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.

Last Warm, Leafy Days of Fall in New Hope PA

The empty mule shed on the Delaware Canal in New Hope PA stands quietly in the afternoon sun on a recent day.

They're Back...... Just in Time for Halloween

Infamous New Hope PA artist Queen Morbid has created more Kreepy Kuties in a salute to the Halloween season.

Are there any creepier dolls than these? Doubt it!

Quality seems good too, with the underlying doll being often vintage and unique, and the costumes and accoutrements tres creative and meticulously designed and executed (as it were).

As Deiter would say, "repellent, and yet strangely I am drawn to them like a moth to the flame."

Available at Mechanic Street Mugs, 10 W. Mechanic St., New Hope PA.

New Hope PA Burro Council Ponders Dried Out Canal Problem

According to minutes published on a recent New Hope PA Borough Council discussion of the dried-out Delaware Canal issue, Chairperson Sharon Keiser began by saying: "I would like to ask Council to consider authorizing the payment of up to $7,500 to water the canal from the Logan Inn north from July through October.

"The canal is quickly reverting to nature. Several large trees have fallen across it. Weeds are 3 feet tall in some places. It looks less and less like a canal and more and more like an abandoned ditch.

"If it is not watered this year we will not have water until at least Spring 2011 since the Rabbit Run bridge will be closed next year with a coffer dam restricting any water to New Hope. Who knows what the condition will be by then.

"The impact on New Hope may be severe, recreationally [sic], aesthetically and commercially. Apart from the river, nothing physically defines us more then the beauty and serenity of the canal.”

Sharyn Keiser went on to ask if any Council members would offer a motion, and said one challenge is that the water would cover 2.5 miles of Solebury and only .50 miles of New Hope. Eighty (80%) of the canal is dry at this point, she asseted [sic]. If the canal were to be watered, it would only extend to The Logan Inn due to the leak in the canal south of The Logan.

"Randall Flager stated that the canal is an eyesore at this time." (Nothing gets past Randy)

Claire Shaw stated that "she feels that it would be fiscally irresponsible to spend the taxpayers’ money in that manner especially since the expense serves Solebury more than New Hope."

Sharyn Keiser stated that "there is nothing in the budget for this" and asked the Manager to provide a cost estimate.

John Burke estimated that the cost would be in the range of $7,000 to $8,000 for the shortened season, from the middle of July through the end of October.

Randall Flager ejaculated "what was spent on watering the canal in 2008?!"

Sharyn Keiser stated that the cost was split 50-50 in 2008 with PADEP. The Borough’s share was about $6,000, which covered the period from April to the end of November.

Randall Flager asked "if the Chamber [of Commerce] has requested that the Borough pay to water the canal in 2009."

Sharyn Keiser stated that "there have been no requests from the Chamber or any residents of New Hope and there is one resident who is opposed to it because she is concerned with the fish that will be left behind once it dries up. In the past this resident has physically relocated the fish in the canal to the river."

Randall Flager stated that if the canal can’t be watered down to the Locktender’s House, then he is not prepared to pursue this matter. (Heart of gold, that Randy) Glen Stephan stated that he would like to see water along the entire length of the canal in New Hope and that he would consider contributing to this. (His money or Chamber members' money?)

Sharyn Keiser "stated that the projected time to restore water to the canal is about one year from now."

Annette Rosenberg, 137 S. Main St., keenly observed that "the canal is an eyesore without the water. Something should be done to clean up the canal."

Loretta Johnson, 16 West Bridge, "suggested taking water from the Primrose watershed."

Ed Duffy stated "that someone should organize a fund raising effort to pump water into the canal this year."

Perhaps Mr. Duffy, who is running for re-election to Burro membership next month, should consider taking the $7,500 from the burgeoning budget he helps administer -- one which is spending millions to buy a church for he and his fellow politicos, a path through the woods to a faraway parking lot, and a neighborhood park where kids and pets and trees aren't welcome.

Mayor Keller wished Doro Kerr a happy birthday.

Glimpses of New Hope PA: The Good, The Bad, And the Ugly

Three merchant displays for your consideration -- the first, a lovely pond garden adorns the entrance to Wildflowers Restaurant; the second, from a shopowner who apparently hasn't figured out that windows have two sides; and lastly, a sign that is priceless because it appears so completely shabby in form, function and content. If you've seen an uglier one, send it in.

New Hope PA Profiting from Broken Parking Meters?

As local residents can attest, New Hope PA derives nearly $1 million yearly from metering and ticketing visiting drivers.

But many of those same meters appear outdated, poorly maintained and do not properly monitor parking time paid for by users, often to the Borough's advantage. The photos above are just one example: two meters on a single mounting post, one ancient and dripping condensation inside the mechanism and glass, the other digital, likewise dripping condensation inside the glass.

Having personally used the meter on the left several times over the last year, I can say that it typically takes a quarter and grants 20 minutes of parking time, might take another quarter, then on the third 25 cents does not register any additional time, averaging four quarters or $1 per hour. Remember, this is one of many malfunctioning meters, in this author's experience.

The condensation also makes the meters unreadable by users, but then again, many meters become unreadable by evening since they're unlit.

The funny thing is that many of New Hope's money-grabbing meters may be considered illegal to begin with under a state law which prohibits metering on state roads (Main Street is also State Route 32).

But never mind, New Hope will lease you a permanent parking space for approximately $1,050 per year, according to one applicant for a spot on the hill where the Borough Council is outfitting a multimillion dollar church for its new offices.

Ever been ripped off by a New Hope PA parking meter? Comment below and let us know!

Trap Rock Quarry Trapping Dust in Local Lungs?

For many residents of New Hope PA and Lambertville NJ, Route 29 represents a major portion of their daily commute. And for those passing the entrance to Trap Rock Industries on Route 29 just south of Lambertville in Hopewell Township on a regular basis, many is the morning when it seems like the roadway has gone suddenly foggy in what appears in this author's opinion to be massive clouds of stone dust.

Now I'm no scientist or doctor, but I remember reading somewhere that breathing stone dust can be carcinogenic, so I roll up the windows as I make my way through the haze just south of Traprock Quarry's entrance, often lasting a quarter of a mile or more. The roadside south in that zone is gray, and vegetation appears grayish-brown and unhealthy. Spilled gravel is visible alongside the road all the way down to Washington's Crossing.

I can't personally imagine being a neighbor of the Traprock Quarry. Maybe they employ a lot of local people, offsetting some of the environmental damage caused by tearing apart a mountain piece by piece so some people far away can have pretty rocks in their driveway.

Drivers of the trucks are generally courteous in my experience. And the company uses water trucks to spray down their driveway. But in this author's opinion, not often enough.

Anybody want to write in and offer an opinion on why Hopewell Township residents put up with the mess and potential danger?

New Dead Store on Ney Alley in New Hope PA?

This new store just popped up out of nowhere in New Hope PA, so if anyone has any idea what it is and what they plan to sell, please let us know.

"Enchanting Creations" says it's the home of the "Now & Then"? Does that mean somebody found Max's (may he rest in peace) stash of posters, buttons, and water pipes? A store that's "home" to another store?

Is it me?

Then again, this is New Hope, so well capitalized and planned businesses with clear and informative signage are not overly common.