February 2019
John Hart Defined by Tradition
Cover photo by Benoit Cortet A community magazine serving the residents of Hopewell Township, Pennington Borough and Hopewell Borough
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Greg Fontaine – Owner 2479 Pennington Rd, Pennington, NJ I 609-737-4425 greg.aeconstruction@gmail.com I AEconstructionNJ.com
Alexa Hetzel, Board Certified Physician Assistant 59 One Mile Road Ext., East Windsor, NJ I 609-443-0424 windsordermatology.com I #freezefat
Financial Advisor Knox Grove Financial LLC.
Nick Pirone - Owner 1652 Reed Road, Pennington, NJ I 609-356-3465 nick@ce.land I ce.land.com
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Christina Nash – President & CEO To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact 23 Route 31 North, Suite B10, Pennington, NJ I 609-216-7440 Hopewell Valley Neighbors publisher: Rachel Donington: 609-462-6786 I knoxgrovefinancial.com rdonington@bestversionmedia.com. 418101 rwjbhChristina@knoxgrove.com Hamilton Top Hospital ad 7.5x5-m1.qxp_Layout 1 12/13/18 2:32 PM Page 1
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February 2019
Publisher’s Letter
Dear Residents, Publisher: Rachel Donington rdonington@bestversionmedia.com Content Coordinator: Catherine Bialkowski cbialkowski@bestversionmedia.com
I
often think how lucky we are to live in a place so deeply-rooted in American history.
Here in the Northeast, in an area like our community of Hopewell Valley, so much has happened that we can read and learn about, bringing history back to life. Here, history seems to always be alive—especially in people like John Hart of Hopewell Township, our featured resident who happens to be related to a signer of the Declaration of Independence and whose life parallels this great historical figure. We might easily forget that not everyone has the privilege to live where incredible events in history that shaped our American culture actually played out, on land that people like George Washington once stood. Here, history lives forever. A lot of our values come from history and tradition as well— there’s much to learn from what has already happened.
Designer: Dale Ver Voort
I hope that you learn a thing or two from the stories we share in this issue. Enjoy!
Contributing Photographer: Benoit Cortet www.benoitcortet.com Phone: 917-597-6297 benoit@benoitcortet.com Contributing Writers: Mary Galioto, John Finnegan, Kenneth Marples, Lisa Wolff Advertising Contact: Rachel Donington Phone: 609-462-6786 rdonington@bestversionmedia.com
Publisher: Rachel Donington, 609-462-6786
M
y favorite stories are the ones for which I need to do historical research—it’s so exciting to connect the people with whom you chat to momentous times in the past! John Hart shares with us this month a story of not only history, but the importance of preserving land and getting involved locally. I think he truly captures the spirit of Hopewell Valley. And, since it’s February, it’s time for the holiday of love: Valentine’s Day. We all associate it with red hearts, chocolate, and love letters, but do you know where these traditions came from? Rachel has written an engaging historical piece that’ll answer your questions.
Feedback/Ideas/Submissions Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are 25th of each month. Go to www. bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to rdonington@bestversionmedia.com.
I hope you enjoy this issue. Content Coordinator: Catherine Bialkowski
Content Submission Deadlines: Content Due: Edition Date: November 25............................ January December 25.......................... February January 25....................................March February 25.................................... April March 25..........................................May April 25...........................................June May 25............................................. July June 25....................................... August July 25.................................. September August 25.................................October September 25 ����������������������November October 25........................... December Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. ©2019 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Hopewell Valley Neighbors publisher Rachel Donington: 609-462-6786 rdonington@bestversionmedia.com. Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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February 2019
With Love, From Your Valentine Celebrating St. Valentine’s Day By Rachel Donington
E
very February 14, across the United States and in other places around the world, cards, candy, and flowers are exchanged between loved ones. We know this day as Valentine’s Day, in the name of Saint Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from? The Roman Catholic Church recognizes at least three saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One famous legend has it that Valentine was a Roman priest in the third century. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers, he outlawed marriage for young, unattached men in his army. Valentine decided this decree was unjust and continued to perform marriages in secret. When his defiance was discovered, he was imprisoned and later put to death. Some stories say that the young couples, who Valentine had married, gave flowers and letters to Valentine when they visited him in the prison. In a slightly different version of the legend, a martyred Valentine fell in love while in prison with his jailor’s daughter. Before his death, he sent the first ‘valentine’ to her when he wrote a love letter signed ”Your Valentine,” an expression that has been carried down through the ages and still used on cards today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and—most importantly— romantic figure. In 496, Pope Gelasius I set aside February 14 as a day to honor Saint Valentine. Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages. The oldest known valentine was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois. In the middle of the 18th century, giving out handwritten notes and other signs of affection was a common Valentine’s Day custom in England.
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
The tradition reached America in the 1840s when Esther Howland, a student at Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, decided she could make cards as pretty as the British ones. Howland, known as the “Mother of the Valentine,” made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures. She started the New England Valentine Company and began selling the first mass-produced valentines in America. Today, according to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year, making Valentine’s Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. (An estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent for Christmas.) In addition to the United States, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and Argentina, as well as South Korea and the Philippines. This Valentine’s Day tell the people in your heart how much they mean to you. And remember—when you sign those Valentine Day cards—the tradition of love and friendship lives on.
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5
• 2015 Accepted as an Early Decision Candidate to Farleigh Dickinson University
“I have faith, stubbornness and an education from The LewisUniversity School that Dickinson give me confidence.” School
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airleigh Dickinson University Class of 2020 Country Teamof Princeton, he Lewis School 2011- 2016
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· Member of the Junior Advisory Board, Rochester New York, 1999-2018 • 2016 Honors College Preparatory Graduate ofAchievement The Lewis School
· Partner at ITX Corporation, a strategic technology firm; President of Multiply IT, ITX
Corporation’s product development group, 2009-2018 • 2017 The Lewis School of Princeton Honor Society Inductee
· Recognized as “A Visionary Entrepreneur who builds simple, useful technology” - the
• 2017 Dean’s List at Fairleigh Dickinson University Rochester Business Journal • 2017 Most Valuable Player
“I hav and The giv
· Acknowledged for “executive leadership, innovation and expertise in corporate cultures fordevelopment Fairleighcombining Dickinson Cross Country Team IT design and business growth strategies”
· Creative Problem Solving Institute - Certified Facilitator and “groundbreaking business leader” • 2017 Honored Alumni Speaker, The Lewis School Athletic Awards Banquet who is as strategic consultant to top companies here and abroad · Co-founderto andFairleigh Board Chairman of Potential University Point, LLC where he continues to develop • Awarded a Full FourYear Scholarship Dickinson award winning software to help companies grow high-performance work places, 2005-2018 Completed the MIT Entrepreneurial Masters Program as one of sixty executives worldwide • Accepted to all of his top ten· colleges who were invited to participate.
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Fairleigh
The Lew
· CEO and Co-founder of Auragen Communications Inc./Catalyst Direct named one of INC
“The Lewis School “When I first came to Lewis, I was frustrated by500 thefastest demands ofcompanies, auditory 1995-2006 processing in a Magazine’s growing Fred Beer helped me to realize lecture situation and by longer written assignments, research and managing the course load that I should not be University of Rochester, Class of 1995 y processing in a School was amazingly building back that got in reading. I avoided writing whenever“Lewis I could. However, the worksupportive ethic andinteamwork thatthat confidence afraid to approach ging the course load Westminster School Alumnus, Class of 1991 crushed from me. Lewis and my parents provided the support for me to success know that in my own way. I learned at Lewis have carried me through as a successful college athlete. I know that the and teamwork that Lewis School Alumnus, 1988 I could be successful. Lewis taught me, with my parents support, that I hadBefore greatattending ete. I know that the lessons I learned from my teachers and coaches The stay Iwith meadapt in athletics strengthsat and if ILewis focusedSchool on my will strengths could for my weaknesses. Lewis, It I never thought ll stay with me athletics “I in don’t know where and I’d bein today withoutsuccesses The Lewisyet School. personal to come.”didn’t mater that I was a really slow reader – I developed great skills atabout listening success or that it
Being there taught me to work hard and to value and respect learning differences. I discovered that seeing and learning things differently gave me a unique perspective that is vital not only in my career but also in my life.”
would come easily, in class and taking notes. I learned how to work hard and get good grades. These if it came at all.” skills have stayed with me to today.”
Fred Beer
Where education champions the gifts of learning differently, and the value of thinking outside of the box Contact 609-924-8120 53 Bayard Lane, Princeton NJ Lewisschool.org
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53 Ba February 2019
Hopewell Valley Green Page
SAVE Money on Your Heating Without Spending a Penny By John Finnegan | Co-Founder of Earth Saving LLC
A
fter researching this topic, it became very apparent that there are about 40 to 50 things you can do to cut your winter heating bill. The majority of them involve some level of financial investment (i.e. adding insulation, weather stripping) and some don’t. Given most of us are still recovering from our holiday spending bills, this article will focus on a handful of actions you can take that cost you nothing, but could save you significantly on your heating bill—and help Mother Earth as well. The first and most obvious is to just get used to keeping the heat a degree or two lower than you normally do. No, I am not asking you to shiver while you are watching your favorite TV show. There are magical things called sweaters, sweatshirts and socks. You would be surprised that you can still be comfortable by adding a little clothing and lowering the heat. Also, if you have ceiling fans, put them on reverse in the winter so the air is blowing towards the ceiling. The ceiling fan doesn’t actually heat the air, but takes the warm air that gathers at the ceiling and circulates it better, making it easier to maintain an even temperature in your home and making it feel warmer. That means less work for your heating system. Other actions you can take to save money are making sure your vents are not covered by a rug, couch or your kids backpack. If you are mostly
in one room in your home during the day, use a space heater in that room and lower the heat. Do you have a fireplace? Make sure the damper is closed when its not in use. An open damper creates a draft pulling air from the room and sending the heated air and your money out the chimney. Have drapes and/or blinds? During the day, take advantage of the sun’s warmth by opening any blinds or curtains that are keeping the sun out. And closing them in the evening may cut down on drafts from your windows. Also, turn down the temperature of your water heater from 140 to 120 degrees.
John Finnegan
Finally, New Jersey is one of a handful of states that is deregulated which means you can shop around for a better price on the supply of your electric or gas. On your utility bill, you will notice a distribution charge and a supply charge. It is this supply portion of your bill you can shop for. Your current utility will always be your distributor—that will not change. Here are some links that will help you. The website nj.gov/njpowerswitch/ suppliers/ provides a list of licensed third-party providers. The website nj.gov/njpowerswitch/shop/compare/ provides some great information on “price to compare.” In addition to reading this information, reach out to your network of friends, family and colleagues. Ask if anyone has a third-party supplier and what their experience has been.
vvv John Finnegan is Co-Founder of Earth Savings, LLC, whose mission it is to educate people about the financial, environmental and health benefits of living a sustainable life. John welcomes your questions and feedback. He can be reached at john@earthsavingsLLC.com.
ecause We Care 21 North Main Street, Pennington, NJ 08534
(609) 737-2900
www.blackwellmh.com
I blackwellmem@verizon.net
Elizabeth Blackwell Davis
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Kevin R. Latham
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Continuous family service since 1881 • We offer full service funerals, cremations and pre-arrangements. Hopewell Valley Neighbors
7
Resident Feature Lisa and Early morning on the farm, Titus Mill Road
Paul
“The more you’RE exposeD to, the more well-rounded you are.” – Lisa 8
February 2019
Resident Feature
John Hart Defined by Tradition By Catherine Bialkowski
I Photos by Benoit Cortet
J
ohn Hart of Hopewell Township has familial roots in our community that run so deep you can find his surname in history textbooks. Owner and manager of Rosedale Mills in Pennington, farmer, member of his hometown’s Municipal Committee—the list to describe John’s responsibilities and passions goes on and on. And he is as “Hopewell Valley” as it gets. On an average day John can be found at his store, Rosedale Mills located on Route 31, a place locals regard as the best spot in town to buy pet food, livestock feed, lawn and garden equipment, and more. This local business has been around for almost 70 years. John’s father started it in 1950, a feed store to service farms in the area. The original store was in Princeton. Over the years, as farms started to slowly disappear, they got into the lawn and garden business, selling birdseed, fertilizer, different types of grasses. Finally, in 1995, the Princeton store was closed for good, and the partners expanded to the store in Pennington, which John has been running for the past two years with the help of his girlfriend and business partner, Beth Scheuerlein, who manages the butcher shop, runs the deer processing shop, does the buying for much of the merchandise, along with many other responsibilities. With customer service as the focus at Rosedale Mills, however, all employees are knowledgeable about the products, as they participate in regular training.
point, “Atwe’resomegoing to
lose our food sources. Once farms are gone, they’re gone forever.
”
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
One of John’s greatest passions in life is farming. In a place like Hopewell, farms are not all that uncommon, but to much of the rest of the country, farms are becoming a thing of the past. John wants to change this. Almost 35 years ago, he saved a farm on Titus Mill Road from being sold and developed. The process was not easy, but he found a way to buy the land in 1987, making it John Hart Farms, the first farm preserved in Mercer County. Once John had successfully bought his land, he realized that he needed to get more involved with the community, especially regarding land and open space. “I went to a township meeting in ‘93 and said, ‘I’d like to run for office,’” says John. They told him they already had enough people running, but John knew he would run anyway. An old friend helped him make signs to put around the town, and John was elected -his political career had begun. To this day, he still serves on the Hopewell Township Committee. John’s life in Hopewell Valley is somewhat eerily parallel to that of a well-known historical figure whose name is famous throughout the country. And this is no coincidence; today’s John Hart of Hopewell Valley is a direct descendent of John Hart of Hopewell Valley, signer of the Declaration of Independence. They even share a name!
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Resident Feature The signer of the Declaration of Independence John Hart was born around 1713, in Hopewell Township, to Edward Hart and Martha Furman. Hart was one of five children. As he grew into adulthood, he became known for his common sense, for being well-read, and for his attention to the law. In 1739, he married Deborah Scudder of Scudder Falls. The couple had 13 children. In 1740, Hart began buying his own land, starting with what was known as the 193acre “homestead plantation” in Hopewell Township. He later bought a mill with his brother, and was eventually the largest landowner in Hopewell, having acquired over 600 acres. Hart was also involved with the politics of the time, elected to the Hunterdon County, New Jersey Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1750 and Justice of the Peace in 1755. For ten years, he served on the Colonial Assembly, and was appointed to the Court
of Common pleas in 1768. While his political career was extensive and he fulfilled many positions, perhaps his most notable feat—aside from earning the honorable nickname “Honest John”—is that he was the thirteenth delegate to sign his name on the historic Declaration of Independence in 1776. Another interesting tidbit about the colonial John Hart’s life is his invitation to the American Army to camp at his farm in June of 1778. George Washington and his troops accepted this generous offer, bringing 12,000 men to Hart’s fields to rest before fighting the Battle of Monmouth, which they won. John Hart died at the age of 66 on May 11, 1779, but his name and legacy live on in history textbooks and, of course, in Hopewell Valley. Our John Hart of today has an important message to share with anyone who will
listen; that is, to get involved with farming. “At some point, we’re going to lose our food sources,” if things continue the way they are going. He has devoted much of his time attempting to preserve as much land as possible, but he is only one person. The average age of a farmer in the United States continues to increase; in 2014, it was 58.3. But John hopes that will change. It’s really important, he says, for younger people to get involved and realize the importance of farming. He himself has his own vision to combine Rosedale Mills and John Hart Farms, bringing more farm-totable products into the store. Currently, he is selling a selection of humanely raised meats and poultry. John Hart, owner of Rosedale Mills, farmer, and local politician marvels at the similarities between himself and his ancestor. “He was a miller, and a politician, and a farmer,” says John. John has been all of those things himself. He has also been much more. But
Feeding the farm animals
Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact Rachel Donington at rdonington@bestversionmedia.com. 10
February 2019
if readers take anything from his story, let it be the need to take action in preserving land and getting educated about farming. Because, as John says, “Once farms are gone, they’re gone forever.”
vvv John Hart is owner of Rosedale Mills, located at 10 Route 31 North, in Pennington. Hopewell Valley is fortunate to be the home of so many locally owned businesses—please be sure to support them by shopping local. Spring is coming! Visit Rosedale Mills for all your farm and garden needs. Call 609-737-2008 or go online at www.rosedalemills.com.
John at Rosedale Mills
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609-466-0233 Timothy F. Reeg Funeral Director 4 Tree Farm Road, Pennington www.penningtonmontessori.com admissionsinfo@penningtonmontessori.org
Now Accepting Applications Hopewell Valley Neighbors
Timothy F. Reeg, Manager NJ Lic # 3982/Pa Lic # FD-013977-E
609-392-1039 Serving Hopewell Township, Hopewell Borough, Lawrenceville, Ewing, Peinnington, Titusville, Blawenburg, and Princeton.
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Real Estate
Hopewell Valley Market Activity DECEMBER SOLDS - Homes ADDRESS
23 Nedsland Ave
BEDS 3
BATHS SOLD PRICE 1
$248,000
ADDRESS 102 Howard Way
BEDS 4
BATHS SOLD PRICE 2.5 $482,500
250 W Pennington Titusville Rd
4
1
$251,000
28 York Rd
3
2.5
$520,000
113 Route 31 S
3
2
$300,000
334 Pennington Harbourton Rd
4
3
$524,000
64 Titus Mill Rd
3
1.5
$300,000
53 N Main St
4
2.5
$542,000
365 Watkins Rd
2
2.5
$305,000
22 Avalon Rd
4
2.5
$545,000
406 Amberleigh Dr
2
2.5
$306,000
38 Eglantine Ave
4
1.5
$595,000
6 Cleveland Rd W
4
2
$315,000
9 Hunters Ridge Dr
4
2.5
$626,000
130 Treymore Ct
2
2.5
$335,000
29 Morningside Ct
4
4.5, .5
$675,000
79 Haddon Ct
3
2.5
$365,000
4 Harbourton Woodsville Rd
4
3
$675,000
250 Pleasant Valley Rd
3
2
$370,000
117 N Star Ave
5
3.5
$715,000
57 Model Ave
3
3
$380,000
7 Hunters Ridge Dr
4
2.5
$740,000
25 Wildwood Way
3
2.5
$385,000
11 Caroline Dr
4
3.5
$827,500
235 Colt St
3
2.5
$420,000
3 Overlook Rd
4
3.5
$850,000
22 Elm Ridge Rd
4
3
$428,250
14 Brookside Dr
5
4.5
$965,000
1 Lexington Dr
2
3
$460,000
19 Woodmere Way
5
4.5
$1,355,000
304 Pennington Harbourton Rd
6
4.5
$468,000
22 Old Foundry Drive
3
2.5
$479,670
Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in this magazine is separate from any statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.
412 S. Main St. I Pennington Offered for $519,000
HOPEWELL VALLEY OFFICE 800 Denow Rd, Suite N, Pennington, NJ 08534
609.737.9100 12
February 2019
Hopewell Valley Sports
Meggy Wiley Bulldog of the Month By Kenneth Marples
F
ootball. Basketball. Baseball. Field hockey. These are just a few sports that members of the Wiley family have played and excelled in.
Meggy Wiley
Meggy Wiley’s father, Don Wiley, is in the Monmouth University Athletic Hall of Fame for basketball and baseball, played professional basketball in Europe, and was drafted by the New York Knicks. Cynthia, her mother, played college field hockey at Slippery Rock University. All three of Meggy’s older brothers—Drew, Jeffrey and Robby—were Hopewell Valley Central High School varsity stars and are collegiate athletes. But this isn’t about them. This is about the Wiley that is leading the Hopewell Valley Central High School women’s varsity basketball team in scoring (14.6 points per game), rebounding (7.6 per game), blocks (0.9 per game), steals (2.8 per game), and is second in assists (2.8 per game). Wiley currently sits at #104 in the New Jersey rankings of female basketball players. When asked how could she break the top 100, her answer was surprising. “I care more about how the team does and how far we can go together. So whether that means I score more than 20 points a game, or I score just five points but I have five steals and five assists, it doesn’t really matter either way to me,” Meggy said. Wiley has been an exceptional team player since she stepped on the court for her first varsity game as a freshman. Looking back on how much she developed as a player throughout her high school career, Wiley reflected on what she would tell an incoming freshman starting on the varsity team. “I would tell her to not be afraid of anything because if you’re good enough to be starting and playing, then you deserve to be there. Hopewell Valley is a great community and I believe we are taught to be welcoming to others. She should have the confidence in her ability to go out there and do what she needs to do to support her team.” Although being the youngest of four children is rough at times, Wiley is thankful that her brothers never took it easy on her just because she’s the only girl. She shares that her brothers not only taught her physical toughness, but mental toughness as well. “We are revolved around sports, and we all love sports. The healthy competition that goes around in my family is definitely something that has influenced me to keep playing basketball and has fueled my desire to get better,” she explained. Above all, Wiley credits her athletic success to her mother and father. “My dad helped me through it all. He’s done everything for me. Before every game he gives me advice on what I need to do and it’s so helpful. My
parents have driven me to every practice and attended every game I’ve played for the past seven years. My commitment to basketball has been tough at times, but I’ve gotten through it because of them,” she said. Looking to the future, Wiley is proud to continue her basketball career at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. Although carrying the Wiley name comes with high expectations, Meggy is certainly creating her own legacy.
vvv
AMERICA’S FARM DISTILLERY OF THE YEAR 2018 American Distilling Institute (ADI)
WINE ENTHUSIAST 2018 • GIN: 92 Points • SILVER RUM: 92 Points
AMERICAN DISTILLING INSTITUTE 2018 • SILVER RUM: Silver Medal • BARREL-AGED GIN: Bronze Medal • VODKA: Bronze Medal
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Hopewell Valley Neighbors
13
Calendar of Events
Hopewell Happenings Throughout the Month of February Pet Adoption Days
@Rosedale Mills Puppies & Adult Dogs looking for their forever homes Call 609-737-2008 for dates and times Every Wednesday at the Pennington Public Library: English Language Conversation Sessions
Bambi Hegedus, professional tutor, leads these relaxed and informal tutoring sessions. Emphasis will be on learning practical phrases. @Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street Time: 10-11am Participants should have some knowledge of English
Fri., February 8 - 14 Make Your Own Valentine’s Day Card
For all ages, drop-in. Whether you are five years old or fifty years old, drop in to celebrate the many joys of Valentine’s Day by creating your own special letter, card, poem, or note of gratitude for a loved one. Card and craft supplies will be provided. @ Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street Time: 10:30am - 4pm
@ Pennington Public Library Time: 11am Geared for Children Ages 2-4 years Fri., February 1 Color Me Calm – Adult Coloring
Thurs., February 14 Happy Valentine’s Day
@ Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street Coloring books and art supplies available all day Sat., February 2 Groundhog Day
Will the groundhog see his shadow this year? Sun., February 3 Environmental Film Screening: The Importance of using native plants in the landscape.
Open to the public. Join Watershed Institute staff members Stormwater Specialist Kory Kreiseder and Stewardship Coordinator, Allison Jackson for an informative afternoon of short films (right before the SuperBowl). @ Watershed Institute, 31 Titus Mill Road Time: 1-3pm Enjoy free, local, organic popcorn at the show. For questions or more information, call 609-737-3735 x10. SuperBowl LIII National Football League’s (NFL)
Championship Game Time: 6:30pm
Mon., February 4 Hopewell Valley Regional School District: All Schools Early Dismissal
Staff Development
Thurs., February 7 Adult Book Discussion: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Drop-by this long-running, monthly book discussion group for lively and stimulating conversation. Registration is not necessary. @ Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street Time: 2-3pm
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Please join our Hopewell Happenings Page by sending us your Event Listing. Open to all Hopewell Valley organizations, clubs and local businesses. You can email your submissions to rdonington@ bestversionmedia.com.
Sun., February 10 Local Author Talk: Andrea Sarubbi Fereshteh In the Company of Trees
Pennington writer Andrea Fereshteh speaks about her writing process and book, In the Company of Trees, which helps readers rediscover their own connection to the world outside. @ Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street Time: 3-4:30pm
Story Time with Ms. Kim!
Let us help promote your local community event!
Mon., February 18 Presidents Day
Hopewell Valley Regional School District All Schools CLOSED Tues., February 19 Hopewell Valley Regional School District: All Schools CLOSED
Winter Break
Family Movie & More Christopher Robin & Craft
Join us for an afternoon with Winnie-thePooh, as he visits a now grown Christopher Robin, and they embark on a journey to find their friends—Tigger, Eeyore, Owl, Piglet, Rabbit, Kanga and Roo. All ages welcome. @ Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street Time: 3-5pm
Ask an associate about our dog adoptions!
SPRING IS COMING! It’s not too early to start planning your garden! Seed for plants and vegetables will be here the end of January… bulk mulch and soil in March and April 101 Route 31 N. Pennington I 609-737-2008 HOURS Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm I Sat 8am-5pm I Sun 9am-4pm
This month at Hopewell Valley Vineyards:
Visit www.hopwellvalleyvineyard.com for full listing of Artists Every Sunday Jazzy Sundays
Light Fare menu & Sicilian Pizza Time: 2-5pm Thursday Night Music & Merlot Light Fare menu & Sicilian Pizza
Live Music Time: 5:30-9pm Band Takes the Stage at 6pm
Friday & Saturday Night Music & Merlot Enjoy Brick-Oven Pizza & light fare menu
Live Music Time: 5:30-9pm Band Takes the Stage at 6pm
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Hopewell Arts
Hopewell Valley Arts Council to Host ArtConnect Forum By Mary Galioto | Public Relations & Media Coordinator, Hopewell Valley Arts Council Calling all art enthusiasts, artists, and creative minds! The Hopewell Valley Arts Council will host its second ArtConnect Forum on Thursday, March 21, from 6-9 pm at the Wesley Forum at The Pennington School. Our two distinguished speakers will be Lynn DeClemente Losavio, Collection Manager at The Seward Johnson Atelier, and Gyuri Hollósy, world-renowned sculptor and painter - both residents of Hopewell Valley.
his experiences consulting with the local government of Xinjiang Province in China on the creation of a new sculpture park and his most recent ‘silk road’ commission for the China National Academy of Painting in Beijing. Hollósy is the author of “Voices in An Artist’s Head” which was released in 2017. “The evolution of Gyuri’s work is fascinating and a wonderful example of problemsolving in action, as he moves away from the use of traditional bronze. His quirky sculpting medium is being used in new commissions all around the world. Gyuri’s ingenuity is truly inspiring!” Lipson shared.
ArtConnect Forum is a key component of the HV Arts Council’s new program, ArtConnect: Creating Opportunities for Artists. Each meeting features speakers sharing their work, inspiration, and creative process, while providing an opportunity to interact with fellow artists and art lovers.
ArtConnect Forum will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2019 from 6-9 pm at the Wesley Forum at The Pennington School, 112 W. Delaware Ave, Pennington, NJ. Seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the HV Arts Council website: hvartscouncil.org. ($10 for HV Arts Council Members; $20 General Admission).
“ArtConnect Forum is a unique opportunity for the community to gather, learn, and talk about different aspects of the art world. Our March meeting will focus on sculpture and -- of course -- needed to include local icons: Seward Johnson, Grounds for Sculpture, and The Johnson Atelier,” said HV Arts Council Board President, Carol Lipson. DeClemente Losavio, Collection Manager at The Seward Johnson Atelier, will share highlights of an exhibit about the Johnson Family currently on display at Grounds for Sculpture. Focusing on the family’s passions, their belief in the spirit of innovation, and the power of community, the exhibit also addresses Seward Johnson’s profound influence on the art world. She will also discuss the education and sculpting services the Atelier offers to local artists and skilled crafts persons -including modeling, enlarging, casting, fabrication, paint and patina, production and
vvv conservation services -- all with an emphasis on promoting public art. “This is a great opportunity for our artists to learn more about the Atelier and its efforts to be more accessible to local artists,” said Lipson. Hollósy will talk about his latest inspiration, “animal architects,” and how he employs a unique formula of resin and sawdust to form the shape and patterns of rotted wood and bark in his creations. Hollósy will also share
The Hopewell Valley Arts Council is dedicated to increasing art awareness and appreciation in the greater Hopewell Valley. This nonprofit organization celebrates “art in the everyday” by cultivating all types of creative exploration, artistic expression, and encourages all to see the beauty inherent in the simple and ordinary parts of day-to-day life. Through community collaborators, events, and art-based initiatives, the HV Arts Council highlights local talents and enriches the cultural and creative lives of the community.
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Spotlight on Community
Community Conservation Local American Chestnut Restoration Offers Promise By Lisa Wolff | Executive Director, FoHVOS If you follow environmental issues locally, you may be familiar with the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive bug that was accidentally transported to North America from Asia, that is killing up to 99% of the ash trees in its path. It is possible to protect ash trees however the method is too time-consuming and costly to protect whole forests but may be practical for individual trees. Therefore, it is inevitable that we may lose a vast majority of our ash trees. The story is sad and hopefully scientists can find a path to restoration. We may learn more by reviewing the fate of the American chestnut. The American chestnut (Castanea dentata) is a large tree in the beech family native to eastern North America. Before the species was devastated by chestnut blight, an invasive fungal disease, it was one of the most important forest trees throughout its range and was considered the finest chestnut tree in the world. It is estimated that between 3 and 4 billion American chestnut trees were destroyed in the first half of the 20th century by blight after its initial discovery in 1904. Chestnut blight is caused by an Asian bark fungus introduced into North America on imported Asiatic chestnut trees. Rex Parker, a member of the Hopewell Township Environmental Commission shared, “The blight was one of the first ecological tragedies to hit this continent.”The American Chestnut Foundation is leading efforts to nationwide to restore the American chestnut to its original habitat. To that end, Hopewell Township Environmental Commission member Mike Aucott has initiated chestnut planting projects locally and directed the planting at several locations throughout Hopewell Township. The largest planting occurred in early May when Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) teamed up with the HT Environmental Commission to plant 170 American chestnuts at the Fiddler’s Creek Preserve (opposite Baldpate Mountain.) The preserve features a fenced in 40-acre former farm field which is the site of a large-scale reforestation effort by FoHVOS and the Mercer County Park Commission. Over 7,000 trees and shrubs have been planted by volunteers at the site since 2011. The May chestnut planting at Fiddlers Creek Preserve was done by volunteers and FoHVOS Stewardship Director Mike Van Clef. Plastic tubes were tied to stakes and placed on top of the chestnuts to protect them from being eaten by squirrels. “The nuts we planted came from naturally resistant wild parent trees,” explained Parker. “We’re hoping they also have some resistance.”Of the chestnuts planted at the Fiddlers Creek Preserve, about 40 percent
germinated and survived the first growing season. “We’ll go back this coming spring and do another similar planting,” said Parker. As with other Community Conservation projects, the greatest impact occurs with the collaboration and participation of other like-minded organizations. A dozen American chestnut seedlings were planted at Hopewell Township’s Woolsey Park, and more were planted at nearby preserves in partnership with the D&R Greenway Land Trust, The Watershed Institute, and Sourland Conservancy. Mike Aucott initiated and directed the chestnut planting projects. The American chestnut project offers significant promise and comes at an exciting time. FoHVOS is so happy to be part of a partnership that provides the potential to restore a native tree that was virtually lost from our landscape. As scientists wrestle with our current ash borer issues, we hope they can learn from previous challenges and achieve restoration success.
vvv FoHVOS is a non-profit land trust that is dedicated to preserving the Hopewell Valley’s character through open space and farmland preservation, and natural resource protection. Since its inception in 1987, FoHVOS have partnered with landowners, government and other non-profit organizations to preserve over 7,500 acres of open space and farmland throughout Hopewell Valley. To learn more about FoHVOS please visit www.fohvos.org.
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February 2019
Wishing You a Happy Valentine’s Day By Rachel Donington
S
kip the store-bought Valentine’s Day cards this year and give something a little more thoughtful. Make it personal and create a handmade card or gift on your own! Here are some of my favorite ideas for making your greetings and gifts this year shine:
Go online to websites like greetingsisland. com to find printable Valentine’s Day cards. These are perfect for handing out to your child’s classmates! If you want to send a card to someone far away but forgot to send one in the mail, worry not; websites like hallmarkecards. com allow you to send an animated personalized “E-card” straight to someone’s email for free. Use drawings, pictures, photographs and words that really mean something to your recipient (and you). A handwritten memory or a pasted-
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
in image from a photo album will have a much greater impact than a generic store-bought card.
Skittles, and more. A basic mason jar with a ribbon is the perfect gift box!
Create fun, themed personal messages and decorate using whatever glitter, stickers, markers and crayons you have, and recycle construction paper and craft supplies from around the house. If you need to purchase anything, check the dollar store for a trove of supplies at an unbeatable price.
Sometimes words aren’t enough. But there’s no need for expensive flowers or gifts. Plan crafts with your kids, cook a special meal for your family, or look for DIY gift ideas (check Pinterest!)—your loved ones will actually, well, love, them, and nothing is more perfect in the spirit of Valentine’s Day.
Don’t always think chocolate and candy. For treats, consider healthier options—fruits and colorful vegetables instead of sugary snacks can be just as pretty and tasty. Try using a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut your fruits and vegetables into a festive shape. If you do choose to give candy, a fun idea is to gift only the pink and red ones of candies like M&Ms, Starburst,
Remember, the true meaning of Valentine’s Day is spreading love and spending extra time with the special people in your life who mean so much to you. However you decide to celebrate, I hope this Valentine’s Day brings love and happiness into your life.
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