Upper Makefield
HEART
OF THE HOME
KITCHEN DESIGNER
SUSANNE OLSEN
VILLAGE
TREASURE
THE WRIGHTSTOWN
LIBRARY
Making the Grade
Principal John Harlan
Season of Transition
As we anticipate the arrival of spring, it’s wonderful to pause and appreciate all that March offers. Throughout the month, we embrace a rich and diverse array of holidays and events from National Women’s History and National Reading Month to the first day of spring and of course, national Pi Day!
With so many observances, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate. On a personal note, National Reading Month is especially poignant to me as my love of reading paved the way for this incredible opportunity to serve as Publisher of Upper Makefield magazine.
In the issue, we honor National Reading Month with two special features. When launching the magazine, many residents suggested that we feature John Harlan, the beloved principal of Sol Feinstone Elementary. After our interview and photo shoot, I clearly understand why! John’s philosophies of knowing each student’s name, focusing on reading and advocating respect for self, others and the environment each showcase the warmth, professionalism
and character that every school would be lucky to have in a principal.
The community also has a treasure in the Village Library of Wrightstown. From its roots as a one-room school in 1872, this is the library of choice for many Upper Makefield residents. Library Director Rebecca Hone has made an indelible impression on the community with her inspiring programming, including after-school clubs and her joyous weekly story time.
In recognition of Women’s History Month, we feature women who are paving their way in business and the arts. Susanne Olsen, owner of Noah & Lilly Kitchen Design was drawn to both design and architecture early in life. Her passion for both enables her to guide her clients in transforming their kitchens into the heart of the home. And she is grateful for the wonderful community and setting that Upper Makefield provides for her business.
Our focus on Women’s History Month continues in our Local Arts column, where we highlight women artists who are shaping their places in history with inspiring and meaningful artwork. These women transcend time and limitations to create treasures for us to explore and ponder.
With spring approaching, we share ideas on preparing your home for the transition from an indoor haven to an outdoor oasis and explore the nuances of sparkling wine, which feels appropriate for the emerging season.
You will also find tips on real estate and financial planning from our local experts.
This issue takes us from the remaining days of winter into the beautiful spring season. I hope you enjoy the transition and savor all that both seasons offer.
Until next time,
Laura Lazar Publisher
Upper Makefield MAGAZINE
Publisher
Laura Lazar
Local Editor
Dari Kotzker
Writers
Tom Carroll Sr.
Dari Kotzker
Rafael Novoa
Ashara Shapiro
Liz Young
Photographers
Jennifer Janikic Photography, LLC
Expert Contributors
Greg Dwornikowski
Anthony Petsis
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman
Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO
Mark Dowden
VP, Group Publisher, Regional
Thomas Flannery
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
Creative Director
Kijoo Kim
Art Director
Rosemary O’Connell
Executive Editor
Richard Laliberte
Associate Editor
Sophia Carlisle
Advertising Services Director
Jacquelynn Fischer
Operations Director
Catherine Rosario
Production Designer
Chris Ferrante
Print Production Manager
Fern Meshulam
Advertising Production
Associate
Griff Dowden
Upper Makefield magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Upper Makefield Township, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! March is packed with celebrations–St. Patrick’s Day, National Reading Month, International Women’s Day, Mardi Gras, Daylight Saving Time, and best of all, the first day of Spring!
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Please note that we are closed on major holidays.
CHEERS TO THE EAGLES
A Screaming Eagle logo was created a few years ago for Upper Makefield Fire Company Eagle Road’s green fire truck. To celebrate the Philadelphia Eagles’ winning season, the truck could be seen outside the station, including when four Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders visited during the fire company’s Fire Prevention Open House.
CALLING ALL BOOK LOVERS
Commonplace Reader is interested in forming a book club for readers and residents of Upper Makefield. Send your ideas for topics or themes of interest and stay tuned! For more information, email liz@commonplace-reader.com.
MAPLE SUGARING FUN
Matt Truesdale, an environmental education specialist with Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, provides a maple sugaring program for a local homeschool group within Washington Crossing Historic Park.
GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SEASON
Council Rock Troop 2616 sells popular girl scout cookies outside Colonial Farms—and thin mints remain the most popular seller.
Q & a
Rising Star
An up-and-coming performer discusses his appearance on “SNL” and his theater dreams.
INTERVIEW WITH MASON OLSHAVSKY
After developing a love for theater dating back to musical roles at Sol Feinstone Elementary School, Newtown’s Mason Olshavsky has since gone all in on performing.
Currently studying musical theater at Pace University, he has already landed several notable roles, including as Tiresias in “Epic: The Musical;” Mark in “Rent” at Black Rock Theater; and a featured role in a workshop of a classified new Disney musical project. In November, he appeared on “Saturday Night Live” in a skit about Timothée Chalamet lookalikes.
Tell us about your experience on “Saturday Night Live.”
My agent called me on Friday morning saying that “SNL” was looking for Timothée Chalamet lookalikes and that they wanted me to come in by 4:30 p.m. The set was magical. As soon as I walked in on Friday, I was surprised to see my improv professor from Pace, Rebecca Stuard, who has been a stand-in actor on “SNL” for 20 years. For hours we watched the actors rehearse and the crew build several sets. Everything happened so quickly because they only have the latter half of the week—Friday and Saturday for the actors—to put together an entire show.
When we rehearsed my skit, I was working in tandem with John Mulaney, Pete Davidson and the “SNL” cast. It was surreal. I ran into Adam Sandler, Chris Rock and Amy Poehler backstage as well, and I had a brief interaction with Mr. Sandler when we smiled at each other and he gave me a pat on my back. At that point I couldn’t believe that this is my life.
What has it been like to build such a passionate following on social media?
My unexpected growth on TikTok started in February of 2022, when I posted a singing video from the musical “Heathers” that quickly grew to over 7 million views in a few days. It was the third singing video I ever posted, and from that I quickly gained close to 100,000 followers, now more than 220,000.
That was a very fortunate jumping-off point that brought me many opportunities, including “America’s Got Talent,” my first paid performance at 54 Below, being flown to Bulgaria to play the lead in a musical and my most recent and largest development, “Epic: The Musical,” which has tens of millions of streams on Spotify alone.
I am still in awe at how drastically my life has changed in just a few years, all from posting a few silly singing videos that some people happened to enjoy. I know how lucky I am to have such a positive platform, and I am forever grateful to my fan base for getting me to where I am now.
Olshavsky
at
When did you first know you wanted to pursue a career as a performer?
It has been my dream to pursue musical theater since I saw “Dear Evan Hansen” on Broadway in 2016, my freshman year of high school. Sitting in the audience, I could see myself playing Evan, which became my dream role. It was only during my second year in college, after I made it to final callbacks for the “Dear Evan Hansen” Broadway tour, that I realized I might have the chops to pursue my theater dream if I only had training.
Where do you hope your career takes you?
I recently wrote down my career goals, which include leading a Broadway show, writing a musical, releasing original music, originating a role and reaching a million followers on social media.
Overall, my largest aspiration is to develop a clear sense of who I am as an artist. I have such a unique opportunity to get to discover my identity and get to know myself through the art that I create and in the characters that I play. I have had tremendous growth in these formative years of my life, and I am ecstatic to continue on this rollercoaster to see just where it takes me!
Mason
backstage
“Saturday Night Live,” dressed as Willy Wonka for the Timothée Chalamet lookalike skit.
Plan Ahead for Home Design
Early
spring is the perfect time to think through improvements with designers and contractors.
BY RAFAEL NOVOA
First thing on the springtime home design list should be curb appeal. After a bitter cold and windy winter, you may have lost some shrubs or trees, especially in the front of your house or in the back where you enjoy summer entertaining.
Now is the perfect time to hire a professional landscaper or independent g ardener who will guide you appropriately as to when to revive your gardens and schedule your plantings. You may be able to find winter price breaks if you shop and purchase your plantings ahead of time with a nursery.
If you are planning on doing something more involved or elaborate outdoors like a patio, kitchen, pergola or a pool, you still have the opportunity to hire a company that may be able to install everything in time for summer.
Interior Considerations
Interior design options are unlimited. Painting a room, doors and trim offer immediate gratification when it comes
to changing your interior.
This may also correspond with designing an entire room by purchasing new furniture and updating something you’ve been living with for too long. An interior designer can be the solution for this life-changing experience! Set up an interview, have your project goals in mind and set up a budget so there are no surprises.
Custom cabinetry is at least six to eight months out, so now is the time to plan ahead if you are looking for a custom kitchen. However, there are companies that sell kitchens that are stocked and of high quality. These usually have a twomonth-or-less turnaround time.
But be prepared for challenges: You’ll have to set up a makeshift kitchen, plan on meals out or join a prepared food supplier club. This will ensure that you have food on the table during this renovation.
Make sure you plan with your designer and installer to schedule how the process will play out. They can help facilitate a
temporary kitchen for you and your family to use and choose a location for your old refrigerator to keep fresh food.
Bathrooms are not as involved if all the plumbing parts are staying in place; otherwise, it can become a laborious job. These renovations can also be messy and a bit disruptive due to the nature of the work. Choose everything in advance and make sure your items are in stock and purchased before you even attempt to start your project.
Small or large, any project should be planned in advance to obtain the best results. Choosing your right team is the key to a successful project, and obtaining a schedule and keeping it in place helps ensure happiness with the outcome.
Rafael Novoa is an interior designer whose firm has locations in Newtown and Philadelphia. His signature aesthetic fuses function, comfort and expression, juxtaposing the ornate beauty of oldworld craftsmanship against the clean lines and spare spaces of modern design.
Welcome friends! So glad you’re here!
I’m Jenny, your local Bucks County, Philadelphia and New Jersey Photographer. Some things about me… I married the love of my life, I’m a mama to two rambunctious boys, I drink more coffee than I should, I love to travel and immerse myself in new cultures and I’m a true hippy at heart! I’m obsessed with sunsets and capturing motherhood, families and couples during the beautiful golden hour. I am captivated by raw, authentic emotion and moments between couples and families.
My work is what I would call emotive storytelling. I look forward to capturing your family’s story.
House Garden” by James Redding
MAKING the Grade
After more than two decades working at Sol Feinstone Elementary School, Principal John Harlan continues soaring to success.
BY DARI KOTZKER
When Principal John Harlan walks the halls of Sol Feinstone Elementary School, he greets hundreds of students by name and even knows their birthdays. While some principals may stay in their office all day, Harlan is rarely behind his desk, because he wants to be visible and approachable to everyone.
Harlan initially graduated from Wilkes University with a business degree, so he didn’t envision that he would end up spending his career in education. Despite working a short time in the business world, Harlan says it was always in the back of his mind how much he enjoyed his time as a counselor at local youth basketball camps.
So, with his innate passion to work with kids, combined with seeing some of his friends become teachers, he knew elementary education was what he wanted to pursue.
He went back to school to get his teacher certificate at East Stroudsburg University. After working for one year at a New Jersey school, he received a call that set up the trajectory of his career: an interview for a fifthgrade job opening at Feinstone, in Council Rock School District. Harlan was hired and started that fall of 1999 with a class of 32 students.
“For me, it was excitement, and I knew I belonged here,” he says. “It was an opportunity to show everyone what I’m about. I knew I could be a good teacher and I knew I could learn a lot from the teachers in the school.”
Time for a Change
Harlan thrived as a teacher, but after 10 years, he says he felt he could make a bigger impact as a principal. He was inspired to take this next step by Bob Winters, the principal who hired him.
Harlan says the biggest thing he learned from Winters was that in order to gain respect, you must gain
trust, and the only way to gain trust is to build relationships.
After Harlan obtained his principal certificate and master’s degree in educational leadership, he became a temporary replacement for his current boss, who eventually decided to retire. Harlan officially became the leader of his beloved elementary school.
“I enjoy the relationship part of my job—getting to know the kids, the parents; that’s what builds community,” he says. “Every one of my classes that I taught became part of my family, and
now as a principal with 650 kids, they are all part of my family.”
Fifth-grade teacher Kim McGowan has worked with Harlan her entire career. They both started as teachers together, and after he made the transition to principal, she says she respected him in that role.
“He is that person that you can go to anytime; you can talk to him about anything, and he’s a great listener.” she says. “He’s super kind, he’s energetic, he knows all the students’ names, he greets them when they get off the bus, he says
Some of John Harlan’s students from his time as a teacher, such as Matt Christ (above left, second from right) are now parents who are sending their own children to Sol Feinstone Elementary School. Multiple generations have found Harlan to be a welcoming presence.
goodbye to them when they leave. We are fortunate we have his positivity for the kids and the staff.”
Harlan has an open-door policy with students, parents and faculty. He attributes his 17-year tenure as principal to three pillars of success: community, visibility and accessibility.
“We’re such a tight-knit community,” he says. “Relationships equal trust, and I want parents to trust me; I want them to feel good about dropping their kids off every day. It’s a partnership, so if there are ever issues, I encourage parents or students to talk to me so we can work it out together.”
Left, top: Harlan with Council Rock School District Superintendent Dr. Andrew Sanko and mascot Hootie.
Left, middle: Sol Feinstone Elementary School teacher Kim McGowan has worked with Harlan since she started at the school.
An Upper Makefield Staple Sol Feinstone Elementary School was built in 1953, and the original school building is where the fifth and sixth grade wing is now located. The school is named after Dr. Sol Feinstone, a Lithuanian immigrant and local entrepreneur who donated more than 28 acres of land to the school and built the library.
In the 1960s, Feinstone would come read to kids by the fireplace in the library. The school just finished a three-year renovation project, but Harlan made sure the integrity of the building remained the same by preserving its historical pieces.
Harlan believes this 70-year-old institution is a source of identity in Upper Makefield Township. The school has generational families who have attended it for decades, and it continues to draw many Council Rock graduates back to the area. In fact, Harlan has former students who are now parents at the school.
“It’s amazing. It makes me proud that these kids I taught stay in the district, because they know it’s a good district,” he says. “They trust me, they know they liked me as a teacher and they
came back to raise their families here, and it feels so good.”
Matt Christ is a product of Harlan’s educational influence. Christ was in Harlan’s first fifth-grade class at Sol Feinstone, and now his children go to the same elementary school.
“Having Mr. Harlan as my fifth-grade teacher and now watching him lead my kids as their principal is something truly special,” Christ says. “He’s the kind of leader who makes every student feel seen, valued and inspired. He’s built a culture of respect and excellence. He’s the heart and soul of Sol Feinstone.”
Bright Futures
Education is always progressing, and Harlan says one significant change throughout the years is the use of data to better help kids get what they need to learn when it comes to reading and math. Another major first for all of Council Rock is full-time kindergarten starting in fall 2025. Harlan is excited and expects enrollment to grow.
While instructional programs evolve over time, Harlan says the basis of
education has stayed the same: literacy. Throughout March, the school celebrates National Reading Month with special events to encourage kids to read, but Harlan says they motivate kids to enjoy reading in some capacity all year long.
Another program the school follows is Soar to Success, which promotes positive behavioral skills for students to respect themselves, respect others and respect the environment.
For 27 years, Harlan has seen children excel from kindergarten through sixth grade, but his pride in them doesn’t stop at elementary graduation. Says Harlan: “Whether they do something in middle school, high school, beyond college or professionally, I always share it with the staff and let them know that they had a piece—even if it was a little piece—of an impact, and they are part of [students’] success. It makes us all so proud.”
Dari Kotzker resides in Bucks County with her husband and four kids. She has worked as a reporter in television news and print media since 2001.
Harlan has been on staff at Sol Feinstone Elementary School since his days as a classroom teacher (above right). Part of the joy of his job is interacting with a wide range of people in the community, including students and parents.
Heart of the Home
Noah & Lilly Kitchen Design owner Susanne Olsen uses her innate space-planning ability to transform one of life’s key rooms.
BY DARI KOTZKER
There’s always a debate about whether nature versus nurture shapes a person to who they become, but for Susanne Olsen it was both.
From a young age she says she had the natural ability to look at an open room and visualize how to make that space look aesthetically pleasing. At the same time, she was exposed to design by her father, who built her childhood home and had many carpentry skills. Her father also loved to tour model homes, and Olsen was always the first one in her family to ask to come along.
“I always remember being drawn to architecture and design,” she says. “I would be in my childhood room and always wanted to rearrange the furniture and would ask if I could change the paint color; I just always had that interest.”
Olsen is now the owner of Noah & Lilly Kitchen Design in Washington Crossing, and she helps her customers decide how to best make their kitchens the heart of the home. When buying a new house or looking to renovate, the kitchen is usually a main consideration for those major life decisions.
“I love eating, I love entertaining, I love what the kitchen represents,” Olsen says. “Families spend a lot of time in their kitchens, so it’s very personal and special to my clients.”
Olsen wanted to major in art in college but decided on a safer option with a degree in communications. However, she was able to express her artistic side when she took her first job hand-drafting floor plans for a kitchen design firm in Livingston, New Jersey.
Susanne Olsen says kitchens are special due to the time people spend bonding over food and other activities in a room that’s central to family and social life.
As she progressed in this field of work, she went back to get her MBA in business and continued to hone her skills at other firms before registering her own company in 2018.
“I am somebody who is always looking to improve and learn more and take on different responsibilities,” Olsen says. “I took business classes and thought this is the perfect time to start my own business, and give it a shot.”
Designing a Dream
Olsen opened the showroom for her interior design firm in 2019. The name Noah & Lilly Kitchen Design uses both of her children’s middle names. Although Olsen accepts clients from all different towns, she decided to put her storefront in Washington Crossing and says it’s the best decision she made.
“I felt like there was a market here for it,” she says. “It’s a quaint and friendly community, and so warm and inviting.
The people in this area are very interested in maintaining their homes and care about how the home functions. The clients are great to work with, respectful, show an interest in new ideas and are open to change.”
The bulk of the work at Noah & Lilly is kitchens and bathrooms. There are three designers at the firm, and the company averages 15 projects a year. Olsen puts her own team of local contractors together and says a typical project takes about five months from initial contact to completion. She says every project is memorable because they spend a lot of time with the clients.
“We do a whole lot of hand-holding through the process, and we want to do that,” Olsen says. “The best projects are when it’s a team approach, meaning the clients give you lots of information about what they like and how they function in their home. The more I know about them, the better I can design for them.”
Aesthetically Pleasing Plans
Olsen says for anyone looking to make a change in their house, it’s okay to talk to more than one firm, but don’t bombard yourself with five different companies. The key is finding a designer who you vibe with, who understands your lifestyle and who’s going to be available when you need them. She has had success with meeting those criteria and continues to have repeat customers.
“A repeat customer is great because we know each other already and the process is smoother the second time around,” she says. “I know what they like, how they work and what’s important to them. It’s like meeting up with an old friend; it’s usually a smooth process.”
Olsen can make any design a reality, but her style tends to gravitate toward more organic materials or aesthetics and lots of natural light. She says the latest trends in kitchens are more neutral colors like grays or greige, wood with grain and mixing metals.
As for countertops, quartz or quartzite are more popular than granite. With all the decisions that go into creating a kitchen or other living spaces, Olsen has a favorite part of the planning process.
“I love being in a quiet room and putting the thoughts on paper, just laying out the space, manipulating the layout and just the whole space planning of what’s going where,” she says. “It’s like a puzzle figuring out how we’re going to put this all together.”
With her creativity always flowing, seeing her concept become a reality is the main highlight of working in this industry.
“There’s a project that I did recently where we opened the kitchen to the dining room and built a walkthrough butler’s pantry, which was an amazing use of space management, functionality and aesthetic,” Olsen says. “The best part of all of my projects is seeing the final outcomes and enjoying all the work my team and I put into it; I love it.”
A Catalog of Memories
Rebecca Hone’s life has come full “circulation” from bringing her children to the Village Library of Wrightstown to becoming library director.
BY DARI KOTZKER
When we think of students on their way to school, we envision buses and backpacks, with each child heading to their grade level classroom, but it was a different story over a century ago.
Back in 1872, the Penns Park village of Wrightstown Township had a one-room stone schoolhouse to serve families in the immediate area. This establishment taught 20 to 30 students (ranging from first through eighth grade) in a single classroom every year until a larger school opened nearby in 1959.
With no more students attending the Penns Park schoolhouse, the building was saved by community members who wanted to make it into a public library (even though there was still no running water or indoor plumbing).
Renamed the Village Library of Wrightstown, it was completely run by volunteers who built shelves and gathered donated books. The presentday library director, Rebecca Hone, lives in a house right around the corner that was built in the 1800s. She says she often thinks about how the original owners’ children probably attended the schoolhouse.
“I just feel like if these walls could talk, what I could learn,” Hone says. “It’s exciting to think that the kids who lived in my house walked over here, stood out front and waited for the bell to ring. I love that.”
Opposite page: Rebecca Hone, director of the Village Library of Wrightstown, checks out some books for story time.
Top left: Penns Park Schoolhouse students, date unknown. Top right: Two girls look for books using the library card catalog system at the original library, date unknown.
(Vintage photos courtesy of Wrightstown Township Historical Commission.)
In 1963, a formal library organization was created with a board of directors along with a fund drive to raise money to improve the facility. As the population grew and demand increased throughout the 1960s, the library received a grant from the Grundy Foundation to install indoor plumbing and build a back entranceway. Eventually another addition was added onto the building, but it kept its unique charm. Currently, this historical structure is a community library within the Bucks County Free Library System.
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
When Hone moved to Wrightstown in 1994, this small library down the street from her house became an
important part of her family’s life. She spent years bringing her children there, her husband became a board member in the 2000s and the two of them ran the library’s largest fundraiser for 20 years.
When Hone’s kids were young, she split her time working as a preschool teacher and a stay-at-home mom. As her two children grew older, she decided to reevaluate what she wanted to do with her career—and then an opportunity came knocking.
In 2015, her neighbor, who was the library board president at the time, encouraged Hone to apply for the library director position because Hone loved to read, was a people person and volunteered for years at the library in various capacities. From those experiences,
she was hired as library director and children’s program coordinator.
“I love interacting with the little ones at story time, but it’s the community, interacting with all the patrons—and I know most of them after being here for 10 years,” Hone says. “I think people like when they are greeted by name when they walk into their library; it’s a nice feeling.”
When she took the job, the library paid for her to go back to school to get library science credits. Although many people come to borrow books, the activities offered—like story time, yoga and afterschool clubs—also keep people coming in the door seven days a week. All the community programs take place in the library’s original structure.
Left: Library patron Ed Dougherty reads a magazine while his wife and grandchild attend story time.
Right: Library Director Rebecca Hone (right) with Library Assistant Shelly Zensinger.
“People wonder why we still have libraries when you can Google anything you need to know or do an e-reader on your Kindle, but human interaction is so important,” Hone says. “Our programs are free and a wonderful place for anybody to come.”
Stacked with Possibilities
This branch may be in Wrightstown, but it’s utilized by neighboring towns as well, including Upper Makefield Township. In fact, one of the library’s board members resides in Upper Makefield.
Hone says that Upper Makefield Township sends an unsolicited monetary donation every year to help support the library because so many people from that area use it. The library also provides free passes to Washington Crossing State Park Visitor’s Center Museum and Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, among other local tourist destinations.
Megan Beebie resides in Upper Makefield Township and has been bringing all four of
her children to the library for years. With 18 libraries in the Bucks County system to choose from, she visits this one the most because it’s closest to her house, but the intimate setting also keeps bringing her back.
“I love taking my children here; it’s such a quaint little library and it’s very hands-on,” Beebie says. “All of the library staff always help my kids find the best-fit books for them. And story time is a bonus because I get my little one out of the house and we share a fun morning together.”
Even with the onset of technology, Hone believes libraries will remain important because books are still circulating, and her programs are well attended (some with wait lists). She plans to continue to work at the library for the foreseeable future because of the impact it has had on her life.
“I loved the way I was treated when I brought my family here, so I want to continue that for the community,” Hone says. “It’s more than books; it brings people together.”
Honoring Women Artists
Women working in various media break free from constraints and embrace evolution as a force in both art and life.
BY ASHARA SHAPIRO
Women artists have long been at the forefront of exploring the intersection of memory, community and the drive to push beyond imposed limitations—both within their creative processes and in the larger cultural landscape. Their work becomes a vessel for collective memory, intertwining personal and historical narratives that foster dialogue across time and experience.
Whether through painting, sculpture, ceramics or mixed media, these artists challenge the boundaries between the tangible and the intangible, between what is seen and what is felt.
This pursuit of liberation and transformation is deeply embedded
in the work of the women featured in local exhibitions, each navigating the tension between containment and boundless possibility.
Crossing Thresholds
Among them, Katee Boyle stands out with her engagement with what she calls “the veil”—a threshold between the known and unknown. Her work traverses these spectral realms, speaking to the universal experience of transition, distance and connection.
In this sacred and fluid space, Boyle moves between conscious and unconscious worlds, inviting viewers to step into what she calls “the Believing Space.” This concept
continues the legacy of women artists as intermediaries between worlds, offering a contemporary meditation on seeing beyond the immediate.
The Believing Space is not a void but an active field of possibility, where detachment and connection coexist. Her art invites us to contemplate this space, to feel the weight of distance and the pull of presence and to recognize that the veil is not a barrier—it is an invitation. We are asked to be there with her, or more importantly with ourselves, and find our own patterns within those she is hinting at.
Containment vs. Possibility
Alongside Boyle’s exhibition, ArtWRKD’s upstairs gallery presents “Dauntless,” a group exhibition featuring Rachel Romano and Lisa Naples. These artists explore the tension between containment and limitless possibility, celebrating the ongoing pursuit of liberation.
Romano, an oil painter, draws inspiration from the Northern Renaissance, employing a spontaneous process that allows her paintings to transform organically. She works from memory and imagination, embracing an intuitive dialogue with her subjects. Her use of vibrant colors balances the darkness of experience, welcoming viewers through powerful storytelling.
EXHIBITIONS IN MARCH
“It Takes The Village (The Ugly Girl Diaries, Redux)”
A special project in collaboration with Katee Boyle, installation and mixed-media artist. This body of work will illustrate a life lived in the veil, the thin place where one becomes the overseer and executor of dreams.
“Dauntless”
A group exhibition of artists
Rachel Romano and Lisa Naples that explores the tension between containment and limitless possibility, celebrating the ongoing pursuit of liberation.
On view March 7 to 30
Art Noir opening, Friday, March 7 Artist reception, March 15, 6 p.m. Artists dialogue, March 30, 1 p.m.
ArtWRKD Exhibition Space
Historic Newtown District
“Charlotte Schatz: Industrial Strength”
reflects the growing distance between beings—a poetic meditation on separation and longing, as well as an affirmation of faith in the unseen ties that bind us.
Boyle’s latest installation at ArtWRKD Exhibition Space, “It Takes The Village (The Ugly Girl Diaries, Redux),” reflects her deep interest in the relationship between memory and emotion. Her visual narratives embody both presence and absence. Her use of light and shadow mirrors this duality, highlighting the fragility of memory and the permanence of the spiritual imprint.
By evoking imagery that connects us to our youth, Boyle creates space for reflection on our younger selves. Her work
Lisa Naples, a ceramic artist, takes a fluid, intuitive approach to her craft. Once identifying as a potter, she has transcended traditional labels, allowing her ideas to dictate form. Her work is a conversation, an intimate collaboration with something unseen yet deeply felt. Having relocated to Frenchtown in 2021, Naples has embraced new creative energy, fostering a community that values artistic exploration.
These remarkable women remind us of our interconnected nature, shaping and reshaping ourselves through art. Their work embodies the pursuit of limitless transformation, inviting us to break free from constraints and embrace evolution as a constant force in both art and life.
Ashara Shapiro is gallerist and curator of ArtWRKD in Newtown, an art consortium with a mission for discovering, fostering and sharing original work by emerging artists through its workshop and exhibition space.
A sculptor and painter who lived and worked in Bucks County, Charlotte Schatz (1929-2023) explored industrial forms through nontraditional materials and compositions.
On view through March 9 Michener Art Museum
In keeping with Women’s Month, several of the female artists at Canal Frame-Crafts Gallery are featured with art of Washington Crossing Park. They include watercolors by Jo-Ann Osnoe and Judy LaTorre; oils by Cindy Roesinger, Shirley Mersky and JC Turner; and pastels by Betty Minnucci.
Canal Frame-Crafts Gallery
On view through March
Opposite page top: “In a Garden
We Plant” by Rachel Romano
Opposite page bottom: “Dauntless” by Lisa Naples
Above: “Scissors” by Katee Boyle.
(Photo by Jie Deng.)
Quiz POP
Is Champagne only for special occasions? Not at all! Our connoisseur explains how—and why—bubbles are festive any time.
BY TOM CARROLL SR.
My late wife, Christine, a third-level sommelier, believed that a predinner Champagne toast set the perfect tone for any evening, and so we made it a daily routine. Indeed, Champagne is synonymous with celebration, but there’s more to sparkling wine than just fizz and flair. Let’s dive into the secrets of this bubbly wonder.
Champagne-Making Magic
Traditional Champagne is crafted using the méthode champenoise, a twofermentation process.
The first fermentation creates a still wine, and the second—inside the bottle—adds the sparkle. Yeast and sugar are introduced, creating carbon dioxide that gets trapped, forming bubbles. This is where Champagne develops its unique character, with aging of the lees (spent yeast) adding complexity and flavor. The foam formed by the bubbles is sometimes called mousse.
Varieties of Champagne include brut (the driest, most popular style); extra
dry (confusingly sweeter than brut); demi-sec (sweet and dessert-like); and rosé (blush-hued, made by adding pinot noir to the blend).
As you probably know, any sparkling wine made outside the Champagne region of France can’t legally be called Champagne. The traditional Champagne blend uses chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot Meunier grapes. At Crossing Vineyards, we honor this tradition with our sparkling wines: a blanc de blancs, made exclusively from chardonnay, and a brut rosé, from pinot noir.
The Science of Bubbles
The pressure inside a Champagne bottle is three times that of a car tire! A single flute of Champagne contains about 1 million bubbles. Let that sink in—or better yet, let them rise up to tickle your nose!
First things first: Keep it cold. The colder the Champagne, the smaller the bubbles. When opening a bottle, aim for a soft hiss, not a dramatic pop. A
popping cork may seem festive, but it releases pressure too quickly, wasting precious bubbles. The cork is secured by a wire cage, or muselet, which requires exactly six twists to remove—try counting next time!
Once opened, you’ll need a Champagne stopper to keep your sparkling wine fresh. These specialized closures lock tightly to preserve carbonation, so you can enjoy the rest tomorrow (if there’s any left). I always travel with one!
As for the effects of Champagne on the drinker? Christine always joked that it didn’t cause a quicker buzz because of the bubbles, but rather for a much simpler reason: “Because you drink it faster!” She was probably right—those light, celebratory sips do have a way of adding up.
From its million bubbles to its artful creation, sparkling wine is more than a drink, it’s an experience. As Christine and I discovered over years of daily toasts, life’s little celebrations are always worthy of raising a glass. Cheers!
Tom Carroll Sr. is the cofounder and owner, with son Tom Carroll Jr., of Crossing Vineyards and Winery in Washington Crossing, which grows a dozen varietals on 20 acres and has won numerous local, regional and international wine awards.
Local vintner Tom Carroll Sr. of Crossing Vineyards and Winery routinely enjoyed Champagne toasts with his late wife, Christine, a sommelier who felt that sparkling wine was a perfect way to celebrate life every day.
Real Estate Forecast
An expert who knows the local community assesses the Upper Makefield market.
BY GREG DWORNIKOWSKI
The forecast for home sellers in 2025 suggests that ongoing supply constraints and strong demand in desirable areas such as Upper Makefield will continue allowing sellers to enjoy strong pricing in the residential sales arena. There are indications that the market is shifting toward a more balanced dynamic, however, requiring sellers to be mindful to price their homes carefully.
This offers a bit of hope to beleaguered home buyers who have found the ultracompetitive market dynamic discouraging. Ultimately, the market’s favorability for sellers will depend on economic conditions, interest rates and housing supply developments early in the year.
Mortgage rates have crept back up to the 7% range, as there is uncertainty as to the possible inflationary impact of new
administration policies on the broader economy. Mortgage rates in the 7% range are keeping many discretionary home sellers sitting with 3% mortgages on the sidelines, keeping supply low. All up, though, if you have been thinking about selling, now would be a great time, as the supply/demand dynamic is still in your favor.
Several factors underpin the strength of our local market. Broader economic conditions, including employment levels, interest rates, level of economic optimism, etc., have a major impact. The net impact of those elements has been keeping demand strong and supply low.
Local Strong Points
On a local level, Upper Makefield is blessed with natural beauty, abundant open spaces, recreation, convenient access to cultural amenities in New Hope, Newtown and Princeton, and ease of commuting to Philadelphia and New York. Just as significant as those drivers of value—if not more so—is the actual and perceived quality of the Council Rock School District.
School quality is arguably the most important element underpinning the security of your home as a financial investment. I have worked with many buyers relocating to Upper Makefield who are specifically seeking the Council Rock
School District. While shopping for homes with buyer clients, the “Council Rock upcharge” becomes readily apparent when weighing comparable homes in neighboring school districts.
Below is a chart that shows the number of home sales in Upper Makefield by month, along with the average sale price. You will notice a significant upward price blip in December. During that month, four homes were sold in the township at a median price of $2,092,000, while in January, nine sales occurred at a more normalized median price of $1,150,000. When analyzing sales statistics, it’s important to note that in months when few units are sold, a few high- or low-dollar transactions can skew the trend. This is why I like to show rolling 12-month statistics in my charts.
Making the decision to sell your home is a very personal one, with some considerations only you and your family are in a position to evaluate. However, reaching out to an experienced, local realtor early in your thought process can help you navigate what can be a complex process and help you develop an effective strategy for maximizing the value of your home.
A resident of Washington Crossing, Greg Dwornikowski is a luxury real estate agent at Addison Wolfe Real Estate with an MBA in finance and real estate from the Wharton School.
RECENT UPPER MAKEFIELD HOME SALES
How Much Money Do I Need to Retire?
When planning your future, consider these key pointers from a top-rated local financial team.
BY PETSIS & ASSOCIATES ADVISORS
Many investors are given a so-called magic number: a fixed dollar amount they are told they’ll need for retirement. However, these estimates—often based on generic formulas—fail to account for individual financial realities. A truly secure retirement requires more than a simple savings target; it demands a personalized financial plan.
Broad financial assumptions fail to consider critical personal factors, such as:
• Lifestyle and spending habits: Someone retiring in New York City will have vastly different financial needs than a retiree in a small Pennsylvania town.
• Healthcare costs: Medical expenses, especially long-term care, often grow faster than general inflation.
• Debt and financial obligations: Mortgage payments, credit card debt and
family responsibilities must be factored into retirement planning.
• Investment risk tolerance: Asset allocation and risk preferences impact longterm retirement income.
• Longevity considerations: Many people underestimate how long they’ll need retirement income to last.
The Power of Personalized Plans
Instead of relying on arbitrary savings goals, a comprehensive financial plan considers individual needs and goals, including:
• Cash flow analysis: Tracking income and expenses to ensure financial security.
• Scenario planning: Testing different economic conditions and various investment outcomes.
• Tax-efficiency strategies: Optimizing withdrawals, Roth conversions and taxsaving techniques.
• Health and long-term care planning: Addressing what has become one of the largest retirement expenses.
• Estate and legacy planning: Structuring wealth distribution through wills, trusts and charitable giving.
• Risk and insurance management: Protecting assets with the appropriate insurance coverage.
• Debt and budgeting strategies: Managing mortgage payments and postretirement cash flow.
• Investment diversification and asset allocation: Ensuring a balanced portfolio that’s aligned with retirement objectives.
• Coordination with professionals: Working with financial advisors, accountants and attorneys to align all aspects of your plan.
Retirement isn’t about hitting a universal savings target—it’s about financial security tailored to your life. Without a comprehensive strategy that includes investment planning, tax strategies, estate considerations and risk management, any savings estimate is just a guess.
Anthony Petsis & Associates specializes in crafting personalized financial roadmaps so you can retire with confidence. If you’ve been given a number without a plan to support it, the firm’s advisory team invites you to have a conversation about securing your financial future today.
Anthony Petsis & Associates is Bucks County’s top-rated financial advisory firm, and its advisors empower clients to take control of their financial futures with confidence. With a legacy spanning two generations, the firm delivers personalized, fiduciary-driven financial advice tailored to clients’ unique needs.
March into Reading BOOK NOOK
This month, celebrate the importance of literacy and women who made an impact in our world.
BY LIZ YOUNG
March is National Reading Month and Women’s History Month—the perfect time to consider some thoughtful and enlightened topics for you and your family. Although reading should be celebrated every day, this is a special month to appreciate how books and history affect our lives.
Kids enjoy any book that holds their attention long enough to grasp its humor and fantastical thinking. That kind of book is a winner every time for both reader and listener. Share one of our suggested titles and observe the results!
“GIRLS ON THE RISE”
By Amanda Gorman
This book is a pleasure to read aloud to your child and engage with every word and picture on the page! It offers a unique way of storytelling through rhyme and rhythm to address the “kind-of-scary” times girls face and how to overcome fears and trepidations.
“BIG”
By Vashti Harrison
Try out this picture book that explores how we are seen, how we respond and what it is like being big when small is regarded as both better and best. See how the large pictures and succinct text work seamlessly together.
A common observation is that young adults are seriously into horror, romance
and interesting fairy folk tales. Reward your teens with a book that transports them to another world and perhaps appreciate this one when the story is finished.
“FIREKEEPERS DAUGHTER”
By Angeline Boulley
A young-adult classic exploring the world from a native/Indigenous point of view. Soon to be a Netflix drama, the book has received several significant awards and is not to be missed by those looking for strong storylines and even stronger characters.
“ALL MY RAGE”
By
Sabaa Tahir
Explore a different culture by reading this generational saga about family struggles and moves that can sever the strongest of ties.
Women’s history/herstory can be a tricky topic because the assumption is that history books tell everyone’s story in good measure, balancing various events by their importance and influence. Unfortunately, that has not always been the case. My reflection is to create space for all p eople in your world because diversity at its essence is about acceptance as it grows into respect and appreciation.
“WILD GIRLS”
By Tiya Myles
A rousingly appropriate read for anyone who appreciates the outdoors and the freedom that can come with exploring the wild by testing your strengths and wits. It’s a page turner and a treasure for inquisitive young people searching for purpose with a small measure of rebelliousness.
“FORMIDABLE: AMERICAN WOMEN AND THE FIGHT FOR EQUALITY”
By Elisabeth Griffith
This important read is about Black and white women collectively realizing their two histories and struggles for rights are intertwined; it shows how they support each other at important pivot points.
“WAYWARD EYES, B EAUTIFUL EXPERIMENTS”
By Saidiya Hartman
A page-tuner that tests our understanding of challenges and the diversity of thought that books can bring to each of us. I include this as a final selection because of the powerful prose and enlightened approach to a sensitive subject that flies beneath the radar for most of us.
Liz Young is the owner of Commonplace Reader (commonplace-reader.com), which recently celebrated its five-year anniversary and hosts several adult book clubs each month along with kids’ activities on Saturdays in the shop on Main Street in Yardley.
An Early Bloom
It’s starting to feel like spring at Bowman’s Hill Wildlife Preserve, with colorful flowers popping up to signal a new season has arrived. One of the early bloomers is the hepatica (Hepatica nobilis), notable for its bright purple color. With the weather getting warmer, there are many other spring bloomers to be found walking the trails of the preserve.
Have a fabulous Upper Makefield photo? Email it to editor@uppermakefieldmag.com and it could be featured in an upcoming issue!
PHOTO OP
