March 2019
Creating Magic Through Sculpture Mira’s Journey
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
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
Our sponsor advertisers bring Hopewell Valley Neighbors to you. Be sure to thank them by supporting their businesses. They are experts at what they do. Please tell them you saw their ad in Hopewell Valley Neighbors. To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Hopewell Valley Neighbors publisher: Rachel Donington: 609-462-6786 rdonington@bestversionmedia.com.
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March 2019
Publisher’s Letter
Dear Residents, Publisher: Rachel Donington rdonington@bestversionmedia.com Content Coordinator: Catherine Bialkowski cbialkowski@bestversionmedia.com Designer: Dale Ver Voort
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his month’s issue has prompted me to think about my journey as a woman, a mother, and a professional. Although life brings its fair share of challenges to all of us, I’m always excited for these challenges because they lead to new opportunities for personal growth and discovery. This month’s featured resident, Mira DeMartino, shares with us a beautiful story of self-discovery, identity, and starting fresh. Mira used art as a means to find her place in the world and connect with those around her, and what you will read in the following pages about her is truly incredible. We can all learn so much from others--from our neighbors, friends, and family--from our interactions with them and taking the time to reflect. And it’s these connections, I believe, that create the path for our own journey in life. I hope the stories in this issue will inspire you as they inspired me.
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
Publisher: Rachel Donington, 609-462-6786
P
ersonal identity is something we don’t often think about, yet is a large part of what shapes us as people. Have you ever taken a moment to think about your own identity? As I spoke with Mira for our cover story this month, I listened to her story about feeling like she lost her own identity when moving to another country (from Poland to the United States) and began to reflect on my own sense of identity as a young woman, writer, and student living in 2019. Another sense of identity comes through our stories this month in a different way, in high school senior Molly Moran’s story about Irish immigration to the United States. In this article, we learn historical information about a group with a large presence in our country. Similar to Mira, many Irish who immigrated felt a sense of loss as they left behind everything they knew in search of a different life. As we celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day, let us think on the history behind this holiday. Content Coordinator: Catherine Bialkowski
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Expert Contributor
Some Like it…Cold? All About CoolScultping By Alexa Hetzel | PA-C, Windsor Dermatology
M
y patients usually ask what the newest, hottest trend is when discussing cosmetics. But the latest trend is...cold! CoolScupting has really taken off over the last two years and for good reason--it works. So what is CoolSculpting, anyway? It’s a non-invasive fat removal system that is safe and effective for treating stubborn areas of subcutaneous fat. CoolScupting has been Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved to treat the knees, inner and outer thighs, the banana roll, abdomen, flanks, back fat, bra fat, under the arms, and under the chin (to help with our selfies!). How does it work? CoolSculpting is applied topically, with suction, to the skin without causing damage to the skin or underlying structures. The applicator is fit perfectly to the contour of you body and sits in place for 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the area. When the applicator is first placed it feels very cold. After about two to three minutes the area becomes numb while treatment is completed. After removal of the applicator, there is a two-minute massage which increases results by 68 percent. What should you expect after a treatment? Usually, after a CoolSculpting session, there may be redness, swelling, bruising and numbness. These results are totally normal and will resolve over the
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
week following treatment. We recommend massage at home to help improve results. Will you see results right away? It’s important to know that all good things take time. CoolSculpting removes 20 to 25 percent of the fat in the treated area, but it does take 12 weeks for your body to process the fat cells and see the reduction of the treatment session. Because of that, Windsor Dermatology, does before and after photos of every patient to document your total transformation. If you’re interested in learning more about CoolSculpting, we offer all patients free consultations with no commitment necessary. Give us a call at 609-443-4500 and get in on the coldest trend out there!
vvv Please reach out using the number above or visit www. windsordermatology.com for more information. Windsor Dermatology is located at 59 One Mile Road, Extension, East Windsor.
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The Wilson Family provides affordable dignified services to the families of Hopewell Valley since 1960.
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609-392-1039 Serving Hopewell Township, Hopewell Borough, Lawrenceville, Ewing, Peinnington, Titusville, Blawenburg, and Princeton.
• 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
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53 Bayard Ln, Princeton, NJ 08540 | (609) 924 -8120 | www.lewisschool.org 6
53 Ba March 2019
Expert Contributor
Privacy Screens Living Fences for Your Yard By Nick Pirone | Cutting Edge Lawn and Landscaping Owner
W
hen designing your yard, you may want to take into account your privacy needs. Do you need to reduce traffic noise or prevent people walking by from looking into your yard? If so, the perfect solution is a privacy screen. Privacy screens serve as living fences to provide privacy from street traffic and neighbors. They create a sound barrier to reduce noise, act as a windbreak to protect against harsh winds, work as a living snow fence to reduce snow, and much more. Planting privacy trees and shrubs might sound simple enough to do on your own, but there are numerous factors to consider. Many homeowners make mistakes that defeat the purpose such as choosing plants that are too small or that won’t fill out enough to block a view. We have provided some tips to help you plan a privacy screen project. Determine the type of tree that best suits your needs At Cutting Edge, we highly recommend using Evergreens. Evergreens are the ideal trees for privacy because they don’t lose their leaves. Some other trees lose their ability to function as a proper screen in the fall until they sprout new leaves in the spring. Many evergreen types grow well in various soils and conditions. You might be intimidated by the numerous tree options, but we have listed a couple options that should help you narrow your search. The best tree for you will depend on your landscape, the amount of space that you have, and how tall you plan for your privacy screen to be. Decide how high you want your screen You will have to determine how high you want your screen. There are options like the American Arborvitae and Giant Arborvitae that grow to be 40’ to 60’ tall. The Emerald Arborvitae grow to be 10’ to 15’ but can be trimmed shorter. There’s also the North Privet which is a fast growing shrub that is suitable for many yards. Decide how much width you have available After figuring out your main reason for planting and how high you want your hedge, the next step is to determine how much space you have available. If you have a large amount of space available you may consider making a double or triple row. A full-sized tree looks great and provides additional screening. If you have limited room, you can go with smaller or narrower option and stagger trees in groups to create a natural screen. For tight spaces, you may consider the
American Arborvitae, which will grow up to 15’ wide but can trim shorter, greatly reducing the overall width. Select a plant that meets your needs Now that you know why you are planting a hedge, how much space you have, and how tall you want your screen; you can select a plant. At Cutting Edge we like to use Green giant arborvitae, Norway spruce, Leyland Cypress, white pine, skip laurel depending on the project. There are numerous options for you to choose from so we recommend doing your research. You can also call a specialist, like us, to make your decision a lot easier. Spacing and Rows The amount of space you have and how dense you want the screen will determine the number of rows you plant. Spacing between rows is based on the mass of foliage and branches growing outward from the trunk of the tree, but at a minimum try to avoid root crowding by setting at least 12” to 24” apart measuring from the center of the plant. Spacing will depend on the type of shrub or tree you are planting and how close you want them at maturity. Map out your planting area Once you have picked out your plants you are now ready to map out the location of your plants. You can do this by putting wooden stakes in the ground at each end and tie a string between them. This will make sure you have a straight row or rows. Based upon the amount of space you have determine, place a flag or other marker along the string. Plant your shrubs Perhaps the most important step in establishing an attractive screening is proper planting. More new trees die in landscaping from planting errors than any other cause. For hedges, it is best to dig a straight trench when planting bare root shrubs. For containerized plants, individual holes work best. However, either method can be used.
vvv For more information about Cutting Edge Lawn and Landscaping and their services, please call Nick at 609-356-3465 or visit www.ce.land. He and his team are happy to answer any questions you may have about planting privacy screens and more.
Providing Landscape Design, Installation and Maintenance to Pennington NJ and the surrounding towns since 2006…
HOPEWELL’s Premier Lawn and Landscaping Company www.ce.land Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Resident Feature
“I am a living example that if you meditate on and call something, it has to come to you. Your brain and mind will create it.” – Mira
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March 2019
Resident Feature
Creating Magic Through Sculpture Mira’s Journey By Catherine Bialkowski
I Photos by Benoit Cortet
A
rt heals. This is something Mira DeMartino knows to be true. She has experienced it firsthand, and is a living example of the power and creativity of the human mind.
Mira, who creates breathtaking sculptures that have been exhibited in the United States, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, and Singapore, breathes life and soul into each of her masterpieces. The energy she puts into them is deliberate and special. “My art is a tool to empower you, and to remind yourself that all the time you are a creator,” she says. Mira’s story as an artist begins in Poland, where she was born and raised. When she graduated from The Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk, Poland, with a focus on painting, she had no idea of what was in store for her. Mira’s first ventures in art were big, heavy paintings, laden with pastel, sand, and other items, and painted with her fingers. “I needed to touch,” she says. After graduating from the academy, Mira realized that could not make enough money as a painter. She started working at an advertising company and the quickly moved into the fashion industry. Working in Poland as both a fashion designer and a model, Mira calls this time “a beautiful adventure in my life.” It was during this adventure that she met her husband, George, who ran an American business developing homes in a nearby city, through some mutual friends. Working in fashion, Mira had a world of opportunity before her. George encouraged her to pursue a Master of Business Administration in order to further her knowledge and ability to make strategic decisions. Although this had not crossed Mira’s mind, she gave it some thought and decided to embark on yet another adventure at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. “I was creative but also analytical,” she says. An MBA was a perfect partner to her rich set of creative talents. After earning her second degree, Mira went on to work as a marketing director and then at an interior design company as the general director, a job she truly loved, as it combined her creativity with her new knowledge of business. During this happy time, Mira became pregnant, and she and George were looking into buying a house in which to raise their family. Mira and George’s lives were turned upside down when George received a call from his company asking him to return to work in the United States. Mira was faced with the decision of a lifetime. In Poland, she was living out the life she had always wanted: making good money in her dream career, pregnant for the first time, married to the love of her life. “I needed to make a decision,” says Mira. That decision was whether to stay in Poland while George went overseas, or to leave everything and everyone she knew to start fresh. “Love won,” says Mira, and she picked up her entire life and identity and moved to the United States with George. The beginning was not easy for her. Plans of spending the rest of her life with George in Poland were still alive in Mira’s mind as she left her home country and moved into her mother-in-law’s home in Bergen County, New Jersey. George worked long hours, so Mira was often left to care for the baby herself, virtually alone in this unfamiliar new country. This new life was so different from her active, successful lifestyle in Poland. She had to start from scratch. George and Mira soon moved to the Red Bank area, where Mira found herself living the life of a suburban mom. “I knew this was the dream of many women,” she says; but this was not who she was. “Who is Mira now?” she asked herself often. “It was a big identity crisis.” Art was still in the back of Mira’s mind. It was a part of her, and had never gone completely away. Back in Poland as a fashion designer, Mira had seen the transformative power of changing one’s clothes. She had seen the profound impact the objects in one’s environment have on a person, and never forgot that. It was time, here in America, for her to express herself creatively once again, but this time, she wanted to change people’s lives through energy, using art as a vehicle.
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Resident Feature Mira had been meditating and focusing on spiritual and self-improvement when, one day, she had an incredible insight. “It hit me like a ball of fire,” she says. She suddenly knew just how to express this beautiful energy she so wanted to share with others: in the form of sculpture. At this time, years had passed since her move from Poland, and she and George had two young children. Pottery was not ideal for Mira, as it was expensive and difficult. But Mira knew exactly what material she would use in her new, inspired interpretation of the inspiration she felt inside her: she would sculpt with aluminum! The very day Mira had the idea, she went out, bought supplies, and created her first sculpture. “It was life-changing for me,” she says. “I am a living example that if you meditate on and call something, it has
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to come to you. Your brain and mind will create it.” Three months later, Mira’s work was exhibited in Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton. As Mira began to put the energy of what she wanted to feel and see around herself into her paintings, friends began to take notice of the beautiful creations and asked for sculptures of their own, and Mira started to get calls for commission. She now had an opportunity to change lives through her art, as many of those who desired her art were going through changes of their own. “Each sculpture is done with my fingers,” says Mira. “I am not producing; I am creating magic.” Each and every piece Mira creates is a product of tuning into her inner energy and inspiration. She feels first, then creates. Often, she will go to the homes of
those who want a sculpture, and have the chance to speak with them, connect with them and experience the energy of their living spaces. “It’s all about feeling,” she says. “What you feel, you attract.” Mira’s sons are now teenagers, and she can see her own gift of feeling, inspiring, and creating within them. “Each one of us is a creator,” she says. We just have to discover what it is we are compelled to create.
vvv 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.
March 2019
Mira has received multiple awards for her art, the latest of which is an Award of Excellence at The Healing Power of Art 2019 Art Exhibition from Manhattan Arts International. To learn more about Mira and her work and to view some of her sculptures, visit https://www. mirademartino.com/.
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Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Real Estate
Hopewell Valley Market Activity DECEMBER SOLDS - Homes ADDRESS
BEDS
10 Hart Av 183 Shrewsbury Ct
2 Pierson Pl
2
RESIDENTIAL RENTALS BATHS SOLD PRICE
ADDRESS
25 Elm Ridge Rd
BEDS 1
BATHS SOLD PRICE
1
$157,500
1
$1,400
3
1
$221,000
21 Brookside Av
3
2.5
$270,000
33 Diverty Rd
3
1
$1,500
2
1
$1,650
614 Pebble Creek Ct
2
2.5
$299,000
12 Princeton Av
103 Treymore Ct
3
2.5
$300,000
3
1
$2,350
8 Railroad Pl
2
2.5
$303,000
216 Hale St
2
2
$325,000
76 Woosamonsa Rd
3
2.5
$361,750
15 Kings Pt
5
3.5
$525,000
317 Sked St
3
3
$550,000
422 Pennington Titusville Rd
4
2.5
$633,000
11 N Riding Dr
5
2.5
$660,000
5 Lake Baldwin Dr
5
3.5 & .5
$675,000
2 Hallett Dr
4
5
$715,000
10 Madison Av
5
3.5
$720,000
15 W Broad St
5
2.5
$725,000
COMMERCIAL 8 N Main St - Rental
$750
17-19 Burd St - Sale
$300,000
Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the entire real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.
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HOPEWELL VALLEY OFFICE 800 Denow Rd, Suite N, Pennington, NJ 08534
609.737.9100 www.GloriaNilson.com
March 2019
Hopewell Valley Sports
Dylan Joyce Bulldog of the Month
I
t’s the bottom of the ninth inning, bases are loaded, two outs. The Hopewell Valley Bulldogs are in the lead by one score and, if you’re on the opposing team, the last person you want to see on the mound is Dylan Joyce, the lefty pitcher with a nasty curveball. If you find yourself in this predicament, I unfortunately have no advice to give you. Joyce is a closer with pinpoint accuracy, who’s been playing varsity games since he was a freshman – needless to say, he’s not going to crack under pressure. People are always wowed by strong arms in sports, whether it be in football, lacrosse, or baseball. While Joyce admits that he doesn’t have the strongest arm, but he does have a deadly accurate one. Although Joyce inherited his love for baseball from his father, it was his grandfather who, much like Dylan, was a left-handed pitcher for the Oakland A’s. Unfortunately, his grandfather passed away when Dylan was very young, so he was not able to bond with him over the sport. As time progressed, Joyce kept playing baseball and honing his craft as a lefthanded pitcher. His road to starting varsity pitcher for Hopewell didn’t come without a few missteps along the way. One summer, while playing in the Babe Ruth league, his team played the national champions from the year prior and Joyce’s team was winning. “Up two runs heading into the last inning, I let up a couple of runs. I was so excited that I choked under pressure and we ended up losing. I definitely put that on myself and it was tough on me,” says Joyce. When Joyce started high school, he wanted to continue playing baseball. He tried out for and made the freshman team, but his coach told him that he might see playing time with the Junior Varsity and Varsity teams.
By Kenneth Marples He was not expecting to play many JV games, let alone actually start a Varsity game against Ewing at home. But he did-- and he remembers that game well; he threw for four innings.
Dylan Joyce
“Once you throw that first pitch, you kind of get settled in,” says Joyce. Excited as he was for the opportunity to play for the Varsity team when he was only a freshman, Joyce was also understandably nervous. He kept his head down and simply learned as much as he could from the upperclassmen who seemed light-years ahead of him in both age and size. “They seemed really big to me and I was really small. I stayed off the radar and I wanted to prove myself,” says Joyce. One particular upperclassman, Greg Gasparo, left a lasting impression on Joyce. According to Joyce, Gasparo played a huge role in his growth. “He was very aggressive on the mound and he had a completely different persona when he was playing,” Joyce says. He later commented that he has since tried to emulate that and create his own persona on the mound. Now a senior, ready to head off to Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, he looks back at his time in Hopewell fondly. He was able to play an integral role in Hopewell, achieving its first Mercer County Tournament Championship last year for the first time ever. He will certainly be missed.
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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
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Calendar of Events
Hopewell Happenings Tuesday Night Yoga
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 Monday at Mercer County Library— Hopewell Branch Guided Meditation
Mira Desai teaches guided meditation series during the winter. Participants should wear comfortable clothing, and if you’d like, bring a towel or yoga mat. @ Mercer County Library, Hopewell Branch Time: 10:30am-12pm No registration necessary. Every Tuesday at Mercer County Library—Hopewell Branch Tax Help: AARP Foundation Tax-Aide (by appointment only)
Free tax preparation from AARP Tax-Aide. AARP trained tax preparers focus on low and moderate income returns, but can prepare most personal returns within training guidelines. Tax preparers can e-file Federal and state returns, as well as PTR (“Senior Freeze”) forms. @ Mercer County Library, Hopewell Branch Time: 10am-2pm Registration is required. Please call 609-7372610 to make an appointment.
Nancy McCormack teaches this eightweek series of yoga classes. All levels of experience are welcome. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and bring a towel or yoga mat. Class is limited to 15 participants. @ Mercer County Library, Hopewell Branch Time: 5-6pm Registration is required. Please call 609-7372610 to reserve your spot. Every Wednesday at 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. Story Time with Ms. Kim!
@Pennington Public Library Time: 11am Geared for Children Ages 2-4 years Tues., March 5 Color Me Calm – Adult Coloring
Sun., March 10 Daylight savings time Wed., March 13 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s and other dementias cause changes in memory, thinking and behavior that interfere with daily life. Join us to learn about 10 common warning signs and what to watch for in yourself and others. Presented by Nicolette Vasco from the Alzheimer’s Association. @ Mercer County Library, Hopewell Branch Time: 6:30-7:30pm Registration is required. Please call 609737-2610 to make an appointment. Sun., March 17 Happy St. Patrick’s Day Wed., March 27 The Big Read: True Grit
Partnering with the Pennington Public Library’s involvement with The Big Read, the Hopewell Township Branch is holding a book discussion, focusing on The Big Read title, True Grit, by Charles Pontis. @ Mercer County Library, Hopewell Branch Time: 11am-12pm
@ Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street Coloring books and art supplies available all day
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.
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
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March 2019
Small Town, Big Read
BIG READ: TRUE GRIT
The Big Read is a community-wide event that encourages as many people as possible to read the same book and participate in a wide variety of events, such as book discussions, film screenings, and other themed programming during the entire month of March. NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
TRUE GRIT EVENT LISTINGS Friday, March 1st Annie Oakley - Living History
7pm @ Pennington Public Library Meet an award winning sharpshooter who embodies late 1800s grit at this living history presentation. Sunday, March 3rd Roping Demonstration - Brett Bokman
1:30pm @ The Pennington School Come learn about roping methods like those used in the time of True Grit. Jay Jennings - Keynote Speaker 3pm @ The Pennington School Learn about author Charles Portis from a scholar and friend.
Tuesday, March 5th True Grit at Pennington Quilt Works
Spend some or all of your day learning about textiles of the late 1800s. Antique Quilts Trunk Show 11am-12pm ($10) Thursday, March 7th Adult Book Discussion Group
2pm @ Pennington Library Join a discussion on True Grit. Friday, March 8th The Real Story: True Grit
2pm @ Pennington Public Library Learn about the truth behind True Grit in this Smithsonian documentary.
Book Discussion
3pm @ Pennington Public Library Come discuss True Grit with friends. Saturday, March 9th Life on the Farm & Discussion
12pm @ Howell Living History Farm Participate in farm activities from the late 1800’s and a book discussion. Sunday, March 10th Life in Hopewell Township in the 1870s Larry Kidder
3pm @ Pennington Public Library Learn about Hopewell Township during the time of True Grit from Hopewell Valley Historical Society historian, Larry Kidder.
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Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Hopewell Arts
Hopewell Valley Arts Council Celebrates Art in March By Mary Galioto | Public Relations & Media Coordinator, Hopewell Valley Arts Council
Thursday, March 21, from 6-9 pm ArtConnect Forum Calling all art enthusiasts, artists, and creative minds! The Hopewell Valley Arts Council will host its second ArtConnect Forum on 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, renowned sculptor and painter. $10 for members, $20 for non-members. Proceeds support the arts and artists in greater Hopewell Valley. To reserve your tickets now, please visit www.hvartscouncil.org/artconnect.
Saturday, March 23 at 11am Small Town, Big Read: True Grit - Decorate a Cardboard Horse Be part of the cardboard horse stampede. Ride off into the sunset wearing your own decorated cardboard horse! As part of the “Small Town, Big Read” community-wide event with the Pennington Library, HV Arts Council invites kids to decorate wearable cardboard horses at Pennington United Methodist Church, 60 Main Street. Please visit www.penningtonlibrary.org for more information.
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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Banking. Locally Grown. 16
March 2019
Expert Contributor
Chatting with Christina By Christina Nash | Knox Grove Financial, LLC
Why do you feel it is important to work with a financial advisor? Sylvia, Pennington Hi Sylvia. You don’t know what you don’t know.
V
anguard published a study called “The Vanguard Advisor’s Alpha.” The study assigned a value to the benefits of best practices in the financial advisory profession. The results stated that advisors add about three percent for investors who choose to utilize the holistic advice. Why? Well, “you don’t know what you don’t know.” Financial planning is more than simply investing your money. It’s about holistic planning, financial decision making, behavioral coaching, cash flow management, finding efficient tax strategies, navigating during unexpected events, estate planning, and this is just the beginning. In my opinion, investments are becoming more of a commodity. Many of them perform similarly, and investment options are very easy for an investor to find and set up on their own. Online, it usually begins with the investor stating their age, time horizon and answering a few risk tolerance questions. Once this is complete, the software will simply point the investor towards their suitable investment options. This is investing, it is not financial planning. Financial planning is holistic and considers how the invested accounts will accomplish your overall short and long-term goals. The invested accounts are simply one room in your financial house. Take, for example, a large hardware store. You can walk into that store and find just about everything you need to build a house, even the tools needed for construction. It’s all there, but most of us have no idea how to build a house, even though we would have all the materials and all of the tools. This is similar to an investor having all of the tools, research, technology, and investments readily available to her, yet having no idea how to use these resources to build her financial house. A skilled financial advisor, not an investment counselor (there is a big difference), will be the contractor needed to help you build your financial house. Vanguard, one of the most well-known mutual fund companies in the financial industry, who led the way of providing, high quality, inexpensive tools to investors, believes that their funds can be enhanced when used alongside the advice of a financial advisor. I have always enjoyed finding solutions to challenges or problems. My family and friends refer to me as a female MacGyver (remember that show?). I believe this to be one of the reasons why I enjoy being a financial advisor. Clients come to me with their goals and challenges and I get to help them create a plan filled with solutions. This is exactly why the Knox Grove Financial mission is “Your Path Forward”. I consistently study my craft and I’m always seeking additional ways to fill the needs of my clients through simple solutions available and/or
complex strategies where needed. The following is a solution for many of our clients and a perfect example of “you don’t know what you don’t know”, but maybe your financial advisor does. We frequently assist clients with cash flow management. Some examples include real estate purchases, tax payments, home renovations, emergencies, business cash flow needs, weddings, tuition payments, and short-term bridge financing. One of the solutions we utilize to meet these cash flow needs is “Securities Backed Lending” (SBL). This strategy allows investors to access the value of a portion of their non-retirement investments without disrupting the investments or incurring unexpected tax consequences due to liquidating investments for cash flow needs at an inopportune time. Basically, the assets remain invested and act as collateral for the funds the investor has borrowed. These loans are commonly interest only, no term, lines of credit backed by one’s eligible stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. The application and underwriting process is simple and borrowers are typically billed the interest on a monthly basis. These lines are available to individuals, trusts, and entities and generally, no income verification is required for individuals, joint accounts and trusts. Unlike other traditional methods of borrowing, the loans carry no application fees, no monthly or annual fees, and no pre-payment penalties. The interest for a securities backed loan is usually based on the prime rate plus or minus a certain percent determined by the value of the loan taken. Why would you liquidate your investment accounts when you need them for an emergency, opportunity, or cash flow need instead of using them as collateral for a securities backed loan? It’s simple: you don’t know what you don’t know. Sincerely,
Christina A. Nash vvv For more information on “Securities Backed Lending” or to schedule an appointment to talk about your financial plan, call my office at 609-216-7440 or email me at christina@knoxgrove.com. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Royal Alliance Associates, Inc
ARE YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH?
Knox Grove Financial can be your guide. Your Path Forward • • • •
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YOUR PAT H FORWARD
Knox Grove Financial, LLC 23 Route 31 North, Suite B10 Pennington, NJ 08534 P: 609-216-7440 F: 609-910-4275 www.knoxgrovefinancial.com Info@knoxgrove.com
Securities and investment advisory services offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Royal Alliance Associates, Inc.
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Spotlight on Community
March Force of Nature Helen Corveleyn By Lisa Wolff | Executive Director, FoHVOS
T
he FoHVOS mission includes inspiring the next generation of conservation and we can think of no one better to help us achieve that lofty objective than Helen Corveleyn. Anyone who has spent time with Ms. Corveleyn can attest that she is truly a Force of Nature. As an award-winning teacher and the pied piper of scientific pursuits, she leads every child crossing her path to happily engage in her latest ecological project. Helen Corveleyn is an enthusiastic conservation evangelist with far-reaching influence. She comes by her passion naturally. If there is a conservation gene, Helen was born with it. She has always been captivated by nature and the outdoors. Growing up in nearby Montgomery, she became involved in scouting in elementary school and traveled to national parks across the US every summer throughout secondary school. Ms. Corveleyn knew that her career would include advocating for the earth. She majored in environmental policy at Marist. Her mother, a teacher, encouraged her to add education as a practical consideration since environmental policy is subject to fickle swings in national political whims. Helen was glad she took her mom’s advice. After spending time in a classroom, she was hooked. “Unlike adults that often have fixed ideas about conservation, children easily learn to connect with nature.” Helen explains, “All it takes is a little exposure.” In her position as a STEM facilitator at Hopewell Elementary school, Ms. Corveleyn visits all kindergarten through fifth grade classes. She not only teaches and writes curriculum but also leads academic extras like the Green Team. Her special lunchtime projects regularly attract from 18 to 40 students volunteering to forgo recess for an opportunity to spend extra time immersed in science. Ms. Corveleyn’s infectious enthusiasm quickly spread throughout the Hopewell Elementary community earning her nominations and ultimately recognition as the 2019 NJ Governor’s Educator of The Year. What makes Ms. Corveleyn’s instruction so compelling is that all lessons include experiential learning. Whether digging in the dirt to explore pill bugs and worms, or just mindfully breathing outdoors to learn about atmosphere, students are always actively engaged. Fifth-grade classes did comprehensive research on food waste by auditing the cafeteria garbage and employed statistical analysis for their findings. A group attended the Hopewell Borough council
Architect since 1996 Building Types Include: Single Family Residences Locally, at Beach and Mountains Offices, Restaurants, Retail and Historic Buildings 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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environmental policy discussions and advocated for the recently enacted plastic ban. Ms. Corveleyn pioneers new projects and secures resourceful funding for her creative initiatives. A FOHVOS Trustee referred to her as a “grant ninja” with good reason. Sustainable Jersey, BASF, HVEF, and the Hopewell Elementary PTO all provided grants for the Hopewell Elementary partnership with Princeton University’s Vertical Farming Project that uses indoor hydroponic garden towers to provide kids with fresh, organic produce for lunch and an invaluable introduction to hands on, cutting edge scientific development. As a result of this groundbreaking project, New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H Fisher presented Hopewell Elementary with the Best in New Jersey Farm to School Award. Ms. Corveleyn generously shares fund-raising and curricular experience. “Money is always available for good STEM education,” explains Ms. Corveleyn, “I have offered to help other schools and teachers find funding for their innovative projects.” She assisted TCNJ with securing tower gardens and will be speaking at their environmental summit. In addition to her local STEM initiatives, Ms. Corveleyn works with a national STEM think tank known as 100k in 10, (100kin10. org), that seeks to add 100,000 more excellent STEM teachers to America’s classrooms by 2021. She utilizes her policy experience in a project group that helps school districts and policy makers seek out productive models to increase STEM teacher retention through integrating professional growth opportunities. Conservation and education pervades every aspect of her life. She is mother of three children in grades K, 5, and 7, who all get plenty of ecological exposure. Helen is also a Girl Scout leader and is currently working on her Masters Degree in Conservation Biology in a program at Miami of Ohio that includes several international ecological adventures. Last year she went to Baja and this year will go to Borneo to study primates for two weeks. Her work will include a homestay with indigenous people. Her life experiences enrich her worldview and further expand her ability to give back to the community. FoHVOS is fortunate to name Helen Corveleyn as our March Force of Nature as she continues to inspire the next generation of conservation in Hopewell Valley and beyond.
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.
March 2019
Tales O’ The Irish
A Brief History of Irish Presence in the United States By Molly Moran, High School Senior, age 17
W
ith Saint Patrick’s Day right around the corner, it’s time to start digging up every green article of clothing you own. People will be parading the streets decked-out in Irish sweaters, caps, and green glitter. From face stickers to enamel pins, shamrocks adorn just about everything in sight. Pubs are bursting with energy as Guinness after Guinness is poured and every patron orders another corned beef and cabbage. As the Irish flag waves high on March 17, it is important to understand the community behind all the celebrations. Irish immigrants have inhabited the United States dating back to the days of the American Revolution. In fact, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in New York City on March 17, 1762, beginning the annual tradition that is now so inseparable from Irish-American culture. Despite this deep-rooted history, the first major wave of Irish immigrants arrived in the United States in 1845. At this time, Ireland was suffering through the potato blight, one of the worst famines in recorded history. With their livelihoods in shambles and Great Britain offering no help, about 2 million Irish people decided to abandon their homeland in hopes of a better life. In the largest population movement of the 19th century, the majority of these immigrants migrated to America. The Irish did not receive warm welcomes from Americans. Instead, they were met with hostile dispositions, which were rooted in many of the same
ideologies we see play out with immigration debates today- religious tensions and fear of the cheap price of immigrant labor. However, this conflict was not enough to hinder the Irish from achieving their American dreams. During this 19th century influx, the majority of Irish immigrants settled in Boston and New York City. Interestingly enough, these remain the cities with the highest Irish population today, and the St. Patrick’s Day traditions there are vibrant signs of the Irish communities. As mentioned previously, New York City was home to the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade over 200 years ago, and this tradition still holds strong. Not only is the NYC parade the oldest one, but it is also the largest. About 150,000 people march in the parade, and an estimated two million more show up to cheer them on. The Boston parade is certainly a sight as well, attracting around a million spectators, along with a sea of green-clad marchers. The arduous, persisting journey of Irish-American immigrants has created nothing other than a resilient, tight-knit community with a rich history. We can all appreciate this profound history as we show off our green apparel, wave our flags, and celebrate the Catholic feast day that has become so emblematic of the Irish-American community. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
Knox Grove Financial
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
19
1925
ecause We Care 21 North Main Street, Pennington, NJ 08534
(609) 737-2900
www.blackwellmh.com
I blackwellmem@verizon.net
Elizabeth Blackwell Davis
Owner/Lic. Director NJ #2475
Kevin R. Latham
Manager/Lic. Director NJ #4625 / PA #000714
Continuous family service since 1881 • We offer full service funerals, cremations and pre-arrangements.
Pennington Montessori School Premier Early Childhood Education 6 Weeks thru Kindergarten Academic Curriculum Music-Spanish-Outdoor Education
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6O9.737.1331
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