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.