Hopewell Valley June 2018
From Wall Street to Main Street
Meet the Ryans
Cover photo by Benoit Cortet A community magazine serving the residents of Hopewell Township, Pennington Borough and Hopewell Borough
Hopewell Valley
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 Dermatology Windsor Dermatology | Dr. Wendy Myers 59 One Mile Road Ext., East Windsor, NJ 08520 | 609-443-0424 www.windsordermatology.com | #freezefat 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 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 Real Estate Gloria Nilson & Co. Real Estate | Hopewell Valley 800 Denow Road, Suite N, Pennington, NJ 08534 609-737-9100 | www.glorianilson.com
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June 2018
Dear Residents,
Publisher’s Letter
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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.
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Hopewell Valley Neighbors publisher: Rachel Donington: rdonington@bestversionmedia. com / 609-462-6786.
Hopewell Valley
little bit of determination can go a long way. Knowing what you want to accomplish in your life, in your career, for your family and community can help you reach your goals, as Pat and Ashley Ryan show us in the Resident Feature. Their story of love and success was made possible in part by their clear vision of what they wanted to achieve. All success, all achievement that is meaningful, and all success stories begin with desire. The right desires include a genuine sense of selfesteem, curiosity, and commitment to others and need to create. These are my objectives for this publication. Growing our community by bringing neighbors together is the goal. So what is life without a goal, or any desire to accomplish? Does anyone believe that it is possible to live without fate and determination? I hope you enjoy the stories we share in this issue.
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Publisher Rachel Donington, 609-462-6786
any of the stories in this issue are powerful reminders of how strong the sense of community here in Hopewell Valley truly is. The Ryans chose to settle here to raise their children after living in big cities, knowing the bonds they’d create would last a lifetime. Dr. Karen DeSimone, an orthodontist whose practice is in Pennington, happened across Pennington Day many years ago by chance, and ultimately decided to move here and open a business, inspired by what she saw. You’ll read about the Sourland Music Festival, a celebration to raise money to preserve the mountain that is also our own neighbor, and how dedicated those who organize it are to keeping this area beautiful. I hope these stories, along with the others, will act as a reminder of how blessed we are to call Hopewell home. Content Coordinator Catherine Bialkowski
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 Contributor
What’s SO COOL about Coolsculpting? By Dr. Wendy Myers | Dermatologist of Windsor Dermatology
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nyone who watches television or spends time on social media has probably seen an advertisement for Coolsculpting, which means you have probably asked yourself, “What’s all the fuss about?” The answer is, nothing at all. Coolsculpting is a noninvasive alternative for fat reduction that can be used to treat many areas of the body including the chin, abdomen, flanks, and thighs. It’s based on one simple principle—when you freeze fat cells, you kill them. The scientific term is Cryolypolysis. By using external applicators that isolate and then freeze unwanted pockets of fat, one is able to contour body parts that have been resistant to traditional diet and exercise. What is even better is since the procedure is completely noninvasive—including no needles or incisions— there is zero downtime.
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Who’s a candidate? There are a number of factors that come into play when determining if a patient is a good candidate for Coolsculpting. One of the most important considerations is does the candidate have the right type of fat. There are two types of fat on the body, visceral and subcutaneous. Visceral fat is the stubborn fat under the muscular wall located in our abdominal cavity. Subcutaneous fat is the fat directly below your skin that you can grab and squeeze. This is the fat can be treated with Coolsculpting. Other factors like skin laxity or looseness also determine results and need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Appropriate candidates once treated can expect to see a 20% reduction in the number of fat cells treated by the procedure. So what happens to the fat? This is probably the most common question I get asked during a consultation. After a fat cell is frozen, it starts an inflammatory process resulting in apoptosis or programmed cell death. Over the course of weeks and months, our body’s inflammatory cells break down these dead cells, resulting in their eventual removal from the treatment site.
June 2018
After a treatment, patients will start to see reduction after 6 to 8 weeks, but see the greatest improvement at 3 months. To find out if Coolsculpting is for you, please give me a call today. For a free Coolsculpting Consultation: Contact Dr. Wendy Myers at Windsor Dermatology, 59 One Mile Road Ext., East Windsor, 609-443-0424 or visit www.windsordermatology.com, #freezefat
Local Dermatologist Receives National Award By Ashley Varga | Windsor Dermatology The Wilson Family provides affordable dignified services to the families of Hopewell Valley since 1960.
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r. Jerry Bagel of Windsor Dermatology in East Windsor will be recognized with the Excellence in Leadership Award at the National Psoriasis Foundation’s Commit to Cure Gala on June 7 at Tribeca Rooftop, in New York City. As a five-term member of the National Psoriasis Foundation’s Medical Board, this reward is a reflection of his tireless efforts to support and help people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Congratulations Dr. Jerry Bagel! To purchase tickets and/or to honor Dr. Bagel with a tribute message, please visit www.psoriasis.com/bagelgala.
Hopewell Valley
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.
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Business Profile
For Your Home in Hopewell Choosing Deer-Resistant Plants By Nick Pirone | Owner of Cutting Edge Lawn & Landscaping
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ver the past few decades, plant damage caused by deer has risen to alarming levels in New Jersey’s rural and suburban gardens. The Hopewell Valley area is a prime example. As a result, many homeowners feel they have no choice but to put up fences to protect against them or give up on a beautiful garden altogether.
Why are we so overwhelmed by deer? Truthfully, it’s our own fault. Clearing forests for agriculture in the last century contributed to the disappearance of large predators and created an ideal browsing habitat for deer, triggering a population explosion. Nowadays, as we know too well, the conversion of farmland into residential subdivisions is depriving deer of their traditional food sources. Besides eradication through hunting and exclusion by fencing, what can a homeowner do? Use foul smelling repellents? In my experience, these are only effective when the browsing is very light, and unreliably at that. There is another strategy: selecting plants that deer won’t eat. However, this can still cause problems. It
can be difficult, for instance, to build an attractive and colorful garden with the proper light requirements, out of only deer-resistant species. I prefer the term ”deer-resistant” for a few reasons; as we all know, if deer are hungry enough, anything is on the menu! The more desperate they become, the more they will go after plants they once passed by. Some plants to avoid using in a new landscape in Hopewell Valley are hostas, hydrangeas, yews, tulips, clematis, leyland cypress, and emerald green arborvitae, to name a few. We at Cutting Edge Lawn & Landscaping utilize the following list when we design a beautiful landscape filled with breathtaking blooms and distinctive foliage.
Perennials: Astilbe Coreopsis Dicentra (bleeding heart) Helleborus (Lenten rose) Nepeta (catmint) Salvia Groundcovers: Ajuga Lily of the valley Lamium Pachysandra Perennial Shrubs: Barberry Boxwood Butterfly bush Leatherleaf viburnum Spirea Cherry Laurel Not only are these some of the best choices in any landscape—there is also no worrying about destructive deer. This selection of deer-resistant plants is unappetizing to those curious critters, allowing us to create eye-catching displays throughout your garden and on your porches and patios that will be able to reach their full, stunning potential. Reach out to Nick at Cutting Edge Lawn & Landscaping for more ideas, or to inquire about our services, by calling 609-356-3465.
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June 2018
Business Profile
Getting the Smile You Want Dr. Karen DeSimone’s Approach Gets It Right By Catherine Bialkowski
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t DeSimone Orthodontics, the vision has always been to combine a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with the best technology to deliver optimal results gently and in minimal time. Dr. Karen DeSimone, who lives and runs her practice in Pennington, is passionate about giving patients the smile they really want. Dr. DeSimone, who is originally from North Jersey, stumbled upon Pennington 25 years ago while searching for a new location to raise a family but also start an orthodontic practice. “While driving around, I found myself on Main Street during Pennington Day,” she says. She was inspired by the strong sense of community she saw unfolding over the suburban streets. “It was something I had never seen before.” Instantly, she fell in love with the town; she had never seen that much camaraderie and activity in one place. “In this area, the families really want to make the best decisions for not only themselves but the community. Having a healthy and beautiful smile is an example of one of those decisions that I am honored to help with.” Customer care and service is taken very seriously at DeSimone orthodontics. “It’s key to everything,” says Dr. DeSimone. In the orthodontics industry, visits are ongoing. With multiple appointments, patients can really get to know their orthodontist. “You get to know the families, and you get to see the children growing up. I have even begun to see some of my former patients’ children!” Another factor that sets DeSimone Orthodontics apart from the rest is the technology used there. The braces patients wear are comfortable, efficient, and discreet; special memory wires require fewer adjustments, and, therefore, visits, per year. And those goopy impressions taken before a patient starts treatment? DeSimone Orthodontics no longer uses them for baseline records or Invisalign. The latest technology allows Dr. DeSimone to use a small video camera that creates virtual 3D images, which assure better tooth position and comfort, rather than old-style plaster models. She also brings her knowledge and experience with this type of new technology to Philadelphia, where she is a clinical instructor in the post-graduate orthodontic residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center. At DeSimone Orthodontics, adult patients can feel just as welcome and children and adolescents. There are several options for those who have always wanted a straighter smile but do not like the idea of traditional, visible braces. A certified and experienced Invisalign provider, Dr. DeSimone uses these invisible aligners to gently and gradually move teeth into a correct position without placing wires across the teeth.
Hopewell Valley
Dr. DeSimone, along with the rest of her team, feels strongly about giving back to the community she serves with her practice. Every year, she and her team present educational seminars to dental offices and schools and support both local and national charities such as Homefront, Smiles Change Lives, and the So Others Might Eat Clinic. For the past eight years, DeSimone Orthodontics has awarded a high school scholarship to a graduating senior from Hopewell Valley Central High School who is interested in both science and art. Additionally, Dr. DeSimone has created Dentalopoly (www.dentalopoly.com), a creative, humorous board game for dental enthusiasts that donates a portion of its profits to Operation Smile. Year after year, Dr. DeSimone and her team receive recognition from both peers and patients as one of the top orthodontists in central New Jersey. For Dr. Karen DeSimone, the greatest compliment is when patients recommend her practice to their family and friends. “That’s when we know we’ve done our job well and that Hopewell Valley truly was the perfect place to call home.” For more information about DeSimone Orthodontics, call 609-737-8000 or visit www.desimoneorthodontics.com.
Combining artistry and advanced technology to create exceptional smiles using the most gentle and quickest orthodontics possible.
www.DesimoneOrthodontics.com
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Resident Feature
From Wall Street to Main Street
How Fate and Determination Brought the Ryans to Hopewell By Catherine Bialkowski | Photos by Benoit Cortet | Photos taken at Baldwin Lake in Pennington
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ith the right mindset, anything is possible—even becoming a CEO before the age of 40, while still remaining deeply involved in the community and putting family first. Sound impossible? Meet Patrick Ryan. Pat and his wife, Ashley, live in Elm Ridge Park with their twins Liam and Lily, 12, and 5-year-old Quinn. Pat, as Chief Executive Officer and President of First Bank NJ, works long hours every week, yet somehow never misses the chance to coach a youth sports team or tuck his kids in bed at night. Ashley and Pat’s love story is something straight out of a romantic film. They both went to high school in the Albany, New York area, she at an all-girls school and he at an all-boys school. They shared many mutual friends, but never dated. Pat graduated from high school a year before Ashley, and went to Hamilton College in New York, where he studied government. At one point, Ashley attended a tour at the school as a 8
high school senior, stopping by Pat’s dorm to say hello, but Pat was not there. It was an unfortunate twist of fate, but a seed had been planted. A few years later, in 1998, Pat, was living in New York City, where he worked at Goldman Sachs in the Investment Banking Division. Coincidentally, Ashley’s sister, Courtney, was also living and working in the city. Ashley, who had just graduated from Lafayette College, with degrees in English and Art History, had recently taken a job at The Museum of Modern Art, and Courtney threw a party for her at a local pub. Pat was invited. “We reconnected at that event,” he says, “and the timing was perfect.” Towards the end of the party, he asked for her number, and received a baffling response. “I have no number,” said Ashley, who explained she did not have a phone yet. Although Pat’s friends were convinced Ashley was simply not interested and encouraged him to move on, Pat June 2018
Resident Feature was not ready to give up, and he eventually reconnected with her through Courtney. He discovered that she had not, in fact, had a phone at the time, and that she was interested in getting together. Fate, which had kept them apart twice before, was finally bringing them together. Pat and Ashley spent a year together in New York City before Goldman Sachs gave Pat the opportunity to work in London. Ashley stayed in the city but visited him every few weeks. Upon Pat’s return, the couple spent another year in New York before Pat decided to pursue a Master’s degree in business administration at Dartmouth College. They got engaged the summer between Pat’s first and second year there. The couple married in 2003, right after Pat finished graduate school, and moved to another big city: Boston, Massachusetts, where Pat took a job at Bain & Company, a management consulting company, and Ashley was a buyer for Talbots. It was around this time that Pat began to realize that what he really wanted in his professional life was not necessarily tied to a specific industry or type of company. He simply wanted to be a leader and make a difference. “I eventually figured out that I wanted to do something entrepreneurial and to have the opportunity to lead, and build, and grow a company,” says Pat. “Ultimately, I didn’t want to be an adviser. I wanted to be in the game.” That desire was fulfilled for Pat a few years later, when he started to work for his dad, who was running a community bank in central New Jersey at the time. Pat and Ashley made the move back to New York City, where their twins, Liam and Lily, were born. But raising two children in a small apartment in the middle of a big city was no easy feat. “It wasn’t going to work,” says Pat. According to Ashley, the double-stroller for the twins could hardly fit onto the sidewalks of the bustling Big Apple. They knew they had to once again make a move. But, this time, they were ready to make the move from Wall Street to Main Street, in a way. While looking for houses in New Jersey, Pat came across a real estate ad in a local paper with a face he recognized, Jud Henderson, as an old friend from college. Since Pat and Ashley were from out-of-state, they were unsure of which towns to browse for houses in which they could raise their growing family. Jud helped them settle on Pennington, with its tight-knit community and “the fact that almost everywhere you go, you run into someone you know.” It also reminded Pat of Hamilton College, a small school where it was easy to create bonds with the people around him. Pat and Ashley bought their first home in Pennington in 2006, and they quickly fell in love with the area. Then, in 2008 after the sale of his father’s bank, and after serious deliberation, Pat made the decision to
Hopewell Valley
start a new bank. Having had prior experience in both investment banking and management consulting gave him the confidence and skills to feel comfortable embarking on the endeavor, and he felt that starting something new was the opportunity and challenge he’d been seeking. “I always thought I would find an industry that was my passion,” says Pat, “but ultimately, what I wanted to do was help build a business.” And build a business he did. In 2008, together with co-founders Leslie Goodman and Sidney Hofing, and lead investor Patrick M. Ryan (Pat’s father), he recapitalized a small bank named First Bank located in Williamstown, New Jersey. Today, First Bank has $1.5 billion in assets with 12 branches throughout seven counties in New Jersey as well as 5 branches in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and they plan to expand even further. As a true community bank, First Bank has a team of dedicated employees who all share the same mission and philosophy: to provide the local community with all its banking needs in a responsive, personalized, and efficient manner. Pat’s achievements have been impressive, especially considering his relatively young age. He started a bank at the same time he and Ashley were starting a young family. In many ways, his corporate and personal philosophies are aligned, which made the balancing act run a bit more smoothly. “On the whole, if you want to do exciting things from a business standpoint, you’re probably going to have demanding work hours,” says Pat, who certainly puts his all into ensuring First Bank continues to function as well as it does. But that doesn’t mean neglecting the Continued on page 10
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Resident Feature Continued from page 9
community or his family. “When you work locally, it makes a huge difference,” says Pat. “Hours that would be spent travelling or commuting can be spent coaching and volunteering.” He has always made being present for family time a priority, coaching both ice hockey and baseball teams for his children. What are the Ryans up to now? Lily enjoys running cross country and track; she also plays soccer and lacrosse. Liam plays ice hockey with the Lawrence/Nassau Flames and baseball with the HVBSA. Quinn will begin Kindergarten this fall in Hopewell Township. Ashley, who ironically is now a real estate agent with Jud Henderson at Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty, has truly made the move from Wall Street to Main Street, as the office is located on Main Street in Pennington. She is also involved with the community in other ways, as a Trustee of Pennington’s Penn Brook Club and the chair of multiple fundraisers throughout the years at St. James Nursery School and Toll Gate Grammar School. When he isn’t running the bank or coaching sports, Pat serves the community in multi-
PROUD TO BE
part of the Hopewell Valley community! TRUE COMMUNITY. 14 Additional Branches throughout NJ and Bucks County, PA including • Ewing • Flemington • Hamilton • Lawrence
firstbanknj.com • 877.821.BANK
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June 2018
Resident Feature ple other ways. Currently, he serves on boards for the Trenton YMCA, the MIDJersey Chamber of Commerce, the Friendly Sons and Daughters of St. Patrick, and the Crossroads of the American Revolution. Becoming a CEO before 40 has certainly taught Pat many a lesson about business as well as life. “The first thing you learn when building a start-up company is that you cannot do it alone. I’ve been very fortunate to have a great team, from the very beginning. Of course, that team expands beyond the office. Ashley has done an amazing job picking up the slack when I’m tied up with work obligations. Plus, we have such a supportive community. Local friends and family—including my mother Treacy, mother-in-law Marcia, and step-mother Sandy—have always stepped in to lend a helping hand, when needed.” For more information about First Bank, visit www. firstbanknj.com or visit their new Hopewell/Pennington branch located at 3 Tree Farm Road, Pennington.
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
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Real Estate
HOPEWELL VALLEY MARKET ACTIVITY APRIL SOLDS - Homes Address
Beds Baths Sold Price
Rentals Address
Beds Baths Sold Price
149 Shrewscbury Ct
3
0.5
$281,250
38 S Main St
1
1
$1,000
612 Bollen Ct
2
2.5
$290,000
37 Woolsey Ct
2
2
$2,100
316 S Main St
3
1
$350,000
206 Sandpiper Ct
2
2.5
$2,200
54 Taylor Tr
4
2
$363,000
132 Shrewsbury Ct
3
2.5
$2,350
5 Lafayette St
3
2.5
$363,500
14 New Rd
4
2.5
$2,400
264 Colt St
3
2.5
$375,000
15 Miller Cir
3
2.5
$2,400
20 Continental Ln
4
2.5
$396,000
227 Brinley Dr
3
2.5
$2,650
469 Federal City Rd
5
2
$401,000
204 Brinley Dr
3
2.5
$2,850
12 Fabrow Dr
4
2.5
$436,000
40 Navesink Dr
3
2.5
$446,000
Commercial
21 York Rd
4
3.5
$520,000
13 N Riding Dr
5
2.5
$625,000
7 Arvida Dr
4
4.5
$840,000
2 Roosevelt Ave
4
4
$975,000
52 Railroad Pl
$575,000
Lots 432 Washington Cross-Penn Rd
$205,000
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.
YOUR MORTGAGE PARTNER FOR THE PATH AHEAD
Lisa LeRay – Sales Associate
lleray@glorianilson.com 609.954.0177
Barbara Facompre – Sales Associate
bfacompre@glorianilson.com 609.731.1189
”Winn” Thompson SalesTHE Associate YOUR Gough MORTGAGE PARTNER–FOR PATH AHEAD gthompson@glorianilson.com 609.468.3838
Helen ”Sandy” Brown – Broker Sales Associate sbrown@glorianilson.com 609.468.8545
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Joelle Lione Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS #221185
June 2018
Our Valley’s Past
Remembering Our Friend David Blackwell By Rachel Donington
H
opewell Valley historian David Blackwell passed away Saturday, April 21, 2018. David was a deeply valued member of our Hopewell Valley community and contributing writer to our publication. We are honored to publish his final piece.
Our Roads: The Path of Roger Parke By David Blackwell | Hopewell Historian
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r. Roger Parke and his family are held to be the first European inhabitants within the present bounds of Hopewell Township. Quakers had arrived in the Chesterfield area of Burlington County about 1685, and the Parkes bought land in Hopewell Township in 1697.
Parke had settled in order to learn about Indian herbal practice and other cures. His house stood high on the eastern bluff above Stony Brook just north of today’s Mine Road. Stony Brook Road was built along the western side of his property in the 1790s when the property was owned by his descendants, the Larisons.
Soon after, the path from the river at Trent’s Town up into the woods of Hopewell was named Roger’s Road. It led to an Indian village called Wissamency, where Dr.
Today’s Pennington Road, Main Street in Pennington, Rt. 31, and the spur into Marshalls Corner are all on the path of Roger’s Road.
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 June Tip:
Did you know adding to a Roth IRA can create tax-free income in retirement? Speak to a financial professional to discuss tax efficient strategies that you can utilize in retirement.
Hopewell Valley
www.KnoxGroveFinancial.com 23 Route 31 N, Suite B10, Pennington, NJ 08534 • 609-216-7440
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Hopewell Happenings
Pet Adoption Days
@Rosedale Mills Puppies & Adult Dogs looking for their forever homes. Call 609-737-2008 for dates and times Every Wednesday in June
Story Time with Ms. Kim! @Pennington Public Library Time: 11am Geared for Children Ages 2-4 years Throughout the Month
Radio Control Flyers Show
@Mercer County Library Hopewell Branch The Washington Crossing Radio Control Flyers Association will have model aircrafts on display throughout Mercer County Library Hopewell Branch. Members will be available to answer questions about building and flying model aircrafts, as well as any inquiries about The Washington Crossing Radio Control Flyers Association. Fri., June 1
Color Me Calm – Adult Coloring
@Pennington Public Library Books and supplies available all day. Sat., June 2
Beginner Birder Workshop on National Trails Day
@Strawberry Hill Mansion Baldpate Mountain, Titusville Hosted by FoHVOS: Photographer Tyler Christensen will instruct beginner birders on selecting and using gear, such as
June 2018 optics, a field guide or bird ID application and how to begin recognizing major groups and common bird species. Birders will then head outdoors to find birds using field references on Baldpate Mountain. The workshop is co-sponsored with Washington Crossing Audubon Society. Time: 8-11am Registration required. $20 Members, $25 Non-Member.
Yoga for Beginners
@Mercer County Library Hopewell Branch Learn simple and powerful yoga postures to improve stability and balance. Bring a mat or a towel. Instruction by a trained Isha facilitator. Time: 3-4pm Registration required. Mon., June 4
Brain Games: Keep Your Mind Sharp!
@Mercer County Library Hopewell Branch Interactive presentation and discussion on the brain as the “master computer” and the important topic of brain health. Daily routine maintenance keeps this master organ healthy and in good working order as we age. Learn about diet, physical exercise, and proper rest for brain health. Play brain games to stimulate and exercise different areas of the brain and sharpen memory. A strong brain keeps memory strong! Time: 10-11am Registration required, please call 609737-2610 or go to hopeprogs@mcl.org.
Fri., June 8
Card Making Workshop
@Mercer County Library Hopewell Branch Learn the basics of greeting card making. Using rubber stamped images and interesting folding and layering techniques, create one-of-a-kind cards for any occasion. Create unique cards for Father’s Day, Graduations, or Birthdays! Presented by Alicia Vincelette, card maker for 22 years. Time: 10-11am All supplies will be provided, no registration needed. Sat., June 9
Come Outside and Play!
@Hopewell Borough Train Station 2 Railroad Place, Hopewell As part of the HV Arts Council’s new Out of the Ashes program, artist Sarah Bernotas will help you create abstract designs from ash tree “slices” to make original wall art and fun necklaces, while learning a bit about the Emerald Ash Borer beetle that is taking a toll on our native ash trees. Time: 10am-12pm Recommended for ages 6+ and up (including adults). Children must be accompanied by an adult. Limited to 20 participants. Registration is required, please email info@HVArtsCouncil.org
Hopewell Borough Block Party “Under the Stars” @Gardens at 2 West Broad Street Hopewell Borough
We have lollipops. (Our CD rates are pretty sweet, too.) eNorthfield.com
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June 2018
Hopewell Happenings Community-wide block party event with great music, food, and community camaraderie. Featuring 2 bands Castle Lane & the Jersey Corn Pickers. Tickets may be purchased online at www.hopewellblockparty.org or email Hopewell_Blockparty@comcast.net. Time: 7-10pm Must be 21 years of age or older to attend. Social Affair permit # 57704
Sat., June 23
15th Anniversary Sourland Music Festival Celebration
Too-Busy-For-Books Book Club
@Polo Fields of Hillsborough Golf & Country Club 146 Wertsville Road, Hillsborough Premier live music event of the summer with great local food and spectacular views. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www. sourlandmusicfest.org. Time: 3-10pm Proceeds benefit the Sourland Conservancy.
Wed., June 20
Anime Aficionados – Darling in the FRANXX
Tues., June 12
@Pennington Public Library Time: 7:30pm
Hopewell Valley Regional School District Central High School Graduation Wed., June 20 – Fri., June 22
Hopewell Valley Regional School District Early Dismissal All Schools
@Mercer County Library Hopewell Branch Join us as we watch the first three episodes of this year’s mecha, sci-fi anime, Darling in the FranXX. Time: 3-4:30pm Anime will be shown in Japanese with English subtitles. Films content are for an adult and older teen audience (Rating 17+). No registration necessary.
This month at Hopewell Valley Vineyards: Visit www.hopwellvalleyvineyard.com for 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 Winery Closed Saturday June 2 and June 23 for Private Events.
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.
Pennington Montessori School Premier early childhood education § 6 weeks through Kindergarten § Academic Curriculum § Music-Spanish-Outdoor Education Call to Schedule a tour!
609-737-1331
4 Tree Farm Road, Pennington NJ 08534 www.penningtonmontessori.org admissionsinfo@penningtonmontessori.org
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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It’s always sunny at Royal Tanning!
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Accepting applications for the 2018-2019 School Year
Hopewell Valley
15
In the Arts
An Artist’s Note By NJ DeVico
A
bout 25 years ago,Vikki Sarah Margulies of Hopewell went on a women’s spiritual workshop and created her first painting. “I was pretty impressed,” she says. “I did not think that I could create art, only appreciate it.” However, that was the extent of her artistic output for decades. One day, she purchased a note card at Classics Books in Trenton and a small piece of paper dropped onto her lap. “Calling All Artists! Let me turn your art into notecards…” She didn’t think the term ”artist” applied to her. A second note, several months later, prompted Margulies to give it a try. After much coaxing, she realized the nature photographs she’d taken while walking her Sheltie, Charlemain, did look like art in card form and when framed. Group and solo exhibits followed in local bank offices, at the Trenton City Museum, a physician’s office at Capital Health and Doylestown, Blue Pomegranate at the Blawenburg Reform Church, at the Blawenburg Cafe and Hopewell Valley Vineyards. Because she’s paying attention, Margulies sees beauty PQM Graduation and 2018.qxp_Layout 1 5/1/18 1:54 PM Page 1 the in everything everywhere. “I constantly see
Tempting Delights for your Graduation Celebration! Visit the Bake Shoppe of PQM and choose from a wide selection of delectable desserts, pastries and cakes including our festive photo cakes! Our decorators will personalize a special occasion cake for your celebration.
world in a different way and I want to share it. There are scenes in the natural world some people just wouldn’t think is beautiful. But I find beauty in it all.” And, yes, Margulies has found that beauty can balance out pain and put it in the back seat. These days people tell Margulies she looks like an artist. Perhaps it’s the scarves she dons on which her photos are printed. The fair trade manufacturer that also produces tote bags, pillows and handkerchieves—VIDA—approached her through her Instagram account leopardess99. Margulies says,”I love bringing beauty to others to appreciate and feel this is a special gift that I have bestowed. It gives me great pleasure to bring happiness to others in this way. Finding art and the ability to create feeds my soul.” To see products adorned with Margulies’ images go to her website at www.shopvida.com/collections/voices/ Vicki+Margulies or visit Gallery on Main in Somerset this August. NJ DeVico is a contributing writer, art lover, and artist who lives in Titusville.
The Chefs of PQM’s Catered Cuisine will prepare a full menu for your graduation party!
facebook.com/penningtonqualitymarket. Shop online 24/7 @pqmonline.com
From hot or cold hors d’oeuvres to fully cooked meals ready to serve, party planning was never so complete and easy. Make your graduation party an affair to remember with start-to-finish help from Catered Cuisine.
Choose from Deli Trays, Mini Kaiser Sandwiches, Hoagies, 7 Level Dip, BBQ Chicken, Baked Ziti, Italian Sausage, Pulled Pork BBQ, Cookie & Brownie Trays, Fruit Tarts & Strawberry Shortcake & so much more!
Memorable Floral Designs for your Graduate! Call the Bake Shoppe:
1-609-737-0058
24 hour notice is required to avoid disappointment.
16
We have everything you need to honor your graduate! •Greeting Cards •Balloons •Assorted Gift Choices
Located At The Corner of Route 31 and Delaware Avenue • Pennington, NJ 08534 • (609) 737-0058 June 2018
In the Arts
Celebrating Art In The Everyday By Mary Galioto | Public Relations and Media Coordinator, Hopewell Valley Arts Council
V
ision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others. – Jonathan Swift
The Hopewell Valley Arts Council cultivates all types of creative exploration and artistic expression and celebrates “art in the everyday”… but what does that mean? It is about opening one’s eyes to the simple, beautiful, seemingly mundane parts of our lives. It lies in shadows, reflections, footprints, found objects or trash, on store shelves, and even in our garages.
It is also the art of everyday activities, items, and relationships – a child’s poem/art, stacked wood, homemade cards, and baked goods. It lies in an organized spice rack or a pile of worn sneakers tossed by the door. To celebrate viewing the world with this new lens, we’re inviting the community to participate with us. Starting in June, we’ll be posting photos submitted by the community and hope you’ll join us by tagging your inspired images with #hvartintheeveryday on
HO2
46 Yard Road Pennington, NJ 609-737-4465
Wine, Food, Music & Friendship
HOPEWELL VALLEY VINEYARDS
Facebook and Instagram. Don’t enjoy tagging? Email our us at info@hvartscouncil.org. Please help us discover all the endless possibilities and celebrate art in the everyday!
Save the Date: Saturday, June 9: Come Outside and Play! Hopewell Train Station, 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Sunday, September 9: Ash Tree Art Sale, Barbecue, and Cornhole Tournament, Valley Road Picnic Area, Hopewell Township.
JointheParty atFlutter! Sunday, June 24th - 12 to 6 As we celebrate 6 years of fashion, friendship and fun!
Flutter... Where Fashion Takes Flight!
www.flutterstyle.com
20 South Main Street • Pennington, NJ 08534 • 609.737.2236
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
Hopewell Valley
17
Spotlight on Community
Force of Nature Gretchen Kish
By Lisa Wolff | Executive Director, FoHVOS
G
retchen Kish was born and raised in Titusville, N.J. She grew up in a house that backed up to the woods and her first job was as a gardener at Washington Crossing Park. It was there that she learned that horticulture could be a college major. Gretchen’s lifelong passion for both Hopewell Valley and improving its landscape made her an easy choice for our June Force of Nature. Gretchen and her husband John founded a landscaping business and in addition to helping our area improve its landscaping, she very generously gives back to the local community. Her personal philosophy is in line with FoHVOS stewardship objectives. We both want to restore Hopewell Valley lands. Gretchen enjoys educating others on the importance of landscaping with native species and said that people are receptive if you come to them as a knowledgeable person. She shared, “People worry that larger beds require more maintenance, but that’s not true, because when the right plants are planted and allowed to mature, the bed space actually uses less maintenance and requires less resources to maintain.” Applying these principles, Gretchen initiated an expansive design for Bear Tavern Elementary School to create a new outdoor classroom that will be implemented over several years at no taxpayer cost. As part of our Community Conservation initiative, FoHVOS is partnering on the first phase of the project by administering a very generous grant from Janssen Pharmaceuticals to include healthy habitats.
Photograph by Benoit Cortet Gretchen has prepared a beautiful design and selected native plants and trees that will attract pollinators, butterflies, insects, and birds. She collaborated with FoHVOS Stewardship Director Dr. Mike Van Clef who advised on best practices to maximize the ecological benefits. The Bear Tavern project will also rely on grant money from the PTO, The College of New Jersey, and the Hopewell Valley Education Foundation for the pond and classroom features. While Gretchen and John have a successful landscape and design business, they recently opened a home and garden retail location on River Road in Titusville. John shared that it was all about that specific location. They had their eye on it for years. Gretchen’s vision is to transform their amazing home and garden store into a community meeting place. They are beautifying the lot and creating shaded area to bring people in for networking, garden clubs, lectures, classes, and events. Gretchen and John are teaming up with the Hopewell Valley Arts Council and sharing their lovely space for events to further enrich the Hopewell Valley community. Throughout her life, Gretchen has witnessed the significant growth of our Valley. Past expansion has brought both positive and negative change. She believes that the right people representing our community can ensure new growth is done thoughtfully. Her commitment preserving the land and character of Hopewell Valley makes Gretchen Kish our FOHVOS June Force of Nature.
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June 2018
Spotlight on Community
Sourland Music Festival Celebrates 15 Years By Catherine Bialkowski
T
his year, the Sourland Music Festival celebrates its 15th anniversary. The festival, which is hosted by the Sourland Conservancy, raises funds every year to help this nonprofit organization achieve its mission of protecting the Sourland Mountain. On June 23, residents of Hopewell Valley can come together to enjoy live music, local food, and an incredible view—all to support an important cause.
Gery Juleff, one of the festival’s main organizers and a trustee of the Sourland Conservancy, is passionate about the cause. “Our motive is that we all love the Sourland Mountain and we want to see it preserved,” he says. He calls the festival “a fundraiser, but also a way of educating as many people as possible” about the importance of protecting local nature. The Sourland Music Festival started off as a small-scale event at Hillbilly Hall in Hopewell Borough in its founding years, but has grown into a community event that attracts children and adults alike. For the past few years, it has been held at Hillsborough Golf and Country Club, which is right at the foot of the mountains. Gery, who is originally from Belfast, Ireland, got involved three years ago as a way to become more connected with community service. “I’m trying to give a little bit back to the community that has made me feel very welcome,” he says. Although the Sourland Music Festival is just that—a music festival—there’s more to it. It’s about sharing locally and sustainably produced food, spending time with loved ones, and raising awareness about the beautiful landscape so near to many of our homes. The music, though, is an exciting part
of the event. This year, attendees will enjoy appearances by identical twin duo Nalani & Sarina; rock and electronica band Flux Capacitor; blues and rock group Stolen Rhodes; and Verdict, a rock band that has performed at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park and has opened for Madonna, among others. Joshua Branson, a New Jersey-based musician best known for his beautifully crafted songs where you’ll hear influences ranging from Lou Reed and Roxy Music to Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and the Art of War; and J. B. Kline Band, J.B., is a seasoned performer who has played with many bands from New Jersey and New York as well as world-famous artists. In the coming years, the Sourland Conservancy hopes to expand the festival. “We want to appeal to a younger crowd and educate them from an early age about environmental issues,” says Gery. People of all ages can enjoy the beautiful scenery overlooking the Sourland Mountain. As Gery Juleff puts it, “Where else can you have so much fun while also doing something for a good cause?” The Sourland Music Festival will be held Saturday, June 23, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Hillsborough Golf & Country Club, 146 Wertsville Road, Hillsborough. Discounted advance-sale tickets are available now at www.SourlandMusicFest.org : VIP (limited) $100; adult $15 ($25 at the gate); young people (ages 12-18) $10; Children under 12, free. Proceeds benefit the Sourland Conservancy. For more information about the Sourland Music Festival and to purchase tickets, visit www.sourlandmusicfest.org.
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Hopewell Valley
www.pennington.org/Summer 19
Hopewell Valley 1925
• 2015 Accepted as an Early Decision Candidate to Farleigh Dickinson University
aith, stubbornness education from wis School that me confidence.”
w McTigue
• 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
ickinson University ss of 2020 chool of Princeton, 011- 2016
From the trendsAthletic Awards Banquet • 2017 Honored Alumni Speaker, Thenewest Lewis School
to timeless treasures, Twirl gifts are sure to • Accepted to all of his top delight. ten colleges Now offering STEM toys and custom “When I first came to Lewis, I was frustrated by the demands of auditory processing in a party favor bags too! lecture situation and by longer written assignments, research and managing the course load Come visitHowever, us today! in reading. I avoided writing whenever I could. the work ethic and teamwork that • Awarded a Full FourYear Scholarship to Fairleigh Dickinson University
I learned at Lewis have carried me through as a successful college athlete. I know that the
609-737-4386 (4FUN)
10 North Main Street, Pennington lessons I learned from my teachers and coaches at The Lewis School will stay with me in athletics
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday: 10 come.” to 5 r Thursday & Friday: 10 to 6 and in personal successes yet to
www.twirltoyshop.com
Where Teachers Champion “The Gifts of Learning Differently The Value of Thinking Outside of the Box”™
ard Ln, Princeton, NJ 08540 | (609) 924 -8120 | www.lewisschool.org
SUMMER STUDY AND ENRICHMENT 2018 June 25th - July 20th
Society Inductee
8:30 am to 3:00 pm daily
INTENSIVE MORNING ACADEMICS
date to Farleigh Dickinson University of The Lewis School
*
AFTERNOON ENRICHMENT CAMPS
• 2015 Accepted as an Early Decision Candidate to Farleigh Dickinson University
“I have faith, stubbornness and an education from The Lewis School that give me confidence.”
• 2016 Honors College Preparatory Graduate of The Lewis School
Clear-cut, Research-based Strategies to Improve:
• 2017 The Lewis School of Princeton Honor Society Inductee
Multisensory Approaches to:
• 2017 Dean’s List at Fairleigh Dickinson University Foundational and Higher Level Math Computation, Reading, Spelling, Writing, Vocabulary, Comprehension ckinson Cross Country Team • 2017 Most Valuable Player for Fairleigh Dickinson Cross Country Team Andrew McTigue Word Problems and STEM Applications Fairleigh Dickinson University School Athletic Awards Banquet • 2017 Honored AlumniSelective Speaker, The Lewis School Athletic Awards Banquet Phonics, Listening Skills, Auditory Processing, Recall Class of 2020 The Lewis School of Princeton, SAT/ACT Prep for ”Learning-Different Students”™ irleigh Dickinson University • Awarded a Full FourYear Scholarship to Fairleigh Dickinson University 2011- 2016 Expressive Language, Working-Memory, Higher Order Thinking • Accepted to all of his top ten colleges Improve Testing, Minimize Stress “The Lewis School helped me to realize Planning, Categorizing, Prioritizing, Actualizing, Reflecting, Checking that I should not be emands of auditory processing in a “When I first came to Lewis, I was frustrated by the demands of auditory processing in a STEM/ STREAM Electronics and Circuitry afraid to approach esearch and managing the course load lecture situation and by longer written assignments, research and managing the course load success in my own way. ver, the work ethic and teamwork that in reading. I avoided writing whenever I could. However, the work ethic and teamwork that Green Crusaders: Saving the Pollinators Before attending essful college athlete. I know that the I learned at Lewis have carried me through as a successful college athlete. I know that the Lewis, I never thought lessons I learned from my teachers and coaches at The Lewis School will stay with me in athletics e Lewis School will stay with me in athletics success or that it Music/Art Workshops, Producing an Original Sound Track In-studio “A Leaderabout in Research-based, College Preparatory and in personal successes yet to come.” Education would come easily, if it came at all.” Tennis, Track, Sports Training and Health, Team Building For Students Who Learn Differently”
niversity
.lewisschool.org
For Summer Study Applications and Program Availability, and Pre-k through High School Post Graduate and Gap Year Programs Contact (609) 924-8120 53 Bayard Lane, Princeton, NJ www.lewisschool.org
53 Bayard Ln, Princeton, NJ 08540 | (609) 924 -8120 | www.lewisschool.org
Congratulations to the college-bound students of the Class of 2018 who have earned $1.5 million dollars in Merit Scholarship awards to date! We are so proud of your extraordinary achievement!