Hopewell Valley May 2018
The King Family Giving from the Heart
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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May 2018
Dear Residents,
Publisher’s Letter
I
believe in putting your heart into everything you do, whether that be related to work, family, or my own interests. Sometimes, living joyfully is as simple as putting forth the best version of yourself every day.
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
I have learned this lesson firsthand from women like Nancy King of our featured family, who has put her whole heart into helping others, and Linda Martin, owner of Flutter Boutique in Pennington, who uses her platform as a store-owner to celebrate women. Funnily enough, Linda and Nancy themselves are dear friends—Nancy shops at Flutter, and one of the local charities Linda supports is Colin’s Kids, which Nancy founded. Linda even featured Nancy in her “Women Who Inspire” campaign, which you’ll read more about in the Flutter Boutique business profile. All of their motivation, selflessness, and kindness toward others comes from—you guessed it—their hearts. I hope their stories inspire you to listen to your own heart this month; it just might tell you something life-changing.
W
Publisher Rachel Donington, 609-462-6786
orking on this issue taught me more than one life lesson, mostly from the people I wrote about. Linda Martin’s virtue— that giving is getting—has stuck with me ever since I spoke with her for the story, and is something I believe can transform us, if we live each day with it in mind. The King family’s story of charity and generosity taught me another lesson: that even the little things can make a huge difference. Sometimes, that little thing is a handmade blanket, or a homecooked meal after a long day. You don’t have to move mountains to do a bit of good for someone else; you simply give what you are able to, and you can impact someone’s life for the better. It is my wish for you that you get something out of their stories, too. Content Coordinator Catherine Bialkowski Hopewell Valley Neighbors is on Facebook! “Like” us @hopewellvalleyneighbors for updates, photos, & more.
Our advertisers make Hopewell Valley Neighbors possible. Be sure to thank them by supporting their businesses. Tell them you saw their ad in Hopewell Valley Neighbors.
Please Welcome Expert Contributor Windsor Dermatology Wendy Myers, MD, is well-versed in all areas of medical and surgical dermatology with particular interest in acne, skin cancer, and rashes. She uses several lasers for reduction of unwanted hair and redness. Dr. Myers is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the Women’s Dermatologic Society.
Expert Contributor
Hats Off to Christina Nash 2018 BEST FIFTY WOMEN IN BUSINESS Award Winner By Rachel Donington
C
hristina Nash, Founder and CEO of Knox Grove Financial, was recently named one of the NJBIZ Best Fifty Women in Business of 2018. A big congratulations to her on this amazing recognition!
The 2018 winners were celebrated at an awards reception ceremony in Somerset in March. Winners are also highlighted in the Best Fifty Women in Business event publication that was featured in the March 28 edition of NJBIZ.
Nash’s Pennington-based company is a financial services firm providing investment, insurance, and portfolio advisory services to individuals, families, and business owners.
As a leader and educator, Nash often speaks to employee groups, professional organizations, women groups, and civic organizations on topics such as “Minding Your Money” and financial planning topics of interest. She strongly believes that managing your current finances and planning for your financial future should be an enjoyable, empowering experience.
NJBIZ Best Fifty Women in Business were chosen by panel of independent judges. Each winner was selected on her professional success, community involvement, and advocacy for women.
CHATTING WITH CHRISTINA, What have been your early influences? My mom encouraged me to be an independent, strong female. She intentionally named me Christina Anne Nash so my initials would be CAN. She told me that I CAN do anything I set my mind to in my life. What advice do you have for young women starting their careers? Learn from others’ mistakes, because you don’t live long enough to make them all on your own! Surround yourself with people who motivate and encourage you to succeed. What career accomplishment are you most proud of achieving? When I started in the industry in 2003, I was one of two female advisers out of 450 in the company. Being a woman in a male-dominated industry made me laser-focused. I rode to one of the top 10 of those 450 advisers and decided it was time to stop fueling someone else’s jet plane. I am proud to have taken the risk to courageously open Knox Grove Financial, LLC. Since that time, I have worked hard to mentor and encourage more women to enter the financial field and find success.
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 May Tip:
When planning for retirement, it is important to understand how old you must be to qualify for Social Security and how much you can expect to receive. Speak with your financial professional regarding your options.
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www.KnoxGroveFinancial.com 23 Route 31 N, Suite B10, Pennington, NJ 08534 • 609-216-7440
May 2018
Recipe Corner
simple peanut butter oat bars
by Jordan King
ingredients 1 cup peanut butter ž cup (or less) honey 3 cups oats 1 tablespoon flax seed 1 tablespoon chia seed 1 teaspoon cinnamon
directions This is a great, quick, no bake snack for those children (and adults) who are active and hungry.
Hopewell Valley
Melt peanut butter and honey together. Stir in and mix remaining ingredients together. Press mixture into a parchment paper lined baking pan. To make cutting easier, refrigerate for 20 minutes. Cut and serve.
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Business Profile
Linda Martin’s Flutter Boutique When You Give, You Get By Catherine Bialkowski “
W
e are always the same age inside.”
That’s the motto—a quote from Gertrude Stein—Linda Martin, owner of Flutter Boutique in Pennington, lives by. Since she was a young girl, Linda has had a passion for style and fashion. “My dream has always been to one day have my own boutique,” she says. She used to take the train into New York City with a friend—they were only fourteen years old at the time—and shop for hours. For 45 years Linda, who has a degree in Fashion Merchandising, was able to work in the industry as Group Vice President of Human Resources for Macy’s Stores. After her time at Macy’s, she also worked for The Children’s Place as Senior Vice President of Human Resources. While she thoroughly enjoyed her successful career, she knew there was another chapter of life ahead of her;
SpringAwakening at Flutter The Romantic Floral Dress One Of The looks You’ll Love From Our Spring Collection!
Flutter... Fashion for Life
www.flutterstyle.com
20 South Main Street • Pennington, NJ 08534 • 609.737.2236
it was only a matter of time before she would fulfill her lifelong ambition. In 2012, Linda’s dream came true when she opened Flutter Boutique on South Main Street. The name “flutter” comes from Linda’s affinity for the butterfly. “I always equated a butterfly with a woman,” she says. “Even though the butterfly is delicate and beautiful, it takes a lot of strength to break out of the cocoon, and when it does, it takes flight. ” For Linda, the butterfly connotes beauty, freedom, and light. She realized she wanted the name of her store to reflect everything this creature embodies, and settled on elegant-sounding “flutter,” a word that evokes the motion a butterfly makes as it flies through the air. Linda opened Flutter Boutique with a few goals in mind. She wanted her merchandise to be affordable so that all women could shop at her store. “I didn’t want boutique prices or attitude,” says Linda. “I wanted to have beautiful clothes, but to have them be accessible to the customer.” She also wanted Flutter to be a place where women are celebrated daily. Seeing a customer’s confidence improve upon seeing herself in the mirror, wearing something she might not have normally chosen, has been one of the most rewarding parts of becoming a store-owner. “I feel strongly that women need to be recognized and heard,” she says. This virtue is what prompted her to create “Women Who Inspire,” a campaign in which local women are celebrated and recognized through emails, ads, and posts on the Flutter Boutique website. For Linda, giving back is of utmost importance, and is a large part of why she decided to open a clothing store in the first place. “I wanted a platform to do good,” she says. She and the rest of the Flutter team are dedicated to local charitable causes including Colin’s Kids, Christine’s Hope
Hearing loss affects individuals differently Four Decades of Audiologic Experience. We’re here to help.
Horizon Audiology, Inc. www.horizonaudiology.com Dr. Jane Brady, AuD, FAAA Supervising Licensee NJ Audiology License #YA376 NJ Hearing Aid Dispensing License #MG710 84 Route 31 North, Suite 200 Pennington, NJ 08534 Phone: 609-303-0291 • Fax: 609-303-0293
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Dr. Tara L. Fuchs, AuD, FAAA NJ Audiology License #YA558 NJ Hearing Aid Dispensing License #MG834 East Windsor Medical Commons 300A Princeton Hightstown Road, Suite 204 East Windsor,NJ 08520 Phone: 609-448-9730 • Fax: 609-448-9732
May 2018
Business Profile
Is breaking up with Facebook hard to do? for Kids, Project Fashion Feed, and Hope is in the Bag (a two-week shopping event for local businesses that benefits women fighting breast cancer), to name a few. She has created a Fashion Advisory Board (FAB) comprised of young women who are interested in style but also have a desire to do philanthropic work. One of the most memorable events for Linda has been Girls’ Night In, an evening filled with pampering and a celebration of the woman. Girls Night In is hosted by HomeFront N.J., whose main mission is to end homelessness in central New Jersey, and creates an opportunity for women of all financial backgrounds to experience a fun-filled night of self love. Linda donates rack upon rack of clothing, which she sets up at the venue to resemble Flutter Boutique, and women and girls of all ages can treat themselves to whatever they like at no cost. The staff of Amber Spa in Pennington attend the event as well, offering makeup and nail painting services. Linda’s inspiring motivation to serve others stems from the close relationship she shared with her mother and father, who, she says, both demonstrated kindness in their everyday lives. “My mother was such a phenomenal role model,” says Linda. “In addition to working hard and being a mother, she also believed in giving back. I saw how that enriched her life. When you give, you get. And you get more than you give. She’d be so proud of the store and what it represents.” Linda Martin truly puts her heart into everything she does. People ask her, “Shouldn’t you be taking it easy now?” But for Linda, running Flutter Boutique is not really a job. “If you do something you love, it’s not work,” she says. That’s another of her favorite quotes. “It’s never too late to follow your dreams.” Learn more about Flutter Boutique and how Linda gives back at www.flutterstyle.com.
Written by Emma Riehl With all the negative press about Facebook, people are asking, “What’s the alternative?” While some followers will never leave Facebook, others are looking for a place to go. Most ask, “If I leave, where do I go and will my friends come with me?” We all know the stories of networks such as Instagram that became overnight sensations. However, most social networks are built by early adopters who bring their friends along with them, and then grow slowly over time. This creates a personalized vibe and makes the space even more attractive. Take Nextdoor for example, the social network devoted to neighbor-to-neighbor communication in a tight-knit geographical area. Nextdoor is not a Facebook alternative based on its exclusive appeal to neighborhoods, but it serves as a solid metaphor for growth. Nextdoor launched in 2010. By social network standards, Nextdoor grew incredibly slowly. Despite that, Nextdoor became one of the few tech companies to be valued at $1 billion without earning any revenue because the number of people networking on the platform eventually added up, one neighbor at a time. Great movements develop over time because a social network’s longevity and profitability depend on worthwhile, trusting relationships between its users and the network itself. Recently, Myopolis, a very viable alternative to Facebook, subtly and quietly opened their doors offering Citizens (like “friends”) the chance to become pioneers of their community and build trust amongst one another. Citizens sound off on topics they care about and are heard by others who care about the same topics. The Leaderboard is a popular component because it shows the leader in each category at the Local, State and National level. Early adopters will be at the forefront of the latest social movement. The problems Facebook experienced will likely be void because it is centered on the user’s ability to filter out what do and do not want to see and read. A cool bonus is that the original founder of every town in North America will be noted in Myopolis records as the Founder. Now is the time to be a BIG fish in a smaller pond until Myopolis is an ocean. At that point, we will see if Myopolis can stay ahead of the problems Facebook faces today. One can hope.
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25 Route 31 South, Pennington • 609-954-0181
Hopewell Valley
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Resident Feature
Left to right: Chris, Nancy, Carolyn, Andrew, Dave, and Connor
The King Family: Giving from the Heart How Nancy King Embarked on a Journey to Change Lives By Catherine Bialkowski | Photos by Benoit Cortet
E
very year in the United States, 40,000 babies are born with a congenital heart defect, or a CHD. CHDs are 60 times more prevalent than childhood cancer—and yet research for this kind of birth defect is remarkably under-funded. Nancy King, a 17-year resident of Hopewell and Executive Director of Colin’s Kids, wants to change that.
baby’s gender so they could prepare, decorate, and plan accordingly. Carolyn took the day off from school to accompany her parents on the doctor’s visit.
Nancy and her husband David have four children: Carolyn, 16, Connor, 14, Christopher, 12, and Andrew, 10. Andrew was born with a transposition of the great arteries (TGA), a congenital heart defect in which the aorta and the pulmonary artery are switched. At only four days old, Andrew underwent a complicated surgery that saved his life.
The nurse excused herself to notify the doctor, who sat Nancy and Dave down—accompanied by Carolyn, in Kindergarten at the time—to explain the gravity of the situation.
Nancy and Dave learned about Andrew’s CHD when Nancy was five months pregnant. During all of her previous pregnancies, Nancy chose not to find out her child’s gender until the birth. Once Andrew was on the way, however, the family decided to do a bit of home-rearrangement, and chose to find out their fourth 8
“The technician was going over the area where the heart was more than usual,” says Nancy. “I knew something was wrong.”
“It was a very scary time,” says Nancy, who put on a face of bravery for Carolyn so as not to worry her. When Andrew was born on May 29, 2008, he was immediately in distress. Nancy says a part of her knew this, and refused to let him go, to be brought into the world. “The nurses and doctors said, ‘You have to let him go.’” she says. “I was literally keeping him from being born.” May 2018
Resident Feature
Connor in his fencing gear After Andrew’s birth, he was immediately whisked away to be stabilized before his first open heart surgery. During Andrew’s time at the neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU, Nancy befriended the mother of another child being treated at the same hospital. Kelly Molloy was there with her son, Colin, who was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a condition in which the left ventricle does not form properly. Colin was the baby whose bed was directly next to Andrew’s. “Kelly knew what I was already going through,” says Nancy. “We saw each other every day.” They would watch each other’s baby while the other took a break, grabbing some food or coffee. Nancy and Kelly were fast friends.
Carolyn is pictured with her no-sew fleece blankets for Colin’s Kids days after Colin went home, Nancy received a heartbreaking phone call. “My little angel has gone to heaven,” a devastated Kelly told Nancy. At Colin’s funeral, Kelly was “so strong and amazing,” says Nancy. She told everyone she wanted her son to be remembered. Colin had given her a Mother’s Day and a Father’s Day during his short time on Earth, and the memory of him would soon make an even greater impact on the world. Continued on page 10
At four days old, Andrew underwent open heart surgery. “I was so scared that during his actual surgery we just went and had breakfast, because I couldn’t think about what was happening,” says Nancy. But it was a success, and only six days after Andrew’s surgery, Nancy and Dave were able to take him home.
After Nancy and Kelly took their children home, they stayed in touch, though Kelly lived all the way in Connecticut, while the Kings were in Hopewell. Forty-seven
Hopewell Valley
sPummer ROG R A M
S
“I came home to all my neighbors and friends. They already had meals for my family. Everyone was there, saying, ‘How do we help?’ They took the stress off. The whole community wrapped around me like a blanket,” Nancy says.
Register now for camps for ages 10–15!
www.pennington.org/Summer 9
Resident Feature Continued from page 9
Nancy and Kelly continued their bond, and soon realized they wanted to do more. “We wanted to give back,” says Nancy. Their desire was to create a way to help support research for CHDs and to give financial aid to families affected by the issue. They, with the help of their families, founded Colin’s Kids in memory of Kelly’s incredible little boy. Colin’s Kids has been vastly successful in its efforts to make a change. The Board of Directors—which is made up entirely of volunteers—has two main goals: to fund research for treatment of CHDs and to provide financial support to the parents of children born with a CHD. “A lot of the people at Colin’s Kids don’t have children with hearts defects; they just want to help, which is incredibly impressive,” says Nancy. “I can’t run Colin’s Kids by myself. It’s not just one or two people who make this all happen—the community of Hopewell truly comes together, and it directly impacts these kids. I feel very blessed.” She truly believes that living in Hopewell has played a huge role in the success of Colin’s Kids and the amazing impact it has had. “It’s a really special place.” Because everyone at Colin’s Kids is a volunteer, “Every dollar that we raise goes directly to research and to children,” Nancy says. “It’s important to us that it stays that way.” Andrew and Chris How does Colin’s Kids raise its funds? They host golf outings, luncheons, dinners, and auctions, to name a few events. Recently, they hosted the 2018 Colin’s Kids Cocktails for a Cause, which Nancy calls a “huge success.” Next month, on June 12, the organization will host the 2018 Colin’s Kids Golf Tournament and Dinner, which Nancy and Kelly and the team of volunteers have been planning for months. Colin’s Kids raises funds in other ways as well. Carolyn King, a sophomore at The Lawrenceville School, has been making—and teaching others how to make— no-sew fleece blankets for families of children with
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May 2018
Resident Feature a CHD since 2009. She is also starting a club at her school for classmates to help make them. The amount of time Carolyn has dedicated to creating the blankets, purchasing supplies, and teaching others is astounding, and her motivation comes from a selfless desire to give. “I know that these blankets not only bring warmth to kids and their families in often-cold hospitals, but they also tell them that there are people out there who care about them,” says Carolyn. Nancy recalls Andrew’s time at the hospital, and how people would come by and drop off handmade blankets. “They make you feel like someone cares. Having that little splash of color on the incubator makes all the difference.” Colin’s Kids, with the direction of Carolyn, coordinates the making of hundreds of these blankets a year—Girl Scouts make them, Boy Scouts make them, fourth-graders at Hopewell Elementary School make them, the Board of Education makes them, neighbors of Hopewell Valley make them. Sitting around one blanket and talking with people you may have never met before—“It’s powerful,” says Nancy. “Those blankets go to a child in need at the hospital.” “When I first started this, I didn’t think it would go anywhere,” says Nancy. “You think, ‘I can’t really make a difference.’” But Colin’s Kids has truly made an incredible impact on the world of CHDs. The organization has been able to donate approximately $20,000 yearly to research, and another $15,000 to families of children with a CHD struggling to pay their bills, thanks to all of its amazing volunteers, supporters, and contributors at the events. And this impressive amount has allowed doctors to acquire bigger grants for research and medical treatments, which have an even greater influence on CHD research.
and he knows it makes him special—in fact, he has asked his parents if his heart surgery provided him with any upgrades, asking, “Am I a superhero?” Although he is young, he is beginning to understand what it means to be born with a CHD, and how much good Colin’s Kids has done. Because of medical research funding by organizations like Colin’s Kids, Andrew—with an OK from his doctor—plays baseball, and is a black belt in tae kwon do. It has been over nine years since Colin passed away, and Kelly and Nancy are so proud of the impact he has made. “He’s doing amazing things,” says Nancy. “Look what he’s done for all of these children.” Colin, she says, is Andrew’s guardian angel. “He is so much a part of our lives.” To learn more about Colin’s Kids visit www.colinskids. weebly.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.
Ten-year-old Andrew has recently taken an interest in what Colin’s Kids does, and even asked his mother for some facts to share at school. He is proud of his scar
HO2
46 Yard Road Pennington, NJ 609-737-4465
Wine, Food, Music & Friendship
HOPEWELL VALLEY VINEYARDS
Hopewell Valley
11
Real Estate
HOPEWELL VALLEY MARKET ACTIVITY MARCH SOLDS - Homes Address
184 Pennington Harbourton Rd
Beds Baths Sold Price
Multi Family Homes Address
Beds Baths Sold Price
65-67 W. Broad St
3 Units
$265,000
171 Pennington Rocky Hill Rd
2 Units
$450,000
2490 Pennington Rd
office
$790
24 N Main St
office
$6,158
3
2
$60,002
46 Coleman Ln
1
1
$150,000
17 Featherbed Ln
4
2
$240,000
27-29 Delaware Ave
3
2
$250,000
33 Patterson Ave
4
1
$264,900
179 Shrewsbury Ct
3
2.5
$265,000
279 Pennington Titusville Rd
3
2
$306,000
20 West Franklin Road
2
1
$1,350
70 Woolsey Ct
3
2.5
$309,700
26 Dublin Rd
4
3
$334,900
17 Blake Dr
3
2.5
$2,400
250 Colt St
3
2.5
$357,500
99 Haddon Ct
3
2.5
$2,700
1214 River Rd
5
3.5
$400,000
24 Nelson Ridge Rd
3
3.5
$3,150
40 Navesink Dr
3
2.5
$446,000
101 N Main St
4
3
$447,000
1 Wyckoff Dr
4
2.5
$485,000
121 Woosamonsa Rd
3
2.5
$487,000
1174 Bear Tavern Rd
4
2.5
$535,000
Rentals
Lots 4 Pennington Lawrenceville Road
$17,000
46 Coleman Avenue
$150,000
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.
75 Columbia Avenue, Hopewell Borough, $600,000
Hopewell Valley Office
4 Bedroom, 2.5 bath total renovation with two story addition of family room & master suite & outdoor kitchen.
800 Denow Rd, Suite N, Pennington, NJ 08534
609.737.9100
15 W Shore Dr, Hopewell Twp. $765,000
This Elmridge Park colonial sits on 1.5 acres with over 3800 SF, 5 bdrms, 3 1/2 Baths. Brand new kitchen.
Lisa LeRay – Sales Associate lleray@glorianilson.com 609.954.0177
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Helen ”Sandy” Brown – Broker Sales Associate sbrown@glorianilson.com 609.468.8545
2465 Pennington Rd, Hopewell Twp. $229,000
Corner lot, busy road, great visibility. Existing 2 BR/1 B home. Fix up, rent or convert to small office use.
Gough “Winn” Thompson – Sales Associate gthompson@glorianilson.com 609.468.3838
19 Harbourton Ridge Dr, Hopewell Twp. $915,000
Custom colonial on cul-de-sac with large open spaces and mature trees. Deck overlooks pool and spa.
Barbara Facompre – Sales Associate bfacompre@glorianilson.com 609.731.1189
May 2018
Our Valley’s Past
John Fidler His Creek and His Road By David Blackwell | Acting Curator of the Hopewell Museum
M
any of Hopewell Valley’s Roads have interesting names, and an interesting history lies just beneath the surface. John Fidler was the son of John Fidler, Sr. who was born about 1685, either in England or Woodbridge, New Jersey. By 1690, he was an orphan in Woodbridge, and was brought to the Hopewell region by the Andrew Smith family. Of that family, Thomas Smith was the first to reside in present Hopewell Township. A brother-inlaw to Thomas Smith was John Parke, and John Fidler worked in both families as a servant for several years.
John eventually married Sarah Smith, and their son John acquired the land at the foot of the Mountain. Fidler’s Creek runs first on the north side of the road, then crosses to the south side, and eventually empties into the Delaware in a nice little cove that is doubtless the genesis of Titusville, as its access to the river traffic.
convert to the New Side Presbyterians, and then to the Methodists about 1770. In 1784, he is listed as a licensed preacher, and the River Class of the congregation was John Fidler’s Class as late as 1818, though that may have been for his son John Fidler III. He died in 1805 and is buried in the Methodist Cemetery on Pennington-Titusville Road. John Fidler, Jr., was followed on the farm by his son Samuel Fidler, also an active Methodist. Samuel was made a trustee of the Methodist Congregation when they acquired property in Pennington and built a church in 1826 on South Main Street. Probably the octagonal church that once stood at the intersection of Church Road and Fidler’s Creek Road, as well as the Methodist Church in Titusville have something to do with his legacy. Other descendants of John Fidler, Jr., living in other states, were well known nationally in Methodist circles in the nineteenth century.
By 1785, John Fidler had erected a saw mill on the creek that now bears his name. Just a few years before, several lots of timber land had been sold on Smith’s Mountain, now called Baldpate. John Fidler’s land of 121 acres lay across from Joseph Titus’ lane, with a creek also running through it at the base of the mountain. There is a rambling and much-altered stone structure on Fidler’s property, on the south bank of the Creek above a possible mill site. His enterprise there was no doubt the cause of naming the Creek for him. It was probably years later that the road was permanently named for him, and then for the Creek. The Fidler family was well known for its early adherence to Methodism in Hopewell. John Fidler, Jr., was an early
We have lollipops. (Our CD rates are pretty sweet, too.) eNorthfield.com
Hopewell Valley
13
Hopewell Happenings
May 2018 Pet Adoption Days
@Rosedale Mills Puppies & Adult Dogs looking for their forever homes. Call 609-737-2008 for dates and times Every Wednesday in May
Story Time with Ms. Kim! @Pennington Public Library Time: 11am Geared for Children Ages 2-4 years Tues., May 1
Color Me Calm – Adult Coloring
@Pennington Public Library Books and supplies available all day. Wed., May 2
Blood Pressure Screening and Stroke Information
Stroke Awareness Month: Capital Heath is offering free blood pressure screenings to the community. @Mercer County Library Hopewell Branch Time: 10am-12pm Walk-ins welcome
Medicare Information
Anthony Williams from BGA Insurance Group reviews what is and what is not covered by Medicare part A & B. Q&A following presentation. @Mercer County Library Hopewell Branch Time: 7-8pm Registration required, please call 609-7372610 or go to hopeprogs@mcl.org
Fri., May 4
Guided Meditation with Mira Desai
Participants should wear comfortable clothing and bring yoga mat or towel. @Mercer County Library Hopewell Branch Time: 1-2:30pm No registration necessary, go to hopeprogs@mcl.org
Puppy Love: What to Expect When Bringing Home a New Puppy or Dog Presenter Tricia Baker, Professional Dog Trainer. @Pennington Public Library Time: 7pm Sat., May 5
SCORE Princeton— Small Business Seminar
Monthly event presented by SCORE (Counselors to America’s Small Business) @Mercer County Library Hopewell Branch Time: 10am-12pm Registration requested, please call 609737-2610 or go to hopeprogs@mcl.org Sun., May 6
3RD Annual Handmade Hopewell
Fine Arts, Crafters, and Artisans exhibit handcrafted products @Seminary Ave., Hopewell Borough Time: 10am – 4pm Rain or Shine Tues., May 8
Understanding Nutrition: Fact Food Labels
Food Coach Verna Dentino teaches how to decipher food labels. @Mercer County Library Hopewell Branch
Time: 7-8pm Registration required, please call 609737-2610 or go to hopeprogs@mcl.org
Too-Busy-For-Books Book Club For people who barely have time to breathe. Ties by Domenizo Starnone @Pennington Public Library Time: 7:30pm Wed., May 9
The Short of It— Sandra Cisneros
Short stories and discussion with author Sandra Cisneros @Mercer County Library Hopewell Branch Time: 7-8pm No registration required, go to hopeprogs@mcl.org Sun., May 13
Mother’s Day Tues., May 15
Understanding and Responding to Dementia
Presented by the Greater New Jersey Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association @Mercer County Library Hopewell Branch Time: 10-11:30am Registration requested, please call 609737-2610 or go to hopeprogs@mcl.org Fri., May 18 — Sun., May 20
Selections from The Outlet Dance Project Film Fest
All short films are either choreographed or directed by women. @Hopewell Theater, Hopewell Borough For more information go to www. hopewelltheater.com Time: 7pm on May 18 3pm on May 19 7pm on May 20
Happier Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day Bouquets Premium Blooming Plants Cards ♦ Gifts ♦ Candy ♦ Balloons We Offer Mother’s Day Photo Cakes.
Choose From 3 Special, Fully Cooked Catered Cuisine Mother’s Day Meals Ready To Serve. Call (609) 737-7022 To Order. 24 Hour Notice Needed. shop online 24/7 @ pqmonline.com Located At The Corner of Route 31 and Delaware Avenue ● Pennington, NJ 08534 ● (609) 737-0058 14
May 2018
Hopewell Happenings
Fri., May 25 – Sat., May 26
Fri., May 18
Memorial Day Weekend
Pennington Day Kick-off Family Picnic
Hosted by The Pennington School @The Pennington School front lawn facing W. Delaware Ave. Time: 5-7pm The picnic will feature a hot dog stand staffed by Pennington School Administration and Faculty. The event is free of charge, with donations going to the Pennington Fire and First Aid Squad. Pennington Day began in 1981 as a community response to a fire that claimed a dormitory and classroom building, along with the School’s chapel. Saturday, May 19
Pennington Day
A street fair of local businesses, artisans and non-profits. Come out and Play! @South Main Street, Pennington Time: 10am-4pm Rain or Shine Sat., May 19
Yoga For Success
Instruction for trained Isha facilitator. @Mercer County Library Hopewell Branch Time: 3-4:30pm Registration required, please call 609-7372610 or go to hopeprogs@mcl.org Mon., May 21
Downsizing Strategies for Seniors
Informative workshop covering topics and stresses of downsizing. @Mercer County Library Hopewell Branch Time: 3-4:30pm Registration requested, please call 609737-2610 or go to hopeprogs@mcl.org
Mon., May 28
Memorial Day
All Schools Closed @Hopewell Valley Regional School District
Hopewell Memorial Day Parade
@Broad Street, Hopewell Borough Enjoy an old-fashioned parade with veterans, marching bands, flags and fire trucks. Time: 1pm Sponsored by the Hopewell Borough Fire Department
Pennington Memorial Day Parade
@South Main Street, Pennington Honoring our heroes past and present. Bring the family out to enjoy marching bands, floats and walking groups. Time: 11am Parade begins at the HVRSD Administration Building and ends at The Pennington School tennis courts. Wed., May 30
Movie: You Before Me
@Mercer County Library Hopewell Branch Time: 1:30-4pm 6:30-8pm 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 Don’t worry, they serve more than just Merlot! For Hopewell Valley Seniors: Every Monday
Social Bridge
@Hopewell Valley Senior Center 62 Reading Ave., Pennington Time: 2-4pm Every Tuesday
Men’s Billiards Club
@Hopewell Valley YMCA 62 South Main Street, Pennington Time: 1-3pm Every Thursday
Active Aging Exercise Class @Hopewell Township Municipal Building 201 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road Time: 10-11am
Mahjongg
@Hopewell Valley Senior Center 2 Reading Ave., Pennington Time: 1:30-3:30pm
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.
Hopewell Valley
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Community Spotlight
Is It PENNINGTON DAY YET? By Rachel Donington | Board Chair, Pennington Day
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018 marks the 37th year of Pennington Day, our signature community event that takes place like clockwork each year on the third Saturday of May.
Pennington Day began as a small picnic that was organized in 1980 to raise funds for the Pennington School after a devastating fire on campus that damaged the Old Main building. It has evolved over the years into a polished yet community-oriented event that attracts more than 10,000 visitors annually and continues its charter to give back to and help strengthen our community. Pennington Day highlights the best of the cherished small-town feel of Pennington Borough and the historic Hopewell Valley. It is much more than your average street fair. The day consists of fun activities for families of all ages with more than 200 booth vendors representing local businesses, crafters and artisans, meaningful non-profit endeavors from throughout Hopewell Valley, and a bounty of local food vendors—all along the shaded, tree-lined South Main Street in Pennington. A full day of well-organized entertainment happens on three stages with quality music and performances of local bands and dance troupes, and fun for little ones at the Kid Zone behind Toll Gate Grammar School and the Jamboree Stage. The day kicks off with a 5K race straight through town—just for the fun of it, as the sumptuous smells of open grilled foods fill the air, music begins to play, little faces painted and smothered in cotton candy run around, and visitors of all ages enjoy a glorious walk through a town that time has been kind to—Pennington Day is the ultimate way to spend a spring Saturday. How does this magical event happen for 37 years now and counting?
A talented team of neighbors volunteer countless hours to bring Pennington Day to our community and visitors beyond—without these folks this event would never happen. They deserve recognition. Margret van Vuuren, Kareen Bar-Akiva, Christina Blackwell, Mike Tusay, Jaclyn Petrin, Hannah Williamson, Janet Pressel, Joe Lawver, Leslie Hollander, Allie Kopkash, Meredith and Scott Sferra, Chris Sullivan, Kristin McGeeney, Rick Smith, Bill Meytrott, Nancy Breland, Kyle Wood, Erin O’Connell, and Jason Wisinski—thank you so much. Local businesses, big and small, generously sponsor Pennington Day, providing the funds we need to make it possible. Every year, Pennington Day distributes tens of thousands of dollars that go back into the community as grants to enhance this area. So when you head out on Pennington Day to buy your sausage sandwich and homemade strawberry shortcake, remember that all of the money gets filtered back into our wonderful community and adds to making this town a special and unique place to live. A community event near and dear to our hearts, Pennington Day will take place on Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. I look forward to seeing you there!
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 16
May 2018
Community Spotlight
Hopewell Valley Arts Council Taking Over Howe Commons for Pennington Day By Mary Galioto | Hopewell Valley Arts Council
F
or the fifth year, the Hopewell Valley Arts Council will anchor Pennington Day with an artful takeover on the Howe Commons lawn, at 65 South Main Street in Pennington, on Saturday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
fight to protect our ash trees and has information on their website at www.haveyoursayhopewelltwp.org. In the spirit of the Hopewell Valley Arts Council’s ongoing upcycling theme—making art out of trash and typically discarded items—Out of the Ashes will transform the wood from this beautiful American tree into art through a diverse series of art programs, exhibits, and community events throughout 2018 and 2019. Ash wood will abound at Pennington Day with opportunities to view and make art, watch live carving demonstrations, and learn about our year-long celebration as we emerge Out of the Ashes!
This year, we’ll kick off a new initiative called Out of the Ashes to commemorate the devastating loss of the ash tree, one of the primary native trees in Hopewell Valley. A little, green, jewel-like beetle called the Emerald Ash Borer, threatens the entire North American Fraxinus(Ash) genus of ash trees, which can be found on private and public property and in forests and yards. Due to the nature of the infestation, it’s difficult to determine which trees have already succumbed. As a result, many ash trees, some infected and some yet to be infected, are being taken down to ensure public safety. Hopewell Township is being proactive in the
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Hopewell Valley
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Our Community
Hopewell Is for Artists Making Your Own Luck By NJ DeVico
I
t’s called hard work, and that’s exactly what Pennington’s Morris Docktor did to become a full-time artist for the past 45 years.
When he was five years old, he saw Halloweenthemed pictures painted by his uncle, an illustrator, hanging on the wall. Docktor asked, “Who did that?” then, “How?”
He learned to hustle, and picked up jobs doing murals, painting dancers in nightclubs, walking into stores and asking if they needed someone to paint signs for the windows.
The next day he started studying art obsessively. Enthralled by the “Uncle Sam Wants You” poster, he wondered how the artist had created a three-dimensional-looking finger. So, he drew. He developed his skills. He went to The Philadelphia Museum of Art for inspiration. With no financial help for art school, Docktor moved to Atlantic City, waited tables and did portraits on the boardwalk. “No detail, just proportion” is what’s important, says Docktor.
Combining artistry and advanced technology to create exceptional smiles using the most gentle and quickest orthodontics possible.
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Head study of Mary Magdalene in oil
New Jersey's First Farm Distillery Since Prohibition. Tours/Tasting are every Saturday from 1-5pm in Hopewell, NJ. Book your tour:
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May 2018
The Wilson Family provides affordable dignified services to the families of Hopewell Valley since 1960.
At the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philly, he followed the rigorous curriculum that offered no advice on how to survive as an artist. His fellow alumni had no idea how to go about make a living, but Docktor promoted his business. For decades, he’s been producing commissioned portraits (in bronze and on canvas) and murals. When something wells up inside this artist, he expresses it, often in abstract form. He shows his more personal work at venues where other artists will see and appreciate it. After all, the work of his favorite artist—Michelangelo—was commissioned. “And I love Van Gogh,” says Docktor. “He had tremendous passion.”
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
See Morris Docktor’s work at http://www.morrisdocktorartist.com. Or take a trip to the Town of Roebling where you’ll find a life-size bronze of Charles Roebling.
Cromwell-Immordino Memorial Home Joseph A. Immordino, Jr., Manager NJ Lic # 4231
609-466-0233 Timothy F. Reeg Funeral Director
NJ DeVico is a contributing writer, art lover, and artist who lives in Titusville.
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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609-737-1331
4 Tree Farm Road, Pennington NJ 08534 www.penningtonmontessori.org admissionsinfo@penningtonmontessori.org
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Hopewell Valley
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Hopewell Valley 1925
From the newest trends to timeless treasures, Twirl gifts are sure to delight. New Summer Crafting and Children’s Literacy Classes Register Online Now! www.twirltoyshop.com Come visit us today! 10 North Main Street, Pennington
609-737-4386 (4FUN)
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday: 10 to 5
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Thursday & Friday: 10 to 6
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