Issuu

Kids + Pets Edition AU G U S T 2 022

Our heart has a new look, but it’s still at the center of all we do. Hunterdon Health’s heart has always been a symbol of compassionate care and clinical expertise. Our highly skilled doctors, nurses and health professionals are committed to personalized care that lets you and your family enjoy life’s everyday moments. To learn more about how we’re evolving, scan the QR code.

Hopewell Valley Real Estate Pulse from the Dave Marcolla Group at Keller Williams Real Estate Contact us to get your FREE home valuation today. Meet Dave Marcolla, Hopewell Township resident and top area Realtor. Dave has lived in the Township for over 10 years and specializes in Mercer and Bucks Counties. Last year he sold 60 homes for $30 million in closed sales. He and his team are experts in what they do. Dave is a graduate of the Princeton School of Real Estate and holds his MBA from La Salle University. Contact him today to find out why he and his team are known for delivering a better experience!

6 0 9. 42 3 . 9 147

Direct

21 5 . 86 0. 42 0 0

Of fice

DAV E @ DAV E M A R C O L L A .C O M DAV E M A R C O L L A .C O M

1 2 T E R R Y D R I V E | N E W T O W N , P E N N S Y L V A N I A | L I C E N S E D R E A LT O R S - PA A N D N J

NEIGHBORHOOD

LIST PRICE

BEDS

BATHS

DOM

CLOSE PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

5280 Province Line Rd

$1,975,000

182

$1,925,000

98%

3 Silvers Ct

$1,199,999

771

$1,352,674

113%

97 W Shore Dr

$999,000

$999,500

110%

13 Coventry Ln

$875,000

100%

4 Clark Ct

$874,900

$859,900

98%

13 Aqua Ter

$765,000

$855,000

112%

109 Nursery Rd

$675,000

$820,000

122%

204 Penn View Dr

$799,000

100%

25 Navesink Dr

$680,000

$730,000

107%

39 Stoney Brook Rd

$729,999

235

$699,000

96%

Source: Bright MLS 5/16/22 - 6/15/22

Wondering how to make a winning offer in today’s competitive market? A step beyond a pre-approval, the Princeton Pre-Commitment allows you to obtain a full underwrite upfront, prior to finding a home, making your bid competitive with cash offers! Michael Egbert and his team of mortgage professionals will use their extensive product suite to find the right financing solution for your next home. Good things happen when you’re working with a great team!

215.917.6394 Direct 609.737.1000 x262 Office megbert@princetonmortgage.com michaelegbert.princetonmortgage.com PRINCETON MORTGAGE 439 GRAND AVE. EWING, NJ 08628 Disclosures: March 2022 | 2022 Princeton Mortgage Corporation (NMLS# 113856). Corporate office, 439 Grand Ave, Ewing, NJ 08628. (609)737-1000. Equal housing lender. All loans subject to credit approval and individual review. Rates and fees subject to change without notice and may vary depending on loan scenario. For more information, please visit (nmlsconsumeracces.org) or (princetonmortgage.com/legal).

August 2022 PUBLISHER

Rachel Schnure | rachel.schnure@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Kids and Pets Edition The summers tend to progressively feel like they fly by the older we get, as do the years, but the simple pleasures of summer never get old. Our August edition is dedicated to the cutest members of our community — kids and pets. They both have a way of making us feel special, and their loyalty and sense of wonder is refreshing. As summer comes to a close, we hope you’re able to take some time to relax and spend time with the ones you love. Here’s to the dog days (and cats) of summer!

RACHEL SCHNURE, PUBLISHER @ H O P E W E L LV A L L E Y C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

STAFF PHOTOGR APHER

Heather Raub AD DESIGNER

Mary Albers LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsi Southard CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Erica Brooke Gordon, Lauren Lane CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Jeff Worthington, Laura Pedrick, Lauren Lane, Maria O'Leary Photography, Mary Anne Borge

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Hopewell Valley City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Hopewell Valley area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Hopewell Valley City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Still Meadow Farm One-of-a-kind farm with endless potential and revenue streams

Leave behind the stresses of everyday life and turn your farming dreams into reality with this one-of-a-kind property. Still Meadow Farm is a serene haven surrounded by acres of fields and streams and offers endless possibilities for the lucky new owners. Currently, the picture-perfect property is a thriving Christmas tree farm with over 2,500 trees however you could develop a vineyard, revert the land to a sheep farm or even develop a vibrant wedding venue, the choice is all yours. The 300-year-old farmhouse speaks to the history of this remarkable residence plus there’s a two-bedroom carriage house that dates back to the 1940s and could be used as comfortable income-generating guest accommodation. An in-law suite is also attached to the main home with room for loved ones to reside when they come to share this slice of paradise. The primary residence is an expansive & immaculately presented home with seven bedrooms & three bathrooms. Gorgeous features are on show throughout the primary residence from the gleaming wood floors and wood ceilings to the bespoke details, ornate touches and modern comforts.

hunterdonbucksrealty.com 30 Coryell Street | Lambertville, New Jersey

AUGUST 2022

inside the issue The Kids and Pets Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Local Pet Friendly Spots

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Pet Friendly

Artist’s Palette

Outdoor Adventure

Pet Care

Inspired By

Maker’s Studio

Events

Culinary Creations

Highlighting Pets And Their People

16 Art For Everyone A Community Hub For Creativity

21 Create Inquisitive Minds

Youth Nature Programs At The Watershed Institute Build Creativity, Confidence And Imagination

28 Growth Through Dance Developing Artists While Fueling Self-Growth

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Julie Brown Patton This lovely beauty, Kirra, is a Shetland Sheepdog/aka Sheltie. In 2022, of 90.5 million American homes reporting at least one pet, 69 million own at least one dog, making dogs the most popular pet choice.

LI FE + C U LT U R E LO CA L S ERV I CE S EDU CATION

HO ME S ERV I C ES A RTS + C U LT U R E HEA LT H + WE L L N E SS

FO O D + B E V E R AG E

A sanctuary to Breathe... Drift... Rejuvenate... Renew... Escape from your daily life– whether you have 15 minutes or several hours.

Upgrade your mind, body and spirit.

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Whole Body Cryotherapy Local Cryotherapy Cryotherapy T-shock

EARTH

Halotherapy Himalayan Salt Room

WATER

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FIRE

Infrared Sauna Low-Level Light Therapy Fit BodyWrap Infrared Dome

609.285.3115 · 4ElementsWellnessCenter.com

Princeton Shopping Center | 301 North Harrison Street Suite 36, Princeton, NJ 08540

Worlds Apart from the Rest SALES · DESIGN · FABRICATION · INSTALLATION

Large Selection of Natural Stone & Porcelain Tiles VANITIES · FAUCETS · SHOWER DOORS · TUBS · TOILETS 609.580.1981 | galaxytileofprinceton.com | info@galaxytileprinceton.com Stop By Our Showroom Today! 830 State Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540

AUGUST 2022

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

7 5

1: Pink coneflowers like to get 6 to 8 hours of sunshine per day. 2: Monarch retrieving nectar. 3: Tiger swallowtail butterfly. 5: Enjoying and sharing a local coneflower. 6: Hummingbird Clearwing Moth. 7: Eastern Swallow Tigertail with Butterflyweed. Photography by Mary Anne Borge

C I T Y SC E N E

8: Wild about wildflowers. 9: Bobolink on the Lawrence-Hopewell Trail, Mercer Meadows. 10: Indigo Bunting at the Pole Farm, Mercer Meadows. Photography by Maria O’Leary Photography CONTINUED >

Serving Central NJ and Bucks County, PA

HARDSCAPING OUTDOOR LIVING LANDSCAPING CUSTOM POOLS Looking for a yard that complements your beautiful home? Call Cedar Creek Landscapes of Pennington, NJ at 609-403-6270 today. www.cedarcreeklandscapes.com

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/H OP E W E L LVA L L E Y

CIT Y SCENE CONTINUED

HEATHER RAUB/FRONT ROOM IMAGE MARIA O'LEARY PHOTOGRAPHY

HEATHER RAUB/FRONT ROOM IMAGES HEATHER RAUB/FRONT ROOM IMAGE

2 HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT PENNINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY'S 2022 BIG READ CULTURAL FAIR MARIA O'LEARY PHOTOGRAPHY

1: The neighborhood cat every day visits Hopewell Valley City Lifestyle staff photographer Heather Raub. 2: It's great to grab fresh, local green groceries, such as at Pennington Farmers Market. 3: Craving macarons for end of summer? Find them in New Hope at Sciascia Confections. 4: Best of luck to all graduated seniors in their next chapter of endeavors. 5: Summer concert at Howe Commons with Charles Laurita and the Mischief performing. 6: Kudos to local kids supporting charitable causes. 7: Kelly Lan, Hello Prosper founder, helps kids/teens/young adults love their Asian culture and female identity.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @hopewellvalleycitylifestyle

C I T Y SC E N E

E N JO Y T H E S U M M E R W I T H U S A T Y O U R L O C A L W I N E R Y !

WINE FOOD MUSIC

HOPEWELL VALLEY VINEYARDS

A dance studio that balances technique & creativity while valuing each students uniqueness

FA L L R E G I S T R AT I O N 2 0 2 2 w w w. t h e p e n n i n g t o n s t u d i o . c o m

114 Straube Center Blvd. Pennington, NJ 08534 (6 0 9) 7 3 7-1 2 6 4 i n fo @ t h e p e n n i n g to n s t u d i o . c o m AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/H OP E W E L LVA L L E Y

AUGUST 2022

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Photography by Hopewell Township NJ Police

Photography by Jeff Worthington

Photography by New Hope Film Festival

Teachers Vs. Police Charity Softball Proceeds Delivered To PALS

Join 'Lambertville Goes Wild' Movement By Certifying Personal Gardens

13th Annual New Hope Film Festival Just Held

Hopewell Township NJ Police presented Pennington Adult Living Services (PALS) with proceeds from the first annual Teachers Vs. Police charity softball game. PALS is a community-based support system for those in the Valley with developmental disabilities. It's fully licensed by the New Jersey Department of Developmental Disabilities to offer services and intervention assisting individuals with autism achieve more independent, productive and happy lives. The associated store is located in Pennington at #280 North Main St.

Lambertville was certified in July 2019 as a community wildlife habitat with the National Wildlife Federation. A local group, Lambertville Goes Wild, encourages everyone to create personal gardens for wildlife. They recently hosted a weeding party at the wildlife garden at the North Union/ Cherry Street Park. Mary Anne Borge is team leader, along with Franta Broulik, Deb Vari and Lauren Kovacs. For details about the group, visit LambertvilleGoesWild.weebly.com.

This year, 75 official selections were made for the New Hope Film Festival. Screenings at the New Hope Arts Center included 66 films from 13 countries and nine original scripts. One animated film was produced by New Hope native Xan Rayne Poulson, who recently graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design with a bachelor's degree in animation. New this year, NHFF filmmakers had virtual team chat networking events and an entirely online awards ceremony.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/HopewellValley

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Dignified service to all families

R. Asher Wilson, Manager, NJ Lic. #3823 2560 Pennington Road Pennington, New Jersey 08534 (609) 737-1498 • WILSONAPPLE.COM

ROBERT A. WILSON, OWNER Wilson-Apple Funeral Home NJ Lic #2520

R. ASHER WILSON, MANAGER Wilson-Apple Funeral Home Cromwell Memorial Home

NJ Lic # 3823/Pa Lic # FD-000766

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/H OP E W E L LVA L L E Y

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Local Pet Friendly Spots HIGHLIGHTING PETS AND THEIR PEOPLE

Pennington Bagel Experience: Bagels made the old-fashioned way at a family-owned shop at which family includes four-legged, furry members, too.

Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn: They have a special 'Doggy Delights' menu via canal-side seating -- need to say more? Plus, one might spot a pet chicken or two at special events.

Country Estate in bucolic setting: This vacation/resort-quality home on Vrbo [Property # 2779214] with five bedrooms and 6,000-plus square feet of living space welcomes pets as well.

Courtesy of Lambertville Station

Courtesy of Country Estate owners

Courtesy of Triumph Brewery Company

Triumph Brewery Company of New Hope: Catio likes the smelling of what's brewing; treat your pets to dinner on the patio.

P E T F R IE N D LY | L IFE + CULTURE

Courtesy of Carvel Ice Cream

Carvel Ice Cream: Sometimes a date night with your four-legged friend is just what is needed.

Courtesy of Brick Farm Tavern

Brick Farm Tavern: Check out dates for when the Dog Run Bar is open, weather-permitting.

There's a certain charm of seeing people out with their pets. The desire to be around dogs 24/7, for example, comes from a loving – and scientific – place. Dog-human companionship has become integral to many people's lives. In addition to providing emotional benefits, pet ownership improves one's physical and mental health. Studies show that pet ownership reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, prevents heart disease and helps fight depression.

Courtesy of Rosedale Dog Park

Courtesy of Nomad Pizza

Rosedale Dog Park: Humans indicate this is a good place to let dogs exercise.

Dog and Bull Brew and Music House: They couldn't have the name without dogs (LOL/Woof )!

Nomad Pizza: Fresh, local, organic, and with outside seating for pups.

10.

11.

12.

Starbucks Pennington: Ask for a Pupuccino, which is a tiny espresso-size cup with whipped cream made specifically for four-legged, furry companions.

Courtesy of Dog and Bull Brew and Music House

Courtesy of Witherspoon Grill

Witherspoon Grill: Take your pups to one of the friendliest dog-friendly patios around.

Courtesy of Animal Alliance

Animal Alliance: Founded in 2001, Animal Alliance is a Lambertville-based animal welfare organization that rescues and rehabilitates homeless animals, caring for them until they are adopted. They focus on animals facing euthanasia at other shelters, as well as those that were victims of cruelty or neglect. Please consider adopting, volunteering or donating to their cause.

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/H OP E W E L LVA L L E Y

Art for

ARTICLE BY ERICA BROOKE GORDON

Everyone A COMMUNITY HUB FOR CREATIVITY

For the past decade, The Painter’s Loft Art Studio & Pottery Wheel Studio served Pennington as a community-based art studio for people of all ages and abilities to come together and create, assures owner Cindy Laliwala. Offering everything from painting on canvas or wine glasses to pottery, candle making, fused glass and mosaics, The Painter's Loft features a main studio downstairs and a pottery studio upstairs. Privately-owned with professional artist-instructors, the Studio offers many options for emerging and experienced artists, and everything in-between. As a walk-in studio, those wanting to express their creativity can come in, grab supplies and get to work. Special events, including kids' birthday parties, bridal showers, bachelorette parties and corporate team building, are hosted year-round, says Cindy, with all supplies provided and several packages from which to choose. Fall pottery and mixed media classes for kids and teens start mid-to-late September. CONTINUED >

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | LOCAL S E RVI CE S

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/H OP E W E L LVA L L E Y

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | LOCAL S E RVI CE S

Monty

Private lessons and memberships also are available, while “Paint Your Pet” workshops enable pet owners to bring their furry friends to life on canvas. In addition are programs for adults with disabilities and programming for seniors. "Every day, I meet people who feel they're not, or can’t be, creative. I love finding ways for them, despite their limitations, to explore their creativity, find their voice, and achieve something they didn’t think they could do," Cindy reveals. An experienced graphic designer herself, Cindy says she's always thinking of ways to enhance students’ and customers' experiences, as the community is very much central to The Painter’s Loft. Lessons are even modified based on the audience’s response and experience level. And, despite having more than 3,000 paintings, she encourages customers to bring their own picture to replicate. This desire for a welcoming, "safe," creative space "free from judgment" stemmed from her kids' experience in art class, where, she describes, teachers can be overly focused on technicalities for educational purposes. As an artist, Cindy wanted her children to see art as a way to express and be themselves. “There are different ways to look at art,” she explains. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Soon after, she started a popular art enrichment program at her kids' school. When Cindy encountered an available space in Pennington, she says her vision came to life in her mind. She left her corporate design job, and, in 2013, The Painter’s Loft was born. Between students and instructors, Cindy says she loves being surrounded by different personalities each day. “Everyone brings something different to the table,” she adds, explaining how each instructor has a different area of expertise. “When these different minds come together, you get some unique ideas. All the different energies really reflect in your art." Students and customers indicate they’re amazed at all that's offered, with something new always on the horizon – especially great for groups and families where everyone has different interests. Additionally, as a Pennington resident, Cindy's work enables her to feel part of the community. “It feels like home, like family" is something she hears often. “Every day, I wake up and am excited to be at work," she promises. "I feel really lucky.” 609.730.4278 ThePaintersLoft.com

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/H OP E W E L LVA L L E Y

GREAT HAIR

DOESN’T HAPPEN BY CHANCE. IT HAPPENS BY APPOINTMENT.

609-737-8700

pixiesalonNJ.com

21 W Delaware Ave Pennington, NJ

CR E ATE INQUISITI V E M INDS

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

YOUTH NATURE PROGRAMS AT THE WATERSHED INSTITUTE BUILD CREATIVITY, CONFIDENCE AND IMAGINATION

CONTINUED > AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/H OP E W E L LVA L L E Y

Nature provides volumes of opportunities for discovery, creativity, problem-solving and STEM education for youth. Interacting with natural environments allows children to learn by doing and to experiment with formulating ideas, inquisitive questions and developing personal hypotheses. "We're all educators here, so we pride ourselves in helping people of all ages learn, to truly engage and to help them focus on natural phenomenons around us. We help youths see what's happening and why it's happening," assures Pat Heaney, The Watershed Institute assistant director of education. Pat says their overall mission is to awaken curiosity and wonder about the natural world. "Unique benefits that children and youths get from Watershed programs and classes include fresh air, exercise, a boost in mental health and an appreciation in greenery while they step away from electronic screens," she suggests. Pat says parents are taking positive steps when encouraging their children to participate in these types of initiatives that enable them to get better connected to natural cycles. Watershed Institute staffers steward the 950-acre reserve with the goal of preserving the land and water so it continues to provide healthy habitats. The staff includes policy advocates, scientists, land and water stewards, naturalists and educators. The reserve also provides a natural place of refuge and sanctuary for all visitors. The land and water now there are the traditional and ancestral territory of the LenniLenape; so, ultimate respect is paid to Lenape people’s past, continuing presence and future in the homeland and throughout the Lenape diaspora.

The Watershed Institute has a series of in-person offerings in August for youngsters who are 3-5 years old. Adult attendance and dressing for the weather of the event date is required. Classes generally include a lesson on the topic of the day, followed by a hike, art activity and game. • AUG. 2; 10-30-11:30 a.m. Preschool Nature Class: Lovely Ladybugs Join Watershed Educator Alison Novobilsky to learn more about cute ladybugs, their lifecycle and what they eat. Go on a bug hunt to find some. • AUG. 9; 10-30-11:30 a.m. Preschool Nature Class: Wildflower Sensations Join Alison to look closer at the lovely flowering plants around the Reserve. • AUG. 16; 10-30-11:30 a.m. Preschool Nature Class: Summer Birds Join Alison to gain increased awareness of local birds through listening games, discussion and a bird walk. For youths who are 6 years old and older. Adult attendance is required at this one, too. • AUG. 12; 8-9:30 p.m. Insect Orchestra Night Hike Deep summer nights are alive with a rich and omnipresent orchestra of insects. Join Jeff Hoagland, The Watershed Institute director of education, for this hike to meet members of nocturnal orchestras, while gaining an appreciation and understanding of the beauty and urgency of their musical presentations. Some of the performers may include the snowy tree cricket, ground crickets and bush crickets, the true katydid and the slightly musical conehead.

info@thewatershed.org 609.737.3735 TheWatershed.org

O UT D OOR A DV E N T U R E | E DUCATI ON

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/H OP E W E L LVA L L E Y

pet and house sitting

"THE PURITY OF A PERSON'S HEART CAN BE QUICKLY MEASURED BY HOW THEY REGARD ANIMALS" ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Heather Scott's regional business, Heather's Pet Care LLC, started with loving a mini Shih Tzu puppy named Kandi. "She quickly became the highlight of the family. From there, I grew a huge love for animals," she recalls. In 2013, Heather says she got a phone call asking if she could assist a family friend with her multiple pets for two weeks. "After meeting me, the owners took a leap of faith to travel around the world and leave me with their pets. Once they got home, they couldn't have been happier. Shortly after, I turned my love for animals into a business," she adds.

Being around animals is the highlight of her day, assures Heather, a Pennington resident who also services cats, birds, fish and reptiles. She's recently the proud mom of a newly adopted guinea pig, George, who needed a new home. Pet sitting is offered for clients who want a sitter to check on pets at their homes. "We stop by up to four times a day, with visits up to a half hour. This includes any feeding or walking, and of course, lots of TLC!" says Heather. "Updates are provided upon request." Dog walking is great for clients who work most of the day and need help with their dog(s). Heather says her team walks dogs in the rain or snow, as well, unless a weather state-of-emergency has been declared. She says they provide updates after walks.

P E T CA R E | HOM E SERV IC E S

Heather Scott, owner of Heather's Pet Care LLC.

Heather also operates Heather's Helping Hands to provide home assistance, transportation and house sitting.

Plan ahead as best as possible for pet care. Holidays become very busy with travel plans.

House sitting is provided for clients planning longer vacations or business trips, and have no pets in the home, or are taking them on the trip. "We come over, collect your mail and newspapers daily, take care of your garbage and recycling, water plants if needed, and make sure the house is tidy. We can also stay at your house upon request," says Heather. Heather's Pet Care is insured and bonded through the Pet Sitter's Association. She says they love on pets like their own. To set up a consultation, call 609.306.7123. Plan ahead as best as possible for pet care. Holidays become very busy with travel plans.

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/H OP E W E L LVA L L E Y

S O C R ATE S DECLARED

“WONDER IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM” SMILE WHILE PERUSING IMAGINATION AND CREATIVITY AS CAPTURED BY FRONTROOM IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATHER RAUB

"Children see magic because they look for it.” ~Christopher Moore “The most potent muse of all is our own inner child.” ~Stephen Nachmanovitch

I NSP IR E D BY | A RTS + CULTURE

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/H OP E W E L LVA L L E Y

ARTICLE BY ERICA BROOKE GORDON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED FROM THE PENNINGTON STUDIO

GROWTH THROUGH DANCE DEVELOPING ARTISTS WHILE FUELING SELF-GROWTH

M AK E R’S ST U D IO | HEA LTH + W E LLNE S S

Since 2016, The Pennington Studio has offered dance instruction in a variety of genres, from classes and summer camps to private lessons, taught by experienced professional dancers-turned-educators. It all started when owner and artistic director Dawn Cargiulo Berman learned a long-running local dance studio had closed. “I saw it as an opportunity to fulfill that dream of owning my own business,” she recalls. The Pennington Studio staff indicate they focus on dance technique, classroom etiquette, community collaboration and performance, and the development of students’ inner artist and voice. With classes taught by highly-trained instructors -- all with professional dance experience and degrees in dance performance or instruction -- the Studio aims “to expose students to the art form and to develop

Dawn Cargiulo Berman

artists.” Along with providing a strong technical foundation, The Pennington Studio team focuses on students' mental, emotional and physical well-being through the medium of dance. In doing so, expectations are high but realistic, says Dawn, who explains how instruction is tailored to each individual child, as much as possible, with their strengths kept in the foreground in an effort to provide positive experiences. Dawn says her main goal for The Pennington Studio is to provide a foundation for professional dance. Whether or not students ever become professional dancers, by working through the program, they learn soft skills, including dedication, initiative, group accountability and creative problem-solving. "While students are exposed to dance competitions from time to time, the emphasis is on diligence, personal expression and development – not perfection," she adds. The Studio staffers focus on ballet, contemporary and jazz, though recreational dance classes are offered to provide young dancers the opportunity to explore different forms, including hiphop, acrobatics and lyrical. Currently, The Pennington Studio is wrapping up its summer camps, which provide opportunities for students of all levels and abilities to either refine their dance skills or expose themselves to dance training for the first time, says Dawn. Additionally, the Studio hosts year-round birthday parties, which include some dance instruction followed by free time for cake and gifts. Those who wish to commit to more rigorous dance training enroll in the CORE Program, which consists of required classes that teach all aspects of technique, choreography and improvisation. Students also learn to adapt to different types of performance environments, from street performances to commercial performances, such as film. Student dancers in the CORE program perform in local community productions, competitions and the annual Spring Dance Concert. Registration is open for Pennington Studio fall classes. Options include recreational classes, the ABC Preschool Dance program and Kinderdance for younger kids, drop-in classes for adults, and the CORE program. CONTINUED >

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/H OP E W E L LVA L L E Y

Dancer: Stephanie D’Avirro

M AK E R’S ST U D IO | HEA LTH + W E LLNE S S

As The Pennington Studio has evolved, Dawn says they've chosen to focus on “what [they’re] most passionate about.” This includes special performances, including season-ending performances at Pennington Day and the Memorial Day Parade, and collaborations with nonprofit organizations. Over the years, they've partnered with the Hopewell Valley Arts Council for events, such as the Amazing Pumpkin Carve and Color Run and with the Pennington Public Library to promote a national reading initiative called The Big Read. Around Halloween, jazz students have the opportunity to appear in a dance film inspired by Michael Jackson’s iconic zombie music video, Thriller. For the film, students perform in small groups with different parts of Pennington as their backdrop. And, during the holidays, all students have the opportunity to perform in a nontraditional theater production of the classical ballet The Nutcracker and to dance at the Pennington Holiday Walk. "This gives students different types of opportunities to perform and enhances their performance experience outside of just the theater setting," Dawn says. At The Pennington Studio, age is not a limiting factor for those who wish to learn the art of dance. “We offer a variety of adult classes on a weekly basis and work with families to make it possible for students of any age to start dancing,” she says, explaining how she’ll expose these students to the basics by having them act as “helpers” for classes geared for younger students while ensuring they also take classes alongside their peers, at no extra cost. Something new, which the Studio first experimented with during the pandemic, is highlighting January as “mental health month,” informs Dawn. This programming intersperses meditation practices and breathing exercises with regular class activities, she says, to “provide an opportunity for students to use movement and dance to deal with mental health concerns like anxiety.” This “compassionate approach” and willingness to work with kids who have special needs, as Dawn explains, may be one reason why The Pennington Studio has received such positive feedback from the community. “I’m lucky to have such lovely parents. I’ve had some amazing feedback,” she says, adding, “I love getting to know my students through their hard work, dedication, and expression through dance.” 609.737.1264 ThePenningtonStudio.com

AUGUST 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/H OP E W E L LVA L L E Y

AUGUST 2022

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

AUG U ST 1 3T H

The Williamsboy Duo

BIG BEAR G EAR | 7:00 PM Join The Williamsboy Duo at Big Bear Gear's Summer Concert Series event from 7-9 p.m. Organizers indicate this will be a spectacular outdoor concert under the stars, with campfire, s'mores and live music -- likely Heartland rock and roll, with hints of folk and traditional country music undertones.

AU GUST 1 8T H

The Polish Nannies

T HE BOATHOUS E AT MERCER C O UNT Y PA R K | 6 :0 0 P M The Polish Nannies (party rock dance cover band) play until 8:30 p.m. This high-energy band hails from Hamilton. They were voted one of the Top 5 NJ Shore Best Bands in 2020. Fans say they reached this level of awesomeness with their musical and performance diversity playing cover songs from country, rock and pop genres.

AU GUST 1 9 T H

Sahara Moon Music Performance

U NDER THE MOON CAFE | 6:0 0 P M Sahara Moon returns for an exciting, free evening performance. She's a singer-songwriter who appears at theaters in the New York and Philadelphia area. PBS featured her live performance of “Beauty In A Rose” on their WHYY House Concert Series. Her songwriting was recognized for its sense of vulnerability within her lyrics as well as her vocal and guitar techniques.

AU G U ST 2 1 ST

2022 guided Historic Education Walking Tour

WAS HIN GTON CR OS S IN G STATE PA R K V I S I TO R S C E NT E R MUS E UM | 1 :0 0 P M This free guided walking tour begins in the Visitor Center Museum auditorium. Sign-in in the Visitor Center Museum lobby before 12:45 p.m. View film: “Ten Crucial Days: The Road to Liberty." Stop 2: Sullivan Drive and Continental Lane Marker (why General Washington was here). Stop 3: Stone Barn. Stop 4: The Overlook. Tour is free but donations are encouraged.

AUG U ST 2 4 T H - 2 8T H

AU G UST 2 7 T H

4-H & Agricultural Fair

H UN TERDON COUN TY FAIR G R O UNDS | 9 :0 0 A M The fair will showcase County 4-H goat show-goat barn, farm tractor pulls, horse show, 4-H dog agility gamesdog tent, Mt. Airy Dairy trivia show, 4-H horse demo, Lehigh Valley Cloggers, 4-H live reptile demo, rabbit/ poultry/herpetology tent, Parade of 4-H clubs, 4-H Horse Costume Class, and kids interactive demo.

The Strange Brew Crew

H OPEW ELL VALLEY VIN EYARD S | 5 :30 P M This group, which was formed in 2013, performs classic and contemporary rock, plus blues, country and original music. Members are Rick Kropp, drums; Mike MacManus, guitar and vocals; Mike Cifelli, bass guitar and vocals; and Bill Privette, guitar and vocals

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REFRESHING SUMMER GREENS THAT SERVE 4-6 FOLKS

ingredients: For Vinaigrette: • 2 tablespoons balsamic or red wine vinegar • 2 teaspoons strawberry jam • ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard • 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot or green onion • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt • ¼ teaspoon pepper, or to taste • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil (Cervasi Preferred) For Salad: • 1 pint (2 cups) strawberries, halved • ¾ cup blueberries • ¾ cup blackberries • 5-6 cups mixed greens • ¾ cup or more gorgonzola, feta, blue or goat cheese • ½ cup pecans, pine nuts or walnuts (optional)

directions: Place vinegar, jam, Dijon mustard, shallot, salt and pepper in a large bowl or jar, then whisk in the olive oil. Place the berries and mixed greens in a serving bowl and drizzle with some of the dressing. Taste and add more dressing as desired. Top salad with cheese, and nuts if using.

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