Habitat for Humanity Completes 73 Units and Welcomes the Last Residents Home

Habitat for Humanity held the home dedication at the Emerald Hollow community on Saturday, December 10. Stephen and Serah, of Quakertown, completed their sweat equity hours and purchased the final townhouse in the community.  Having recently moved out of a one-bedroom apartment in which their daughters slept in the attic, while they shared a room with their son, this family has completed the organizations homeownership program and will be moving into their home after the holidays.

This event marked the completion of a 73-unit, mixed-income, townhouse community that was started in November 2001.  More than 150,000 volunteer hours and numerous donations of time, talent and treasure from partnerships with local, regional and national organizations, businesses and communities have contributed to this project’s success.  Attendees of the event were invited to “pound” the new residents by bringing a pound of non-perishable goods, such as food or a cleaning product, to start the new families off in their homes.

For more information about Habitat Bucks, please call (215) 822-2812 or visit www.habitatbucks.org.

Sand and Sea: Nature Meets Healing
Groundswell Design Group Collaborates with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Also on Saturday, December 10, volunteers from the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society [PHS], Meadowbrook Farm, Feeney’s Wholesale, and Pleasant Run Nursery helped Groundswell and hospital staff plant more than 300 donated perennials and shrubs throughout the third-floor garden at the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia. The project’s estimated completion is set for spring 2012.

Children’s Seashore House Rooftop Garden will be a place of horticultural healing that will evolve and grow post installment – a self-propelled perennial in itself.

Seashore House serves as a long-term care and rehabilitation center of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Groundswell Design Group of Hopewell, NJ has been chosen to convert the third-floor play deck into a growing rooftop garden for patients, families and staff to learn, bloom and enjoy. The Rooftop Garden will encourage healing, wellness and inspiration while bringing the joy of the outdoors to children who are often limited to indoor activity.

Groundswell Design Group transforms simple spaces into breathtaking landscapes using indigenous matter and an unprecedented green thumb of creativity. Every project yields a unique – and truly green – work of art. 

“Gardens work best when thought of as additional rooms or extensions of indoor spaces,” says Groundswell Design Group founder, David Fierabend, MLA. “It is our goal to bring the sand and sea back to the Children’s Seashore House’s current site.” 

“We’re all about repurposing, reclaiming, and recycling. We reuse what is onsite first, and then work backwards,” says Fierabend. Click here to see Fierabend talk Groundswell.

In the midst of celebrating their one year anniversary, Trubeauty Concepts welcomed a special guest to their HOPE (Home of Professional Education) For Beauty center on Street Road in Southampton. Over the course of the afternoon and evening, Tabatha Coffey hosted two separate 90 minute business presentations. The price tag for the event wasn’t cheap.  Those in attendance paid $250 for the first session and $300 for the longer evening affair. Guests didn’t leave empty-handed, however.  All those that paid the price of admission left with an autographed copy of Coffey’s book, It’s Not Really About The Hair.  Tabatha Coffey has devoted her entire professional life to achieving excellence in hair design and education. For three successful seasons, she has brought her years of hands-on experience to Bravo’s hit series, Tabatha’s Salon Takeover.  “Tabatha Takes Over” follows the demanding perfectionist as she takes over various small businesses and family enterprises and whips them into shape.  Concepts, a cutting edge, full -service professional beauty distributor, salon design center, and advanced education facility is located at 109 Street Rd., Southampton, Pa.

23^rd Annual Chowderfest, Long Beach Island, October 2

Presented by the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, the festivities began on Saturday, October 1st with the Merchants’ Mart, which was fun and free.  There are aisles and aisles of end-of-season blowout bargains from over 50 merchants, plus live music and a food court. Then, on Sunday, October 2nd, the 23rd Annual Chowder Cook-Off Classic began. Lining up ten deep in two different tents were chowder-sloshing fans. One tent was for the red chowder, the other for the white, each having about 8 or 9 different restaurants serving.  If you like chowder, this is a must event. The tasting is unlimited, there’s live music, and lot of other great food and drink too. And then you vote at the end in actual voting machine booths. Don’t miss this well-organized, well-attended chow-down next October!

Savory Sampler at the Mercer Museum October 14, 2011

Mercer Museum is a feast for the eyes on any given day, but it recently offered a feast for the taste buds, too. Awash with the historical artifacts of the Industrial Revolution, and basking in the glow of a multi-million dollar renovation with addition, the museum on Pine Street in Doylestown held its Savory Sampler event on Friday, October 14^th. Throngs of tuxedoed men and evening gowned-ladies gnoshed on tasty treats supplied by more than 30 area restaurants, breweries, wineries and caterers. This year’s participants included: Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Bradley Bunch Bakery, Café Alessio, Café Underground, Chaddsford Winery, Earl’s Bucks County, Genevieve’s, Goodnoe Farm Dairy Bar,  Marsha Brown, McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn, Memorable Affairs Catering, Owow Cow Local Artisanal Ice Cream, Pravda Vodka, Sand Castle Winery-TASTE, Vine & Fig Tree Bistro, The Waterwheel Restaurant, Wegmans Food Markets, and more. Proceeds from the $150-per-person ticket fee benefit the museum’s educational programs.

 Pearl S. Buck Event on October 11, 2011

Recently, Pearl S. Buck International (www.pearlsbuck.org), the Bucks County based non-profit organization that changes lives every day through child adoption, child sponsorship and local community programs, hosted a very special Living the Legacy fundraising breakfast. Generously supported by Local Living Magazine, the breakfast raised awareness and support for the organization started by One Woman with One Vision that has changed the lives of over 2 million children and families (and counting). David Yoder, Vice Chairman of the Board, who was cared for by Pearl S. Buck in 1948 because he was considered “unwanted” due to the color of his skin, spoke of how his life was changed and pledged to help change many more children’s lives when he becomes the Chairman of the Board of Pearl S. Buck International in January 2012.  To Discover the Legacy today, visit www.pearlsbuck.org/legacy or call 215-249-0100 x130.

La Chelé Medical Aesthetics Holds Grand Affair to Open in New Hope, PA October 13, 2011

We live in an amazing time, when technology and medicine can safely help us gain back some of the years we’ve lost to sun damage, stress, illness or genetics. At La Chelé, they specialize in non-surgical skin rejuvenation services and anti-aging treatments. Offering only the most advanced aesthetics services and products, the party was showing off their new ultra-luxurious and convenient location in Union Square, New Hope, Pa. Lilly’s Gourmet served an endless stream of delights from salmon to lobster, and the live musicians kept the dance floor hopping with cha cha cha. The gift bags were chock full of decadent gift cards and Aveda products.

Lisa Cheley Espinoza, MD runs this private practice with her artistic talents, procedural expertise, and passion for aesthetic medicine. She has spent the past 10 years training under some of the nation’s top cosmetic physicians and experts to perfect the art of healthy aging. Dr. Lisa Espinoza is a Board Certified physician and licensed to practice in all areas of aesthetic medicine.

National Hemophilia Foundation’s Annual Fall Gala October 21, 2011

Pfizer (headquartered in Collegeville) was the presenting sponsor for the Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation’s Annual Fall Gala. This exciting event was held at the Hilton Hotel on City Line Avenue in Philadelphia. Guests were treated to dinner, dancing and table games with all proceeds going to support the Chapter. Pfizer has been proud to sponsor the Gala for several years and this year was represented by over 100 attendees, their strongest showing to date. For more information and resources, please visit www.hemophiliavillage.com and www.hemophiliasupport.com.

Peddler’s Village Scarecrow Festival
Saturday & Sunday, September 17 & 18
Create and take home your very own scarecrow in our Scarecrow Making workshop, a family favorite for years! Presented by Peddler’s Village at Peddler’s Village, admission is $25 fee per family. (Reservations recommended.) Pumpkin pie eating contests at 3 p.m. both days, live entertainment and pumpkin painting on Sunday. Stroll among the many colorful scarecrows on display throughout the Village.
2011 DogDaddy Fest
Saturday, October 1
Calling all dogs and their humans! DogDaddy.org and the New Hope Chamber of Commerce present the second annual DogDaddy Fest to be held at New Hope Solebury High School, in New Hope, PA., on Saturday, October 1st, 2011 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. DogDaddy Fest will bring together education, activities and fun for both you and your four-legged friends. A portion of the proceeds will benefit DogDaddys’ Dog Food Drive. All of the Dog food and donations collected will be donated directly to local and national shelters, rescue organizations and the non-profits attending the event. Along with the festivities there will be a dog food drive benefitting Fisherman’s Mark Food Pantry of Lambertville N.J. Please donate pet food and pet treats to this worthy cause. Donations can be made directly to Fisherman’s Mark Food Pantry.

Activities include square dancing for dogs, obedience training, pet adoption, and pet costume parade, dock diving, agility training, a dog biscuit eating contest, live music and much more. The festival is designed to both educate and entertain with a wide array of on-site seminars on topics such as how to cook for your dog, holistic practices, traveling with your pet and dog training.

DogDaddy Fest features over 70 vendors specializing in pet care products and services. And for their humans — authentic barbeque from Bitter Bob’s BBQ and Comfort Foods, Bison Burgers and Bison hot dogs, Goodnoe ice cream, Piazzas bakery, and much more! There will be hayrides for dogs and their human pals (courtesy of Thorpe Farm), a local live blues band, and Holy Crepe’ will provide human and Doggie Crepes’.

“DogDaddy Fest was created as a celebration of dogs and the infinite happiness that they bring to our lives,” says Dave Decker, creator of DogDaddy.org. “This event will provide pet owners with the tools and information to enrich their dog’s lives while also bringing together friends, family and dog lovers alike to enjoy a fun and entertaining day. We hope this to be one of many great dog-themed festivals for years to come.”

The event will take place outdoors – rain or shine. “Dog-cams” throughout the festival will broadcast DogDaddy Fest live via the Internet for a truly global canine experience. Tickets for DogDaddy Fest are available online at dogdaddy.org and are $7.00 for adults; children under 12 are free.

28th Annual Merrymead Harvest Days!
Friday, September 30, 2011

Don’t miss this classic celebration of the season. Located in Worcester Township at the heart of Montgomery County, Merrymead is a family owned and operated working dairy farm and farm market. On Friday September 30 there will be storytelling and lighting of “The Great Pumpkin”! The line-up includes music by Steve Pullara (children’s entertainer) at 6:45 p.m., and Storytelling & Lighting at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $2.00 per person. From 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. hayrides will be available (for an additional charge). Great family fun!!

Please note: if there has been significant recent rainfall our extra field parking becomes flooded, so please call ahead at (610) 584-4410 to confirm scheduled events.

Spiced Apple Sundays at the Winery in Chadds Ford, Chester County
Sundays, October 9, 16, 23, & 30
Take a drive to the country to enjoy the splendor of fall foliage, the sights and sounds of harvest, and the mouth-watering aroma of hot mulled Spiced Apple Wine! Relax and picnic on the outdoor deck and grounds with music “lite” and our yummy hot mulled Apple Wine punches. “Nick’s Chicks” will be on hand selling great BBQ foods, or bring your own picnic. Sip our signature autumn drink, Hot Caramel Apple, served for $5 from our outdoor wine-by-the-glass bar. And don’t forget to take home our favorite hot mulled wine recipes for your own fall and holiday entertaining! Tours and tastings all day with outdoor music from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
$10 Hot Mulled Wine Tasting Fee. Spiced Apple Sundays are 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Autumn Timber Festival
October 8-9, 2011
Check out Shawnee Mountain Festival where you will catch a glimpse of nature’s splendor while taking a scenic chairlift ride up beautiful Shawnee Mountain during prime fall foliage time in the Pocono Mountains… and that’s just the beginning of this action packed autumn event! Lumberjack demonstrations, chainsaw sculptures, live music, children’s activities, and food and craft vendors galore. For more information call (570) 421-7231 or toll free (800) 233-4218. E-mail: info@shawneemt.com. The website is www.shawneemt.com.
23rd Annual Chowder Cook-Off Classic
Sunday, October 2
Enjoy unlimited chowder tasting! Live music, children’s entertainment, and a food court are all part of the event, which is held rain or shine on Long Beach Island, at the Taylor Avenue ball field, Ninth Street and Taylor Avenue in Beach Haven (across from Schooner’s Wharf and Bay Village) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, October 2.
This family fun festival features live music, activities and unlimited chowder tasting with the opportunity for ticket holders to vote for their favorite red and white chowder. The event is nestled in Beach Haven surrounded by beautiful views of the bay and plenty of year end discounted shopping. It has become a tradition for family and friends to gather together to say good bye to summer and welcome in the fall. Always the weekend before Columbus Day Weekend, this year join us on October 1 for the fabulous Merchant Mart where hundreds of vendors offer the best deals of the season and Sunday for the Chowder Cook Off.
General Admission Tickets are $20.00. Children’s Tickets (Ages 4-12) are $10.00.
VIP Tickets are $50.00. (VIP ticket includes a T-shirt and exclusive early admission 10 a.m.)

June/July 2011

Devon Horse Show and County Fair
Thursday, May 26 through Sunday, June 5 starting at 7am

In 1896, the Devon Horse Show started as a one-day show. Now, years later, it has become the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the United States. It is internationally recognized, USEF-A rated, and one of the most exciting events to happen in our area. While it draws top competitors from around the world, the show continues to reflect the local traditions and lifestyles of the Philadelphia Main Line. The Devon Horse Show and County Fair is located at Lancaster Pike and Dorset Road in Devon, PA.

Friday Night Fireworks in New Hope and Lambertville
Friday, May 27 through Friday, September 2

Back by popular demand, the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce and Lambertville Chamber of Commerce are announcing the return of Friday Night Fireworks, a spectacle of lights over the Delaware River. The 15-week summer long promotion kicks-off on Friday, May 27 every Friday night at 9:30 pm until September 2, 2011. Orchestrated by Garden State Fireworks, a glittering ten-minute firework show will illuminate the sky over the Delaware River for the summer season. In addition, most retail businesses on both sides of the river will stay open late.

Also in the works are special celebrity guests to conduct the countdown, live music and other promotions. In the case of inclement weather, please check the website by 12 noon on Friday’s for possible cancellations. Visit www.NewHopeLambertvilleFireworks.com for more information.

New Hope Historical Society 18th Annual Garden Tour
Saturday, June 4 from 10am to 4pm

Ecstasy of Spring is the theme of the 18th New Hope Historical Society Garden Tour featuring six private Bucks County gardens. This self-guided tour includes a few rewards including a mini-lecture on tropicals by Pamela Pyle at the end of tour day and a garden rewards bag filled with gifts and offers from our sponsors and national partners including the American Horticultural Society, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Country Gardens Magazine, W. Atlee Burpee Seed Co. and Espoma. A limited edition commemorative bracelet will be made available to ticket holders for $20. Parry Mansion is located at 45 S. Main Street in New Hope, PA.

Glee Live Tour 2011
Wednesday, June 8 at 7:30pm

Cast members from the popular Fox TV show Glee will be performing live across the country and stop in Philadelphia. The show is completely sold out from the venue, you can get tickets from the ticket link. Be sure to order tickets now for this Wells Fargo Center concert, located at 3601 S. Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA.

Fireworks and Fountain Show
Saturday, June 18 at 9:15pm

Come for the blooms…stay for the booms at Longwood Gardens. Enjoy fireworks like you have never seen before! Spectacular fireworks and colorful fountains light up the night sky and dance to stirring music on five spectacular evenings. Don’t miss this fun summer tradition for the entire family. 

?It’s a Stravinsky ‘Stravaganza featuring famous works by the celebrated Russian composer Igor Stravinsky. From the infamous “Rite of Spring,” to the powerful Petrushka, to the dazzling “Firebird” finale, this is a show you won’t forget. Longwood Gardens is located at 1001 Longwood Road at Route 1 and Route 52 in Kennett Square, PA.

Philadelphia’s 11-Day Wawa Welcome America! Festival
Friday, June 24 through Tuesday, July 5

Where better place to celebrate the Fourth of July than in Philadelphia, the very city where our nation began? People of all ages are invited to experience Wawa Welcome America!, the City of Philadelphia’s free July 4th Festival, from June 24 through July 5. With 11 patriotic days packed with free events, a full-scale parade, fireworks, history, live entertainment, food, culture and pageantry, there is fun for the whole family.

Highlights include the elaborate Independence Day Parade, three spectacular fireworks displays, a Birthday Party stretching more than a mile, an innovative tasting event, interactive children’s programs and the largest free concert in America featuring a line-up of prominent, world-class musicians, promised to “wow” all.
 
Wawa Welcome America! is a multi-day festival that celebrates America’s birthday in America’s birthplace, Philadelphia, and is produced by Welcome America, Inc. For more information, please visit www.welcomeamerica.com.

6th Annual Brandywine Big Bang BBQ
Saturday, July 2 through Monday, July 4 from 12 to 5pm

From Pig Pickin’ to Chickin’ Lickin’—BVWT is planning a fun BBQ & Wine outing. Beat the shore crowds and spend a rousing Fourth of July Weekend with great BBQ & Wine outings at the wineries of the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail. The family-owned and operated regional wineries of the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail will be offering a variety of wines, food, picnicking and music to celebrate Independence Weekend. The BBQ event will be held at the Paradocx Vineyard at 1833 Flint Hill Road in Landenberg, PA.

To submit events for our upcoming issue, feel free to email Shannon Collins at shannonblm@gmail.com.

The 30th Annual 5K Run for Clean Air and Earth Day Celebration will take at the Philadelphia Art Museum and run along Martin Luther King Drive. Arriving back at the finish line, the Clean Air council has invited its partners and sponsors to participate in the Earth Day Celebration, providing an opportunity for community participants to hear about the latest green event news, resources and trends. The 5K Run for Clean Air is a community effort to decrease the air pollution that triggers asthma and other respiratory problems in families, as well as support problems that reduce waste in favor of increased recycling and composting and slow down global warming. For more information, visit www.cleanair.org.

The 40th Anniversary of Earth Day Celebration at the Philadelphia Zoo
Thursday, April 21 through Saturday, April 23 from 10am to 4pm
?Visit the Philadelphia Zoo for their upcoming “Spring Fling: Party With Your Planet.” Party with your pals at the Philadelphia Zoo and help save the planet. “Party for the Planet” features music, games and fun, in addition to information from local environmental organizations. Learn how you can save the environment we share with animals around the world. Free for zoo members. For more information, call (215) 243-1100 or visit www.philadelphiazoo.org.

Fishtown Shad Fest
Saturday, April 23

Guests celebrate the return of the American shad to the Delaware River and also the history of the Fishtown community. Live local music sponsored by WXPN will take place, including locals Blood Feathers and the Strapping Field Hands. There will be educational kiosks sponsored by area environmental groups. Maritime displays will be open with kayaking also made available to the public. Local arts and crafts vendors, food booths featuring festival-themed foods and historic walking tours will be available for exploring. A historic scavenger hunt will end at the fest for those with an interest in exploring the history of Fishtown. For more information, visit www.fishtownshadfest.org or call (215) 427-0350.

Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24

Mechanicsburg will become a farmer’s market, a music venue and a place to go camping. The borough’s two-day Earth Day celebration kicks off on April 23rd with a family camping event at Trails and Trees Environmental Center and continued throughout the weekend, with 18 bands playing over two days, ranging from blues to country to African drumming. There will be great food, arts and crafts, education and awareness and lots of good vibes. Events are sponsored by Main Street Mechanicsburg and the Mechanicsburg Parks and Recreation Department. For more information or to RSVP for the camping event, call (570) 325-2079 or visit www.earthdayjt.com. 

EarthFest 2011
Friday, April 29 from 9:30am to 2pm

The Temple University Center for Sustainable Communities will host EarthFest2011. Hosted in celebration of Earth Day, thousands of kids from schools across the Delaware Valley come together to learn about the environment from over 90 different exhibitors! For additional details, please visit www.temple.edu or call (267) 468-8108.

Arbor Day 2011
Friday, April 29 at 10am
?Cheltenham Township will commemorate its 23rd Annual Arbor Day Celebration at High School Park on High School Road and Montgomery Avenue, Elkins Park. The Township expects to receive a 13th consecutive Tree City USA Award and 12th consecutive Growth Award from the National Arbor Day Foundation for its continued progress in community forestry activities.

Doo Dah Parade
Saturday, April 16 at 12pm

Ocean City, New Jersey’s Doo Dah Parade will again feature a Basset Hound Waddle with over 500 of the floppy eared canines loping along Asbury Avenue and the Boardwalk. There will be unusual and funny brigades, kooky individuals, a variety of bands, clowns and impersonators of legendary comedians.

Ocean City High School Clubs, booster organizations and the High School Band will be
honored during the Parade for contributions to the community. The High School Band
will lead the humorous march.

The parade starts at 6th and Asbury Avenue, proceeds to 12th and Asbury, turns east to the Boardwalk and ends at the Music Pier where there is an awards ceremony and PieAsco. PieAsco participants sit in grandstands and smoosh each other in the face with shaving cream pies. The event honors legendary comedian Soupy Sales, a perennial Doo Dah favorite, who passed away in December. His wife, Trudy, a former June Taylor dancer, will start the event with Meadowlark.

Parade divisions include Individuals, Brigades described as “five or more deranged
individuals,” impersonators of legendary comedians, Miscellaneous-Whatevers, Pooches
and Tribute to Ocean City High School.

Fan clubs normally participate and there will be professional impersonators of Groucho
and Harpo Marx, Marilyn Monroe, Lucy, Abbott and Costello, George Burns and Jack
Benny.

All participants will receive an “I Was A Hotdog For A Day” Doo Dah T Shirt following
the parade courtesy of Dietz and Watson, major sponsor.

MOTHER’S DAY CONCERT
AFTERNOON OF CLASSICAL MUSIC AND WINE
AT SAND CASTLE WINERY
VIOLIST VICTORIA VORONYANSKY
CELLIST ÁGNES KÁLLAY
 
(ERWINNA, PA)  On May 8th, 2011 internationally acclaimed performers, violist Victoria Voronyansky and cellist Ágnes Kállay, will bring their magnificent program of duos and solos from concert stages of New York City and Europe to the audiences of Bucks County for a special Mother’s Day concert at the picturesque Sand Castle Winery. Concert will feature compositions by J.S. Bach, Beethoven’s whimsical “Duet with Two Obligato Eyeglasses”, Albinoni’s “Adagio”, Piazzolla’s Tangos and works by Debussy, Marais, and Verdi, as well as additional compositions which will be announced at the concert. A special Mother’s Day treat, this performance will present a unique opportunity to witness collaboration between viola and cello, a rare combination which allows for special emphasis on lyricism. Concert will be preceded by a wine tasting, featuring wonderful selections from the Sand Castle winery.  
 
Concert will take place on Sunday, May 8 at 4 PM in Sand Castle Winery, located at 755 River Rd. (route 32), Erwinna, PA 18920. For more information and advance ticket sales please visit www.sandcastlewinery.com or call 1-800-722-9463
 
TICKETING INFORMATION
Tickets, priced at $20, are available online at www.sandcastlewinery.com, or at the door, prior to the start of the concert. Advance reservations suggested, limited seating. 
 
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Sunday, May 8 at 4 PM
Sand Castle Winery: 755 River Rd.  (route 32), Erwinna, PA 18920
VICTORIA VORONYANSKY, viola
ÁGNES KÁLLAY, cello
 
Program selections include:
Tomasso Albinoni “Adagio”
J.S. Bach: Preludes from Well Tempered Clavier
L.v. Beethoven “Duet with Two Obligato Eyeglasses”
Claude Debussy: short pieces
Antonin Dvorak “Humoresque”
Astor Piazzolla: Tangos
Giacomo Puccini “O mio babbino caro”
Giuseppe Verdi “I due Foscari”
Additional works will be announced at the concert.
 
Wine Tasting will precede the concert.
 
About the Artists
 
Having taught at the Juilliard School and alongside Itzhak Perlman at the Perlman Music Program, Violist Victoria Voronyansky now resides in Bucks County, PA, where she continues to teach, and maintains an active performance career as a soloist, chamber musician and co-director of Dorian Chamber Players NYC.  Ms. Voronyansky holds a master of Music degree from the Juilliard School and has worked with Isaac Stern and Pinchas Zukerman.  Winner of numerous international competitions, Ms. Voronyansky has performed in Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, Aspen Music Festival, and toured throughout the U.S., Europe, Middle East and Russia. Victoria’s recordings and books are available atwww.redviola.com  
 
A native of Hungary, Ágnes Kállay began playing cello at age six and is a graduate of Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest. Ms. Kállay won the Alpe Adria International Violoncello Competition in Gorizia, Italy and first prize at the Beethoven Chamber Music Competition in London. She also plays a baroque cello, and is a member of the Camerata Hungarica, Excanto, Marquise early music ensembles and the Mandel Quartet.

To submit events for our upcoming issue, feel free to email Shannon Collins at shannonblm@gmail.com.

16th Annual Chocolate Lovers’ Fantasy
Saturday, February 12 at 6 p.m.

A Woman’s Place (AWP) will host the 16th annual Chocolate Lovers’ Fantasy. The event will be held at its traditional venue, the beautiful Tyler Hall on the campus of Bucks County Community College in Newtown, Pennsylvania. ??This event is a true example of the strong support AWP receives from the surrounding community–from the donations of services from caterers and entertainers and the generous goods donated by local businesses and individuals for the silent and live auctions, to those that financially sponsor the event and those that donate the hundreds of hours of their personal time in order to execute such a special event. ??And did we mention the chocolate? The signature display at the event, which gives Chocolate Lovers’ Fantasy its delectable name, is a spread of chocolate desserts—donated by individuals and bakeries throughout the county, which measures more than 55 feet in length and ends in a giant dark chocolate fountain! ??This decadent affair helps to raise the much needed funds that allow us to continue to offer a wide range of services and support to victims of domestic violence, their children, and the community. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, entertainment and both a silent and live auction alongside other members of the community. ??Chocolate Lovers’ Fantasy is a perfect pre-Valentine’s Day date, a fun-filled Girls’ Night Out, or just a great reason to join others from the area to support an organization that provides essential support and services to victims of domestic violence, their children, and the community. For more information, visit www.awomansplace.org or call (215) 343-9241.

2011 Bucks Beautiful Garden & Home Show
Friday, March 18 (5 to 8 p.m.) and Saturday & Sunday, March 19 & 20 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)??Attend the Biggest Garden & Home Show in Bucks County! The 20th Annual Bucks Beautiful Garden & Home Show will be held Friday, March 18 through March 20 at Delaware Valley College. ??Over 70 exhibitors will feature the latest products and services for the garden and home. Free mini-workshops will be offered as well as a free “Gardening with Kid’s workshop. There will be food and plenty or free parking! Seminars with tips and techniques for gardening and home projects will also be offered. Friday, March 19 is Family Night, with a free safari animal show presented by the Bucks County Zoo and Animal Junction. ??The 2011 Bucks Beautiful event’s benefactor is the Byers Foundation, the event major patron is National Penn Bank and the event host is Delaware Valley College. ??Bucks Beautiful is a 501(c)(3) non-profit program of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $10 per person, children 12 & under free. To obtain full details and receive a brochure, contact Bucks Beautiful at (215) 348-3913 ext. 114 or visit www.bucksbeautiful.com. 

Facing Out, Facing In: Twentieth-Century Figurative Works from the Michener Art
Museum Collection
Through Sunday, May 1

Say the phrase “twentieth-century art,” and what comes to mind? Perhaps Jackson Pollock dripping paint on a blank canvas with unconscious fervor, or Marcel Duchamp’s famous “Nude Descending a Staircase,” which one misguided critic referred to as “an explosion in a shingle factory.” History often remembers the innovators and pioneers, and when the tale of twentieth-century art is told, it usually focuses on the rebellion against “objective” art: art that “looks real.”

Drawing on the Michener’s extensive holdings of figurative art, especially in paintings and photographs, this exhibit explores this temperamental and stylistic dichotomy in figurative art, and includes work by such well-known regional painters as Louis Bosa, Daniel Garber, and B. J. O. Nordfeldt; photographers Emmet Gowin, Edmund Eckstein, David Graham, Andrea Baldeck, and Susan Bank; as well as works on paper by Werner Drewes, William A. Smith, and Ben Solowey. Also featured are selections from the collection of John Horton, a recent bequest to the Michener that contains important Depression-era canvases by painters William S. Schwartz and Guy Pène duBois.

For more information on the Michener Museum’s Fred Beans Gallery, visit www.michenermuseum.org or call (215) 340-9800.

To submit events for our upcoming issue, feel free to email Shannon Collins at shannonblm@gmail.com.

The Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce announced its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony for November 28th at 6pm in front of Logan Inn at Main and Ferry Streets. This year, the Chamber has premiered a spectacular light show sponsored by David Cannell and Paul Beckwith and produced by Winterland Inc. Featuring more than 15,000 LED lights on the 35-foot Norway Spruce that anchors Ferry Street, the computer generated show will be a 16-minute long light extravaganza set to holiday music. Starting November 28th through January 1, 2011, two shows will be scheduled every night at 6pm and 8pm with an additional 10pm show on Friday and Saturday nights.

Shopping local for the holidays is made easier with free parking. Starting December 15 through January 1, the New Hope Borough Council in conjunction with the New Hope Chamber of Commerce is offering free parking meters throughout the holiday season.

Celebrate the Holidays at the Peddler’s Village Christmas Festival
Saturday, December 4 from 10am to 6pm and Sunday, December 5 from 10am to 6pm

Welcome the holidays and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus at the annual Peddler’s Village Christmas Festival. Hot mulled cider, heated in an old-fashioned kettle, will be sold on the Main Green, along with complimentary marshmallows for toasting. The Village will be festively decorated for the holidays with Victorian fruit wreaths and greenery. Strolling musicians entertain visitors with holiday favorites throughout the weekend. By evening, one million twinkling lights will transform the Village into a winter wonderland.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday in a horse-drawn carriage as part of an old-fashioned parade through the Village. The Central Bucks East Marching Band will lead the parade accompanied by local Girl Scout Troops. Other parade participants and live festival entertainment will include the Season’s Greetings Eagles Pep Band, Spiced Punch Singers (Victorian carolers), and Stiltwalker. Following the parade, Santa will entertain children and their holiday wish lists at his indoor workshop, located in Giggleberry Fair.

A “must see” for visitors is the 30th Annual Gingerbread House Competition and Display, featuring more than 100 incredible creations of gingerbread and confection in the Village Gazebo. The spectacular display will be open through January 2, 2010. Admission is free for the display.

For more information, visit www.peddlersvillage.com or call (215) 794-4000.

Carlin Romano, Diane Ayrs and Dennis Tafoya Bring Philadelphia Noir to the Bookshop
Friday, December 10 from 6 to 8pm

The seamy underside of Philadelphia writing is showcased on Friday, December 10th, as
Carlin Romano, Diane Ayrs, and Dennis Tafoya pay a visit to the Bookshop to sign copies of
the new collection, Philadelphia Noir, the latest in the acclaimed series from Akashic Press.

Romano, who edited and contributed to Philadelphia Noir, is the critic-at-large of the
Chronicle of Higher Education and has been the literary critic of The Philadelphia Inquirer for
twenty-five years. He also teaches philosophy and media theory at the University of
Pennsylvania. In 2006 he was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism, cited by the Pulitzer
Board for “bringing new vitality to the classic essay across a formidable array of topics.” He
lives in University City, Philadelphia, in the only house on his block.

Book Description: Philadelphia Noir includes brand-new stories from a whole host of familiar
authors who have visited the bookshop at one time or another, including: Diane Ayres,
Cordelia Frances Biddle, Keith Gilman, Cary Holladay, Solomon Jones, Gerald Kolpan, Aimee
LaBrie, Halimah Marcus, Carlin Romano, Asali Solomon, Laura Spagnoli, Duane Swierczynski,
Dennis Tafoya, and Jim Zervanos.

To submit events for our January issue, feel free to email Shannon Collins at shannonblm@gmail.com.

The Photography Place Gallery will host its first exhibition and sale of fine art photographs by five Bucks County photographers. The collection, featuring original works by Charles Callaghan, Julian E. Eubank III, Justin Kestler, Chris Rawlings and Drew Wagner can be viewed throughout the month of November.

The public is invited to attend an opening reception, which will be held in conjunction with Doylestown’s First Friday activities at The Photography Place. Additional gallery viewing times are: Friday the 12th, 19th and 26th from 6-8pm; Saturday the 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th from 12-5pm; Sunday the 7th from 12-5pm or by appointment by calling (267) 880-3250.

The Photography Place is a creative working studio in Bucks Country, Pennsylvania, where photographers share images, ideas and interests in still photography. The organization’s goal is to encourage, motivate and inspire the accomplishment of photographic works as both art form and communication tool. The Photography Place strives to share both the traditions of the past and the rapidly changing technologies of modern photography with the community through workshops, a full service studio and the new gallery. For information on their programs and membership, go to www.thephotographyplace.com or contact charles@thephotographyplace.com.

The 39th Annual Peddler’s Village Apple Festival
Saturday, November 6th and Sunday, November 7th from 10am to 6pm

Celebrate fall’s favorite fruit at the 39th Annual Peddler’s Village Apple Festival. Dig into favorite apple dishes from crisp apple fritters and warm apple pie to savory apple dumplings and freshly pressed apple cider from Peddler’s Village restaurant and merchant booths. The Peddler’s Village restaurants will feature delicious apple specialties all weekend.

Take home a bushel of green, golden or red delicious apples from local orchards. Watch authentic demonstrations of cider production in an antique cider press and cooking old-fashioned
apple butter in a huge cauldron stirred by hand over an open fire.

Once stomachs are satisfied, enjoy the live musical entertainment, jugglers and stilt walkers on
the Main Green. Shop the unique handcrafted items at the 40 artisan booths on the Street Road
Green that include decorative ironwork, folk art, jewelry, pottery, Victorian stained glass, leather creations, hand painted and reproduction furniture.

Each afternoon, cheer on the brave contestants in the traditional pie eating contests. The Apple
Pie Eating Contest, held at 3 pm both Saturday and Sunday, provides lots of laughs and prizes for winners. For more information, please visit www.peddlersvillage.com or call (215) 794-4000.

Lydia’s Guild Fine Arts & Crafts Showcase Celebrates 28th Year
From Tuesday, November 2nd through Wednesday, November 10th
This year’s show will once again be held at the Historic Aldie Mansion, a stately English Tudor
built by the Mercer family in Doylestown, PA. Celebrating our 28th year, this year’s show dates are November 2nd through November 10th with a portion of the proceeds to once again benefit
local, national, and international charities.

Lydia’s Guild features a unique collection of fine arts and crafts creations from 90 talented
artisans, including seasonal floral, pottery, woodworking, jewelry, country primitives, fiber
crafts, gourmet food items for holiday entertaining, as well as giftware and home décor, both
casual and formal.

Home for the Holidays With the Bryn Mawr Mainliners
Saturday, November 13th at 7pm

Take a trip down memory lane with a program of songs reminiscent of less complicated times. “Home for the Holidays” offers holiday favorites and classic songs professionally presented by the Bryn Mawr Mainliners—a championship 50 person strong a capella chorus that performs in the barbershop style. With a variety of high quality performing units including full chorus, small ensembles and quartets, you and your family can enjoy an evening of nostalgic entertainment in a local venue. $20 reserved, $15 general seating. Group discounts (10 people or more) are available. To purchase tickets, call (215) 968-9400 or visit www.bucksblind.org to order tickets online.

To submit events for our December issue, feel free to email Shannon Collins at shannonblm@gmail.com.

The Riverside Symphonia’s 21st Season
Begins on Friday, October 1st

The Riverside Symphonia begins its 21st season on October 1st and 2nd at the Church of St. John the Evangelist in Lambertville, NJ and October 3rd at Doylestown Presbyterian Church in Doylestown, PA. This year’s season will bring music from around the world to audiences in our local area. The Symphonia’s opening concert, From Prague to Vienna, features classical favorites from the birthplaces of some of the most wonderful music ever written. October’s program includes Mozart’s Divertimento in D-Major, Dvorak’s Serenade for Strings and one of the most beloved Baroque concertos, the Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 , by J. S. Bach featuring talented soloists from the Symphonia itself.

This season, audiences can look forward to the return of internationally known guest artists like the superbly talented violinist Lara St. John and classical guitarist Marcin Dylla. There will be some critically-acclaimed new faces as well such as the 2010 Caprio winner Clare Semes, pianist Shai Wosner and Eric Jacobsen, founder and conductor of New York City’s hottest new chamber orchestra, The Knights. In April, the Symphonia will partner with the Bucks County Choral Society to present St Matthew Passion.

Morris Arboretum Scarecrow Design Contest
Saturday, October 2nd through Sunday, October 17th

Morris Arboretum is calling all scarecrows for their annual Scarecrow Design Contest. Participants are invited to unleash their creativity and register their own designer scarecrow. Scarecrows, more than 30, will be on display at the Arboretum for 3 weeks along Scarecrow Walk at the Oak Alleé from Saturday, October 2 through Sunday October 17. Now in its third year and more popular than ever, Scarecrow Walk is a must see for the fall season. Visitors of all ages vote for their favorite scarecrow and determine which will be the prize winners. A grand
prize Arboretum pack will be awarded to the 1st place winner that includes a cash prize of $200! Scarecrow frames and hay are provided and details and downloadable contest entry forms are available online at www.morrisarboretum.org.

The 2010 Philadelphia Open Studio Tours
Throughout the first two weekends of October from 12 to 6pm

This October, The Center for Emerging Visual Artists(tm) is pleased to bring you the 11th Annual Philadelphia Open Studio Tours. This event features over 300 local participants and
mobilizes over 20,000 members of the community, making it the most comprehensive tour of artist studios in the region and the only event of its kind in Philadelphia. During the first two weeks of October, this annual festival of visual art includes self-guided tours of artist studios and creative workspaces, hands-on workshops, gallery exhibitions, demonstrations, artist talks and receptions.

Studio Tours are divided geographically over the course of two weekends and run Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 6pm. Program offerings spanning 18 unique neighborhoods quite literally put the professional visual artists “on the map” for locals and tourists alike. As a program of the Center for Emerging Visual Artists, The Open Studio Tours create substantive opportunities for Philadelphia artists, increases awareness of the quality and quantity of visual art in our city, and creates strong bonds among artists, local businesses, arts organizations, and the general public. For full listing information, visit philaopenstudios.org.
Morris Arboretum Introduces New Lecture Series
Begins on Wednesday, October 13th

As the kids head back to school, it’s a great time for people of any age to learn something new with Morris Arboretum’s exciting fall lecture series. Join other curious visitors at Morris Arboretum for one or more of their monthly Wednesday afternoon lectures and reception, and we promise—there won’t be a test at the end.

The first of this three-part lecture series, Connections Beyond Our Garden; Talks on People, Plants and Place begins on Wednesday, October 13 with Jane G. Pepper, Former President, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, as she discusses, Traveling Through Scottish Gardens. During the past three decades, Jane has led tours to gardens in France, Germany, England, and Kenya. One of her favorite places to visit is Scotland, where she was raised. Jane will lead guests on the visit she made last year in June when the roses and perennials were bursting with bloom.

Most of the gardens in this presentation are small and personal, and in addition to the landscapes, Jane G. Pepper will introduce us to their engaging owners. One of her favorite places, Mertoun Gardens, was built in 1703 and today is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland. For almost 30 years until her retirement this year, Jane led the 182-year-old Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, overseeing its activities and programs, including the renowned Philadelphia International Flower Show, and Philadelphia Green, a national model for neighborhood revitalization.

Bucks County Choral Society Introduces a Season of Great Works
Saturday, October 23rd through 2011

The Bucks County Choral Society, under the direction of Thomas Lloyd, has announced its 38th concert season—A Season of Great Works. The Choral Society’s 2010-2011 season includes “A Night at the Opera” with stellar soloists from Philadelphia’s Academy of Vocal Arts, a performance of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion with internationally-acclaimed vocal soloists and the
Riverside Symphonia, a program of American Masters—Old & New, and rare BCCS Christmas performances of Handel’s Messiah.

The season opens in October, with “A Night at the Opera,” presenting a wide range of operatic favorites for soloists and chorus from Verdi, Purcell, Beethoven, Mozart, Argento, Bizet, Wagner, Leoncavallo, Rossini and more. Featured soloists from The Academy of Vocal Arts are Cristina Nassif (soprano), Olivia Vote (mezzo soprano), John Viscardi (tenor), and Scott Conner (bass). The performance will be given on Saturday evening, October 23 at Lenape Middle School in Doylestown.

For the first time in a long time, the Choral Society’s Annual Festival of Christmas Music will be highlighted by performances of G.F. Handel’s Messiah, pt.1. Messiah will be presented in unique fashion, incorporating chorus, soloists from within BCCS, and a string quintet led by Riverside
Symphonia concertmaster Ruo Tao Mao. The Chamber Choir of the Choral Society will contribute Christmas music from C. Hubert H. Parry, and the full choir will sing carol arrangements. Christmas concerts are held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Doylestown on Friday (12/10) and Saturday (12/11) evenings, and on Sunday (12/12) afternoon. Vocal soloists from BCCS and autoharpist John Hook will present Carols with Autoharp preludes, beginning
30 minutes prior to each concert.

BAM! POW! KABOOM! at the Michener Art Museum
Through Monday, January 10, 2011
The graphic novel has come of age. In little more than 25 years, these illustrated books have become the fastest growing sector of publishing, knocking traditional books from the shelves in bookstores and libraries. Teachers and librarians are using graphic novels to enhance literacy, and even The New York Times Magazine and The New Yorker are filling pages with panels of image and text.
As leading authors and artists express themselves more and more in sequential art, museums, too, are celebrating the form. “LitGraphic: The World of the Graphic Novel” examines the history and artistic identity of the graphic novel and features nearly 200 original works, including paintings, drawings, storyboards, studies, books, photographs and a documentary film that delves into the lives of the artists and explores how they create their work.
A two-part program for teachers will be taught by illustrator Scott Hanna. “Part I: Bridging the Gap Between Pictures & Words” will be held October 9, 9:30am to 12:30pm (registration deadline October 1) and “Part II: Developing Visual Elements for Great Storytelling” will be held November 13, 9:30 to 12:30pm (registration deadline November 5). The fee is $45; register early by calling (215) 340-9800 ext. 111 or by emailing aromano@michenerartmuseum.org.
Fall Classes at the Morris Arboretum Now in Session
Beginning this month

This fall, expand your knowledge and feed your curiosity with a class or two at Morris Arboretum. With courses in Horticulture, Creative Expressions, Fun for Kids, Sustainable Gardening, Trips (led by experts) and more, you’re sure to find the class that fits your interests.

New this year, their special Morris Arboretum members-only lectures, tours and trips give members behind the scenes access to Arboretum staff. It’s easy and cost effective to become a Morris Arboretum member that has many benefits…the chance to visit for free all year long, reciprocity with other gardens, invitations to special events, discounts on classes and more.

A new category for this year’s Fall Classes is Sustainable Gardening; learn about Growing Food for Your Table, Backyard Beekeeping, or Planting a Green Roof. Always popular are Creative Expressions classes like Digital Photography with the beautiful Morris Arboretum as the backdrop. Or classes in Creating Holiday Centerpieces that are sure to impress any guest at the holiday table. Kids are partial to Bug Adventure where they uncover the exciting world of the smallest creatures in the garden. Or Remarkable Reptiles where they’ll will have a chance to get up close and personal with snakes, lizards, and turtles.

These are but a sampling of more than 60 classes offered at the Morris Arboretum from September through December, so you are bound to find something for anyone interested in expanding his or her horizons.