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Anthony & Sylvan has been building custom designed swimming pools for nationwide, and have developed a reputation for quality and innovation. We

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The Fork 1-1 on Perfecting the Picnic A Guide for the Encore Bride

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201 West Church Road | King Of Prussia, PA 19406 (Entrance off of Henderson Road) 866.307.6200 | 610.994.2222 | www.ColonialMarble.net

Local

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TM

Anthony & Sylvan has been building custom designed swimming pools for nationwide, and have developed a reputation for quality and innovation. We

The Art of the “Hurricane” NBC’s Glenn Schwartz Talks About the Weather

know that when deciding to purchase a pool, you need to believe that the company you choose is going to deliver the highest quality materials and build for years to come. Anthony & Sylvan Pools is that company. We combine our rich history with some of the best warranties in the industry, so you can't afford not to contact us to discuss your dream pool.

The Fork 1-1 on Perfecting the Picnic A Guide for the Encore Bride

nearly 70 years. We have constructed more than 370,000 swimming pools

designs as well as have the financial strength to stand-behind the product they

LOCAL LIVING MAY | JUNE 2012

Because you deserve the very best in swimming pool design and construction...

Who Do You ??

Think You Are Revealing Paths to Your Past and Beyond

877.826.0365

www.anthonysylvan.com/local

Local Focus: The Places and Events to Make Your Summer POP

Lic # - CT HIC.0501976, DE 1989004839/2006201521 NJ 13VH01546700/13VH00746000 PA-006381

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Visit AnthonySylvan.com/Local for a special offer for Local Living readers

Have a pool? Anthony & Sylvan specializes in renovations and modernizations PENNSYLVANIA • NEW JERSEY • DELAWARE • NEW YORK • CONNECTICUT

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Your Home. Your Community. Your Life.

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features 22 Who Do You

Think You Are?

50 The Second Time Around:

38

Encore Brides

60 Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz

local focus local on location

11 See Who Has Been “Out & About” with Our Coverage of Special Events

good reads

18 Our Literary Picks from Junior Writers and Grown Up Writers…

travel

32 Vacation Just Wouldn’t be the Same Without Your Best Friend

wine cellar

38 Our Sommelier Shares Expert Selections 4

Local Living May | June 2012

the Fork-1-1

42 Perfecting the Perfect Picnic

92 Guardianship: Who Is Looking After Your Children?

six degrees

local living green

legal

profiles

70 Organic Gardening and Compost; Take Care of Our Bees!

cultural corner

94 Amusement Parks of the Past

finance

14 Wealth Transfers One Key to Financial Success

55 Prenuptial Agreements

fashion

60 The Art of Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz 64 Dr. Lantzy: First Aid for Dentistry Emergencies

58 Trends for the Truly Fashionable

66 St. Luke’s: Spine & Pain Associates

local focus: family & pet living

68 Dr. Kent Lane Mueller: Sleep Dentistry

(special advertising section) Kick off the Season of “Fun for All”

78 Dr. Skalicky: Modern Lifts

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PUBLISHER Karen A. Lavery ART DIRECTOR Sherilyn Kulesh EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sharyl Volpe DIRECTOR OF SALES Blair W. Johnson EDITOR-LOCAL LIVING GREEN Stephanie Berardi FINANCE EDITOR Mark Fried FITNESS EDITOR Vaughn Hebron FOOD EDITOR Kimberly Cambra PROFILE EDITOR Dava Guerin TRAVEL EDITOR Beth D’Addono DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Amy McDermott CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jason Bleecher, Old York Road Historical Society Mike Hirata CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Diane Burns, Crissa DeBree, Donna Dvorak, Christina Friedrichsen, Kevin Kobasic, Pattie Krukowski, Michele Kawamoto Perry, Susan Polyot, Barry Sexton, Kieran Tebben, Katie E. Warren, Georgina Young-Ellis CONTRIBUTING WRITERS - LOCAL LIVING GREEN Dennis Burton, Debbie Goetz, Jennifer Hetrick, Lyn Hicks, Nicole Reggia INTERN Kieran Tebben MEDICAL CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Robert Lantzy, Dr. Kent Lane Mueller, Dr. Robert K. Skalicky, St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jackie Cornagie, Kathleen McNicholas, Michael Shapiro ACCOUNTING MANAGER Marge Rudzinski COURIER SERVICE CCN Harrisburg News Company WARREN MEDIA GROUP, INC. Headquarters 2045 Bennett Rd. | Philadelphia, PA 19116 Sales & Production 530 West Butler Ave. | Chalfont, PA 18914 Phone: (215) 257-8400 | Fax: (215) 464-9303

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publisher’s page “Sometimes you have to look back in order to understand the things that lie ahead.”

— Yvonne Woon

I

have a secret passion that I need to share. I cannot miss an episode of NBC’s reality show “Who Do You Think You Are”. It’s not the celebrity aspect that interests me as much as the process itself of uncovering the past. Many of us have grown up hearing stories that we’ve accepted as family legacy only to discover that they were merely myths that were embellished further with each passing generation.

These are things we just don’t think about when we’re kids.

Now that I can look back on more than a few decades of experience, I wonder how exactly I got to where I am sometimes, and what traits did I inherit that affect my decisions and actions. This is where it all comes together for me. What I’m here for, my future and my purpose might just be laid out in the roots of my past. To me, the temptation to embark on this journey is irresistible. That being said, I’ve done some digging, and I have not been disappointed. I now have names of my ancestors to go along with some of my best personality traits, and some of the less virtuous too.

Aside from learning where your stubborn nature came from or your quirky taste for mayo on French fries, there’s the medical history that can provide lifesaving information. Because of this in particular, we have a responsibility to the generations ahead of us to learn what we can today. And this kind of research is not limited only to our children and grandchildren, but to our companion pets as well. Since May is National Pet Month, maybe it’s time for a DNA test of your furry friend. Who knows you may find your cherished mutt is really from a regal pedigree!

I hope you get the chance to read our feature this month on how to take the first steps in tracing your family’s ancestral roots. Have fun digging and uncovering the little known facts that make you who you are!

Karen A. Lavery Publisher

May | June 2012 Local Living

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editor’s note “Love us in Lambertville,

E

very spring brings new surprises. I tend to forget how many flowers are hibernating until there they are again to liven up the landscape. I can’t imagine enjoying life anywhere else as much without the continuous cycling of each unfolding season. The focus on family for this issue ended up with some surprises too. But just like the progression of one season to the next, each edition of LLM is the product of a natural process, taking this turn and that from real life and living. Eventually, all the new threads are woven into the collection you are reading.

When we decided to feature the journey of researching family trees, I wasn’t expecting to pair it with a story about a medium that specializes in grief counseling.

I hope you will agree that it makes perfect sense after reading both.

Other highlights of the season include Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Memorial Day. Think about all the people you know, friends and relatives, and your pets too.

The definition of family has many meanings on many levels. Imagine our veterans. The whole country belongs to their family, and their families should have the support from the rest of us too. Be sure to come out and show your appreciation by attending your local parades and festivities on Memorial Day. Look for opportunities to give back by welcoming (or employing) our returning men and women. Perhaps you will consider volunteering to support those still abroad.

Showcasing yet another example of the modern definition of family, we have a guide for second-to-be-brides including professional advice on the less romantic aspects of making one new family from several. From financial tips to invitations, we’ve covered all the bases.

All the columns you look for are here too, plus our special “take it with you” Local Focus. It includes some of our favorite businesses and places showing us all how to live it up in style.

As always, thanks to all who write to us and visit on FB and tweet to us on Twitter. Enjoy!

Sharyl Volpe, Editor-in-Chief

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Local Living May | June 2012

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local on location

Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Inc.’s 6th Annual Gala Latina March 17, 2012 Hyatt at the Bellevue, Philadelpia, Pennsylvania Richard Negrin, Deputy Mayor and Managing Director for the City of Philadelphia, snaps a photo with Mayor Michael Nutter and Cynthia Figueroa, President and CEO of Congreso de Latinos Unidos, at the 6th annual Gala Latina.

Flyers Wives Carnival February 19, 2012 | Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Pictured (L to R): Young ladies pose with heartthrob Claude Giroux, Flyers Goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, Star Forward Danny Briere

Humanity High Heels and Hard Hats Gala March 24, 2012 Cinnaminson, New Jersey Vince and Janet Papale. The popular movie “Invincible” is based on Vince’s life.

Pictured (L to R): Sister Mary Scullion, Executive Director, Project H.O.M.E.; Leigh Middleton; Jane Vincent, Regional Administrator, HUD; John Middleton; Esterlina Fernandez, James Widener Ray Homes resident; Mike Valucci, Trustee, Raynier Institute and Foundation; Mayor Michael Nutter; Congressman Chaka Fattah.

Project H.O.M.E Unveils New Living Space with All Star Cast March 5, 2012 | Mayor Michael Nutter, Congressman Chaka Fattah, Phillies part-owners Leigh and John Middleton, and representatives from the Raynier Institute joined Project H.O.M.E to unveil the James Widener Ray Homes, a new apartment building for formerly homeless men, women and children, including veterans and lowincome families.

The renovated building, which provides 53 units of housing, is named in honor of James Widener Ray, an heir to the Philadelphiabuilt Widener fortune. With the completion of this apartment building, Project H.O.M.E. now provides 533 units of housing.

May | June 2012 Local Living

11

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Why is this important?

Most advisors focus on the dollars you are saving or have already accumulated. They proclaim that they can do a better job by providing products with a higher rate of return or greater safety with moderate income. Their traditional approach only leaves you with two choices, and neither of them is very good - higher rates of return with greater risk or increased safety with moderate return while losing access and control of your money.

A Better Way

FINANCE

Wealth Transfers One Key to Financial Success

By Mark Fried

C

reating and preserving wealth takes much more than choosing the right investment product, it requires strategies that leverage the financial system. Wealth Transfers have a big impact on your financial well being and are often overlooked by individuals planning for their future.

What are Wealth Transfers? A Wealth Transfer is money you are losing unknowingly and unnecessarily because of the financial decisions you make. Everyone, everyone has wealth transfers hidden inside their financial plan.

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Local Living May | June 2012

Let’s look at another alternative. Most would agree that 1) The more assets you put to work for you the more money you will make and 2) The more wealth you have the more secure your financial future will be. Following this logic, using strategies that increase the amount of money working for you without taking any more risk makes a lot of sense. Yet everyday folks just like you make decisions that will reduce the total dollars they have working for them because of wealth transfers.

Creating wealth is not about taking big risks but about taking as little risk as possible to achieve your personal and financial goals. Creating wealth without taking additional risk is about making good financial decisions and leveraging the financial system to your benefit, not the banks, the Government or the Wall Street brokerage firms.

Strategies and products exist that can help you reduce or eliminate wealth transfers.

Let me leave you with this thought. Whenever evaluating a financial decision I always like to ask the question: what are the consequences of doing nothing? The consequence of doing nothing about the wealth transfers in your financial plan could equal tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars of lost wealth.

If you have questions about wealth transfers or want to know the best strategy for your unique situation, call me at (267) 756-7194. LL Mark F ried, F ounder and P resident of TFG Wealth Manag ement, is unique ly qualified as an Investment Advisor for these complex times. Beyond his t raining and certifications, Mark’s diverse experience includes being Director of the Pennsylvania Economic De velopment A uthority, Vice President in the Investment Advisory Department of W.H. Newbold and Son, President of Stone Bridge Trust Company, Inv estment Advisor for a Fortune 400 family , and former owner of a benefits and 401(k) company whic h assisted hundr eds of small business ow ners. You c an r each Mark directly at mark@tfgwealth.com or visit the company website at www.tfg-wealth.com.

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good reads

Here’s a collage with a twist, books and Broadway!

And check out the new novel for our Grown Up readers ...

JUNIOR READS HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING Novel by Shephard Meade Stage Adaptation by Frank Loesser Reviewed by Kieran Tebben, Age 16

Even though the original publication was in 1950s, the current revival of this classic on Broadway shows that this satirical take on success is as relevant as ever. From the first chapter the book gets two thumbs up. Experiencing the book as a Broadway performance before reading the book, however, as I had, makes the experience bittersweet. Seeing the show first allows the chapters that read like a manual (albeit a hilarious one) come to life, but also leaves holes in the story where scenes from the musical are not included in the book.

Although the novel looks deceivingly like a traditional manual, do not be fooled! It had this reader laughing from the first page thanks to sarcastic remarks and advice. While lightly attempting to instruct readers on how to make it in the business world, “How to Succeed” presents humorous situations. Some particularly crazy examples include walking into the company headquarters expecting an interview on the spot with no résumé in hand, and being promoted from the mailroom to the executive’s office within a week.

The characters are more like props for the “guide” though, especially after having seen them first in a colorful, live performance.

In the Broadway musical, written by Frank Loesser, viewers are captured not only by the hilarious business advice, but also by the charming characters. Pierrepont Finch, played by Nick Jonas in the most recent version, develops into a true, well-liked main character and not only do viewers watch him learn “how to succeed in business without really trying,” they also get to watch him fall in love with his secretary, Rosemary. Bud Frump, a foil for Finch, adds another layer of interest with his whiney, childlike attitude

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Local Living May | June 2012

as Finch climbs the corporate ladder and he stays behind.

The musical scores are fantastically written, catchy, upbeat and lively. While reading the book, it was hard to forget the sweet love story and personable characters that could have made the story so much better, even though one will hear the songs as they read.

While this book is an excellent read, having seen the Broadway production first made the book a bit harder to enjoy, although still highly recommended. Just be sure to read it before watching the musical. The short, concise chapters of this book make it a quick and interesting read, definitely a good choice for pleasure.

THE RED PYRAMID

By Rick Riordan Reviewed by Katie E. Warren, Age 12

Carter and Sadie Kane, brother and sister, are blood relatives to an ancient line of powerful Egyptian pharaohs. After their mother died six years prior, the siblings drifted farther and farther apart. While Carter traveled the globe to help his father, Dr. Julius Kane, with his archaeology studies, Sadie stayed with their grandparents in London. It was on their next meeting, on Christmas Eve, the only day of the year the family could reunite, in which their father took

them to the British Museum with a promise.

This is when things began to get crazy.

Instead of Dr. Kane bringing his wife back to life, which he had planned for years, the doctor unleashed a powerful Egyptian god named Set who wanted to take over the world.

Set captured the doctor and imprisoned him, and soon Carter and Sadie were quickly running for their lives from Set when they met a girl named Zia. The two of them were soon being trained in the First Nome, a magical underground Egyptian facility where Zia trained. It was there in the First Nome, which was run by an “old creepy guy”, as Carter puts it, where he and Sadie discover a dangerous secret which could get them killed.

The gods of Ancient Egypt were awakening. They were getting restless. There was something even bigger than Set, the worst of them. It was out there with a scheme. It was up to Carter and Sadie Kane to find a way to stop it.

The “Red Pyramid” is a real thriller and it’s just like Rick Riordan to combine adventure, suspense, and mythology. If you haven’t read any books by Riordan, I would definitely recommend writing this one down on your list of next reads.

popular addition to the Hampshire society, but he makes a terrible mistake. He brings with him a device from the future and shows it to a young woman with whom he is smitten. She is terrified and creates an uproar. James is arrested for possessing a dangerous and subversive object and it is up to his mother to free him from a London prison and return him to the future before her enemies succeed in convicting him. Help comes from a surprising source, and ultimately Cassandra realizes that people, and love, are not always what they seem to be.

Do you have suggestions for books we should include? Have you written a review? Email Sharyl at svolpe@warrenmediagroup.com

GROWN UP READS THE TIME BARONESS

By Georgina Young-Ellis A Summary by the Author

The Time Baroness is the story of Dr. Cassandra Reilly, a scientist from the year 2120 who embarks upon a time travel journey to England of 1820. Her purpose is to conduct an experiment: living for a year in the guise of a wealthy widow and interacting within the Regency world. Though she has painstakingly prepared for the experience, her new neighbors in Hampshire County sense something strange about her, and though most embrace her for her kindness and charm, some are shocked by her odd ways. Ultimately though, her beauty attracts a handsome violinist, also new to the neighborhood, and they begin an affair, which further endangers her reputation in the community.

As she is struggling to fit in, her grown son, James, suddenly arrives on her doorstep, popping in from the future. His presence is one more component that could cause her masquerade to unravel. James becomes a

May | June 2012 Local Living

19

From “Sweet Sixteen” celebrations to corporate events, whether your guest list has 20 VIPs or 500.

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May | June 2012 Local Living

21

Who do you 22

Local Living May | June 2012

think you are?

by Diane Burns

P

icture a multi-dimensional web strung with shining pearls wherever the threads cross. Each pearl is mirrored by all of the other pearls, forming an infinite array of reflection. This is a common description of Indraﾃ行 Net, at its very simplest, a Buddhist metaphor for the interconnectedness of all things. If you have ever thought about investigating the cosmic coordinates of yourself, your family or your loved ones, consider these distinctly different guides for your journey.

ometime in your life you may have found yourself questioning where your ancestors came from and how they got here. What were their lives like and what stories could they tell us? We may know about our parents and grandparents but what about generations past? We ask ourselves who do I look like, why do I like to paint, write or travel so much? Do I have a famous relative?

Beginning to trace your family’s history can take you on an adventure of untold proportions. Once you start the search, it seems to take on a life of its own. The more you learn the more you want to know about your relatives and their lives. All of our families have a story to tell but sometimes you have to go a distance back in history to discover the really interesting ones; some times what you have been told over the years is not always accurate. You have to peel back the layers to reach a true picture of your family background.

To get started tracing your ancestors you should set a goal for yourself. Begin with only one side of your family and decide how far back in time you want to go. Let’s say you want to start with your mother’s side like I did. My mother was able to trace her mother’s family back to Queen Victoria’s reign and found that a relative of hers was a ladyin-waiting to the Queen. Your journey should start with conversations you have with family members. Question all your relatives for as much information as you can get from them. Ask about where and when the relative you are researching was born, in what city, siblings’ names, where they lived, where they went to school and anything else they can contribute. Most of your relatives will know a little bit of information that will help to further your search, and it all adds up.

S

v

d Beginning to trace your family’ history can take you on an adventure of untold proportions. Once you start the search, it seems to take on a life of its own.

v

It may be about friends of your relative or what occupation they had.

Maybe they can tell you about neighbors and co-workers. Any little bit of information helps contribute to the larger picture. It is very important to double check the information you get to avoid going down a misleading path. Never accept only one source as being accurate.

Check everything you learn until you have verification or documentation. This can be done by checking Vital Records that contain a list of births, marriages, obituaries and the Censuses of 1850, 1900 and 1930.

The next step is to build a family tree. Most of our children learn to do this in school. We of course will go further in our tree building than they do but the idea is the same. Begin with your name then your parents’ and grandparents’ names. Keep in mind to only search one side of the family. Trying to do both sides can only get confusing and muddy the waters. Go beyond just adding a name to your tree. When you dig a little deeper into the story it brings the people to life. It may be necessary to consider an alternate spelling of the name. Record keepers were not always careful about correct spelling and they would write down how the name sounded. Names were often changed or misinterpreted. Consider how a name sounds and jot down a list of possible spellings.

There are a number of places to look for information that will help you with your research. One good resource is military records that contain drafts, enlistments and discharge records. Another source is immigration records containing passenger lists, citizenship and natu-

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Local Living May | June 2012

ralizations lists, border crossings and passports. Many of our ancestors came into this country via Ellis Island which is another great source of information.

Newspaper publications are also a useful tool when researching an event from the past. These lists may help in determining how or why your ancestor immigrated to America. That story could contain some very interesting facts about your family.

One of the most important things to remember is to keep careful and accurate records. The basics like name and birth date are only the tip of the iceberg when researching an ancestor and building your tree. Never make an assumption about a relationship, a religion or a family legend. Depending on how far back in time you care to travel, you may be able to answer many questions that you and your family have wondered about.

There are some useful resources online. Ancestry.com is probably the most well known.

They will lead you step by step in the process. The first 14 days are free and then the annual fee is $179.95. There are other resources as well like Geneology.com, Genes Reunited and the Mormon Church which has the largest genealogical library in the world. Most of the resources have a free period followed by a membership fee. However you choose to go about your search I hope you enjoy your journey. LL Diane Burns is a freelance writer currently residing in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

May | June 2012 Local Living

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Once in Touch, Always in Touch

By Sharyl Volpe

You don’t get to choose how you’re going to die. Or when.

You can only decide how you’re going to live.” —Joan Baez

I

f you have lost a loved one to the “other side”, you may find great comfort in someone who has the ability to help you communicate with that person. If that energy, or soul, or spirit – whatever term you choose – can be brought near and listened to, you might find peace through the answers to the questions you may have. Meet Elizabeth Herrington, a specialist in facilitating this inter-dimension conversation.

“They are a frequency and it just comes through me. The physical body is a vessel and I am just the communicator or perhaps the instrument that they choose to use.” Elizabeth is a spiritual medium who uses her extraordinary gift in grief counseling. “There is an actual process whereby we leave our bodies and it truly is real phenomena. And after that, those that have passed on are still a part of our family and can still see and hear us. They are just on the next frequency, a different layer, a different dimension. We just move on to the other side and continue our existence in spirit. We still have our loved ones around us, just in a different way.”

After meeting and being tested quite a few times by one of the world’s foremost authorities on the subject, James Van Praagh, he observed of Elizabeth’s ability: “I have witnessed her intense and comforting work with the Spiritual realms and she is indeed a gifted and compassionate vessel of light.” Elizabeth has been one of James Van Praagh’s recommended mediums on his Community website since 2005 and is periodically a guest speaker in his chat room.

“James Van Praagh and his staff have been very kind to me and I will always appreciate his support and belief in my work. They are great!”

Elizabeth’s ability has also been tested by skeptical award-winning journalists such as Brad Christman and Janelle Wolfe from CN-8. She has been on Janelle Wolfe’s Comcast Tonight Edition several times. In addition, Elizabeth has donated her time to the Compassionate Friends Candle Lighting Services in December as a guest speaker for two years in a row. This is a support group for parents who have lost a child.

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She also donates her time and on several occasions has accompanied a local pastor and his wife, a hospice chaplain, on their rounds. They go into homes and help the families whose loved ones are in the process of dying. She brings comfort to them by letting them know who is waiting for their loved one on the other side and what is spiritually going on around them at the time. Elizabeth would like to see this type of work more often integrated with those who are in hospice and are perhaps facing a terminal illness.

She also feels that animals are very important to people and she does communicate with them in the afterlife too.

Elizabeth says, “We will be with our beloved passed over pets as well. They are part of our soul group just as family and friends are. I meet so many people who are grieving their pets and want to make sure that they are ok.”

Elizabeth has studied five languages and enjoys learning about new cultures and countries. Her education has been largely centered on learning languages; not surprisingly she feels that talking to a spirit is a type of language. As a Rotary Club Scholar she spent her senior year in Sweden and graduated with their 13th year class. Two years later, she

attended the University of Iceland in their International program. “I had the best time in Iceland studying with so many different people of the world and learning so much about different ways of life.” She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Ursinus College.

Over her lifetime, Elizabeth has discovered that, “We are all the same. As a species, internally, we are all people. We all have emotions, we all experience death… We all cross similar thresholds, and we all transcend barriers, no matter what religion we ascribe to. All of this helps with being a medium because the more we know about the world the better the souls on the other side can communicate with us.”

Elizabeth works through her clairvoyance (seeing), clairaudience (hearing), clairsentience (feeling), claircognizance (knowing), and clairambiance (tasting and smelling). She has been conducting workshops for about six years now teaching others how to recognize their own psychic strengths. About utilizing these extra sensory perceptions in concert, she says, “To fill the hole of the grieving heart is what it is all about.

My work is only as good as the healing that comes from it.

When a client walks out of my office I want to see a smile break through and overtake the tears of loss.”

Without hesitation, Elizabeth addresses the obvious questions. How does she handle the skeptics? “I begin by explaining how the process works and I ensure that they have many validations. And I always ask at the end of every session, ‘Are you happy with your reading?’” It is important to her that each one of her clients has an accurate and meaningful reading. She adds, “And remember: you will have some souls come through who you know but were not expecting.

They just show up! But in most cases the souls bring through who the sitter needs to hear from. You may also receive messages for a friend with whom you just have spoken with from their relatives too.”

When asked when she became aware of her ability, Elizabeth provides a series of answers in her fast-flowing, almost streamof-consciousness manner. Around the age of five, Elizabeth experienced a serious illness that caused her to have seizures. During this period, she says, “I remember during circle time in school – reading the Velveteen Rabbit… I saw a man from the late 1800’s, from the past, and he said to me ‘Ottsville’ along with a first and last name. I didn’t look into it any further; I had never heard of the place, I didn’t know where it was, or who the person

named was. I just wondered about it from time to time.”

This would eventually be very close to the town she settled in with her husband and two sons. The person named is the minister at the church in Ottsville where she began conducting sessions full time many years later. There were also many, many other spiritual occurrences while growing up.

“I recall as a child that the physical contact with others, just holding hands, this would start the flow of information.

I wouldn’t walk into dark areas alone, I was always afraid of the dark, as if there was always someone there. Now I know why. I was sensing others even then. Thinking back on my childhood, we were always surrounded by death. Someone was always dying.”

In yet another example, Elizabeth explains a near death experience after a surgical procedure on October 18, 2010.

Her mother was driving her home from the hospital and the pain medication she’d taken, despite another premonition not to take anything, caused her to have a cardiac arrest.

“I felt my soul leaving my body, I saw the whole scene from up above. I was conscious of it all. I saw a beautiful field with trees, not a place I recognized.” She was observing everything. She felt herself leaving; and then she began to worry. “How would my husband pack the lunches for the boys from now on – how would he manage?” She laughs at these recollections, and goes on. “My next sensation was of my soul coming back into my physical being.

I stretched out my arms, as if stretching back into a favorite shirt. What I saw that day was the most beautiful and

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“What What brings peace, connection and comfort — these are the most important parts of what I do.

I receive mostly loving messages.” peaceful panoramic view that will forever be imprinted on my soul. Absolutely amazing!”

The whole event took about 20 seconds. She made a complete recovery.

Elizabeth also survived an airplane crash in 1980 when she was just a child. “I can totally remember us crashing and everything was in slow motion. I truly didn’t feel a thing but seemed to be experiencing it. If I would have passed over in that crash I would not have known or felt it. It was after the airplane stopped that I could feel the cuts on my leg and my head hurt a little. I was just so happy to have survived.”

It was a small private plane and Elizabeth feels that she was supposed to experience that event, especially in light of how she helps so many that have lost their loved ones in accidents.

“All of our lives follow a plan and things do happen for a reason.”

With regard to matter, substance, and energy: “When I teach my workshops the first thing that I tell everyone to think about is the vibration of molecules. For example, if you hold an ice cube it is very dense, you can’t see through it.

The molecules are vibrating at a very slow speed. If you take that same ice cube and put it in a frying pan on the stove and heat it up, the molecules vibrate at a much faster rate and it melts. You can see through it better and it becomes less dense. However, if you boil the water it transforms into steam. You can’t see it any longer but it is still there. It is similar to the process of our soul leaving our body. When we are about to pass over, our souls vibrate at such a fast speed that they disconnect from the body and enter the next dimension, which runs at that same rate of speed. It is all physics really.”

“Coming and going are very important aspects of the communication process. Sometimes I feel like an avatar of myself, in terms of body vs. age.” The suggestion is that physical endurance and energy renders time almost without effect. “I am not afraid to die; I just don’t want to leave my family.”

When in a session with a sitter, Elizabeth says, “Those that I sense tune in by choice. I am respectful of what they need to tell us and of the souls.” When asked if she’s been called upon for forensic work, she replies, “I help when I

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can. I leave it up to them. If they choose to tell me what may be painful for family members to hear, I have to be careful. What brings peace, connection and comfort—these are the most important parts of what I do. I receive mostly loving messages.” Of the occasional session in forensics, Elizabeth says, “I sometimes learn from a spirit that the documented time and place of death was wrong, or even the date. These things are very important to share. I have found that with mediumship – validation is very important.

It is everything really.”

According to Elizabeth, the most powerful period of time for “benchmarks”, or distinct signals from beyond, come within the first three months after passing. She explains that they do continue on for years but there seems to be a surge of activity right after the passing. She helps families become aware of these signs as a form of grief support.

“Typical signs include tampering with lights, and with TVs, or causing static on the phone. I have found that for some reason, boys like to do that especially.” She says that they will often stay around to help loved ones get through their sorrow. “They may do other things in spirit, but they do come back to help us in our grief if they feel their loved ones here are having a difficult time and need them, or just want to check in and share in the fun times in our lives as well.”

Elizabeth summarizes: “This type of healing work, in conjunction with conventional grief support, can make the path to recovery a little easier. My sessions are a rather holistic and spiritual approach, in addition to what psychic insight I can bring to retrieving information that can only bring peace and answers to the parties involved.”

If you are interested in contacting Elizabeth Herrington for a session or to sign up for one of her workshops, e-mail her at eherrington@comcast.net. For more information you can go to her website: www.elizabethherrington.com. There is also a link to her videos from the site if you would like to see a sampling of her work. LL Sharyl Volpe is the Editor-in-Chief for Local Living Magazine.

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Free Kindle for new account will be given at time of account opening. Limit one Kindle per household. We reserve the right to substitute a gift of similar value. Gifts for opening an account are subject to IRS tax reporting requirements. **For the Green Light Money Market special, the minimum opening deposit is $100. Fees may reduce earnings. The Green Light money market account must be opened with new money, not money transferred from an existing 3rd Fed Bank account. No exceptions. One Green Light money market account per household. 1.50% APY (annual percentage yield) is guaranteed for one year. Maximum balance to earn 1.50% APY is $9,999.99. On the portion of the balance that exceeds $9,999.99, the APY is .50% and can vary after the account is opened. Rate and APY are current as of 5/1/12. One year from account opening, the Green Light money market automatically converts to the Growing Green money market account with an interest rate and APY that corresponds with the applicable tiers of that account at the time of conversion. Account will also be subject to Growing Green money market account requirements at that time. See branch staff for details. Offer, rate, terms and conditions may be withdrawn at any time and are subject to change without notice. Offer valid for personal accounts only.

TRAVEL

Pet Friendly

Vacation Just Wouldn’t Be The Same Without Your Best Friend

By Beth D’Addono

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ccording to the American Pet Products Association, of the 72.9 million pet-owning households in the U.S., 67 percent travel with their pets each year. This can range from taking Fluffy by car to the beach or mountains to stowing her under the seat in an airline approved carrier for a jet setting getaway.

I’ve done both recently, taking my Westie Ruby to Phoenix by plane, and driving with her and Roxy, a poodle mix, to and from New Orleans. Both excursions were successful, 32

Local Living May | June 2012

but there was some planning involved.

If you’re flying with Fido, Betsy Saul, co-founder of Petfinder.com, suggests getting your pal used to his carrier a few days in advance of the trip. I did this with Ruby, putting her in her Sherpa soft carrier with treats to get her acclimated, gradually lengthening the time until she seemed at ease. Invented by an airline attendant, Sherpa’s small and medium sizes fit under the seat in a plane. Most airlines only allow one pet, so be sure to reserve in advance, and expect to pay $125 or so each way for the privilege. Also, make

sure to exercise your pet prior to the flight and get to the airport early – checking in with a critter takes a little extra time.

If you think your dog may get nervous when travelling, there are herbal calming remedies on the market, or check with your vet for options.

To find pet friendly stays, check websites like DogFriendly.com and PetTravel. com or www.luxurypaw.com, a pet-friendly hotel booking site that allows you to use your pets weight as part of the hotel search criteria. Many hotels require a pet deposit or add a surcharge, so this additional cost needs to be including in a vacation budget.

When I was on the road between Philly and New Orleans, we overnighted at a La Quinta, a budget motel chain with no charge for pets. Download the hotel app to your smart phone, and it will direct you to the closest location.

For a swankier sleep, more than 1,000 Best Western properties in the U.S. are pet friendly, but check in advance for specific policies.

Ask local contacts on the ground about a vet recommendation, or check www.gopetplan.com/find-a-vet to scope out local veterinarians ahead of time. And remember to travel with your pet’s latest vaccination records, required for visits to a vet or day care.

Spend a little time to scope out doggy parks and daycare options before your trip. I knew I’d need day care for Ruby while I was at an all day conference, and found Camp Bow Wow, a franchised doggy daycare and overnight camp with more than 100 locations in North America. In New Orleans, we frequented Cabrini Park, the French Quarter doggy park at the corner of Dauphine and Barracks. Becoming regulars during our month-long stay was a great way to meet people and introduce Ruby and Roxy to a new pack. Check www.usadogparks.com for parks near your destination or download the park finding app on www. doggoes.com to be sure your bud gets the social time and exercise he needs.

With just a little bit of advance planning, you’ll find that bringing your dog on vacation is a surefire way to feel at home no matter where you are.

Three Places to Sit and Stay

H Billmae Cottages, Cape May, NJ This Victorian seashore getaway is notoriously pedestrian and pet friendly, especially if you’re based at these comfy cottage suites located about 15 minutes from the beach. Reserve an 18th century four bedroom cottage from $425 per

night, or a one-two bedroom place from $220 for two people and one dog. All units have kitchens and are decorated with “rustic charm,” i.e., put your feet up and Daisy can get on the couch. www.billmae.com

g Aurora Cove, Oxford, MD Chill out in Oxford, a laid back burgh in the sleepy Eastern Shore. Aurora Cove is just one of 42 pet friendly vacation rentals offered by Eastern Shore Vacations. Most have a three night minimum stay. Aurora Cove is walking distance to town, sleeps 2-4, and has a private pool, Wi-Fi and a screened-in porch. Rates start at $470 per night. www.easternshorevacations.com

j Lazy L at Willow Creek, Lewes, DE Located about 20 minutes from the beach and dogfriendly Cape Henlopen State Park, the Lazy L is super pet friendly and welcoming to up to three (socialized, well-mannered and housebroken) dogs per room (a $20 per pet fee is charged). There’s a large fenced in off leash exercise area, directions are provided to pet friendly beaches and restaurants, and there’s an outside shower with a hand help sprayer to keep sand (mostly) out of your bed. Dogs are even allowed to hang out at the pool--but not to go swimming. Comfy rooms all have coffeemakers, queen-sized beds, ceiling fans/ AC and small fridges. A larger cottage with a kitchenette is also offered. From $140 off season to $200 during summer. www.lazyl.net LL Travel Editor Beth D’Addono ce lebrates loc al li ving whe rever she goes on her blog, unchainedtravel.com.

May | June 2012 Local Living

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what’s cooking

R2L

A sleek, sop histicated r estaurant and pr ivate e vent space soar ing 37 floors above the cit y at Two Liber ty P lace, R2L br ings together loc als and visitors alike to meet, entertain, celebrate, dine and mingle.

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ith its bird’s eye views of Philadelphia and world-class, creative American food by Chef Daniel Stern, R2L sets the scene for some of the city’s most spectacular culinary experiences.

Exceptional Everyday Dining: The lounge, BAR2L and main dining room combine the elegance of fine dining with the comfort and style of a home dinner party. The space lends itself to movement through different dining environments, as guests progress from drinks and bar bites to

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extended lunches and dinners. Some of the seats in the main dining room – 94 and 82, in particular – are especially romantic, with the focus out and on the views, stretching 40+ miles. Other seats are really “see and be seen”. While super stylish, the place is also spotted with playful, even surprising elements such as a central sculptural piece made of cutlery.

Private Dining and Special Events: With its well-known chef, award-winning cuisine and exceptional views, R2L

promises an unparalleled “Philadelphia” experience. Special event spaces – ranging from R2L’s Pinnacle Room and William Penn Room, to the penthouse at Two Liberty – are unmatched for custom catering, ambiance and world-class service.

R2L truly is the place to drink, dine and entertain in Philadelphia.

Open for lunch Monday through Friday, and dinner is served daily. Sunday brunch is also available.

Reservations are recommended, so call ahead at (215) 5645337. For more information, including virtual tours, or too book your reservation online, visit www.r2lrestaurant.com.

Liberty Place | 37th Floor | Philadelphia Follow us on Facebook & Twitter

R2L’s signature dessert: warm vanilla cake.

It’s a molten vanilla cake, with delicious warm vanilla and white chocolate baked inside!

May | June 2012 Local Living

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Photos credit Ryan Lavine

About Chef Daniel Stern With an eye to the future, Chef Daniel Stern updates traditional American flavors with a modern twist.

A self-taught chef, Stern has spent his culinary career in America’s top kitchens. He worked closely with the nation’s leading chefs – Rocco DiSpirito at Dava, Gray Kunz at the St. Regis Hotel, Daniel Boulud at Daniel, Jean-Georges Vongerichten at Mercer Kitchen – and was executive chef at Le Bec-Fin in Philadelphia.

Ready for restaurant kitchen(s) of his own, he launched Daniel Stern Restaurants in late 2005. In five years’ time, it would grow to include a collection of culinary experiences – Gayle, Rae, MidAtlantic and R2L – that blends bold cuisine with dynamic spaces.

Chef Stern has received much acclaim, including: Food & Wine’s Best Restaurant Dish in Philadelphia in 2006 for his Veal Stew at Gayle; inclusion in Esquire’s Best New Restaurants 2007 for Rae; recognition by Bon Appetit for one of the country’s Best Daily Specials in 2010 for his Mushroom Meatloaf at MidAtlantic; and inclusion in Gayot.com’s list of Top 10 New Restaurants in the U.S. for R2L in 2011.

Smoked salmon and caviar personal brunch pizza, with horseradish crème fraiche and a pumpernickel crumb.

This is available on the Sunday brunch menu.

R2L’s infamous Lobster Mac ‘n Cheese.

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Black Bass Hotel

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estled in the heart of scenic Bucks County, just six miles north of New Hope, The Black Bass Hotel boasts a breathtaking view of the Delaware River and all the comfort, luxury and ambiance expected of an historic inn. Choose from nine unique Suites, each with its own special décor. All Suites include luxurious private baths, antiques from the original hotel that have been lovingly restored, and most have private balconies.

The Restaurant at The Black Bass Hotel offers a variety of delicious dining options, and our extensive and eclectic international menu is sure to have something to please every palate. Guests and visitors can dine al fresco – weather permitting – on the River Deck amongst outdoor tables and umbrellas. Come enjoy everything from breakfast, lunch, dinner and The Bass’s famous Sunday Champagne Brunch.

Quintessentially unique with accommodations for a variety of special events, The Black Bass Hotel is the ideal location for weddings, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, anniversary or birthday celebrations, and retirement parties.

In addition, the Conference Suite offers full and half day meeting packages that include AV equipment and meeting

supplies. Convenient overnight accommodations are available in the adjoining Baxter Suite.

General Manager Grant Ross frequently conducts impromptu tours around The Black Bass Hotel – be sure to ask for him to get the full experience of this “jewel of the Delaware.”

Black Bass Hotel 3774 River Road Lumberville, PA 18933 (215) 297-9260 www.blackbasshotel.com

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fresh cut grass. Mandarins and key lime and Meyer lemons are complimented by vibrant acidity on the palate. Medium bodied with a tropical fruit. Like the first day of Spring!

Price: $13 2011 Château du Rouët Cuvee Réservée Tradition Rosé Cotes de Provence, France Light salmon pink color. A Syrah / Grenache blend from Southern France.

Candied strawberry, raspberry, watermelon and floral components on the nose. Juicy strawberry and watermelon with a good balance of minerality, acidity and flavors Medium bodied with a persistent and somewhat perfume-like finish. A bouquet of fresh wildflowers.

Price: $16 2005 Villa Rosa Barolo, Piedmonte, Italy Brick red with slightly orange rims. A great example of the Nebbiolo grape. Rose, plum, tart cherry and baking spice aromas fill the glass. Plum, tart cherry, tea, cloves and mushroom grace the palate. Full-bodied with chalky tannins, good acidity and a long finish dominated by tobacco, pepper and tart cherries.

Food is a must with this wine. Decant an hour before serving. A rich and savory journey.

Price: $31

Art Imitates Nature

By Michele Kawamoto Perry

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bottle of wine can be likened to a work of art, wherein, the winemaker is the artist working with various elements of nature – grapes, yeast, barrels and precious time – to develop a new work of art each vintage. The resulting masterpiece is then captured in a bottle awaiting discovery. Once the bottle is opened, the wine reveals a symphony of aromas and flavors reflective of the riches of the earth – flowers, fruit, herbs, spices etc. Tonight is the perfect time to enjoy a bottle of wine and enjoy this Garden of Eden.

2010 Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California Pale yellow color. Inviting aromas of lemon, gooseberry, kumquat and

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2010 Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d’Asti, Italy Pale yellow with slight bubbles. Moscato based dessert wine. Bursting with aromas of orange blossom, honeysuckle, nectarine and Asian pear. White peaches, passionfruit and lychees on the palate with a slight fizzy texture. Light to medium bodied with refreshing acidity to balance out the sweetness of the wine. Long finish of tropical fruit and fresh peaches. A wine lover’s equivalent to the forbidden fruit.

Price: $14 Michele is a Certified Sommelier and instructor through the International Sommelier Guild, and co-owner of Rouge-Bleu winery in southern France. She received her MBA from Bordeaux Business School and her BA from Harvard University. Visit vinedivine.com for more.

The Pe rk

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f you are looking for a new dining experience steeped in an authentic photographic history of the region, all roads lead to The Perk. Housed in the South Perkasie Hotel, this hot spot was one of the country’s best known hubs for livestock commerce throughout the second half of the 19th century. In 1975, long after that heyday, George Nacarella purchased the property at a backyard auction, restoring the location for another illustrious run as a central gathering place.

Your host, and owner since 1985, is George’s son, Larry, who has infused the classic pub experience with generous helpings of inspiration. Local chefs, along with the area’s native Head Chef Dan Wenger, Kristin Moyer, and Kyle Pressley bring unique dishes to the table every day, but the weekends are reserved for that something extra special on the menu. Of special pride to The Perk is their commitment to supporting farmers by using only fresh, locally grown ingredients, a hallmark for an especially high-volume establishment.

Enjoy the neighborhood hospitality of yesteryear as your friendly server brings to your table award-winning cuisine from burgers to pasta, to steak and seafood. Your

whole family will feel relaxed and satisfied.

There are menu specials every day, and live entertainment on most weekends.

Click the Entertainment tab on The Perk’s homepage often. Every week, The Perk hosts “Roman’s Wednesdays”, voted “Best Open Mic” by the Montgomery Bucks Music Awards. And do check out Trivia Thursdays, popular with families and the local college crowd.

Consistent with their commitment to local music, local goods, and “homegrown” staff, The Perk also features craft brews, including choices from Free Will Brewing Company. It’s Bucks County’s newest brewery, owned by Perkasie residents right in the neighborhood. The Perk premiered it and is a proud supporter of their success.

Visit soon and see what the neighborhood is talking about.

The Perk 501 East Walnut Street Perkasie, PA (215) 257-8483 www.AtthePerk.com Connect on Facebook: The Perk Follow us on Twitter: ThePerk501

Clams & Mussels Marinara: sauteed in plum tomato sauce with white wine, garlic, capers, & fresh basil The Perk’s signature secret recipe jumbo lump Crab Cake Dry rubbed, cooked slow and low, basted with House Bourbon Barbeque Sauce baby back ribs May | June 2012 Local Living

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Risorante San Marco

Classic Upscale Italian Dining

By Ron DiSilvestro

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here is nothing more memorable than the first time you enjoy the fresh, simple and delicious flavors of the local fare when traveling. Ristorante San Marco and Chef De Cuisine Paul Lee have captured the authentic flavors of the Italian countryside and the Mediterranean, transporting each diner to his and her Italian cuisine experience in just a moment.

We were greeted warmly by our host and led to our table; Nabil promptly presented a wine list that boasted well-selected Italian and Californian bottles ranging from $40 to $175 and over. We decided to pair our first course specials of the night with a Sauvignon Blanc from the equally impressive list of “by the glass” varieties.

The first course was Lobster Salad flanked by fresh avocado, chilled asparagus, mandarin orange and cherry tomatoes. A light Dijon citrus dressing had a kick, but it did not overpower the subtle flavors on the dish. A dollop of minced 40

Local Living May | June 2012

roasted red peppers with shallots and red wine vinegar was the final touch. It was as visually striking as its flavor was deep and clean.

Next up were more evening specials, The Canadian Beau Soleil oysters served fried in a cutlet-style breading. The oysters were served in the shells with a tangy, honey mustard sauce. Firm with a mild brininess, the sauce highlighted the sweet finish characterized by these suspension tray oysters.

The mid-course was pasta with Ristorante San Marco’s house-made linguini, tossed with jumbo shrimp, spinach, and tomatoes in a garlic white wine sauce. The delicate sauce allowed the true star of the dish, the house-made linguini, to shine through.

My host ordered salt baked Branzino, a mild and flaky Mediterranean sea bass. The fish was tightly packed with a mixture of kosher sea salt, egg whites and herbs and roasted whole in the oven. The fish was then fileted table side and dressed with a healthy drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon, and cracked black pepper. It was perfectly moist but had firm texture while retaining the subtle flavors of the Branzino. The pairing of another variation of the Sauvignon Blanc rounded out this remarkable dish.

I ordered the lamb chops served with a dried fruit, port reduction as my entree. The lamb was cooked to perfection tender and juicy sitting on a pool of a reduction sauce that was bold, and deep in flavor. A glass of the Silver Palm Cabernet Sauvignon was the partner.

By concluding the night with an order of Tiramisu and Profiteroles, a cappuccino and double espresso made with La Colombe coffee, it was the perfect completion to an outstanding experience in culinary adventures. Service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was relaxing and friendly. Also open for lunch with a full menu, this is the ideal place to bring someone for business, or for an enjoyable lunch date.

So, if you are in the mood to travel to Italy’s countryside or Mediterranean for a classic meal, book your flight to Ristorante San Marco. LL

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Out of the Ordinary Uses One bite and you’ll be hooked.

Kelchner’s Cocktail Sauce... if you need an excuse, try it with shrimp.

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- Zip up hamburgers and hotdogs - Serve with eggs and hashbrowns in place of ketchup - Coat or jazz up meatloaf - Mix into a bloody mary - New dip for vegetables - Alternative dipping sauce for chicken nuggets - Mix with Kelchner’s tartar sauce to make a spicy dip for french fries

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The

Fork-1-1

by Kimberly Ca mbra

Voila

La Pique nique!

There’s nothing like warmer weather to evoke the desire to shed your socks and shoes for the feel of grass between your toes.

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Local Living May | June 2012

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hat better way to feel that sunlight on your face, your bare feet stretched out in front of you as you recline and enjoy the perfect picnic?

The picnic – a timeless tradition passed down from generation to generation; it knows no age-limit as it is timeless, and it is more popular than ever. Each one of us possesses some type of picnicking memories… ay Boo-boo?

The history of the picnic goes back as far as the Renaissance era as a moveable outdoor feast for the well-to-do and continued to be so into the Victorian period in the form of garden parties. More recently the American tradition began to take shape in the mid 19th century. The word picnic is French in origin and made up from two words pique means to pick at food; nique means something small of no value. No surprise why so many of our earliest of childhood memories include a picnic – why? Because it was very cost effective for families to pack a meal, drive to a destination to enjoy the outdoors while enjoying a casual, easy to eat meal then return home without having to spend any money.

The one significant difference between picnicking 2012 and days gone by is that there is an entire industry emerging dedicated to outdoor entertaining either at home, tailgating or on a blanket under a tree in a park. Although the classic picnic basket is still in demand, there are hundreds of styles to choose from, those that are very high end with wine glasses, bottle opener, matching plates and linen napkins, to your grandmother’s Tupperware beverage cups, paper plates, and Handi-wipes. Picnicking – it’s not rocket science… well, actually it is. Interestingly enough, our friends at NASA have been responsible for developing most of the newer thermal fabrics, keeping food at the proper temperatures and allowing ease of transport and storage. The development of this space age material has translated into better design, functionality and performance of picnic gear to include backpacks, totes and coolers most weighing less than a pound or two. Compare these advancements to the hard plastic and aluminum coolers that were heavy to begin with before loading up with goodies. So in essence, we’ve come “light” years in our approach to packing up food and drink to be enjoyed surrounded by nature’s beauty. A good picnic tote is well worth the investment when you consider the benefit of having just the right amenities to enjoy yourself away from home. Grocery retailers like Wegmans are really a one stop shop for your picnicking needs from baskets to berries; the selection is endless for outdoor entertaining and foods designed to travel.

The best tip would be to compare products; make certain everything is dishwasher safe and child-friendly if little ones are on your guest list 24/7.

On the Menu…

While cold fried chicken, ham sandwiches on buttered rye, pickles, sugar cookies and lemonade may have been on

the 1960s menu, the reality is that gourmands far and wide are leading this picnic revolution and savoring more sophisticated items. The ambitious menus include such as pates, artesian cheeses and quiches along with stuffed grape leaves and smoked fishes. More impressive too are beverages like sparkling Italians sodas or even the ease of a screw cap bottle of wine taking the bother out of the need to extract a cork and when you’re done; screw it back on – pack it up.

Many eateries and restaurants in close proximity of parks and zoos offer picnic lunches to go they are as easy to make as a phone call for pick up for your picnic.

A picnic is the perfect alternative for the family with dietary restrictions and can easily be anything you create and

pack up for the day. Gluten-free and vegetarian food stuff for menus are readily available at most major grocery retailers. In fact, Wegmans has entire section dedicated to gluten free products. As for vegetarian picnicker, grilled vegetables, flatbreads, olives and fresh fruit travel very well.

We now live in a very busy society as a result food choices themselves have evolved to be on-the-go friendly. Ask any mom and she’s probably has a two course meal in her tote for her cherub tucked in the car seat. Even the pickiest of eaters stand a chance for being a happy customer from the picnic basket. Beyond what’s in the basket, the tradition of the moveable feast upon a blanket really comes down to the simplicity of being together, enjoying the outdoors and making memories. In your attempt to reconnect with each other and nature, take to the outdoors anywhere in the beautiful region we all call home. Pack, snack and relax in your lawn seats for a rock concert, tailgating for the Phillies or throwing a blanket along the banks of the Delaware under the shade of a tree – there is nothing more relaxing than dining amongst the flora and fauna of the spring and summer season enjoying the tradition of a good old fashioned picnic. LL

May | June 2012 Local Living

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LaCena RISTORANTE

Center City-Style Fine Dining In Bensalem

Make Your Reservations for Mother’s Day Graduation Parties Live Entertainment Happy Hour

Tuesday - Saturday

Tuesday - Friday 4:30 to 6:30 pm

Open For Lunch & Dinner

2233 Galloway Rd. | Bensalem, PA 215.639.9969 | www.lacenarestaurant.com

www.marshabrownrestaurant.com

Looking to bring a little southern hospitality north of the Mason-Dixon Line? Look no further than Marsha quality Brown Marsha Brown’s; the highest of fish, meat and poultry, and relaxed 215.862.7044 yet elegant surroundings.

Lunch and Dinner Served Daily refined creole kitchen & loUnGe

15 S., Main Street, new hope, PA 18938 DINNER Mon-thurs ... 5 pm - 10 pm fri ................ 5 pm - 11 pm Sat ............... 4:30 pm - 11 pm Sun............... 4:30 pm - 9:30 pm

LUNCH 7 days a week 11:30 am - 5 pm

looking to bring a little southern hospitality north of the Mason-dixon line? look no further than Marsha Browns; the highest quality of fish, meats and fowl, and relaxed yet elegant surroundings.

15 S. Main St., New Hope, PA 18938 215.862.7044 | www.marshabrownrestaurant.com

May | June 2012 Local Living

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he Restaurant Guide COST: 1 TO 5 FORKS = LESS EXPENSIVE TO MOST EXPENSIVE Bobby Simone’s Restaurant & Bar hhh 52 E. State St. Doylestown PA, 18901 (215) 340-1414 www.ilovebobbys.com Creative yet informal cuisine, exceptional beer and wines, with friendly attentive service in a casual, comfortable atmosphere.

The high quality of our food begins by using the freshest ingredients. Our highenergy, team-oriented approach allows you to meet many members of our friendly staff and ensures that you receive complete service. Our clean open exterior and warm classic interior combined with our outstanding food, spirits, and service creates the best gathering spot in Bucks County.

Your satisfaction is our number one goal.

Logan Inn hhhh 10 West Ferry Street New Hope, PA 18938 (215) 862-2300 www.loganinn.com Logan Inn, located in beautiful New Hope, was established as an inn in 1727. The Logan Inn is the oldest continuously run inn in Bucks County and one of the five oldest in the United States. Dining is available in the lovely Colonial glass enclosed porches or in the cozy Fireside Room which features an imposing stained glass wall created by local artist Val Sigstedt. In season, alfresco dining on the tented patio offers a wonderful spot for people watching, New Hope style.

Marsha Brown Creole Kitchen and Bar hhhhh 15 South Main Street New Hope, PA 18938 (215) 862-7044 www.marshabrownrestaurant.com After years in the restaurant business, Marsha Brown (yes, there is a Marsha Brown) decided it was time for the divine flavors and bold personality of her Louisiana upbringing to ascend north of the Mason-Dixon line. Her idea was to create a refined Creole Kitchen & Lounge that made the authentic taste and charm of New Orleans available– A place that was an extension of her own dining room, where she could share her family’s most cherished recipes.

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naBarsa Brazilian Steakhouse hhh 680 N. Easton Rd (Rt 611) Horsham PA 19044 (215) 956-0600 www.nabrasa.com na’Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse brings a style of dining that began centuries ago in the Pampas region of Brazil. Early European immigrants moved to the Pampas region, which consisted of Argentina and Southern Brazil. The Gauchos, or Brazilian Cowboys, started the tradition known as the Churrasco, a roasting of the meats over an open flame. This method of preparation sealed in the meat’s natural juices, resulting in a tender more flavorful steak.

Churrasco quickly became the custom of celebrating family and friends. na’Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse is proud to share our old tradition with you.

Bistro on Bridge hhh 210 Bridge Street Phoenixville, PA 19460 (610) 935-7141 www.bistroonbridge.com Bistro on Bridge, one the newest restaurant additions to Phoenixville’s downtown Historic District, offers live music, a relaxed atmosphere, crafting the perfect backdrop for casual dining, socializing, business events or special occasion. Utilizing only the freshest local ingredients, our knowledgeable culinary staff puts forth a uniquely styled contemporary Bistro Menu with a Mediterranean influence that has been voted Best New Restaurant in Phoenixville. For lunch or dinner, you will enjoy our cuisine, prized wine list, outstanding beer selection and discreetly attentive service.

The Perk hh 501 East Walnut Street Perkasie, PA 18944 (215) 257-8483 www.attheperk.com If you’re hungry for a good time The Perk is probably your kind of place. It’s the local eatery that feels like home. From awardwinning burgers to pasta, steak and seafood, there’s something for everyone, and you won’t go home hungry. The portions are generous, giving customers excellent value for their dollar. As the locals say, The Perk is “everyone’s favorite place.”

Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar hhh 549 Wilmington West Chester Pike Glen Mills, PA 19342 (610) 358-1005 www.harvestseasonalgrill.com Here at Harvest our focus is to be Seasonally Changing, Local, Organic, Sustainable and we offer and strive to create Healthy Choices (90% of our menu is under 500 calories). We are a farm-to-table restaurant, utilizing such farms as Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-op, Apple Tree Goat Dairy, Back 40 Ranch, Belview Organics, Birch Run Hills Farm, Friendly Farms, Elm Tree Organics and many others. We also use organic cleaning products, we have recycled glass countertops throughout the restaurant, we use recycled post consumer paper for our menus and more.

86 West hhh 86 West State Street Doylestown, PA 18901-4222 (215) 348-8600 www.the86west.com 86 West is known for its unique take on New American cuisine. Taking the freshest local ingredients and combining them in creative ways to deliver a new spin on traditional favorites and new ideas as well. Our reliable standbys such as the Baked Mac n’ Cheese married with the ever changing specials deliver an experience you can count on, with some pleasant surprises. Top quality steaks and seafood, delicious salads and sides, and fresh locally made desserts.

Lambertville Station hhh 11 Bridge Street Lambertville, NJ 08530 (609) 397-4400 www.lambertvillestation.com Lambertville’s best restaurant, The Lambertville Station, has been a landmark for over 25 years. Located in a restored 19th century train station, our American cuisine restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner, and Sunday Brunch. Casual dining is available indoors and seasonally on our canal side deck.

Photography by Jason Bleecher

Pasta My Way — “Cavatelli” with Mushrooms, Asparagus, Dried Tomatoes, Basil Leaves & Parmesan 1 lb.

1/2c 2 tbsp 1c 2 tbsp 1/8 tsp 4c 2c 2c 2c 1 tbsp 2 tbsp 1/4c

Cavatelli pasta, dried olive oil butter onion garlic cloves, chopped red pepper flakes white mushrooms, washed & sliced roasted chicken broth oven dried tomatoes (if unavailable please use sundried tomatoes, cut into strips) asparagus spears, cut into 1-1/2” pieces, removing the tough bottom stalk herbs de Provence, (thyme, rosemary, basil and lavender) basil leaves parmesan, grated To taste salt and pepper

Cook pasta per packet directions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 10 minutes, drain & set aside. While the pasta is cooking, using a separate pot, add olive oil and then add onions and cook for 3 minutes until tender; add the garlic and cook until fragrant but lightly browned. Quick sprinkle of red pepper flakes stirred for 3 seconds. Stir in the pre-sliced mushrooms, season with salt and pepper. Sauté the mushrooms for 2 minutes, and combine the tomatoes, herbs de Provence and the chicken stock. Bring to a boil, simmer for 8 minutes then lower heat; stir in the pre-cooked pasta. Add cut asparagus spears, basil leaves and parmesan cheese. Mix well.

The pasta should be fairly wet; reduce liquid to achieve the desired taste. If necessary, adjust seasonings with an additional sprinkle of salt and pepper. Serve immediately with extra parmesan on the side.

Chef Barry Sexton Opinionated Palate | www.opinionatedpalate.com

FINANCE

Talk About Finances Before Tying the Knot (Again)

By Adam Soloff, CFP™, EA

A

second marriage is no easy undertaking. In many cases, challenges like blending families, merging residences, and growing accustomed to living with someone new can make tying the knot much harder the second time around. The good news is, with the right planning, your finances don’t have to be.

As you enter into a new financial partnership, you will likely be haunted by “ghosts of marriage past,” such as debts and bad credit, mandated support payments from previous marriages, and obligations to two sets of children. To avoid unpleasant surprises, an open discussion of these issues, and others related to finance, should take place long before the ceremony. You and your spouse-to-be should walk down the aisle with a clear idea of one another’s goals, priorities and general attitudes toward money. Even if you don’t see eye-to-eye on every issue, at least you should develop a plan that takes everything into account and sets both of you at ease.

Providing for your children from previous marriages will likely be a top priority in your new financial plan. Typically, when you die, your assets are automatically handed down to the spouse. But in the case of a second marriage, there can be a surviving spouse, children from two previous marriages, and children from the new marriage to consider. The easiest answer—to disinherit your new spouse—is the wrong answer.

And the logical answer—to let your spouse live rent-free in your home and survive on your investments until they die, at which time your children will inherit the remainder of assets— is illogical. Your children’s investment objectives may differ from your spouse’s. They will watch every penny she spends.

And there will be animosity all around.

The answer lies in eliminating the financial connection between your spouse and children. You may decide to name your children as beneficiaries on your life insurance and retirement plan, while leaving your current spouse a lump sum or trust. Or, give your children and your spouse ownership of specific assets, which they will inherit when you’re gone. The answer will be unique to your specific situation.

Even with a solid financial plan in place, there are some other precautions you can take. If you have substantial assets or children to take care of, or just need added peace of mind that you are both protected financially, you may consider a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement. This document defines your rights, duties and obligations during marriage or in the event of a divorce down the road.

It might also make sense to keep your credit separate and pay close attention to how you title assets, such as real estate and cars. If you are older, it’s likely you also have retirement, pension and health benefits, as well as a hardearned nest egg, to protect. You will still want to leave the bulk of your estate to your children, if that’s what you had planned, and protect it from depletion if you ever have to enter a nursing home.

A qualified financial planner can help you put order to all of these moving parts and set you down the road to a happy, financially healthy new marriage. LL Adam is president and founder of Soloff Wealth Management Group; a loc al financial planning firm. A ll investments are offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC.

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Local Living May | June 2012

The Second Time Around

By Christina Friedrichsen

I

s this your second marriage? Wedding rules for encore brides have changed. Second weddings tend to be smaller than first weddings – and oftentimes, they’re more personalized. Couples marrying for the second time are old enough to know exactly what they want. Many of them have done the big wedding thing, and prefer to celebrate with only close friends and family. Besides, they have different priorities. Many of them have careers, homes, kids, and they no longer feel pressured by their families – or society in general – to have a traditional wedding.

For a couple entering into a second marriage, wedding plans aren’t necessarily less elaborate. Many encore brides and grooms pull out all the stops for their second ‘I do’s.

If you are planning a 2nd wedding, here are some things to keep in mind: • If you want to wear a traditional white wedding gown, go for it. The ‘no white’ rule has been abolished.

• Registering for gifts is perfectly acceptable. If you already have all the household items you need, consider setting up a honeymoon registry at www.thebigday.com.

• If you are divorced and want to have a church wedding, check with the cleric well before your wedding date to make sure the church permits 2nd weddings. If you get turned away, try a nondenominational minister.

• Consider a destination wedding. They are a popular option for 2nd weddings.

• If you have kids, involve them. This is a great way to prevent them from feeling alienated and to help them get excited about your nuptials.

For couples entering a second marriage, wedding plans often include children.

Here are just a few ideas to get children involved: • Encourage kids to offer input on wedding-day decisions. This will make them feel part of the process. Ask for input on everything from the wedding day music to the favors.

• If kids are artistic or into crafts, have them make favors, place cards, invitations or wedding programs. Also have kids help decorate the venue.

• A young girl can serve as flower girl or ring bearer, while a young boy can serve as ring bearer.

• Preteens could serve as junior bridesmaids or junior ushers. A teen or adult could serve as bridesmaid, groomsman, usher, maid of honor or best man.

• Have a child give a reading or a speech if s/he desires.

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A D VA N C E D

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• If a child is musical have him or her perform during the ceremony or reception.

• Don’t force kids to take a role. Ask them if they would like to participate, and if so what they would like to do.

Visit Christina Friedrichsen at www.intimateweddings. com/blog/contact.

Unique Etiquette Questions for Encore Weddings

By Susan Polyot Encore brides often have etiquette questions that first time brides don’t have to face: How to word invitations, who to invite, registry issues, and other questions of formality.

There are many etiquette books for brides available, and many of the topics will apply to encore brides as well. Here are some of the more common questions posed.

Invitations

Do I need to send an invitation?

Can I send e-vites?

Who sends the invitation?

A traditional invitation is sent by the bride’s parents, with a more contemporary version including the groom’s parents.

Traditionally, this is done because the bride’s parents are hosting the event. In an encore wedding, the couple is usually hosting the event. They are financially responsible for the event and assume most of the planning details traditionally reserved for parents and attendants. An encore wedding is still a special event and invitations should always be sent if your guest list includes more than immediate family. A common question is how to word the invitation. An invitation should come from whoever is hosting the event. If the couple is hosting, as with most encore weddings, it would read as: Jane Doe and Robert Smith invite you to…or, request the honour of your presence…whatever wording you chose to follow. The brides name is listed first, followed by the groom’s name.

If the couples parent’s are hosting, but you would like to make a distinction from a first marriage, an acceptable wording would be: The Doe and Smith families request ….

If the groom’s family only is hosting: Mr. and Mrs. Smith request the honour of your presence at the marriage of Jane Doe to Their son, Robert Smith.

The bride is still listed first. Children should not be listed as hosts on an invitation.

Some encore brides opt for a private ceremony followed by a reception. If that is the case, the invitation should be clear about what guests are being invited to attend. Such as: Jane Doe and Robert Smith invite you to join them in a celebration of their marriage at a brunch reception following a private exchange of vows.

Again, whoever is hosting the event would be identified as those who are extending the invitation for attendance.

An invitation can be as formal or informal as you would like, but the invitation should match the event. If you are hosting a formal event, a formal invitation should be sent.

If the event is more casual, a casual invitation would be appropriate. There are a number of choices available through both retail and on line vendors with many selections appropriate for encore brides.

You may have done this before, but small details can get overlooked when planning an encore wedding. Make sure to order and include response cards, and thank you notes.

Encore brides still need to know how many will be attending for planning purposes, and thank you notes must be sent promptly.

The Guest List

Who should be invited?

All of the relatives came to a first wedding, do we include them again?

Encore weddings are frequently smaller than first time weddings. Some of this will depend on whether or not your groom is an encore groom. If not, he will likely feel a need to include friends and relatives you may not be including from your side. Do not feel obligated to match his guest list. Invite those you think appropriate, and those who are comfortable with your encore wedding. Sometimes, encore brides feel awkward inviting extended family to an encore wedding, especially if the relationship is not particularly close, and they attended a first wedding. It is appropriate to send an announcement after the event, to inform them of your wedding and new groom without including them in the event. Design your guest list to include those who are supportive of your event, and the two of you feel are important to share your day (see archives for tips on including children).

The Registry

Should we have a registry?

How do we let people know we are registered?

Registering for gifts is not reserved for first weddings.

Encore brides may opt out of registering for gifts because for many the issue is eliminating duplicates in combining households, not adding more. A registry can, however, be helpful if there are specific items you need for establishing your new home. Traditionally, China and Silver registries are not common for encore brides. If you choose to register, register for gifts that are in keeping with establishing a new home. As with any wedding, enclosing a notice of registry with your invitation is not in keeping with good etiquette.

You are inviting people to share in your event, not inviting them to bring a gift. Family and friends will pass the word of your registry, or people may ask you directly if you have registered and where. A plea for gifts via an announcement is simply poor taste.

You can find other etiquette-related discussions in the archived editions of encore bride at www.encorebridemagazine.com.

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FINANCE

“Fool Me Once, Shame on Me, Fool Me Twice...I Don’t Think So.”

By Jessica A. Pritchard, Esquire

T

he decision to remarry is not made lightly.

Marrying a second time is oftentimes very different from a first marriage. The second time around, people are likely to have assets and children from a prior relationship. Recalling the time, money and emotional energy spent during your divorce, friends and advisors might mention a prenuptial agreement.

A well-drafted prenuptial agreement can protect these hardearned valuables.

Is it right for you? It is if you want to avoid the aggravation and expense of litigating your future. Protect yourself.

A prenuptial agreement is a contract between persons who plan to marry. The agreement addresses how property is to be divided or the terms of support/alimony in the event of a divorce or the death of one of the parties. Executing an agreement before being married in order to address what will occur in the event of divorce is not romantic, but it is smart.

What can be expected? What needs to be done?

Once it is decided that a prenuptial agreement is appropriate, the first step is to contact an attorney well in advance of a wedding date. Presenting a prenuptial agreement to one’s fiancée on the eve of a wedding adds unnecessary pressure to an already stressful time. Anticipate providing your attorney documentation of current assets, liabilities and sources of income. To ensure that an agreement’s validity cannot be challenged at later date, the parties disclose their current financial status. Prepare an outline of assets and liabilities and bring recent tax returns to your meeting to help make the

process easier. Your prenuptial agreement can outline how certain assets will be divided between spouses in the event of divorce and if someone will receive support if the parties separate. Will assets be divided equally? Will certain assets, like a family business, be excluded from consideration in the event of a divorce? Will certain assets be set aside for a party’s children from the prior relationship? Will someone receive alimony? For how long and in what amount will the alimony be payable?

Negotiating the terms of a prenuptial agreement can become intensely emotional. Suddenly, the exuberant feelings surrounding an impending wedding are dampened by serious discussions of a possible future personal tragedy.

Someone may feel slighted and someone else may feel exploited. Being offended by the negotiations will serve no purpose. Both parties should have the agreement reviewed by an attorney so that they may feel comfortable with the bargain reached. Do not be afraid to advocate for what you may need in the future. When people get married, rights are acquired. Marriage is a contract. Specifying the contract, according to terms the parties “can live with,” makes sense. LL Jessica A. P ritchard, Esquir e is P artner at Williams & H and, P .C., 43 N orth Pine St reet, Doylestown, P A 18901. They c an be r eached by phone at (215) 340-2207 or email Jessic a at jpritchard@williamshandlaw.com.

May | June 2012 Local Living

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TIFFANY THERE IS ONLY ONE

True Love

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Local Living May | June 2012

TIFFANY & CO. CELEBRATES 175 YEARS OF DESIGN EXCELLENCE WRAPPED IN THE COLOR OF STYLE

T

he heritage of Tiffany & Co.— the diamonds, the glamour, the storied legacy of movies and song—is richly reflected in the signature Tiffany Blue that wraps the jeweler’s every creation. One glance at this glorious hue evokes not only excitement, but also appreciation for a legendary style that was crafted by artisans working in a tradition established 175 years ago.

Tiffany’s anniversary celebration pays tribute to the generations of designers and craftspeople who forged the jeweler’s renowned reputation. The objects of their dedication are milestones in the evolution of American design and reinforce Tiffany’s history as one of the world’s foremost jewelers and silversmiths. It was the quality of these creations, consistently and flawlessly delivered that engendered a relationship of trust between Tiffany & Co. and its customers. Over time, Tiffany’s devoted clientele came to associate the vibrant blue box with this special relationship and the highest standards of excellence.

The color known as Tiffany Blue was selected by founder Charles Lewis Tiffany for the cover of Blue Book, Tiffany’s annual collection of exquisitely handcrafted jewels, first published in 1845. Also referred to as robin’s-egg blue or forget-me-not blue, this distinctive color may have been chosen because of the popularity of the turquoise gemstone

in 19th-century jewelry. Turquoise was also a favorite of Victorian brides who gave their attendants a dove-shaped brooch of turquoise as a wedding day memento.

Tiffany Blue was later adopted for use on shopping bags, as well as in advertising and other promotional materials. True to the founder’s vision, the Tiffany Blue Box® became an icon of luxury and exclusivity. As The New York Sun reported in 1906.

(Charles Lewis) Tiffany has one thing in stock that you cannot buy of him for as much money as you may offer; he will only give it to you. And that is one of his boxes. The rule of the establishment is ironclad, never to allow a box bearing the name of the firm, to be taken out of the building except with an article which has been sold by them and for which they are responsible.

Charles Tiffany’s coveted box is today an international icon of elegance and sophistication. On a more personal level, it is a certain sign that a magical moment has arrived.

The box may reveal a dazzling diamond ring that changes the course of love; or it may honor a personal achievement, a birthday or an anniversary.

Glimpsed on a busy street or resting in the palm of a hand, the Tiffany Blue Box® evokes happy thoughts of the present that will be opened with the greatest pleasure.

May | June 2012 Local Living

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fashion forward

Occasions Boutique Gorgeous nude and ivory embroidered lace cocktail dress with illusion straps and V-back. Unusual ruffled cut chiffon floral detail with gold-toned and marble vine beading: $660 30 East King Street | Malvern, PA p 610.296.0442 www.occasions-boutique.com

Shaving Grace Barbers Doylestown Gift Card for a Straight Razor Shave and Precision Haircut. Includes hot towel, pre-shave oil, light facial massage and aftershave treatment.

41 East State Street | Doylestown, PA p 267.620.2005 www.ShavingGraceBarbers.com

Blue Horse Black Jade was originally made for Marie Antoinette in 1815. It is a beautiful scent that leaves a discreet trace with notes of amber, elegant and sensual. Black Jade was made with roses and jasmine from the Queen’s flower Garden, and spices and noble wood imported from distant lands.

Versailles inspired more exotic tones such as patchouli, sandalwood, vanilla, cinnamon, coriander, and cardamom.

Frankincense and galbanum were brought from India and the French Islands. With these ingredients, the initially cool floral fragrance became mellow and warm on the skin.

The Queen took it everywhere in a small flask of Black Jade.

Pick up a bottle at www.shopbluehorse.com and feel like a Queen. Black Jade perfume: $130 118 E. Lancaster Ave. | Wayne, PA p 610.254.2583

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Local Living May | June 2012

health Unique, Exotic and Even Healthy!

M

assage has always had its place in top area salons and spas, but have you noticed the increase in the number of medical offices that are providing massage therapy? Eastern medicine has always promoted the benefits of therapeutic massage. Acupuncture and acupressure are just a few examples. Now it is time to experience a Thai Massage.

A Thai Massage is not the typical mainstream massage, on the contrary. The experts at Issan Thai Massage in Elkins Park are considered doctors in their homeland. They specialize in deep tissue treatments that are therapeutic and “AIM TO HEAL”. Whether it’s getting strokes off your golf game or recovering from a sports injury from years past, Issan Thai Massage is ready to help you.

Thai Massage is a treatment that signals the brain to release precious endorphins and healing chemicals to the areas affected. It helps the body heal itself… naturally, a secret that pharmaceutical companies don’t want you to know.

From the moment you walk in for your treatment at Issan Thai Massage, you are welcomed warmly into a family en-

vironment. Your passport to health has just been renewed.

With the most competitive pricing in the area, Issan Thai Massage looks forward to helping you achieve your health goals. See what others have said:

“…Issan Thai Massage is e xcellent. This is not a fluffy body rub but rather a serious working-out of your muscles and joints…” “…Issan Thai Massage is definitely the best massag e in the area! I ha ve never experienced a massag e like this.

Without a doubt, the best the rapeutic massag e in the area…” “…I wholehear tedly r ecommend Thai massag e as an effective means of t reating muscular imb alances that perpetuate chronic breakdown of the joints and back...”

Try Issan Thai Massage for yourself or give a gift certificate on Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.

Local Living Readers

May | June 2012 Local Living

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six degrees The Art of the Hurricane

By Crissa DeBree

Glenn Schwartz takes the weather very, very seriously.

T

he man known as Hurricane has spent four decades forecasting the weather – nearly 20 of those years on Philadelphia’s NBC10 – and has developed a reputation for his straightforward, accurate delivery of weather news. And an impressive collection of bow ties.

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Local Living May | June 2012

“I want to work harder than anybody else because I don’t want to miss anything,” Schwartz said. “There’s so much information out there. I could spend 24 hours a day just looking at it.

Obviously you can’t. But if the forecast goes wrong, I don’t want to say, ‘Gee, I wish I would have seen this piece of information, or I wish I would have worked a little harder to look at that.’ I’ll know that I’ve done everything I can, to the limit of what the science will allow. I never want to lose that.”

The 60-year-old Schwartz is every bit the weather bug one would expect him to be.

His love of all things meteorological dates back to childhood, when he was first introduced to the science in the fifth grade.

“I would go home and watch all of the TV people,” Schwartz said. “They had some all-time greats at the time: Herb Clarke at Channel 10, Dr. Francis Davis at Channel 6, and my favorite, Wally Kinnan the Weatherman, on Channel 3. I would sit in front of the TV and flip the stations.

Everybody did the weather right around the same time.

I didn’t want to miss anybody’s forecast.”

He received a set of weather instruments for one of his birthdays, and they hung outside the bedroom window of his childhood home in Philadelphia’s Mount Airy section.

“I would take observations every day and make my own forecast,” he said. “By the time I was 12 I was trying to outpredict the other people in town. That was a big part of my life. It didn’t necessarily have to be on television, but I was most fascinated with forecasting the weather.”

Following his graduation from Central High School, Schwartz went on to study meteorology at Penn State. After graduation – which he missed, thanks to flooding from Hurricane Agnes in 1972 – he joined Accu-Weather in State College, where he provided radio forecasts for clients. He then moved to Atlanta, where he became the disaster preparedness meteorologist for the National Weather Service.

It was in Atlanta that he began his television career, on WAGA-TV. In 1985 he joined Atlanta-based The Weather Channel, where he produced hurricane documentaries and was the station’s first storm chaser before the term was ever popular.

“There are a lot of chasers that have access to radars now, stronger vehicles, bigger teams that have advice on where to go,” he said. “When I was doing it, it was just me and the photographer and the camera. We would just drive to where the hurricane was going to go, and then take the video of it. There was no way to get the video back to the Weather Channel other than shooting it on tape and driving to the nearest airport and putting the tape on a plane.”

A New York anchorman dubbed him “Hurricane” after watching one of his old storm chaser videos of Schwartz being blown about by the storm. The name stuck.

“Hurricanes are the most fascinating weather event,” Schwartz said. “It’s also a fascinating news story. It’s some-

thing that goes on for days. There’s a continuing drama about it. It’s a very visual thing. It affects so many people.

I’ve always been especially interested in that.”

Schwartz, who lived and worked in Florida for many years – his first day on the job in Fort Myers happened to be the same day Hurricane Andrew hit the state – returned to Philadelphia and joined Channel 10 in 1995, shortly after the station switched affiliation from CBS to NBC. His new boss suggested the bow tie.

“He said, ‘You’re a scientist. What’s wrong with looking like a scientist?’” Schwartz said. “And in TV, it’s a good thing to stand out. It’s important to be noticed, for people to know who you are. That’s one of the things that helps you keep your job.”’

Schwartz, who lives in Lower Merion, became NBC10’s chief meteorologist in 2002, the same year he co-authored “The Philadelphia Area Weather Book,” a regional account of weather events. In 2005, Schwartz was awarded the Louis J. Batton Author’s Award by The American Meteorological Society in recognition of the book. He also became one of the first Philadelphia-area broadcast meteorologists to become a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist.

That same year, Schwartz founded HOPES – Hurricane’s Outreach Program to Educate Scientists – to provide mentoring and professional guidance to minority students aspiring to study meteorology and atmospheric science.

“One of the biggest problems in meteorology has always been a lack of diversity,” Schwartz said. “So because I grew up and was inspired by TV meteorologists when I was in the 10-year-old, 15-year-old range, I thought it might be something that could work here in my hometown. We take students who already have an interest and just give them more exposure to the science and careers, and help foster that interest.”

In 2010, Schwartz was inducted into the Philadelphia Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame, an honor he shares with his childhood weather idols.

Weather forecasting, Schwartz said, has advanced and improved tremendously over the years as technology has gotten better at predicting weather patterns. And with debate about worldwide climate change and the recent unusual weather patterns, it’s an exciting time to be a weather forecaster.

“We’ll never be able to make perfect forecasts,” Schwartz said. “But forecasting has improved tremendously since I started my career. The computer models have gotten faster and faster and more detailed and have been a great help to forecasters. But there is still some art to it. There’s such a thing as having a feel for a weather pattern. It’s a combination of the technology itself and the experience and the knowledge of how the atmosphere works that helps make for the best forecaster.” LL Crissa DeBree is a writer based in Quakertown, Pa.

May | June 2012 Local Living

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Smiles to You Summer is a time to lie back, but continue to care for your smile!

It’s the only one you have!

R

emember the basics: Brush and Floss!

Especially after eating sweets and sticky foods!

Mouth guards help protect active children during their sporting activities. In Office mouth guards are made of heavier yet flexible material and can be custom colored. Over-thecounter, “boil and fit” mouth guards help too.

Prevention is Always Best. It’s easiest. It’s least expensive. It is the things you do every day that keeps the problems away!

When an accident occurs and there has been trauma to the mouth, here are some things to keep in mind.

The trauma will cause the area to be very sensitive; it can bleed a lot (and mixed with saliva it can seem like a lot more!)

If nothing seems broken and the teeth can come together as they normally do, it may be a bad bruise. Ice is best. Eat soft foods. It may not be an immediate need for observation, but still get checked when convenient.

For a broken tooth, place in milk and see your dentist as soon as possible. If it’s a “clean break” (one piece) it may be possible to use the tooth and rebond it in place. If it’s not a clean break, tooth colored bonding material is used to restore the tooth.

Depending on the severity of the break and how much broke off, the nerve may be affected. When this has happened, prolonged sensitivity and tooth darkening may occur, which indicates internal bleeding.

A tooth in this condition can be saved with endodontic therapy, commonly called root canal therapy.

When trauma has occurred and the bite is off (the teeth do not come together normally), it may be because a tooth or bone has fractured. This is an emergent need to be seen as soon as possible to evaluate and reposition the loose tooth. The tooth may or may not need endodontic therapy and possibly, the patient could lose the tooth if it has suffered a root fracture.

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Local Living May | June 2012

If a tooth has come out, either a big piece or the whole tooth, put it in milk, which keeps it moist and clean.

Do not touch the root part if possible. Seek help as soon as possible to try and re-implant the tooth in the socket.

Again, it may or may not be accepted by the body.

If you feel confident about how it fits into the mouth and tooth socket, it’s best to put the tooth back immediately into the socket before bleeding, swelling, etc. sets in. Be sure the tooth is clean. If it is bloody that’s okay, but you want no foreign material like dirt in the socket.

If no milk is available, you can keep the tooth in the mouth – but do not swallow it! Place inside the lip between the cheek and teeth — rather like smokeless tobacco (...that’s another subject for the future)!

Accidents can happen at any time, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Best Wishes for a Safe and Happy Summer! LL Dr. Robe rt Lantzy is a compr ehensive family dentist in Newtown, Bucks Count y. He and his c aring staff of professionals provide a range of services in a state of the art facility where the focus is on indi vidualized attention and lasting patient-doctor relationships. You may reach the office at (215) 860-5901 or by visiting www .buckscountydental.com.

Snap the tag to visit the website for Dr. Robert Lantzy directly from your phone!

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Growing Practice Treats Spine and Pain Patients

I

n 2007, Scott J. Loev, DO, helped create St. Luke’s Spine & Pain Associates. It was located in basement space at St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital. Today, St. Luke’s Spine & Pain Associates has three locations.

In addition to space in the Network’s new Bone & Joint Institute off Route 309 in Quakertown, Dr. Loev and his associates have locations in Bethlehem across the street from the St. Luke’s University Hospital, and at the new St. Luke’s Anderson Campus. A fourth location is being planned for the Allentown area. Quality care that treats patients as “a whole” is the practice’s goal.

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The practice offers an integrative approach with cuttingedge techniques as well as hospital-quality care in the procedures it performs in the offices, along with the comfortable atmosphere of a primary doctor visit. “We don’t just give you an injection and send you home.” The providers work very closely with other practitioners within the St. Luke’s University Health Network. Patients are often referred to neurologists or surgeons when it is warranted. Physical therapy often is indicated as well. Living with chronic pain is emotionally difficult, so patients may be referred to psychologists or counselors. Sometimes, being overweight contributes to

pain, so nutritionists often can help too. Being part of University Health Network offers many resources and advantages that other practices don’t have.

Dr. Loev is proud that his associates – Jeffrey S. Berger, DO; Farooq A. Qureshi, MD; and Daryl Gordon, CRNP and staff make patients feel welcomed and safe. A patient’s treatment begins with the staff at the front desk that answer the phone and greet patients. They have experience working with people who are seeking relief from pain and they always show kindness and understanding. The patient’s care continues with the clinical staff and nurses who take the time to understand the complex nature of each patient’s pain.

Drs. Loev, Berger, and Qureshi offer a wide variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, primarily for patients with musculoskeletal issues. Patients may have suffered an acute injury from a vehicle accident or a workman’s compensation injury, or they may be recovering from surgery.

Pain can present itself in many different fashion.

Many different spinal problems can cause pain and may bring patients to the practice for treatment. For instance, the discs between vertebrae can deteriorate or be damaged.

Facet arthropathy, caused by degenerative arthritis, can cause pain. The condition can stem from a back injury, or just wear and tear. Some people who experience pain in the lower back, hips and groin may have arthritis of the cartilage in the sacroiliac joints or hip joints. Another condition treated at the Spine & Pain Associates is sciatica, which is pain or numbness in the legs caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve due to disc herniation or narrowing of the spinal canal, also known as spinal stenosis. The practice also treats patients with pain following shingles, a painful skin condition that is caused by a virus.

At St. Luke’s Spine & Pain Associates, patients may receive injections of steroids or other anti-inflammatory medicines to relieve pain. Nerve blocks, which can be used temporarily to identify specific sources of nerve pain, involve the injection of numbing agents, often under X-ray guidance, and play an important diagnostic role.

Dr. Loev says, “The causes of pain can be complex, so we often need to perform diagnostic procedures.” In order to effectively treat pain, it is essential to understand the cause.

For instance, injections and nerve blocks can confirm or deny that a nerve is the source of pain, thereby guiding further treatment.

Spinal cord stimulation is another technique used to treat chronic neck, low back and extremity pain. The procedure involves the placement of electrode leads into the epidural space which surrounds the spine. The device can be used to block the transmission of pain before it reaches the brain.

Similar technology can be used to treat chronic headaches as well. The neurostimulation device also can be placed temporarily to determine whether it works for a patient. If successful, it can be implanted.

The practice has grown over the years both in numbers and quality. In 2010, the National Purdue Partners Against Pain Award was presented to Dr. Loev and the practice to recognize their “great strides in the field of pain research, management or improving the quality of life for people living with acute or chronic pain.”

Dr. Loev earned his DO degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and served an internship in internal medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He served an anesthesia residency at Temple University School of Medicine and a fellowship in interventional pain medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Dr. Berger earned his DO at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and served an internship at Crozer Keystone Health System in Drexel Hill, Pa. He served as chief resident and clinical instructor at Temple University’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and completed additional fellowship training in Interventional Pain Medicine at Temple University Hospital. Dr. Berger also performs nerve tests known as EMGs to diagnose the cause of nerve pain. Dr. Berger has also written awardwinning research papers on peripheral stimulation for pain relief.

Dr. Qureshi earned his MD at Temple University School of Medicine and served an internship in internal medicine at Graduate Hospital. He served a residency in anesthesiology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center. He completed a post-doctoral residency fellowship at Columbia University and a fellowship in pain management at UCLA Pain Management Center in Santa Monica, California.

St. Luke’s Spine & Pain Associates have three convenient office locations in Bethlehem, Easton and Quakertown.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call toll-free 1-866-STLUKES (785-8537).

May | June 2012 Local Living

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HEALTH & WELLNESS WITH KENT LANE MUELLER, D.D.S. ‘I.V. Sedation’ in Dentistry: How can I take advantage of this to receive all of my required dental treatment?

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eneral Anesthesia and I.V Sedation in the field of Dentistry has long been associated with Oral Surgery, and most commonly with Wisdom Teeth extractions and Tooth extractions in general. Indeed, the historical development of Anesthesia in general has been largely driven by dental pain and dental extractions. Oral Surgery Residency Programs provide advanced training in Anesthesia to provide comfortable delivery of surgical procedures to the patient in an out-patient/ private office setting.

However, there remains a significant portion of the Adult Dental Patient population whose dental treatment requirements are not necessarily all surgical, and do also require a deeper level of anesthesia/sedation to receive the treatment they require. The reasons are many; but, the most common I encounter in my Practice are genuine fear, gag reflex, inability to ‘get numb’, difficulty breathing while holding mouth open, agoraphobia, claustrophobia, an overwhelming scope of required/desired procedures, and the need to accelerate treatment time delivery.

The Dental Practice that I have developed over the years takes the time and preparation to specifically address the requirements and concerns of these select Adult Patients. A Physician Anesthesiologist is provided at chair-side to manage patient anesthesia, comfort and safety, while all dental treatment procedures are delivered under my care. These procedures may include: Periodontal Root Scaling and/or Surgery, Root Canal Treatment with Crown/Bridge preparation, Extractions and Implant Placement, Extractions with the Immediate Provision of Dentures, Bone and Soft Tissue Grafting, Extraction with Immediate placement of a Dental Implant and Temporary Crown within the Cosmetic Smile Line, and Tooth Shaded Composite/Porcelain Fillings.

I also provide a mild P.O. Sedation Treatment Program for my Adult patients requiring assistance with anxiety only with less complex dental procedures.

I encourage you strongly to visit my website at www. sleepdentisty-mueller.com to access more information on this rather singular dental practice and the services provided to the Adult Community. The office facility is located at the #343 Turnpike Interchange (Willow Grove) to better accommodate many of my patients that travel greater distances to reach us.

— Dr. M.

“ONE-ON ONE” PERSONALIZED DENTAL SERVICE WITH TODAY’S MODERN DENTISTRY PROVIDING THE HIGHEST QUALITY MAJOR RESTORATIVE DENTAL & IMPLANT TREATMENT • ‘Sleep Dentistry’ • ‘Artistic Smile Design’ • Surgical Placement and Restoration of Dental Implants • Artistic Smile Design with Porcelain Veneers & Crowns • Crowns and Bridge Reconstructive Dentistry & Dentures • Oral Surgery Services • Wisdom Teeth • Pain Control • Financing Program Available

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Local Living May | June 2012

Kent Lane Mueller, D.D.S.

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Willow Grove, PA 19090 Conveniently Located at Turnpike Interchange

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May | June 2012 Local Living

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Trash Talk

Kicking Compost

By Jennifer Hetrick

W

hat could be mor e fun and de-str essing than kicking a compost bin ar ound the backyard with the family?

While large open bins aren’t always doable in suburban settings, making your own kickable composting bin out of aplastic ‘food grade’ drum is a creative way to make the task more affordable. It’s functional in limited spaces, exercise-friendly, and exciting for the little ones and adults who are still kids at heart.

Craig’s List is a gr eat resource f or seeking inexpensive ‘food gr ade’ dr ums with con venient lids made to twist- on-tightly-till-closed. So, the w orry of food and y ard de bris spilling out mid-kick has no place in the picture.

Here’s how: Drill a few small holes in the bin to allow oxygen to enter; this keeps the compost brewing into new garden soil for spring. Small metal screens can be placed over the openings, on the inside, with the use of a strong adhesive.

A great part of composting is teaching kids, while they’re young; show them eco-kind lessons. Dinner scraps and f allen leaves ar en’t the onl y mater ials well worth throwing in the bin before footwork glee.

Hair from a br ush, eggshells, what you sweep up with y our v acuum, f ood scr aps (except meats and bones) and even f ingernail clippings can be com posted. An ything that decomposes can g o into the bin and will br eak do wn o ver a few months. Kick weekly for best results.

For more insights on building a composting bin on your own, visit www.instructables.com.

Jennifer Hetrick is an independent writer.

D.I.G. Do It Green

Organic Gardening

By Lyn Hicks

T

he tr ue w onder of or ganic gardening is how it is done . It allo ws nature’s ways to do all of the work. A collabor ative way to befr iend nature’s process is by creating a respite in the world of around you. It is your mark, your gift, and honor for engaging in the growing process.

Soil is the most impor tant part of organic gardening. It pr ovides n utrients f or the plants to f lourish.

Add compost to mulch and contin ually la yer it to achieve different types of soils. These act as pr otec-

tive layers which add dif ferent n utrients to the soil.

The key to growing organic is having healthy soil; it is f ood f or your plants - health y plants equal f ewer issues.

As a f lower gr ower and g ardener, an impor tant first r ule to consider is inter-planting. Many plants work for free, reseeding naturally. Varieties such as dill, Queen Anne’s lace, fennel or angelica are plants with the umbrels which are important to have in your garden. These umbr els attr act the most benef icial insects that help control pest problems. There are all kinds of companion planting ideas that ar e helpful; Alyssum around the base of roses will keep out the bugs and offer a very pretty look!

Another way to manage organically is by not putting all of one type of flower in one area but instead, create patches. Dahlias, zinnias, and lisianthus ar e great choices. If one area gets affected, disease gets limited to the patch r ather than r uining your entire crop. Di versity is k ey so mix things about as y ou would see in nature. Man y insects, bir ds, and bats will visit y our eco-system to help keep it balanced for you. There will be years that no matter what you do, bad seeds, soil that is too wet or too dry, or certain bugs will kill a crop. That is the reason for planting many varieties of plant and flower species.

Try to mimic the way things grow in nature. Blending will in vite all animals and cr eatures to be par t of a health y eco-system. This is mor e natur al and requires less hassle to gr ow this w ay. It is an easier process to let the system work for you and your garden. Nature has a leg up on all of us with its perfectly occurring system.

Lyn Hicks is a Living Green Exper t for Harmon y Hill Gardens and freelance writer.

May | June 2012 Local Living

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Recycling 911

Green Cleaning

By Debbie Goetz

T

here is no better time than no w to purge outdated and unneed ed equipment and put y ou on a path to a cleaner , healthier and mor e pr oductive w ork space. Items such as printers, fax machines, computers, flat screens, laptops, modems, routers, servers, PDAs, cell phones, office telephones and telephone systems, cables, and wiring can all be recycled.

“Everyone kno ws about recycling paper, aluminum, glass, and plastic, but most people don’t kno w that there ar e man y commonly used of fice pr oducts that can be properly recycled once they become broken, outdated or obsolete. By properly recycling these items, in accordance with EPA stan-

611 Metals — Streamlining Your Recycling Process 611 Metals Recycling is a full service recycling company, handling the needs of any company, big or small.

It takes years of experience to have the know-how to create, service and maintain comprehensive recycling services. Through their close relationships with foundries, mills and specialty exporters, 611 Metals is able to get you the best price possible. They analyze your recycling program to create the most profitable solution possible.

Oil Recycling and Reclaiming 611 Metals has developed an effective method for reclaiming cutting oil and fluid from your turnings. Draining the fluid from your turnings makes them more valuable and is an effective method in getting a greater return on your scrap.

Computer and E-Scrap Recycling Your old electronics have value.

611 Metals helps off-set your

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dards, we are keeping potentially hazardous waste out of our landfills,” says Court Ebeling.

An additional benefit is the reduction of stress people feel once they have freed up space and made it easier to find things in the workplace. Ebling adds, “It’s amazing to see how much mor e productive people become once the y have de-cluttered their w orkspace and f ound a safe w ay to dispose of unw anted equipment.” It helps b usy people sort through years of household and office accumulation and determine what they should keep, donate, discar d, recycle and sell. Electr onics with ser ial numbers can be traced back to their owners and f ined heavily, if f ound tossed into dumpsters or at landfills.

To f ind out mor e about electr onics recycling, visit www.cartershd.com Debbie Goetz is a Pub lic Relations Consultant and freelance writer.

investments in new technologies while guaranteeing data destruction and accordance with EPA regulations.

611 Metals Recycling…

Recycling Fundraisers 611 Metals offers a unique and environmentally responsible way to raise money for your non-profit group by organizing computer and electronic scrap recycling events. Raise the much needed funds to continue the great work that your organization funds.

We are a full service scrap metal and computer recycling company with fair, honest and competitive pricing.

611 Metals offers recycling services for all types of manufacturers and contractors, large and small, and we work closely with companies to provide strategic solutions for maximum return on scrap.

Facilities Serviced 611 Metals Recycling services will analyze any business in any industry and adapt a recycling plan that is not only cost-effective and environmentally responsible but profitable too. Stop losing on your investments and call 611 Metals today at (267) 2216924 for a consultation, or visit www.611metals.com.

611 Metals Recycling 4095 Ferry Road Doylestown, PA 18902

Local Living May | June 2012

the only source you’ll need to manage your scrap metals.

Pick-up service is available with our fleet of roll-offs, van trailers and lockable overseas containers.

Our drop-off service for the general public is located at 4095 Ferry Rd. Doylestown, PA 18902 We will also help you organize an e-scrap and computer recycling fundraiser for your school or non-profit.

Visit our informative website to learn more, or call us today at (267) 221-6924. www.611Metals.com • E-mail: 611Metals@gmail.com

The Beekeeping Buzz

By Nicole Reggia

B

eekeeping has al ways had a sw eet spot in Pennsylvania. But with Philadelphia’s embrace of green roofs, planted medians and g orgeous parks, you can also add r ooftop honeybees. There is an increasingly young urban beekeeping movement in the city, in addition to man y domestic hives in the ‘burbs.

Although keeping honeybees is scientif ic and advanced, hives require very little to maintain.Beekeeping increases pollination, provides a healthier en vironment and pr ovides a micr o business opportunity for man y. The pr oducts of beekeeping (honey, w ax and bee pollen) are profitable and in high demand.

Honeybees ar e disappear ing acr oss the countr y and putting most fruits, nuts and vegetables at risk.

Nearly one-third of all bees in the country have vanished due to Colon y Collapse Disorder (CCD). The list of plants that simply won’t grow without bee pollination is a long one . One in thr ee bites of fr uits or vegetables you eat is pollinated b y honeybees and

WHAT’S

DIFFERENT QUALITY INGREDIENTS BETTER FOR YOU ORGANIC GRASS-FED FREE-RANGE BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

their pollination is critical to our food supply.

What can you do to help hone ybees and improve the en vironment? Consider housing a small hi ve with sw eet results! The agr iculture beekeeping industry is a 16 billion dollar per year business.

Not too bad for an insect.

Nicole Reggia is Director, www.NowThatsWild.com.

Our ingredients are fresh, sustainable, and local when practical. Nothing on our menu contains trans-fat, and each Elevation Burger restaurant grinds its beef on the premises to ensure freshness and quality.

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May | June 2012 Local Living

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Local En vironmental Not-for-Profit Restores the Musconetcong River

H

eritage Conservancy, a not-for-profit land conservation organization based in Do ylestown, Pa., r ecently teamed up with Trout Unlimited for a restoration project aimed at restoring the Musconetcong River on one of the Conservancy’s pr eserved pr operties in Nor thwest Ne w J ersey.

The Musconetcong Ri ver’s waters empty into the Dela ware Ri ver. It is par t of a major bir d migr atory route in North America and an important wildlife corridor.

Over the years, the r iver channel has widened and been filled in with sediment. The goal of the project was to restore aquatic habita t that had been degraded b y the effects of upstr eam development. The project helped narrow and deepen the channel. Boulders were brought on site to stabilize the structure of the chan-

nel and provide additional habitat for aquatic insects and native brook trout.

During restoration, the river w as dug out w here needed. Pools w ere created; boulders w ere added to keep the river flowing and transporting sediment during low w ater per iods. P oint bars w ere also installed. Composed of sediment, point bars are low, cur ved r idges of sand and gravel along the inner bank. They reflect the o verall capacity of a flowing stream or river.

“The end r esults of this project were truly r emarkable,” said Jim Thompson, Senior Conservation Steward at Her itage Conservancy.

“The channel is back to its historic width, and sediment transportation has been restored in all flows.

Habitat for indigenous aquatic life was reestablished and enhanced.”

For more inf ormation on r iver conser vation planning and w atershed r estoration, contact Heritage Conservancy at (215) 345-7020 or www .HeritageConservancy.org.

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Local Living May | June 2012

Featuring Fine outdoor Furnishings From:

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live your green life! over 250 eco-friendly products that will save you money & help the environment

• Energy Saving • Solar Powered • Neutral Organic • Recycled Material

• Lucky Bamboo • Ecoist Pocketbooks • Clothing • Candy Wrapper Bags • Solar Backpacks • Solar Pocketbooks • Solar Carry Ons • & Much More!

Everything in our store has a net positive impact on the planet!

We have Teflon Free Cookware!

Donate your old toxic Teflon pans at T he GreenSmart Store

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325 Route 202 • Flemington 908•284•0112 $25 Off Electric Bicycle | 10% Off Any Purchase of $25 or More (Cannot be combined with any other offers, limit 1 per customer.)

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Local Living May | June 2012

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en Gl ynn, F ounder of the Gr eenSmart Store at the Flemington MarketPlace, Route 202 Flemington, NJ, announced recently that the y’ve expanded their pr oduct line to include the Gr eenSmart Stor e Cannectors™ that ar e used to b uild lar ge Lego-block-like structures by connecting soda cans. The concept is especially green because a blend of recycled plastic is used to mak e them, and the y employ recycled soda cans f or the str uctures. Eight or fewer soda cans ma y be used to cr eate basic building blocks that ar e then snapped together like Legos. As a bonus, these are 100% made in America by Pop-Blox of Texas.

Not only may these fun Cannectors™ be used as big toy play blocks, but they can also be used to mak e cof fee tab les, end tab les, headboar ds, bookshelf columns, chairs and other permanent structures. Cannectors™ may also be used to make inter esting sculptur es and can overhang as needed. Ken challenges every family to have a f amily meeting and put their heads tog ether to design and build a f amily Cannectors™ project. He r equests that you send or br ing photos to the stor e f or the Gr eat Cannections Contest!

Winners’ submissions will be used in product advertising and the winning families will receive $200.00 in store gift certificates.

In addition to the Cannectors™ and hundreds of other green products at the GreenSmart Store (recycled, natur al, or ganic, ener gy sa vers and solar powered), the biggest seller and most important products in the store are the Teflon-free nonstick nanocer amic fr ying pans and cookware. The store is tr ying to g et the to xic Teflon pans off the burners and is asking volunteers to donate their Teflon pans for recycling by bringing them to the store in exchange for a $5.00 discount coupon. The store has made clocks fr om the old fr ying pans and is asking e veryone f or other recycling ideas! The GreenSmart Store is located next to Cold Stone Ice Cream. Ken’s recommendation: Bring the whole family out for an ice cream and then visit the GreenSmart Store.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Effective Quick Fix Alternatives to Major Recovery Procedures

BY DR. ROBERT K. SKALICKY

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W

hile over 9 million cosmetic surgery procedures had been performed in the United States in 2011, the trends regarding the specific types of procedures being performed continue to shift.

Patients continue to look for “quick fixes” or “refresher” procedures that can be performed earlier in life before more dramatic aging signs begin to become obvious. These procedures typically have less recovery time, less expense, and less interruption from a person’s daily routine. Many of these procedures such as mini-lifts, laser resurfacing, “spot” liposuction, and fat transfer have evolved in response to the desire of patients to do something more definitive than fillers and botox but less involved than the big recovery facelifts of the past. The reasons patients list for wanting these types of procedures range from desires to look and feel good to “later in life” dating, to competition in the job market.

One of the most popular procedures performed is the minifacelift. This procedure, a smaller version of the well known larger facelift procedure, allows for a patient to get a natural, refreshed look without undergoing extensive recovery and job interruption. It is a procedure that can usually be performed under local anesthesia in the office avoiding expensive hospital costs.

It works mainly on loose and sagging skin around the nose, mouth, and jaw line. The procedure takes about 90 minutes to perform and can take between 5 to 10 years off in appearance.

In addition to mini lifts, patients are also pursuing refreshed looks to their facial skin through laser resurfacing procedures.

Fraxel repair is a state-of-the-art CO2 laser that refreshes the top layers of the facial skin through a fractionated laser beam of light that removes blemishes, decreases fine lines, shrinks pore size, and tightens skin. The new fractionated technology leaves normal “islands of skin” between the treated regions resulting in faster healing and recovery. The laser can be set at different depths of treatment so that only the problem areas of the skin are treated. The procedure is performed in the office with topical anesthesia.

When small contour “bulges” are present on the waist or thighs, “spot liposuction” is an office procedure similar to smart lipo that can remove the excess fatty tissue under local anesthesia. This procedure can usually be performed in less than an hour and is also done with local anesthesia

alone. While larger liposuction procedures may still require higher levels of anesthesia, patients with these smaller, difficult to lose regions of fullness can safely and quickly have them removed in an office setting.

The latest wave in cosmetic surgery, however, is fat transfer procedures. Fat transfer is a method of taking fat from a patient’s abdomen or hip and using it to enhance other regions of the body. Since the aging process involves both volume loss along with sagging skin, volume replacement with fatty tissue can “refill” areas of volume loss and recreate a more youthful appearance. The most common regions of the body that this procedure is being used for include the face, breast and buttocks. Facially, patients are using this procedure to enhance cheeks, eyelids, lips, and the jaw line. Other applications include breast enlargement, revisions for breast reconstruction, and correction of prior liposuction deformities. This procedure also is performed in the office with minimal to no downtime.

While the aging process never stops, many of these

newer and smaller cosmetic surgery techniques can reverse the visible signs of aging. The popularity of these procedures are directly related to the ease of having them performed in the office setting, reduced costs, and decreased recovery times. LL Dr. Robert J. Skalicky is one of the most highly r espected plastic surg eons in the Bucks Count y and Phila delphia ar ea.

Board Ce rtified in Plastic and Reconstructive Surg ery, he is also A ssociate Director and Trainer of plastic surg ery residents and fell ows in the Phila delphia area.

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senior perspective Words and Wisdom

A New Look for Seniors

by Diane Burns

Y

ears ago we women over 60 were expected to wear dark colored clothing like blues and blacks.

Thank goodness times have changed. Since older women have an understanding sense of who they are they can create a style all their own. However, there are certain rules that should be followed. In an article I read recently these were some of the things we seniors should think about in determining our style.

• For the Classic style you should wear well-fitting, smooth line clothing and just a little jewelry.

• You also have to consider what your body type is: small boned, middle frame, or big boned.

• For the Natural look consider a relaxed, comfortable layered look, something in tweed perhaps.

• If yours is the Feminine look you should wear colors and prints and maybe ruffles.

Nice jewelry and stylish shoes are a must.

• The Dramatic look is for the women who like to be noticed the minute they enter a room. Bold, strong solids are for you.

Once you determine what style you want check out your closet and see if that has been what you have been wearing. If not, it’s time to clear out all those items that are not portraying who you are now. Sometimes we purchase clothing on a whim or just because it’s on sale and sometimes we don’t even try it on until we get home only to discover that it’s all wrong for us.

Senior fashions can be stylish as well as comfortable. However, we seniors have to consider how our body has changed in recent years. For instance, if our middle has expanded we shouldn’t wear belts or sashes and short skirts are not complimentary for those who have varicose veins.

Another problem that we have is the inability to button our clothes because of some medical issue. The remedy is the use of Velcro near the button hole. What style shoe we chose is very important too. A good shoe may be a little more expensive but in the long run they may give you more support and help to relieve stress and some of the aches and pains we get as we age. Sneakers can feel comfortable but they may not give enough support or help you with your balance.

Now that we have chosen our clothing style we must con-

sider our hair style. What looked good on us at 30 does not necessarily look good on us now. Our faces have changed over the years and so should our hair style. The next time you go to a salon for a cut, check out some styles in a hair magazine and find one that flatters the “more mature” you. If you decide on a new doo remember hair grows back and you can always try a different style next time. Consider not only a new cut but possibly a fresher color.

Finally to complete our makeover we have to check our makeup. Aging creates new skin problems that we have to

contend with. Crow’s feet, wrinkles and sun spots cause us to consider new makeup applications. First we have to prepare our face with a good cleansing and moisturizing. Always remember when applying your makeup a heavy application is not becoming; less is more. Use a rosy, pink blush instead of one of the darker shades. Also avoid dark lipsticks. Use a light pink or pretty nude. Finally, eye shadow should compliment your eye color and liner should be thinly applied.

Now that you have had your makeover from head to toe, go out and enjoy your new younger-looking, stylish self.

Make some heads turn this Mother’s Day! LL To submit feedback or respond to our senior perspective topic, send an email to Diane Burns at dburnsllmag@gmail.com.

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profile

Wood River Village

By Diane Burns

L

ocated on 24 acres in beautiful Bucks County you’ll find the senior retirement community of Wood River Village. If you are looking for an apartment or independent living, you will find it here. Choosing the right retirement is not an easy decision to make.

The goal of Wood River Village is to help seniors enjoy an independent lifestyle for as long as possible yet giving them

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the peace of mind knowing that there is assisted living and skilled nursing options available if needed. The warm and accommodating staff works with each individual to make the transition as easy as possible. They even offer an overnight stay to “try us on for size.” A lunch and tour are also available daily by appointment.

The entrance and monthly fees are determined by the size

and location of the apartment and the number of occupants.

Your fees do not increase even if the care you need does.

There are a wide range of apartments and sizes available; all apartments are designed to your liking and are equipped with Verizon Fios cable, safety bars and an emergency alarm system. Each apartment also has heat and smoke detectors. All utilities except the phone are included in your monthly fee.

Once you become a LifeCare resident you will experience the comfort of knowing that you are living in a community with 24 hour security and nurses on site. Full maintenance of the buildings, apartments and grounds are also included in your monthly rate. Wood River Village is also pet friendly.

You will be interested to know that services such as transportation for shopping and trips, a village store, on-site banking and a beauty salon are also included. There are housekeeping and laundry facilities. For any medical needs

such as physical or occupational therapy there is a fully equipped and staffed medical suite. Transportation to your doctor appointments is also available.

How you spend your day is up to you but Wood River Village provides many activities for your enjoyment. If reading is something you enjoy, sit and relax with a good book in the large lovely library. Maybe card playing is more your style, and if so, The Card Room may be something for you.

It features Bridge, Canasta and Pinochle. There is a headed indoor pool and fitness room for those who like a little more exercise. Other activities include arts and crafts, movies, lectures with guest speakers, bingo, trivia, happy hour and holiday parties. The activity options are unlimited.

As you can see, life at Wood River Village can be as active or relaxing as you want it to be. At the end of the day join your friends for a delicious and nutritious meal in the Wood River Village’s lovely dining room, or maybe just have just a lighter meal in The CafÊ. LL For further information visit our website at www.woodrivervillage.net or to schedule a visit call 215.741.3030 or send an email to info@woodrivervillage.net.

Diane Burns is a freelance writer currently residing in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

May | June 2012 Local Living

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May | June 2012 Local Living

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HOME & GARDEN

Botanic Décor

By Pattie Krukowski

W

ith winter long behind us and warm streams of sunshine cascading through our windows, we want to take advantage of all spring has to offer. One of the simplest ways to enhance our individual style indoors is to decorate with flowers. Whether you want to reinvent a room’s personality or simply reflect it, floral arrangements add the ultimate finishing touch. They help define the feelings evoked by both a formally decorated interior and a more whimsical and casual space.

Resources to create a beautiful arrangement are abundant but there is something beyond satisfying when growing your own cutting garden. Enjoy backyard blooms from the first daffodils of spring to the last mums of November without having to behead blooms in obvious places by planting your cutting garden in an inconspicuous spot. Plant densely to minimize weeding and choose easy to grow flowers that

are indigenous to your region. For the tri-state area, Matt Noonan, owner of Natural Approach LLC suggests, “Blackeyed Susan’s, coneflower and chrysanthemums, all daisy-like perennials. Astilbe and foxglove are great shade perennials.

Gaura and phlox are delicate looking. Gayfeather is upright and showy. Also roses, lilac and crepe myrtle all work well as woody ornamentals and have dwarf forms for smaller spaces.

Foxglove is toxic to certain animals so may be a bad choice for the curious cat.” He goes on to suggest live plants as a symbol of living things and reminds us that they also improve the air quality inside.

Whether you choose a live plant or a bouquet of cut flowers, the vessel in which it resides dictates the style. A simple brown paper bag rolled down or a brightly decorated gift bag used to cover a glass jar or plastic plant container creates a comfortable, relaxed look. Rose bowls are great for an odd number of large blooms with stems cut short. Floor vessels May | June 2012 Local Living

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filled with cut flowers occupy an unused fireplace. Hourglass shaped vases will allow blooms such as tulips to drape mischievously over the edge as tulips continue to grow even after being cut. Using scotch tape in a crisscross pattern over the top before placing stems in each open spot keeps center blooms or twig accents upright for a fuller look. Glass marbles, lemon slices or cranberries dropped in clear containers bring yet another depth of design and color. A square clear vase sprinkled with metallic silver marbles reflects metallic fashion trends from the runway. Fill it with randomly falling white tulips and it fits in a traditional setting with sterling tableware from generations past. Cut the tulips so all blooms are just above the top rim of the same vase and the arrangement feels more edgy against a sleeker, more urban setting.

Think about accessorizing your arrangement. Dried flowers, branches, fresh herbs, even long stemmed artichokes are other ways to add interest. Potted plants benefit from accessories as well. Topping the soil with either preserved moss, live moss, marbles or stones transforms any house plant and placed in the right cachepot, feels at home in any room. Endless possibilities abound using super versatile air plants as they require no soil. A flat, white bowl filled with natural stones and air plants dresses up a powder room.

Current color trends when assembling an arrangement suggest either to match a room or to completely contrast a room and to mirror color-blocking, the hottest of spring

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and summer fashion. Use clashing, deeply saturated shades of brilliant fuscia against vivid coral and watch them blossom together adjacent to painted green walls. Velvet red roses paired with deep plum colored calla lilies outfit a beige room. Statuesque, monochromatic arrangements have a huge impact no matter what the hue. Remember the color or lack of color of the vase itself is important. An oversized, colorless vase holding merely greens, coupled with a bowl of granny smith apples welcomes you home. Outdoor potted plants and flower boxes that can be seen from indoors become more defined when same color cut flowers are used to decorate inside.

Decorate your palate with organically cultivated and grown edible flowers. Pink and lavender colored chive blossoms add an onion/garlic flavor to a mesclun green salad. Nasturtiums come in a kaleidoscope of colors and can be dried, frozen, steeped in oil or crystallized with egg white and sugar to preserve and look stunning against dark chocolate ganache or floating in a Bellini.

Find your inspiration from the mementoes that surround you and stop to smell the roses along the way. Uniquely yours, whatever the style, decorating with flowers makes your house come alive. LL Pattie Kr ukowski is a fr eelance w riter cur rently r esiding in Doylestown, Pa.

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May | June 2012 Local Living

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WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Who’s Looking After Your Children?

The Facts & Fiction Surrounding Guardianship

P

reparing for the “what ifs” is never easy, however every day you are without both temporary and permanent guardianships in place for your children, you are putting their well-being at risk. You may think you are prepared in case of emergency, but according to attorneys Phillip Godorov and Russ Nesevich of the estate planning law firm Godorov & Nesevich, most parents are under some common misconceptions. Take this pop quiz. Grab a #2 pencil and see how you fare. What you don’t know could have a profound impact on your children’s lives.

1) You and your spouse are enjoying a night on the town when you are involved in a car accident leaving you both unconscious. In this scenario, the police would simply ask your babysitter to stay with your children until relatives could be located.

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FICTION: If you do not come home at a reasonable hour, your sitter may worry and call the police. Unless there is a temporary guardian present who has legal (documented) authority over your children, the police would have to call Child Protective Services. Then, a state worker could take your children out of your home until a responsible relative is located. This can be avoided by naming legal temporary guardians who could quickly arrive to care for and comfort your children in an emergency. They could be friends, family, neighbors… anyone that you know and trust to love and care for your kids.

2) You don’t need to name a guardian in your will because you’ve made it clear to your mother that she is to care for your children if something happens.

FICTION: While your mother may seem like the obvious choice, she must be designated in your will or longterm guardian nomination. If not, a judge (who most likely does not know you or your children) will make the final decision as to who gets custody.

3) The person you designate to serve as your children’s guardian will also have access to your money when you pass, and taking care of your children financially will never be an issue.

FICTION: If you die without a will, or if you try to leave your money to a minor, the state’s surrogate office will likely be put in charge of those funds. A professional money manager may be appointed by the state and paid for out of your children’s inheritance. Then, all requests for money to support your children will have to be approved by, and distributed from, the state. When your children turn 18, they get handed a check for everything that’s left… and they can spend it any way they want!

4) Your parents are watching your children at the playground and your daughter falls off the monkey bars. Your father can swing into action and seek medical attention for his granddaughter.

FICTION: Without a valid Medical Power of Attorney, even grandparents aren’t legally allowed to authorize nonemergency care for your children.

5) You have the legal right to decide who will look after and care for your children if there ever comes a time when you cannot.

FACT: With some relatively easy planning, an attorney can ensure that your loved ones will be taken care of by the people that you select, and that they will be provided for in the ways that you feel are best. You can legally name shortterm and long-term guardians for your children, and give those people the legal right to protect and provide for your children in the same manner as you would.

Confused, or feel like there is more you may need to do to better protect your children? You are not alone. For that reason, Phil and Russ have compiled a report on Six Common Mistakes Parents Make When Naming Guardians. For your FREE copy, call (866) 321-3415. For more information on the firm of Godorov & Nesevich and the services they provide, visit www.GNattorneys.com. LL

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by Donna Dvorak

cultural corner 94

Where Have They Gone?

S

troll down memory lane with the original amusement parks that paved the way to modern theme parks.

Enter the gates of time before Walt Disney, Hershey Park, Sesame Place, Six Flags Great Adventure, Busch Gardens, Dorney Park, Dollywood and other treasure troves of sensory experiences.

Recall a time when families gathered under gazebos, sipped lemonade and glided in canoes…Hot dogs were ten cents, hamburgers fifteen cents, and soda pops five cents! Roller coasters that nowadays soar to staggering heights, chugged along wooden tracks; grabbing the ‘brass ring’ on quaint carousels was lucky.

The oldest amusement park in the USA, Lake Compounce (C1846, CT) operated during the Civil War era, and Knoebel’s Amusement Resort, in PA, still thrills guests. Coney Island, in Brooklyn, attracts tourists and boasts a history of pirates! Visitors included Washington Irving, Herman Melville, Phineas T. Barnum (in 1850) and pre-Civil War patrons. Beginning with hotels, restaurants and rides, the attraction of Nathan’s Hotdogs with its tiny stand in 1916 has grown worldwide. Customers included Al Capone, Cary Grant, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who served them to the King and Queen of England in 1939. Jackie Kennedy loved them and served them at White House events!

Among the now defunct famous parks is Willow Grove Amusement Park, now the Willow Grove Mall.

Visitors flocked to the park via trolleys and trains.

Their slogan, “Life is a lark at Willow Grove Park”, still rings out. Resplendent hanging carousel horses and other park memories are on display in the Mall.

A day at ‘the park’ was special indeed! This writer recalls the Alps, the Fun House with its rotating wooden barrel and lopsided room, and the Mirror Maze where one could appear grotesquely tall, skinny, short or fat.

And it’s not a secret that everyone puckered up for their first kiss in one of the many boat rides. Swan Boats skimmed the Lakes, and the park became known as the ‘Music Capital of America’.

“The heyday of the park was through 1925 when concerts by such greats as John Philip Sousa, the ‘March King’, Victor Herbert and others performed,” explains David Rowland, President of the Board of the Old York Rd. Historical Society and author of the book, ‘Willow Grove Park’. “In the ‘50s and ‘60s the

Local Living May | June 2012

park was revived. Rides, like the former Mountain Scenic Railway were renamed the Alps back in the ‘30s.

The Thunderbolt, built in 1927, was the fastest ride they offered. The last season was 1975.”

The former Chestnut Hill Amusement Park was also an exciting destination at the turn of the 20th century.

“Known locally as White City for its white-washed buildings, it was located in Springfield Township (Montco) and featured carousels, a miniature railroad, fun house, Grand Casino and wooden toboggans – today’s roller coasters,” says Ed Zwicker, President of the Springfield Township Historical Society and author of Arcadia Publishing titles “Springfield Township, Montgomery County” and “Whitemarsh Hall: The Estate of Edward T. Stotesbury”. “The centerpiece of the park was the bandstand, located on a small island in the middle of a boating lake. White City welcomed many of the same entertainers as those performing at nearby Willow Grove Park, with John Phillip Sousa as the favorite! The park was only in existence for a short period of time from 1898 through 1911. The land was sold, amusement rides dismantled and the township’s first high school built on the property. Today only the lake remains but if you listen closely you can still hear the strains of Sousa’s band playing on a calm, moonlit, summer evening.”

Photos: Old York Road Historical Society

Forest Park, in Bucks County, formerly Eckhart’s Grove and Funk Park also sings of memories. During its heyday Jimmy Durante, The Three Stooges, Marlene Dietrich, Mae West, President Harry Truman, Chief Halftown, Sally Starr, and the Mummers, who strutted their stuff through the park, performed. All that remain are concrete table frames, remnants of the seven-arch bridge, and chipped bases of cement chairs that once faced the band stand. It had boasted a Dentzel Merry-Go-Round (c1900), an 1890 Toboggan Slide – a three-tier, figure eight, wooden roller coaster - a Ferris Wheel, Salt and Pepper Shaker, Lusse bumper cars and Kiddie Land.

“I learned that a family member (c1800) had married Sylvester Funk, a previous owner,” explains Robert Show-

alter, President of Showalter and Associates. “John Malack (President of Friends of Forest Park) and I recently did a presentation then walked through the remains of the park, now off limits to the public. John carried a copy of a string band recording from the late ‘40s or ‘50s and we sat on the concrete seats and stared at the site of the old bandstand.

The vestiges of past music once again rang out. We have many postcards, programs and pictures. During its peak more than 20,000 visitors converged.”

The allure of these sought-after parks still beckons! LL Donna Dvorak is a Philadelphia-born freelance writer, reporter, award-winning poet, a uthor, columnist, and cr eative w riting teacher. She currently resides in Bucks County, Pa.

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Local Living

goes local

Fayetteville, North Carolina

By Diane Burns

W

ith Memorial Day fast approaching Local Goes Local is visiting the town of Fayetteville, N.C. This town is home to the largest army base in the country, Fort Bragg, as well as the Pope Field.

In September 2008 to show its support of the military the town’s officials adopted a new slogan for Fayetteville and the surrounding Cumberland County as “a sanctuary for soldiers.” This unique idea is for patriotic as well as economic reasons. Fort Bragg now houses more than 50,000 soldiers as well as their families. With the addition of approximately 20,000 troops returning from Iraq recently the economic impact on the community was huge.

Since many soldiers experience more than one deployment overseas, the town has stepped up its support for the families that are left behind. One of the initiatives

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of the town is what they call “The Army’s Army.” This is a group of over 900 volunteers giving their time and talents to help the military families with everything from replacing a flat tire to helping with job placements. The store owners show their support by placing military decals in their windows. Many of the military have commented on how nice it is to walk down the street and have people say “thank you for your service.” One soldier recently stated, “I didn’t expect it, but it was sure nice to hear.”

Not long ago there was a big baby boom on the base. The community came together and threw a baby shower for over 1,000 new and expectant mothers. The Crown Exposition Center was the venue for the shower where there was a complete buffet and a cupcake table. There were raffle prizes from a Chevy Malibu to a Fisher-Price TakeAlong swing for infants. The women

said they had a great time and expressed their appreciation for what the community had done for them.

This year as in years past, Glory Day, the popular Memorial Day festival, will be celebrated at Festival Park. The day begins with a “Walk a Mile in MY Shoes” followed by the formal Memorial Day Ceremony honoring our military.

Following the ceremony a day of family fun begins.

The Mayor of Fayetteville said, “War is not a political word in this town. Being pro-military is not a red-vs.-blue issue.”

At this time of the year can we all put political issues aside for awhile and take a moment to show our appreciation to the military and their families. Their sacrifices day in and day out help to preserve and protect us all and the freedoms we enjoy. LL GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Local

Living

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designs as well as have the financial strength to stand-behind the product they

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Kick off the Season of “Fun for All” Your Guide to Unforgettable Places & Events

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LOCAL FOCUS: family & pet

Woodloch Staff

Create Your Own Family History at the All-Inclusive Woodloch Resort

By Pattie Krukowski

F

or an experience to be cherished for years to come, book your stay at Woodloch. The four season resort is steeped in rich, local history; so in order to know Woodloch, one must first know the family behind this unique destination in the Pocono Mountains. Mary Mould originally visited Lake Teedyuskung as a 12 year old child and returned as often as she could to visit the most peaceful place to share time with loved ones and have an adventure or two. In 1958 her dreams were made into a more permanent reality when she and her husband, Harry Kiesendahl purchased Woodloch Pines and moved their growing family there. The highest regard for excellence in hospitality is now supported by the Kiesendahl’s children and grandchildren. Their 50th Golden Anniversary was beautifully celebrated and articulated in their historic timeline and family album titled “Woodloch Pines, An American Dream”.

Although Woodloch is conveniently located a few hour’s drive from either NY or Philadelphia, it feels like another world here. No high rises and gridlock, just some of world’s southernmost glacial lakes encompassed by wetlands and state game lands available to enjoy year round. Woodloch’s Mission Statement: “We strive to treat each guest as if they are company in our own home”. And it is reflected in the warm,

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Local Living May | June 2012

cordial and accommodating staff. Amenities are endless from a full gamut of activities and sports, championship golf, delightful dining, and exceptional entertainment .

Choose from charming accommodations perfect for a cozy, romantic weekend for two to a number of spacious guest houses with up to six bedrooms for a large family.

If you’ve always been secretly interested in cooking demonstrations, watercolor classes, ballroom dancing or wine tasting, feed your soul at one of many memory making activities.

If your focus is on family, there are 30 family friendly activities daily, nightly entertainment and 1,200 acres to explore all nestled amongst mountains and lakes. It is boasted as “one of the top family resorts in America” by Better Homes and Gardens, Family Circle and Parents Magazine. The perfect place to celebrate a reunion or wedding, Woodloch will create a custom cook out or elegant sit down dinner for your occasion.

If your focus is on meeting, Woodloch is the place for corporate retreats that will not be soon forgotten.

Teambuilding programs are constructed to encourage communication, boost challenge resolution and ultimately strengthen your team. Over 20,000 square feet of meeting space, Wi-Fi and A/V equipment, made to order meals, and generous accommodations set the tone for success.

If your focus is on the Fairway, Woodloch’s 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course, a Golf Digest 4.5 star rated “Best Courses to Play” should do the trick.

Spectacular mountain views serve as the backdrop to a course which winds its way through wetlands and

meadows. A state-of-the-art practice facility and challenging instruction encourages all generations and experience levels to play.

The Lodge at Woodloch houses one of the “10 Most Luxurious Spas in the US” according to Forbes Magazine. An all-inclusive resort for adults, The Lodge offers 60 exclusive rooms to accommodate only a total of 120 lucky guests. Guests of Woodloch Resort have privileged admittance to spa treatments and services.

Languish in hydro massage waterfalls, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms while you wait for your Spring Awakening Body Polish and gourmet spa cuisine lunch. Couples packages and pre-natal massage are just a small example of the vast signature treatments available.

Proud Members of the Green Hotel Association, Woodloch strives to make a difference and inspires others to do so as well. They offer environmental programs, corporate and scouting trips; they constructed an Eagle Nesting Platform on the property, and bat boxes have been installed throughout the resort to naturally control insects. They even offer a tree replacement program through their landscaping department. The list goes on and on.

Are you ready to create your own family history at Woodloch? With so many options and packages available, visit their website at www.Woodloch.com or call 1-800-966-3562. LF Pattie Krukowski is a freelance writer currently residing in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

May | June 2012 Local Living

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LOCAL FOCUS: family & pet

Wagsworth Manor Pet Resort: Vacation for Your Best Friend

A

t Wagsworth Manor Pet Resort we believe that every family member deserves a vacation.

Somewhere to go to make new friends, both human and canine, to be pampered like royalty, while having the time of their lives! Here at Wagsworth, the vacation destination for your pet, our job is to provide a fun-filled, safe, healthy environment where your pet’s every want is satisfied. They will be radiant from the fun and delightful time spent here where all precious pets are treated as valued guests.

Wagsworth provides the attention and exercise your pet needs and deserves. We have something available for all furry pets to enjoy and enhance their stay with us. A variety of activity options for puppies, seniors, active pets and shy guests are provided.

Customized Specialty Care Plans and activities available a la carte add to the merriment at Wagsworth. Cats explore and are amused by our Catskills room where a huge climbing tree includes fun hiding places and perches to joyfully take in the views.

Swimming at Wagsworth is not only fun for your dog but is also a great form of exercise. We designed our 312 square-foot indoor salt-water based pool with your dog’s safety and comfort in mind. Our broad, graduated steps run the width of the pool so it can accommodate the needs of dogs that just want to get their feet wet or lay on the top step watching other dogs swim and splash around with exhilaration.

Located in Malvern, Pa., Wagsworth Manor Pet Re6

Local Living May | June 2012

sort is a $6 million state-of-the-art facility featuring 24,000 square-feet of indoor space and six acres for your dog to run around and enjoy. Our outdoor play area features three fields of canine artificial grass with a fourth field under construction. Delighted dogs play according to energy level and size. Multiple well-manicured individual grass areas are also available for dogs to frolic around on and enjoy the fresh air. Wagsworth also has plenty of indoor play space for dogs during inclement or extreme weather conditions.

Expert architects and mechanical engineers helped design our modern pet care facility which promotes a unique state-of-the-art air filtration system.

Our elaborate climate controlled system provides your pet with the safest and healthiest environment possible.

Of course, Wagsworth’s most important asset is our staff. Caring, passionate, experienced pet care professionals are in abundance at our facility. With extensive up-to-date training, our entire staff shares the same commitment and belief that it is a privilege to provide the best pet care and experience imaginable.

For the lucky pet who spends his or her vacation at Wagsworth Manor Pet Resort, you can rest assured that they will be having as much fun, if not more, than you and your family. Come by for a personal tour to see for yourself what pets “in the know” are raving about! Wagsworth Manor Pet Resort is the number one vacation destination for the fortunate furry member of your family. LF

longÊbeachÊisland Come enjoy the classic shore town experience on the beaches of LBI. Check out what they’ve got in store for the whole family.

May 19 Soar into Summer LBI Opening of the Season 2012 at 17th Street Beach Ramp in Ship Bottom. At 10 am there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony that lasts until noon, beach events, classic cars and costume characters helping to kick start Summer 2012. Free admission.

May 19-20 Soar into Summer is transformed into the Pour into Summer Wine Festival at Taylor Avenue Ball Field in Beach Haven behind Bay Village. The event will be showcasing NJ wineries, local food and music. Noon to 5 pm each day.

Ticketed event: $10-$12.

June 1-3 Attend the Fourth Annual Lighthouse International Film Festival, featuring independent film makers. It’s packed with talk backs, screenings and after parties. There’s something for everyone, from whole families to the avid movie buff. Scheduled events take place at various locations on LBI. Tickets available for screenings or all access weekend passes.

June 9-10 The Jersey Shore Fine Arts Festival is at Ethel Jacobson Field on Barnegat Blvd. in Ship Bottom. Admission is free for one of the nation’s top art events, featuring all artists on site; this open air festival provides something in every medium from fine jewelry to outdoor sculpture, oils, watercolors, photography, and handcrafted items.

Discover Long Beach Island’s 18 miles of sugar sand beaches, bay and beach resort towns, historic landmarks, live performance theater companies and concerts. Don’t forget to see the world famous Pine Barrens. A wide variety of lodging is available, from Beds & Breakfasts to motels to weekly rental homes.

The LBI Region Destination Marketing Organization, the tourism arm of the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, operates a visitors’ website at VisitLBIregion.com, or you may go to the Visitor Center at 265 West Ninth Street in Ship Bottom to learn how to optimize your stay. The Visitor Center is open all year round. You may also call (609) 494-7211 for details on all events.

Find us on Facebook at “LBI Region”.

May| June 2012 Local Living

9

LOCAL FOCUS: family & pet

The Foundation for a Perfect Pooch Training, Exercise, and Socialization...

By Kevin Lehman

H

aving had the privilege of interacting with 100’s of dogs in a social environment on a regular basis for over 8 years, I am convinced there are three areas that are critical to the mental and emotional health of all dogs.

While the amount of each required will vary by dog depending on breed, age, and temperament, neglect in one or more of these areas is almost always the underlying cause of canine behavior problems.

Ask yourself if you are meeting your dog’s needs in these three key areas: Training: By training, I am not referring to whether or not your dog knows what “sit” means and will sometimes even do it,; I mean all the things that you do on a regular basis to build your relationship with your dogs so that they both trust you to keep them safe and respect you enough to reliably pay attention to what you ask of them. Too few boundaries and too many entitlements can result in food or possession aggression, or just not doing what you ask. Correct training results in a happy, friendly, obedient dog.

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Local Living May | June 2012

Exercise: Exercise is just as important for dogs as it is for humans. Lack of sufficient exercise (5 minutes outside to pee is probably not enough), results in health issues and behavior issues such as anxiety. The amount each dog requires is very dependent on breed, age, and temperament (often influenced by breeding).

Socialization: Dogs are instinctually social animals. Their desire for interaction with people and dogs is obvious when they are puppies. Remember that these interactions need to be controlled so that they are positive. Very negative interactions such as screaming kids, or severe dog bites can cause mental trauma for months or years. LF

By Kevin Lehman is the Owner/Operator of Perfect Pooch in King of Prussia, PA. Please email your questions to experts@ perfect-pooch.com. P erfect P ooch, 200 King Manor D rive, King of Prussia, PA 19406, Phone: 610-337-7698 www.thepackleaders.com

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LOCAL FOCUS: family & pet

99th Anniversary of the June Fete Is Here!

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

— Margaret Meade

T

he Women’s Board of Abington Health Foundation and its Auxiliaries welcome you to the 99th June Fete Village Fair and Horse & Pony Show on June 8, 9 and 10, 2012 at The June Fete Fairgrounds in Huntingdon Valley.

It is the grand finale of the Women’s Board fundraising year orchestrated by hundreds of volunteers to gain community support for the hospital. The proceeds from this event and all the events throughout the year benefit Abington Health, which includes Abington Memorial Hospital, Lansdale Hospital, and Abington Health Center – Warminster Campus and Abington Health

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Local Living May | June 2012

Center - Schilling Campus. Funding supports nurses’ scholarships, continuing education, a fund for patients with special needs, as well as other hospital needs.

The June Fete is a weekend of family fun activities in an idyllic setting reminiscent of country fairs. This tradition started as a street fair in 1913 and continued as grand garden parties held at various estates in the area, all to raise funds for a new and desperately needed hospital in Abington and to help furnish the rooms and purchase equipment. The types of fundraising events have changed through the years but the goal of the Women’s Board has remained the same – to meet the healthcare

needs of the community by raising funds, further public relations and providing funding for educational opportunities.

Let’s take a “tour” of what you can expect to see and do at The June Fete Village Fair and Horse & Pony Show: As you enter the gates you will see “Kid’s Korner” where you will find one of the children’s favorites, face painting, and some new hands-on activities. “The Belmont Magic and Illusion Show” is a classic magic show with lots of audience participation. Show times are Friday 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday noon, 3 p.m., 7 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. Before enjoying the magic show, you can stop by the Ice Cream Shoppe for a cool treat.

After watching your children on all the rides that Skelly’s Amusements provides, you will certainly work up an appetite.

Stop by the refreshment tent for delectable fair food. Need a snack? Visit South of the Border, which has scrumptious nachos grandes, or visit our omelet booth, which has added a fruit and cheese plate to its legendary selection of made to order omelets. Our Bake Shoppe offers homemade goods that will remind you of your grandmother’s kitchen. For a pick me up, who can resist fresh smoothies from our Smoothie Booth.

If that is not sweet enough, then there is always the Candy Booth with its nostalgic Lemon Sticks!

Have you ever heard of fresh cooked lobster at a fair? Only if you have been to the June Fete. Purchase your tickets on Friday night. Pick up your lobster on Saturday, hot and tasty from our Lobster Booth.

When your feet are tired, sit down and enjoy entertainment from a stilt-walking balloonist to a jazz concert.

The June Fete would not be complete without traditions like the fantastic firework display that begins at dusk on Friday evening and our Marketplace Tent, filled with unique crafters all weekend. You also won’t want to miss our award winning Horse & Pony Show, which is recognized by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) as one of the oldest and continuously run horse shows in the tri-state area. In 2009, it was named, “Horse Show of the Year” by the Pennsylvania Horse Show Association (PHSA). The show will run all day Saturday (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) featuring the Dixon Hunter Derby, the highlight of the show. This event puts as many as 35 riders through the paces of rigorous jumping courses to determine the winner of a $5,000 prize!

Admission price is just $4. Children under five are free and so is the parking! The fair is open Friday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. Come visit all our attractions and enjoy entertainment throughout the weekend.

For many of us looking back sparks fond memories of past June Fetes. Looking forward to the 100th celebration, we hope to create new memories with our families and hospital community. We encourage you to come out and experience the magic of The June Fete with your family and make memories that last a lifetime! LF

March | April 2012 Local Living

13

LOCAL FOCUS: family & pet

Special Attractions & Events Friday, June 8, 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.

5:00 p.m. Opening ceremonies – Flag Raising & National Anthem 5:30 p.m. COSMOPOLITAN JAZZ 6:15 p.m. Abington Jr. H. S. Jazz band 7:15 p.m. Shades of Green - Irish Dancing 8:00 p.m. Lower Moreland Middle School jazz band 9:15 p.m. FIREWORKS Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

7:30 a.m. – dusk Horse & Pony Show 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Unlimited Amusement Rides - $20 per person 10:45 a.m. Opening Ceremonies – Boy Scouts, Flag Raising & National Anthem 14

Local Living May | June 2012

11:00 a.m. Star Studio of Dance 12:00 p.m. Bucks County Country Gentlemen Chorus 1:00 p.m. Dixie Derbys 2:00 p.m. Born to Sing 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. CHUMLEY THE CLOWN to stroll the grounds!!

3:00 p.m. Amerikick Karate 4:00 p.m. Fran and Jim Acoustic 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

309 Express 8:00 p.m. to closing: Mike & Steve Guitar & Vocal (courtesy of Apple Tree Service)

Sunday, June 10, Noon – 6 p.m.

12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Unlimited Amusement rides $20 per person 12:30 p.m. Opening Ceremonies Flag Raising & National Anthem 1:00 p.m. Germantown Jazz Band 2:15 p.m. Belly Dancing Troupe 3:00 p.m. Tri County Band

www.junefete.org PHONE (215) 481-2500

May| June 2012 Local Living

15

LOCAL FOCUS: family & pet

Fingertips of Ambition and Parental Supervision: Empowering Your Child in the Digital Age

By Drew Giorgi

I

f you have a child under the age of 12 and are looking for “family safety” software, your best choices include AVG Family Safety, McAfee Family protection, and Microsoft’s Windows Live Family Safety. They allow you to block sites, review your child’s web-surfing sessions, manage their contacts and control their permissions. Searching for this software on a popular download site (like CNET’s download.com) will also display keylogging software (the kind designed to record keystrokes) and other programs more appropriate for the espionage category than the one labeled “family safety.”

While feeling like a spy may cause a parent to pause before installing such software, societal expectations are making it nearly impossible for the software solutions to work in reality. Consider that by the time the child reaches middle school, sports teams are using social media and cell phones to inform everyone about the time of the next practice, and teachers are sharing homework and class notes over the web. For 2012, Mark Zuckerberg has made it a priority to change the laws so that children under 13 can legally join Facebook. Though available family safety software is excellent, Gone are the days of merely looking for the computer equivalent of the V-chip.

A parent confronting the internet today should treat it as both a challenge and an opportunity. Instead of believing those who say children and parents today are hopelessly disconnected due to a technological divide, talk to 16

Local Living May | June 2012

your children. They are desperate to be taken seriously about a platform that affects them in a myriad of ways.

The most important lesson to teach your young person is there is no crowd in which to hide. “Big Data” has rendered the crowd a fiction. Though “Big Data” is connected to the seemingly harmless world of advertising, local writer and University of Pennsylvania Professor Joe Turow disagrees. In his insightful book, The Daily You, he describes a world in which different people receive different offers, see different news stories, and are viewed as “targets” or “wastes” by marketers designing different lifestyles for people based on their digital activities. Turow argues for companies to be more transparent about the information they collect and calls for government to provide more in terms of digital protections for citizens. But parents need to act today.

Young people today want their digital activities to have impact on the offline world.

It is imperative that we recognize this moment of empowerment and help them shape it responsibly and safely. The internet is a place of possibilities, positive and negative. Perhaps this generation with their new digital tools can answer the lament of poet Wisława Szymborska that “good and strong are still two different people.” In this new century, perhaps they can see to it that good and strong can finally be the same person. Let us hope we can supply the guidance they need to fulfill this instinctual response. LF

© alcookphoto.com

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May| June 2012 Local Living

17

LOCAL FOCUS: family & pet

Active Summer Safety: Creating a First Aid Kit

By Vincent Iannelli, M.D.

I

n any emergency a family member or you yourself may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. If you have these basic supplies you are better prepared to help your loved ones when they are hurt. Remember, many injuries are not life threatening and do not require immediate medical attention. Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency. Consider taking a first aid class, but simply having the following things can help you stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist in decontamination.

First Aid Kit Essentials • Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to Latex).

• Sterile dressings to stop bleeding.

• Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to dis infect.

• Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.

• Burn ointment to prevent infection.

• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes.

• Nonstick Sterile Pads: these are soft, superabsorbent pads that provide a good environment for wound healing. These are recommended for bleeding and draining wounds, burns, infections.

• Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant.

• Thermometer • Ice pack

18

Local Living May | June 2012

• Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.

• Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies or a nebulizer machine.

Other “Good to Have”s • Cell Phone • Scissors • Tweezers • Tongue depressor blades • Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant • Blanket • Water • Ready to eat foods • Battery-operated radio and extra batteries • Flashlight and extra batteries • CPR Mask Non-prescription drugs: • Pain and fever reducers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen • Anti-itch medications, like hydrocortizone cream.

• An antihistamine, like Benadryl, for allergic reactions.

• Laxative Source: www.pediatrics.about.com

LOCAL FOCUS: family & pet

Bucks County Playhouse Encore!

Ticket Sales Start Now for the 2012 Season!

An Interview with Producing Director, Jed Bernstein

By Blair Johnson

A

fter the lights went down on an uncertain future for this beloved, historic theater in late 2010, the arts community held its breath. That quiet pause ended earlier this year to cheers and accolades for a massive revitalization plan. We recently spoke with NYC native Jed Bernstein, Producing Director for the new life of the Bucks County Playhouse.

“The increased quality of the talent and productions will be immediately noticeable to audiences, with the physical renovations, and we’ll be working with equity actors again.”

Jed explains that the theater lost its Equity status under the previous leadership, but it is now on the path to return to Equity status.

“It will be a very lively and interesting place. There will be classic plays, musicals, new plays, and live music when possible. And I just want to say, what was magical about the first several decades of the playhouse’s history was preservation of theater and the promotion of it. We will be continuing as custodians for preserving and creating that legacy.”

“There will be year round programming, with 20 weeks of professional productions and 32 weeks of programming on behalf of the Playhouse with schools and students and teaching theater arts.” Jed emphasized the vital role of a playhouse in the community, and how it should be l everaged as a central location for the arts, creating, and learning.

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Local Living May | June 2012

And drum roll please, just announced:

July A Grand Night for Singing A musical review celebrating the works of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein.

August Barefoot in the Park by Neil Simon, which made its debut at the Bucks County Playhouse in 1963 before heading to Broadway.

The first production will begin previews on Monday, July 2nd, 73 years and a day after the playhouse first opened.

The second production will begin performances on Tuesday, August 7th.

The reopening was due in large part to the coordinated efforts of the Bridge Street Foundation (Kevin & Sherri Daugherty, Founders; Tanya Cooper, President), Bernstein, and Bucks County Playhouse Conservancy (Peggy McRae, Founder). To help fund the improvements, a “Founders Club” program was created; it is an outreach from Kevin and Sherri Daugherty to engage a group of uniquely philanthropic individuals to share the goal of returning the Playhouse to its former glory. Also introduced is a season membership program with benefits ranging from early ticket access and discounts to special offers at local businesses and attractions. Memberships are $80 for individuals, $160 for families, and $500 for businesses.

For more information, and to purchase a season membership, visit the new website at www.bcptheater.org or call (215) 315-7788. Find us on FB, facebook.com/bcptheater, and Twitter @theaterbcp. LF

LOCAL FOCUS: family & pet

How to Find the Right Summer Camp 1. Look for a camp that is ACA-accredited.

All ACA-accredited camps must meet or exceed 300+ standards in order to ensure the health and safety of the campers and staff

2. Consider and list camp expectations.

Not every camp is a good fit for every child. Parents, guardians and children are the experts on what’s needed to meet camp expectations. Consider the questions that are important to your family and review camps according to your key search criteria.

3. Utilize available search tools.

• Attend a camp fair. Meet face-to-face with camp representatives and directors for the chance to ask those important questions.

• Search Online. Use your “camp expectations” list to search online and request camp marketing materials, but be sure to consider the source of online camp information.

• Ask people you know. Speak with people you know who have attended or have children who have attended camps. Keep in mind – what’s good for them, may or may not be good for you.

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Local Living May | June 2012

• Consult professionals. Call different camps that are of interest to you and speak with their representatives.

There are also camp consultants and referral agents that can help you find the right camps; they will direct you to the camps they help represent.

4. Decide! Examine fi nalist c amps c losely then go with your gut.

Review all of the camp materials that you have collected and compare each to your list of expectations. Tour your final list of camps when it is in session or attend an open house.

5. Prepare for Camp Together Discuss how to handle homesickness, which many children experience mild cases of. Pack only what is on the camp list. Find out the recommended method of communication; send a letter or postcard a week ahead of time so there is mail for the first mail delivery.

— American Camp Association New England

The Theatre School at Classes available from one day to ten weeks - (call for details) -Adult Classes -Kids Classes (ages 5-18)

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Join us for our summer day camp at the theatre Classes are Monday through Thursday for four exciting weeks.

Let us take the blues away, come relax and enjoy our excellent spa services.

~ Manicures ~ Pedicures ~ Waxing ~ Facials ~ Massage 15004 Endicott St. Philadelphia, PA 19116 215.464.1700 www.mysticspa.net

May| June 2012 Local Living

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