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Newtown, PA December 2022

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Taylor Shimko Is Rockettes Ready!

ALSO SERVING NEW HOPE, UPPER MAKEFIELD, WASHINGTON CROSSING AND WRIGHTSTOWN

D E C E M B E R 2 022


Newtown Real Estate Pulse from the Dave Marcolla Group at Keller Williams Real Estate Contact us to get your FREE home valuation today. Unsure if we’re in a buyers or sellers market and what that means for you? The first step is to understand what your home is worth in today’s market and then what is the best strategy to get it sold on your timeline for top dollar. As the #2 Real Estate Team in Bucks County (source: Bucks Happenings Magazine 2022), we know how to win in this market.

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

120 Wrights Rd

$1,750,000

5

5

69

$1,600,000

91%

151 N Congress St

$1,495,000

5

5

14

$1,430,000

96%

8 Bennett Ln

$1,300,000

4

5

19

$1,150,000

89%

6 Spring Oak Dr

$1,250,000

4

4

75

$1,150,000

92%

16 Eagleton Farm Rd

$1,195,000

4

5

26

$1,100,000

92%

442 E Centre Ave

$995,000

4

4

4

$1,000,000

101%

$1,000,000

3

4

21

$1,000,000

100%

57 Autumn Dr

$969,900

4

3

6

$960,000

99%

100 Warner

$949,000

4

6

9

$935,000

99%

1 Autumn Dr

$929,900

5

4

6

$900,000

97%

5 Elfreths Ct

Source: Bright MLS 9/16/22 - 10/15/22

If you need home coverage, I can help. I live and work right here in our community. I know what the homes are like in the area. So I can offer advice you can trust to help you get the protection that fits your needs. If you’re ready to talk home insurance or need some advice about protecting all that’s important to you, call me today.

NEWTOWN INSURANCE ADVISORS 215-579-0700

Allstate home products not available in FL, and may also not be available in certain areas of other states. Policies may be written by a non-affiliated third-party company. Insurance subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company & affiliates: 2775 Sanders Rd Northbrook, IL. ©2016 Allstate Insurance Co.

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Protect the home you love.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Holidays and Giving

December 2022 PUBLISHER

Dana Weissenberg | Dana.Weissenberg@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

The holidays are here and as the spirit of the season is among us, we often try to replicate what made the season feel so magical to us in our youth. The traditions we set for our own families often mirror some of what we experienced as a child, whether it's the smells, the sounds, the lights, the holiday activities or a combination of it all that reflect that best. Referencing traditions, we send heart-felt wishes to those who recently celebrated Diwali. To our neighbors and friends: May the Diwali lights guide you on your path, and may your life be as colorful, shimmering and magical as the lights of Diwali. I really like and appreciate that this festival of lights celebrates the triumph of light over dark and good over evil, as well as the blessings of victory, freedom and enlightenment. While this season can be beautiful for some, it can be painful and lonely for others, especially those who've recently lost a loved one. In the true spirit of the season, let’s reach out to those in our community who need assistance or who are alone. My hope for you this season is that you feel love and peace, and that we all remember to take care of each other by extending grace, empathy and love. Happy Holidays!

SALES DIR ECTOR

Catrina Tier | catrina.tier@citylifestyle.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Ryan Ahern | Ryan.Ahern@citylifestyle.com STAFF PHOTOGR APHER

Jeff Robinson AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsi Southard CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

John Fiduccia, Erica Brooke Gordon, Donna Hoffman CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

MSG Entertainment, Lynzee Laychock, Peter Rymwid Photography, Michael Napp / M. Snaps Media

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich

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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 Newtown City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Newtown 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 Newtown City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

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

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.


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DECEMBER 2022

inside the issue The Holiday & Giving Issue

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30

14

19

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Ultimate Hosting

4

Lifestyle Letter

Interior Design Tips Directly From Award-Winning IDH Professional Regarding

10

City Scene

Accommodating Holiday Guests

12

Business Monthly

14

Open House

18

Must See

24

Local Limelight

30

Back Stage

A RTS + C U LT U R E

34

Inspired By

LI FE + C U LT U R E

36

Events

19 Brilliance, Fire, Sparkle:

“Jewelry has the power to be the one thing that makes you feel unique.”~Elizabeth Taylor

24 Yardley's Own Talented Rockette

Christmas Spectacular Will Star Radio City Rockettes -- And Local Dancer Taylor Shimko!

30 A Family And Community of Dancers Newtown Dance Studio Instills Commitment And A Sense Of Community

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: MSG Entertainment Radio City Rockette Taylor Shimko hails from Yardley. This is her 13th season with the group. When she's not dancing in New York City, she's serving regional clients as a Realtor with Keller Williams Premier.

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HO ME S ERV I C ES

PR O FES S I O NA L S ERV I C E S ENT ERTA I NM E N T


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DECEMBER 2022

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

2

3

1: Newtown City Lifestyle was a sponsor of the 2022 Pine2Pink breast cancer fundraiser. 2: Barre3 hosted an outdoor class at Veterans Park to benefit the Pink2Pink cause. 3: Leading supporter LUXE psn/The Pro Shop in Newtown lit the observation pink for sure!

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

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C I T Y SC E N E


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The Kusler Team D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / N E W TOW N

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DECEMBER 2022

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses. New Group Organizes To Promote Newtown Borough "The Newtown Experience" reflects a new partnership between residents, businesses and nonprofit organizations committed to promote Newtown Borough and community events “with one voice.” Kathy Buczek, owner of The Temperance House, says the group will spearhead the town’s annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 2 in the parking lot next to the fire station on Washington Avenue. The event begins at 6 p.m., with the tree lighting at 7 p.m. Phone 215.944.8050 with questions.

Scan to read more.

Universal Free Breakfast Program Offered To Council Rock K-8 Council Rock students in grades K-8 now are eligible for free breakfast under the Pennsylvania School Breakfast Program. Because grades K-8 participate in the National School Lunch program, they're eligible through the new Universal Free Breakfast Program. The district will offer free breakfasts to all enrolled elementary and middle school students through the end of the 2022-23 school year. No sign-up is required. Questions should be directed to Mike Dengler at mdengler@crsd.org

Scan to read more.

New Restaurant Offers Platters/Sandwiches Of Veggies, Protein And Famous Sauces The Halal Guys, specializing in authentic American Halal food, including chicken or beef gyros and falafel platters, opened In Newtown within the Village at Newtown Shopping Center at 2820 S. Eagle Road. They also serve hummus, baba ghanoush, fries and baklavah, plus catering. Call 215.550.6376. The Halal Guys restaurant busines grew from a food cart on the streets of New York City. This is their first location in Bucks County. They have 400-plus U.S. locations.

Photography by Courtesy of Halal Guys

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

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY


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Ultimate Hosting INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS DIRECTLY FROM AWARDWINNING IDH PROFESSIONAL REGARDING ACCOMMODATING HOLIDAY GUESTS

ARTICLE BY DONNA HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER RYMWID PHOTOGRAPHY The big question: Do you design your home for the way you live daily, or the way it should function when guests arrive? Late at night, as I began this advice commentary, I absent-mindedly dictated this first sentence as a question to Siri. Her answer? “I’m afraid I don’t have an answer to that question!” Forget Siri. The answer to this looming question is: both. To all hosts out there, one should design a home to phenomenally support the best daily living AND how it must flex to assist with fabulous parties, large and small, that are important as well. Some helpful design ideas to consider about the topic of hosting follow.

Thread Christmas decor even into the kitchen to make a bright, inviting space in which to gather.

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O PE N H OU SE | HOM E SERVI CE S


Design showcased here: Interiors by Donna Hoffman

THE DINING ROOM: Few dining rooms are 100% comfortable with 22 bodies inside. If building a dream home with the objective of having a dining room perfectly comfortable for 22 bodies, go wider and longer. But, accept the fact that by doing this, one could end up with a space that feels cavernous when hosting intimate gatherings of six to eight. A solution for that oversized dining room is opting for twin round tables that cantilever open for an easy crowd of 20-plus. For smaller sit downs, only one table is set for dining, while the other is set as a dessert or appetizer buffet. If too little space is an issue, don’t ignore the sideboard when having table pads cut. A custom sideboard pad with a pretty covering is a great

way to use all available space for buffet serving, or to handle overflow from the table. One also can select a stone-topped sideboard, so in that case, no pad needed.

FLEX SEATING FROM DINING TO LIVING SPACES: Flex seating is a great inclusion in any home design. In that twin table dining room, there is a break-apart custom bench that separates for extra seating when needed, in any room. Try upholstered ottomans stowed beneath a sofa console table. They can be pulled out and perched on by junior members when larger crowds gather. Ottomans can be used in tight living room spaces that prohibited additional chairs, yet can accommodate two ottomans floated easily near a CONTINUED >

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fireplace or at the coffee table. Best, most comfy seats in the house? No. Functional, overflow seating, yes. For any diehard entertainer, design spaces that consider open space versus seating zones. For families who do a lot of fundraising or volunteer-related entertaining, retractable walls are a great solution in the warmer months. For those living in a four-season climate, unlike Bucks County, they can open the walls and guests easily drift outdoors. And what to do if a home is not of the many thousands-of-square-feet ilk? As ever, embrace and love the home that you are lucky enough to have — what a blessing. Above all, remember that perfect holiday entertaining happens because of this one thing: Create a space that is authentically beautiful to you — one that has harmonious rhythms and handsome appointments — and guests will feel that love and grace when they are in that space with you. Remember that guests who love you as much as you do them won’t mind sandwiching into the middle seat on the sofa, or getting the folding chair at the table.

Decorate a beautiful fireplace for Hanukkah as an additional gathering spot.

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O PE N H OU SE | HOM E SERVI CE S


Design showcased here: Interiors by Donna Hoffman

Cheers to you and your loved ones this holiday season and beyond. May your home’s beauty overflow to spill loveliness into your life, your daily round and envelop those you love. 215.736.8693 InteriorsByDonnaHoffman.com About Donna Hoffman: As a multiple award-winning Bucks County-based designer, Donna's company — Interiors by Donna Hoffman — specializes

in new construction, renovation, whole home and full room design, delivering "livable luxury to discerning clients." Industry-leading media sources have called Donna a design thought leader. Referenced as the nation’s No. 1 design coach because she founded TheInteriorDesignAdvocate. com, Donna also loves providing online courses that empower DIYers across the country. IDH has garnered 14 Designer of the Year awards from the International Design Society and American Society of Interior Design.

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / N E W TOW N

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brilliance, fire, sparkle:

“JEWELRY HAS THE POWER TO BE THE ONE LITTLE THING THAT MAKES YOU FEEL UNIQUE.” ~ELIZABETH TAYLOR

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL NAPP / M. SNAPS MEDIA

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M UST SE E | PR OFESSIONAL S E RVI CE S


Scintillation: This gift-giving season, consumers are opting for gold, gold, gold to make bold statements. "Yellow gold is huge. Anything in gold," announces Michael Kanoff, owner of Michael's Jewelers. "We're selling tons of gold chains for men, as well as anything in a link or rope chain for guys. As for ladies, we can’t keep paper clip chains in stock." He says for the first time, in a long time, his staff is selling as much yellow gold as they are white gold. "80s fashion is defiantly back in style," he adds. Larger-than-life links are among this year's top jewelry trends, as seen on fashion runways, such as Valentino and Hermès. Gold chains are being featured as solo pieces or layered with other, over-the-top pieces. Michael says lab diamonds are wildly popular, partly because they cost approximately 50% less than mined diamonds. "Lab grown diamonds have the same chemical and physical properties as mined diamonds. When they're made, they use a natural diamond rough and grow it in a laboratory. They mimic what takes the earth thousands of years to make within a few months. Lab diamonds are better for the environment, and no one's digging into the earth to get to them," explains Michael.

For every 1-carat diamond, he says producers must dig up approximately a ton of earth. "We're the first retailer in the area to carry lab grown diamonds. We started out carrying just loose diamonds for engagement rings, then it evolved to diamond studs.

Established in 1976, this family-owned/ operated business provides a beautiful array of jewelry, such as fine diamonds, watches, engagement rings, bridal rings, wedding bands, necklaces, bracelets and custom pieces. They also handle repairs for watches and jewelry.

CONTINUED >

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Now it's the biggest thing in the jewelry industry, and we have lab diamonds in engagement rings, wedding bands and fashion jewelry," Michael says. As for clients' other requests, radiant cut diamonds are the 'it cut' for 2022, he says. Radiant cut diamonds have straight sides and straight, cut corners. They possess a silhouette shape similar to an emerald shape, but their facets are cut in a more similar way to that of round diamonds. This means that the appearance of the diamond has an effervescent sparkle. Round diamonds are always the No. 1 cut, he adds, and "fancy shapes come and go." He says they're selling radiants this year like crazy. Jewelry is a family business by trait, with Michael's grandfather being a watchmaker and his father, Lenny, a jeweler by trade who opened Michael’s Jewelers 46 years ago, naming it after his son and future business partner. Current services also include custom designs, watches and jewelry repair. The team also recently began offering pre-owned, luxury designer handbags. They buy, sell and trade the handbags in-store.

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M UST SE E | PR OFESSIONAL S E RVI CE S

"My goal is to be visionary, to stay a step, or two, ahead of competitors with offerings and updated assortments. We've committed ourselves to be the first in our region to carry new jewelry options, and customers appreciate that," Michael says. 1619 Big Oak Road, Yardley 215.944.5900 JewelryByMJ.com

"Lab diamonds are wildly popular, and we're the first retailer in the area to carry them," reveals Michael Kanoff, owner of Michael's Jewelers.


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ARTICLE BY JOHN FIDUCCIA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MSG ENTERTAINMENT

YARDLEY'S OWN TALENTED ROCKETTE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR WILL STAR RADIO CITY ROCKETTES -- AND LOCAL DANCER TAYLOR SHIMKO!

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | EN T E RTAI NME NT

Newtown City Lifestyle caught up with Yardley resident Taylor Shimko as she was preparing for upcoming performances for the "Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes" in New York.


HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN DANCE? When I was little, I'd go to work with my dad on Saturdays, which happened to be next to a dance studio. I was only three, and my dad was looking for a way to keep me busy, so my parents enrolled me in classes at The Dance Academy in Holland, Pennsylvania, where I spent my entire childhood training.

WHEN/HOW DID YOU LEARN WHO/WHAT THE ROCKETTES WERE? When I was 10 years old, my mom and I took a trip to NYC with my dance teacher to see the "Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes." I was enamored by the beauty and effortlessness of the Rockettes as they took the stage, and specifically remember being wowed by the soldier fall at the end of “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.” I told my dance teacher I wanted to do that one day, and she said she could see me up there as well.

HOW DID YOUR LOCAL DANCE CLASSES PREPARE YOU FOR A FUTURE ROCKETTE AUDITION/CAREER?

Taylor Shimko

At The Dance Academy, I trained in many styles with a heavy focus on ballet, tap and jazz. I grew up participating in dance competitions around the country, which helped me to build confidence and really learn to perform to the best of my ability every time I stepped on stage. By high school, I was spending more time at my studio than I was at home!

TAYLOR SHIMKO

WHEN DID YOU DECIDE YOU WANTED TO TRY TO BECOME A ROCKETTE? I knew I wanted to pursue dance professionally, but I had to wait until my senior year of high school to audition once I could meet the Rockettes age requirement of 18.

WHAT'S THE AUDITION PROCESS FOR THE ROCKETTES LIKE? The audition takes place at Radio City Music Hall over a few days. Rockette-hopefuls learn multiple combos, perform for the director and associate choreographers, and go through a series of cuts and callbacks. Each year, hundreds of dancers from around the world audition to become Rockettes, and I was lucky enough to get the job on my first try. CONTINUED >

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HOW DID YOU REACT WHEN YOU FOUND OUT YOU WERE SELECTED? When I got the call, I was at home with my parents and brother getting ready for my high school graduation party, and it also happened to be Father’s Day. I remember being in absolute shock, and was so excited to be able to share the news with my friends and family at my party. It was a day I'll never forget. I didn't know then just how much this job would change my life.

WHAT WAS YOUR PREPARATION FOR THE FIRST SHOW/FIRST YEAR ON STAGE? I was definitely overwhelmed my first year, but I took a lot of notes during the rehearsal process so I could feel more comfortable as time went on. As a young dancer in my first professional dance job, I was inspired by other dancers in the room. This is my 13th year with the Rockettes, and I still get the first-day jitters! I'm still so inspired by the incredible group of women that fill the rehearsal room each year.

HOW LONG IS THE GENERAL ANNUAL PREPARATION FOR THE CHRISTMAS SHOWS? Each year, the Rockettes spend about six weeks rehearsing for the show. We learn the choreography, put it in formation on stage and then add technical elements. By our first dress rehearsal, we're a well-oiled machine and ready to perform for the approximately one million fans who see us each year at Radio City Music Hall!

HOW DO YOU LIKE THE MIX OF LIVING IN YARDLEY AND PERFORMING IN NEW YORK CITY? I love having the best of both worlds: a city life and a suburban life. I commute to NYC six days a week during the season, and love being able to come back to the suburbs and the feeling of home.

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | EN T E RTAI NME NT


Taylor Shimko

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT OF BEING A ROCKETTE? As a Radio City Rockette, I've had the opportunity to take part of so many appearances and special events I never could’ve imagined. It's so hard to pick just one, but I think dancing on “Saturday Night Live” with Jennifer Lopez was the coolest and most memorable experience I’ve had as a Rockette.

TO WHOM DO YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR DANCE SUCCESS? Two individuals from my dance studio shaped my dance career: Donnajean Kline and BJ Byrne. These two constantly pushed me to pursue my dreams and instilled an

incredible work ethic within me. I'm truly so grateful for the life lessons they taught me through dance and the constant support they have offered me.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG DANCER WHO MAY WANT TO DANCE PROFESSIONALLY? Don’t put yourself in a box. Being a smart, versatile dancer is key. Train in as many styles as possible and always keep your dream at the forefront. Enjoy the process; there's always something to learn along the way. And don’t forget that every day we get to dance is truly a gift. Tickets and Schedule: Rockettes.com/Christmas

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a family and community of dancers

Newtown Dance Studio Instills Commitment And A Sense Of Community ARTICLE BY E RICA BROOKE GORDON PHOTOG R APHY BY LYNZE E L AYCHOCK

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B ACK STAGE | ARTS + CULTURE


Family and community are important to former professional dancer Liz Jovovich, managing director and co-owner of The Dance Ground in Newtown. Dance, of course, is another passion of hers and one she passed on to her family. Her daughter, Priscilla Garner, and son, Andreas Jovovich, are both professional dancers and studio co-artistic directors. “Dance has been a passion of mine since I was little," says Liz, "and when you can give that back to others, it’s a great feeling.” The Dance Ground offers all genres of dance, as well as vocal training, acrobatic classes, choreographed wedding dances and custom-themed birthday dance parties. Tara Caton expresses why she loves the studio. "I enrolled my then-2.5-year-old daughter because I personally know one of the owners. My daughter struggled with separation anxiety, but Liz made the transition easy by phasing parents out of class and doing fun, engaging activities. She loves the class and learning from Liz. I couldn't be more gracious for their love and support of my daughter." At The Dance Ground, students are taught by professional instructors. Although they occasionally lose instructors briefly for performance opportunities, the studio supports them fully. “Everything our instructors do professionally, they bring back that knowledge to the classroom," Liz explains. "My daughter, now a high school freshman, has been dancing with The Dance Ground for 13 years. The entire faculty is inspiring," says Janet Goodwin. “They have taught her not only dance technique and steps, but also life lessons such as teamwork, discipline and time management: tools she uses for school play auditions, modeling for catalogs and performing in community events.” The 2022 holiday season will be special, with nine dancers from The Dance Ground performing with the Ferko String Band at the annual Mummers Day Parade in Philadelphia on New Year’s Day — an opportunity for these training-level students, some who are also competitive dancers aspiring to go pro — to gain professional experience and exposure. Students at this level train for 15 to 20 hours per week. "It's hard work," explains Liz, "and only they can put in the work." Liz especially enjoys seeing students transform from shy performers to confident dancers. This skill development is the cornerstone of the program, which emphasizes to students the importance of becoming the best versions of themselves, not competing with others. “At the end of the year," Liz says, "the kids get on stage and feel so special. I love seeing them smile and enjoy what they love.” 215.752.3731 TheDanceGround.com

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / N E W TOW N

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Apex Home Loans is a division of Celebrity Home Loans, LLC | NMLS # 227765 | For licensing information, go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org | www.celebrityhomeloans.com | Please review our Disclosures & Licensing information. | Celebrity Home Loans, LLC has no affiliation with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the US Department of Agriculture or any other government agency. Equal Housing Lender. For further information about Celebrity Home Loans, LLC, please visit our website at www.celebrityhomeloans.com. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Applicant subject to credit, acceptable appraisal, title, and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved. Other terms and conditions apply. Contact Celebrity Home Loans, LLC for more information and up-to-date rates.

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The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign Now in its third year, the City Lifestyle Giving Campaign will give away $300,000 this holiday season to help individual community members who would benefit from a helping hand during their time of need. But they need YOUR HELP to make it happen! Maybe you know of a single parent struggling to provide, an elderly person who has experienced loss, a child enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need—even if nobody else does. To preserve and protect the dignity of every recipient, the City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized in ANY way. (Even those who nominate others may remain anonymous if they choose.) Last year, City Lifestyle was able to give to more than 70 recipients all over the country by sending checks in the mail through New Year’s Eve. (This year, the goal is to double that number with checks ranging in amount up to $3,000 each.) With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. “We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.” Together with Matthew Perry, Chief Sales Officer, Steven adds that the outpouring and gratitude from the recipients was overwhelming and affirmed that this is a tradition they want to continue. “We believe God has blessed our company with continued success,” Matthew adds, “so we in turn want to be a blessing to others.” City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep doing it on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is so rewarding that it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster that culture of generosity.”

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I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE

“This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”


W here ha s t he c a mpa ig n g i f t e d?

Scan Code to

Nominate between Dec. 1 – 15, 2022

Follow @citylifestyle on Instagram for reminders! To submit a nomination, follow @citylifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / N E W TOW N

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DECEMBER 2022

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area. D E C E M BE R 2ND - 11TH

D EC E M BE R 4 T H

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella

T HE N EWTOW N THEATRE | 7:30 P M This is a Broadway version production of the Newtown Arts Company. Performances are Dec. 2: 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 3: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 4: 2 p.m.; Dec. 9: 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 10: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m..; Dec. 11: 2 p.m. Tickets ($28 each) can be purchased online, or one hour before curtain. Call 215.860.7058 or email tickets@newtownartscompany.com.

Newtown Holiday Parade

THE STOCKING WORKS | 2:00 PM This parade continues to provide a magical experience for the whole community. Hosted each year by the Newtown Business Association, the parade promptly kicks off from South State Street. It then continues north to Washington Avenue and makes a left turn, then turns right onto Sycamore Street, ending at the corner of Sycamore Street and Durham Road. DE C E M BE R 8T H

Newtown City Lifestyle 2nd Annual Holiday Party

THE TEMPERANCE HOUSE | 7:00 PM Join the celebration of the local community and connections through the magazine. Tickets are available on the magazine’s social media platforms. Proceeds from the event benefit A Love For Life, a nonprofit group who raises funds for pancreatic cancer research. D E C E M BE R 9TH - 10TH

The Craftery Holiday Market

T YLER GARDEN S | 11:00 AM This event, to be held at 275 Swamp Road in Newtown, is a modern and unique market experience with 60plus vendors, featuring carefully curated, artisan handmade items, antique and vintage finds and original art. The market concludes at 5 p.m. For questions, phone 215.860.1859. CONTINUED >

BIG GREEN EGG DAYS AT THE BUXTON COMPLEX Join EGGsperts Kristi and Marisa for different cooking techniques and amazing samples cooked on the Big Green Egg. Learn about the Big Green Egg, How to Cook fun recipes become an EGGhead!

1536 Lower Ferry Road Ewing, NJ 08618

609-771-0274 www.TheBuxtonComplex.com Celebrating 40 Years and 4 Generations

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December 10th, 2022 3:00pm – 5:00pm Ribs, Corn Bread and More! This event is FREE, Registration is Required!

January 14th, 2023 3:00pm – 5:00pm Desserts on The Big Green Egg! This event is FREE, Registration is Required!


EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY! 2nd Annual Holiday Party December 8th · 7-10pm The Temperance House 5 South State Street

Purchase Your Tickets Today!

vb Newtown City Lifestyle Proceeds benefit

A Love for Life – A non-profit dedicated to raising funds for Pancreatic Cancer Research.


EVENTS CONTINUED

Family Style Italian Kitchen 18 S WA M P R OA D N E W T OW N

Italian Speciality Market and Catering 18 6 N. S YC A MOR E S T R E E T N E W T OW N

DECEMBER 10 TH

BYOB Pottery Class

A RT DE PA RT ME NT ST U D I OS NE WTOWN | 6 :0 0 P M Instructors at 28 Richboro Road will guide participants step-bystep; this 2-hour class is for both beginners or advanced artists. All materials to create a midnight tree plate are included. Pottery will be fired in their kiln, and is slated to be ready or pick-up approximately two weeks later. The fee is $38 per person, plus taxes. DECEMBER 14 TH

Healing Mass [In-Person and Virtual]

ST. LUK E ’ S E P I S C O PA L C H UR C H | 1 0 :0 0 A M A Wednesday morning healing mass in Newtown will be conducted in hybrid via Zoom and in-person. Fr. Trey Kennedy is the organizer. To receive the link for the Zoom mass, contact Susan Bello at stlukeschurchpa@verizon.net. For questions, call 215.968.2781. DECEMBER 3 1ST

Annual Newtown New Year’s Eve Comedy Party

NE WTOWN T H E AT R E | 5 : 3 0 P M Hang with the hilarious trio of Chris Johnston, Buddy Harris and Brendan Donegan. This party will be hosted by The Comedy Shoppe, a group known for producing some of the best stand-up comedy in the tri-state area. Admission includes show and two drinks. More details are available at JJComedy.com .

In-House Photographer and Event Stylist Roe Masso can create and capture your special event on or off premise.

NEW outdoor pavillion area styled by RMP Photography and Event Planning.

M O R E I N F O : R O E M A S S O.C O M

Those who know...KNOW! (2 1 5) 57 9 -8 3 01 O L A STA L L A R ESTAU R A N T.COM 38

EVE N TS

Want to be featured?

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


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