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CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

MAY 2020

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2 1 5 . 9 6 8 . 30 57 W W W. R E F R E S HWE L L N E S S . N E T 1 3 9 N . S TAT E S T R EE T, N E W TOWN

LIFESTYLE LETTER

MAY 2020 PUBLISHER

Dana Weissenberg | Dana.Weissenberg@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Ashley Barrett Kanoff | ashley.kanoff@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

WHO RUNS THE WORLD?

Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER

Ladies of Newtown, where would we be without you? It is during May that we, as a country, celebrate mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers. But here at Newtown Lifestyle, we also want to recognize all the women who build our community. Our women are our leaders, teachers, doctors, CEO's, first responders, law enforcement officers, authors, entertainers, nurses, social workers, counselors and so much more. You are our children’s inspiration, and you are ours. This month, we thank you for

Jayme Emery CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ashley Barrett Kanoff, Donna Hoffman, Kelly Jones Dr. Christine Landis CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Joe Dantone - Dantone Creative, Kelly Jones, Tim Cianfano, Adelyn Duchala, Peter Rymwid Architectural Photography, Y.E.C. Creations

everything you pour into Newtown and especially at this uncertain time for our country. We are grateful for your caring, compassionate leadership now more than ever. Stay safe, stay healthy!

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Dana Weissenberg, Publisher

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

THE

COVER

Megan

Benzio,

Kathleen McCafferty, Lauren Ziel, Tiffany Thomas-Smith Esq., Dr. Lori Gerber D.O., and Dr. Christine Landis

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE DANTONE OF DANTONE CREATIVE 4

Newtown Lifestyle | May 2020

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

Proverbs 3:5-6 Newtown Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Newtown areas’ 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 Newtown Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

photo: www.tomgrimes.com

Timeless, Elegant and Comfortable Spaces / Full-Service Interior Design KARIN@KARINECKERSONINTERIORS.COM | WWW.KARINECKERSONINTERIORS.COM (609) 474-0069 | PENNINGTON , NEW JERSEY

INSIDE THE ISSUE MAY 2020

FEATURES 10 Dressing Rooms & Baths to Make A Woman’s Heart Sing Self-care Spaces Made for Her

14 Veggie Egg Muffins Recipe Build Balanced Meals Using Nutritious Shelf Stable Items From Your Kitchen

18 The Women of Newtown Local Women Sharing Their Stories of Inspiration and Success

18 10

30 Smiles Are Contagious Advice From Dr. Chris of Newtown Dentistry for Kids

30 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Renovate & Refine

Healthy Lifestyle

30 Local’s Choice 32 Realty Report 34 Open House

GOOD TIMES

Solstice Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Solstice had their Grand Opening and Media / Friends and Family dinner. Solstice offers a "city-like dining experience" with "modern, whimsical plating," and is located in the Village of Newtown. The inner workings of the restaurant are beautifully on display for guests with an open kitchen design. The patio will feature elements like a fire pit and an outdoor garden. PHOTOGRAPHER: TIM CIANFANO

Newtown Library's Book Lovers Party The Newtown Library Company held its annual Book Lovers Party at the Atrium at

Stocking Works on State Street. The party is a fundraiser for the local library, the oldest operating library in Bucks County, and has music, dancing, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, a lottery tree, and a Book Lover's Raffle.

1. Nicole and Bob Rodowicz

Playa Bowls Grand Opening in Newtown The rain didn’t keep anyone away from the Grand Opening of Playa Bowls in Newtown.

The owners, Bronwyn and Mike, were set to give the first 50 customers a free bowl and the first 100 a free t-shirt- but with a line of 200-plus, already loyal customers standing in the pouring rain, they ended up giving away 200 free Playa Bowls!

1. Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting of Playa Bowls in Newtown. | 2. Bronwyn & Mike Bergen, the owners of Newtown’s Playa Bowls with the founder of Playa Bowls, Rob Giuliani. | 3. Mike and Bronwyn Bergen, the owners of Newtown’s Playa Bowls. 8

Newtown Lifestyle | May 2020

Family | Business | Real Estate | Estates | Litigation

divorce sucks. your lawyer shouldn’t. (215) 942-2100 phillyesquire.com

Feasterville | Philadelphia | Doylestown | Norristown

Mike Petro • Marianne McGinty • Michael Kuldiner • Adrienne Anderson

DRESSING ROOMS & B AT H S T O

RENOVATE & REFINE

MAKE A WOMAN’S HEART SING SELF-CARE SPACES MADE FOR HER

OH, THE LADY’S BATH. How many problems have been solved during a great shower?

This sacrosanct space is daily used for pampering, prepping, planning and nurturing. Then there’s the tricked-out dressing room. No mere closet, it elevates daily dressing to an indulgent, ritual pleasure for these finely appointed spaces beautifully house, organize and showcase your lovely things. To help plan either of these sensational spaces, here are some popularly requested features, plus their benefits and drawbacks. HER BATH: + Radiant floor heating is a creature comfort in which feet are met with warmth that literally radiates up through the floor thanks to the network of heating elements located immediately beneath the flooring. 10

Newtown Lifestyle | May 2020

INTERIORS BY DONNA HOFFMAN

How many fabulous plans have been conceived – or children (!) – during a decadent soak in a fabulous tub?

RYMWID ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY OF

to a perfectly lit make-up vanity?

ARTICLE DONNA HOFFMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY PETER

How many stunning faces become more stunning thanks

Their greatest downside is cost. Forgo this feature if budget pressed or you’re already “naturally heated”…

Their downside is cost. Additionally, fabric appropriate for watery environments is critical.

ahem…menopause. + Standing Tub: Sometimes called the mermaid

HER DRESSING ROOM:

tub, these “wow factor” pieces of art come in a range of

+ Concealed Storage

design styles and sizes.

Customized cabinetry for jewelry, handbags, shoes,

Their downside is cost compared to drop-in tubs. Their lack of a seat deck can challenge hips and knees. Be warned baby boomers. + Full length Drapery Panels: These elevate any

sunglasses and more is an organization addict’s heaven. The downside with high customization is soaring costs, and, if excellent inventory is not taken, items like tall boots may never find a home.

bath to absolute luxury. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

+ Hidden ironing board and hampers for dry-cleaners and laundering These are not the pretty elements of daily life, but they are part of its smooth sailing. The downside to these built-ins is the space they usurp from clothing storage. + Motorized Window Treatments Dressing room windows are common! Even on secluded lots, visitors CAN sneak a peek as they travel the driveway! (Hello, Amazon guy?) Motorization’s upside is convenience and luxury, with cost as their downside since motors can add $1,000+ per window. So, lovely. Take your walk on the luxury side, but now, do it wisely.

Credit on all images : + Peter Rymwid Architectural Photography + Interiors by Donna Hoffman + Zaveta Custom Homes + Bucks County Cabinetry & Design

ABOUT DONNA HOFFMAN A multi-award-winning Bucks County based designer, Donna heads her design company specializing in new construction, renovation, whole home and full room design to deliver livable luxury to discerning clients. Seen in Forbes, Real Simple, TV and radio, Donna is one of the nation’s design thought leaders, also founding TheInteriorDesignAdvocate.com which provides online courses for DIY’ers.

Newtown Lifestyle | May 2020

CHECKUPS ARE GOOD FOR YOUR FINANCIAL HEALTH. Like annual physicals, a yearly financial checkup can help uncover hidden problems, inspire you to set new goals, provide information you need to improve your health, and help make sure youâ€™re on track for well-being. I specialize in thoughtful and objective investment guidance aimed at

Tom Griffiths

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keeping your finances and goals in shape.

Call today for more information or to schedule a consultation

Client-Focused - Prudent Investing - Comprehensive Service Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Great Valley Advisor Group, a registered investment advisor. Great Valley Advisor Group and Griffiths Financial Services are separate entities from LPL Financial.

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Veggie Egg Muf f ins Recipe

BUILD BALANCED MEALS USING NUTRITIOUS SHELF STABLE ITEMS FROM YOUR KITCHEN

increase feelings of fullness. When including produce as well as a high quality starch, you’ll get energy so your body doesn’t feel deprived, as well as fiber, which also promotes feelings of fullness while supporting gut health. Flavor, of course, improves satisfaction from your meal. If you don’t enjoy what you eat, even if it was enough energy

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY KELLY JONES, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN

and you’re releasing satiety hormones, you may overeat or have strong cravings later. ITEMS WITH A LONG SHELF LIFE Not all items that last awhile have to be stored in your pantry. There are some fresh items that last much longer than you’d think, and utilizing your freezer correctly means preserving many fresh foods to brighten up meals when you need to. In order to build balanced meals with items that have a long shelf life, don’t be afraid to stock up on fruit, vegetables, and protein options you might not typically choose. Any frozen vegetables can be roasted in the oven, sauteed on the stove, and steamed in the microwave. Canned vegetables are packaged within hours of being harvested, which means high nutrient retention even if they aren’t your favorite texture. Just choose low sodium if you have a history of heart disease. When purchasing fruits, stock up on frozen and when it comes to dried, find options without added sulfites or added sugar. WHEN STOCKING YOUR KITCHEN WITH SHELF-STABLE FOODS, IT’S

As for canned fruit, choose items in their own

CRUCIAL TO NOT ONLY THINK OUTSIDE OF YOUR PANTRY AND INCLUDE

juice or syrup. Dry or canned beans, frozen or

YOUR FREEZER, BUT ALSO TO CONSIDER ALL OF THE FOOD GROUPS

dry edamame, tofu and tempeh, as well as tuna

AND COMPONENTS NEEDED TO BUILD BALANCED MEALS, WHILE ALSO

and salmon in cans, pouches or jars are all great

HAVING SNACK OPTIONS ON HAND. Whether you’re being forced to stay

sources of protein.

home or it’s a busy week for your family and you haven’t had time to grocery shop,

Get creative with mixing and matching

having the right items on hand can reduce stress, cut down on food preparation

items from each category and use your

time, and increase confidence in your ability to deliver nourishing meals.

favorite sauces and spices to make meals exciting and satisfying!

HOW TO BUILD BALANCED MEALS For balanced meals, you always want to include the following:

Kelly Jones MS, RD, CSSD is a board certified

+ Vegetable or fruit + Protein + Quality starch + Healthy Fat + Flavor

sports dietitian, national media spokesperson

These components are key to providing you with energy and nutrients to ener-

and nutrition communications consultant. She

gize and support your body’s many functions, while also ensuring satiety so you

shares recipes and tips to practically fuel an

aren’t searching for another meal or snack soon after. Both protein and fat are

active lifestyle with her audience. Find more at

digested slower than most carbohydrates and they also release hormones that

KellyJonesNutrition.com.

Newtown Lifestyle | May 2020

VE GGIE EGG MUF F INS These simple veggie egg muffins are so delicious and nutrient dense, you’d never know they’re filled with pantry and freezer staples. They are a prep ahead protein source to pair with toast and fruit, or to fill a whole grain tortilla with hummus. In addition to breakfast, you can also enjoy them for lunch or a quick snack.

INGREDIENTS + 8 eggs + 8 ounces frozen broccoli, thawed and chopped

DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 350 degrees. Add all vegetables to a mixing bowl and stir well before beating in the eggs and seasoning.

+ 4 ounces frozen spinach, thawed

Pour into a standard size muffin tin, filling just above 3/4 to the top.

+ 4 ounces roasted red peppers, diced

Bake for 20 minutes.

+ 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Once cooled, store in a sealed container in the refrigerator up

+ 1/2 tsp salt

to 5 days, or in a sealed container in the freezer.

+ 1/2 tsp ground pepper

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

SAY YES IN

2020 M I C H A E Lâ€™ S JEWELERS YARDLEY / FAIRLESS HILLS

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Newtown Lifestyle | May 2020

Every ingredient approved by our in-house certified holistic health coach

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WELLNESS MADE DELICIOUS

Hair ∙ Makeup ∙ Bridal Skin ∙ Nails

267.392.5262 385 Oxford Valley Road, Suite 408, Yardley PA 19067 CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

H T E

O W ME N OF

N EW T OW N LOCAL WOMEN SHARING THEIR STORIES OF INSPIRATION AND SUCCESS

ARTICLE ASHLEY BARRETT KANOFF PHOTOGRAPHY JOE DANTONE, DANTONE CREATIVE 18

Newtown Lifestyle | May 2020

MEGAN BENZIO 5TH GRADE TEACHER AT GOODNOE ELEMENTARY

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? To treat people with kindness. My beloved grandmother, “Lala” would always tell me to say “please and thank you,” and always stick up for the underdog. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF? That I can do anything I want if I try hard enough. For years I struggled with low self-esteem, and a lack of confidence. When I was 19, I moved to Colorado to snowboard and climb mountains. My dad convinced me to sign up for community college, so I became a ski lift operator by day, and went to school at night. Gary Cummings, my English Comp professor at Colorado Mountain College told me “I was a good writer.” WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO BECOME A TEACHER? I moved back to PA a few credits short of an Associate’s degree, still unsure of what I wanted to do with my life. My dad, who was also a teacher, asked me to present one of my 14,000 ft mountain climbs to his 5th grade students. I realized that day that I loved talking to kids. The next week I signed up for the education program Temple University. I ended up on the Dean’s List with straight A’s and never looked back. HOW WOULD YOUR STUDENTS DESCRIBE YOU? My students usually say I am fun and different from “normal people.” I randomly speak with different accents, do yoga with books in the hallways with them, I sing full length acapella songs into the microphone, and I give each kid a special nickname. I consider myself a “preacher of knowledge” in my classroom. I start every morning telling the kids how lucky they are to be in a great school district, with a teacher who loves them and believes in them. IS THERE AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE YOU WANT TO SHARE? I feel very blessed to have a career that I absolutely love and that allows me to pay for my true passion, which is traveling. My goal is to show my kids as much of the world as I can. So far they have been all over the US, and to Mexico, Jamaica, Honduras, Belize, Iceland, and Peru. This summer we are going to Costa Rica for 2 weeks. A proud mom moment was this past summer when my kids made it up the 10 mile rigorous hike to marvel at Machu Picchu.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

THE WOMEN OF NEWTOWN (CONTINUED)

K AT H L E E N M C C A F F E R T Y THE PRO SHOP OF NEWTOWN WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? One piece of advice that I follow is to build meaningful relationships with customers and people in the industry and community. It really rings true for a shop in Newtown or any small town. The people who come through the door are wonderful and we have become friends and some even family. They have watched all three of my children grow up at the shop and even held them while I helped customers. We support each other. Especially right now, in this uncertain time, I know I have the support from customers and others whom I’ve never even met. It’s heartwarming and I am grateful every day that I have the ability for this to be my career. WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS? For me, starting the business was not difficult since my mother ran a successful tennis shop in the space for 25 years. I loved that store and I always knew this was what I wanted to do. When I took over the shop ten years ago, I changed it completely to a fitness and lifestyle boutique while still operating as a full service tennis pro shop. I had a lot to learn fast but knowing that I could make this shop my own was so exciting. When you take over something you have to be very careful to keep the existing customers, while gaining new ones. I rebranded and developed an online presence because a brick and mortar shop is so difficult alone. I guess the moral of the story is that if you do what you love and have a passion, everything will fall into place. IS THERE AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE YOU WANT TO SHARE? Give back. I feel that you should always know what is happening around you and in your area and try to be a part of it. I volunteer when I can and donate to a degree that fits into my budget because the people in your community are so important. Pay it forward and encourage others to join you and help to make positive changes while selling some super cute leggings! It’s all about balance.

CONTINUED >

Newtown Lifestyle | May 2020

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vb CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

THE WOMEN OF NEWTOWN (CONTINUED)

L AUREN ZIEL OWNER BARRE3 NEWTOWN

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? In college I worked for a brilliant Norwegian inventor, engineer, and entrepreneur named Eyvind Boyesen. The advice he gave me became my ultimate motivation that I’ve carried with me the last 20+ years. Eyvind advised me to “find a job that you would love doing, even if you don’t get paid for it.” He made a good living and was a successful business owner, a leader in his field, but he was fully motivated by passion not money. As a college student I struggled to define what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I had changed colleges three times, majors three times, and was about to graduate with a BA in Speech Communication with minors in Writing, PR, and Spanish. I felt so lost while everyone around me seemed to know exactly what they wanted to do. Back then I may have wished for a crystal ball so I could skip ahead- but really, it was my journey, my path that got me to where I am now. All of the experiences, all the wins, fails, all of the people and relationships along the way, got me to where I was meant to be. I own and operate my own barre3 studio in my hometown, surrounded by the most amazing people, promoting wellness and positivity, and making a difference. I am most proud today that I am able to know exactly what Eyvind meant. I wish I could thank him and tell him how grateful I am for his wise words and inspiration. I’ve found a job I love, that I would do even if I didn’t get paid for it. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Ahh, so much! First, your life is a series of choices, choose wisely. You don’t have to have it all figured out. It’s a journey, you learn the most along the way, so have fun! But you also gotta work for it. Try new things and learn from the failures, don’t skip the struggle. All the steps together get you to where you’re going. You don’t know if you don’t try! Find your passion and choose happiness. WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE, OR WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TO TAKE, IF THEY WANTED TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS? All of my steps, even the ones I didn’t understand, got me to where I am today. It took me a long time to hone in on what really brings me joy, on where my passion truly is- it’s in many places. I don’t love just one thing. When you own a business, you wear a lot of different hats, and that’s what I love most about it. I said it before, and I’ll say it always, you gotta work!

Newtown Lifestyle | May 2020

TIFFANY THOMASSMITH ESQUIRE THE THOMAS SMITH FIRM, P.C. WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Be yourself and never give up! WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF? You can be whatever you want to be! WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO YOUR FIELD? DID YOU ALWAYS DREAM OF BEING A LAWYER AND OWNING YOUR OWN FIRM? I knew I wanted to be a lawyer when I was in third grade. I never envisioned having my own practice, although I really enjoy it. I wanted to be an advocate for others. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN ASPIRING TO BE IN YOUR FIELD? Never be intimidated. Women are strong, powerful and resilient. WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE, OR WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TO TAKE IF THEY WANTED TO GO INTO LAW, SPECIFICALLY FAMILY LAW? Intern with an experienced attorney in the field. Family law is a very unique practice which requires knowledge of the law coupled with the ability to be empathetic, compassionate and firm. Having hands on experience will help you determine if it is the right field for you. IS THERE ANY OTHER IMPORTANT MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? If you do what you love, you will love what you do.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

THE WOMEN OF NEWTOWN (CONTINUED)

H E AT H E R R O B E R T S SIT. STAY. WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Learn something new every day. Constantly set new goals, whether it’s personally or professionally. Whenever you have the opportunity, travel. Travel teaches you a lot about yourself, about different people and different cultures. Being removed from my comfort zone always sparks creativity and new ideas for me. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Surround yourself with people who support you and help you succeed but also people who challenge you. The challenge is what builds strength and character. Not everyone has to agree with your point of view. Every person that you encounter creates an opportunity for growth. Whether it’s a positive or negative experience is up to you. Learn and grow from that and move forward. WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE, OR WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TO TAKE IF THEY WANTED TO START THEIR OWN COMPANY LIKE SIT.STAY.? Every small business is unique and there are a myriad of ways to achieve success. Putting in the time and working hard is vital to your success. Owning your own business is not the traditional 9-5 job, you can’t leave your work at the office when you come home. Understand and be prepared that your business will need your attention after hours, on weekends, holidays, and vacations. Next, flexibility and/or adaptability. You have to be willing to adjust your business to changing conditions and be open to new ideas that may take your business to the next level. Stagnation can be a business killer. Finally, a strong support system. Surrounding yourself with the right people who believe in you and your business will make all the difference in the world. Never forget why you started this venture in the first place. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? My favorite part of the job is our philosophy as a small business, we are family owned and operated, but our family extends beyond blood. Our clients and their dogs are our family as well. We build strong connections with our clients and we are so grateful for their trust in us to care for their beloved furry family members. Our entire Sit Stay family helps every year to give a wonderful Christmas to needy families in Bucks County, to help fundraise for the Upper Makefield Emergency Services, and to place dogs who need a loving family. These connections and volunteer activities are definitely the most rewarding part of my job. 24

Newtown Lifestyle | May 2020

CHRISTINE EDMONDS A LOVE FOR LIFE

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? My mom would often say, “We are all here on borrowed time,” in her Austrian accent. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? We all have to try to live our lives to the fullest and try to be as kind to each other as we can while we are on this planet together. WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE, OR WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TO TAKE IF THEY WANTED TO START A NON-PROFIT OR GET INVOLVED WITH A LOVE FOR LIFE? See if there is an organization that closely aligns with your mission, for the cause you care about. It is so much easier to just devote your time and energy to helping them raise money than it is to start your own non-profit and assume all of the responsibility. We have set up a bunch of Penn Giving Pages that link up directly with the Abramson Cancer Center and researchers Dr. Ben Stanger and Dr. Mark O’Hara and Kevin’s oncologist Dr. Nevena Damjanov. That lets us direct folks to donate with 100% going to where it should. Friends can even use the template to do a Half Marathon, Oktoberfest, a Tennis Benefit, or a Movie Fundraiser. If anyone wants to connect with our organization, we encourage them to email to me at christine@aloveforlife.us or connect on social media. Facebook: A Love for Life Instagram: @aloveforlife_ Our organization is definitely a group effort and runs on thousands of volunteer hours each year. No one makes any money or earns a salary. Elle Kaplan has taught yoga at the Gap and the Pro Shop for the last 8 years. Mary McNamara runs karaoke at the Temperance House. Kevin’s brother Chris handles our taxes and the Bucks chapter of the National Charity League makes all the cookies and breakfast sandwiches for our dragon boat races in September and October. Meg Newell bakes cookies that are available at the Newtown Hardware House, Bobby Gilanyi helps with our website and Trish Linkenheimer organizes our mailing lists, tax lists and inventory. Kevin and Nora’s father, Patrick is our biggest supporter, after losing two children to this disease, his faithfulness is an inspiration. I know that all the time spent focusing on this cause allows us to alleviate that sense of helplessness that drops when you lose someone that you love. We made a conscious choice not to call our non-profit “The Kevin and Nora Edmonds Foundation,” we wanted this to be for anyone who has lost someone they love.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

THE WOMEN OF NEWTOWN (CONTINUED)

DR. LORI GERBER D.O. REFRESH INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE & AESTHETICS

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? To always be myself and enjoy the outdoors as much as you can. Life passes you by quickly. There is so much to see and explore in this world that it would be a shame to miss it because your head was down in a phone or you’re too busy to get out and enjoy it. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF? I actually wouldn’t tell myself very much as I learned so much with every mistake I made. But the most important thing I learned in life is “don’t stress, just do!” Live each minute like it’s your last, put in the work and dedication and everything else will fall into place as it should. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO YOUR FIELD? I always loved science as a kid and collected things in nature to keep in a box like butterfly wings and robins eggs. I loved to understand how things worked and wanted to be the one to fix it. During college I met a young doctor, Dr. Ken Fox, who helped me with a bad bout of vertigo. He was a mentor, role model and friend for years and helped me decide which path to take. DID YOU ALWAYS DREAM OF BEING A DOCTOR? Haha! Not exactly. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a veterinarian as a kid. Then I fell in love with painting and drawing and I went to Delaware to be an art major. Obviously, that didn’t stick. I ended up graduating from the University of Delaware with a Biology major and Spanish minor. WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE, OR WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TO TAKE IF THEY WANTED TO GO INTO DERMATOLOGY, AND SPECIFICALLY REGENERATIVE MEDICINE? I would say persistence and dedication is key, it’s a long road but very rewarding. A science major in college is the easiest way to get the prerequisite courses for med school. Next step-SATs- and they are tough. I took them twice! Be prepared for a med school rejection. I was rejected and had to apply for the next year after doing a biomedical masters class in the meantime. Lastly, after residency, finding the path is tough. I found a great fellowship program in Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine that helped me to learn how to heal my own personal inflammatory / autoimmune medical issues as well as treat others in a way traditional medicine was unable to do. Now I am able to offer bioidentical hormone therapies, gut & immune healing options, inflammation treatment and other adrenal and thyroid support as well as general anti aging supplement recommendations. IS THERE AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? Thinking outside the box is just as important in medicine as it is in other jobs and in parts of life. It is so important to continue questioning the norms especially if you don’t feel well and moreover be an advocate for yourself and others that are searching for answers in their health. That is what I do as a nontraditional and aesthetic physician - deconstruct symptoms & aesthetic deficits and reconstruct it into wellness and a more youthful appearance. 26

Newtown Lifestyle | May 2020

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LOCALâ€™S CHOICE ARTICLE DR. CHRISTINE LANDIS

SMILES ARE

C O N TA G I O U S ADVICE FROM DR. CHRIS LANDIS OF NEWTOWN DENTISTRY FOR KIDS

Newtown Lifestyle | May 2020

“MOVE MORE CONSISTENTLY THROUGH EACH DAY AND WORK WITH GRATITUDE, REMEMBERING THAT WE ARE NOT ENTITLED TO EITHER. THEY ARE GIFTS.”

WHEN APPROACHED TO WRITE A PIECE OF INTEREST AND

I turned fifty last year, and now when I think of advice to give to

INFORMATION FOR NEWTOWN LIFESTYLE, I WAS EXCITED

the younger me at 20, to the Chris I was at 30, to the person I was

TO SHARE ALL OF THE PREVENTIVE AND NON-INVASIVE

at 40, I don't know if I want her to be more like the Chris I am at 50.

TREATMENT DENTISTRY HAS TO OFFER SINCE I TRAINED

The younger me should be allowed to live all those years without the

AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA. Among the list of

wisdom of time. Yet, one intrusion I would share with my younger

advances to make treatments less scary, uncomfortable and more

self, however, is this: please trust your instincts and be patient with

effective were lasers, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) cavity preventer,

yourself. With age and experience comes wisdom. I consistently

glass-ionomer cements, non-drilling and drilling crowns, diminished

ask my guardian angels every morning for guidance and support.

need for numbing… all are amazing in what they can do… but then

The best pieces of advice I have ever received were from my dad

the world as we know it changed. Changed abruptly. Stopped.

and they were timeless. He gave me three pearls I live by: 1) people

As I write, I am sitting in the practice where my family of coworkers used to be bustling around, laughing, sharing insights on life, motherhood, and telling humorous stories of what a four year old just said. As many of us, tears are in my eyes for what is lost.

remember you at your worst, so save those moments for your inner circle; 2) no good deed goes unpunished; and 3) welcome change. So, rather than dental innovations, I want to end with the reason that I pursued dentistry in the first place. It is healthCARE. And right

Relationships/relations. We have an abundance of time spent

now, we all need a little tender, loving care. Let’s not ruminate on the

with our centric families during this crisis. Children live, thrive, and

past, but with gratitude, welcome and cherish each day as it comes

are exhilarated by the thought and atmosphere that emanates from

and the work it will bring. We can all work together to be protected,

classmates and playmates. If we cut them off, they droop. We have

demonstrate love, and work together for greater good.

all been cut off or disconnected from our own relations. We as adults are also led, stimulated by our thoughts/atmosphere furnished by

Smiles are contagious. It’s no myth… it’s biology. And that is one contagion we can all benefit from.

our colleagues, coworkers, neighbors, and friends. So when asked

Love,

what I would tell my younger self, my original prose was to tell her to,

Dr. Chris

“Move more consistently through each day and work with gratitude, remembering that we are not entitled to either. They are gifts.” Now, as I reread that advice, it seems applicable to all of us, especially now. CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

REALTY REPORT

NEIGHBORHOOD

NEWTOWN

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

215 S CHANCELLOR ST

$1,050,000

100%

978 CREAMERY RD

$999,999

$975,000

97.50%

133 MCGINLEY ALY

$890,000

$880,000

98.90%

308 PAXON ALY #45

$859,900

$849,900

98.80%

1697 POWDERHORN DR

$864,900

$830,000

96%

2 W BRIDLEWOOD DR

$859,000

$770,000

89.60%

249 HOOVER WAY

$699,900

100%

4 BROWN LN

$724,900

$676,000

93.30%

79 SKOURES LN

$679,036

$670,000

98.70%

1502 HAYFIELD DR

$689,000

$663,155

96.20%

1056 GAREY DR

$659,900

$649,000

98.30%

83 LAVENDER DR

$571,995

$630,574

110.20%

79 GREENBRIAR LN

$614,000

$615,000

100.20%

560 MUD RD

$595,000

$605,000

101.70%

1477 GREENMEADOWS

$595,000

100.00%

11 DAFFODIL PL

$620,000

$590,000

95.20%

661 SUTPHIN RD

$650,000

$585,000

90.00%

79 LAVENDER DR

$538,995

$573,382

106.40%

52 COLUMBINE CIR

$559,900

100.00%

Report Provided by the Mary Dwyer Team. This data is a sampling of sold properties from previous months. Source: BrightMLS system.

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