artists and art lovers meet, connect and engage. And even though the day and time Frank and I visit, the majority of the artists are not there, we did pick up plenty of cards. At Mercantile, though, I feel a connection with the artists by what they make, and the staff that works throughout the market is helpful, professional and courteous. Classes are offered at Mercantile in such arts as cookie and cupcake making, yoga, cocktails, photography and list keeps growing.

Mercantile is actually a market with many stores in one building, yet it seems much more held together than most artisan markets I’ve ever seen. It has a department store feel, and gosh, going there with Frank feels like we are out on a date. There are about 100 art stores and each one is different in some subtle way. Stores fall loosely into these categories: accessories, art, beauty and health, cards and stationary, clothing, food and drink, garden, home décor and furniture, jewelry, photography, and vintage.

Mercantile at Doylestown is in the building which once housed Bon◆Ton department store, located at the Doylestown Shopping Center, 444–446 N. Main St, Doylestown, PA. For more information, call 484-439-4588 or visit www.mercantiledoylestown.com.

Crystal Malachi is a freelance writer from Bristol, PA. Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021 59

Selling Real Estate During A Pandemic

By Heather Walton

I

t CAN be done safely… since Covid19 hit in early 2020, real estate transactions have continued safely in Pennsylvania. The Real Estate Commission, with the assistance of the National Association of Realtors, have put into place guidelines for Brokerages across the state to follow for the safety of consumers, real estate professionals and others working in the field. You will find that local Realtors are following these guidelines closely so they can safely proceed with their jobs of helping their clients realize their real estate goals.

The basic protection of masks is required for all meetings with clients and property viewings of no more than 3 people at a time. Standard practices sometimes include wearing gloves and booties for property viewings depending on customer preferences or requirements of a property seller.

Sellers are advised to prepare their home for property viewings by having all lights on, closet doors open, etc. for the purpose of minimizing touch in their homes.

Many sellers provide wipes or hand sanitizer in the homes for sanitation purposes.

Often times if it is not provided in the property, the real estate professional will have it with them. Many Realtors wipe down countertops, door knobs and railings after showings. Fresh booties and gloves are used for each showing.

Property Buyers, Sellers, Realtors, con-

60 Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021

tractors, inspectors are also asked to complete a Health and Safety Acknowledgement Form answering some health related questions before entering a property. Questions about possible exposure, status of one’s current health and the like are asked either verbally or completed on a form to be provided to a listing agent before entry to a property. Seller has the ultimate approval, based on how the form is completed, to allow or decline someone entering their home.

We are experiencing a busy Seller’s Market right now due to low inventory, record low interest rates and a high number of qualified buyers seeking lifestyle changes or looking to make real estate investments.

If you are considering selling your home, now would be a good time to contact a real estate professional.O Heather Walton is an owner/partner at Class Harlen Real Estate. Visit www.classharlen.com.

Style O Outdoor Living

Amazing Spaces Created Jarrett Vaughan Builders continues its legacy of home construction built on a foundation of excellence

N

ow more than ever, your home has become a refuge and retreat. Established in 1977, Jarrett Vaughan Builders, Inc. has been passionately building and renovating exquisite homes in some of the most beautiful locations in Bucks, Montgomery and Hunterdon Counties.

Brian Vaughan, a principal at Jarrett Vaughan says “creating spaces for homeowners to celebrate family, enjoy friends and escape the pressures of modern life is what we're all about”.

It takes extraordinary people to build and renovate extraordinary homes. The staff at Jarrett Vaughan Builders is just your size–big enough to provide you with experts in every aspect of your home’s development and small enough for you to know everyone on a first-name basis.

Their emphasis is to provide uncompromising quality and unparalleled service.

From design to build and everything in between, they look forward to helping you make your dream a reality and to make the building experience as enjoyable as possible. It is not uncommon to see the Jarrett Vaughan name used in descriptive copy in real estate ads. It is a known fact that a home built or renovated by them adds additional value to a property.

Visit their comprehensive gallery of projects including new homes, kitchens, bathrooms, cabinetry and more at www.jarrettvaughan.com. Their headquarters are located at 4050 Skyron Drive, Suite G, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, 18902. Call 215-345-8008.

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Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021 63

THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE IS TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. Kathleen Herb Brower, D.M.D. MD

Therese DiFloria Brennan, D.M.D. MD

Dental Implants • Anesthesia • Wisdom Teeth Tooth Extractions • Impacted Canines • Bone Grafting Stem Cells • 3D Imaging • Infection Control Protocols

DOYLESTOWN ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY 3655 Route 202 • Georgetown Crossing #210 Doylestown, PA 18902 / 215.345.6880

www.doylestownoralsurgery.com

BACI Ristorante

Heart of Oak Pub

We Look Forward to You Dining with us for any Occasion!

Spring is Here!

New Lunch Menu, Salads, Panini & more!

Beautiful Bar Upstairs with featured Cocktail list.

Baciristorante.com

Dining Indoors and Outdoors Take-Out Room for private parties & catering menu available

Baci Ristorante & Heart of Oak Pub Route 202/413 • Buckingham, PA • 215-794-7784 64 Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021

Hold Your Horses!

Did you know that this year's home for the Designer House is owned by Heritage Conservancy?

Heritage Conservancy safeguards Mearns Mill Manor and its surrounding property. The Conservancy is pleased to be a part of the VIA's annual event and to share this historical home with the community.

Community support makes Heritage Conservancy’s mission to protect open spaces and historic places like this one possible.

Visit HeritageConservancy.org/membership to become a member today!

Impressionism and Realism

Pa t r i c i a H Patricia Hutton u t t o n Galleries Galleries 47 West State Street, Doylestown, PA 215.348.1728 / PatriciaHuttonGalleries.com

To preserve and protect our natural and historic heritage

215.345.7020 HeritageConservancy.org

Buckman’s Home and Garden WHERE HOME AND GARDEN COME TOGETHER

215-794-7157

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Dining Out O John Roberts

Baci Ristorante

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aci Ristorante offers an extensive offering of unique Italian entries.

It is known for its fireside and balcony dining in the upstairs restaurant and its English pub atmosphere in the Heart of the Oak Pub, which has its own menu of pub foods. Chefowner David Husenaj and his late wife Ziz Husenaj opened the restaurant together in 1997.

David, who was born in Italy and raised in France, discovered his passion for food while cooking in various French restaurants. After moving to America, he opened and ran restaurants with his brothers, before eventually opening his own, which became Baci (translating to kiss in Italian).

Ziz was raised in Rugby England.

When she saw the restaurant she knew she wanted to create an English pub atmosphere, which is how the Heart of Oak Pub was born. With both of their families originating from Albania, they infused their backgrounds and created a menu that is certain to please anybody’s taste buds.

To begin a dinner at Baci, you must try some of the tantalizing appetizers, which include tasty selections such as Carpaccio di Manzo (slices of raw beef with arugula, parmesan, andolive oil), Formagio di Capra (fried goat cheese over an organic spring mix topped with grilled Portobello mushrooms and drizzled in a balsamic vinaigrette), Rollatini di Melanzane (Rollatini di Melanzane) and other 66 Doylestown Spring/Summer 2021

delightful offerings.

Entrees include delicious seafood platters such as Merluzzo Leonese (Filet of cod; pan seared with black olives, onions, capers, tomatoes, garlic and white wine). For meat lovers there are three steaks and Grilled Pork Chop with a choice of sauces: Brunello Wine Reduction, Brandy Peppercorn Cream and Gorgonzola Cream. There are pasta entrees and there are six veal and chicken entrees that include delectable dishes like Pollo Santa Elena (Chicken breast morsels with artichoke, mushrooms, white wine, and a touch of cream) and Scaloppini Boscaiola (Veal scaloppini pan seared with mixed mushrooms and prosciutto in a red wine sauce.) Baci has an ample selection of creative salads, casual dishes and soups.

Baci is located at 2559 Bogarts Tavern Rd, Doylestown, PA; 215-794-7784; www.baciristo rante.com. Reservations recommended. Hours: Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday 4 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday–Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Friday–Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Quinoa Peruvian

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uinoa is the sister restaurant to El Tule in Lambertville, and like its sister Quinoa serves up the traditional foods of Peru. Quinoa offers a fresh burst of savory meats, fresh seafood, and a rainbow of Peruvian & Mexican peppers with a variety of starches and vegetables to complement each pairing. The name Quinoa refers to Peru’s traditional staple grain food. Quinoa of Peru has a menu that is rooted to the Inca Empire with spices and delicious ceviches.

The chefs at Quinoa, Carmen Egoavil and Said Anguiano represent two families that relocated to the United States in 1992.

The Egoavil and Anguiano family sought the opportunities their new home offered and followed their dream by first opening El Tule in Lambertville and later Quinoa in Doylestown.

Lunch and dinner is served at Quinoa.

The lunch menu has four kinds of Ceviches: Ceviche Mixto (corvina fish, shrimp, octopus & calamari), Ceviche Chifa (Chinese influenced ceviche), Ceviche Limeno. (traditional corvina fish), and Ceviche De Camarones (shrimp ceviche). There are sa-

lads and delightful bowls such as: Fajita Bowl (lettuce, Mexican rice, black beans, sautéed onions and poblano peppers, pico de gallo, guacamole, mix cheese and Mexican cream), Andino Bowl (lettuce, tomatoes, Peruvian corn, sweet potatoes, avocados, queso fresco, quinoa) and others.

The dinner menu has more ceviches, more appetizers and 12 entrees that are particularly scrumptious, such as Carapulcra (Peruvian stew made of Andean dried potato & pork. Served with white rice & salsa criolla), Tampiquena (marinated 8 ounce rib eye steak topped with guacamole, two cheese enchiladas bathed in mole sauce, served with Mexican rice & black beans) and 10 other tantalizing Peruvian and Mexican entrees.

Quinoa is located at 54 E State Street, Doylestown PA; 215-348-2826; www.quinoarestau rantbyo.com. BYO, reservations recommended.

Hours: Monday closed. Tuesday–Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday–Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday Brunch 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Dinner 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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Looking Back / Herman Silverman

1919- 2017 Herman Silverman, businessman, philanthropist and patron of the arts was known in the business world as the founder of Sylvan Pools, which became a national leader in pool design and construction. His friendship with James A. Michener led him to establish the Michener Art Museum and his interest in Bucks County art motivated him to open the Silverman Art Gallery.

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