Hopewell
SEPTEMBER 2020
Franรงois Guillemin Taming The Flame
Cover photo by Benoit Cortet
A community magazine serving the residents of Hopewell Township, Pennington Borough and Hopewell Borough
Expert Contributors Dermatology Windsor Dermatology Wendy Myers, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist 59 One Mile Road Ext., East Windsor, NJ 609-443-4500 windsordermatology.com I #freezefat
Medical Center RWJ University Hospital Hamilton 1 Hamilton Way, Hamilton, NJ 08690 609-586-7000 www.rwjbh.org/rwj-university-hospital-hamilton/
Lawn and Landscaping Cutting Edge Lawn and Landscaping, LLC
Financial Advisor Knox Grove Financial LLC.
Nick Pirone - Owner 1652 Reed Road, Pennington, NJ I 609-356-3465 nick@ce.land I ce.land.com
Christina Nash – President & CEO 2 Tree Farm Rd., Suite B100, Pennington, NJ 609-216-7440 Christina@knoxgrove.com I knoxgrovefinancial.com
Orthodontics DeSimone Orthodontics Dr. Karen DeSimone, DDS 2 Tree Farm Road, Suite B-200, Pennington NJ 08534 609-737-8000 info@desimoneorthodontics.com www.desimoneorthodontics.com
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Hopewell Valley Neighbors publisher: Rachel Donington: 609-462-6786 rdonington@bestversionmedia.com. The Wilson Family provides affordable dignified services to the families of Hopewell Valley since 1960.
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September 2020
Letter from the Publisher As we begin to approach autumn, it is hard not think about change. As the leaves begin to change around us in a few weeks, we might be reminded of the changes going on in our own lives. This year, especially, we have all seen unimaginable changes to our everyday routines; in some cases, our lives may have completely shifted course.
Publisher: Rachel Donington rdonington@bestversionmedia.com
None of us can predict the future; we cannot know what is going to happen next, or what other modifications to our routines might be in store. I hope this publication, though, can remain a constant in its dedication to sharing inspiring stories with our readers and neighbors. This issue, we feature an incredibly fascinating artist, François Guillemin, who shares a story pulled straight from a fairy tale. If what we print can bring you a few moments of interest, joy, or even just distraction from stress, we have done our job correctly. Please enjoy the stories.
Content Coordinator: Catherine Bialkowski cbialkowski@bestversionmedia.com Designer: Dale Ver Voort Contributing Photographer: Benoit Cortet www.benoitcortet.com Phone: 917-597-6297 benoit@benoitcortet.com Contributing Writers: Mary Galioto, Kenneth Marples, Lisa Wolff
Publisher: Rachel Donington, 609-462-6786
Advertising Contact: Rachel Donington Phone: 609-462-6786 rdonington@bestversionmedia.com
Speaking with François was an absolute treasure; his story, set in both France and the United States, is both compelling and inspiring. François works with metal to create beautiful and creative sculptures, hand railings, lighting fixtures, furniture, jewelry, and more. His finished work is incredible; it is both amazing and admirable that such talent exists among our neighbors. I think you’ll find the story of François Guillemin quite charming.
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. ©2020 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
Content Coordinator: Catherine Bialkowski
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September 2020 7/31/20 7:19 PM
Business Profile
The Buxton Complex The One Stop Shop
By Peter Bialkowski | Student, Stockton University “The most rewarding part of having a local business is getting to know our community and customers,” says Kristi. “We treat everyone like family and support our local families. We love seeing them more than just a one-time purchase.” Flexibility is important, and to The Buxton Complex, it’s what keeps the business going.
Furniture, storage, and backyard structures—while they may all seem different to the average person, they come together to form Buxton Complexes, a family-owned and operated business based in Ewing, New Jersey. Buxton’s offers a variety of services. Founded in 1982, it began as a sawmill, known as The Furniture Mill. As the years progressed, it developed into three businesses all operating under one roof. For business manager Kristi Reading, Buxton is in her blood. “I was raised here since 1983 and started to work here as a teenager,” she says. “I began my managing position full time here in 2003. Since then, my mom, Barb Conover, and I work together to make our business the best it can be for our local communities.” Kristi’s Grandparents, Bud and Betty Lou Buxton, still help with the business and enjoy watching it transform. The Buxton Complex has been helping the community for nearly 40 years, starting as a single sawmill business in 1982. Incorporating swing-sets, sheds and outdoor furniture in the early 90s, they began to expand. In 1999, they created their eight-building self-storage facility, known as Buxton’s Boxes. Nearly twenty years later, in 2018, The Buxton Complex closed their refining shop and opened a 5,000 square-foot showroom, now known as Buxton’s Quality Furniture. With this final step, Buxton became what it is today. Open seven days a week, The Buxton Complex never stops helping their customers. Being a local business, they understand their customers and treat them like family. For Kristi, it’s all about getting to know the community and helping however they can.
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
“We call it the one stop shop! Our businesses all work well together so that customers can work with us to get everything they need in one place,” Kristi says. “From storage, U-Haul rental trucks, boxes and moving supplies, outdoor furniture, sheds, swing sets, to indoor furniture and more.” Buxton has grown with what the community needs. With the rise of COVID-19 it has grown its outdoor department, Buxton’s Backyard Structures. While customers cancelled their summer plans, they instead worked on turning their backyards into stay-cations, and there grew their need for swing-sets, sheds, and other outdoor furniture. “In the beginning of the shutdown, the moving and storage industry saw a huge slow-down, however, we are now seeing a bit of normalcy coming back around,” says Kristi. Running a business is not easy, and for The Buxton Complex, the key is to distinguish themselves. “Make sure you are diversified,” Kristi advises aspiring business owners. “Especially when COVID-19 hit, we learned that because we were diversified, we were able to keep our heads above water and weather this storm.” The Buxton Complex continues to expand as each year goes by and has no plan of stopping. “We are excited to see where the community takes us in the future,” Kristi says. Being a part of the community, The Buxton Complex cares about quality service. This “one stop shop” will be sure to take care of all your indoor and outdoor needs.
Please visit the Buxton Complex website at thebuxtoncomplex.com or call 609-771-0274.
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L CA Y! LO DA A O IT E T BM ICL SU RT A September 2020
Spotlight on Community
The Lawrence Hopewell Trail By Catherine Bialkowski
Countless studies have revealed the impacts of nature on mental health. Taking a quiet walk through a forest, surrounded by the sounds of birds chirping or the gurgling of a creek, can bring peace of mind. Research has even suggested spending time in nature can lengthen one’s lifespan. In our community, we are fortunate enough to have an abundance of natural scenery and resources, and one of these resources is the Lawrence Hopewell Trail (LHT). LHT Board of directors member Jennifer Peck-Nolte speaks on the importance of having such a resource within the community during the past few months, when we’ve all been stuck inside for days and weeks on end. “I think that the Lawrence Hopewell Trail has been a real asset to our community, especially during the pandemic when people need to feel like they have access to recreation in a safe way,” she says. “What I’ve noticed is that people are very eager to access and use the trail and appreciate it.” What most people do not realize about the LHT is that it is not a county trail; it runs across both public and private land. It is also run completely by volunteers. As a counselor and a therapist by profession, Jennifer has seen firsthand the incredible effects nature and its awe can have. Residents of our community have enjoyed the LHT since the inception of the first trail in 2004, the same year the LHT Corporation received its federal tax exemption as a 501-c-3 corporation. The trail attracts people from all over, though, Jennifer says; on weekends, the trail’s parking lots are often completely full. Anyone with a passion for nature and community can get involved with the LHT. Volunteers are always welcome, and attending LHT community events is an excellent way to become acquainted with the corporation’s vision and meet its incredible team.
memberships for people who prefer fresh air to the recirculated, smelly air of many gyms.” As for connections, the LHT harbors multiple: it connects people to nature via its beautiful vistas and diverse ecosystems; it connects people to other people and everything their community has to offer; and it connects people to history. “Part of our goal from the beginning was to connect Lawrence and Hopewell—both the people and the communities,” she says. “It enables children to safely visit their friends who may live on or near the trail without an adult driving them.” Finally, the LHT represents possibilities. “One value of the LHT that we frequently overlook is its importance as an example of the many possibilities that can become realities when everyday people form a collaboration or coalition with corporate partners such as ETS, BMS, and Capital Health; nonprofit partners, such as D&R Greenway and the Watershed Institute; and local and county government,” says Eleanor. The LHT is an asset to our community in many ways: its provision of a safe and enjoyable way to become immersed in nature, opportunities to become more involved in the community, and fun events that bring neighbors together, like the Trail and Treat Bike Ride. “Nothing gives me more joy than seeing families using the trail,” says Eleanor. “As I watch young children enjoy the trail and know that their children will someday benefit from the LHT, I cannot help but think that the LHT is an enduring gift to the community.” Please check out the LHT’s website, lhtrailorg, for more information or to get involved.
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“The idea for the Lawrence Hopewell Trail grew out of a number of conversations at Bristol-Myers Squibb in the early years of this century,” says Becky Taylor, one of the LHT’s co-founders, who led community affairs efforts at Bristol-Myers Squibb at the time. “Bristol-Myers Squibb was looking for ways to clearly demonstrate its commitment to being a great corporate resident of Lawrence and Hopewell Townships, where so many of its employees lived and worked. We recognized that our people were out on the local roadways a lot, and perhaps we could mitigate that impact by building a community amenity everyone could enjoy.” After the idea for the LHT was born, “it became clear early on we needed a strong, strategic thinker who cared a lot about the community to help lead this effort,” says Becky. ”That’s why I turned to Eleanor Horne for help.” Co-founder Eleanor Horne calls the development of the LHT an 18year “labor of love.” Becky called to ask her in 2002 if she would be interested in developing a trail in the community, and Eleanor welcomed the opportunity to be part of creating something that could become permanent in the community. “The trail is a reality enjoyed by more than 400,000 of our neighbors each year and will continue to exist far into the future,” she says. Eleanor points to three key ways the LHT continues to positively impact the surrounding communities: “it provides alternatives; it connects; and it represents possibilities.” “The LHT provides a safe alternative to automobile travel for short trips, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and air pollutants that result from car engines,” says Eleanor. “It provides an alternative to treadmills and gym
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September 2020
Resident Feature
François Guillemin Taming The Flame
By Catherine Bialkowski I Photos by Benoit Cortet
F
rançois Guillemin, owner of Firedance Studio in Hopewell Borough, has always been fascinated by fire. Predisposed to artistry—his father was a painter as well as a prizewinning scientist, his mother a musician also worked with pastels—he discovered early on his love of jewelry-making and metalwork, trades which incorporate the taming of a flame and invention. Although born in Houston, Texas, François’s family moved to Louveciennes, a suburb of Paris, France when he was still a child. His parents, both of whom are French, wanted to return to their home country for a while. For five years, François and his siblings grew and lived on a property called the Château de Prunay, a place François says seemed pulled directly from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. “It was an incredible place to grow up.” François’s family called the land behind the home “the park.” There was a U-shaped forest threaded with trails, the ground ornamented with broken sculptures destroyed during World War II. These works of art, shattered pieces lying at the foot of their pedestals, were classical in nature. “It was like archaeology,” says François. “You could dig down and find a nose, or a face, or a piece of leg.” The property was also home to a structure the family called “the temple,” made of marble columns around a platform centered with a statue of Diana the Huntress. François’ own work today is rather classical, and he credits this in part to his exposure to the broken sculptures of his childhood home. After living in France for five years, François and his family moved back to Texas. During high school, François crafted jewelry, teaching himself the trade through books and the occasional art class. He also took a few jobs making and repairing jewelry. “In those beginning years, you’re just a sponge,” he says. By the time he finished high school, he had his own jewelry shop (but, he remembers, laughing,…not many customers), which was all the tools he needed to move forward with his trade. He spent a year at forestry school before transferring to art school at San Diego State, where he studied jewelry and sculpture. After his college years, he had the opportunity to study alongside artists from all over the world at the Johnson Atelier Technical Institute of Sculpture. Seward Johnson was a sculptor perhaps best-known for Unconditional Surrender, a series of sculptures resembling famous photographs, V J Day in Times Square, that depicts a U.S. Navy soldier kissing a woman or Forever Marilyn a portrait of Marilyn Monroe with her billowing dress over a subway grate. At the Seward Johnson Atelier, François and his comrades studied a new technique for casting metal, in ceramic shell; a process that allowed for easier casting of large sculptures. Prior to the introduction of the ceramic shell process, artists using the lost wax process, would create very large and very heavy molds that needed to cook sometimes for several days depending on the size of the piece; a process little changed and dating back to the Bronze Age. After learning and working at the Atelier for nearly ten years, François decided to start his own business. He worked out of a barn behind his home in Princeton for 15 years, making lighting, railings, and furniture. Eventually, he outgrew the facility, as his commissions became larger and more complicated. Because of the size limitations of his building, the equipment and machinery, it would take him two hours to complete 20 minutes’ worth of work so in 2007, François opened Firedance Studio, LLC, in Hopewell Borough. A 15,000 square foot facility where he has brainstormed and brought to life countless creations.
Hopewell Valley Neighbors 9
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September 2020
Resident Feature One such creation, the Skittles Pig, is an aluminum pig covered in colorful circles that resemble Skittles candy. The turn of an old-fashioned key on the pig’s back, next to the tail, reveals that it can be opened. Inside the chamber is a sterling silver sugar bowl, based on a pastoral theme, two bulls, an ostrich egg, and a tractor incorporated into the design. The piece, so artfully crafted down to the very last detail, is fantastical and intriguing to look at. François has a sense of humor that comes out in his art. “Projects can take five minutes or 30 years,” he says. “It depends on how they evolve.” Although François’ art portfolio is varied and diverse, he says “each work of art is a self-portrait, to a certain extent.” Fiercely curious by nature, François says there is nothing in the world that does not interest him. As a teenager, he worked in his father’s laboratory, sometimes assisting technicians with routines. He has brought his intense curiosity into his approach to art. “Artists are reflections of their environment,” he says. As both a jewelry designer and a sculptor of larger-than-life pieces, François’ projects can be miniscule or many feet tall. But he says he uses the same process for all his work, no matter how big or small. The different tools and techniques needed for varying size projects can offer a change of process, but in the end, small and large pieces are not fundamentally different to him. Although born in the United States, François holds France near to his heart; after all, some of his most formative years were spent there, in a fantastical château scattered with long-forgotten works of art, each with its own story. He appreciates how the French love to live; good food, time with their families, friends, and neighbors. Here in America, he says, he sometimes feels everyone is pressed for time, constantly hurrying, hurrying, hurrying, to the next thing. For aspiring artists, François offers some words of advice: “Jump in with both feet,” he says. “Catch fire, then figure out how to put the fire out!”
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.
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In The Arts Art in the Everyday Get Inspired by ArtSpires! By Carol Lipson | Hopewell Valley Arts Council Board of Trustees Have you spied any, yet? This month, art spires will be popping up, reimagining ash wood, thanks to our incredible community of artists! As part of the Hopewell Valley Arts Council’s newest community art project, ArtSpires,
SAVE THE DATE The Amazing Pumpkin Carve is coming: Wednesday, October 7 to Sunday, October 11! Like others, the HV Arts Council is feeling the impact of COVID. To find out ways you can help please visit www.hvartscouncil.org.
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decorated wooden art posts and carved trunks are being installed at various locations through Hopewell Valley, displayed for the community through spring of 2021. ArtSpires commemorates the loss of our native ash tree due to the ravages of the emerald ash borer beetle as part of our ongoing art-initiative Out of the Ashes: Art Emerging from Fallen Trees. Which is your favorite? The spires will be auctioned off to the public in November just in time for holiday giving. Proceeds will be shared by our talented artists and the Hopewell Valley Arts Council to support our ongoing mission of “art in the everyday.” Many thanks to our transportation and installation sponsors, DELIS Landscaping, Dudes With A Truck, and Shier Tree Expert. Visit our website for more information, www.hvartscouncil.org, or keep in touch on Facebook and Instagram @hvartscouncil.
Art spire in progress by Joy Kreves
September 2020
Expert Contributor
Ladies: Mind Your Money By Christina Nash | President & CEO, Knox Grove Financial, LLC
Whether you are in a dual-earning household or solely responsible for the financial well being of yourself and your family, there is no denying that for many, the impact of COVID19 on retirement plans is going to be substantial. This is especially true for women who were already at risk of not being financially secure when they are ready to retire. The reality is that the gender pay gap still exists with women, on average, earning 82₵for every dollar earned by men1 and it may be some time before we reach compensation parity. Statistically, time out of the workforce caring for children or elderly parents falls disproportionately on women – a situation that has been amplified by the pandemic. This can lead to reduced work hours, a leave of absence, or unfortunately for some, a loss of employment. With most pension and retirement plans based on earnings and contributions, the pandemic has put many women at a disadvantage. Moreover, with a longer lifespan, a greater likelihood of being widowed, and potentially higher retirement costs, women can be especially vulnerable to outliving their retirement fund. While the CARES ACT has provided some financial relief in connection with retirement plans by providing expanded distribution options and favorable tax treatment, the fact remains that there will be some catching up to do for a large majority. For all these reasons, I truly enjoy helping women financially protect themselves by understanding their current financial situation and creating a plan for the future
they envision. It is a lifetime goal of mine to guide women, through education and planning, to become confident investors in charge of their own financial journey. While setting a budget, making savings a priority, increasing retirement plan contributions, and maximizing social security are all ways to prepare for retirement, at Knox Grove Financial we believe in a more holistic approach taking into consideration your family, career, values and aspirations. You can be more mindful of your money by understanding your risk tolerance, what motivates you and how different life events impact your finances. It is never too late or too early to start investing in your future. With the right guidance and sound advice, you can build financial resilience to meet life’s challenges and be ready to enjoy your retirement the way you planned it!
Christina A. Nash, CFP® Christina Nash, CFP®, President & CEO Knox Grove Financial, LLC 2 Tree Farm Road, Suite B100 Pennington, NJ 08534 KnoxGroveFinancial.com
vvv 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
Does Your Financial Advisor Understand Your Journey? We focus on the realities of your life, and work with you to develop and implement strategies based on your individual financial needs, risks , values, and aspirations. We offer more than traditional investing options for your extraordinary life.
Christina A. Nash, CFP® Knox Grove Financial, LLC 2 Tree Farm Road, Suite B100 Pennington, NJ 08534 P: 609-216-7440 F: 609-910-4275 www.knoxgrovefinancial.com Info@knoxgrove.com
YOUR PATH FORWARD Women across generations experience their own, unique journey, We’re here to help you navigate your way and be financially ready to enjoy each stage of your life. Comprehensive Financial Living Plans Investment Portfolio Management Risk Management
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To schedule an appointment to talk about your financial future, call my office at 609-216-7440
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.
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September 2020
Community Spotlight
Woosamonsa Ridge Opens By Lisa Wolff | Executive Director, FoHVOS
In October 2018, D&R Greenway Land Trust and Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) announced the preservation of a vital piece of the Delaware River watershed known as the Woosamonsa Ridge preserve. Now after almost two years of preparation, it is fully open to the public.
Woosamonsa Ridge Kiosk
D&R took the lead in the acquisition from landowners Jay and Amy Regan. The Regans shared their motivation at the time. “Our children grew up on this land and our grandchildren love to play in the woods. By ensuring its permanent preservation, it makes it easier for us to move on, knowing that the land is protected and our children and grandchildren can come back and still enjoy it.”
D&R Greenway and FoHVOS jointly manage the property and had big dreams for such an amazing site. Plans included extensive trails, land stewardship, an informational kiosk and signage, and the final step was enlisting Hopewell Township to complete a small parking area. Now, almost two years later, those plans are complete and the site is open to all. ”By preserving this land with the Regan family, D&R Greenway and FoHVOS have provided a beautiful new wilderness experience that is now available to the residents of Hopewell Township,” said Linda Mead, President and CEO of D&R Greenway Land Trust. “Hundreds of volunteer hours, led by Alan Hershey of Pennington, resulted in low trails along the stream and high trails to the summit and the long view over Hopewell. What a treasure to have a
ecause We Care.
whole mountain preserved right here in our own community!” George Snyder, Director of Hopewell Township Public Works, worked closely with our preserve management team and in February was just waiting for a dry day to complete the work. Then the pandemic hit and work was shut down until the state began reopening. In July Mr. Snyder reported, “Public Works completed the Woosamonsa parking lot. Dave Guerard and the entire Public Works team did an excellent job on the project!” While D&R, FoHVOS and Hopewell Township jointly own Woosamonsa Ridge, the original funding partners also included The Nature Conservancy, New Jersey Green Acres Program, and Mercer County’s Open Space Fund. For FoHVOS, the entire process has been a delight. Our partners really step up and we work as a close-knit team. FoHVOS specializes in land stewardship and our staff botanist and ornithologist have both reported that Woosamonsa has rich habitat to explore. Our wellness expert can’t wait to lead guided hikes and our Board Trustees are thrilled that FoHVOS is associated with the two most beautiful mountains in Hopewell Valley—our offices atop the Ted Stiles Preserve at Baldpate Mountain and Woosamonsa Ridge. We’re certain the community will love it too.
Lisa Wolff is the executive director of Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS). She can be reached by email at lwoff@fohvos.org.
We extend our thoughts, prayers and concerns to all who are affected by this global crisis. Blackwell Memorial Home is here to continuously provide service and support to those that are experiencing a loss throughout this time.
Kevin R. Latham
Manager/Lic. Director NJ #4625 / PA #000714
Elizabeth Blackwell Davis
Owner/Lic. Director NJ #2475
21 North Main Street, Pennington, NJ 08534
(609) 737-2900
www.blackwellmh.com
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Hopewell 1925
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www.hunterdonhealthcare.org
Make it a September to Remember Savor the end of summer with a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner from either of our two cozy restaurants! Dine-in or take-out available. 938 Bear Tavern Rd., Ewing 609-493-4495 M-TH 7am-10pm Fri-Sat 7am-11pm • Sun 7am-10pm
Both locations offer full bar with triple 5 happy hour: 5 hours per day, $5 food, $5 drinks.
7 Tree Farm Rd ., Pennington 609-303-0625 M-TH 11:30am-9pm Fri-Sat 11:30am-10pm • Sun 4-9pm