Dancing with the Stars Coming up January 18 at Eagle Fire House in New Hope PA

Rachel Ray Donates to New Hope PA Area Animal Rescue

The Intelligencer says that the Last Chance Ranch, a Quakertown area animal rescue, received an early Christmas gift, courtesy of talk show host Rachel Ray: a $25,000 prize that will help build a new dog shelter at its Richland property.

Last Chance started out by saving overworked, discarded horses, and a few other farm animals, and it now seems to be moving toward helping more domestic pets.

http://www.lastchanceranch.org/index.html

Friendly Mohan from House of India in New Hope PA tries to sell me a dress...I love this guy!

May the coming year bring peace, health and prosperity to our neighborhoods, and let New Hope PA be a beacon for a new beginning.

Shopping Safari to Jake's Playhouse in New Hope PA

Howard Kurs of Lazer Illusions in New Hope PA Talks About Holiday Gift Ideas

New Hope PA Borough Council and Chamber of Commerce Give Up on Visitors' Center (and Promoting Tourism?)

The Times of Trenton reports today that New Hope's visitor center, located in a former town hall at South Main and Mechanic streets, will be outsourced to the Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau beginning January 1, 2010.

"It's a win-win situation for everyone," said Councilman Richard Hirschfield, who for several years was looking for a way to get the tax-funded tourism operation removed from the borough's budget.

The borough had been budgeting $62,000 a year, the equivalent of about $1.1 million in real estate taxes, to operate the center.

[Ed. note: New Hope PA also earns $371,200 per year from parking meters, $315,000 from parking ticketing and stopping vistors' vehicles, $89,000 from its "business privilege tax", and $56,150 from "business licenses and franchise fees"]

"It was felt the borough could contribute and work toward it but it should be the function of the New Hope Chamber of Commerce or some other organization that would promote business," said Hirschfield.

Louis Licitra, former president of the organization, said it was impossible financially for the chamber to operate the visitors' center.

"After all, people come to New Hope for New Hope. They don't come here to see the visitors center," said Licitra.

Surprise Shopping Visit to Cockamamie's Art Deco Store in New Hope PA

Topeo Craft Gallery in New Hope PA a Winter Wonderland for Holiday Shopping

Topeo Gallery opened in 1980 and has a reputation as one of the best craft galleries in the country. In 2001, the owners opened a second gallery just down the block, Topeo South, featuring even more American artists.

If you've already familiar with New Hope PA, Topeo is located across the street from Mother's Restaurant, and its brilliantly lit windows are filled with spectacular art glass sculptures, lamps and bowls .

It's the kind of place that grabs your eye, and you see the swirling mix of light and color, and you realize that some of those big beautiful pieces are worth more than your weekly salary, and think, "maybe I'll look in the window for a sec, and move on."

My advice: don't.

Not if you're looking for an affordable, yet classy holiday gift, a gorgeous ornament for your Christmas tree or table, or just want to see the beauty of hand crafted glass, much by local artists.

Prices started around $6-8 for small items, and many were in the $10-20 range, as well as $20-30, and up. The larger glass pieces are obviously to die for; the jewelry selection tasteful and extensive. Holiday decor was understated and fit well with the glimmering glass all about.


Walter Hazzard and Andre Marin run the place -- they're soft-spoken, friendly, wry and engaging. They've put together an award winning gallery that helps keep New Hope PA at the forefront of the American craft movement.

Topeo Gallery is located at 35 North Main Street in New Hope PA, 215-862-2750; open daily 10-6, Saturday 10-7.

Don't pass it by this Holiday season.

Here's Andre and Walter in my awful out of focus but spontaneous photo. Topeo -- a New Hope PA original.

Shopping -- Knife Maker "Little John" Featured at Medieval Gallery in New Hope PA

Expert custom knife maker Little John will be on site at Medieval Gallery in New Hope PA on weekends throughout the holiday season to present and demonstrate his handiwork.

Little John is fairly well known throughout the region and RenFair community for the quality of his work. The blades are beautifully crafted in stainless and carbon steel, but what really stands out are the custom-designed stag horn handles that are one-of-a-kind works of art in and of themselves.

Also impressive are the bowie style blades, but his work features blade shapes of every style and for every purpose. These are not "fantasy" knives either, but handmade heirlooms that are practical, historical and beautiful.

Little John is the real deal. Stop by and chat with him weekends through the New Year at Medieval Gallery, 86 South Main Street in New Hope PA, 215-862-4800.

Captain Bob Keeps on Truckin' This Holiday Season at His Famous New Hope PA Ice Cream Parlor

You'd think that losing a bid for New Hope PA Borough Council (again) and owning an ice cream parlor with winter approaching would be enough to give anyone pause, but not New Hope's very own Bob Gerenser, owner of New Hope landmark Gerenser's Exotic Ice Cream, and plyer of the Delaware's currents, George Washington impersonator and Havana karaoke legend.

I stopped by on Thanksgiving day during my downtown "who's open" tour. Of course a lot of local inns and bars were open to offer cool weather warmth, but not as many shops and smaller businesses. Gerenser's, however, was open and Captain Bob was running his river tour boat out back on the Delaware. He's promoting winter fare like warm beverages and wieners, but the hottest dish in the joint was easily his girlfriend (forgive the Dashiell Hammett), keeping busy behind the counter.

Gerenser's Exotic Ice Cream. A New Hope PA original.

22 S Main St
New Hope, PA 18938
215-862-2050

Shopping -- Randolph & Main Opens in New Hope PA

New Hope PA shop Randolph & Main has opened at 42 North Main Street, and describes itself as "an eclectic blend of specialty foods, unique gifts and convenience items."

It's located on the ground floor of an old house, and the lighting, wall treatments and merchandising are generally top-notch and the owners charming, which offsets the not unusual New Hope identity crisis characterized by say, waiting to pay for your chocolate rugelach while the customer in front of you picks his Lotto number.

In fact, the store lists as its primary offerings "lottery, cigarettes, cold drinks, ice cream, snacks, greeting cards, unique gift items, specialty foods and custom baskets." Mostly what stood out were t-shirts, beverage coolers, several gifts and cards, some interesting gourmet items, ready-made specialty food baskets, and lots of coca-cola signs. The wraparound porch is a nice touch, the outdoor displays tasteful.

Where the store seems heading is toward a greater emphasis on specialty foods, a niche ill served in New Hope PA since the departure of Variete, but one also under pressure from grocery chains and large discounters like Trader Joe's and Costco.

Where the store excels is in its overall aesthetic and the engaging personalities of its owners David Diaz-Stuart and Paul Weinstein. When I visited last weekend, the shop was crowded, and the mood lively and interactive.

Randolph & Main is located at the corner of Randolph and Main Streets, one block North of the Bridge from Lambertville.; 215-693-1010 or at their website.

Worth a visit.

Edgy New Hope PA Clothing Store Thirteen Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

By Molly Sahner

Owners Dave and Kevin provide a unique boutique experience in their tiny bohemian shop, located at 11A West Mechanic Street in downtown New Hope PA.

I walked in to find them serving hot cider to customers on a dreary Saturday afternoon. They were busy finding the most flattering size for a customer in the dressing room, followed by an alternate style. It's much like getting dressed to hit the town in your best friend's closet, with that invaluable second opinion -- honest, but kind. Their eyes light up when the right outfit has been found and the approval is contagious among other customers in the shop. "Oh yes! That's it" everyone agrees.

But the pair offer not only fashion advice, but also an eclectic, moderately priced collection of 70s and 80s inspired hats, sunglasses, rock n' roll tees, belts and earrings hanging from every conceivable spot. Vintage toys, lunchboxes, action figures, and kitschy gifts fill every other available cranny. Co-owner Kevin handcrafts a line of headbands and hair fasteners combining colorful flowers and feathers with miniature skulls -- a la the Mexican Day Of the Dead.

Small wonder Thirteen has survived and thrived these past five years. It has a trendy but friendly boutique feel with an eclectic fashion mix -- fabulous dresses and accessories for an evening out, funky knit hats in every color of the rainbow, cute animal-inspired knit head wear and gloves, and usually an Alf or Pee Wee Herman doll peering out from the depths of the store.

Thirteen is located at 11A West Mechanic Street, New Hope PA; phone 267-266-9737 or visit www.thirteenvintage.com.

Thirteen. Another New Hope original.

Now & Then You See It, Now & Then You Don't

Sure looks like recently resurrected Dead shop Now & Then is dead again, in the fastest store shuttering in New Hope PA since the engraved soap debacle at the Historical Society's floody barn near the Playhouse.

Although store lifespans in New Hope often approach that of the average fruit fly, this one may wind up being attributed to a difference among partners.

History tells us, however, this may well not be the last we see of Now & Again...it's a Dead store that just won't die.

Ramble on Rose.

Shopping: Scents of the Season at New Hope PA Favorite Strawberry Jam

Strawberry Jam opened in New Hope PA in August, 1973 according to the company website, "the store name having been chosen over a bottle of wine. New Hope at that time had two doctor's offices on Main Street, a pharmacy, one grocery run by the mayor and his family, and a photo shop. The post office on Bridge Street was an easy walk and where local gossip was exchanged. The local bank was at the intersection of Bridge and Main. It was there that we got our business loan of $10,00 on a handshake."

Since that time, the store has become a stalwart of the area gift shop scene, featuring top name brands in paper products, specialty foods, jewelry, candles, home accessories, CDs, bath products, and an excellent selection of unisex scents, including those by L'Artisan, Jean Laporte, Santa Maria Novella and many others.

One unique line rarely seen outside of New York City or Milan is the Etro stable of beautifully crafted fragrances. Etro's Messe de Minut eau de cologne, a reputed favorite of Sandra Bernhard, has core frankincense aroma reminiscent of ancient cathedral interiors that's perfect for fall. Etro's Lemon Sorbet is one of the best citrus blends available anywhere, a clean, light scent perfect for warmer months with a lemon base and hint of basil.

L'Artisan has many gorgeous olfactory blends as well, a favorite for fall being Premier Figuier, a fig-based delight, and Voleur de Roses, a blend of patchouli and roses that remains a cold weather favorite and one of the sexiest scents on Earth.

Another Strawberry Jam standard are the large bath soaps and other products by Claus Porto of Portugal. These are large, creamy sublime bath soaps that last so long the season will change before one is half-finished. All the aromas are excellent; of special interest are Vetyver and Tobacco Flower for the fall, Red Poppy to brighten the winter months, and Honeysuckle and Citron Verbena for late spring into summer.

There's much to like at Stawberry Jam, but for the true scent hound, the place is a goldmine.

They're open all week long, 'til about 6 or 7:00 most nights, at 44 South Main Street, New Hope PA, 215-862-9251.

Shopping -- Jake's Playhouse Opens in New Hope PA

Jake's Playhouse has taken the former Hot Plates retail space and opened its doors to the public.

I'd passed the storefront a few times, trying to discern what a picture of a dog named "Jake" and "fun for the whole family" adds up to, but the windows and signage aren't clear. So I decided to wander in.

It's an attractive, well-organized space filled with children's puzzles and board games, dog treats, and t-shirts and baseball caps with stick figures saying things like "life is good."

The owners already operate two stores in Lake Placid, NY; one called Jake Placid Doghouse and the other A Placid Life, which says it's "what's called a Life is good® Genuine Neighborhood Shoppe."

Never mind that New Hope PA already has a dog store called "Jake's" (Jake and Elwood's House of Chews is located at 122 S. Main Street), lots of t-shirts, and a "playhouse". Apparently, for this new "neighborhood shoppe", what's good in Lake Placid must be good for New Hope.

The store itself is spacious, well-lit, flows well, and the products appear to be of high-quality. Sales help was excellent, as it was at its predecessor.

I bought a yard-long beef chew stick for my dog for $3.00 (the dog was thrilled, BTW).

I hope the store resolves its identity crisis and does well. It's located on Main Street near Ferry Street in New Hope PA; my efforts online to find an exact address, phone number or contact proved fruitless.

Maybe they will fit in New Hope after all...

Blue Raccoon Home Furnishings Store Returns to Original Lambertville NJ Location

After five years in New Hope PA's struggling Union Square development, the Blue Raccoon home furnishings store has returned to its original location at 6 Coryell Street in Lambertville NJ, next to Hamilton’s Grill and across the street from Finkles Hardware.

Say the owners: "We’re coming home to Lambertville. We still believe in defining comfort by style and value, still believe in creating a worthwhile and pleasurable shopping experience and are mindful to go above and beyond in providing personalized service and superior customer support. These are the qualities that have defined us since we first opened in Lambertville back in the summer of 1993."

Cute house gifts, cute doggy; check it out.

Peddler's Village Celebrates 38th Annual Apple Festival This Weekend

New Hope PA will be getting even more crowded this weekend as Peddler's Village in nearby Lahaska PA puts on its 38th Annual Apple Festival.

It all takes place Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m, rain or shine. Free admission and parking.

Love fall fruit? Dig into favorite apple dishes from crisp apple fritters and warm apple pie to savory apple dumplings and freshly pressed apple cider. Peddler’s Village restaurants will feature delicious apple specialties all weekend.

One can also take home a bushel of green, golden or red delicious apples from local orchards, or 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.

Also enjoy the live musical entertainment, jugglers and stilt walkers on the Main Green, shop the handcrafted items at the 40 artisan booths on the Street Road Green, and cheer on the brave contestants in the traditional pie eating contests. (Competitions are held at 3:00 p.m. each day by age category, contestants are chosen by lottery and must sign up from 10 a.m.-2: 45 p.m. at the Hospitality Booth on the Main Green.)

Peddler’s Village is located just off Route 202 in Lahaska PA...about a five minute drive west of New Hope PA.

Tip: If you're visiting New Hope PA this weekend, make reservations and park early, the town gets packed with festival goers, revelers and those enjoying the last foliage of autumn.

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

Now and Then Shop Returns to New Hope PA

New Hope PA cultural icon Now and Then Shop is back and getting ready to celebrate its 40th year! It's just re-opened on Ney Alley steps up from the New Hope Candle Shop on South Main Street.

The place is crammed with posters, stickers, t-shirts and jewelry that reflect the Grateful Dead lifestyle. Owner Lynne Greene was in charge of the old place, too, and is a great source of local history and insight. She also still works at the Starbucks; feels those folks are treating her pretty good, too.

Partner Jessica adds dog toys, hippie artifacts and shishas to the mix, and is also a local celebrity in her own right.

The Now and Then Shop is back! Visit them on Facebook at "Now and Then Shop", New Hope Funky Stuff or 215-205-0966.

Now and Then: Another New Hope original.

Carved pumpkins depicting the Headless Horseman and Vanderbilt "V"

Who the Heck are We Supposed to Vote For?

Many voters in the New Hope PA Borough Council elections are still scratching their heads this weekend over whom to pick next week . If you think you know who you're voting for, please tell the rest of us what to do by clicking our anonymous survey link located in the upper right column of this page.

Shopping: Finkles Hardware in Lambertville NJ -- "The World's Most Unusual Hardware Store"

What can be said? Finkles Hardware in Lambertville, NJ is too awesome for words.

I've bought all kinds of things there over the years: an unusual Mexican florescent bulb I couldn't find anywhere else, a neat four-head screwdriver, a can of acrylic white house paint I used for priming oil painting canvas.

The owners say they specialize in "decorative and industrial hardware, plumbing and heating, electrical and lighting, and structural steel," and that "no project is too kooky for our staff."

One's first impression on entering is of a 1950s-era appliance store stacked to the rafters with cans, boxes, coils and bins filled with every mechanism, tool and part devised by mankind over the last, say, 75 years.

As Finkles website points out, "We have so much inventory that we stack it from floor to ceiling. No item is too hard to find!"

And if they don't have it, they'll special order it. I've found the staff to be friendly and knowledgeable over the years.

Those in the plumbing, electrical and construction fields have kept Finkles a trade secret for quite some time, but if you own an old home or if you just want to catch a glimpse of "The World's Most Unusual Hardware Store", visit 7 Coryell Street in Lambertville NJ, Monday to Saturday, 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., (609) 397 0914.

It's a Lambertville original!

Dining Out: Karla's Bar and Restaurant in New Hope PA

As I sat outside at Karla's Bar and Restaurant reading the lunch menu on a warm afternoon last weekend, I was happy to learn they'd won a Best of Bucks Award for 2009, and pleased to see a new, broader menu with more entres that looked intriguing. I was more surprised on closer inspection to see that they'd also lowered prices!

Let me get this straight: restaurant gets recognition, freshens up menu, and then lowers prices?

I asked manager Cynthia, "Is it me, or is this menu looking less expensive?"

"It's still tough out there," she said, referring to the overall economy. "We want to do our part for the customers."

Now, owner Louis is admittedly known more for being a shrewd, if not opportunistic businessman, than a philanthropist, but I was impressed to see this key downtown business doing something right and timely. Louis is smart, and he's a survivor.

I had a hot cider and cheddar burger, medium rare; my dining partner, the Greek salad with fresh bread. All solid. Nice view, attentive staff.

All you need at that point is Ricky behind the bar with fresh mint for Mojitos and an afternoon to kill.

Haven't seen the Locals Night menu yet; write in and let us know what you think!

Karla's is located at 5 West Mechanic Street in New Hope PA, 215-862-2612.

Superkind Woman and Parrot on West Mechanic Street, New Hope PA

Who is Bill Scandone and Why is He Running for New Hope PA Borough Council?

Last week, Bill Scandone left a flyer in my mailbox asking for my vote in the upcoming New Hope PA Borough Council election. Four seats are up for grabs this November, and for the first time in quite a while, it appears the Republicans have a full slate and are going to give the four Democratic incumbents a run for their money. Bill's one of the Republican upstarts this year, not that "Republican" or "Democrat" mean that much in a small town like New Hope.

The thing that caught my eye about Bill's flyer was that he listed his email address and phone number on it. Now, it's not unusual for smarter candidates to campaign door to door in the closing weeks of local elections, and to claim they want to "listen" to constituents' views, but they don't usually leave a personal calling card: billscandone@comcast.net or 215-595-6304.

So I emailed him, and he agreed to meet and talk about the campaign. I had seen "Scandone" signs around town, and had also heard there might be actual competitive races in the upcoming elections. Rumors have also abounded that a couple of high-ranking local politicos are promoting a candidate to depose one or more incumbents, partially motivated by last spring's bloodless coup in Borough Hall.

There's two things I learned about Scandone fairly quickly: he is actually listening to people, and he is running a serious campaign. When I met him, he'd already spent the morning at a local diner shaking hands by the front door.

A former head of International Compensation and Benefits for Pfizer, Scandone, 62, lives on Kiltie Drive, likes dogs, goes bicycling, knows lots about fixing the bike path that runs along the Delaware Canal. Bill had been President of the New Hope-Solebury Education Fund, where he helped raise money for worthwhile local teaching initiatives.

I asked whether he's aligned with any group or individuals involved in the Borough's opposing factions and alliances, and he said he's running because "I wanted to do more, to give back to the community."

"After speaking with those involved in Borough Council and the New Hope-Solebury School Board," says Scandone, "I felt I could be more impactful on Borough Council. I believe in the concept of social responsibility," he added. "I intend to be a public servant to this community, and I don't know if that's happening now."

One key element of Scandone's plank seems to be a concern for "revitalizing the downtown."

Says Bill, "There's many stores and galleries closed, and when they close, there's a snippet of the identity of New Hope that is lost."

I asked him why he felt residents should theoretically be concerned about the welfare of local shops and businesses. Replied Scandone, "As a resident I feel I have a vested interest [in the business community]. There has to be a balance. At the end of the day what you don't want vacant shops."

Scandone is not opposed to franchised businesses, as long as their identity meshes with that of New Hope, and he is especially interested in seeing more restaurants and galleries. Admittedly, his economic proposals do not appear overburdened with specificity at this point, but his basic approach is clear enough: he has lots of experience in negotiating and consensus building and believes he can bring the right people together to start "spreading the good word about New Hope."

"New Hope is at a crossroads and could be eclipsed by other places, and New Hope could financially lose out," he continued.

"I've got the time. I've got the experience. I really am committed to this."

Sure does seem to be the case. The weeks ahead will certainly hold unexpected twists and turns, but this much is for sure: Bill Scandone seems like a serious contender.

Dining Out: Kids Not Welcome Here

The New Hope PA restaurant above not only admonishes against parking nearby and using their restrooms if one is not a patron, but also makes it pretty plain with front door signage that, frankly, "kids aren't welcome here."

In this author's opinion, a ridiculous, unfriendly, impolite manner to treat our town's visitors. Most parents are nice enough to leave strollers parked outside, but if strollers don't fit, that means wheelchairs don't fit and evacuation in a fire could be interesting.

Funny thing is, the food's not bad, but not memorable, either. The lack of hospitality leaves an impression, though.

Below, two local restaurants that are kid-friendly.

Table Outside, Senor?

With temperatures soaring into the 70s, restaurants with outdoor seating in New Hope PA were in high demand. This popular destination just north of the Bridge on N. Main Street is running a luncheon special to boot, which is great because I've eaten there and it's the real deal although usually a bit pricey.

A Spectacular Day in New Hope PA

New Hope PA Police Chief Mike Cummings out doing some good community relations work while chatting with Howard Cooperman, owner of Bucks County Gallery of Fine Art.

It Must Be Fall, the Nuts and Politicians are Out Again in New Hope PA

Well, it must be fall, because leaves are falling and nuts abound as election time nears.

Four incumbents who've banded together claim to be "positive, proven leadership." I guess that's if "positive" and "responsible" means going on a real estate spending spree, including a multimillion dollar church to renovate for their new offices, a nearly half-million dollar forest path to a seldom used parking lot, and some $600,00 for an ugly, unused concrete and rock park that no one likes or uses.

And then there's the devastation of Bridge Street commerce and undermining of the local economy as exemplified by the loss of key players like the Michener Museum and Hot Plates, not to mention the short-sightedness of leaving the Delaware Canal unfilled, eliminating hundreds of parking spaces, and letting real estate developers run amok.

The opposition candidates, rumor has it it, are backed by our very own mayor and deposed Borough Council President, still stinging after the current leader's assumption via reported bloodless coup. All unsubstantiated local chatter, so we eagerly await any commentary or feedback from candidates themselves should they care to clear the record.

More opinion on this year's non-race to come in the weeks ahead.

Below, some achievements of New Hope's current Borough Council: empty Delaware Canal, empty stores:

Leaves Falling On a Drippy, Windy Day in Downtown New Hope PA

The trees of New Hope PA try to hold onto their colorful, leafy coats on a windy, wet weekend in the historic downtown section of Bucks County's most popular tourist destination.

While some bargain shoppers are seen about as the sun peeks out for brief moments here and there, many visitors have sought shelter in lunchtime favorite Karla's Restaurant on West Mechanic Street, or in John and Peter's on Main Street for a quick brew.

Annual "Oyster Pork Supper" in Carversville, PA this Saturday

The flyer posted above at Bob's Exxon in Lambertville NJ reminded me that we were due soon for an annual pig-out not to be missed: the Oyster Pork Supper at the Carversville Christian Church. A local tradition since 1871, the menu interestingly combines a twist on the surf-n-turf theme, with roasted pork and hand-dipped fried oysters as the culinary centerpoint.

One can also sample the homemade gravy, applesauce, and pepper hash, along with home cooked stewed tomatoes, and creamed corn (yum!). And don't forget the coffee, tea, iced tea, and assorted homemade desserts!

Prices are reasonable at $19 for adults ($20 takeout) and $8 for kids. There will also be plenty of crafts, baked goods, jams and treats made by the women of Carversville Church, and a a quilt raffle (heavens to Betsy!).

The church is located in Carversville, PA just north of New Hope, PA via Route 32 or via Aquetong Road off Route 202 (Carversville Christian Church, 3736 Aquetong Road, 214.297.5166, carversvilleucc@verizon.net).

It's all taking place this Saturday, October 17, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00, unless they run out of stuff sooner.

It's oysters. It's pork. We're on a mission from God!

Restored Murals of Canal Life Add Color to Downtown New Hope PA

Above, some of the recently restored murals depicting life along the Delaware Canal by renowned New Hope PA artist William "Billy" Selesnick. They're located in a small pocket park near the stairway to the Locktender's House off South Main Street in New Hope PA.

His work can be seen here and there on building exteriors throughout New Hope, although Billy now calls Palm Beach, Florida his main home.