November 2018
Pennington Fire Company The Demareski Family Paying it Forward
Cover photo by Benoit Cortet A community magazine serving the residents of Hopewell Township, Pennington Borough and Hopewell Borough
Expert Contributors
Home Design and Construction A&E Home Design and Construction
Lawn and Landscaping Cutting Edge Lawn and Landscaping, LLC
Dermatology Windsor Dermatology
Real Estate Gloria Nilson & Co. Real Estate
Greg Fontaine – Owner 2479 Pennington Rd, Pennington, NJ I 609-737-4425 greg.aeconstruction@gmail.com I AEconstructionNJ.com
Dr. Wendy Myers 59 One Mile Road Ext., East Windsor, NJ I 609-443-0424 windsordermatology.com I #freezefat
Financial Advisor Knox Grove Financial LLC.
Christina Nash – President & CEO 23 Route 31 North, Suite B10, Pennington, NJ I 609-216-7440 Christina@knoxgrove.com I knoxgrovefinancial.com
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Nick Pirone - Owner 1652 Reed Road, Pennington, NJ I 609-356-3465 nick@ce.land I ce.land.com
Hopewell Valley 800 Denow Road, Suite N, Pennington, NJ I 609-737-9100 glorianilson.com
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November 2018
Publisher’s Letter
Dear Residents, Publisher: Rachel Donington rdonington@bestversionmedia.com Content Coordinator: Catherine Bialkowski cbialkowski@bestversionmedia.com Designer: Dale Ver Voort
N
ovember is known across the United States as the month of Thanksgiving, of expressing our gratitude for everything that makes our lives special.
In this issue, we share stories of giving back to the community and selfless service. We would like to dedicate this month to our community volunteers, all the men and women who improve Hopewell Valley on their own time and make it a safe place to live out of the goodness of their hearts. Have you ever volunteered? If so, you probably did it because you wanted to help make our community an even more wonderful place than it already is—and that’s a wonderful thing. In fact, although volunteering is an excellent way to help out others, it often ends up helping you the most. Doing good things for other people makes us happy, and it fulfills our spirits with selfless joy.
Contributing Photographer: Benoit Cortet www.benoitcortet.com Phone: 917-597-6297 benoit@benoitcortet.com
The story of the Demareski family is an example to us demonstration of love and sacrifice, but ultimately, of This month and all months, please remember that it is neighbors who answer your emergency calls, your own who give up their time to keep you safe.
To all our volunteers, especially the members of our fire departments and EMTs, thank you, and we are indebted to you for your service.
Contributing Writers: Mary Galioto, Kenneth Marples, Lisa Wolff Advertising Contact: Rachel Donington Phone: 609-462-6786 rdonington@bestversionmedia.com Feedback/Ideas/Submissions Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are 25th of each month. Go to www. bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to rdonington@bestversionmedia.com. Content Submission Deadlines: Content Due: Edition Date: November 25............................ January December 25.......................... February January 25....................................March February 25.................................... April March 25..........................................May April 25...........................................June May 25............................................. July June 25....................................... August July 25.................................. September August 25.................................October September 25 ����������������������November October 25........................... December Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. ©2018 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Hopewell Valley Neighbors publisher Rachel Donington: 609-462-6786 rdonington@bestversionmedia.com. Hopewell Valley Neighbors
all; it is a gratitude. your own neighbors
Publisher: Rachel Donington, 609-462-6786
A
s Rachel said, when November comes around, we are all reminded of the importance of saying, “Thank you.” Gratitude, to me, should be a fundamental part of our lives year-round. In fact, being thankful for the little joys in our lives can be life-changing. But if you need a place to start, November is the perfect time. Our stories this month put the concept of being grateful on display: the Demareskis show us their desire to give back, and Mike Rothwell of Pennington Quality Market shares with us the values, gratitude among them, he learned from his father, Larry Rothwell. We hope you read them and become inspired to say “thanks” for something today, even if it’s something small.
Content Coordinator: Catherine Bialkowski
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November 2018
Hopewell History
A Tribute to Hopewell Historian David Blackwell Letter from his Aunt Alice Blackwell dated June 5, 2018 Hello Rachel, Enclosed is my article about my family’s sleigh that I discussed with you. As I explained when we talked by phone, my husband and David Blackwell’s father were brothers, so I am David’s Aunt Alice. I am 94 years old. The Hart and Blackwell families go back many generations in Hopewell Valley. I hope you like my small bit of history. I am not a journalist, just a past school secretary at the Pennington Primary School, from 1958 until its closing in 1976. It is now known as Academy Court.
My father was a farmer and Hopewell Township Tax Assessor, Registrar of Vital Statistics, and Secretary of the Board of Health beginning in 1937, for 12 years (he issued my marriage license in 1942 and I typed it!).
e My Memories of th Hart Farm Sleigh By Alice Blackwell |
December 10
In 1994, Ken and I sold our home of 52 years located on PenningtonLawrenceville Road to Greg and Karen Fontaine, owners of A&E Construction. Greg used his skill to later triple the size of our ‘40s home. Thank you for your consideration of my
, NJ. article for your publication. Road in Pennington ated on Federal City loc sa m wa far I the en on Wh , . 23 05 19 19 , in 18 m er far mb the pte ht Se ug rn Sincerely, I was bo 1861 and bo her, l C. Hart, was born in e on the farm. My fat f of the wagon hous My grandfather, Danie roo Alice Blackwell as , the wn to do ed en ten tak fas a sleigh times to have it small child I noticed igh. I begged many work sle ch r’s mu he fat too s his wa s it wa it saying W. Curlis Hart, said ve in to my request, f for many My father never ga ed hoisted to the roo ain rem igh I wanted a ride in it. sle the so , up art attacks, ck he l ba era it sev ten fas 1939. After having in r to take it down and he fat my to 15 at the m r sold the far Blackwell, who was years. My grandfathe . My own son, Ron 60 same 19 in the ok in ll Co sti y s Ro m to ve it. The sleigh wa ha to like my father sold the far uld My wo it. he ve d Ron could ha sleigh and said . Cook graciously sai time, asked about the Mr . ok ton Co ing y nn Ro Pe of on rty the prope Blackwell home place and was now p truck move it to the I don’t ku it. pic ve a ha th u wi r yo bo ow igh said, “N father requested a ne nt lawn. My father s placed on our fro .” urs Lawrence Road. It wa yo it’s ing to do with it but remained know what you’re go r backyard, where it a small building in ou o int igh sle the d ueeze Ron’s father, Ken, sq on, NJ. In for several years. Twist Road in Stockt d moved to Federal an e part of yst cam rbe be Ve igh ra sle rba e Ba family room. Th ge lar Later, Ron married a th wi n’s girls, me Ro ho ss. dition to his with a mattre 1976, he added an ad ld velvet and outfitted go in d ere lst it. ho in up s fell asleep the furnishings. It wa watch TV, and often il, loved to sit in it to near Canton, PA. Christine and Abiga his retirement home ilt bu he , , ion sit po s father, Lou Verbeyst m his teaching property of Barbara’ When Ron retired fro the on ing ild tbu ou . in an outbuilding The sleigh was placed isted to the roof of an ain, the sleigh was ho ag ce On red the ily. rar po tem at the time, discove Pressens, age seven ia a little ph as it So in r, pt hte sle ug d da ha nd t how her mother ou ab Years later, Ron’s gra d tol s mber wa ve e No Sh ask questions. r had done. On sleigh and began to ep in it like her mothe sle tered uld ols co e ph sh reu so en igh be the sle Sophia. It has girl. Sophia wanted rper’s Ferry, WV, for Ha to igh sle the d 20, 2015, Ron trucke it. w mattress placed in old in gold, and has a ne to be 120-130 years owner or not. It has al gin ori . the icle s art wa s r grandfathe ile writing thi I do not know if my wn memory lane wh e in it, but I rode do rid to t go r ve ne I w. by no
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Being there taught me to work hard and to value and respect learning differences. I discovered that seeing and learning things differently gave me a unique perspective that is vital not only in my career but also in my life.”
would come easily, in class and taking notes. I learned how to work hard and get good grades. These if it came at all.” skills have stayed with me to today.”
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53 Ba November 2018
Business Profile
Pennington Quality Market Larry Rothwell’s Legacy By Catherine Bialkowski
E
very town has a place where residents can always count on running into someone they know, a place that might be unofficially known as the center of town. In Hopewell Valley, that place is the Pennington Quality Market. Before the days of supermarket chains like Acme, Shoprite, Stop & Shop, and Trader Joe’s, most grocery stores were family-owned and run, catering to a small community. Pennington Quality Market, existing today as a kind of throwback that continues to serve Hopewell Valley residents, is a tribute to the way things used to be. Mike Rothwell, president and general manager, is well-known in the community for his sense of giving and his desire to help others in any way that he can. His father, Larry Rothwell, who bought the market back in 1981 and ran it until he passed away this summer, instilled in his children the values of personal integrity, honesty, and the need to have a passion and be committed to it. “You can’t be successful by yourself,” Mike says, referencing something he learned from his dad, “and it’s far more rewarding to share your success with others.” “My dad was my best friend. We were inseparable from the time I was a little boy,” says Mike. In 1990, Mike entered his father’s business, and the two worked side by side for 28 years. “It was the most rewarding gift any son could share with his dad.” Larry’s daughter and Mike’s sister, Barbara, entered the business in 1992 and was instrumental in creating The Flower Shop of Pennington Market which she continues to manage today. “Prior to joining the business, I lived in the Midwest due to my husband’s job,” says Barbara. We wanted our children to grow up with family, which prompted me to create a full service flower shop for Pennington Quality Market, which is not common for supermarkets. My dad was tremendously supportive of me and always proud of my involvement with our customers and community. I miss him more than I can ever describe. I am honored to be his daughter and his business partner.” Aside from offering high-quality food and top-notch customer service, Pennington Quality Market is known for its tremendous contributions to the community. Mike and Barb have donated to many charities and have sponsored the Rothwell Family Golf Classic for 25 years, a golfing tradition that raises funds in support of people who have disabilities. Mike has served on the Board of Directors with Cerebral Palsy of New Jersey for years. They also donate food to Trenton Area Soup Kitchen and support Hope is in the Bag, an event at Capital Health that raises funds to support women with breast cancer. Mike and Barbara’s mother passed away from breast cancer and Barb is a survivor, so the event is very personal to them. This was their third year supporting the cause, and donated 5 percent of sales made in October to Capital Health. “We want to help everybody where possible,” says Mike. “For every dollar our customers spend with us, some of those dollars are being returned to the community, whether it be to church groups, youth groups, or nonprofit organizations.” At Pennington Quality Market, Mike and Barb seek to achieve a pleasurable shopping atmosphere “where people feel Hopewell Valley Neighbors
Mike, Larry and Barbara comfortable, at ease, and among friends,” says Mike. They’ve been one of the biggest employers of local kids, too, often giving them their first employment opportunity. For Mike and Barb, excellent customer service and forming a personal relationship with shoppers is a vital standard of running the business; but Hopewell Valley residents know this firsthand. It’s evident every time they swing by for some milk or a carton of eggs and Mike or Barb is there to greet them, to welcome them warmly into the store. Larry Rothwell’s legacy and his spirit of humility and selflessness lives on through his children and through the customers who came to love him so much. “My dad was such a special man,” Mike says. “He was a father, a grandfather, a husband. Pennington Quality Market changed his life and our family’s forever in such a positive way. I miss him every day but I’m so proud of the legacy he’s left behind.”
vvv Please Shop Local—support our community businesses. Pennington Quality Market is located at 25 Route 31 in Pennington. The store can be reached at 609-737-0058. 7
Resident Feature
Pennington Fire Company The Demareski Family Paying it Forward By Catherine Bialkowski Photos by Benoit Cortet
T
hroughout Roger Demareski’s many years as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, he has been woken in the middle of the night countless times to respond to emergencies. After all this time, it has become his routine. Hopewell Valley is a place where giving back to the community is simply part of everyday life. It’s only natural, then, that Pennington Fire Company, a place where Roger spends much of his time, is made up of an all-volunteer staff, filled with our own neighbors who want to give up time to save lives and keep the community safe. Of the fire company’s 80 members, many are family members that reflect generations of dedicated volunteers in Hopewell Valley. One of those dedicated families is the Demareskis, a family of six—four sons plus Roger and Kristine—who truly believe in the importance of selfless service. Roger, who had wanted to become a firefighter since he was a child, was finally able to join a fire company after graduating from college at Villanova University. The very first station he joined was Merion Fire Company of Ardmore, Pennsylvania. He has been a volunteer firefighter for the past 29 years, the last ten with the Pennington Fire Company. “I was raised on the values of helping others, and that has stuck with me my entire life,” says Roger. “Serving others is one of the most rewarding things we can do in life, and being a volunteer firefighter has been my way of doing that.” Hopewell Valley has three dedicated fire companies who provide fire and rescue services for its residents: Pennington Fire Company and First Aid Squad, Hopewell Fire Department and Emergency Medical Unit, and Union Fire and Rescue Squad. In all three of the Hopewell Valley stations are fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters serving as firefighters, EMTs and auxiliary.
8
November 2018
Resident Feature Pennington Fire Company, as aforementioned, is an all-volunteer fire department—something quite rare today. Its members save lives because they want to, because they feel they have a duty to give back to their beloved community of Hopewell Valley. Last year, the fire company responded to over 500 calls in Pennington Borough and within their assigned area of Hopewell Township. Volunteer firefighters are always on duty and calls for help come at all times. They have had to disappear from Christmas morning, leave Thanksgiving dinner, and jump out of bed in the middle of the night, but, as Roger puts it, “We respond because we know that one of our neighbors needs help.” “Roger has been committed to volunteering as a first responder in every town he has lived in,” says Kris. “He will respond to calls in the middle of the night, and then get up—or sometimes never go back to bed—to put on a suit and head to work the following day.” More than once, Kris says, Roger has had to leave grocery stores and restaurants when his pager went off; but the whole family understands “the importance of what he and all the other first responders are doing. I believe seeing that is what has encouraged Jack and Peter to join him at Pennington Fire Company.” Jack and Peter, the two eldest Demareski sons, joined the fire company as junior members when they turned 16. Jack, now a Plebe at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, plans to commission in the Navy or Coast Guard after graduation to extend his service to his country. Peter is a senior at Hopewell Valley Central High School and is pursuing his Emergency Medical Technician certification; he will attend fire school in the spring. Peter is interested in law enforcement as a potential career goal after college and volunteers as a police explorer with the Flemington Police Department. Both boys were raised to hold integrity, humility, and selfless service to the highest degree. So were Joe and Patrick, in – Kris sixth and second grade, respectively, both of whom plan to join the fire company as well. Joe’s friend, Jackson Blackwell, is the son of longtime member and Ex-Chief Tom Blackwell. Tom and Roger often listen with amusement when they hear the boys talking about the day they can finally join—and in many ways, they are the future of the fire company and the families it represents.
Roger has been committed to volunteering as a first responder in every town he has lived in.
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
9
Resident Feature
10
November 2018
Gratitude is something that has played a significant role in the lives of the Demareskis. We as a community are thankful for our neighbors who volunteer to make Hopewell Valley the wonderful and safe community it is. Many others coach or volunteer their time in hundreds of organizations, and while the firehouse is just one of those, it is special. Roger reminds us that when you are asleep at night or sitting at home with your family and you hear the fire siren sound, know that there are dedicated volunteers leaving their families—sometimes even placing themselves in harm’s way—to respond and help their neighbors in their time of need. Says Kris, “That commitment and dedication is particularly special and appreciated in a small, close-knit community like Hopewell Valley.”
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vvv Anyone interested in becoming a part of the Pennington Firehouse Family is encouraged to stop by the firehouse any Thursday evening.
Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact Rachel Donington at rdonington@bestversionmedia.com.
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Real Estate
Hopewell Valley Market Activity
SEPTEMBER SOLDS - Homes ADDRESS
Rentals SOLD PRICE
ADDRESS
BEDS
BATHS
2
1.5
SOLD PRICE
BEDS
BATHS
2
1
$84,750
170 Pennington-Harbourton Rd
4
1.5
$180,000
1-3 Railroad Pl
3
1
$2,000
253 E Old Penn Law Rd
4
2
$195,000
23 W Delaware Av #2
2
1
$2,100
104 Dunleigh Ct
48 W Broad St
$1,735
212 Kentshire Ct
2
2.5
$285,000
33 Wilfred Av
4
2
$2,200
7 Railroad Pl
2
2.5
$306,000
303 Carter Rd
3
2
$2,300
88 Haddon Ct
3
2.5
$320,000
65 Heath Ct
3
2.5
$2,650
12 Flower Hill Tr
3
1.5
$340,000
24 Nelson Ridge Rd
3
3.5
$3,200
251 Concord Pl
3
2.5
$385,000
249 Pennington Rocky Hill Rd
4
2.5, .5
$3,500
4 Forrest Edge Dr
5
3.5
$425,000
224 Pennington Rocky Hill Rd
4
2.5
$3,500
4
2.5
$3,600
16 Mountain Church Rd
3
2
$433,000
82 New Rd
138 Coburn Rd
4
2.5
$435,000
26 N Main St
3
2.5
$485,000
93 W Shore Dr 5 4.5
1552 River Rd
4
2.5
$500,000
121 W Broad Street
5
3
$520,000
Lots
85 Harbourton Mt Airy
4
3
$535,000
4 River Knoll Dr
4
3
$540,000
33 Chicory Ln
4
3
$580,000
15 Lake Baldwin Dr
4
3.5
$900,000
269 Hopewell Amwell Rd
$3,800
$275,000
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.
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HOPEWELL VALLEY OFFICE 800 Denow Rd, Suite N, Pennington, NJ 08534
609.737.9100 November 2018
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Calendar of Events
Hopewell Happenings Every Wednesday Chair Yoga Mojie Buonafede leads chair yoga, which is a gentle form of yoga practiced sitting on a chair, or standing using a chair for support. @ Mercer County Public Library, Hopewell Branch Time: 10:30-11:30am No registration necessary (No Class Nov. 6, Election Day) Thurs., November 1 Color Me Calm – Adult Coloring @ Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street Coloring books and art supplies available all day Sun., November 4 Take The Trolley A presentation by Lawrence Township Historian, Dennis Waters, on the early 20th century trolleys in the Princeton/Trenton/Lawrence/Hopewell area, with a concentration on Hopewell and Pennington. Co-sponsored with The Hopewell Valley Historical Society & Hopewell Museum. @ Mercer County Public Library, Hopewell Branch Time: 3-4:30pm Refreshments will be served. Registration is required, please call 609-737-2610. Tues., November 6 ELECTION DAY Thurs., November 8 Hopewell Valley Regional Schools Closed: NJEA Convention
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Fri., November 9 Hopewell Valley Regional Schools Closed: Veterans Day Paper Crafts with Kelly Join us for our new monthly program, highlighting the amazing versatility of using paper to create beautiful crafts. Supplies will be provided. @ Mercer County Public Library, Hopewell Branch Time: 2-3pm Registration requested, please call 609-737-2610. Dance On Hopewell All are invited to be inspired by the expression and recreation of dance. @ Train Station, Hopewell Borough Time: 8-10pm Sun., November 11 VETERANS DAY Mon., November 12 VETERANS DAY Observed Tues., November 13 Too-Busy-For-Books: Book Club @ Pennington Public Library Time: 7:30-8:30pm Sun., November 18 The Beatles: From Liverpool to Abbey Road Presenter: Vincent Bruno, Beatles Scholar & 60s Rock Historian This lecture will follow in the footsteps of The Beatles as they embark on their historic journey starting from their early days as a cover band in Liverpool and Hamburg, into the excitement of Beatlemania, including concert performances, and films, through their creative groundbreaking studio albums (Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt. Peppers) to the formation of Apple Corps and finally to their remarkable final recordings at Abbey Road Studios. Coming full circle, we will explore the highlights of each individual’s post Beatles work. @ Pennington Public Library Time: 3pm Fri., November 16 Early Dismissal Hopewell Valley Regional Schools: Parent /Teacher Conferences Mon., November 19 & Tues., November 20 Early Dismissal Hopewell Valley Regional Schools: Parent /Teacher Conferences Wed., November 23 Early Dismissal Hopewell Valley Regional Schools Thurs., November 22 THANSGIVING DAY Happy Thanksgiving! Hopewell Valley Regional Schools Closed
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Hopewell Valley Turkey Trot Join us in support of HV Wrestling for another fun and beautiful Thanksgiving 5k morning race. @ Rosedale Park, Pennington Time: 9am Online registration only at www.hopewellturkeytrot. org, or contact Guy Lanciano at 609-273-7828 Fri., November 23 Black Friday Hopewell Borough 3rd Annual Walk Off Your Turkey Dinner 60 minute walk starting at M3 Studios @ M3 Studios Time: 9am Thurs., November 29 Author Talk Through the Water and The Fire Charles Hunt, a life-long NJ resident presentation is comprised of photos from his time in Vietnam. He explains the two main missions of the Swiftboat, the training and his combat experiences. Q & A with the author will follow presentation. @ Mercer County Public Library, Hopewell Branch Time: 6:30-7:30pm Registration requested, please call 609-737-2610. This month at Hopewell Valley Vineyards: Visit www.hopwellvalleyvineyard.comfor full listing of Artists Every Sunday Jazzy Sundays Light Fare menu & Sicilian Pizza Time: 2-5pm Thursday Night Music & Merlot Light Fare menu & Sicilian Pizza Live Music Time: 5:30-9pm Band Takes the Stage at 6pm Friday & Saturday Night Music & Merlot Enjoy Brick-Oven Pizza & light fare menu Live Music Time: 5:30-9pm Band Takes the Stage at 6pm
vvv Let us help promote your local community event! Please join our Hopewell Happenings Page by sending us your Event Listing. Open to all Hopewell Valley organizations, clubs and local businesses. You can email your submissions to rdonington@ bestversionmedia.com.
November 2018
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Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Hopewell Valley Sports
Lauren Coppins: Athlete Profile Bulldog of the Month By Kenneth Marples
H
aving finished her first few games as a varsity tennis athlete, Lauren Coppins can confirm that the start to this season certainly was not what she’d been expecting.
Throughout her years at Hopewell Valley High School, Coppins has had several doubles partners with varying styles of play, but the fact that the team has consistently been successful is the main source of her pride.
After working up the ranks and eventually becoming a varsity alternate last year, Coppins’ last year playing varsity tennis as a Hopewell Valley Bulldog has been partially derailed due to several matches being rained out.
Her newest partner, Olivia Lundquist, is a freshman, and Coppins is incredibly excited for the rest of the season with her.
“We’ve only gotten to complete three whole matches because it’s rained so much,” Coppins says. Although she may be disappointed she hasn’t seen as much game action as she had hoped, she’s excited to finish her senior year playing the sport she has been playing her whole life.
Although tennis is widely thought of as a team sport, the communication and level of trust that two partners must have in each other must not be understated. Coppins has been very close friends with her partners, which helps with forming trust. This has proven to work for her, as she reached the second round of the Mercer County Tournament with Lundquist in the last week of September.
“She has a lot of consistency and I have a lot of power, so we complement each other really well on the court,” Coppins says.
Lauren Coppins
When Coppins was a young girl, her family would play doubles matches during vacations and school breaks. She admits that she’d always pick her father as her partner, and her sister, Nicole, was on her mother’s team. Her starting position today on the varsity tennis team did not come without unexpected twists and turns. After playing tennis for a few years, Coppins took a step back from the courts and decided to dabble in other sports and afterschool activities. Among the sports she participated in are basketball, lacrosse, swimming, soccer, softball, and dancing. After testing the waters in several other sports – in swimming’s case, literally – she decided to go back to the sport that felt like home. “In the spring of my eighth grade year, my mom and I were playing one day on the open courts in Pennington and I decided I wanted to give it a shot and see how I’d do on a team,” she says.
One of the reasons Coppins decided to go back to tennis is because she describes it as a “lifelong” sport and plans on continuing to play tennis in the intramural or club level in college. As for where she’d like to go, although her sister would like her to join her at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Coppins says she’s keeping her options open. She hopes to major in international business. It will certainly be exciting to see the swan song of Lauren Coppins as a high school tennis player, and to see how her friendship with new partner Olivia Lundquist blossoms as the season goes on.
vvv CORRECTION: It was reported in ‘Bulldog of the Month’ October 2018 that Luke Tartaglia was the sole Captain of the Hopewell Valley Central High School Boys Soccer team. Starting Goal Keeper Carmen Zangrilli is the sole Captain of the team for the 2018 season.
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November 2018
For Your Thanksgiving Dinner... • Complete Turkey Dinners For Six • A la Carte Side Dishes and a Full Line of Delicious Hors D’Oeuvres for Entertaining. • All Natural Fresh DiPaola Turkeys from the PQM Butcher Shoppe. - Order Early! We carry a wide assortment of fresh and frozen turkeys, whole turkey breasts, capons, geese and ducks.
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Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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Spotlight on Community
FoHVOS Continues its Tradition of Giving By Lisa Wolff | Executive Director, FoHVOS
N
ovember is the perfect time for expressing gratitude and reflecting on your year. At month’s end we culminate with Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday, and the holiday season.
For FoHVOS, 2018 was a time many partners contributed to our mission of safeguarding the character of Hopewell Valley by preserving land, protecting natural resources, and inspiring conservation advocacy. We introduced FoHVOS Community Conservation and were blown away by the tremendous community response. Businesses,
Also at the Force of Nature gala, former FoHVOS trustee Chris Berry received the Gleeson award for lifetime ecological achievement. Current volunteer Ron Russell was recognized for his tireless efforts that provide FoHVOS and other local nonprofits tremendous benefit. Finally, Tom Quinn and HVRSD were recognized for conservation initiatives that not only resulted in reduced carbon footprint and improved air quality for students and staff, but also, contributed to Sustainable Jersey awarding its Bronze certification to the majority of HVRSD schools. Force of Nature and volunteer contributions benefit our community now and in the future. FoHVOS hopes our recognition both documents advances to our mission work, and motivates others to get involved. In that same spirit, FoHVOS sponsored new initiatives that acknowledge student “EcoWarriors” and “Green Star” teachers making meaningful ecological efforts. The school district has requested that we continue supporting these programs that inspire environmental awareness and achievement; We will happily oblige. FoHVOS continues administering the Clean Communities program with Hopewell Township for residents and groups to clean the Valley while earning money for their favorite nonprofit organizations.
Green Star Winners (from Left to Right) Raquel Rivera, Tatiana Arias Regidor, Renee Egan, Dana Heller, Mike Sullivan, Josh Holland, Karen Lucci, Carolyn McGrath, and David Schwartzer
Finally, FoHVOS participated in the purchase of the spectacular Woosamonsa Ridge Preserve. We are so grateful to D&R Greenway Land Trust who took the lead and did the legwork on preserving this important property. The common thread throughout this reflection is our sincere appreciation and dependence on the many allies working together toward our shared objective. These alliances exponentially magnify the influence we could have ever had alone. Not surprisingly, our new #GivingTuesday initiative began with several partners that stepped up to match donor gifts. Partner matching funds ensure that each donation has an even greater impact.
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For more information about FoHVOS, volunteer to get involved, or contribute to FoHVOS #GivingTuesday, go to www.fohvos.org.
EcoWarrior Winners (from Left to Right) Thomas Smith (Superintendent of Schools), Adam Russell (Bear Tavern), Katie Genovesi (Central High School), Megan D’Alessandro (Hopewell Elementary), Matthew Nguyen (Stony Brook), Zelda Houghton (Toll Gate), Harriet Strunk (Timberlane), Lisa Wolff (FoHVOS Executive Director).
municipalities, schools, nonprofit organizations, local homeowner associations, and individual volunteers collaborated to “restore valley lands together.” Immediate results included new meadows, outdoor classrooms, restored detention basins and ponds, that bring ecological, educational, and beautification benefits to our Valley. Throughout the year Hopewell Valley Neighbors magazine has shared FoHVOS Force of Nature stories of amazing local women whose generosity of time and spirit have provided significant conservation impact throughout Hopewell Valley. In September we held a Force of Nature celebration in their honor. 18
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November 2018
Art in Hopewell Valley
Art in the Everyday A Cartoon Series Presented by Hopewell Valley Arts Council By Jon Youshaei
J
on Youshaei is the founder of a popular cartoon series called Every Vowel which has
been featured in Forbes, Time, and many other publications. As a new member of the Hopewell Valley Arts Council, he shares our belief that art can be found in everyday moments. We’re excited to partner with Jon to create a series of custom cartoons for our community that will hopefully inspire you to laugh, learn, and reimagine the role of art in today’s world.
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Jon Youshaei
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Both locations offer full bar with triple 5 happy hour: 5 hours per day, $5 food, $5 drinks.
Hopewell Valley Neighbors
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HUNTERDON FAMILY & SPORTS MEDICINE AT HO PE WE LL VALLE Y Hunterdon Family & Sports Medicine at Hopewell Valley is part of a network of family practices operated by Hunterdon Healthcare. We pride ourselves on keeping you healthy. CALL AND SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. Hunterdon Family & Sports Medicine at Hopewell Valley 84 Route 31 North, Suite 103 Pennington, N.J. 08534 609.730.1771 L ear n m ore now at H un terd o n Heal th ca re . o rg / H un terd o n F ami l yMe d i c i n e