19006 Huntington Valley | Winter 2022

BY MINDY TORAN

Baking for those you love is good for your soul … and that includes not only our friends and family, but our pets as well, believes Melissa Dubin, owner and founder of Dough ReMia’s in Huntingdon Valley.

The joy of baking with her daughters and a passion for providing her 12-year-old dog, Nemo, with wholesome, healthy pet treats after his cancer diagnosis led Dubin to create Doggie Dough, premade, bake-at-home treats that anyone can make for their four-legged family members.

“It dawned on me one day while I was in the kitchen cutting out shapes to bake sugar cookies with my girls helping and waiting patiently for the fresh, warm cookies to come out of the oven, while our dogs sat close by staring at us with their puppy dog eyes. I had always paid close attention to what I was feeding my girls, but why hadn’t I ever thought about baking treats for our dogs?”

Dubin began looking for dog treat recipes and eventually came up with her own formula that worked for Nemo’s sensitive stomach. Baking treats for her dogs, as well as sharing them with family members and friends, soon became a regular activity in her family’s home. The joy of working together in the kitchen and creating healthy treats for their pets brought the family so much joy that they wanted to share that exuberant feeling with other dog owners.

Dough ReMia’s Doggie Dough, named for Dubin’s daughters Remi and Mia, but made specifically for their pups, was born shortly before the pandemic.

“My daughter Mia would always say, ‘It’s like cookie dough for dogs,’ and the name stuck,” says Dubin. “While we enjoyed baking the treats for our own dogs, I realized that not everybody has the time to bake for their own family, let alone their dog, so I decided I would pre-make the dough so all people have to do is slice it and bake it and their dog could have a fresh treat from the oven, similar to Pillsbury cookie dough, but healthier.”

She consulted with local veterinarians to make sure the ingredients she was using were safe for the dogs and came up with a healthy, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free recipe with no artificial flavors or preservatives. The dough can be shaped and baked or served as a no-bake dog treat, as well as frozen for later use. Flavors include sweet

potato or pumpkin with peanut butter and bananas, as well as a nut-free version using organic sunflower seed butter. The treats are designed for dogs of all breeds and life stages, and the organic, limited ingredients in each dough are perfect for dogs that have sensitive stomachs or are picky eaters.

that love with others,” says Dubin. She started out selling the Doggie Dough on her website (DoughReMia.com) during the pandemic and received orders from as far away as Seattle, California and Hawaii. You can now find her and her husband, Howard, at local farmer’s markets, craft shows and seasonal festivals. The dough can be ordered online anytime.

In addition to Doggie Dough, Dough ReMia’s offers a variety of dog-themed cookie cutters, cookie tins and holiday or celebratory-themed packages and baking kits. E-gift cards are also available. Local delivery is offered, as well as nationwide shipping.

“This business was born out of pure passion and love for feeding my family and our pets wholesome, healthy food and sharing

“So many of us enjoy baking cookies with our family members, neighbors or friends during the holidays, and baking for your dog feels just as good,” says Dubin. “It’s a treat for everyone involved.”

Holiday Gift Certificate Specials

Lisa Cataldi, BS, LMT & Staff

JOE’S TRAIN STATION GETTING READY TO HELP CREATE CHRISTMAS JOY

BY DEBRA WALLACE

The first time Doug Wolff walked into a local toy train store, he asked the owner when the after-Christmas sale was taking place and was told that the entire store was for sale.

The former business consultant for several Fortune 500 companies thought about buying the shop and spent some time in the parking lot across the street watching the flow of customer traffic.

To his delight, most people walked out with purchases from the store. He also interviewed customers about what they appreciated about the shop and was told it was a fond family activity that involves several generations.

“I quickly learned that shopping for trains is a good experience that fosters extremely fond childhood memories,” Wolff says. “We pride ourselves on top-notch customer service that makes miracles happen.

“People love the romance and nostalgia of trains. It’s about the grandparents and parents who love to come in with their sons and daughters and

please see TRAINS, page 7

19006

re-create their favorite childhood memories, and we are happy to help them at every turn.”

Wolff sells, buys and repairs trains. He prides himself on having an extensive inventory of new and used trains and accessories.

He purchased the shop in June 2010 when it was located in Feasterville. His education in the world of trains was just beginning. He and his employees frequently go to train shows to display and sell items. The shop moved to Hatboro in 2018.

When it comes to the holiday season, Wolff recommends starting early to look for your first train set, or additional trains, track and other accessories, so you can find everything you need and are not disappointed.

There is so much to learn about trains when it comes to train size, gauge layout, design and more. There are lots of distributors he buys from, and finding a particularly hard-to-locate item for a customer is a sheer delight.

Joe’s Train Station carries all gauge trains from G to Z, including Lionel, American Flyer, LGB, MTH, Marklin, Bachmann, Williams, Carrera and USA Trains.

The shop is a true child’s paradise, filled with pre-and post-war collectible trains, remote control cars, slot cars, a few drones, helicopters, airplanes, boats, service vehicles and more.

The shelves are lined with various train gauges, miles of track and accessories. One of four working train layouts that captivate customers of all ages is an overhead G gauge train that runs throughout the store and is a point of fascination for train lovers of all ages.

“They see the train smoke, smell the different scented smoke, watch the trains running in various locations around my shop,” he explains, “and it evokes precious memories of when they were a child following the trains under the family Christmas tree.”

In fact, one huge display case is filled with lead figures. Other bins are filled with trees, fences, billboards, animals, Plasticville buildings and people.

All of this hearkens back to the time when trains were the major mode of transportation in the nation, and people loved the dining car with the linen napkins and fancy dinnerware and spending the night in a sleeper car.

“We can pull out a research book or catalog from the year the customer had their layout and recreate a beloved set that was lost

or sold,” Wolff says. “They can buy back a major piece of their childhood, and they can do it all here.”

As an active member of the community, Joe’s Train Station is involved in local football, cheerleading, dance companies, Boy Scouts and other events, which means a lot to the business.

Adam Forman, of Huntingdon Valley, now 16, fondly remembers his first visit to Joe’s Train Station to buy an HO gauge

about trains and had to learn from scratch. Now she is the “Plasticville Queen,” who makes sure all the Plasticville buildings, people and animals are ready for sale. Customers count on Beverly and her expertise.

“I enjoy helping the new and repeat customers find what they want,” Beverly said.

“Christmas time is always a busy and happy time for us. Everyone is unpacking their trains, getting them fixed, and getting them ready for the holiday. It’s an exciting time for us.”

Thomas and Friends set for Hanukkah, and he has returned for many other figurines and trains. His layout is a source of great pride.

“My friend came over the other day and said I was the luckiest kid he knew because I have this amazing layout,” Forman recalled. “I keep going back because I love to watch the trains in the store and expand my layout. I hope the shop stays there for a long, long time.”

Doug Wolff’s mother Beverly has been involved in the store from the beginning. She knew nothing

Doug is extremely proud of what he and his family have created.

and his family have

“Most people love trains and it is heartwarming to know that the items they purchased have given them many hours of family fun,” he said.

“Trains evoke great nostalgia,” Doug added, “and we are here to help recreate fond memories and make new ones, especially at Christmas time.” ••

nostalgia,” Doug added, memories and make new ones, Christmas

Joe’s Train Station is located at 283 East County Line Road in Hatboro. Phone: 215322-5182. Hours: Daily, 10-6, Saturday and Sunday, 10-4. Website: www.JoesTrainStation.com.

Wolff, Owner

What’s Cookin’

By Donna Zitter Bordelon

‘Tis the season for cookie trays. Big trays, little trays, trays brought into giant parties enjoyed by dozens of guests or trays anxiously deposited at the door with the hope of avoiding a certain “uninvited guest” who’s been crashing everyone’s superspreader events.

But what if you waited too long to bake? Here are some recipes to aid any procrastinating baker who needs to bring along a sweet treat for the holidays. These alternatives to cookie baking are sure to hit the spot.

For more recipes see page 12.

SWEET ALLSPICE NUTS

Sweet allspice nuts, full of the season’s spices, are a taste of Christmas.

INGREDIENTS:

1 egg white

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

HOT CHILI NUTS

Hot and spicy - these have heat!

INGREDIENTS:

4 cups nuts (I used walnuts and pecans mixed)

3 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 Tbsp. paprika

2 tsp. cumin

3 tsp. chili powder – or more

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper – or more

2 Tbsp. oil

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Lightly spray a baking sheet with oil spray.

Evenly distribute nuts on the baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes.

Watch that the nuts don’t burn.

Mix together in a bowl the brown sugar, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt and cayenne pepper. Add roasted nuts and oil to the spice mix, stirring to evenly coat the spices.

Return the spiced nuts to the baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes. Stir a few times while baking. Allow to cool.

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. allspice

� tsp. cloves

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

2 1/2 cups nuts (I used walnuts and pecans mixed)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Beat egg white in a bowl to form soft peaks. Add vanilla extract.

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, allspice, cloves and nutmeg. Add to egg mixture.

Stir in nuts and coat evenly.

Lightly spray a 9x12-inch pan with oil spray. Spread coated nuts on pan in a single layer. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes.

Loosen nuts from pan. Allow to cool.

19006

Shop Local & Eat Healthy FOR THE HOLIDAYS

BY MINDY TORAN

Whether you’re looking for a fresh, organic turkey for your holiday feast or something more exotic, like pheasant, guinea hen or duck, Dave’s Backyard Farms can help you find something to make the season special.

Farmer Dave Hamalian opened his organic grocery store in Huntingdon Valley this past summer, with a focus on offering fresh, locally sourced foods to the community. The store offers a variety of fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, bread, eggs, milk, pastries, ice cream and more.

The opening of the store has been a labor of love for Hamalian, who actually began farming on the land behind his parents’ Huntingdon Valley home five years ago. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in history from Ursinus College, he went on to complete a master’s degree from the University of Bremen, Germany. Through his study of the past, he realized how much we have moved away from the land in the last century. After much travel and introspection, he decided that he wanted to reestablish this connection with the land through farming.

please see ORGANIC, page 11

Hamalian spent four seasons as an apprentice at farms throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, attending farming conferences and immersing himself in agricultural literature. One day, while driving through his hometown, he was struck by the number of sunny lawns and realized the immense potential for growing food in his own community. With all that he had learned, he launched Dave’s Backyard Farms in 2017.

In the beginning, Hamalian farmed his own vegetables and herbs and sold them at local farmer’s markets, including Bryn Athyn, Ambler and Holy Redeemer, where he met many other local farmers. He eventually began selling additional produce like apples and peaches, mushrooms and local meats and bread that he purchased wholesale from other vendors. He opened his first store inside the Creekside Co-op in Elkins Park in 2020. In August, he opened his Huntingdon Valley store, where he’s set up shop full-time and is now fulfilling his mission of providing local residents with access to nutrient-dense, flavorful, chemical-free food and strengthening neighborhood connections.

“Growing my own produce and working with other local farmers to sell their products helped create the momentum to open my own store,” says Hamalian. “I met a lot of the vendors I work with today by going to local farmer’s markets and working for other farms, building connections in the community. My store is unique because there aren’t too many grocers who are also farmers. Our food is truly organic, locally sourced and grown using good labor and agricultural practices.”

All of the food and other items offered at the store come from local farms and vendors. Hamalian brings in fresh-baked bread from Ursa Bakery in Germantown, which is baked using locally grown and milled wheat, rye and spelt; ice cream from Owowcow, which is made from scratch using local, organic milk and fruits; chocolates from Moka Origins, which has direct relationships with local farmers; and locally sourced eggs, milk and cheeses, in addition to organic meats, chicken and seafood.

Hamalian also highlights the work of local artists, musicians, craftspeople and writers at the store. “I’m a big believer in not just eating local, but supporting the work and enjoying the creations of local people in the community,” he says.

The wooden table that serves as the dis-

19006

play centerpiece in the store was made using sustainably and locally sourced wood by Hamalian’s friend Karl Reiders, who is also a musician and owns a recording studio in Wyncote. The counter and shelving were

for the holidays, Hamalian is happy to help. His weekly newsletter, which you can sign up for at DavesBackyardFarms.com, provides a list of all the products available, in addition to stories and anecdotes promoting the benefits of eating locally sourced food and supporting the local community. ••

made by local woodworker Matt Maidera. A beautiful ceiling mural was painted by Emily of Emily Paints. And artwork by Bronwen Henry and photography by Page Morahan, both local artists, decorates the walls and is also available for sale.

If you’re looking for something special

Dave’s Backyard Farms is located at 2587 Huntingdon Pike, on the corner of Huntingdon Pike and Red Lion Road. The store is open Wednesday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; and Sunday, from 10:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parking is available on Red Lion Road, in the gravel lot behind the 

through 10:30 p.m.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY TOM WARING Left: Ali Rizzo and Samantha Zotter, of Owowcow Creamery, whose products are at Dave’s Backyard Farms. Right: Dave Hamalian

What’s Cookin’

By Donna Zitter

Bordelon

BUTTERCREAM MINTS

Pre-COVID, this type of mint was offered near the cash register in restaurants. Here’s a delicious, homemade version.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened

4 cups confectioners’ sugar

SWEET AND SPICY NUTS

Sweet with just a little heat, this recipe is easily doubled.

INGREDIENTS:

2 1/2 cup nuts (I used walnuts and sliced almonds mixed)

1/4 cup sugar

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 Tbsp. water

1 Tbsp. honey

1 tsp. olive oil

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Lightly spray a baking sheet with oil.

Spread nuts onto the baking sheet. Toast nuts for about 10 minutes.

Watch that they don’t burn.

Stir together the sugar, salt and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.

Set aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, stir together the water, honey and olive oil.

When the mixture begins to bubble, turn off heat and stir in the roasted nuts until evenly coated.

Add the spices to the nut mixture, and toss to coat evenly.

Spread nuts back onto baking sheet in a single layer, and allow to cool.

2 Tbsp. heavy cream

1 tsp. mint extract

Sifted confectioners’ sugar for dusting

DIRECTIONS:

Line one large or two small baking pans with wax paper.

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter.

Add 3 cups of sugar, cream and extract and beat.

Stir in remaining cup of sugar, or knead it with your hands to form a smooth dough.

Lightly sift some confectioners’ sugar onto a work surface.

Using 1/8 cup-size pieces (about the size of a golf ball), roll each ball between your hands to form a log, then roll the log on the sugared work surface to form a rope about 1/2-inch thick.

Use a lightly oiled pastry dough scraper or lightly oiled knife and cut each rope into 1/2-inch pieces.

Gently transfer pieces to the wax paper-lined baking pans.

Repeat until all dough is used. Mints are now complete, but will be soft. Allow to air dry for a few hours in a cool place. Then store mints in an airtight container.

Regardless of how you celebrate or what you call the season, Happy Holidays to all and to all a Good Night!

Osteria Saporino Italian BYOB

1051 County Line Rd, Huntingdon Valley, PA. 19006 215-355-5577 • www.osteriasaporino.com

Celebrate With Us Your Special Occasions, Birthdays, Christenings, Wedding Showers, Baby Shower, Private Events!

Monday-Thursday: 11:30 - 3:00 PM 4:00 - 9:00 PM

Friday - Saturday: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM 4:30- 10:00 PM Sunday: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

(Open Sunday’s For Your Luncheon Events)

Huntingdon Valley Happenings

Friday, Dec. 16

Boys High School Basketball New HopeSolebury at Lower Moreland, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 17

Breakfast with Santa Moss Mill Brewing Company, 109 Pike Circle, Unit D. 10 a.m. and noon. Adults $25. Kids $20. Buffet breakfast, non-alcoholic drinks, gifts for the kids and speak to Santa. Bring cameras for photos. Advance tickets: 215-876-6305 or MossMillBrewing.com.

Sunday, Dec. 18

Weekly Mass Schedule St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 212 Welsh Road. Saturday Vigil, 5 p.m. Sundays at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon.

Monday, Dec. 12

PTA Meeting Lower Moreland High School Library. 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 13

Lower Moreland Township Board of Commissioners meeting 7 to 9:30 p.m. 640 Red Lion Road.

Thursday, Dec. 15

Lower Moreland Township Zoning Hearing Board meeting 7 p.m. 640 Red Lion Road.

Tai Chi Class Huntingdon Valley Library community room, 625 Red Lion Road. 11:15 a.m. $7. Every Thursday. Register: Pam Dull, hvldirector@mclinc.org.

Traditional Worship Huntingdon Valley Presbyterian Church, 2364 Huntingdon Pike. 11:15 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 20

Lower Moreland School Board meeting 7 p.m. Lower Moreland High School auditorium, 555 Red Lion Road. Also meets Jan. 17, Feb. 21, March 21, April 25, May 23 and June 20.

Wednesday, Dec. 21

Winter Chorus Concert Pine Road Elementary School, 3737 Pine Road. 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 22

Girls High School Basketball William Tennent at Lower Moreland, 7 p.m.

Lower Moreland Township Planning Commission meeting 7 p.m. 640 Red Lion Road.

Friday, Dec. 23

Matinee Movie

Huntingdon Valley Library community room, 625 Red Lion Road. 10:30 a.m. Free. Minion: The Rise of Gru (2022). The untold story of one 12-year-old’s dream to become the world’s greatest supervillain. (87 minutes).

Saturday, Dec. 24

Christmas Eve Service Huntingdon Valley Presbyterian Church, 2364 Huntingdon Pike. 5 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 29

Huntingdon Valley Activities Association Taekwondo. All ages. Lower Moreland High School wrestling room. Classes 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and 8 to 9 a.m. on Saturdays. Information: Joe Brietman, 215-947-5809, or http://www.hvaa.net/taekwondo.

Wednesday, Jan. 4

High School Wrestling Cheltenham at Lower Moreland, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 26

Huntingdon Valley Athletics Association Sign-ups. Register for in-house softball, quickball, baseball and intramurals. HVAA. net.

Monday, Jan. 30

Catholic Schools Week St. Albert the Great, 214 Welsh Road.

Send us your calendar listings!

Please include all critical information: who, what, where, when, and how to register or get tickets (if applicable), as well as a few lines of description. Email your listings to twaring@newspapermediagroup.com

It’s all in the details. When it comes to your social calendar change is ... not always good. But sometimes it’s inevitable. Check each organization’s website for updated event information.

FAULKNER VOLVO… by way of HUNTINGDON VALLEY

We started in beautiful Huntingdon Valley and made our way to the Faulkner Family in Trevose. Although our location may have changed… one thing has not. From the moment you enter one of our facilities’ doors, you are treated as part of the Faulkner family, with trust, integrity, and respect.

WE are Back… Bigger and Better than ever!

We’ve been happily in business since 1932. Today, Faulkner is still family-owned and -operated by the fourth generation of Faulkner’s — the great grandchildren of founder Henry Faulkner, Sr. Whether you’re looking for something sleek and stylish, something capable and solid, or just something practical and affordable, the team at Faulkner Volvo Cars can help you find that perfect match. Browse new and used inventory, see great deals on new cars and SUVs, and take advantage of expert services right on site. It’s the best way to find everything you need.