August 2018
Jess Niederer of Chickadee Creek Farm Down to Earth Farming
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
Our sponsor advertisers bring Hopewell Valley Neighbors to you. Be sure to thank them by supporting their businesses. They are experts at what they do. Please tell them you saw their ad in Hopewell Valley Neighbors. To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Hopewell Valley Neighbors publisher: Rachel Donington: 609-462-6786 rdonington@bestversionmedia.com.
August 2018
Publisher’s Letter
Dear Residents, Publisher: Rachel Donington rdonington@bestversionmedia.com Content Coordinator: Catherine Bialkowski cbialkowski@bestversionmedia.com Designer: Dale Ver Voort Contributing Photographer: Benoit Cortet www.benoitcortet.com Phone: 917-597-6297 benoit@benoitcortet.com
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t is incredible to think that this issue marks one full year of bringing this magazine to our community each month. The year has been a wonderful journey for Catherine, Benoit, and me! We’ve spent hours poring over articles, interviewing our neighbors, and becoming filled with satisfaction, joy, and pride at seeing the finished printed product. It has been such a pleasure hearing from all of you -- our readers and neighbors -- as we strive to create something you all love and look forward to reading at the beginning of each new month. After reading this issue, please take a moment to reflect on the stories we feature. Many of them will tell you something about our community that goes a bit deeper than just a story; you’ll find history, family values, and even some education on these pages. So many of our residents have lived here for generations, and they have something to tell us about how Hopewell Valley has evolved over the years. I think we can learn something from them. I hope you enjoy the stories and the many more we have to share with you for months to come.
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.
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Hopewell Valley Neighbors publisher Rachel Donington: 609-462-6786 rdonington@bestversionmedia.com. Hopewell Valley Neighbors
Publisher: Rachel Donington, 609-462-6786
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ike Rachel, II’m filled with pride when I look back on the year. But I’m also slightly in shock—how did a whole year go by so quickly? I’m both happy and sad that the time flew by in such a manner; happy, because that means we enjoyed what we’ve been doing; and sad that a whole year of being Content Coordinator is already over. In this issue, I think you’ll learn a thing or two. I certainly did. Jess Niederer, our featured resident, shares with us what it means to be a local farmer, and the importance of farms like hers, Chickadee Creek Farm, and the many others throughout our community. We will also revisit history in a sports piece about football in Hopewell Valley by Kenneth Marples, and hear from Janice Schroeder of Occasions Paperie. We bring you a wonderful issue in celebration of our anniversary. Thank you all for continuing to support Hopewell Valley Neighbors by reading what we write each month. Content Coordinator: Catherine Bialkowski
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Expert Contributor
Chatting with Christina By Christina Nash | Knox Grove Financial, LLC
Dear Christina, I am starting to worry as I approach retirement that I may have all my eggs in one basket. How do I know if my investments are diversified? Terry, 58, Pennington
Christina’s Advice: New clients often ask me if their current portfolio has the appropriate amount of diversification. After reviewing their investment statements, in many cases my response is “no.”
offer our clients up-to-date, high quality investments that make sense for their personalized “Living Financial Plan.” We feel that our clients enjoy the confidence our portfolios provide to themselves and their families.
Successful investors have always understood the importance of diversification. In the simplest of terms, diversification is spreading your money across several different types of investments to decrease the overall risk of your portfolio. Owning different investments over time helps individual investors avoid financial distress if one of their investments underperforms and decreases in value.
Let’s face it, life is busy. We are all juggling demanding careers, busy family schedules, maintaining our homes, etc. I believe we also owe it to ourselves to make sure that our important money is invested appropriately for the current economic environment and our futures. We provide our clients with a thorough semiannual portfolio review. Portfolio reviews are a lot like your annual physical with your doctor. We review your portfolio to make sure that everything is healthy and operating properly so that you have a clear path for your personal goals.
In my opinion, diversification is more important today than in recent history. We are in an environment of historic stock market highs and historic interest rate lows. Today, I am having different conversations with clients than I was five years ago. In order for my clients to be successful in the future, we need to consider new investment strategies. Large investors like pension funds, institutions and endowments are ahead of individual investors and are investing their money differently today than they have in the past. Their portfolios are no longer just a mix of stocks and bonds. They include additional assets classes like real estate and private equity amongst others. Individuals and families may want to consider doing the same. Traditionally, investors felt comfortable owning several mutual funds and maybe a few stocks. This type of portfolio seems to be diversified, but I know my clients need more. At Knox Grove Financial, we spend a significant amount of time throughout the year making sure that we are continuing to
Stress testing your investment portfolio is imperative, especially during a bullish stock market. It’s very easy to overestimate your risk tolerance when your portfolio is doing well. I welcome the readers of Hopewell Valley Neighbors to reach out to me directly to schedule a complimentary portfolio review.
vvv Diversification does not ensure a profit or guarantee against a loss. Registered Representative/Securities and investment advisory services offered through Signator Investors, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Knox Grove Financial is independent of Signator. 23 Route 31 Pennington, NJ 08534 374-20180605-457635
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! In this issue, I highlight a question about investment diversification; check it out! Submit your questions via E-Mail: Christina@knoxgrove.com or our Facebook page: KnoxGroveFinancial. Wishing You Success,
Christina A. Nash Christina’s August Tip:
Traveling abroad? Take inventory of important items. Keep a record of all cards in your wallet and the telephone numbers to contact should you have to report lost or stolen cards. Consider making a copy of everything in your wallet, including the photo page of your passport.
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www.KnoxGroveFinancial.com 23 Route 31 N, Suite B10, Pennington, NJ 08534 • 609-216-7440
August 2018
Spotlight on Community
A Brief History of Bulldog Football: “I Believe” By Kenneth Marples | Photos by Mike Schwartz Photography
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or decades, Hopewell Valley Central High School had a proud tradition of not having a football team. Kids interested in football were likely to play at the popwarner level growing up. Any hopes of continuing to play the sport they loved would end before they became Bulldogs. In 2001, the Hopewell Valley Regional School District voted on whether they should use public funds to start a football program at the high school. The proposal was rejected by more than a 2-1 margin. “Initially people were concerned about changing the culture. Some didn’t want to pay for it. They didn’t want their taxes to go to paying for a high school sport,” head coach Dave Caldwell explains. A group of Hopewell Valley football supporters joined forces and organized HIKE (Hopewell Involved in Kids’ Enrichment) and expressed a desire to pay for the program for the first few years. After several court challenges, the Bulldogs kicked off their first season in 2002 with only a freshman team. In the following two years, the Hopewell Valley Central High School would add a junior varsity team, and finally a varsity team. In fewer than 10 years, the Bulldogs, spearheaded by coach Dave Caldwell, won a state championship in 2013 after holding a record of 10-1. In the following two years they went 15-5, losing in one state championship. According to Coach Caldwell, the program graduates around four to five seniors every year who compete at the collegiate level. Currently there are former Bulldogs playing at colleges such as Villanova, University of Rhode Island, and Gettysburg. The game of football itself has evolved since the infancy of Hopewell Valley CHS football, and Coach Caldwell has been with them through it all. New catch and tackle rules aim to make the game safer for young students. Concussion protocol has also evolved to take extra precaution in the wake of dozens of football-related head injuries. Coach Caldwell is confident and excited about the future. “We’re definitely keeping up with the sport and all the demands that come with it. I see the participation numbers being consistent if not increasing,” said Coach Caldwell. In response to the thought that football would change the culture of the school, Coach Caldwell was nonchalant and believes that their culture of cultivating academics hasn’t changed. He’s
happy that the football team is another way of giving kids an opportunity to be a part of something bigger. “It’s part of the educational process, to make kids accountable in the classroom and on the football field. They learn those values of discipline, hard work, and time management.” Of all his accomplishments, Coach Caldwell is most proud of the relationships he’s made with players and parents. To take those values of discipline, hard work, and time management into the world—that is what he wishes for all his players.
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What Can I Bring to the Barbeque?
BARBEQUE CORN
By Tori S. Bevens
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his barbequed corn has been a go-to all summer. As a side at several parties, this recipe has received more praise than any other staple dish. Go ahead and enjoy it before corn disappears in the cold months ahead!
HO2
46 Yard Road Pennington, NJ 609-737-4465
Wine, Food, Music & Friendship
WHAT YOU NEED: Husked corn Olive oil Salt Pepper Butter, 3 tablespoons melted Honey, ½ tablespoon Paprika, 2-5 dashes WHAT TO DO: Heat the grill to medium heat. Rub the corn with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place on the grill, out of direct heat, for 10 minutes, rotating as dark spots appear (about every 2-3 minutes). While cooking, mix together butter, honey and paprika. Remove from the grill and brush with seasoned butter. Enjoy warm.
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August 2018
Business Profile
Meet Janice Schroeder Local Businesswoman and Owner of Occasions Paperie By Rachel Donington
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e had a conversation with dynamic local female business owner Janice Schroeder of Occasions Paperie to get to know her and her custom graphic design business a little bit better. What is your professional background in, and what prompted you to start a business crafting artisanal custom cards and invitations? I’ve been a practicing graphic designer for over 25 years. After I graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and worked in city recreation, biotech, and at a large print shop. Since moving to Hopaewell Valley in 2003, I have worked at advertising agencies, primarily in the pharmaceutical/healthcare space—and, my favorite, nonprofit groups in the Hopewell Valley community. I really like to work directly with my clients, from the conception of the idea to its completion. That’s one of the reasons having a boutique product and hand-making every invitation myself is so satisfying! How does Occasions Paperie, a local small business, compare with the online industry and other, larger corporations offering similar products? At Occasions Paperie, we create highly customized, special event invitations that are each unique to the client and the event. While there are many places to shop binders of generic invitations or find digital templates, Occasions Paperie offers a level of detail, professionalism, and personalization you just can’t get anywhere else. When I work with a client, the first step is a one-on-one meeting. Because each piece is custom-designed, we are able to tweak the design until it is just right. What is the importance of shopping locally, and how do you show support for other small businesses in the Hopewell Valley area?
woman business owner and a sole proprietor through networking. Plus, solving communication needs for small businesses through effective and efficient design is a large part of what I do for my clients. Occasions is also proud to provide discounts for a select number local non-profits every quarter. I really love to work with local groups and provide high-quality services with an eye for details and budget. Who can shop at Occasions Paperie? Everyone! I have a wide range of clients, from individuals planning personal events, like birthday parties, graduations, or weddings, to corporate clients planning conferences, board meetings, or holiday parties, and of course, nonprofit organizations looking for support in fundraising. I work out of my home studio in the Sourland Mountains, which gives me the flexibility to meet clients where it is convenient for them, whether it’s at their home, office, a local coffee shop, or by Skype! What are some local causes you care about, and how have you used your position as a business owner to do good in the community? I do quite a bit of work with local non-profit groups. I was the designer for the Hopewell Harvest Fair from 2007 to 2017, and served in various roles on the Board of Trustees, including as President for five of those years. In my time serving as designer, I designed the organization’s first logo and helped them build a cohesive brand. In addition, I initiated digital media, building the first website and growing the Facebook Page from zero to more than 1,000 Likes. This spring I designed the logo for Hopewell Valley Heritage Weekend and did the poster layout for the calendar of the Memorial Weekend events. I’ve also worked on the Hopewell 125th Anniversary year events, Hopewell Valley Arts Council, and Colin’s Kids biannual fundraiser.
I think we all have heard the “Shop Local” mantra, and it really does apply here. I believe that a thriving community drives a vital, growing community.
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In addition to supporting fellow local businesses through patronage, I have also been able to share my experiences as a
To inquire about a consultation, Janice can be reached at 609-228-6790 and hello@occasionspaperie.com.
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Resident Feature
Jess Niederer of Chickadee Creek Farm Food For Thought: It’s Time to Get Educated About Local Farms and Food Production By Catherine Bialkowski
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Photos by Benoit Cortet
or many people, the words “New Jersey” do not evoke images of vast farmland and fields of crops; but those who live in Hopewell Valley know better. After all, the state we call home is officially known as the Garden State—and for good reason. According to an overview on the website Farm Flavor, New Jersey contains 10,300 farms.
One of those farms belongs to 34-year-old Jess Niederer, a graduate of Cornell University with a degree in natural resources who started Chickadee Creek Farm, an organic vegetable, herb, and flower farm in Pennington, in 2010. Jess and her team of eight other farmers— co-owners Monica Drazba, Chelsea Strehse, Kelsey Wright, Darci Burns, Kyle Stewart, Lara Periard, Morgan Snedden, and Scott Van Kuiken—combine efforts to ensure operations at Chickadee Creek Farm run smoothly. As Jess puts it, no one person’s job is more important than another’s when working on a farm. Chickadee Creek Farm is part of Jess’s family’s 80-acre farm on Titus Mill Road, which was purchased by Herbert and Marion Niederer (Jess’s grandparents). Herbert was the son of Otto Niederer, who left Switzerland, and eventually settled in Hopewell in 1910, where he ran a dairy farm with his wife, Katherine, and their children. After losing their farm in the Great Depression, Otto and his sons created a device that graded eggs, inspecting them for cracks and other imperfections, at excellent speed for the era. The machine was known as Egomatic, and became well-known and admired throughout New Jersey. In 1940, the family established Otto Niederer Sons, Inc. (trading under the name “Egomatic”), which started off as an egg-handling business but transitioned to defense production as World War II loomed on the horizon. At this time, Egomatic became Rivomatic, producing equipment for sorting scarce metal that would otherwise be wasted during wartime. Evidently, farming is a business that runs in the Niederer family. But for Jess, it wasn’t something she jumped into immediately without a second thought. After graduating from Cornell, she worked in disaster relief, ornithology, conservation biology, and development work before deciding to become—what else, a farmer. Having helped out on her family’s farm as a child, she knew what it took—and what it meant—to be a farmer, and gravitated back to it as an adult. “I knew that I loved being outside, and I knew I was interested in people being healthy and having healthy, clean communities and living spaces,” says Jess. Naturally, farming was a great option. “I felt like I had this incredible opportunity, having access to family farmland.” The Niederer’s farm did not have a vegetable farm when Jess was growing up, but that changed when she opened Chickadee Creek Farm. It was a matter of “figuring out how to keep the family farm in the family.” She knew it had to be a self-sustaining business. “It’s very difficult to make a living off a small farm growing anything besides vegetables,” Jess explains. All of her other family members who were involved with taking care of the family farm have had full-time jobs in addition to farm work. But Jess was determined to make a living doing what she loved, and it’s been a great success. “Luckily I found something I loved and turned it into a sustainable business.” At Chickadee Creek Farm, all of the farmland (which is now owned by Jess’s father, Steve) is either certified organic or transitional organic—meaning it’s on its way to becoming organic (through a mandated three-year process). This aspect of the farm is important to Jess. “Part of that has to do with how we see ourselves relating to the ecology around us and wanting to make sure that we are not adding any kind of chemical that will persist in the environment,” she says. Another requirement for being an organic farm is that Jess and her team must always be working to improve the fertility of the soil in order to grow more crops.
Resident Feature
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August 2018
Resident Feature Farming isn’t something to be taken for granted in today’s society; unfortunately, many people forget or simply do not care to think about where their food comes from. The fact is that farms bring about both food security and homeland security. They also allow communities the knowledge that they have a local, safe, food source, especially when they know their farmers. Additionally, farms are an inexpensive way to provide beautiful open space for the public. Farms also directly influence water and air quality. In other words, they are a core part of many communities, and it’s important to remember to appreciate them and the people who run them. – Jess
“I knew that I loved being outside, and I knew I was interested in people being healthy…”
“I’m not sure folks understand how much work goes into food production,” says Jess. That’s why she and her team take turns visiting the farmer’s markets they sell goods at—so that customers can appreciate just how many people it takes to grow a tomato, or a big head of lettuce. But that’s not to say being a farmer has no merit. “We really work on a beautiful place,” says Jess, whose day starts at 6:30 each morning. “I think being outside is one of the best parts. It’s very lucky that we get to be outside and to be physically active. It feels really good, as hard work as it is. You have to have a certain kind of physical and mental fortitude.” And farming, explains Jess, brings a lot of humility. “Agriculture is not an industry where you can be careless with how you’re spending money or what kind of equipment you’re choosing to invest in. It’s not to be entered into without fully educating yourself.” But at the end of the day, being able to bring that finished product—a cucumber, a beet, maybe some kale—to the farmer’s market to sell to customers—that makes it all worth it.
vvv Chickadee Creek Farm sells at Pennington Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at Princeton Farmers’ Market on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., among other markets throughout the state. For the full list, and for more information about Jess, her team, and the farm, visit www. chickadeecreekfarm.com.
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. Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Real Estate
HOPEWELL VALLEY MARKET ACTIVITY JUNE SOLDS - Homes ADDRESS 287 Federal City Road 485 Federal City Road 44 Foster Road 165 Shrewsbury Court 44 Shaftsbury Avenue 56 Temple Court 1272 River Road 22 Blake Drive 16 Morningside Drive 20 Timberlane Drive 17 Fanning Way 108 W Broad Street 50 N Greenwood Avenue 12 E Delaware Avenue 418 Burd Street 35 Chicory Lane 115 Mine Road 200 Penn View Drive 92 Taylor Terrace 38 2nd Street 25 Aunt Molly Road
BEDS 4 4 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 4 3 4
BATHS 1.5 2.5 2 2.5 2 2 1.5 2.5 2 2.5 2.5 1 2 3 2.5 2.5 2.5 3 2.5 2.5 3.5
SOLD PRICE $200,000 $300,000 $305,250 $319,900 $325,000 $356,000 $360,000 $370,000 $375,000 $406,000 $419,900 $425,000 $477,500 $510,000 $545,000 $560,000 $570,000 $580,000 $625,000 $635,000 $750,000
8 Timkak Lane 5 W ShoreDrive 32 Caroline Drive 23 Caroline Drive 48 Elm Ridge Road
4 5 4 4 6
5.5 2.5 3.5 & .5 2.5 4.5 & .5
$805,000 $865,000 $894,000 $925,000 $1,500,000
BEDS 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3
BATHS 1 2 2.5 2.5 1.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5
SOLD PRICE $1,500 $2,000 $2,200 $2,200 $2,325 $2,350 $2,495 $2,500 $2,700 $2,700
Rentals ADDRESS 7A Center Street 43 Woolsey Court 610 Bollen Court 305 Pebble Creek Court 8 Hamilton Avenue 63 Haddon Court 245 Brinley Drive 72 Lexington Drive 83 Heath Court 57 Haddon Court
Lots
216 Hopewell Princeton Road
$135,500
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.
Hopewell Valley Office
800 Denow Rd, Suite N, Pennington, NJ 08534
609.737.9100 5 Reasons to Work with a Gloria Nilson & Co. Real Estate agent! 1) An Expert Guide - A full time, well seasoned professional who can help you navigate the rocky waters of home buying and selling. 2) An Objective Professional - An agent who knows where to get local and updated information from contractors to zoning codes. 3) A Skilled Marketeer - As selling doesn’t happen with advertising alone, it counts on continuous exposure and networking. 4) A Negotiator Extraordinaire - Buying and selling a property has many facets to consider and negotiate from offer through closing. 5) A Therapist - During this potentially stressful process, you need a great listener and strong advocate to keep you focused.
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
• Buyer Advantage is the first step to home ownership • Obtain a Mortgage Commitment BEFORE shopping for a home • Shop with confidence and submit a stronger purchase offer for sellers to consider. • Stand out in today’s market, ask for a COMPLIMENTARY Buyer Advantage Pre Approval TODAY!
Glen O’Brien
Mortgage Consultant NMLSID #422656 glenn.obrien@phmloans.com
609-462-6924
All first mortgage products are provided by Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC. (877) 275-1762. Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC products may not be available in all areas. Not all borrowers will qualify. Licensed by the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance. Licensed by the Delaware State Bank Commissioner. Also licensed in District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. NMLS ID #75164 (NMLS Consumer Access at http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/) ©2018 Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC.
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August 2018
Expert Contributor
Gloria Nilson & Co Real Estate Why Hopewell Valley? Do you really have to ask? By Helen (Sandy) Brown | Broker Sales Associate, Gloria Nilson & Co Real Estate
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he four of us—Sandy, Barb, Winn and Lisa—at Gloria Nilson & Co Real Estate have 69 real estate selling years between us. But what we have come to realize over those many years is that we do not just sell homes, we sell a way of life. We sell the Hopewell Valley and its many benefits. If you are reading this article, we assume you already live here in Hopewell or Pennington; and what a great choice you made. We have raised our children in the valley. They have attended the local schools and we have helped them participate in the local sports clubs and local music groups. We have experienced firsthand why this valley is such a great place to live. And that is what we like to sell. If you have been here for a while you will know the changes that we have been fortunate to see. The Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space and other local concerns have preserved so much of our land for the use of many. With walking trails, dog parks, skateboard parks, soccer fields, baseball fields, and passive recreational spaces, we have an abundance of places to enjoy the outdoors. One of our favorite books to use as a marketing material is the Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space’s walking trails pamphlet. Stop by our office and pick up your free copy today. It highlights 19 trails in the valley that are free to all, as well as good parking tips. Another great selling point for the valley are the many small farms which are still very active. The oldest being Howell Living History Farm with its educational programs and weekend events and annual corn maze. The newer established Hopewell Vineyard is growing their own fruit to produce great wines, and their venue is a fun place to enjoy music or to rent for your private party. The organic produce and poultry farms abound, including Honey Brook Farm, Chickadee Creek Farm and Blue Moon Acres in Hopewell to Cherry Grove in Lawrenceville to Griggs Farm in Griggstown. Enjoy other local farmers and artisans who sell at the Pennington Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. And how great it is that Brick Farm Market and its new big brother, Brick Farm Tavern, share property with the first distillery in N.J. and Troon, a private brewery! Hopewell Valley is home to several breweries and the River Horse Brewery is located nearby in Ewing. We are also fortunate to have so many five-star restaurants within walking distance for so many of us, from The Brothers’ Moon to Blue Bottle, to our own iconic Nomads brick oven Pizza (yes, it started here in Hopewell, not Philadelphia or Princeton!) and how about the Peasant Grill and Hopewell Bistro, Wildflowers, Hillbilly Hall, Diamonds, (originally of Trenton, now in Pennington), Cugino’s Italian market, and Emily’s Café. There are so many that we cannot list them all here, but if you went out every night for a month, you still wouldn’t taste every one. And then we remember our libraries, three in all, with each municipality having its own, supported by both municipal and county taxes. They are not just about the books and internet, but a place to meet and enjoy interesting classes and Hopewell Valley Neighbors
entertainment. The township library is conveniently located next to the high school and middle school, making it easy for students to enjoy. And the schools’ report cards make our area the easiest sell. Often we get calls from buyers who have already decided on Hopewell Valley school district because of its outstanding reputation. We share the community events with our buyers, from the annual Pennington Day and Hopewell Harvest Fair and Washington crossing the Delaware, to our multitude of parades, cruise nights, food truck fridays, and block parties, to music in the parks, quoits, outdoor movies and a special heritage weekend that premiered this May to honor our diverse population. We have so many goings-on, it’s hard to do it all. And then there is the renovated Hopewell Theater offering such a variety of movies, music, and cultural evenings. The Hopewell Valley Historical Society offers interesting lectures and events. As well we have a number of sport clubs including the Hopewell Valley Golf Club, Penn Brook Swim Club, Hopewell Valley Tennis and Swim Club, the Quarry Swim Club and others to join for summer fun and eating. And many of our restaurants have music on the weekends including the Hopewell Valley Vineyard, Wildflowers, and the Hopewell Bistro. Hopewell Valley is culture, dog, and people friendly! And with so many institutes of higher learning within 10 miles, there is no lack of lectures to hear, author talks to attend, classes to audit, gyms to join, and many more fun events to enjoy including fireworks particularly on the July 4th weekend. Let us help your friends and family who want to move to the Hopewell Valley by sharing with them all that the Valley has to offer, from historic sites like Washington Crossing to new sites like our collection of painted oxen dotting the countryside and towns. You, as a resident of Hopewell Valley, are its best ambassador. Help us sell our Valley.
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Open HOuSe Sunday
October 21, 2018 9:30 a.m. www.pennington.org
honor • v i r t u e • h u m i l i t y 13
Calendar of Events
Hopewell Happenings Pennington Farmers’ Market Every Saturday @ Rosedale Mills, 101 Route 31, Pennington Time: 9am – 1pm Pet Adoption Days @ Rosedale Mills, 101 Route 31, Pennington Puppies & Adult Dogs looking for their forever homes Call 609-737-2008 for dates and times Quoits & Horseshoes in Hopewell Borough Every Wednesday The first person that arrives at the Train Station gets to pick: quoits or horseshoes. Join up with friends to learn how to play or show off your skill. @ Hopewell Borough Train Station, Railroad Place Time: 7pm No rain date Wed., August 1 Color Me Calm – Adult Coloring @ Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street Coloring books and art supplies available all day Thurs., August 2 Tail Waggin’ Tutors: Giselle & Pistral Come read to Reading Therapy Dog Giselle or Pistral and their owner Debra Lampert-Rudman. A great way for readers to develop fluency while gaining confidence. @ Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street Time: 4:30-5:30pm For Ages 5 years and up Register for a 15-minute time slot, please call 737-0404. Fri., August 3 Hopewell Borough Concert In The Park: Live Music performed by Dark Whiskey Dance on Hopewell. Grab your blankets or lounge chairs, and pick up dinner or desert from any of our local restaurants. Concerts sponsored by 1st Constitution Bank. Alcohol is not permitted. Bathrooms are located at the Fire Station. @ Volunteer Bandstand (fondly referred to as the Gazebo in Borough Park) Time: 7–9:30 pm Rain date is Sunday. Thurs., August 9 Tail Waggin’ Tutors: Giselle & Pistral Come read to Reading Therapy Dog Giselle or Pistral and their owner Debra Lampert-Rudman. A great way for readers to develop fluency while gaining confidence.
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@ Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street Time: 4:30-5:30pm For Ages 5 years and up Register for a 15-minute time slot, please call 737-0404. Sat., August 11 Sourland Conservancy: Guided Hiking Tour of Summer Wildflowers, Butterflies and Birds Explore a meadow dominated by wildflowers and grasses and another where succession to a shrub thicket has begun to occur. Together with the surrounding woodland, these diverse habitats support a variety of plants and animals. Led by Mary Anne Borge, educator, photographer, author, Pennsylvania Master Naturalist, Instructor at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve and Associate Editor of Butterfly Gardener magazine. @ Cedar Ridge Preserve Time: 10am-12pm Hikes are free and limited to 15 participants To register visit www.sourland.org Mon., August 13 Blawenburg Band Concert Hopewell Borough community band plays marches, show tunes, and sonatas as the sun sets behind the Train Station. Bring your folding chair and a cold drink. Bathrooms are available inside the Train Station. @ Hopewell Borough Train Station, Railroad Place Time: the music begins promptly at 7:30pm Tues., August 14 Teen TBT Movie Night: The Blues Brothers Join us for a “Throw Back Tuesday” Teen Movie Night showing the classic movie The Blues Brothers(1980). @Mercer County Public Library, Hopewell Branch Time: 5:30-7:30pm No registration required. Bring a friend! Fri., August 17 Hopewell Borough Concert In The Park: Live Music performed by Stony Brook Blue Grass Band Grab your blankets or lounge chairs, and pick up dinner or desert from any of our local restaurants. Concerts sponsored by 1st Constitution Bank. Alcohol is not permitted. Bathrooms are located at the Fire Station. @ Volunteer Bandstand (fondly referred to as the Gazebo in Borough Park) Time: 7–9:30 pm Rain date is Sunday.
Sat., August 18 Sourland Conservancy: Guided Geology Hike Explore the Rocks of Somerset County Sourland Mountain Preserve. Learn about the history and formation of the mountain range on this moderately challenging hike to Devil’s Half-Acre and Roaring Rocks. Led by Dave Harper, former President of the Geological Association of New Jersey. For more information visit www.sourland.org Register at: http://tiny.cc/SCGeologyHike Sat., August 25 Animation At The Station An animated movie will be projected on a very large screen with big sound, under the open sky at the mini park by the Train Station. @ Hopewell Borough Train Station, Railroad Place Time: by 8:00 pm or when the crowd settles in Great fun for the whole family. Rain date Sunday. Fri., August 31 Kicks off Labor Day Weekend! 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.
August 2018
Blackwell Memorial Home 21 North Main Street, Pennington, NJ 08534
(609) 737-2900
www.blackwellmh.com blackwellmem@verizon.net
Elizabeth Blackwell Davis Owner / Lic. Director NJ #2475
Kevin R. Latham
Manager / Lic. Director NJ #4625 / PA #000714 We offer full service funerals, cremations and pre-arrangements.
Continuous Family Service Since 1881
PQM gets Peak-of-the-Season fresh produce delivered from our local farms 7 days a week.
We Local!
Shop online 24/7 @ pqmonline.com
Flaim Farms - Vineland, NJ Jersey Fruit - Hammonton, NJ Eastern Fresh - Cedarville, NJ Sansone’s Farm - Hopewell, NJ Pineland Farms - Hammonton, NJ Big Buck Farms - Hammonton, NJ Blue Moon Acres - Pennington, NJ Zone 7 - NJ Based 100% Local Dist.
Located At The Corner of Route 31 and Delaware Avenue ● Pennington, NJ 08534 ● (609) 737-0058
PROUD TO BE
part of the Hopewell Valley community! TRUE COMMUNITY. ____ 3 Tree Farm Road (Pennington Point) ____ 16 Additional Branches throughout NJ and Bucks County, PA including • Ewing • Flemington • Hamilton • Lawrence
firstbanknj.com • 877.821.BANK Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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DOWNLOAD TODAY! Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. | Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC
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August 2018
In the Arts
Art in the Everyday
J
By Jon Youshaei on Youshaei is the founder of
a
popular
cartoon
series called Every Vowel
which
has
been
featured
in
Forbes, Time, and many other publications. As a new member of the Hopewell Valley Arts Council, he shares our belief that art can be found in everyday moments. We’re excited to partner with Jon to create a series of custom cartoons
for
our
community
that will hopefully inspire you to laugh, learn, and reimagine the role of art in today’s world.
vvv
We have lollipops. (Our CD rates are pretty sweet, too.) eNorthfield.com Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Spotlight on Community
Force of Nature Japanese Barberry
By Lisa Wolff | Executive Director, FoHVOS Photograph by Benoit Cortet
E
ach month we have honored a ”Force of Nature” recipient who has made a positive impact on the Hopewell Valley community. This month we are straying from our standard format in order to bring you a special report regarding the dangers of an invasive plant all too common in Valley landscape. Japanese Barberry is a known or recognizable plant to many Valley residents. Most people know that deer can carry ticks infected with Lyme disease that can then be transmitted to human hosts. However, it is less well known that Japanese Barberry is a habitat for those same ticks. The increased humidity and shelter under the Barberry makes a perfect home for ticks and mice or other small rodents that are Lyme carriers. Tick populations are five times higher in areas with Japanese Barberry than in those without it and the number of those ticks infected with Lyme is a rather startling 12 times higher. Ironically, Japanese Barberry is readily sold and has actually been advertised as a good residential yard plant because it is unappealing to deer. This makes it appear on the surface as a good way to limit the tick population, by taking away the incentive for one of their larger carriers to visit home gardens. Unfortunately, the ticks themselves and some of their smaller carriers are attracted to Barberry. Barberry has been deemed risky enough to be limited or in some cases entirely banned by six states around the country. Not only is Barberry potentially very detrimental to Valley residents’ health, but it is also one of the more prevalent 18
and successful invasive species in our area. Invasive species generally are good at outcompeting native, local species and so end up controlling more area than other species combined. The lack of native species can create a problem for native animals looking for habitat, food, and other resources from their environment. Invasive species also reduce biodiversity, making the ecosystem more vulnerable and less versatile. We at Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space ask our neighbors for your help to create better outreach and share useful knowledge about invasive species action. The Hopewell Valley community has a long history that proves that our combined strength of concerned, informed citizens and passionate local organizations is a force to be reckoned with. Let’s band together to limit the use and proliferation of Japanese Barberry by home gardeners and in landscape design. This will take education and dedication from community members as well as cooperation between local environmental organizations and garden centers to create an informed community that has safer and healthier practices. We hope that the spread of knowledge will foster a more inquisitive and caring environmental spirit in this already warm community.
vvv For more information and to watch a video featuring FoHVOS Stewardship Director Dr. Michael Van Clef check out, “How One Plant May Be Fueling the Spread of Lyme.” InvestigationsTeam: The Lyme Wars. NBC 4, New York. 27 Oct., 2017. August 2018
The Wilson Family provides affordable dignified services to the families of Hopewell Valley since 1960.
2560 Pennington Road, Pennington, NJ www.WilsonApple.com
Wilson-Apple Funeral Home Robert A Wilson, Owner NJ Lic # 2520
609-737-1498 Wilson-Apple Funeral Home
R.Asher Wilson, Manager NJ Lic # 3823/Pa Lic # FD-000766
609-737-1498 Cromwell-Immordino Memorial Home Joseph A. Immordino, Jr., Manager NJ Lic # 4231
609-466-0233 Timothy F. Reeg Funeral Director
Timothy F. Reeg, Manager NJ Lic # 3982/Pa Lic # FD-013977-E
609-392-1039 Serving Hopewell Township, Hopewell Borough, Lawrenceville, Ewing, Peinnington, Titusville, Blawenburg, and Princeton.
New Jersey's First Farm Distillery Since Prohibition. Tours/Tasting are every Saturday from 1-5pm in Hopewell, NJ. Book your tour:
SourlandSpirits.com
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
19
1925
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• 2015 Accepted as an Early Decision Candidate to Farleigh Dickinson University • 2016 Honors College Preparatory Graduate of The Lewis School • 2017 The Lewis School of Princeton Honor Society Inductee • 2017 Dean’s List at Fairleigh Dickinson University • 2017 Most Valuable Player for Fairleigh Dickinson Cross Country Team • 2017 Honored Alumni Speaker, The Lewis School Athletic Awards Banquet • Awarded a Full FourYear Scholarship to Fairleigh Dickinson University • Accepted to all of his top ten colleges “When I first came to Lewis, I was frustrated by the demands of auditory processing in a lecture situation and by longer written assignments, research and managing the course load in reading. I avoided writing whenever I could. However, the work ethic and teamwork that I learned at Lewis have carried me through as a successful college athlete. I know that the lessons I learned from my teachers and coaches at The Lewis School will stay with me in athletics and in personal successes yet to come.”
• 2015 Accepted as an Early Decision Candidate to Farleigh Dickinson Univ A Leading Research-Based College Preparatory Day • 2016 Honors College Preparatory Graduate ofStudents The Lewis School Teachers Champion “I have faith, stubbornness School Where and an education from ™ Society Inductee • 2017 The Who Lewis School of Differently Princeton Honor Learn The Lewis School that
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• 2017 Dean’s List at Fairleigh Dickinson University
• 2017 Most Valuable Player for Fairleigh Dickinson Cross Country Team Andrew McTigue Country Team Ln, Princeton, NJ 08540 | (609) 924 Fairleigh -8120Dickinson | www.lewisschool.org University • 2017 Honored Alumni Speaker, The Lewis School Athletic Awards Banqu Class of 2020 c Awards Banquet The Lewis School of Princeton, • Awarded a Full FourYear Scholarship to Fairleigh Dickinson University on UniversitySince 1973, The Lewis School has 2011- 2016 • Accepted to all of his top ten colleges “The Lewis School
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“When I first came to Lewis, I was frustrated by the demands of auditory processing in a lecture situation and by longer written assignments, research and managing the course load in reading. I avoided writing whenever I could. However, the work ethic and teamwork that I learned at Lewis have carried me through as a successful college athlete. I know that the lessons I learned from my teachers and coaches at The Lewis School will stay with me in at and in personal successes yet to come.”
if it came at all.”
For applications and Program availability, Pre-K through High School Post Graduate and Gap Year Programs 53 Bayard Ln, Princeton, (609) Princeton 924 -8120NJ| www.lewisschool.org Contact 609-924-8120 5308540 Bayard| Lane, I NJ I Lewisschool.org