Upper Makefield May 2026

Upper Makefield

GLOW-GETTER

ALICIA BONNER KNOWS AESTHETICS

BOLD BY DESIGN

JEWELRY CREATOR

ABRA GORBY

Sprinkles of Joy SHARI FADEN DONAHUE

hA FRESH OUTLOOK

HELLO, MAY — we are really glad to see you!

I think we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief that winter is officially behind us and the scent of fresh grass and wildflowers is finally in the air.

To get into the spirit of the season, we’re bringing you stories about three Upper Makefield women whose incredible businesses each put us in the mindset of spring. I continue to be in awe of the talent we have right here in our own backyard, and I’m truly excited to share these wonderful stories with you.

The name Zebra-Striped Whale immediately conjures up something whimsical and unexpected — and that’s exactly what you experience when you walk through the door of Zebra-Striped Whale Ice Cream Café. Owner, author, and illustrator Shari Faden Donahue named the shop in honor of her father. Along with her husband, Tom, and their daughters, she has created a space where everyone’s favorite treats can

be enjoyed alongside reading one of Shari’s beautifully written and designed children’s books — also a heartfelt tribute to her father.

Abra Couture owner and designer Abra Gorby is another hidden gem in our community. You may recognize her signature jewelry, as it is worn by actors and celebrities alike. Her colorful and playful designs feel just right for spring, often featuring florals with a nod to the lightness and joy of the season ahead. Created in her studio right here in our community, each piece is truly unique.

We also are delighted to welcome Bella Mobile Aesthetics to this issue, where we write about Alicia Bonner’s journey to becoming a proud business owner. Alicia and her team go beyond the surface to help their clients refresh and renew, offering services that support both body and mind, from injectables to weight-loss solutions to IV hydration therapy. There is truly more to medical aesthetics than meets the eye.

If you’re a frog lover (as I am), you won’t want to miss learning about Carolyn Morris’ efforts to create safe passage for our local amphibians. It’s a true passion project and one that requires real dedication from Carolyn and her volunteers.

This month, we also celebrate all the moms in our community. We’re delighted to share a story about a special tearoom that would make any mom feel celebrated on her big day. And if going out isn’t in the plans, perhaps you can create your own tea experience at home. However you choose to celebrate, I wish all our moms a truly meaningful day.

Enjoy the beautiful month ahead!

Laura Lazar Publisher

Upper Makefield MAGAZINE

Publisher

Laura Lazar

Laura.Lazar@uppermakefieldmag.com

Local Editor

Dari Kotzker

editor@uppermakefieldmag.com

Writers

Carolyn Morris

Deborah Pomroy

Andréa Schlegel-Wallace

Elizabeth Young

Photographers

Jennifer Janikic Photography

Juan Vidal Photography

Expert Contributors

Greg Dwornikowski

Anthony Petsis

WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman

Carroll V. Dowden

President and CEO

Mark Dowden

SVP, Group Publisher

Thomas Flannery

VP, Content Strategy

Maria Regan

Creative Director

Kijoo Kim

Art Director

Rosemary O’Connell

Executive Editor

Elaine Quilici

Associate Editor

Sophia Carlisle

Advertising Services Director

Jacquelynn Fischer

Operations Director

Catherine Rosario

Production Designer

Chris Ferrante

Print Production Manager

Fern Meshulam

Advertising Production Associate

Griff Dowden

Upper Makefield magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Upper Makefield Township, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2026 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Jeff Sibner of College Match Guru; Joe Maher and Colleen Evanchik of Royale Homes; Alicia Bonner of Bella Mobile Aesthetics; Maria Kane of Bucks County Racquet Club; Tanya Evanchik of Royale Homes; Sabrina Silva of Bella Mobile Aesthetics; Al Hernandez of Bucks County Racquet Club; Laura Lazar, publisher of Upper Makefield magazine; Braun Taylor of Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin; Greg Dwornikowski of Addison Wolfe Real Estate; and Marc Butler of Anthony Petsis & Associates

A MEETING OF THE MINDS

The Upper Makefield Business Association and Upper Makefield magazine recently hosted a meet and greet at Washington Crossing Inn for organization members and magazine ad partners.

RECOGNIZING LOCAL TEENS

The Greg McDonald Foundation recently presented three youth hockey scholarships at the Council Rock North hocky banquet. Since McDonald’s passing in 2023, the players have worn the “GM” patch on their jerseys to honor his legacy as a coach, mentor, and leader in the hockey community. McDonald was a longtime resident of Washington Crossing, where his family still resides.

TAKE TIME TO HONOR OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS

Washington Crossing Historic Park will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony on May 25 at 1 p.m. at the Revolutionary War soldiers’ gravesite behind the Thompson-Neely House (1638 River Road, New Hope). The observance will include a colonial color guard, fife and drum music, Revolutionary War reenactors, veterans, and other honored guests as everyone gathers to pause and reflect on the meaning of service and sacrifice. During the ceremony, American flags will be placed on the graves of soldiers who died during the Continental Army’s December 1776 encampment in Bucks County.

MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS

Join the Travis Manion Foundation Philadelphia Chapter at Washington Crossing National Cemetery on May 23, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., to set up temporary flagpoles and display the Avenue of Flags, a breathtaking sight that pays homage to those who have sacrificed for our nation. Following, volunteer to be a part of America 250’s Honor Project — lay handcrafted commemorative tokens at the interment sites of fallen heroes, pause for a moment of reflection, and honor them on a sacred day of remembrance in our country. Register at travismanion.org.

On May 25 at 11 a.m., the cemetery will further honor those who gave their lives with a special ceremony.

JOIN IN A KITCHEN AND GARDEN TOUR

Bucks Beautiful will host its 31st Kitchen & Garden Tour on June 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The walking tour includes remodeled kitchens and tended landscapes at six hidden jewels throughout the streets of historic Doylestown borough. Tickets and memberships can be purchased online at bucksbeautiful.org.

Jenny is a Bucks County–based photographer known for her evocative golden-hour imagery and refined storytelling. A devoted wife and mother of two spirited boys, she finds inspiration in love at its most natural unguarded laughter, quiet embraces, fleeting sunset creating timeless, intimate imagery that beautifully lived moments for generations.

Barbara Wingate, MD

Board-Certified Adult Psychiatrist

Personalized psychiatric care for adults, grounded in experience, clinical depth, and integrative perspective.

Expertise

• University of Pennsylvania trained Psychiatrist; former faculty University of Pennsylvania.

• Volunteer faculty teaching University of Pennsylvania psychiatric residents.

• Former Medical Director, Renfrew Treatment Center for Eating Disorders

• 25+ years in private practice

• Integrative Health Approach

&

Expert Guidance. Individualized Counseling. Proven Results.

Why choose College Match Guru?

Celebrate 250 in Bucks

A local history buff and lifelong public servant helps guide the nation’s anniversary commission for Bucks County.

BY STAFF WRITER

This article is part of a series that celebrates America’s 250th anniversary this year and our local heritage.

INTERVIEW WITH ROBERT

J. HARVIE JR.

AS THE NATION prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary with a surge of events, Bucks County has a special connection to all the excitement. Here, Bucks County Commissioner and Bucks250PA Commission Chair Robert J. Harvie Jr. discusses his role in helping to plan our area’s festivities.

Why did you get involved in public service?

I was raised in a family that emphasized public service. My family believed that our community was only as good as what you were willing to make it, so they were active in parentteacher organizations, youth sports, and local politics. This upbringing, plus my love of history, led me to become a high school social studies teacher, which was my career for 26 years.

I first ran for office in 2003

and was elected Falls Township Supervisor that year. I was subsequently re-elected to that office in 2009 and 2015. I ran for the Board of Bucks County Commissioner in 2019 and was elected, then was re-elected to the position in 2023.

Why was the Bucks250PA Commission formed, and how did you become chairman?

In 2021, the county was contacted by America 250PA, which was designated as the commonwealth’s official organization to commemorate the semiquincentennial. I led the effort to create the Bucks250 Commission and was named to the organization by my fellow commissioners. I became chair in 2022.

The Bucks250 Commission brings together diverse community stakeholders with the goal of inspiring and encouraging Bucks County residents to learn from our shared past, reflect on the present, and work toward a future that meets and expands upon the important ideals of liberty, equality, and democracy that were established at the founding of our nation.

What gives Bucks County its unique connection to America’s 250th anniversary?

As one of the three original counties in Pennsylvania, we have a history older than most counties

Opposite page: Bucks County Commissioner and Bucks250PA Commission Chair Robert J. Harvie Jr. takes part in the Keystone Classroom Initiative, a Pennsylvania history program by America250 to serve kindergarten to fourthgrade classrooms, children’s hospitals, and youth camps.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF COUNTY OF BUCKS

Top right: The Bucks250PA Commission Board of Directors

PHOTOGRAPH BY KEVIN CRAWFORD IMAGERY LLC

Middle: Bucks County Commissioner and Bucks250PA Commission Chair Robert J. Harvie Jr.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BUCKS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Bottom left: The Bucks250PA Commission Board of Directors

PHOTOGRAPH BY KEVIN CRAWFORD IMAGERY LLC

in the United States. In addition, our location along the Delaware River and as part of the route between Philadelphia and New York put us square in the center of much of the fighting during the American Revolution. Gen. George Washington’s Christmas night crossing in 1776 was the event that saved the Revolution, but Bucks County’s connection to the War for Independence goes beyond that with so many historical sites to visit.

What are some of your favorite highlights or events since the commission started?

One of the events I’m most proud of was the teacher workshop we did this past fall. We offered continuing education credits to teachers from Bucks County schools to learn more about how they can help their students learn about Bucks County history.

But for a lasting legacy, I believe

our Revolutionary War Trail would top the list for members of the commission. We have a strong subcommittee that has been working for a few years on creating an interactive map that residents and visitors can use to not only learn more about Bucks

County’s ties to the Revolution but plan trips within our beautiful county to see these sites.

What are some fun ways for Upper Makefield Township residents to celebrate this special milestone?

Upper Makefield’s proximity to the site of Washington’s crossing makes celebrating our history very easy. It is, unquestionably, one of the most important sites in the United States. The 250th anniversary of that event will stretch our celebrations in Bucks County all the way through December. The Bucks250 website (Bucks250pa.org) has a calendar of events that lists things going on all over Bucks County this year, so it’s easy to find fun things to do.

For those who want to be more engaged in this celebration, we have been encouraging people to look for ways to volunteer with historic societies to help carry out the plans to mark America’s 250th.

Since you’re a Bucks County commissioner, what’s your favorite thing to do in Upper Makefield Township?

You are talking to a former history teacher and life-long history nerd, so Washington Crossing Historic Park is the easy answer. But I also love biking and walking along the Delaware Canal path—the stretch that runs through Upper Makefield is especially beautiful. Bowman’s Hill Tower also has a special place in our family since my daughter and her fiancé got engaged there last summer.

Savoring TEATIME

A shared cup of tea can spark conversation and calm on Mother’s Day—or any day.

BY ANDRÉA SCHLEGEL-WALLACE

THERE’S SOMETHING meaningful about celebrating Mother’s Day over afternoon tea. It invites a slower pace, one that feels intentional in a way that busy brunch reservations or crowded restaurants often don’t. A tearoom should create space to linger, to talk, to notice the small details: the warmth of a cup in your hands, the overflowing tiers of delicious handmade food, and the soft hum of conversation. It’s less about rushing through a meal and more about being present together, which is often the greatest gift of all.

AN ELEVATED EXPERIENCE

Tea itself carries a sense of ritual. Pouring, steeping, and sharing has become an anticipated ceremony that honors connection. For many, it also taps into nostalgia: memories of being cared for, of sitting at a table where someone made things feel special.

expanded selection of treats, and a small token at the table make the day feel distinct while still preserving the calm, intimate atmosphere that makes teatime so appealing.

ALWAYS A REASON TO CELEBRATE

On Mother’s Day, that sentiment comes full circle. Many tearooms add subtle touches that elevate the teatime experience without overwhelming it. At Wallace & Davis Enchanted English Tea Room in Lahaska, there are curated seasonal teas, spring-inspired pastries, and thoughtfully prepared menus that feel a bit more celebratory than usual. Fresh flowers, a slightly

What makes Mother’s Day tea truly special isn’t extravagance, it’s intention. It’s the chance to pause and say, in an unhurried way, “This time is just for you.” For those who can’t gather at a tearoom, the spirit of teatime can travel beautifully to unfold at home. You can set up a lovely table, even a simple one, to recreate that sense of occasion.

Teatime can make every day feel special, savoring and sipping from that favorite delicate cup, although the experience grows even more meaningful on Mother’s Day. Whether shared across a table or sent with love from afar, it offers a treasured gift in our modern, hurried lives: lasting memories and time set aside, just for that special woman in your life.

Andréa Schlegel-Wallace is the owner and operator, along with her family, of the English garden-inspired Wallace & Davis Enchanted English Tea Room. Located in Hollyberry Square, just outside of Peddler’s Village, the teahouse offers a modern twist on the tearoom experience.

Heritage Pharmacy combines expert care with a personal

• Personalized Care

• Experienced Pharmacists & Technicians

• Immunizations

• Medicine Blister Packs

• Delivery Upon Request*

• Health and Wellness Products

• UPS Drop-off Location

*Fees may apply

Sprinkles of Joy

Shari Faden Donahue’s creative spirit brings a love of ice cream and books to the community.

BY DARI KOTZKER

tTHE WORD “SWEET” IS one of many ways to describe Upper Makefield Township resident Shari Faden Donahue’s personality. As an author, illustrator, and owner of ZebraStriped Whale Ice Cream Café in Newtown, she has a sweetness that extends to many of her life’s accomplishments. Her endeavors include publishing 12 books and co-owning the award-winning ice cream café with her husband, Tom, for more than two decades. Surprisingly, what lead her down this path of passion and creativity was the tragedy of her father’s sudden death.

FINDING

A SILVER LINING

Shari grew up in Northeast Philadelphia, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in psychology, and received an MBA from Drexel University. She worked in marketing where she met Tom, and together with their two daughters, Maxime and Ariele, they settled in Upper

Makefield Township 33 years ago.

In 1990, when their daughters were ages 5 and 1, Shari received news that her father had suddenly passed away from a massive heart attack. In her grief, she wrote a heartfelt poem called “The Zebra-Striped Whale with the Polka-Dot Tail.” That kicked off the long process of illustrating the poem’s verses in a children’s book of the same name.

“I wanted to honor my dad in this way because he was such an avid reader,” she says. “He had books in every room of our small house growing up, and he loved the ocean, too. I poured so much love into this book so that our children would remember him. I was not a trained artist, and it took 10 years for me to complete the illustrations. But I developed a love for sharing beautiful children’s picture books with my kids.”

Tom was moved by his wife’s passion and endurance. “Shari was grappling

with tough questions about life and death, and this helped her to explore a deeper meaning with an open, loving, childlike curiosity,” he says. “Our kids and I watched in amazement over the course of 10 years as she created these colorful, handmade, multidimensional

art pieces for the book she dreamt of completing.”

In addition to writing and illustrating “The Zebra-Striped Whale with the Polka-Dot Tail,” Shari started her own publishing company called Arimax Books (a combination of their daughters’ names) to release the book, and subsequently four more titles in the series—Tom and Shari have worked together on the illustrations for a few of them. She has published several other Arimax titles as well as two under the umbrella of the ZebraStriped Whale Foundation, a nonprofit entity where all proceeds go toward helping people in the community. She says she generally conceives a new idea every few years.

“The Zebra-Striped Whale books are uplifting and thematically engaging with a fun, meaningful message,” Shari says. “Many of them are about feeling free to do what makes you happy and to shine in being your own, unique, one-of-a-kind self.”

SCOOPS OF COMFORT

Another life challenge occurred 23 years ago when Tom was diagnosed with a slow-growing brain tumor (their daughters were ages 19 and 14 at the time). Thankfully, the tumor was benign and successfully remedied, but the experience caused the family to reassess their lives. Shari had always dreamt of opening a fun, engaging ice cream shop. She had many fond childhood memories of being invited

to her neighbor’s festive ice cream parties and her mom preparing beautiful desserts.

In December 2004, Tom left the corporate world behind, and the Donahues founded Zebra-Striped Whale Ice Cream Café. The family of four enthusiastically came together to get the store ready for opening.

“We decided unanimously to name the store the Zebra-Striped Whale Ice Cream Café as the namesake for the original Zebra-Striped Whale book in honor of my father,” Shari says. “The book was so colorful and multidimensional, and we extended the look and feel into the store design. The dream for us was to create a warm and comfortable setting with uniquely aesthetic visual dimensions and color. It’s not just about the quality dessert

products we sell but the wonderful experience that this love-filled environment brings to our customers.”

Tom says the endeavor was truly a family effort. “Working with my wife and two daughters, we created a dream team where everyone flowed with creative ideas and a vision for the future,” he says. “Our family had never had a retail business before, and it was thrilling to put our self-made business concept into action and come together to create something exciting and unique for people to enjoy.”

For 21 years, the shop has served as a popular gathering place in the community and for surrounding areas. People have also come from far distances to taste the desserts. The store is known for its premium ice cream, milkshakes, crepes, and

coffee products. The ice cream they serve comes from local dairies, with decadent feature flavors based on seasonality. A mixing stone allows customers to create delicious, one-ofa-kind delectables called “whirlwinds” in which candy, nuts, or fruit are artfully combined with their favorite ice cream flavor.

“People can literally create whatever they like or choose one of our own creations, such as the Peanut Butter Buck—vanilla ice cream mixed with Reese’s Pieces, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and Snickers,” Shari says. “Others prefer pure and simple vanilla. That’s the fun part of serving people—seeing how uniquely different everyone is.”

Another standout feature is a back room where people can sit and enjoy their treats, relax with a book, or buy Shari’s own books inscribed with a personal message. “We added a library of children’s books to the back room to promote literacy and encourage people to associate reading with enjoying time with their families,” she says.

Shari also has worked with the Newtown Rotary Club to erect four

Zebra-Striped Whale Library book boxes around Newtown Borough to honor both of her parents—her mom lived until 100.

LIVING THE SWEET LIFE

The shop’s location in Newtown is close to the Donahues’ home in Upper Makefield Township. The family fell in love with their hometown due to its natural beauty and all the wonderful friends they have met over the years.

“Upper Makefield is a great place to call home,” Shari says. “No matter where we travel, there’s nothing quite as beautiful—even our kids, who have lived in so many places, say so.”

Shari enjoys walking the trail to New Hope, running her favorite sixmile loop down Brownsburg Road and up Stoney Hill, and loves participating

in the Revolutionary Run through Washington Crossing Historic Park. She also is delighted to bring her art to the community—she showcased some of her original works at two New Hope Arts exhibits this past year.

Many patrons and employees of the ice cream café also hail from Upper Makefield Township. Michele Rice is a longtime neighbor and friend of the Donahues. “Shari is such an incredible author, and she is very giving to the community,” Rice says. “She’s a great friend, mom, wife, and daughter. The ice cream shop is a special place where my grandchildren come to enjoy quality ice cream and read Shari’s books. It’s a very friendly place to go.”

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

For more than two decades, the ZebraStriped Whale books and ice cream café have made an impact on the Donahue family as well as the community. Shari says the store has been a part of many celebrations and milestones in people’s lives. Although their daughters have pursued different careers and moved to different parts of the state, Tom and Shari plan to continue their flavorful journey together.

“Seeing a baby have their first taste of ice cream at our store or a child enjoying their ice cream treat while reading their favorite Zebra-Striped Whale book with their mom and dad makes me feel so happy and grateful that we’ve created this warm, fun, and comfortable environment for all to enjoy,” Tom says.

The Donahues both look forward to carrying on their legacy. “A whole generation has been raised on ZebraStriped Whale—the books and the store— which is crazy to think about,” Shari says. “It’s amazing. We are delighted to have grandchildren now, and it is so much fun to share our books and this very special place with them. It all loops back to my dad and the love for him that inspired all of this. It makes me happy to know his memory lives on.”

Dari Kotzker resides in Bucks County with her husband and four kids. She has worked as a reporter in television news and print media since 2001.

BOLD

by Design

Abra Gorby has built a celebrated jewelry career defined by striking creations.

BY DARI KOTZKER

wWHEN

A WOMAN wears jewelry

from Abra Couture, she showcases dramatic, eye-catching pieces that blend handcrafted detail with high fashion. Since the early 1990s, Abra Couture owner and designer Abra Gorby has produced creations that have become signature pieces for many of her clients because they are unique and make an outfit shine. What started as a high-school hobby making beaded bracelets became a successful career in jewelry design for Gorby.

GETTING NOTICED

From the moment she began creating beaded jewelry as a teenager, people were quickly enamored by her items—they would purchase pieces straight from her wrist. A Canadian American raised mostly in New Jersey, Gorby sold her jewelry at local flea markets including one in Greenwich Village. While attending Vassar College with the goal of becoming a teacher, she continued to sell her pieces at campus vendor shows.

After she graduated in the early 1990s, she could not find a teacher position due to a New York public school hiring freeze. As a result, she

took a job on the Bergdorf Goodman sales floor and supplemented her income by selling her bold, vintageinspired jewelry made from beads and found objects on Bleecker Street at night. As her popularity grew, Gorby was accepted to many craft shows, including the legendary Crafts on Columbus. Then one day,

her life suddenly changed.

“This is a real New York story, one for the ages,” she says. “One day, I was selling my jewelry on Columbus Avenue when a fashion editor came by and loved my work. She asked if she could put some jewelry on models in magazines she worked with, and then I was contacted by other fashion editors and designers. All of a sudden, I was a rock star in the jewelry business. It was very exciting.”

A DISTINCTIVE STYLE

Within the fashion industry, Gorby was known for her wild jewelry designs using mostly recyclable materials. She eventually decided to refine her looks by going to night school at the Fashion Institute of Technology and the Rhode Island School of Design. There, she learned more about form and function to create wearable pieces for the everyday person but still with a touch of boldness. Her skills included working with silver, alternative materials, and resin. She also gained experience on how to make jewelry out of cotton balls and became

famous for her collection made from cotton balls and papier-mâché. Demand for Gorby’s work grew steadily. She was contacted by representatives and buyers from around the country and exhibited at the New York International Gift Fair.

By 2000, Gorby got married and relocated to Landenberg. Over time, she decided to step back from the fashion industry and focus more on high-end craft shows. Even so, her designs have remained visible in magazines and on television.

“I see my work on TV all the time,” she says. “Carol Burnett wore one of my pieces on ‘The Rachael Ray Show,’ Christiane Amanpour wore some on her news broadcast, Gloria Vanderbilt owned several cotton-ball necklaces, and I’ve seen stylists use my earrings and necklaces in commercials. It’s exciting and enjoyable to say, ‘Wow, I made that.’ It’s a thrill in my life.”

Throughout her career, Gorby has always had a niche clientele. She has sold to very conservatively dressed people who wear St. John Knits or Chanel jackets and put on her necklaces to make the outfit stand out. Her designs also appeal to women who wear a simple black T-shirt and throw on a piece of her jewelry to be the centerpiece of the outfit.

“People get addicted to my jewelry, and I have a go-big-or-go-home

philosophy,” she says. “When people find something they like, they keep coming back for more. I’ve developed friendships with so many of my customers, and we’ve shared so many of life’s ups and downs together. I feel blessed to share my jewelry with them and connect on a personal level.”

Longtime friends and customers Sharon Segarra and Judi Rivkin enjoy coming to Gorby’s studio to check out her latest work. “Each piece is unique,

and you know you have something special,” Segarra says. “You can tell Abra’s passion and creativity go into everything she does. When I wear her jewelry, I feel glamorous.”

A CREATIVE HAVEN

Gorby had another major life change when she signed up for the New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival in 2004. She immediately fell in love with the people and artistic community and

found Bucks County to be magical. A few years after welcoming twins in 2005, she and her husband decided to relocate to the area and found their forever home in 2008 in Upper Makefield Township. The property includes a main home built in 1790, complete with outbuildings and a greenhouse. However, many of the structures were in disrepair and overgrown.

“The property is beautiful,” she says. “Our front yard is the Delaware River, our backyard is the canal, and our side yard is Jericho Creek. It needed a lot of work and TLC, but we saw potential for it. It took 14 years to get our property into shape, but we turned it into something magnificent.”

Among their many projects was transforming an outbuilding into a customized studio where Gorby creates her designs, hosts private clients, and teaches small jewelrymaking classes. The main room resembles a candy shop with jars filled with materials used in her designs.

Living in town has also inspired her artistic evolution. “Coming to Bucks County, I see beauty every day, birds on my feeder, a little farm in my backyard where we have fruit trees, vegetables, and colors of flowers,” she says. “That’s all reflected in my color scheme that has changed over the years. My early work was reminiscent of skyscrapers with black and gray metals, and now everything I do is feminine and floral.”

Since moving to Upper Makefield, Gorby has grown to know the local community by participating in McConkey’s Market at Washington Crossing Historic Park, Newtown Historic Market Day, New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival, and a craft show at Tyler State Park. Yet her favorite way to connect is more personal.

“I love it when people make an appointment at the studio and they can meet me in person,” she says. “They can either shop the pieces I’ve already made, which include

the cotton-ball collection, gemstones collection, T-shirt collection, and costume jewelry, or I can do custom work. That’s one of the things I love. With Mother’s Day around the corner, people can come in and pick something out for themselves or a gift for someone special.”

Rivkin loves popping into the studio to shop. “I always can’t wait to see what’s new,” she says. “Abra’s pieces are light, whimsical, creative, and she has the ability to translate an idea into a piece of art.”

CONTINUED CONNECTIONS

The property’s restored greenhouse has become another source of joy. There, Gorby and her husband raise goldfish using a Europeanstyle aquaponic system in which the fish help nourish plant growth. The greenhouse is also a source of relaxation.

“I walk into the greenhouse and enjoy the flowers, pick a tomato, look at the goldfish, and pet them in the pond,” she says. “They are very friendly, know who I am, and come right over. We started with four fish

that my children won at the Upper Makefield carnival when they were 5 years old. Now there are 25 of them, and they are ancient by goldfish standards.”

After more than three decades in the industry, Gorby continues to design with passion. While she stepped back from wholesale, her work remains available at select galleries, museums, and through her website. She attends a few craft shows every month and enjoys working one on one with customers. She also gives back by mentoring emerging artists through the American Craft Council. Her core clientele remains between the ages of 45 and 65, yet in recent years she’s experienced a surge in popularity among younger generations. “I found a whole group of Gen Z people who love my work and they are now adopting it as their own,” she says. “They love the retro look. They love something fun and different and gravitate toward my vintage pieces. As time goes on, I continue to evolve and to create things that are fun, accessible, and light-hearted. I love what I do.”

Glow-Getter

Alicia Bonner injects confidence into patients with self-care procedures at her aesthetic medical spa.

BY DARI KOTZKER

fFROM THE MOMENT patients walk into Bella Mobile Aesthetics, they are welcomed into a place designed to help them refresh and renew. With its colorful décor and variety of treatments offered, the aesthetic medical spa is a vibrant environment where medicine meets relaxation. Bella Mobile Aesthetics owner and head injector Alicia Bonner, PA-C, MPAS, Aesthetics, says it’s a privilege and an honor to work with her patients.

“I want everybody who walks in these doors to feel welcome and happy to be here, and to leave feeling glad they came,” she says. “They come here because they want to, not because they have to. I love that I get to help people feel confident and healthy.”

FULFILLING A DREAM

Bonner’s career journey started on a different path with some interesting twists and turns before opening her aesthetic medicine office full time. Growing up in Bucks County with family members working in health care, her initial plan was to go into prosthetics and orthotics. Her father, an amputee who lost both of his legs in Vietnam, influenced her decision to pursue medical work.

While attending Holy Family University for biology and psychology, Bonner worked part time for a dermatologist who encouraged her to become a physician assistant (PA). After graduation, she took a job in a

neuropharmacology lab but decided to continue her education at Jefferson University where she earned her PA degree.

As a PA, Bonner took a job at a pain management office administering neurotoxins such as Botox and Xeomin to treat chronic-pain patients. That role was her first step toward receiving her certification by the

American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine.

“I was administering therapeutic medical doses for people who had migraines, strokes, and torticollis contractures, and they would send in reps from pharmaceutical companies to train me in aesthetics because I was curious,” Bonner says. “After learning those new skills, I started organizing

mobile Botox and filler events in 2009, which became very popular.”

Bonner hosted mobile events at businesses, dental offices, doctor offices, and hair salons while continuing to work full time at her PA job. She says the side venture helped her pay down student loans and was a fun social activity.

The growing popularity of these events led her to rent an office in Langhorne for people who wanted appointments. After 16 years of simultaneously running Bella Mobile Aesthetics and working in pain management at her PA job, she started to contemplate running her business full time.

“My mom got sick and passed away very quickly, but before she passed, she said, ‘Just do it. You’re ready, stop planning and start acting,’” she says. “That really pushed me, and I went all in with aesthetic medicine in 2021.”

NEW BEGINNINGS

Bonner initially moved into an office in Yardley but quickly outgrew the space due to the success of her business. When another building went up for sale in the same complex, she took the opportunity to grow.

She started the Small Business Association loan process and worked with a local realtor to purchase the property and make her dream a reality. The new office allowed her to double in size and staff when it opened in February 2025. Bonner personally designed and customized every aspect of the interior of the building.

“It’s surreal when you dream of something like this and it happens,” she says. “It’s beyond what I imagined. In the areas where I work, I used the color pink because it represents empowerment and femininity to me.

I also took inspiration from all my staff members to create their workspaces with their favorite colors and vibes to reflect their personalities.”

AT YOUR SERVICE

Bella Mobile Aesthetics offers a wide range of medically supervised treatments. Services include medically guided weight-loss programs that include GLP-1 medications and nutritional counseling. For those seeking to improve energy and revitalization, vitamin IV hydration, peptides, and vitamin D supplementation are available. Skin rejuvenation procedures are extremely popular with cosmetic injections, microneedling, chemical peels, and lasers.

Bonner and her team frequently attend training and conferences to stay current on the newest research, trends, and techniques. She

recently traveled to London to train with a physician conducting groundbreaking research on rejuvenation and regenerative aesthetics. She was able to review the doctor’s research and learn new techniques for rejuvenation.

Educating her patients on all procedures is central to her care. “I’m going to educate you before I do any procedure on you,” Bonner says. “I want you to understand what we’re going to do, why we’re going to do it, and what the aftermath will be. Then it’s for you to make an educated, informed decision. Not doing anything is also an option.”

Patient Diana Tomosi trusts in Bonner; in fact, it’s what has kept her returning for decades. “Alicia is so knowledgeable,” she says. “She is brilliant, super kind, and makes me feel so at ease. Any time I have a concern, she just explains everything nicely and makes me feel like I’m part of the family. I love it.”

Whether Bonner’s patients are new

or have been with her since the beginning, she wants everyone to feel comfortable enough to ask anything.

Another longtime patient, Donna Pavlis, appreciates the time and attention Bonner and her staff provide. “Alicia is fabulous,” Pavlis says. “She takes the time to explain everything with charts in her office, how the procedures work, and the expected results. She is also an artist because she studies people’s faces and makes you feel good about yourself.”

WHAT’S TRENDING

With Mother’s Day around the corner, many women may be looking to treat themselves to some rejuvenation, relaxation, or a confidence booster. There are so many procedures to choose from, ranging from injectables to facials. For those looking for something new, there is the rejuvenation procedure she learned about in London. This trending treatment combines a calcium-based filler for deep wrinkles and contouring with a soft hyaluronic acid filler for fine lines. It spreads under the skin with results that last for more than a year.

“People want to look more natural and refreshed,” Bonner says. “Using biostimulatory fillers is going to turn on your immune system to make collagen, to brighten, tighten, lift, and enhance your glow. This regenerative technique is the gift that keeps giving and makes you look 10 years younger.”

The future is glowing for Bella Mobile Aesthetics by continuing to evolve along with the aesthetics industry. “Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women is becoming very important, so we plan to delve into that more,” Bonner says. “I am always learning and growing, so I have retrained and recertified in HRT. People are also focusing more on preventive health and wellness, so we want to grow in alignment with those needs. I feel incredibly lucky that I get to welcome people here every day and help them feel better about themselves.”

Although Bonner mainly operates from her Yardley office, she still offers mobile parties for cosmetic injections or IV treatments.

BEAUTY ALL AROUND

This Mother’s Day will be the first one Bonner celebrates as a resident of Upper Makefield Township. She moved into her dream home six months ago with her husband, son, stepchildren, and father. The family quickly embraced the sense of community where neighbors are already like family. Although she’s always had patients from the area, since moving into town, the number has grown.

“I love supporting the small businesses in Upper Makefield Township,” she says. “It’s important for me to get to know the local business owners. It’s great how everyone networks and supports each other. It’s very special.”

Celebrate MOM

Show your appreciation for all her support with a heartfelt gift she’ll love.

BY DEBORAH POMROY

MOTHERS ARE EVER-present in our lives. They are our best cheerleaders, devoted friends, and understanding listeners. As a mother who was just recently honored to walk her son down the aisle at his marriage in April, I can truly resonate with the joy and love moms have for their children.

On Mother’s Day, we celebrate that love. But what thoughtful gift can we give to the person who has been there for us from Day 1? Here are a few suggestions:

Time to Relax

A Garden Delight

Mothers are proud of the home they create for their family. A garden allows Mom to enhance her living environment with calm and beauty. It can be her escape from a busy schedule to commune with nature, put her hands in some grounding soil, and nourish her family. Just as she receives pleasure from watching her family grow, she can get a sense of accomplishment in the garden from watching her plants grow.

A gift of annuals, perennials, shrubs, or trees can help enhance Mom’s garden. If she’s not the type who likes to get her hands dirty, give her a beautiful planter already filled with flowers or greenery to brighten her home.

Deborah Pomroy is the director and educational, event, and floral coordinator at Seasons Garden Center in Washington Crossing. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Ornamental Horticulture from Delaware Valley University.

Since they never seem to take a time-out, mothers always enjoy the gift of relaxation. Having a moment to read a book, soak in the tub, or meditate in the garden is truly a blessing to an ever-active mom. Scented bath soaps, lotions, and body butters can ease Mom into a truly relaxing state. If made with organic ingredients, those items are good for the skin as well as the soul. Another option is scented oils that cleanse the air as well as add a pleasant aroma to the environment.

Say It With a Card

Any love-filled gift for the amazing person who has always supported you will simply warm her heart. But a nice addition to any gift is a personalized note card. As a mother, I know how treasured a sentimental note can be. Someday, you might discover that your mother has a shoebox tucked away in her closet filled with all the special notes and treasures you have gifted her over the years.

MARCH HOME SALES

Royale Homes

for humans. Migration typically occurs March through May on evenings above 40°F with rain or high humidity, about 30 to 40 minutes after sundown.

Jump Into Action

A grassroots effort aims to save frogs crossing local roads during their annual migration.

BY CAROLYN MORRIS

ON APRIL 13, 2022, driving home on a dark, rainy spring night, I witnessed something I couldn’t ignore. Dozens of tiny toads were attempting to cross Wrightstown Road, and many were being struck by passing cars. With nothing but my work clothes, a glovebox flashlight, and a reusable shopping bag, I pulled over and began gathering as many as I could. I didn’t yet know much about amphibian migration, but I knew one thing: They

needed help. That night became the beginning of what is now the Upper Makefield Toad Detour.

Over the past five years, I’ve assisted more than 300 American toads, along with pickerel frogs, green frogs, and even a gray tree frog, as they travel to and from their ancestral breeding pond along Hough’s Creek. Sadly, many have been lost, too—a reminder of how fragile these populations are when ancient migration routes intersect with modern roads.

JOIN IN THE CONSERVATION

Amphibians are more than charming backyard visitors. They are indicators of environmental health, offer natural pest control, and provide an essential link to our local ecosystem. Helping them requires patience, preparation, and a willingness to show up on cold, rainy nights when conditions are perfect for amphibians but miserable

Stay alert on warm, rainy spring nights especially in areas with low-lying bodies of water, such as estuaries and swamps, vernal pools, and ponds that are intersected by a road. If you spot an area with evident amphibian mortality, report it to Upper Makefield Toad Detour and we will provide you with training and additional resources. Never attempt to rescue an amphibian without learning proper safety precautions from our group.

In 2025, local volunteers showed up to join our conservation efforts with the same commitment and care that inspired me on the first night I encountered the migration. Drivers are beginning to slow down, ask questions, and spread awareness.

If you’d like to help, the simplest action is to watch your speed on Wrightstown and Cooper roads during rainy spring evenings. And if you feel called to join us on the road, sign up on Instagram at @uppermakefieldtoadtour or email us at upper-makefield-toad-detour@ googlegroups.com. Together, we can protect these remarkable creatures and the ecosystem we all share.

Carolyn Morris has led the Upper Makefield Toad Detour, an organization dedicated to protecting local amphibians during their annual spring crossings, since 2022. She is also a nurse practitioner, an ADHD coach, a family wellness therapist, and the co-founder of Healing Minds Integrative Mental Health in Washington Crossing.

Sunshine Days

May is glowing with good reads to keep you entertained this spring.

BY ELIZABETH YOUNG

YOUNG AND MIDDLE-GRADE READERS

IT’S MY BIRD-DAY!

By Mo Willems

Who doesn’t like birthday cake, a birthday surprise, and a wonderful day? Pigeon is having a Bird-Day! Don’t miss this party. Enjoy all the fun with this highly entertaining storybook.

PLANT THE TINY SEED

By Christie Matheson

This book delivers an amazing science lesson for all ages. It focuses on the treasure of a seed that grows into a plant to make a flower to bear another seed. The natural cycle of life is explored and appreciated at each child’s comprehension level.

YOUNG ADULT READERS

THE NATURALS

By Jennifer Lynn Barnes

This thriller for the young adult crowd has imagination and adventure appeal. It is the first in a series of books that keeps the pages turning for many readers.

WE’RE A BAD IDEA, RIGHT?

By K. L. Walther

This local Bucks County author shares a fast-paced, exciting, and inventive novel that will touch many endearing hearts and sharp minds this summer. It is the perfect mix to immediately engage readers and hold their attention through the last page.

ADULT READERS

THE KEEPER

By Tana French

We regard this author as one of the best writers ever. Book clubs also love her. Fans of the Mystery genre and British Isles culture and language appreciate her novels for their contribution to crime novel literature.

THE MIDNIGHT TRAIN

By Matt Haig

Don’t miss this time-travel novel from one of the masters. This is the best advice you can share with readers who love a magical love story that makes your heart tremble.

THE SHAMPOO EFFECT

By Jenny Jackson

This book will take you by storm—you’ll want to read it, finish it, and then start all over. The classic story reverberates with many readers as it combines generational angst and the ups and downs of journeys we make whether prepared or not.

AND NOW, BACK TO YOU

By B.K. Borison

Every season needs a lively romance novel. Enjoy this rom-com with weather to add unpredictability to the chemistry. This well-loved author is known for her characters who add spunk to the banter and a little fun to the suspense.

Elizabeth Young is the owner of Commonplace Reader, located on Main Street in Yardley. The independent bookshop hosts several book clubs for adults every month along with weekly kids’ activities. For more information, visit commonplace-reader.com.

Market Forecast

Navigate the Upper Makefield market with these tips from a local expert.

BY GREG DWORNIKOWSKI

WITH THE SPRING real-estate market squarely upon us, our supplyconstrained market persists. Buyers continue to outnumber sellers, keeping prices at an elevated level. As conditions favor sellers, marketing a home for sale in this environment is smart, if that fits your personal plans.

THE ROLE OF INTEREST RATES

Mortgage interest rates have ticked up and are now in the 6.25% to 6.5% range. As of the time of this writing, uncertainty associated with military action in the Middle East and related rising petroleum costs are fueling fears of inflation, which has manifested the bump in interest rates. Markets don’t like uncertainty; fear and uncertainty usually result in rising interest rates, and that’s what we are seeing now.

The primary driver of the supplyconstrained market is mortgage rates. Most homeowners either bought a new home or refinanced during the pandemic, when interest rates were below 3%. With typical 30-year mortgage interest rates now above 6%, the cost of rolling their financing into a new property can cost a homeowner double—an unpalatable option for most. As a result, homeowners are largely choosing to stay put in their current home, with their current lowrate financing.

All that being said, young families continue to have kids, older homeowners need to downsize, and cash buyers are still making discretionary moves. These forces are keeping the market moving, however, just not with a normalized momentum.

Despite this overall dynamic, we have recently seen an increase in the number of new listings coming to market. We are hopeful that this trend continues to provide some relief to challenged homebuyers.

PREPARING TO SELL

Looking at the graph below, there was a winter drop-off in the number of properties sold in the township; this is attributable to a corresponding

reduction in the number of properties listed for sale. As the spring market carries on and we hopefully see a continued increase in for-sale inventory, we expect to see a notable uptick in sales.

If you are thinking of selling, now is a fabulous time to list your home, as the market dynamic is in your favor. While it is certainly a sellers’ market, it is important to note that buyers are willing to pay a premium for wellmaintained and updated homes.

Buyers want completeness in a home. A property that doesn’t represent a long to-do list of projects is always most attractive to buyers, who are often too busy to contemplate taking on and managing time-consuming deferred maintenance and updating tasks. To get the best results, consult with an experienced local realtor early in your thought process for guidance on what the most important items to address are as you prepare your home for marketing.

A resident of Washington Crossing, Greg Dwornikowski is a luxury real estate agent at Addison Wolfe Real Estate. He has an MBA in finance and real estate from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

UPPER MAKEFIELD REAL ESTATE MARKET TRENDS

Number Sold & Price Sold

PHOTO

OP

POPPING WITH PINK

CHERRY BLOSSOMS are a sure sign spring is here. The delicate, pink flowers set against the bright blue sky mean warmer days are ahead. Local photographer Lisa Mallis took this photograph by the main entrance to Washington Crossing Historic Park near the George Washington statue. Photography is her favorite activity, and she enjoys grabbing her camera and hitting the back roads of Bucks County to capture the beauty of the area.

Have a fabulous Upper Makefield photo? Email it to editor@ uppermakefieldmag.com and it could be featured in an upcoming issue!