January 2019
Lisa Wolff Living With Passion and Purpose
Cover photo by Benoit Cortet A community magazine serving the residents of Hopewell Township, Pennington Borough and Hopewell Borough
Expert Contributors
Home Design and Construction A&E Home Design and Construction
Lawn and Landscaping Cutting Edge Lawn and Landscaping, LLC
Dermatology Windsor Dermatology
Real Estate Gloria Nilson & Co. Real Estate
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.
Christina Nash – President & CEO 23 Route 31 North, Suite B10, Pennington, NJ I 609-216-7440 Christina@knoxgrove.com I knoxgrovefinancial.com
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Nick Pirone - Owner 1652 Reed Road, Pennington, NJ I 609-356-3465 nick@ce.land I ce.land.com
Hopewell Valley 800 Denow Road, Suite N, Pennington, NJ I 609-737-9100 glorianilson.com
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January 2019
Publisher’s Letter
Dear Residents,
C
heers to the New Year! I give my best wishes to all of you, our readers, in 2019.
Publisher: Rachel Donington rdonington@bestversionmedia.com Content Coordinator: Catherine Bialkowski cbialkowski@bestversionmedia.com Designer: Dale Ver Voort 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 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. 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
With a new year comes new growth. I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce a new contributing writer, John Finnegan, co-founder of Earth Savings, who has written for us this month an engaging article about energy conservation and smart savings for homeowners. Look forward to learning more from him in the months to come. Welcome, John! Speaking of conservation, our feature article this month centers around a woman that I truly admire, Lisa Wolff. She is a familiar name here at Hopewell Valley Neighbors, as well as to many throughout our community. Lisa shares with us in her incredible story the importance of being educated about community conservation, a passion of hers, along with her desire to expand the worldviews of her friends and neighbors in Hopewell Valley through her dedicated role as past President of the Hopewell Valley Regional School District Board of Education. Her passion and purpose are an inspiration to all. I think our readers will learn a lot in this issue -- I sure did! Please enjoy the stories. Publisher: Rachel Donington, 609-462-6786
E
veryone knows January is supposed to be all about New Year’s resolutions. Often, we start out the year filled with enthusiasm and the motivation to stick to our brand-new intentions. While it’s not always easy to stay 100 percent dedicated to the goals we hope to achieve, we can still do our best to enact changes in our lives for the better. This month’s featured resident, Lisa Wolff, has inspired me to think a little bit more about “greening” the way I live my life and the amount of plastic I use and dispose of, as well as about my own worldview and how I might expand it. I also spoke with John Procaccini of Gretalia Hospitality Group, who speaks in our business profile about the importance of using locally-sourced foods at his restaurants, yet another way to help keep Hopewell Valley—and the Earth—green. I hope you enjoy the stories.
Content Coordinator: Catherine Bialkowski
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January 2019
Business Profile
Locally Sourced, Locally Owned, Locally Loved Osteria Procaccini and PJ’s Pancake House By Catherine Bialkowski
F
or John Procaccini of Gretalia Hospitality Group, food and its preparation has always been an integral part of life. Growing up in an Italian family, “all our time was spent at the table.” His family rarely went out to eat; they preferred to use their own locallysourced, clean ingredients to create delicious meals to be shared together. Before he was ever in business with his brother, Tino, and other partner Zissis Pappas, John says the desire to eat and share authentic food was something that was always in his blood. “It’s natural to us.” Gretalia Hospitality Group currently owns and operates 10 restaurants together: Osteria Procaccini (Kingston, Pennington, Crosswicks, Ocean Grove); PJ’s Pancake House (Ewing, Kingston, Princeton, West Windsor—and coming soon to Robbinsville); Porta Via Catering Company (Princeton); and Trattoria Procaccini (Princeton). They opened their first restaurant, La Principessa, in 1999. Although this restaurant has since closed, they’ve come a long way since then, opening Osteria in 2010 and taking over the legendary PJ’s Pancake House in 2011. An icon of Nassau Street in Princeton since 1962, the original PJ’s Pancake House has been known to attract celebrities, Princeton students, locals, foodies, and more since its doors first opened. “It was very exciting. We took something that was around forever and embellished it,” says John. They decided to add some healthier options to the menu and to expand PJ’s Pancake House to include lunch and dinner, too, in addition to breakfast. So far, it has been a raging success. The beauty of the Gretalia Hospitality Group restaurants is that they “have something to offer everyone at every hour of the day,” as John puts it. Customers can find appetizers, breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and everything in between, depending on what they’re in the mood for, at the restaurants. It’s only a matter of deciding which one to visit.
“I have customers I’ll see at PJ’s for breakfast, Osteria for lunch, and Trattoria for dinner.’” John says, laughing. “What’s most important to me is the day-today interaction with the people we meet.” New customers as well as regulars are what make going into work each day special. John, Tino, and Zissis have undoubtedly brought the family tradition of human connection through food into each of their restaurants. Using local products John Procaccini to support the community, the team believes that the time spent around the table, eating with friends and family while sharing stories, is the most important time of the day. “People come in and say, ‘That’s the best meal I’ve ever had. We just love your restaurants!’” says John. And that makes it all worth it. “We’re making people happy every day of the week.”
vvv Hopewell Valley is fortunate to be home to two Gretalia Hospitality Group restaurants, Osteria Procaccini located at 7 Tree Farm Road (609-303-0625) and PJ’s Pancake House and Tavern located at 938 Bear Tavern Road (609-493-4495). Whether you are a regular or haven’t yet visited, please check them out—pull up a chair and #GETFORKY! People who love food are the best people.
We would like to thank all our loyal patrons for their business and we look forward to serving you in the new year ahead!
Visit us at either of our two locations in Hopewell Valley! 938 Bear Tavern Rd., Ewing 609-493-4495 M-TH 7am-10pm Fri-Sat 7am-11pm • Sun 7am-10pm
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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• 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
ee Andrew McTigue
airleigh Dickinson University Class of 2020 Country Teamof Princeton, he Lewis School 2011- 2016
c Awards Banquet
on University
· 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.
And
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
org
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53 Ba January 2019
Hopewell Valley Green Page
Vampire Power Low-Hanging Fruit in Energy Conservation By John Finnegan | Co-Founder of Earth Saving LLC
V
ampire power, also known as standby power or phantom load, is the energy that electronic devices use when they are turned off but still plugged into an outlet. The amount of vampire power has been increasing significantly in the past two decades, thanks to the proliferation of rechargeable gadgets, computer networks and devices with standby power functions. The National Resources Defense Council estimates Americans spend $19 billion—yes, billion with a “B”—on vampire power. This translates to $165 to $440 per household per year, depending on the tier and local electric rates. We can all take simple steps to reduce this wasted energy, improve our environment and save money at the same time. So how do we do it? Below are five steps you can take to take a bite (pun intended) out of your vampire power! Use Energy Star Certified Appliances While you may pay a little more up-front, the savings in energy costs over the life of the product often make up the difference. Invest in a Smart Strip Smart strips are power strips that reduce power usage by shutting down power to products that go into standby mode. You could combat vampire power by continually unplugging your gadgets, but with a smart power strip you won’t have to. Activate Energy-Saver Mode Many modern electronic products come with an energy-saving mode, which puts electronics to sleep, such as when your computer
monitor powers down or you step away for a while. Unplug Electronics When Charged I can hear the sighing as you read this! But really, is it that difficult? If you happen to pass your smartphone on the counter and see it is fully charged, just unplug it. Unplug lesser-used items Obviously not practical to unplug every appliance in your home each day, but unplugging the ones that you use less frequently will help you reduce vampire John Finnegan draw. My wife and I have a cable box in a bedroom that is rarely used. A digital wattage reader revealed this cable box was drawing 15 watts in standby mode! Unplugging this rarely used cable box saved us about $25 per year. Hope you find these tips informative and money saving!
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.
Here for you and your family in the new year. To you and yours from all of us,we wish you a very Happy New Year.
ecause We Care
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7
Resident Feature Lisa and Paul
“The more you’RE exposeD to, the more well-rounded you are.” – Lisa 8
January 2019
Lisa Wolff
Resident Feature
Living With Passion and Purpose By Catherine Bialkowski
I Photos by Benoit Cortet
Lisa Wolff is someone whose presence is known throughout Hopewell Valley. As the longest-serving President of the Hopewell Valley Regional School District Board of Education in 30 years, she has shown a humbling dedication to this community she so loves. Many of our readers may recognize her as the author of our Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) Force of Nature articles. Lisa, however, has a little bit more up her sleeve.
worked, and New York, where Paul had begun to work. They also had some other requirements: they wanted land with trees, a community with a good education system, and a big house. A home in Hopewell Valley was perfect. Lisa and Paul immediately loved the “beautiful, bucolic nature of it” and so have their two sons, Zachary and Ryan.
Fittingly, Lisa and her husband, Paul Kinney, chose to settle in Hopewell because of its beautiful greenery. The couple met in Pennsylvania when Paul was in charge of fixing computers at the company for which Lisa worked at the time (‘It’s always important to get along with your I.T. guy!” she laughs). When it came time for them to marry, settle, and pick out a house, they wanted somewhere in between Pennsylvania, where Lisa still
The relationship between Hopewell Valley and Keroka, Kenya is special because it is ongoing. Often, with ecotourism, a wellmeaning group of students will temporarily visit a community that may be struggling, engage with locals, and then leave, never to be heard from again. Because of Dr. Angwenyi and Lisa’s work, the people of Keroka and the people of Hopewell
Outside of Lisa’s association This year marks the start of with FoHVOS, she has another a new era for Lisa. She was passion she had the chance first elected to the Board of to work on during her time Education in April of 2009 and on the Board of Education chose not to run for reelection and which she will continue this past year, meaning to pursue. This passion stems that December marked the from the reality that while completion of almost 10 Hopewell Valley is a beautiful years of service. Two years and wonderful community, ago, she also took on the there is one area that may role of Executive Director undoubtedly be improved: its of FoHVOS. Lisa’s passion diversity. to “green” the community Many residents, Lisa says, has shown through her live in the “Hopewell bubble,” work for years, even before lacking exposure to different she was directly associated kinds of people, places, and with FoHVOS. Her first-ever lifestyles. “I took a passion accomplishment as President in wanting to help people of the Board of Education expand their worldviews,” back in 2009 was to reduce says Lisa. “The more you’re the amount of plastic water exposed to, the more wellbottles students bought rounded you are.” and consumed at lunch While Lisa served on the by working to have filters Board of Education, she installed on water fountains became familiar with Dr. throughout the district David Angwenyi, a teacher in Zachary, Paul, Lisa, and Ryan schools. This way, children the Hopewell Valley Regional could simply fill reusable School District who organized student service trips to Kenya. water bottles instead of throwing away plastic every single day. He is currently in the process of planning a 250-student trip in Where does Lisa’s passion for earth-preservation come from? 2020 to Keroka, Kenya, called the Global Connections Group, “I’ve always felt a connection to the environment around me,” where he and the students will meet up with a Kenyan group. she says. She grew up in Chicago, where there were (and still The two groups will meet and members of each will interact are) ample forest preserves. “I always liked camping and being with one another, hopefully showing all involved that despite the out in nature. I’m one of the few people in the suburbs who really thousands of miles between the two countries, the people who does enjoy camping!” she jokes. live there are not so different after all. Dr. Angwenyi asked Lisa to As Executive Director of FoHVOS, Lisa’s first project was to partner with him to set up the trip, and, naturally, she accepted. kickstart Community Conservation, a program which allows “It’s been this wonderful relationship,” she says of the Hopewell FoHVOS to partner with other organizations and individuals Valley Regional School District and Keroka, Kenya. The Kenyan in order to improve the land throughout the community. She Ambassador has even made stops in Hopewell Valley during wastes no time when it comes to greening Hopewell Valley. trips to the United States because of the strategic partnership.
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
9
Resident Feature Ryan and Zachary
10
January 2019
Valley can keep in touch. “It’s a much more meaningful way to do service,” says Lisa. “The connections are transformational.” Lisa attributes the finding of her own passions—and the amazing work she’s been able to do through her passions—to her opportunity to serve as President of the Board of Education. “David would not have asked me to partner with him if I hadn’t been on the board first,” she says. From preserving the environment to encouraging an expansion of worldviews, Lisa Wolff has proven that she is capable of accomplishing great things. And there’s more where that came from.
vvv
Lisa Wolff is Executive Director of FoHVOS, a non-profit land trust that is dedicated to preserving the character of Hopewell Valley through open space and farmland preservation, and natural resource protection. To learn more about FoHVOS please visit www.fohvos.org or call 609-730-1560 to speak with Lisa. To learn more about Global Connections Group and the Hopewell Valley Regional School District and Keroka, Kenya partnership, please reach out to Dr. David Angwenyi at 609-737-4000, ext. 1350.
Lisa and Dr. David Angwenyi
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. The Wilson Family provides affordable dignified services to the families of Hopewell Valley since 1960.
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Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Real Estate
Hopewell Valley Market Activity NOVEMBER SOLDS - Homes ADDRESS
BEDS
61 Princeton Ave
2
BATHS SOLD PRICE 1
ADDRESS
BEDS
BATHS SOLD PRICE
$218,000
33 Lexington Dr
3
2
$440,000
4
2.5
$455,000
264 Pennington Harbourton Rd
2
1
$225,000
118 Mine Rd
2 Elden Way
4
2.5
$235,000
142 Pleasant Valley Rd
5
3.5
$480,000
26 Woolsey Ct
3
2.5
$265,000
21 Lexington Dr
3
2.5
$499,000
65 Featherbed Ln
3
1.5
$300,000
6 Bonner Ct
4
2.5
$500,000
4
2
$553,000
105 Blackwell Rd
5
1
$305,000
52 Eglantine Ave
49 Lafayette St
2
1.5
$340,000
100 Provinceline Rd
4
3
$585,000
1 Howe Ct
3
2.5
$345,000
14 Harbourton Ridge Dr
4
4.5
$660,000
511 Amberleigh Dr
3
2.5
$347,900
77 Heath Ct
3
2.5
$350,000
4 Ege Ave
3
1
$354,000
106 Drummond DR
4
2.5
$399,000
10 Nathaniel Green Dr
4
2.5
$437,000
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.
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12
HOPEWELL VALLEY OFFICE 800 Denow Rd, Suite N, Pennington, NJ 08534
609.737.9100 January 2019
Hopewell Valley Sports
Chris Lanciano Bulldog of the Month By Kenneth Marples
B
efore committing to D1 Bucknell University wrestling, before becoming a two-time county champion, before he wrestled for the varsity team at Hopewell Valley Central High School, and even before he wrestled for the first time as a child, Chris Lanciano was destined to be involved in the sport of wrestling.
about who he was up against—he became focused on competing against himself. “It’s always been a competition to one-up myself. I’m always looking to add more weapons to my arsenal by being more offensive, lifting heavier weights, and running farther distances. For me, it’s about really pushing my body so I am able to succeed and wrestle at the level I see myself wrestling,” he explained.
His grandfather, Robert Gibble, was a wrestler, a “pretty good one too” in the words of Lanciano.“My grandpa wrestled, and his interest in the sport was something I thought was really cool. My dad also pushed me in the direction of joining the local wrestling team. I pounced on the opportunity and have been wrestling since I was five years old,” Lanciano said.
This attitude transformed Lanciano into a two-time New Jersey State wrestling championship qualifier as well as a two-time district tournament champion. He is thankful for his wrestling career successes so far, but he believes the best is yet to come. “I have high hopes for the team senior year.” He believes they can easily push past 20 wins during the season. “That is really a mark of excellence in Hopewell Valley. The 21 win teams are always the teams that are remembered forever,” Lanciano says.
Well, it certainly seems that he was pushed in the right direction. Along with wrestling, Lanciano dabbled in other sports such as lacrosse and soccer, but felt wrestling was the way to go. When he reached the high school level, he was successful right away with a 12-9 record his freshman year. Although he held a winning record, he still had some adjusting to do. “To be honest, my freshman year was kind of a big disappointment. I thought I worked really hard going into my freshman year, but Chris Lanciano I expected much more.” Lanciano shared. “It was really difficult for me. I was inspired to work even hard in the off-season, because I never want to be in that position again where I’m 12-9 and a kid fighting for a spot.” Having that goal in mind, Lanciano made a massive leap his sophomore year with an outstanding record of 35-6. To top that, he went 36-5 the year after. Since he lowered his losses so dramatically year after year, Lanciano had to find something that would drive him to improve. He wasn’t concerned
Looking to the future, Lanciano feels fortunate to attend Bucknell University next year. “It’s a great academic institution, and I have known Coach Dan Wirnsberger for a couple of years--probably since eighth grade--from participating in camps there. He cares about the wrestlers. You can see that he’s driven and wants the best for his wrestlers both in athletics and in the classroom,” he shared. “I’m excited to be going there.” Lanciano attributes his successes to his supportive family: his mother, father, and brother. “I wouldn’t be where I am without the constant support of my family. That’s just something I will never be able to pay back.”
vvv
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Hopewell Valley Neighbors
13
Calendar of Events
Hopewell Happenings Throughout the Month of January Official Kick-Off: The Big Read!
Pennington Public Library will distribute 150 copies of the novel True Grit to the community throughout the month of January. @ Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street Go the website at www.penningtonlibrary. org for all the details and latest information.
@ Mercer County Public Library, Hopewell Branch Time: 10am-12pm There will be time for networking with fellow participants and experts. Registration is required. Call 609-737-2610 or visit hopeprogs@mcl.org. Tues., January 8 Too-Busy-For-Books: Book Club
@Rosedale Mills Puppies & Adult Dogs looking for their forever homes Call 609-737-2008 for dates and times
For people who barley have time to breathe this Book Club reads nothing longer than 120-pages @Pennington Public Library Time: 7:30-8:30pm Call for titles, 737-0404
Every Wednesday at Pennington Public Library English Language Conversation Sessions
Thurs., January 10 Active Aging Fitness
Pet Adoption Days
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 Story Time with Ms. Kim!
@Pennington Public Library Time: 11am Geared for Children Ages 2-4 years Tues., January 1 New Years Day
Hopewell Valley Regional School District Schools/ Offices Closed Color Me Calm – Adult Coloring
@ Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street Coloring books and art supplies available all day Thurs., January 3 A Literary Lunch: Frankenstein Book & Film Discussion
Bring your lunch and join us in a viewing and discussion of this classic novel written by English author Mary Shelley. This is the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a grotesque, sapient creature in an unorthodox science experiment. @ Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street Time: 12-2:30pm Sat., January 5 SCORE Princeton: Small Business Supply Chain Strategies
This workshop will focus on strategies and solutions for bringing products and services to market while assessing and mitigating supply chain risks. This is a highly interactive session to provide expertise and support for participants looking to solve real business challenges.
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This program is comprised of stretching, balance, posture, flexibility, and strength poses done to music. It also includes some chair yoga. @ Mercer County Public Library, Hopewell Branch Time: 3:30-4:30pm No registration is required. Fri., January 11 Lunch and Learn: Introduction to New Jersey Genealogy
Presenter: Regina Fitzpatrick, Genealogy Librarian, New Jersey State Library Bring a bag lunch and learn about genealogy sites. @ Pennington Public Library Time: 12-1pm Sat., January 12 Crocheting for Beginners and Beyond
This introductory class will get you well on your way to making warm & cozy things for you and your loved ones. For adults & teens, ages 14 & older. All materials will be provided. @ Mercer County Public Library, Hopewell Branch Time: 10am-12pm Registration is required. Call 609-737-2610 or visit hopeprogs@mcl.org. Tues., January 15 If These Stones Could Talk: Author Talk and Book Signing
Authors Elaine Buck and Beverly Mills are former board members of the Stoutsburg Cemetery Association, a cemetery purchased by three black men in the early 19th century to bury Blacks with honor and dignity. Their accumulated stories in If These Stones Could Talk consecrate the collected lives of a minority Black community in a predominantly White region. @ Mercer County Public Library, Hopewell Branch Time: 6-7pm Registration is required. Call 609-737-2610 or visit hopeprogs@mcl.org.
Mon., January 21 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Hopewell Valley Regional School District Schools/ Offices Closed Sun., January 27 Author Talk: Rich Geffken Lost Amusement Parks of the North Jersey Shore
Rick Geffken discusses the book he coauthored with George Severini. This book brings together rarely seen images from the Library of Congress, local historical societies, and private collections to document how the Jersey Shore became the most famous vacation and recreational destination in the coastal United States. @ Pennington Public Library Time: 3-4:30pm Wed., January 30 Annual Business of the Year Awards Social
Hosted by Pennington Borough Economic Development Commission, with awards also presented by Pennington Borough Historic Preservation Commission and Pennington Business & Professional Association. @Sun National Bank on North Main Street, Pennington Time: 6-8pm Open to the public. Complimentary wine & light fare served 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
vvv Let us help promote your local community event! 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.
January 2019
Pennington Montessori School Premier early childhood education § 6 weeks through Kindergarten § Academic Curriculum § Music-Spanish-Outdoor Education Call to Schedule a tour!
609-737-1331
4 Tree Farm Road, Pennington NJ 08534 www.penningtonmontessori.org admissionsinfo@penningtonmontessori.org
Accepting applications for the 2018-2019 School Year
It’s not about losing weight overnight. It’s about staying healthy over time. Bariatric surgery at RWJ University Hospital Hamilton At RWJ University Hospital Hamilton, instead of emphasizing short-term goals like reducing the size of your waist, we focus on long-term benefits like reducing your risk of diabetes, sleep apnea and hypertension. Beginning with a nurse navigator, every aspect of the program, including bariatric surgery, will be clearly presented so you can make the right choice. Attend one of our information sessions to learn more.
Information Sessions offered regularly RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Hamilton For more information and to register, call 609.584.5900.
rwjbh.org/weightloss
RWJ-17 Hamilton_7.5x5_m2.indd 1 Hopewell Valley Neighbors
11/20/18 2:50 PM 15
Spotlight on Community
Small Town, Big Read Pennington Public Library Hosts Community-Wide Read of True Grit By Kathryn Rosko
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arlier this year, the Pennington Public Library received one of 79 grants awarded nationally from the National Endowment for the Arts, in association with Arts Midwest, to host a “Big Read” during the month of March 2019. The NEA Big Read program encourages an entire community to read a selected book together and participate in innovative programming to further enhance the reading experience. The library chose the classic novel True Grit by Charles Portis, an engrossing tale of a courageous 14-year-old girl who shows great resilience and grit in dealing with the murder of her father in the American west of the 1870s.
To officially kick off the Big Read, the Pennington Public Library will distribute 150 copies of True Grit to the community beginning this January. Readers are encouraged to read the book and pass it on to their friends and neighbors, filling in their names on a special bookplate if they wish. The programming for the Big Read will begin on March 1, 2019 at the Pennington Library with a living history portrayal of Annie Oakley, another woman of the old west with true grit, and a discussion about the similarities and differences between Annie Oakley and Mattie Ross, the heroine of the novel. Festivities for the Big Read will continue month-long and include a keynote presentation at The Pennington School by Jay Jennings, senior editor at the Oxford American and noted Portis scholar, offering insights into the life of the author and providing further context for the book. Additional speakers for the Big Read include Larry Kidder, who will present a lecture on Hopewell in the 1870s, and Mark Bellace, a psychologist and comedian who will talk about the power of grit and the growth mindset. There will also be a series of book discussion groups throughout the month at the Pennington Public Library and in private homes, as well as two movie screenings and post-show discussions of True Grit: the 1969 version of the film with John Wayne and the 2010 version directed by the Coen Brothers at The Pennington School. Other events surrounding the Big Read promise something for everyone. Interested in learning about antique quilts and hand piecing? Spend the day at Pennington Quilt Works, which will offer a special antique quilts trunk show followed by a hands-on introduction to the technique of hand piecing, as well as lunch and a lecture. Want to learn what life was like in the 1870s on a farm? Journey to Howell Living History Farm
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and work on the farm yourself—with guidance, of course—and then discuss the book afterward in the parlor. Interested in experiencing artistic expressions of grit? Watch the talented dancers of The Pennington Studio for Dance and Creative Arts perform original pieces on the themes of grit and perseverance. For our younger community members, there will be crafts and activities at the Pennington Public Library, as well as historical talks about the era presented to students at Toll Gate Grammar School. In addition, there will be an art contest for elementary school students and an essay contest for middle school and high school students on the theme of “true grit.” Scholarship prizes will be awarded. And why not add food-related fun into the mix? During March, Pennington-area restaurants will feature special “True Grit Grub” menus tying into the book, and there will be an event at the Farm Cooking School located at Gravity Hill Farm with a culinary lesson on preparing perfect grits (of course!) in a variety of lip-smacking ways. Finally, plans are underway to host a square dance for the community at the famed Hillbilly Hall. Be sure to grab your copy of True Grit this month and be a part of the conversation and the fun surrounding the Big Read—right here in our Small Town.
vvv Visit the Pennington Public Library throughout the month of January to get a copy of the book to participate in our community’s first ever Big Read! Go the website at www.penningtonlibrary. org for all the details and latest information. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be a part of this wonderful, fun and educational event in Hopewell Valley. Welcome to all ages.
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H AV E A H U N T E R D O N H E A LT H C A R E P H Y S I C I A N ? HUNTERDON FAMILY & SPORTS MEDICINE AT HO PEWE LL VA L L EY Hunterdon Family & Sports Medicine at Hopewell Valley is part of a network of family practices operated by Hunterdon Healthcare. We pride ourselves on keeping you healthy. CALL AND SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. Hunterdon Family & Sports Medicine at Hopewell Valley 84 Route 31 North, Suite 103 Pennington, N.J. 08534 609.730.1771 L e a r n m ore now at H un terd o n Heal th care . o rg / H un terd o n F ami l yMe d i c i n e
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Spotlight on Community
Get your 2019 Happy On 10 Science-Backed Ways to be Happier By Lisa Wolff | Executive Director, FoHVOS Wow, 2019 is here! Did you make a resolution? Lose weight? Get organized? Volunteer? The majority of my friends and family dislike resolutions. Why put such importance on the new year? Every day can mark the first day of positive lifestyle changes. It’s such a disappointment when you “fall off the wagon” then the whole year is blown…
FoHVOS “Get your Happy On
INC
Fast Co
FoHVOS
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1
X
Excercise more
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2
X
Sleep more
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3
Move closer to work
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4
X
Spend time with friends & family
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5
X
Go outside - 57 degrees
My resolution or intention for both myself and our readers is to be happier.
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6
X
Help others - 100 hr/year
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7
X
Practice smiling
Fun fact: I truly believe that setting goals, desires, and intentions is how I have achieved almost everything good in my life.
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Plan a trip (but don’t take it)
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X
Meditate
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Practice gratitude
On the other hand, I love resolutions. For me it is an annual reminder to reserve some time to really be aware and set a mindful intention for improvement. Thinking of resolutions as “intentions” (or desires) helps detach from the outcomes and also allows the universe to help out.
That concludes our philosophical portion. Now onto the science… I did a little research and both Fast Company and Inc magazines posted online articles coming to the same conclusions about the 10 “ScienceBacked Ways to be Happier.” The Fast Company article includes cool before and after brain pictures. Both articles provide a fascinating read and list a multitude of sources confirming that their recommendations are proven to make people happier. I have summarized their findings in a nifty table I titled, FoHVOS “Get your Happy On.” Now I can’t help you with the recommendation to “Move closer to work,” although I can provide a testimonial confirming that while living in Hopewell, I’ve held jobs in Pennsylvania, DC and one requiring weekly drives to Newark or PHL. There is no doubt my commute to Titusville is an improvement and officing atop Baldpate Mountain is a dream come true. More importantly, I can help with the rest of the list. Start by taking a guided walk on FoHVOS lands. Last year FoHVOS offered a popular “Force of Nature Hike” series and an #OptOutside hike. Hiking by definition is a form of exercise so #1 is accomplished. We do it outside so we’re good on #5. An interesting aside was that happiness is maximized at 57 degrees outside. Anyway, it is great if you sign up for our hikes with friends and family but even if you come alone, by the end you will have made friends with the others and we addressed #4.
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Here is where it gets more interesting. Romy of RomYoga led our hikes and her format is conducive to optimizing happiness. This means our hikes include smiling (#7), meditation (#9) and practicing gratitude (#10.) Sleeping more (#2) or at least more soundly naturally results from having improved 1,4,5,7,9 and 10 on our hike. This leaves us with number 6 or “Helping Others.” From the most basic standpoint by helping yourself get happier, you will at least be helping me achieve my objectives. Additionally, just by communing with the other hikers you share great energy with our community. That said, you decide the level of commitment you would like to share. The science suggests a 100 hours but FoHVOS can customize volunteering opportunities to your needs. Whether it’s laboring outdoors, or applying your skills indoors, we offer those opportunities as well. The beauty can be summarized with my favorite quote from Flora Edwards, “In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us.” I look forward to sharing the journey to increase your happiness. By doing so, you increase mine as well. Here’s to a happy 2019.
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January 2019
Hopewell Arts
Hopewell Valley Arts Council
Joy in the Everyday Art Exhibit
By Mary Galioto | Public Relations & Media Coordinator, Hopewell Valley Arts Council
The Hopewell Valley Arts Council and the Arts and Healing Committee at Capital Health Hopewell are celebrating Joy in the Everyday, an exhibition of works by members of the Hopewell Valley Arts Council at the Investors Bank Art & Healing Gallery at Capital Health. This exhibit captures, in visual and written representation, the colorful relationship between joy and art. Open to the public, the opening reception is on January 10 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and
the exhibit is on display through March 25, 2019. The Hopewell Valley Arts Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing art awareness and appreciation in the greater Hopewell Valley. We celebrate “art in the everyday” by cultivating all types of creative exploration and artistic expression, encouraging us all to see the beauty inherent in the simple and ordinary parts of day-today life. Through community collaborations, events and art-based initiatives, the
Hopewell Valley Arts Council highlights our local talents and enriches the cultural and creative lives of our community. Wishing you peace, joy, and creativity in 2019!
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Jon Youshaei Spirha Gupta, “March”
AMERICA’S FARM DISTILLERY OF THE YEAR 2018 American Distilling Institute (ADI)
Architect since 1996
WINE ENTHUSIAST 2018 • GIN: 92 Points • SILVER RUM: 92 Points
AMERICAN DISTILLING INSTITUTE
Building Types Include: Single Family Residences Locally, at Beach and Mountains
2018
Offices, Restaurants, Retail and Historic Buildings
• SILVER RUM: Silver Medal • BARREL-AGED GIN: Bronze Medal • VODKA: Bronze Medal
www.SourlandSpirits.com (609) 333-8575 Learn more at SourlandSpirits.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, & Follow us at @SourlandSpirits • 130 Hopewell-Rocky Hill Rd., Hopewell, NJ 08525
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
New Buildings and Renovations 150 + Built Projects in NJ PO Box 250 Sergeantsville, NJ 08557 609-902-8840 l gary.GMArchitects@gmail.com
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LOCATED AT 101 Route 31 N. Pennington, NJ 08543 609-737-2008