October 2018
Meet Violetta and Sergio A Slice of Southern Europe in Hopewell Valley 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
Dr. Wendy Myers 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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October 2018
Publisher’s Letter
Dear Residents,
A
utumn is one of my favorite times of the year. I love it! The leaves on the trees across this region turn from green to red, yellow, and golden brown, and our community of Hopewell Valley is so fortunate to have an abundance of this colorful season.
Publisher: Rachel Donington rdonington@bestversionmedia.com
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the United States. This is another one of the reasons I love this season so much. We all know, by this point, about the significance of the color PINK this season, and what the many pink ribbons stand for.
Content Coordinator: Catherine Bialkowski cbialkowski@bestversionmedia.com
I am one of seven sisters, making a family of eight women, including my mom. We’ve all heard the statistics many times, but in case you’ve forgotten, breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women. In my family, that one out of eight women is my sister, Rebecca.
Designer: Dale Ver Voort Contributing Photographer: Benoit Cortet www.benoitcortet.com Phone: 917-597-6297 benoit@benoitcortet.com
A routine mammogram found cancer in its early stage, and a double mastectomy and the will to survive saved her life. We, as a family, as a community, as a nation, will not give up the fight against this disease. Molly Moran, a young woman in her senior year of high school, has written for us an informative piece on the importance of breast heath and routine check-ups. I hope you will find her article inspiring. So let’s not stop fighting. My sister didn’t, and she’s my hero. Breast cancer is a disease we are winning because of education and awareness. Please, this month and all months, remember to encourage the women in your life who you love—mothers, aunts, sisters, daughters, friends—to get their mammogram.
Contributing Writers: Mary Galioto, 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. ©2018 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
Embrace the power of PINK this October! Publisher: Rachel Donington, 609-462-6786
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ike Rachel, I love this time of year. There’s something so cozy about the pumpkin-themed decorations that begin to line the streets of the neighborhoods, the scent of spiced hot apple cider, and the knowledge that Halloween in all its spooky glory is just around the corner. For many people, this atmosphere, combined with the drop in the temperature, is ideal for settling under the covers with a good book. Violetta and Sergio’s story this month may be just what you’re looking for. This couple, hailing from Greece and Italy, share with us tales of stone houses in Greek villages, weekends spent in the Italian countryside, and the lingering scent of wine made many, many years ago. I hope you enjoy their story, as it carries over into our very own community of Hopewell, culminating in our beloved Valley Vineyards in Pennington. So grab a hot drink, find a comfortable chair, and be swept into history.
Content Coordinator: Catherine Bialkowski Your One-Stop Town and Country Store
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To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Hopewell Valley Neighbors publisher Rachel Donington: 609-462-6786 rdonington@bestversionmedia.com. Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Expert Contributor
Chatting with Christina By Christina Nash | Knox Grove Financial, LLC
My spouse and I are both employed currently and planning to retire in five years. As we approach this major change in our lives, we are having a difficult time determining what our expenses will be in retirement. Help! Luann, Hopewell
Hi Luann, You are correct in stating that retirement is a “major change” in your life. Not only do you emotionally have to adjust to the changes in your daily routine, you also have to figure out how to substitute social security, pensions (if you’re lucky enough to have one), and investment income for the paycheck that you were accustomed to each month throughout your working years. Since your plan is to retire in five years, you most likely still have time to get your expense ducks in a row. Upon meeting with an individual looking to become a Knox Grove client, we first gather information on their assets, income, goals, etc.; this is the easy part. The moment of truth is when we present them with a simple activity called “Know Your Numbers.” This is where we ask clients to dive deeply into their checkbook and credit card annual activity to determine monthly/annual expenses. We provide a “Know Your Numbers” guide to help organize these expenses into categories. No one has ever found this to be an easy activity. I’ve even noticed a few holding back tears as I explain the process and the importance of completing the task. However, once it’s done and the “I didn’t know it was that much” moment has subsided, everyone is always happy for this newly found expense clarity. Having a true understanding of your current expenses is imperative for establishing a living financial plan for each stage of your life. When you understand your expenses, you are empowered to make better decisions for spending and saving. It’s not what you make, it’s what you keep. Luann, if you haven’t already, I would suggest diving deep into your current expenses first. Once you have done this exercise, you will probably notice most of these expenses will continue
through retirement. An important thing to remember is to adjust these for inflation over the years. Certain assets that will be paid off upon retirement, such as a mortgage, would not carry over as an expense. However, the additional expenses incurred by owning property (taxes, insurance, home repairs) will continue and should be included. There are several right ways to estimate retirement expenses. Due to the importance of getting this right, I highly suggest that you contact a professional to assist you with this process. If you decide to go it alone, consider the following in addition to your current expenses that will carry over: • Out of pocket health, vision, and dental care costs • Taxes and insurance • Potential long-term care cost • Costs to care for an aging parent • Additional spending due to increased leisure time or travel • Spending on children or grandchildren • Estimate high Sincerely,
Christina A. Nash vvv Please consider submitting your financial questions to Christina Nash at Christina@knoxgrove.com. Registered Representative/Securities and investment advisory services offered through Signator Investors, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. 23 Route 31 Suite B10 Pennington, NJ 08534 – 374-20180828-471636
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Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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October 2018
Community Health
Over 40 Shades of Pink Molly Moran | High School Senior, Age 17
A
s October comes around, it brings with it that time of year where products of all kinds in stores around the country suddenly turn bright pink. Pink bracelets, pink pens, pink tennis balls—many are branded with a pink ribbon, too.
According to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, pink became the designated color for breast cancer awareness in 1990, when the Komen National Race for the Cure in Washington, D.C. started the first breast cancer survivor program. The following year, survivors, as well as participants in the race, all received pink ribbons. These pretty little ribbons have been symbols for breast cancer awareness ever since. So, by all means, go out and purchase everything in bright pink, but don’t forget to apply that awareness to your own life, and maintain it throughout the other 11 months of the year. What is breast cancer? It is the uncontrolled growth of breast cells. It affects about 12% of women in the United States, while less than 1% of breast cancer patients are men. Breast cancer can be a genetic disease, or it can show up unexpectedly, depending on the type. Without getting
tested, there is no way to know if your body holds mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which may cause cancer. Whether you have a known history of breast cancer in your family or not, getting tested—in a number of ways—for this cancer is extremely important. Many women now undergo a BRCA gene test, which analyzes one’s DNA in order to identify changes in BRCA1 and BRCA2, as these changes could be harmful. Getting tested for BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations is not always feasible, however, based upon financial circumstances and other potential issues. A simple breast examination from your doctor is an excellent way to be screened for breast cancer. Additionally, women who are over the age of 40 should receive a mammogram either annually or once every two years, depending on the specific recommendations of their medical professional. Every year, mammograms continue to save women’s lives. When doctors discover breast cancer early on, it reduces a woman’s chance of dying from the cancer by 25-30%. Finding cancer early on can also decrease a woman’s chances of needing to undergo a mastectomy, a surgical operation which removes one or both breasts. Lastly, recognizing the cancer in its early stages also decreases the chances of the cancer spreading to other areas in the body. At the end of the day, you shouldn’t rely only on your yearly check-ups for breast cancer. Every once in a while, it is crucial to feel for unusual lumps in your breasts and underarms. It is helpful to be familiar with the symptoms of breast cancer, that way you can recognize a sign if you see one. About 65% of women in the United States over the age of 40 have received at least one mammogram within the last two years. In order to make progress against breast cancer and save lives, we need the other 35% of women to begin actively receiving mammograms. This October, and every month after, we have to expand our efforts against breast cancer so that 100% of all women are able to receive regular annual mammograms.
vvv All cancer facts, statistics, and scientific information have been gathered from the National Cancer Institute website, www.cancer. gov, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website, www.cdc.gov, or the Mayo Clinic website, www.mayoclinic.org, unless otherwise cited.
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Resident Feature
Meet Violetta and Sergio A Slice of Southern Europe in Hopewell Valley By Catherine Bialkowski
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Photos by Benoit Cortet
A
ccording to the classical Greek philosopher Plato, “Nothing more excellent or valuable than wine was ever granted by the gods to man.”
Violetta and Sergio Neri, owners of Hopewell Valley Vineyards in Pennington, would undoubtedly agree. This couple— she from Greece, he from Italy—have brought knowledge, experience, and rich culture from far-away places to create what many visitors to the vineyard have described as “a small slice of Southern Europe right here in Hopewell.” Violetta describes herself as an “oenophile,” a word meaning “connoisseur of wines.” And she certainly does not take this term lightly; from the day she was born, wine has had a significant presence in her life. “I was born in a very small mountainous village in Macedonia, north-western Greece. I grew up in a three-story stone house than belonged to my maternal grandmother, Evanthia, who owned a lot of land and a small vineyard,” says Violetta. Among the things Evanthia grew on her farm were vines, which she used to make wine for her family. Evanthia passed her winemaking skills onto her daughter, Evdokia, Violetta’s mother, but Violetta did not have the opportunity to share in that knowledge just yet, as her family moved to the large city of Thessaloniki when she was seven years old. But the concept of wine as a way of life was already ingrained in Violetta. As a child, she even had a sippy cup out of which to drink wine, “the philosophy being that this is exactly how you raise a child to become an adult with a strong palate and who drinks sensibly,” she says. Although Violetta left the three-story stone house many years ago, she still visits it every time she returns to her home country. “The cellar that my grandmother kept her barrels in still, to this day, holds onto the aroma of wine and triggers so many wonderful childhood memories for me. The vineyard still exists, but the vines have not been tended to for so many years.” Violetta’s eventual move to the United States was prompted by a desire for more diversity and opportunity. She was just 22 years old when she arrived, having completed school at Law School of the University of Democritus in Greece. “Greece, at that point in time, was a very homogeneous society and in some ways quite limiting, given how small the country 8
October 2018
Resident Feature is in general,” says Violetta. “I think my eventual move to the States had been brewing ever since I was a child.” Sergio’s story begins in a different country entirely: Italy. Born in Milan and raised in Monza, Sergio fondly remembers weekend getaways to his mother’s village, Sant’Angelo, a region wellknown for wine and the place where his parents met. “I grew up seeing my grandfather planting vines and making his own wine,” says Sergio. “He liked to drink it too, taking me to the local wine cantina where he’d meet his friends, play cards, and drink the local Barbera wine. He basically put Barbera in everything—I remember him even adding it into his soup!” Later, when Sergio was a teenager, his family bought a vineyard in Montalcino in Tuscany. “We started to produce wines under the Brunello di Montalcino denomination, one of the most renowned in Italy. There I got to learn a lot about planting, soil composition, terroir, weather, microclimate, bottling, all that. The experience stayed with me over the years.” Although his family later sold the vineyard, Sergio’s fascination with wine would carry over into his adult life. Sergio’s initial arrival to the United States took place while he was studying mechanical engineering at the University of Pisa. He had begun to feel a thirst for something new, a fresh outlook on life. He decided he wanted to study abroad in an Englishspeaking country, and chose the United States, “a country full of promise and great education.” He settled on the University of Tennessee. After graduation, he stayed in the country, moving to Chicago and working for an engineering company. A few years later, in 1988, he felt the need to return to Milan to work as an engineer there. But Sergio was destined to return to the United States. In the early 1990s his son, Davide, had been diagnosed with autism, and Sergio essentially traveled the world in search of only the finest research and technology to give Davide the best possible resources. “From Italy to Norway and even to UCLA, I went to talk to experts on autism about what could be done for my son.”
I think my eventual move to the States had been brewing ever since I was a child.
Eventually, Sergio narrowed down his findings and pinpointed New Jersey as – Violetta the best place for Davide to thrive. His dream was for Davide to attend the Princeton Child Development Institute (PCDI), but he knew acceptance rates were low, and so did not have high hopes. In 1994, however, Sergio was overjoyed to receive a phone call from the Institute asking to meet Davide in person. Sergio took his son across the world to New Jersey, and soon after, Davide was accepted to PCDI.
From the vines of Hopewell Valley Vineyards, Chambourcin is a French-American hybrid grape variety. The grape produces a deep-colored and aromatic wine. Hopewell Valley Neighbors
That same year would bring about the first time Sergio and Violetta met each other. Violetta was Sergio’s first friend in the United States this time around, as she was living in the area and helped him and his family settle into their new life. “Violetta and I, from the very beginning, felt a closeness and familiarity that is always a great starting point for a friendship,” 9
Resident Feature
10
October 2018
Resident Feature says Sergio. “Having just moved from Italy with two very young boys, one with severe special needs, was a challenging time to say the least.” “Sergio and I also shared from day one a commonality in both being Southern European,” says Violetta. “He is Italian, I am Greek, both from cultures that love and appreciate openness, hospitality, good food, fine wines and lots a gatherings with family and friends.” Sergio purchased the property where Hopewell Valley Vineyards stands today after his family’s company in Milan was sold. “That was the best time for me to go in a totally different direction.” Once Sergio and Violetta were married they could run the business as a team, together with Sergio’s sons Matteo and Davide, and Violetta’s daughters, Alexandra and Melina. The doors of Hopewell Valley Vineyards officially opened to the public in 2003. Today, Violetta and Sergio could not be happier with the “slice of southern Europe” they are living in, right here in Hopewell Valley.
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.
They’ve incorporated another aspect into their winemaking business, and that is Project Autism, “a way to get involved on a local level with people who have developmental disabilities,” as the couple puts it. Inspired by Sergio’s son Davide, Project Autism gives its participants the opportunity to work on projects at the vineyard, providing them with meaningful employment that can have an incredibly positive effect on their lives. Clearly, Violetta and Sergio Neri have created a life for themselves here in Hopewell Valley that satisfies so many of life’s greatest pleasures: the peace and beauty of the vineyard itself, the joy of giving to others through Project Autism, and, of course, fine wine. “I find wine to be a great enhancer of one’s life and an amazing metaphor for slowing you down to enjoy a sip, enjoy a bite of food, and engage in lively conversation with family and friends,” says Violetta—spoken like a true oenophile.
vvv Hopewell Valley Vineyards is a winery dedicated to the creation of handcrafted wines by blending Old World traditions with New World flair. To schedule a tour, purchase wines, or host a special event, please visit the Vineyard located at 46 Yard Road, Pennington, or go online to www.hopewellvalleyvineyards. com. You can email Violetta Neri at the Vineyard at wine@ hopewellvalleyvineyards.com or call her at 609-737-4465.
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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Real Estate
Hopewell Valley Market Activity
AUGUST SOLDS - Homes ADDRESS
BEDS
BATHS
SOLD PRICE
51 Woolsey Ct
1
1
$127,000
194 Hopewell Princeton Av
3
1.5
$179,500
107 Lambertville Hopewell Rd
5
3
$185,000
112 Route 31 S
3
1.5
$201,001
212 Pennington Hopewell Rd
3
1
$215,000
4 New Rd
4
2
$255,000
206 Hopewell Princeton Rd
3
2
$300,000
107 Bollen CT
3
2.5
$310,000
122 Ingleside Av
3
2
$315,000
3 Grange Rd
2
2
$315,000
608 Pebble Creek Ct
3
2.5
$338,000
95 Knox Ct
3
2.5
$346,000
44 Sutton Ct
3
2.5
$356,000
29 Sutton Ct
3
2.5
$360,000
2 Hilton Ct
3
2.5
$385,000
1212 Bear Tavern Rd
4
2
$395,000
52 Maddock Rd
3
2.5
$407,500
11 Forrest Hill Rd
5
3.5
$430,200
100 Pleasant Valley Rd
4
3.5
$430,500
7 York Rd
3
2
$445,000
15 Harrison Ave
4
2.5
$450,000
110 Drummond Dr
4
2.5
$465,000
31 Navesink Dr
3
2.5
$485,000
101 Bradford Ln
4
3.5
$570,000
43 Chicory Ln
5
3
$575,000
40 W Shore Dr
4
3
$585,000
227 Pleasant Valley Rd
4
3
$600,000
22 W Spring Hollow Dr
4
3.5
$620,000
244 Route 31 N
4
2.5
$630,000
7 Harbourton Ridge Dr
4
3.5,.5,.5
$700,000
1 Lawyers Ln
4
3
$700,000
134 King George Rd
4
4.5
10 Chase Hollow Rd
4
4.5,.5
$1,650,000
$872,000
6 Silvers Ct
6
5.5
$1,963,325
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.
Preparing your home for Sale checklist First Impressions Count! A small investment in time and money will give your home an advantage over other listings in the area!
The first Impression
Q-Tip clean
general maintenance
the spacious look
• Shampoo carpet
• Oil squeaky doors
• Clean stairs and hallways
• Functional doorbell
• Clean washer, dryer, tubs
• Tighten doorknobs
• Store excess furniture
• Polish door knobs
• Clean fridge/stove
• Replace burned out bulbs
• Clean counter-tops
• Clean door
• Clean and freshen bathrooms
• Clean and repair windows
• Clean windows
• Repair cracked plaster/ drywall
• Clean and tidy entrance
• Spruce up landscaping • Fix nonworking exterior lights
• Make closets clean and tidy
The buying atmosphere • Be absent during all showings • Turn on all lights • Light fireplace • Adjust heat or A/C
• Unobstructed views
• Open drapes/blinds
• De-clutter
• Play quiet music • Keep pets outdoors
Lisa LeRay – Sales Associate
lleray@glorianilson.com l 609.954.0177
Barbara Facompre – Sales Associate
bfacompre@glorianilson.com l 609.731.1189
A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate
Gough ”Winn” Thompson – Sales Associate
gthompson@glorianilson.com l 609.468.3838
Helen ”Sandy” Brown – Broker Sales Associate
sbrown@glorianilson.com l 609.468.8545
609.737.9100 12
Hopewell Valley Office
800 Denow Rd, Suite N, Pennington, NJ 08534
October 2018
Art in Hopewell Valley
Hopewell Valley Arts Council Amazing Pumpkin Carve A Celebration of Art in the Everyday By Mary Galioto | Hopewell Valley Arts Council, PR Coordinator and special events will include food trucks, evening storytelling around fire pits with s’mores kits, paint-apumpkin craft tent, fun photo ops, a humongous hay bale playground, pumpkins for sale at the pumpkin patch, and more! Special events throughout the weekend include dance performances by The Pennington Studio for Dance and Creative Arts, live music, a pet costume parade, and movie nights. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate autumn in Hopewell Valley while supporting the many talented artists who call this region home. For more information and the full schedule of all this fantastic fall fun, please check out the Hopewell Valley Arts Council website at www.hvartscouncil.org. The Fourth Amazing Pumpkin Carve is open for only 5 days, Wednesday through Sunday, October 10-14, at Woolsey Park, 221 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ.
A
lready in its fourth year, the Hopewell Valley Arts Council’s Amazing Pumpkin Carve is a must-see, artfilled weekend of fun in the heart of the Hopewell Valley. The Amazing Pumpkin Carve will run from Wednesday, October 10 through Sunday, October 14 at Woolsey Park in Titusville.
Courtyard entry is $10 for Adults, $8 for Seniors, Ages 11-18 is $5, and under 10 years of age admission is free.
Visitors of all ages will be wowed by a massive display tent filled with 150-pound sculptures carved by local artists. New this year: the artists have electricity! There is sure to be some cool lighting and motion added to their creations, while another group of creative folks will be adorning scarecrows to add to the display.
vvv
The Amazing Pumpkin Carve is much more than a jaw-dropping display of artistic talent etched in enormous pumpkins. Activities
Hours and activities vary, so please check out the Hopewell Valley Arts Council’s website for details at www.hvartscouncil.org.
The Fourth Amazing Pumpkin Carve event is hosted by the Hopewell Valley Arts Council. Ticket proceeds benefit the Hopewell Valley Arts Council, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and go toward artist-carvers’ honoraria and to fund other arts-related programs of the Hopewell Valley Arts Council.
HUNTERDON FAMILY & SPORTS MEDICINE AT HO PE WE LL VALLE Y 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 Lear n m ore now at Hu n terd o n Heal th ca re . o rg / Hu n terd o n F ami l yMe d i c i n e
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Calendar of Events
Hopewell Happenings Every Saturday Pennington Farmers’ Market Bringing together 4 Hopewell Valley local farms and other small businesses every Saturday through the middle of November. Local artists and musicians featured each week, and community groups are provided with a place to reach out to their neighbors. @ Rosedale Mills front lawn, 101 Route 31, Pennington Time: 9am – 1pm Every Monday Yoga for Beginners Jackie George, certified yoga instructor, teaches gentle stretch yoga classes. If you would like to learn the basic poses typically performed in a yoga class and have them explained to you so you feel more comfortable taking yoga, this series is for you! Participants should wear comfortable clothing and bring a towel of yoga mat. Class is limited to 15 people. @ Mercer County Public Library, Hopewell Branch Time: 3:30-4:30pm Registration is required, please call 609-737-2610 Every Wednesday 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 Mon., October 1 Color Me Calm – Adult Coloring @ Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street Coloring books and art supplies available all day Wed., October 3 What’s It Worth? Antiques Road Show What are your antiques, collectibles and household contents worth? And where can you sell them for as much as possible? Join Michael Ivankovich to answer these question; a professional appraiser radio show host of WBCB 1490’s What’s It Worth Ask Mike the Appraiser.” @ Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street Time: 6:30-8pm Thurs., October 4 Adult Book Discussion Group Drop by long-running, monthly book discussion group for lively and stimulating conversation on A Matter of Chance by Julie Maloney. @ Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street Time: 2-3pm Registration is not necessary
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Fri., October 5 Pumpkin Palooza It’s all about the Pumpkin. @ Hopewell Presbyterian Church, Broad Street, Hopewell Borough Time: 10am-4pm Cruise Night Classic cars, live music, and street food along town central. Sponsored by the Hopewell Borough Economic Development Committee. @ Along Broad Street, Hopewell Borough Time: 5-8pm The Philly Pops: The Music of Elton John Concert at Patriots Theater at The Trenton War Memorial to benefit the patients and residents of St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center and Morris Hall. General admission tickets $35-$90. @ Patriots Theater at The Trenton War Memorial, Trenton Time: 7:30pm Call 215-893-1999 or visit www.ticketphiladelphia. org to purchase Dance On Hopewell All are invited to be inspired by the expression and recreation of dance. @ Train Station, Hopewell Borough Time: 8-10pm Mon., October 8 Columbus Day Observed Tues., October 9 Too-Busy-For-Books: Book Club @ Pennington Public Library Time: 7:30pm Wed., October 10-14 Fourth Amazing Pumpkin Carve Hopewell Valley Arts Council presents the Fourth Amazing Pumpkin Carve open for only 5 days October 10-14 at Woolsey Park in Titusville. Courtyard entry: Adults, $10; Seniors, $8; Ages 1118, $5; Under 10, FREE. @ Woolsey Park, 221 Washington CrossingPennington Road, Titusville Hours and activities vary, so please check out the HV Arts Council’s website for details www.hvartscouncil. org. Sat., October 14 Author Talk: New Jersey’s Colonial Architecture Told in 100 Buildings David Veasey, a life-long NJ resident with longtime interest in the state’s history and architecture, discusses the substantial number of New Jersey buildings remaining from our colonial past. @ Pennington Public Library Time: 3-4:30pm Fri., October 26 Can you carve a pumpkin? We need volunteers to carve scores of Jack O’ Lanterns in preparation for our Origins of Halloween
Night Hike. @ The Watershed Institute Time: 6:30-8:30pm Bring your own knife or carving tools. Bring a pumpkin to donate, if you are able. Ages 12 and up. Contact education@thewatershed. org Sat., October 28 Halloween Parade Wear your costumes and be part of this Halloween Tradition. @ Train Station, Hopewell Borough Time: line-up at 12:30pm Sponsored by Hopewell Volunteer Fire Department Author Talk: A Matter of Chance Acclaimed poet Julie Maloney will speak about her debut novel A Matter of Chance that examines a mother’s love, grief and guilt. @ Pennington Public Library Time: 3-4:30pm Copies of A Matter of Chance will be available for purchase and signing Wed., October 31 Trick or Treat Happy Halloween! This month at Hopewell Valley Vineyards: Visit www.hopwellvalleyvineyard.comfor 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.
October 2018
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Elizabeth Blackwell Davis Owner / Lic. Director NJ #2475
Kevin R. Latham
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Hopewell Valley Neighbors
Continuous Family Service Since 1881
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HV Neighbors October Ad.qxp_Layout 1 8/31/18 3:56 PM Page 1
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Osteria Procaccini features the traditional method of terra cotta oven-baked pizza. We are proud of our delicious old-fashioned, traditionally-prepared, Italian food which we craft with love. We also have small plates, pastas and pizza and a full bar featuring Craft beers and Italian wines. www.Osteria Procaccini.com
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Pennington 609-303-0625
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October 2018
Hopewell Valley Sports
Luke Tartaglia: Athlete Profile Bulldog of the Month By Kenneth Marples | Photos by Mike Schwartz Luke Tartaglia, #10
Like every high school senior, Tartaglia is thrilled for what the future holds. He plans to continue playing soccer at the collegiate level and is currently choosing between three Division 1 schools: Bucknell University, Villanova University, and Pennsylvania State University. As the next chapter of his soccer career opens, Tartaglia reminisces on his time as a Bulldog. “It’s difficult to believe it’s going to be my fourth season playing. It seems like not that long ago I was the freshman looking up to all the older kids. The thought of this being our last season is going to drive us to play hard.” In the midst of a bittersweet ending to his high school soccer career, Tartaglia offers a simple piece of advice to his younger teammates who view him as a leader and role model. “Make as many friends as you can. Try to make long-lasting memories and find something you can look back and smile at. Just remember all the great times you had playing with teammates because the varsity soccer season is probably the most fun time of the year.”
vvv To see Luke Tartaglia play, check out one of Hopewell Valley Central High School’s boys varsity home games this month on October 3, October 9, and October 15.
Pennington Montessori School Premier early childhood education § 6 weeks through Kindergarten § Academic Curriculum § Music-Spanish-Outdoor Education
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Call to Schedule a tour!
opewell Valley Central High School’s standout soccer program has been a force to be reckoned with for years.
The 2017 season proved to be no exception. Luke Tartaglia, a rising senior on the varsity boys’ soccer team, led his team to a victorious 19 wins last year.
609-737-1331
4 Tree Farm Road, Pennington NJ 08534 www.penningtonmontessori.org admissionsinfo@penningtonmontessori.org
As a three-year varsity midfielder and the team’s sole captain, Tartaglia has a clear-cut vision of this upcoming season. “I want to get to the same result as last year with a very high win record, make it to (Mercer County Tournament) finals, and get a lot of power points throughout the season.” With a father who played professional soccer, it is no surprise that Tartaglia holds an impressive 11 assists and three goals in his high school career as a midfielder, an uncommon accomplishment for a position generally on the field between their team’s defenders and forwards. NJ.com named Luke one of New Jersey’s best midfielders entering 2018, and he credits his athletic success to the coaches who have shaped him as a person and as a player.
Accepting applications for the 2018-2019 School Year
“I believe the coaching staff is the best there is. Ed Goala is a great person to look up to as a coach, setting everyone straight and keeping the team disciplined.” The chemistry between his teammates is what Tartaglia believes has led the boy’s soccer program to triumph. “We’ve been playing together since third or fourth grade,” he said. “We hang out all the time.” Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Spotlight on Community
Connecting Children with Play and Nature By Lisa Wolff | Executive Director, FoHVOS
O
n August 10, 2018, the governor signed a law requiring elementary schools to hold at least a 20-minute recess period each day and restricting the reasons schools can take away recess. The law, introduced and sponsored by Hopewell Valley’s Senator Shirley Turner, further states that recess should be held outdoors if feasible.
Emma enjoys bugs and butterflies at her family’s home garden in Hopewell
The opportune timing of implementing the law just prior to the start of the school year sets the tone for expanding free play time outdoors. The September 2018 issue of Hopewell Valley Neighbors included FoHVOS Community Conservation projects at local schools including The Pennington School and neighborhood public schools. New ponds, meadows, performance, and mindfulness areas go beyond traditional playgrounds. According to Gretchen Kish, Founder of Nectars Landscape & Design and the designer behind the new Bear Tavern Elementary outdoor space, “Kids are naturally very curious. So, we believe that by providing them with a fun and engaging outdoor environment, they can learn through natural discovery and develop skills not found in a traditional classroom.” The new law is especially helpful because it ensures that children get outdoors at school since the advent of screens makes it less likely that children will be exposed regularly at home. A survey by The Nature Conservancy states that 88% of America’s youth say they spend time online every day and less than half spent time outdoors. The Nature Conservancy data suggest that if American youth are given more opportunities to have a meaningful experience outdoors, they will be more likely to value nature, engage with it, and feel empowered to do something about it. It’s never too early to engage children to play or connect with nature. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently published a clinical report stressing the importance of play in child development. ”Collaboration, negotiation, conflict resolution, self-advocacy, decision-making, a sense of agency, creativity, leadership, and increased physical activity are just some of the skills and benefits children gain through play.” Further, the report notes that ”outdoor play provides the opportunity to improve sensory integration skills.” Nicole Langdo, FoHVOS Board Trustee and Founder of Painted Oak Nature School, adds that nature provides a sense of place, both on a local level--for example, knowing the bugs and trees reside in one’s own backyard--as well as on a broader scale in 18
better understanding how truly connected living things are on this planet we all share. Lango says, “When outside, children have more opportunities for team building, peer collaboration, problem solving, managed risk, and creative thinking. Given that they will be our future leaders, engineers, teachers, and professionals, I think providing them with these opportunities is a good idea!” While the new law provides opportunities for a deeper understanding and skill development, during recess all the children focus on is the fun. Maria Montessori famously said, “Play is the work of the child.” We encourage families to augment outdoor experiences for the whole family. No extra equipment or training is needed. Open the door. Play outside and develop young brains, hearts, and spirit.
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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 or call 609-730-1560 to speak with Executive Director, Lisa Wolff. October 2018
Recipe Corner
STOCK
Christina’s Southern Gumbo
INGRED IENTS 1 32 oz Nature’s Promise 1 14 ½ o organic zc chicken 1 dark b an beef broth culinary eer stock 5 chicke n thighs , skin on 4 garlic cloves, min 5 celery stalks, c ced ut in ha 1/2 yello lf w 4 cups o onion, cut in b ame ig chun f water e: n ks Not nds do bra atter, INSTRU CTIONS m ially Bring a spec e crab ll of the e above to chicken th ab is withmeat. chicken cooked throug oil until the h. Set th as e meat off ide to cool the n shred the bon the e. Strain keeping the stoc only the k liquid fo the nex t steps. r
ROUX INGREDIENTS
diced 1 bell pepper, diced n, io 1 yellow on minced s, ve clo c rli 5 ga , diced 2 celery stalks l oi of p cu ½ se flour ½ cup all-purpo for ion, and celery bell pepper, on e es. th ut d in m ad e d or an Heat the oil d cook for 2 m an c rli d ga ad e u th d irring while yo 3-4 minutes. Ad in the flour, st . sk ed hi ur w xt te to d n gi an Gradually be me very thick co be ld ou sh ture it all. The mix heat. Remove from
S
INSTRUCTION
Christina Nash | Knox Grove Financial, LLC Expert Contributor Christina Nash of Knox Grove Financial shared with us one of her original recipes. She says: “I would consider myself a foodie. Whether it’s fine dining, a traditional family feast, or a hole-in-the-wall unique food find, I enjoy a creative, well-thought-out meal and will travel to find it. I’m up to date on all the cooking shows, with Chef’s Table being one of my favorites. With all of this said, I find zero pleasure in cooking and avoid it as much as possible, with the exception of one dish that I have worked diligently on over the years to perfect. Growing up on the Gulf of Mexico, I had amazing, fresh seafood readily available to me. One of my favorite things to eat was and still is seafood gumbo. Yes, that’s my one dish! This is my original recipe. Enjoy!” COMPLETION Bring the stock to a boil over medium heat. Slowly begin to stir in the roux one spoonful at a time. Once completed add the following: 1 can of Rotel® tomatoes 2 cans of chopped stewed tomatoes 4-5 links of Italian sausage, hot and mild (sear on all sides, slice into ¼ inch pieces) 1 bag of sliced frozen okra (run this under water to thaw before adding) 30-40 small shrimp (I use the frozen bags) thawed and peeled 1 large can of Chicken of the Sea® white crab meat (expensive, but worth it) 1 tsp sage 1 tsp thyme 3 bay leaves ½ cup fresh parsley Cayenne pepper to taste Salt/pepper to taste Simmer for one hour and serve over rice, adding a little shredded cheese and Tabasco sauce for some extra heat. Enjoy!
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1925
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