Hopewell Valley April 2018
Courtney and DJ A Family on Top of Their Game Cover photo by Benoit Cortet
A community magazine serving the residents of Hopewell Township, Pennington Borough and Hopewell Borough Hopewell Valley
“Realize the value of work ethic; you might not be the best, but you can still achieve at a high level even in areas that you perceive as your weaknesses. That is something that Lewis taught me and it’s definitely something other children will get from their experiences at Lewis.”
Kate Lewis-LaMonica
Lewis Alumna Princeton University, Class of 2008
“One of the greatest things I learned from Lewis is that if I worked hard enough, I could do anything. I am so grateful to The Lewis School and credit everything I’ve been able to accomplish to my years there.”
Graduate of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public & International Affairs, Princeton University, Class of 2008
Recipient of the Allen Macy Dulles '51 Award
Recipient of the Arthur Lane '34 Award
Vice President of Engineers Without Borders
Princeton Justice Project Volunteer
Member of Princeton’s Sustained Dialog Program
Youth mentor in the Trenton Bridge Lacrosse Program and an Outdoor Action Trip Leader
2005 Ivy League Women’s Lacrosse Rookie of the Year
2008 All-American candidate, member of United States Elite Team
2018 - Currently with the Bridgespan Group, a global nonprofit organization that strives to eliminate poverty and improve the quality of life for those in need
“When I came to Lewis I couldn’t read at all. I remember doing a lot of short vowel fill-in drills, and learning blends and the different spelling rules. The intense work with phonics is one of the greatest gifts The Lewis School gave me that I just couldn’t get anywhere else. And what’s even better, is that a lot of that stuff still sticks with me today.”
53 Bayard Ln, Princeton, NJ 08540 | (609) 924-8120 | www.lewisschool.org 2
April 2018
Dear Residents,
Publisher’s Letter
W
orking with this publication has been a dream-come-true for me, and I am so proud to be producing something that is of value to members of my community.
Publisher: Rachel Donington rdonington@bestversionmedia.com Content Coordinator: Catherine Bialkowski cbialkowski@bestversionmedia.com Designer: Robin Stachura
Contributing Photographer: Benoit Cortet www.benoitcortet.com Phone: 917-597-6297 benoit@benoitcortet.com Contributing Writers: David Blackwell, NJ DeVico, 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.
Our team, Benoit, Catherine, and myself, have so much fun working together— meeting residents, hearing incredible stories, and creating something that can come to life for you on a printed page. But it’s not just the three of us who make this magic happen. This magazine comes to you courtesy of our incredible sponsors, who are dedicated local owners of loyal businesses within the community. I would like to take a moment to ask you to please remember to support them and to use their quality services. They are experts at what they do, but they are also our friends and neighbors. You’ll read about Greg and Karen Fontaine of A&E Construction through the eyes of one of their own customers, Emily Matticoli, and I think you’ll be able to see what I mean. Take a few moments to enjoy this special issue. I can’t wait for you all to meet Courtney and DJ of the resident feature. They’re an incredible couple and I am excited to call them my new friends. Their story proves that “having it all” is truly possible. With that being said, let us all continue to follow our own dreams. I hope this issue inspires you.
T
Publisher Rachel Donington, 609-462-6786
his month, the theme of neighbors serving neighbors shines through almost all of the stories we feature. DJ and Courtney, the employees at First Bank, Greg and Karen of A&E Construction, and Meg Gorrie, our Force of Nature, all embody a cheerful humility and a desire to give back to the community. DJ and Courtney describe themselves as “serving leaders”—something I think we should all strive to be. As a young woman, I am incredibly motivated by their story of female empowerment, and undoubtedly learned a few lessons about the importance of time management and hard work through my conversations with them. It is my hope that their story will make you smile, but also reflect on what it truly means to serve those around you. Content Coordinator Catherine Bialkowski Hopewell Valley Neighbors is on Facebook! “Like” us @hopewellvalleyneighbors for updates, photos, & more.
Our advertisers make Hopewell Valley Neighbors possible. Be sure to thank them by supporting their businesses. Tell them you saw their ad in Hopewell Valley Neighbors.
Expert Contributors Construction and Home Repair A&E Construction & Design Center | Greg Fontaine – Owner 2479 Pennington Road, Pennington, NJ 08534 | 609-737-4425 greg.aeconstruction@gmail.com | www.AEconstructionNJ.com Financial Advisor Knox Grove Financial LLC. | Christina Nash – President & CEO 23 Route 31 North, Suite B10, Pennington, NJ 08534 | 609-216-7440 Christina@knoxgrove.com | www.knoxgrovefinancial.com Heating & Cooling Princeton Air Conditioning, Inc. | Adam Czaplinski - Marketing Coordinator 39 Everett Drive, Building D, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550 | 609-337-3627 adam.czaplinski@princetonair.com | www.princetonair.com
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Hopewell Valley Neighbors publisher:
Lawn and Landscaping Cutting Edge Lawn and Landscaping, LLC | Nick Pirone - Owner 1652 Reed Road, Pennington, NJ 08534 609-356-3465 | nick@ce.land | www.ce.land
Rachel Donington: rdonington@bestversionmedia. com / 609-462-6786.
Real Estate Gloria Nilson & Co. Real Estate | Hopewell Valley 800 Denow Road, Suite N, Pennington, NJ 08534 609-737-9100 | www.glorianilson.com
Hopewell Valley
Expert Contributor
A&E Construction: A Contractor You Can Depend On By Catherine Bialkowski
T
he last thing Emily Matticoli needed on New Year’s Day was a complete flooding of Emily’s Café, the restaurant she and her husband, Jim, own in Pennington. But that is exactly what happened a few months ago when a pipe burst, completely setting the holiday awry. Emily and Jim had been at home preparing a brunch for each of their parents, who would be arriving shortly. In the blink of an eye, however, all plans were unexpectedly changed. “An officer came to the door and told us that the café was being flooded and that the fire department was already inside trying to catch as much water as possible,” says Emily. She and her husband were dumbfounded. Jim rushed over to the café, texting Emily pictures of the damage. “The ceiling had fallen down, the walls were soaking, the lights were not working, drywall had fallen,” says Emily. “It felt like we had such a major cleanup ahead of us. It left us feeling really worried about how long it would take and how our business would be affected.”
A look at Emily’s Café after the renovation Feeling helpless and unsure of the future, the couple called Greg and Karen Fontaine, owners of A&E Construction, a Pennington-based Design/Build Construction company. Emily and Jim had worked with them before, and they trusted them with something as precious as their family restaurant. Five years ago, A&E Construction worked with Emily and Jim to complete an expansion of the café’s commercial kitchen. They doubled the size of the area– something Emily and Jim had wanted to do for eight years–and created an office space above the kitchen. The couple also hired A&E for a major home renovation last summer. They could not be happier with the results they continue to receive with the company.
New Jersey's First Farm Distillery Since Prohibition. Tours/Tasting are every Saturday from 1-5pm in Hopewell, NJ. Book your tour:
SourlandSpirits.com 4
April 2018
Expert Contributor “Greg and Karen’s work speak volumes to how thoughtful, professional, on-time, and on-budget they are,” says Emily. After the pipe burst in Emily’s Café, the business was closed for less than three weeks, something Emily and Jim never dreamed would be possible. The A&E team installed a new ceiling, lighting system, flooring, and trim detail. They also built a new bench that adds more seating flexibility for larger groups–all in an incredibly short time-span. “They responded immediately and got right into action,” says Emily. The A&E team not only fixed the damage; they left the café looking better than before. In a way, they created a silver lining for an unfortunate circumstance. “They make construction, a situation that is normally stressful, smooth, seamless, and stressfree. The whole team is so talented: the craftsmanship,
the carpentry, everything is done with integrity and with the highest quality.” Stop by Emily’s Café at 9 North Main Street to check out the new space. Also visit A&E’s new Design Center and retail store, which also features floor coverings, lighting, tile and cabinetry.
A&E Construction and Design Center is located at 2479 Pennington Road. Give Greg and Karen a call today at 609-737-4425.
We have lollipops. (Our CD rates are pretty sweet, too.) eNorthfield.com
CHATTING WITH CHRISTINA
President and CEO of Knox Grove Financial, LLC of Pennington, NJ Hello Hopewell Valley Neighbors!
As a Pennington business owner and Hopewell Township resident, I am delighted to contribute to the Hopewell Valley Neighbors Magazine. Some people feel intimidated when speaking about their financial plan because they find the information too confusing to understand. My goal is to provide easily understood financial information to empower you to make informed decisions about your financial future. Knowledge is Power! Please continue to submit your questions via E-Mail: Christina@knoxgrove.com or our Facebook page: KnoxGroveFinancial Wishing You Success,
Christina A. Nash Christina’s April Tip:
You still have time to maximize eligible contributions to tax-efficient accounts. Speak with your financial professional regarding contribution limits and deadlines.
Hopewell Valley
www.KnoxGroveFinancial.com 23 Route 31 N, Suite B10, Pennington, NJ 08534 • 609-216-7440
5
Business Profile
Welcome Home to Hopewell, First Bank! By Catherine Bialkowski
T
Ruth Powell
his month, First Bank, a community-based financial institution offering both personal and business banking, will officially open its doors at 3 Tree Farm Road in Pennington. It’s exciting news for Hopewell Valley—First Bank is dedicated to serving local residents in a personal, tailored-to-you approach.
CEO Patrick L. Ryan himself lives here in the community. He was one of the original founders of First Bank, beginning in Williamstown, N.J. in 2008. Since then, First Bank has opened nine branches in six counties instate as well as five branches in Bucks County, P.A. Local branches are located in Ewing, Lawrence, and Hamilton. Currently employing around 150 people–and with $1.5 billion in assets—First Bank plans to continue expansion. First Bank’s main goal is to give customers the service they expect and deserve. As a community bank, the
COMING SOON
to your neighborhood!
number one priority is to build a relationship with each and every client—who, most often, is also a neighbor. First Bank is available to help families and businesses alike with finances; with free personal and business checking, customers can feel that they are getting the best service available to them. Hopewell Valley, a community of dedicated entrepreneurs, is an ideal place for a bank whose employees genuinely want their neighbors’ businesses to succeed and expand. With adequate funds, anything is possible. Customer service is key for an excellent relationship with clients. According to Ruth Powell, the new branch’s manager, customers are often surprised to receive personal calls back from First Bank employees the very same day the initial calls were made, something of a rarity when dealing with the automated 800 numbers of many national banks. “At First Bank, we know names and faces. It makes a difference.” Sometimes, she says, customers will even stop in just for a cup of coffee and a chat.
TRUE COMMUNITY.
PENNINGTON • 3 Tree Farm Road 14 Additional Branches throughout NJ and Bucks County, PA including • Hamilton • Ewing • Lawrence
firstbanknj.com • 877.821.BANK
6
April 2018
Business Profile Spirits are high for Powell, for whom the position as manager at First Bank’s Hopewell branch is symbolic of a return home. Powell worked for Hopewell Valley Community Bank before it was bought out in 2016, and is overjoyed to be returning to the community with First Bank. “For us, it’s not about just making a decision based on numbers. It’s about the conversation, getting to know our clients,” she says. First Bank’s mission, then—to serve the individual, the small business, and the professional, all while staying focused on the local community—is right at home in diverse yet tight-knit Hopewell Valley. Welcome home, First Bank.
StepInto Flutter and StepInto Spring!
Coming soon! First Bank new Hopewell/ Pennington branch located at 3 Tree Farm Road in Pennington.
LIFE IS BETTER WITH A TAN! Stop in and warm up with some of our great deals! New Owners ; New Prices New Offers ; New YOU!
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20 South Main Street • Pennington, NJ 08534 • 609.737.2236
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Hopewell Valley
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7
Resident Feature
DJ, Eli, and Courtney
Courtney and DJ: A Family On Top of Their Game The Empowering Story of Two Women Who Prove You Can Have It All By Catherine Bialkowski | Photos by Benoit Cortet
I
s it possible to have a professional athletic career, a fulfilling family life, and your very own Wikipedia page? For Courtney Banghart and Michele DeJuliis— who goes by DJ—the answer is unquestionably “yes.”
Courtney and DJ have been living in Pennington since 2014, two years after getting married. But their stories start well before then. Courtney—head women’s basketball coach at Princeton University—has been turning heads since her college years at Dartmouth, where she was a star basketball player. DJ, on the other hand, is one of the most famous women’s lacrosse players in the world, and is the founder of the Women’s Professional Lacrosse League, among other things. Before Courtney and DJ were a power couple, they led equally successful lives in entirely different areas of the United States. Courtney, who grew up in Amherst, New Hampshire, has been playing basketball since the age of three. Her talent and passion for the sport earned her a spot at Dartmouth, although that offer was one among various others. Notre Dame and Boston College offered her scholarships, and Stanford University showed interest in her as an athlete as well. 8
“I had a wonderful career as a basketball player at Dartmouth, winning two Ivy championships and setting some records along the way.” “Some” is to put it humbly. Courtney holds the record for most 3-pointers made in a career at an Ivy League school, and was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. Before landing at Princeton University, Courtney coached the women’s basketball team at her alma mater, Dartmouth, leading the team to two NCAA appearances as well as two Ivy League championships. In other words, while she may be modest, her resumé is not. As head coach at Princeton, she has led her team to six Ivy League championships and six NCAA Tournament appearances. Her Princeton teams have been ranked as high as thirteenth in the country. But it doesn’t end there. In 2015, Fortune magazine named her one of the world’s 50 greatest leaders. Taylor Swift, Tim Cook, and Pope Francis are also on that list. Courtney’s lack of ego becomes more and more remarkable the more you get to know her. When asked how she made the list, she laughs, responding, “Exactly, April 2018
Resident Feature
Eli with his Legos
DJ and Courtney at home
how did it happen? I really couldn’t believe the words as they came out. I thought it was a joke.”
Although she appreciates the lessons being a police officer taught her, she is happy to have moved on.
As if Courtney’s achievements aren’t astonishing enough, DJ’s life has been filled with incredible experiences and accomplishments as well. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, DJ attended Pennsylvania State University on a lacrosse scholarship, earning All-America honors all four of her collegiate years. DJ started playing for the U.S. national women’s team in 1994, and stayed on the team for 15 years. She led her team to victory at the 2009 World Cup as team captain, and yes, she also scored the game-winning goal. In 2013, she was elected to the U.S. National Lacrosse Hall of Fame.
How, then, did these two incredible women cross paths and eventually start a life together? Continued on page 10
After retiring as a player, DJ went on to become commissioner of the United Women’s Lacrosse League (UWLX) in 2015, a position she held for a year before deciding to take a leap of faith: she made the decision to found an entirely new league, the Women’s Professional Lacrosse League (WPLL), in 2017. “Our main focus is to create a league that is for players, by players,” says DJ. “We want to personally and professionally develop these women.” Aside from playing lacrosse, being a member of WPLL means having access to mentoring opportunities. DJ and her team seek to use lacrosse as a vehicle for young women to become leaders. It’s difficult to imagine how DJ’s life could get any more impressive. But there’s another aspect of her career completely unrelated to athletics that has affected her worldview. In 1999, after graduating from college, she joined the Baltimore Police Department. During her five years in the police force, DJ spent time in patrol, as well as three years as a S.W.A.T. officer. She also spent time as an undercover agent. “In my time in S.W.A.T., I saw things no one should really see. I hope I made a positive difference.”
Hopewell Valley
9
Resident Feature Continued from page 9
When Courtney took the position as head coach at Princeton University in 2007, DJ had already been coaching lacrosse there since 2004. They were “just two coaches, the right fit,” says Courtney. Not long after getting married in August of 2012, the couple began to search for a place to call home, where they could raise a family. Once DJ was pregnant with their twin sons, Eli and Tucker, finding that perfect house became a pressing issue rather than a dream in the distant future. “We had a short timeline,” says DJ, who was the one responsible for finding the place to live. “Given Courtney’s busy schedule, she said, ‘Why don’t you start
looking at houses and narrow it down to three?’” DJ says, laughing. They ultimately decided to lead their lives in Pennington. “There’s a sense of community here,” says Courtney, “and hardworking people.” The downtown area reminds her of her hometown in New Hampshire, offering a piece of childhood to hold onto. It’s certainly an excellent community in which to raise their children, the twins and their daughter, Grey, who just turned two. Having Courtney and DJ as parents means growing up with a strong sense of female leadership and empowerment.
Tucker, Eli, and Grey
10 North Main Street, Pennington
ROG R A M
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609-737-4386 (4FUN)
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday: 10 to 5
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Thursday & Friday: 10 to 6
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10
sPummer S
From the newest trends to timeless treasures, Twirl gifts are sure to delight. Now offering STEM toys and custom party favor bags too! Come visit us today!
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April 2018
Resident Feature “It’s really important to me to show both the athletes and my kids that you can have it all. You can be a professional and a loving parent and wife,” says Courtney. DJ feels a personal responsibility for “leading by example all the young women we serve.” And that, of course, includes Grey. “It’s really important to provide them with opportunities and to help them develop as people.” Leading insanely busy lives doesn’t mean giving up family time, however. It just takes a bit of coordination. Perhaps the fact that both women have extensive practice in coaching helps. “Time management is critical,” says DJ. “As a coach, our hours are determined by the people we serve,” says Courtney. “I have a really good teammate. My wife is a big role model for me, how she is able to keep our family a priority in a very busy day. She is a great community member.” And sometimes, she says, the only interaction they have in the morning is a high-five on the way out the door. Both women agree that being on a sports team and leading a family parallel each other. “We’re the coaches, but our role is no more or less important than everybody else’s,” says Courtney. “All roles are equally important. I would say the same about our family. We are constantly serving individual and collective goals.
Hopewell Valley
Tucker and DJ The power lies in our group; we are strong because we are a strong pack.” How fortunate Hopewell Valley is to have such a dynamic duo living in the community. But Courtney and DJ’s seemingly endless conquests have only left them with selfless gratitude. Laughing, they insist they really are the only two people who know about the Wikipedia pages.
11
Real Estate
HOPEWELL VALLEY MARKET ACTIVITY FEBRUARY SOLDS Address
Beds Baths Sold Price
RENTAL TRANSACTIONS Address
Beds Baths Sold Price
123 Grandview Ave
3
1.5
$382,500
17 Seminary Ave
Retail space
$1,250
23 Elm Rdige Rd
4
3
$384,600
162 Shrewsbury
3
2.5
$2,150
371 Watkins Rd
3
2.5
$397,500
10 Princeton Ave
3
1
$2,350
149 E. Delaware Ave
3
2.5
$550,000
15 Orchard Ave
4
2
$2,500
127 W. Broad St
5
2.5
$592,500
8 Blake
3
2.5
$2,500
18 Chicory Lane
4
2.5
$605,000
1 Timberbrooke
5
4/2
$4,950
259 Washington Crossing Rd
4
3.5
$675,000
42 Old Washington Crossing Rd
5
4.5
$1,306,313
As of February 28, 2018 there were 36 homes Under Contract in Hopewell Valley 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.
Five things you should know about Gloria Nilson & Co Real Estate: 1) Gloria Nilson & Co Real Estate is the #1 Real Estate broker in Mercer County for the last 10 years consecutively in units sold.* 2) Regional company with a local network of 24 offices and over 750 agents in Pennsylvania and New Jersey with a national reach through our ownership Home Services of America, an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway. 3) Affiliations with Christie’s International and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World offers exposure to International and Relocation buyers for our clients - over 35,000 referrals closed in 2017. 4) Award-winning Social Media marketing program with Facebook, Instagram and mobile apps that reached over 1 million visits in 2017 in addition to the Gloria Nilson Magazine with over 22,000 subscribers. 5) Our founder, Gloria Nilson, is still an active real estate agent with our company. Contact one of us to discuss how we can bring our knowledge and experience to help you achieve your goals and dreams. *Based on information obtained from Trend MLS
Hopewell Valley Office 609.737.9100 12
Lisa LeRay – Sales Associate
lleray@glorianilson.com 609.954.0177
Barbara Facompre – Sales Associate
bfacompre@glorianilson.com 609.731.1189
Gough ”Winn” Thompson – Sales Associate gthompson@glorianilson.com 609.468.3838 Helen ”Sandy” Brown – Broker Sales Associate sbrown@glorianilson.com 609.468.8545 April 2018
Expert Contributor
Gloria Nilson & Co. Real Estate Staging Can Help
Sell Your Home for More Money By Barbara Facompre | Gloria Nilson & Co. Sales Associate
I
t is very rare that a buyer is not affected by the overall cleanliness of a home and how one’s personal belongings fit into the space.The National Association of Realtors recently did a study to determine if it is really worth it to stage your home before selling it. They found that 49% of buyers’ agents said that staging had an effect on most buyers’ view of a home, and that 77% of respondents said that staging made it easier for buyers to see themselves living in the home. To sell your home for the best possible price in the shortest amount of time, one of your first steps should be an overall staging plan. Staging is not the same thing as decorating. Staging is de-personalizing. You want buyers to see the focal point of each room, to imagine their belongings in your home and ultimately to imagine themselves living in your home.
First impressions matter! Start at the front door. Make sure that the first thing a buyer sees is clean and welcoming. Break down your staging plan into small tasks and prioritize by room. According to the National Association of Realtors, 86% of the respondents thought that the living room was the most important room to stage. Here are some of the most common staging recommendations:
Less is better: Pack up all collections; reduce the number of books on the bookshelves; reduce the number of family photos hung on the walls, shelves, and tables. Repair any items that are broken: If the inspection uncovers a broken garbage disposal, it will probably cost more to replace it before closing than fixing it now. Be sensitive to odors: If you can smell it, it won’t sell. Empty garbage cans regularly. If necessary, use deodorants and dissecting sprays that have a clean lemony smell. Staging does not need to be expensive. Talk to your real estate professional early in the process. We can help you to identify what you need to do, or direct you to a professional stager.
Entire house cleaning: Your house should be spotlessly clean. Clean tile grout, the oven and the cooktop, and keep the kitchen sink clean and empty. Replace carpets if necessary. Keep your house as light and bright as possible: Check all light fixtures and increase bulb wattage if necessary. Keep all curtains and blinds open during the day and clean the windows.
Reach out to the Gloria Nilson & Co. Real Estate Pennington office today by calling 609-737-9100.
Celebrating 58 Years of... Personal Service. Fabulous Benefits. Community Pride. Family Dedication. Product Excellence. shop online 24/7 @ pqmonline.com
1960-2018
Located At The Corner of Route 31 and Delaware Avenue ● Pennington, NJ 08534 ● (609) 737-0058
Hopewell Valley
13
Hopewell Happenings
Mrs. Queen Takes the Train by William Kuhn
April 2018
@Pennington Public Library Time: 2-3pm
Every Tuesday in April
Mon., April 9
Tax Help: AARP Foundation Tax Aide
Presentation by Writer and Learning Activist Jonathan Mooney
Free Tax Preparation with E-Filing to Federal and State returns, also PTR ‘Senior Freeze’ forms. @Mercer County Library Hopewell Branch Time: 10am-2pm By appointment only, please call 609-737-2610 to schedule.
Cambridge School, in partnership with The Pennington School welcome Jonathan Mooney to speak to our local community. @Cambridge School, 100 Straube Center Blvd., Pennington Time: 6:30pm RSVP 730-9553 or by email info@ thecambridgeschool.org
Every Wednesday in April
Story Time with Ms. Kim!
Tues., April 10
Sun., April 1
Nick Scalera will present on the legislation process in New Jersey (he is neither pro nor con.) @Mercer County Library Hopewell Branch Time: 10-11:30am Registration is requested, please call 609737-2610 or go to hopeprogs@mcl.org
NJ Marijuana Legalization: Challenges and Opportunities
Sun., April 1
Color Me Calm – Adult Coloring
Books and supplies available all day @Pennington Public Library
Tues., April 10
Too Busy To Cook Books Book Club
Mon., April 2 – Fri., April 6
Hopewell Valley Regional School District Spring Break
Ties by Domenizo Starnone @Pennington Public Library Time: 7:30pm
All Schools Closed
Mon., April 2 – Thurs., April 5
Spring Glass Votive Decorating
Thurs., April 5
Adult Book Discussion:
HO2
Sourland Conservancy: Bus Tour of the Eastern Sourlands
Experience the magic and rich history of the Sourlands—an unspoiled landscape of forested ridges and pastoral farms. Tour the famed Lindbergh home, inside and out! @Otto Kaufman Community Center, East Amwell Time: 10:30am-2pm Register at www.sourland.org
46 Yard Road Pennington, NJ 609-737-4465
Wine, Food, Music & Friendship
HOPEWELL VALLEY VINEYARDS 14
Larry Kidder talks about his book Crossroads of the Revolution, Trenton 1774-1783. @Pennington Public Library Time: 3-4:30pm Tues., April 24
An Educational Workshop: Getting Started with Medicare Devin Rubin of Golden Years Design Benefits, Inc. will lead you through the Medicare maze. @Pennington Public Library Time: 6-7:30pm Wed., April 25
This program is comprised of stretching, balance, posture, flexibility and strength poses done to music. Also includes some chair yoga. @Mercer County Library Hopewell Branch Time: 11am-12pm No registration is required. Sat., April 28
Poem In Your Pocket
Attention All 6th Graders and Up (yes, Adults too!) Celebrate National Poetry Month by sharing poems of 15 lines or less. Original poems or from your favorite poet. @Mercer County Library Hopewell Branch Time: 3-4pm Refreshments will be provided. Sun., April 29
Sat., April 14
Drop in during HVRSD Spring Break! Create a stained glass votive candleholder. Each participant receives one glass votive with candle. Supplies included. @Pennington Public Library For All Ages.
Pennington Public Library: Author Talk
Active Aging Fitness
@Pennington Public Library Time: 11am Geared for Children Ages 2-4 years
Easter Sunday
Sun., April 22
Let us help promote your local 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.
Film Screening: “Swim Team” Documentary film that chronicles the overwhelming struggles and extraordinary triumphs of three young athletes with Autism. Post film Q&A with ProducerDirector Lara Stolman. @Pennington Public Library Time: 3-5pm
This month at Hopewell Valley Vineyards: Visit www.hopwellvalleyvineyard.com for Artist Listings 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 Nights
Music & Merlot
Enjoy Brick-Oven Pizza & light fare menu Live Music Time: 5:30-9pm Band Takes the Stage at 6pm Don’t worry; they serve more than just Merlot!
April 2018
Force of Nature
Kate’s Legacy
By Lisa Wolff | Executive Director, FoHVOS
O
n the afternoon of December 22, 1997, Kate Gorrie died in a tragic car accident. She lived in Hopewell, New Jersey and was a graduating senior at the Hun School.
We at FoHVOS wish to recognize Kate’s continued impact that inspires family and friends to change lives through work facilitated by her mother, Meg Gorrie.
Butterfly Festival. Meg was enthusiastic about the change, “It’s really extraordinary - 2,500 people show up at her butterfly house and I think, ‘Kate, are you seeing this?!’”
Kate entrusted a powerful legacy and purpose to all of those she left behind. She was loved by all who knew her. To get a better sense of Kate, consider that each year Hun presents The Katherine Wright Gorrie ’98 Memorial Award, which is awarded to a member of the senior class who best exemplifies the qualities of Kate Gorrie. These include a love of family and friends, respect for the environment, joy and radiance of expression and demeanor, integrity, and sincere desire to acquire and impart knowledge.
There is also an easement funded through D&R Greenway that includes a one-mile loop down to the Meg Gorrie by Benoit Cortet Stony Brook, known as Kate’s Trail. You can see the sign on Elm Ridge Road.
The Hun School’s response to Kate’s death was sensitive and helpful. The headmaster, Jim Byer, and others spoke at the funeral. They opened Russell Hall for the reception.
It is 20 years later and Kate continues to changes lives.
Meg and her husband, Tom, arranged a scholarship and a friendship garden in Kate’s honor. The scholarship allows a student to attend Hun who otherwise could not. The friendship garden was formed because Kate was loved by all and was everybody’s friend. It features a pretty statue called “Growing Things,” with a young teenage girl and a vine. An inscription reads, “In this garden may friendship grow.” There are three benches and sometimes outdoor classes are taught there. Kate’s field hockey coaches initiated The Hun Run in her memory. Her classmates have continued working on The Run for Kate committee for the past 20 years. After the accident, the newspaper stated that donations could be made to the Watershed in lieu of flowers. The family hoped to use the funds to set up an internship in Kate’s name.
Says Meg, “I love that so much to do with Kate brings the focus back to the environment.”
For the complete story and background, please visit FoHVOS.blogspot.com.
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The response was overwhelming and the generous donations helped fund both the internship and the Kate Gorrie Butterfly House. The internship is awarded to a high school student each summer. Meg describes the Butterfly House: “The wind would come through the screening and you’d see families with little kids come in. It’s really special to see the sense of wonder that comes over people.”
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Each year, the Watershed held an opening day for the Butterfly House. Several years ago, they switched to an official
Hopewell Valley
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Hopewell Valley 1925
Blackwell Memorial Home 21 North Main Street, Pennington, NJ 08534
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