Doris Brandes (9/02)
by Marilyn Bullock

Doris Brandes is everywhere these days - physically AND in print. There are articles about her and her new book, "Artists of the River Towns" in the local newspapers and in the August issue of Nouveau Magazine. I personally ran into Doris four times in one week! Anywhere there is art, there is Doris.

Doris was born in Brooklyn, NY. Her father was a successful businessman and her mother was a high-diver, once known as "The Diving Belle." Doris always knew that she wanted to be an artist. (She wanted to be a tap dancer too but that is about the only thing she HASN'T done.) She went to the Pratt Institute on a scholarship and graduated with a BFA in fashion design.

Before she was out of college, however, Doris and a friend started a company called "Witch Craft", which quickly became a nationally known "prop shop." Witch Craft designed and created props for some of the most prestigious New York department stores and shipped orders to customers all over the country. When the "never been shy" Doris was offered a job as display director for a 156 store chain, she sold her stake in Witch Craft and moved on.

Soon after, Doris got married and moved to the Philadelphia suburbs. When her four children were small, Doris started a weekend art program for kids called "Hidden House Creative Workshop for Children." This program came into being because Doris was not satisfied with the art program at her children's schools. During the 60's and 70's, Doris was a mother, a freelance artist, and sometimes teacher at the Abington Art Center. She continued to produce artwork, concentrating on printmaking and fabric art, and exhibiting in galleries along the East Coast.

In 1981, after a divorce and remarriage, Doris started Art Matters, a regional publication that is devoted to promoting the visual arts in the greater Philadelphia area and which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. During this time, Doris also worked in a 14 week Comcast Cable series for Art Matters. The series consisted of an assortment of interviews of artists and the cable shows were replayed eight times per week. Doris worked at Art Matters until 1993 when she finally retired from the hectic life of commuting so she could concentrate on new projects.

Around 1986 Doris moved to New Hope, where she still resides. In 1993, Doris was a founding member of Artsbridge, the non-profit arts organization for the New Hope/Lambertville area ("bridging" the community.) Doris was also one of the founding members of the Michener Art Museum (1987) and has served on its board ever since.

Professionally, Doris has been writing articles on and about the art scene since the beginning of Art Matters. Currently, her articles are featured in the New Hope Gazette, the Lambertville Beacon, The Area Guide Book, Prime Time Magazine, and, of course, her new book, "Artists of the River Towns", Doris' latest project - the first of four books that each feature 50 local artists. You can purchase "Artists of the River Towns" at the New Hope Visitor Center, at Farley's Bookstore, at the Michener Museum, and at various shops and galleries around town. Booksignings are scheduled throughout September and October. Contact Doris for details artbuz@erols.com.

Somehow, despite everything else she does, Doris manages to keep fit through yoga and walking. If I were a betting person, I'd pretty much bet the ranch that, before too long, Doris decides to finally take up that tap dancing career that she never fulfilled!

Top of Page

Patti Clark (10/02)
by Marilyn Bullock

Six year New Hope resident Patti Clark is intelligent, talented, spiritual, and beautiful. She is a radiant example of someone whose childhood dreams have come true. She is happier and healthier than ever before and is leading the life she was born to live.

As a young girl growing up in Chicago, Patti had three dreams: (1) to work for the Peace Corps (2) to be a jazz singer ("so I could be on the Dinah Shore Show"), and (3) to become a psychologist. It was no surprise when Patti enrolled at Western Illinois University to explore Communications, Political Science, Psychology and Theatre.

Upon graduation, Patti's first job was as an intern at super station WGN, where the Phil Donahue Show was produced. After that she held several positions in corporate communications, advertising, and marketing for companies such as Johnson & Johnson/McNeil Consumer Products, Niles Productions, and Young and Rubicam. In the evenings and at different points in time, Patti studied psychology, singing, interior design, and started her MBA. All this before the age of 30!

In the mid '80's, Patti began to see her dreams take shape. She became a lifetime contributing member of the Institute for Individual and World Peace and an ordained minister in a non-denominational church. (Dream #1-not the Peace Corps but pretty close.)

In 1985, Patti joined Helene Curtis as Director of Corporate Communications in the Salon Division. Patti's strategic influence changed the image of the Salon Division from that of a "discounter" to an upscale, high-end fashion line.

Patti's success at Helene Curtis prompted Ad Week to include her as one of the "Rising Stars." As a result of this recognition, Johnson & Johnson Skin Care Division (based in New Jersey) made her an offer she couldn't refuse in global strategic marketing and business development. So, she packed her bags and moved from the hustle of downtown Chicago to the more rural town of Princeton, NJ.

From Princeton, Patti began to explore where she wanted to settle down on the east coast. She had frequented Bucks County and fell in love with New Hope. A friend encouraged her to check out the new townhouse community where he lived - she did and found what is now her beautiful home.

To meet people in the area, Patti joined Fred Miller's Copper Penny Players. As a result, fellow singer Sally Stang invited her to perform at Odette's in a 3-woman cabaret titled LOVE 101. The show was a hit and, since then, Patti has performed in "sell-out" cabaret shows each season. (Dream #2.) While working on her doctorate in Behavioral Change and Human Potential (Dream #3), Patti combined her strategic marketing skills with key aspects of Behavioral Sciences to form PSClark & Associates. She currently works with teams and individuals as a change agent and Business Results coach in the area of performance improvement and leadership development. In her "spare" time, when not working on her doctorate, performing weddings and other ministerial services, or working out with her personal trainer, Patti loves to spend time with her many friends and with her cat, Pookie Marie.

Should we all be so blessed to live our dreams! Thanks for the inspiration, Patti. Contact Patti at 215-862-6076.

Top of Page

Blackburn and Izzo (11/02)
by Marilyn Bullock

This is a love story. No! It is much more than that. It is a message of hope, faith, strength, determination, AND it is a compelling Love Story.

Bruce Blackburn and Marie Izzo met 30 years ago while they were both communications students at the University of South Florida. During an elective photography class, they saw each other across the room and, just like in the movies, immediately knew there was chemistry between them. They called each other "Blackburn" and "Izzo." Despite Bruce's engagement to someone else, he and Marie became inseparable friends. After graduation, they went their separate ways - Bruce got married and moved to Virginia. Marie moved to NYC to take a PR position with the NY Hilton.

In 1980 Bruce came to Florida to attend his mother's funeral. Marie had also moved back to Florida and one day saw a Letter to the Editor that Bruce had written. They connected over the phone and Marie attended Bruce's mother's funeral. They didn't connect again for several more years.Bruce earned a Master's Degree in International Communications in 1982. By 1984, he had divorced his first wife, was now married to his second wife, had a young daughter, was traveling extensively overseas, had lucrative business connections - Bruce was riding on top of the world!

Then, in 1987, Bruce's universe collapsed.

Since early childhood, Bruce had suffered from severe asthma and had taken large doses of Prednisone. When Bruce was in his early 30's, the effects of long-term Prednisone use finally caught up with him - he had osteoporosis, necrotic shoulders, edema in his legs, phlebitis, colitis, and just about every kind of "-itis" you can think of. In 1988, when Bruce's daughter Miriam was only 4 years old, Bruce was in the Intensive Care unit of a hospital in Virginia, his second wife and most of his friends had deserted him, and he was on 30 medications. In 1991, Bruce was transported by air ambulance to a nursing home in Florida, where he was put on Hospice care and was listed as terminal.

Marie had heard that Bruce was ill. When she visited him on his 38th birthday, she didn't know what to expect. Ten years earlier (at his mother's funeral), he had been healthy and vibrant. Despite the tubes and machines that Bruce was connected to, Marie chose not to see the withered spirit lying in the hospital bed - she chose to see the man she had known and loved 20 years before. Marie recognized almost immediately that what Bruce needed most now was a coach. He needed someone to help him believe in himself once again - whether he lived another year, a month, or a day.

Marie visited Bruce every day. She brought him tapes to listen to (Bernie Siegel, Tony Robbins, Wayne Dwyer) and used her favorite coaching mantra, "If you can't, you MUST!"

Despite the predictions of doctors and staff, with Marie's constant attention, encouragement, and, ultimately, love, Bruce finally started to believe in himself again. He listened to the tapes, read the books - he began to understand the power of positive thinking.

A turning point came when one of his doctors finally took Bruce off half of his medications. Slowly, Bruce was able to write again and the shaking in his hands disappeared. He was able to get about in a wheelchair, then a walker, and finally with only a cane.

One day, the nursing home staff came to Bruce to announce that he no longer qualified for Hospice Care because he was doing so well! They eventually kicked him out and he moved into an apartment. A year later, Marie was offered a job in New Hope, PA and they both moved to Bucks County where they have been ever since (with their dog, Aura.)

Today, Bruce and Marie are strong proponents of Holistic Healing and, obviously, truly believe in the power of the individual to take control of his/her own life. Bruce is Sr. Editor of Nouveau Magazine and Marie has her own business, Inside Review. They still call each other "Blackburn" and "Izzo." This couple is as loving and beautiful as they are an amazing example of unconditional love. Bruce says, "Marie pulled me back from the abyss." I say that it was God's blessing that brought them back together again and their mutual love and devotion that worked the miracles.

Contact Bruce and Marie at: blackburn@inside-review.com.

[Editor's Note: This short article does not do justice to the story of this amazing couple. Please join me - you can send an email - in encouraging them to tell their story so that many more may benefit from the inspiration Bruce and Marie have to offer.]

Top of Page

Fred Schmitz (12/02)
by Marilyn Bullock

If you are like me, you don't know him as Fred - he's simply "The Shoe Guy." Since 1987, when Fred Schmitz took over the tiny shoe shop behind the wine store in Lambertville, Fred has been happily pleasing his clientele from as far away as New York City.

Fred grew up in NE Philadelphia, the son of German born parents. His father, Karl, had been a former professional soccer player and had a shoe repair shop in the Reading Terminal for over 35 years. At one time, he had built the business to 6 shops in and around Philadelphia. Fred remembers sweeping floors and polishing shoes as early as age six. From their home in Warminster, Fred rode the train into town with his father. At that age, it wasn't helping his dad that he enjoyed so much as the thrill of riding the train and getting to know the conductors - and even riding with the engineer occasionally!

His father instilled in Fred the need for learning a trade. Fred spent summers and days off working with his father - perfecting his skills at shoe and leather repair and learning every aspect of the business.

After high school, Fred worked at his dad's shop but they got on each other's nerves. He went off to do his own thing for a couple of years, doing everything from landscaping, door-to-door sales, restaurant work, and other jobs before deciding that the shoe business was what he really wanted after all. Now older, wiser, and surer of what he wanted to do with his life, Fred rejoined his father's shop. Fred comments, "This time the team really worked. People used to say how it sometimes looked like we were dancing we worked so well together."

When the Reading Terminal went through major changes in the early 80's, Fred's parents moved to Florida and Fred went to work for another shoe shop in Hatboro for 5-6 years. During this time Fred met Marion at a martial arts class. "We kicked each other and fell in love," jokes Fred. They got married in 1985.

In 1987, Fred's father sold him his shoe repair business that he had relocated to Florida. Fred went to Florida, packed everything into a truck, and brought it all back north - to its current location in Lambertville. Artcraft Shoe Service was a reality and the 28-year-old Fred jumped into his new business 110%!

Fred will try to repair just about anything. He regularly repairs handbags, luggage, leather coats, and, of course, all kinds of shoes. When asked what the most challenging job he has worked on so far, Fred tells the story of a woman who brought him a 4 ½ foot leather (stuffed) kangaroo. Its ear, arm, and tail had been chewed off by the owner's dog. Fred's "I'll do my best" turned into a very successful repair and resulted in additional leather "animals" coming in for repair.

Fred is personable and fair. Most of all, he is really good at what he does. He has become an integral part of our community. Fred lives in Hilltown, PA with Marion and their three children, Chris, 15, Andrew, 13, and Annette, 12. When he takes that very rare vacation, Fred likes to snow ski.

Artcraft Shoe Service is located at 4 McCready Alley in Lambertville. 609-397-4844.

Top of Page

Ann Liebgold (1/03)
by Marilyn Bullock

When Ann Liebgold enters a room, her gentle grace is evocative of her life as a ballet dancer some 50 years ago. Ann is a petite, energetic force in New Hope. She and husband Yanek have lived here for almost 35 years, operated a local hardware store for much of that time, and served on the Borough Council and Planning Commission.

Ann was born in Trenton, NJ, the daughter of well-known orchestrator Don Walker. Walker was best known as the orchestrator of more Broadway shows than any other man in the world. He was nominated for an Academy Award for "A Thousand Clowns."

Needless to say, Ann grew up around music and theater. She started ballet at the age of 12 and by 15 was serious enough to travel to Philadelphia everyday for classes. At the time, Ann was attending the Holmquist School for girls (now the Hotel du Village.) It merged with the Solebury School (an all boys' school) in 1950.

After graduation, Ann went to NYC and moved into the Three Arts Club on W. 85th St.. The Three Arts Club was a type of boarding house started by Dorothy and Lillian Gish for girls studying the arts. Ann later moved into an apartment with three other girls - all of whom are still friends today - while she worked in Brooklyn as a singer and dancer.

Meanwhile, Jan (Yanek) Liebgold was visiting his brother and sister-in-law, who were the stars of a Yiddish Theater in Brooklyn. Yanek had come to the US from Poland in 1946 and worked as a presser in the garment district. Ann was performing at the theater and met Yanek backstage.

Ann and Yanek got married in 1953 and had 2 children - Michael now 47 and Tania now 37. The Liebgolds also have 4 grandchildren: Nicole, Marcus, Scott, and Benjamin. Tania used to (and still does occasionally) perform in the Make Believe Players at the Philips Mill Theater.

In 1952 Ann switched from dance to music, becoming a music copyist. Back then all orchestral music was hand-copied for each instrument. A copyist must be patient, accurate, and extremely detail oriented - just what Ann loves most!

Ann and Yanek lived in NY until 1968 until they moved to New Hope and bought the local hardware store (where the Medieval Gallery is now.) They renovated the barn (where C'est la Vie is now) and lived in the apartment they had added to the upstairs. A shop was located below. They retired in 1997 and moved to a wonderful home on a piece of family property on Aquetong Rd.

Ann loves dogs, having bred long-haired Dachshunds for a time. When her last Scottish Terrier died a year or so ago, Ann took in a Scotty rescue dog at the suggestion of a friend. Barley is now an integral part of the Liebgold family.

While Ann and Yanek owned the hardware store, Ann was the bookkeeper - processing over 500 accounts each month. Now, Ann is the treasurer of the New Hope Historical Society. She loves the detail of working with figures - it reminds her of her days as a copyist.

Ann stays in ballet shape by exercising most days and supplementing her workouts with Pilates mat classes. Oh, and I forgot to mention that somewhere along the line Ann taught ballet and modern dance for over 20 years. We should all have her energy!

Top of Page

Paul and Jan Witte
by Marilyn Bullock

If you are a local, you can hardly help but know who Paul and Jan Witte are. However, what many of you might not be aware of is the story of love and devotion that ties them together.

They met 29 years ago.

Paul was born in Chile, S.A., the son of a German engineer and his Kentucky farm wife. His paternal grandfather was a renowned photographer in Germany - his grandmother an opera singer. Paul owned an industrial design/engineering firm, Originetics, based in Princeton, (later Hopewell) NJ. He obtained more than 25 patents -utility (engineering) patents as well as design (styling) patents. When he met Jan, Paul was "forty-something", divorced, and a father of two.

Jan came from a family of educators in Buffalo, NY. She, too, had been trained to be a teacher at Houghton College in western New York. At the time she met Paul, Jan was 23 and had recently left her teaching position, looking for the next adventure.

In 1974, Paul and his son Steve were staying at the Hilton Hotel in Corning, N.Y. After meeting with his client, Ingersoll Rand, Paul and Steve were served by Jan in the hotel dining room. It turned out to be entertaining as Jan (subconsciously?) spilled croutons in Paul's lap. It was a perfect icebreaker that led to an hour's conversation between the two over drinks in the lobby bar.

Fast-forward two years. Paul is once again visiting Corning, NY, staying in the same hotel. He asks if Jan still works there. To his delight, she works there, now as the Catering Manager. "She saw me across the lobby and yelled, 'Paul Witte,' I was so amazed that she remembered my name. My ego was deflated when I later realized that Jan remembers EVERYBODY's name!"

That night they talked all night. Paul was impressed with Jan's maturity - a level of which he didn't even find in the older women he had been dating. Jan liked Paul's sincerity, sensitivity, and, of course, his good looks! The couple exchanged letters, poetry and cartoons for another two years before Jan moved to Pennsylvania in 1978 to live with Paul. In 1980, they bought a new home on N. Main St. in New Hope and got married on its canal deck.

Soon afterwards, Jan and friend Charles Tiffany started a local branch of People for the American Way. In 1991 Paul and Jan co-founded, with Dr. Tim Block, the Hepatitis B Foundation (see related story.) The Foundation's first fund-raising event was so successful that Jan and Paul will be forever touched by the generosity and kindness of the New Hope and Lambertville people.

Ever community minded, the Wittes started the Canal-side Property Owners Association in 1993, along with Ron Turner and John Walsh. A couple of years later they and author/publisher Nancy Wolfe helped sponsor Julia Yorks' Kids' Guide to New Hope project. In 2001, they helped organize the New Hope Democratic Committee and later hosted a "launching party" for the Democrats. They 're currently working with the local Habitat for Humanity and other projects.

Albert Einstein used to visit the house in which they currently reside. He and his friends played cards together there. Jan believes that Einstein's "creative energy" continues to live at the Witte home. For certain, the Witte's passion and commitment to New Hope will long be remembered.

Contact the Witte's at: origin@comcat.com

Top of Page

Jay McPhillips (9/02)
by Marilyn Bullock

The red-haired, elusive, and somewhat shy Jay McPhillips has the most bizarre sense of humor of anyone I have met in town to date. He wrote and created two "way cool" books called "Cooler than TV" and "Now Firing." Both books are compilations of humorous sayings, quotes, ideas, logos, and original comics. Much of the content is totally off the wall - reminiscent of "The Far Side." I read through "Now Firing" and really enjoyed laughing out loud.

But Jay doesn't really consider himself a writer. He is a graphic and fine artist. The youngest of six children, Jay was born in NE Philadelphia and lived there until he was 17. Then Jay attended the University of Delaware, majoring in Visual Communications. (He actually started out as an engineering student until the semester that he had to take calculus! He very quickly switched his major.)

After college Jay went to work in NYC for Chiat Day, the advertising company that produced the famous Apple commercial aired during the Superbowl of 1984. He worked at Chiat Day as an art director for 3 years and lived in Hobobken, NJ. In 1995 Jay moved to Portland, ME, where he worked as a freelancer for about a year. Then, off to the opposite coast to live and work in Portland, OR (where he had friends) for a year and a half. This time he worked full time at an ad agency. About four years ago Jay moved back to this area and now resides in Lambertville. Most of Jay's family lives close by and he loves the artistic environment here.

Jay took a really cool job at Comedy Central (Cable TV) in NYC working as a graphic designer, creating billboard and print ad designs. The good news is that he loved the job. The downside was the commute. After a couple of years, the driving was too much and Jay took a job closer to home. He now works as a graphic designer at McCarter Theater in Princeton, NJ.

But wait - there's more! Jay also paints pet portraits. He has always loved to paint and was looking for something else creative to do. His pet portraits are interesting in that they aren't 100% representational. They look like the subject, yet have a Matisse-like feel to them. They are colorful and playful and people love them! Jay gets about 4 commissions a month and really enjoys the work.

When not working and painting, Jay is working on his third book, as yet unnamed. He also enjoys riding his bike on the towpath and skateboarding. For you young ladies in your 20's and 30's, Jay is also an eligible bachelor! (Sorry Jay - I had to put a plug in there for you!)

You can purchase Jay's books at Farleys in New Hope or at St. Marks Books in NYC.

Top of Page

Charles Kern (10/02)
by Marilyn Bullock

Charles Kern of Natural Creations in New Hope is not the usual artist interviewed for FACES & PLACES. Charles creates beautiful freestanding, tabletop water fountains, hand-carved out of lava rock and his own imagination.

Lean and athletic, Charles participated in many sports during his college years (he is still an avid golfer)and worked summers at a golf course. He became disillusioned with college and the whole idea of working for someone else, so after finishing his studies at Mansfield College as a history major, Charles went to work for a Landscaping Company, where he remained for five years.

In 1985, Charles started doing his own landscaping work and eventually formed his own business. It was during the next two years that Charles realized he has a photographic memory for working with his hands. He only has to see a design or a technique once and he can re-create it. He also started taking classes to learn how to build and install outdoors ponds and waterfalls – a natural extension of his landscaping business.

By 1988, Charles was specializing in indoor and outdoor ponds and waterfalls. He took a booth at the Philadelphia Home Show each year for several years. He could book an entire year’s worth of work during this one show.

Then in 1991, at the Philadelphia Home Show, Charles met a man who was making and selling "self contained" California Lava Rock fountains. Intrigued, Charles returned home and made a similar version of that same water fountain. But he saw there were some design flaws in doing it that way. So instead of making it self contained, he desided to place it into a decorative bowl and sculpt miniature waterfalls into the rock. He started selling them at Peddlers Village flea market and wholesaling to places like Longwood Gardens and Waterloo Gardens, just to name a few. The rest is not quite “history” but surely demonstrates Charles’s skill, and entrepreneurial spirit.

By 1994, Charles had his own fountain retail store in Eagleville, PA, and had given up his landscaping business. Soon after he moved his location to Skippack, Pa., where he stayed until 2001. Charles made himself into a water fountain “expert”. He invented techniques to make water flow the way he wanted it to and to make the sound of the water more or less pronounced. He also designed a series of bowls to hold his fountains – he guarantees his fountains to be “splash proof.” Since 1991, Charles estimates he has made 11-12,000 custom designed sculptural fountains. He is constantly refining and expanding his skills and truly considers himself an artist and sculptor.

Charles orders over 23 tons of California lava rock every two years. The lava rock forms the foundation for his sculptural fountains. Each fountain is hand carved and unique.

After he “flat bottoms” the lava rock, Charles uses one of three different approaches to his sculpting:

1. He studies the rock and cuts out areas based on the rock’s natural formations – letting the “look and feel” of the rock determine where the water should flow.
2. He runs water from the top of the rock and then “wet sculpts”, using the water’s natural flow as a guide.
3. He “free form” sculpts – cutting out the opposite of what he would normally do in one of the other approaches.

Charles also adds plants, lights, and foggers to his water fountains. He will custom design a fountain for clients and will rework existing fountains if the water is making too much or not enough sound. Customer satisfaction is key.

Charles tries to donate a fountain each year to the “Make a Wish Foundation” and to Easter Seals. Last year he received recognition on Prime Time with Gary Poppa.Charles moved Natural Creations to New Hope in March 2002 and is enjoying the people and community here. You can often find Charles sculpting “live” at his store at 36 W. Bridge St, New Hope. Call 1-888-243-1451 or visit the website at www.naturalcreations.com.

Top of Page

Jerry Cable (11/02)
by Marilyn Bullock

I recall once reading that we demonstrate or know intuitively what vocation we might follow by the time we reach the age of 12. How surprising then to find out that Hunterdon County Impressionist Painter Jerry Cable knew his vocation at the age of 10!

Jerry grew up in Canton, Ohio. While his friends were playing football and baseball, he spent his free time with his mentor, artist and teacher Jean Browne. Jean provided her serious young student with a sound foundation in oil painting processes and techniques. Eventually, she invited Jerry to join her adult "plein air" painting classes. Jerry's early developed talent spoke for itself - Jerry was selling his work by the time he was 11!

Jean also encouraged Jerry to continue his studies at Pratt Institute - which he did with a partial scholarship. He double majored in Communication Design and Illustration & Art Education and after graduation, married his hometown sweetheart, Nancy. The couple moved to Madison, NJ where his wife Nancy worked as a nurse. Jerry's first job out of college was as the Art Director for Channel 13's McNeil Lehrer Report. After that, Jerry decided to freelance and has been on his own ever since.

Jerry spent a couple of years working as a graphic designer on short term jobs for ad and temp agencies. When one of his temporary assignments involved evaluating the (then) new Genigraphics slide making computer, Jerry became so enamored with the system that he ultimately became an expert on the computer and, for many years, taught others how to install, run, and use it. He was also a free-lance designer on the system. Meanwhile, Jerry was building a steady list of corporate clients and publishing houses which hired him for illustration and design projects. He also taught design as a part-time adjunct at the duCret School of the Arts, located in Plainfield, NJ.

In 1990 the Cable family moved to Hunterdon County in an effort to get closer to the rural settings Jerry was used to during his childhood . Then, in 1996, Jean Browne passed on, leaving Jerry her legacy that included a paint box, easel, paints, brushes, and even her favorite chair. Up until that time, Jerry had barely picked up a paint brush but had worked on some colored pencil drawings, feeling that pencils were a bit less messy should one of his young children interrupt his work!

His mentor's generous bequest inspired Jerry to pick up his paintbrushes again. He got started by painting house portraits and displaying them during Preservation Week in Flemington, NJ. His work received wide-spread praise and Jerry was encouraged to continue. He entered art shows and exhibitions all along the East Coast and, since 1995, Jerry's works have been shown in over 30 juried and non-juried events. He has had nine solo exhibitions - in Philadelphia, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Ohio.

Over the last 6 years, Jerry has gradually ended the relationships with his former clients and now concentrates on painting full-time. This past summer, he spent two weeks on Monhegan Island, an artist's community off the coast of Maine. This environment was a perfect setting for a return to "plein air" painting and enjoying the play of light and shadow on coastal scenes from sun-up to sun-down. Although Jerry enjoys painting outdoors, photographs now play an important part in his daily painting - giving him the flexibility to work on multiple paintings at the same .

Through subtle interplay of light and dark, luminous colors, tone, and texture, Jerry strives to create a mood for the viewer and to preserve "memories and places" with his soft impressionist renderings of pastoral landscapes and old-world buildings and settings.

"I can't picture myself doing anything but this… something has chosen me … because of that, it will be successful."

Jerry lives in Hunterdon County with his wife, Nancy, and their three daughters, Jessica, 15, Marina, 14, and Andrea, 12.

Call Jerry at his studio 908-788-8673 or view Jerry's art at the Canal-Frame Crafts Gallery, 1093 General Greene Rd.in Washington Crossing, PA where the Fourth Annual Holiday Group Exhibit will be introduced on November 10th and will run through Dec. 28th. Call 215-493-3660 for more information or to order Jerry's Christmas cards.

Top of Page

Gordon Haas (12/02)
by Marilyn Bullock

Impressionist painter Gordon Haas is a rare balance of right-brain and left-brain thinking - having achieved success as both an artist and as a gallery owner/operator.

Gordon was born and raised in Sparta, NJ. He played tournament tennis as a youngster, but developed knee problems that kept him off the courts. Looking for something else to occupy his time, Gordon started to sketch - everything - especially characters from TV.

While Gordon was in high school, his favorite uncle, a weekend painter, left Gordon a cornucopia of art supplies that kept Gordon busy "playing and tinkering" until he went to college. Gordon attended the Rhode Island School of Design and studied Illustration. He felt that Illustration was the best area of art study (at that time anyway) to provide him with the broadest range of experience in various art styles.

Gordon then free-lanced in NYC for 6-7 years, illustrating for magazines, editorials, and books - all the while refining his painting techniques, dealing with galleries, and learning the "business" of art.

By 1990 Gordon made the switch to full-time painter. His painting style was now distinctively Impressionistic - along the lines of the French. Knowing that he enjoyed painting landscapes, especially water scenes, Gordon went on a quest to locate the perfect place to relocate - a place where his work would be accepted and appreciated.

Gordon moved to New Hope in 1990. A year and a half later, Gordon opened the Haas Gallery, his combination studio/gallery on Bridge St. in Lambertville. And in 1999, Gordon and his wife, Christine, moved into the Lambertville house that was formerly owned by the late abstract artist Lee Gatch and his artist wife, Elsie Driggs.

Christine helps Gordon design and build the frames that he uses for his paintings. (Yes, he makes the frames too!) He taught himself how to make gilded frames, which come in many different styles. He matches the frame to the painting - creating a cohesive "whole" that is created and designed entirely by the artist.

For many years Gordon has painted on panels rather than on canvas. Like the early masters before him, Gordon likes the smooth surface and sturdy working area. If he wants texture - he adds it himself, using gesso and other media. Gordon uses oils exclusively and paints in layers, letting one layer dry completely before adding another. "I always know what I am doing," he says. He knows in advance what he wants to achieve and he works methodically and meticulously towards that goal.

Gordon's paintings and prints have been shown in major gallery and museum exhibitions throughout the Northeast. In 1998 he had a solo exhibition at the Galerie d'art de L'Echanson in Laon, France.

Gordon loves the feeling of being in the "Zone." "Sometimes I look up and it's 4:00 and I realize I haven't eaten lunch!" Not to worry. Gordon is in excellent shape. He walks 7 miles a day and works out at his home gym. When not traveling (he recently returned from a trip to Arles, France), Gordon spends time with Christine, with his son, Dillon, 13, and with his cat, Morris.

The Haas Gallery is located at 71 Bridge St., Lambertville. 609-397-7988. www.haasgallery.com .

Top of Page

Suzanne Douglass (1/03)
by Marilyn Bullock

Long-time area resident and artist, Suzanne Douglass recently moved from Lambertville to the new condos located next to the Firehouse in New Hope. Sitting with Suzanne in her tidy living room that doubles as a studio, I got to know this warm, gracious, and delightful artist.

Suzanne was born in McDonald, PA, about an hour south of Pittsburgh. Suzanne's earliest memories are of her and her brother sitting on their mother's lap as she drew everyday items - cups and saucers, milk pitchers, and flower vases - for their entertainment. Her mother was also adept at creative sewing and gardening.

No wonder Suzanne took to art and painting at a very young age. She always seemed to "just know" that she would become an artist and ended up studying at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. She married Joseph Gladden, also from McDonald, in the early 50's. They had two children, Lisa who was born in 1951 and is a conservationist and artist in her own right and Jeffrey who was born in 1953 and is now a scientist/engineer.

The Gladdens moved to Delaware to be close to Joseph's job at Dupont. This put Suzanne right in the midst of the Chester County artist community. She connected with two teachers, Frank Schoonover, associated with the Howard Pyle style and with Frank Delle Donne, married to Carolyn Wyeth. Still, Suzanne says, "I think everyone teaches themselves."

In 1959, after a brief move to northern New Jersey, the Gladdens moved to Bucks County because they wanted to "live in the country." Joseph and Suzanne separated in 1971 and later divorced. Suzanne reclaimed her maiden name, Douglass, moved to Lambertville, and bought a house on Coryell Street. She restored it and transformed it into the Coryell House B&B, which she later sold - realizing that her need to paint was stronger than her desire to be a B& B owner.

Suzanne has been a full-time artist since 1984. Up to that time she had continued painting and exploring her art, participating in various art shows and juried exhibitions that brought her to local and national recognition. She has been exclusively associated with the Hrefna Jonsdottir Gallery in Lambertville for many years.

Suzanne's subject matter is often similar to the drawings her mother used to create for her as a child - simple, everyday items - a bowl, a vase, a pear, an apple, or a grouping of any of these. Her paintings are often seen from a child's perspective - looking up at items on a table. Working solely with oil paints and glazes, Suzanne also creates landscapes and portraits. Whatever the subject, rest assured her paintings will treat you to an interplay of light and reflection that is beautiful in its simplicity.

Several years ago Suzanne was diagnosed with macular degeneration. Despite the many inconvenient changes she has had to make in her life to compensate for her failing eyesight, Suzanne accepts it all with grace. She now paints almost entirely from memory and she uses opera glasses and magnifying glasses to help her make out details.

Suzanne doesn't let anything get her down and she still manages to get around town - the old fashioned way - by walking. Suzanne's courage, determination, and enthusiasm for life are inspiring. View her paintings at the Hrefna Jonsdottir Gallery, 24 Bridge St., Lambertville, 609- 397-3274.

Top of Page

Robert Rosenwald
by Marilyn Bullock

Sign of the Times - that's the name of the sculpture that welcomes visitors to New Hope as they cross the Free Bridge into Pennsylvania. Did you know that this sculpture is a "kinetic" sculpture - a sculpture that moves and that it was created by New Hope resident sculptor Robert Rosenwald?

Robert and his twin sister, Joan, were born in Chicago in 1920. His family moved to Philadelphia the same year the twins were born and then later moved to Abington, where their former home is now the Abington Art Center. Robert's father was Lessing J. Rosenwald, most widely recognized for his devotion to public service and his love of collecting artwork. After he retired, Lessing donated over 22,000 drawings and prints to the National Gallery of Art. He also donated his rare illustrated books and manuscripts to the Library of Congress.

Robert attended Oak Lane Country Day School and there spent most of his time with his shop instructor, Boris Blai, the famous Russian sculptor who started the Tyler School of Art. Robert says that Boris was always chastising him with the phrase, "Smoot de hedges" (smooth the edges.)

\Robert then went to the Gunnery School, a strict boarding school in Washington, CT. In 1935 Robert attended the Cranbrook Art School outside Detroit, MI, where he studied with Carl Milles, world-renowned Swedish sculptor. Robert worked with Milles on the largest fountain in this country - now in the center of St. Louis, MO.

During WW II, Robert joined the Navy and served in the South Pacific in a dive bombing squadron, sitting rear seat and manning the guns and radio. He was stationed on the aircraft carrier, Essex, for about 3 of his 5 years in the Navy.

Upon his return to the states, Robert married his first wife, Barbara, and had two sons, Robert, Jr. and Peter. The family moved to Paris for a time where Robert had a studio on the Left Bank. He offered gallery space to American Artists on the GI bill and the studio eventually became the famous Gallerie Huit (from 1950-52.) Robert and his second wife Ruth have a daughter, Laurie, who today is a well-known NY graphic designer.

Robert met Dee in 1964 at a friend's party. At the time, Dee was working for the British Travel Association. The married in 1968 and moved to New Hope, where they currently reside.

Up until the 1980's, Robert's sculpture had been mostly carved stone and wood. "It made others feel good, but it didn't make ME feel good," says Robert. Around 1980, Robert's sculpture was starting to "move" - literally. He had been inspired by kinetic sculptors, Alexander Calder and George Rickey, both of whom he had the honor of meeting. Robert began experimenting with his own version of kinetic sculpture.

His first major work was called Windmill and is on display in front of the Solebury School on Philips Mill Road in New Hope. The Sign of the Times was erected in 1988. Since then, Robert has created dozens of moving sculptures, many of them with whimsical names - including Unstill Life, Guess the Title, and A little bit Tipsy, made from Heineken beer boxes. His favorite work is a male pterodactyl entitled Early Bird with a Worm. All are made out of styrene, a plastic.

Robert has been a chess enthusiast since he was a little boy. His latest passion is getting his "do-it-yourself" chess set marketed. This cardboard set comes ready to assemble and includes chess pieces that fit into each other for easy storage.

Contact Robert at 215-862-5100.

Top of Page

Solebury Orchards (9/02)
by Marilyn Bullock

A couple of weeks ago my friend Amy Forbes showed me a large plastic bag full of beautiful ripe blueberries and a small container of huge blackberries. "I picked these at Solebury Orchards," she said, "You have to go see this place - it's fabulous!" I didn't wait more than a few days. Blackberries are my very "favoritest" fruit. When I was young, my mom, using my grandmother's recipe, would make large crepes and cover them with thickened blackberries. This blackberry delight was our dinner - Mmmmm.

So, off to Solebury Orchards I went (a little upset and ashamed of myself for not knowing about it sooner.) That day (it was over 90 degrees by 9:00 AM) I picked over 12 quarts of blackberries! I was a maniac - I couldn't stop except to pop a few here and there in my mouth. I have been back to Solebury Orchards every week since then, picking blueberries, raspberries, flowers, cherry tomatoes, basil, wow!

I don't usually write about businesses. However, I think of Solebury Orchards more of an "experience." It is also the only "pick your own" orchard in our area that carries blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries.

Solebury Orchards has been in existence since 1985 and started out with only apples and peaches. In 1989 owner Brian Smith (at left) opened the market, allowing people to pick their own apples, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, flowers, and an assortment of vegetables. They also offer (already picked), pears, peaches, plums, apricots, and pumpkins. Apple cider has become very popular too. All produce is available to the public as soon as it ripens on the tree.

Solebury Orchards employs 10 or more people at any given time. The "more" comes when there is a need for more pickers at various times throughout the growing season. The orchard resides on 60 acres and the market is located at 3325 Creamery Rd. (heading North), just off of 263 between Sugan Rd. and Aquetong Roads. The phone number is 215-297-8079.

Hours: Fri, Sat, Sun : 9am to 6pm through Dec. 23, 2002 . Open Thursdays 8am to 4pm through October 31. Winter hours: Saturdays only 11am to 4pm through March.

Schedule of fruits (*pick your own):

Top of Page

Ghost Tours (10/02)
by Marilyn Bullock

Every year I receive multiple inquiries regarding "ghostly" things to do in October and especially on Halloween. I usually refer them to Ghost Tours, run by Adele Gamble. In September, I had the opportunity to experience Ghost Tours for myself…

Ghost Tours was started 20 years ago by Adi-Kent Thomas Jeffrey, author of "Ghost in the Valley" and "More Ghost in the Valley". Over the years, Adi was asked so many times to conduct Ghost Tours, she finally decided to start one in New Hope - a town she loved dearly.

Adele Gamble had always been interested in the paranormal - reading books, visiting haunted areas, and taking parapsychology classes. Adele was enthralled with the first New Hope Ghost Tour and, after taking the tour several times, became one of the tour guides. She also became a close friend of the Jeffrey family, managing the business after Adi retired and then taking over the business when Adi passed on 10 years ago.

Ghost Tours is much the same as it was 20 years ago. There are no reservations - people interested in taking the tour meet at the corner of the Main and Ferry Streets in New Hope on a Friday or Saturday night (see hours and times below). The tour lasts approximately 1 hour.

There are actually three different tours with a tour guide who specializes in keeping up on the ghosts that haunt that street and the buildings along the way - the Ferry St. tour (Donna), Mechanic St. (Kimee), and Bridge St. (Pam). During my tour, I learned that there is a hitchhiker who carries a knapsack and haunts various points in the New Hope area. There is also a young woman who can sometimes be seen walking along the train tracks. The tour also included ghost stories about the Parry Mansion, the Logan Inn, the railroad, the canal, Umpleby House, the Wedgwood Inn, and several other homes and locations on Ferry Street.

The ghost stories change each year. Adele and the tour guides continue their research on ghost sightings and rumored haunted spots and gather stories from people who report back to them about a "haunting experience." Since the tour stories are constantly changing, it is interesting for visitors to come back again and again.

Even though Adele doesn't formally advertise, she never fails to have Ghost Tour walkers show up. There have been up to 100 people taking the tour at one time! In 2000, she had 3,000 people take the tour - and that is during a six-month period with tours being done only on weekends!

One couple, Jessica Pantini and Kevin Johnson from New Jersey, was staying in one of the haunted rooms at the Umpleby House. Jessica sums up the Ghost Tour better than I can: "Sorry to say we saw no ghosts that night in the Umpleby house. The ghost tour did make our stay a lot more fun though. Every little noise we heard got our attention during our stay, but it was fun as we would laugh at ourselves when we figured out what the noise was! The ghost tour was also an excellent history lesson about New Hope!"

Ghost Tours meet on Saturdays, June - September & November (except July 4 and Labor Day weekends), at 8:00 PM at the corner of Main and Ferry Streets. Ghost Tours are held on Fridays, Saturdays, and on Halloween night. Tour cost is $9 per person. Contact Ghost Tours at 215-9

Top of Page

Lambertville Free Public Library (11/02)
by Marilyn Bullock

Large pink Italian revival style building, 6 Lilly Street, behind the Exxon gas station, on the corner of South Main and Lilly Streets.

Now that you know exactly where the Lambertville Free Public Library is located, you have no excuse not to visit this beautiful and historic building that houses a 14, 000 volume library, an art gallery, and more!

The Lambertville Free Public Library was started in the late 1800's through a bequest from Samuel Stryker, the first president of the Lambertville National Bank. Shortly after Samuel's death, The Stryker Library Asscociation was formed to raise the additional funds necessary make Samuel's dream come true.

For many years, the library was housed in the city office buildings on Bridge Street. In 1950 the library was moved to the top two floors of the A.H. Holcombe House on York Street. (This is where City Hall is located today.) In 1989, the library moved to the Lilly Mansion, its current home.
The Lilly Mansion was built in 1820 and was the home of Dr. John Lilly and his nephew, Dr. Samuel Lilly. During his lifetime, Samuel was the first mayor of Lambertville from 1849-1852, a state representative from 1853-1855, appointed by President Buchanan as consul-general to British India, a judge of the court of errors and appeals, and a member of the State board of pardons from 1873 until his death in 1880.
The lawns and gardens of the Lilly Mansion one time extended from Bridge Street to Swan Creek. Over the years, the property was subdivided and in 1946 the lawn facing Bridge Street was turned into a service station. Before housing the Lambertville Free Public Library, the Lilly Mansion was used as a Moose Lodge and as a Senior Citizen Center.

The library is currently in the process of becoming automated - a long overdue process. Library director Shawn Armington researched more than a dozen library automation companies before selecting one that specializes in school and small libraries. Shawn loves the variety of duties that go along with running the library. He never feels stuck in a routine and, although he commutes from Princeton, has come to love Lambertville as his own town. Modest and reserved, Shawn sums up his work at the library: "When I see something good taking root, I make sure the resources and support are there." All nine part-time staff members enjoy working at the library and it shows - they are friendly and helpful and smiling, something that is sometimes hard to find nowadays in a public resource.

English as a second language classes are held every Wednesday evening. On Tuesday mornings at 10:00 listen for the rumble of little feet during Children's Story hour - are they listening to stories or wearing out the carpet? To be sure, they are having a good time. In February, the library will begin hosting local author readings.

The community Room is located on the second floor. This is also the home of the ABC Gallery. About five years ago, in memory of her husband, Michael, Peggy Lewis donated the Michael Lewis Art Book Collection (ABC) to the Free Library. At the same time, she and friend Barry Snyder approached the library board about the possibility of using the Community Room as an art gallery to show the works of serious and dedicated up-and-coming local artists. In return, a small percentage of proceeds goes to the library to purchase additional art books. Today, the Lambertville Free Public Library has one of the finest collections of art books in the area.

So, whether you are looking for the latest non-fiction novel, a reference on local history, or a peek at artwork by local artists, now's the time to visit your local library. The library is open Monday-Thursday 1:00-9:00, Friday 1:00-5:00 and Saturday 10:00-5:00.

Top of Page

The Kalmia Club (12/02)
by Marilyn Bullock

What is that adorable pink building on York Street in Lambertville? It has two front doors - one on the left and one on the right.

The former Quaker Meeting House at 39 York Street belongs to the Kalmia Club of Lambertville, founded by 45 charter members in 1892 as a women's "reading circle." In 1893, the Reading Circle officially adopted the name Kalmia Club (named after kalmia latifolia, a variety of mountain laurel native to every US state) and acquired its new meeting place from the Quakers for $1.

Reading clubs were popular among women in the late 19th Century. Many women did not have careers then and Reading Clubs offered them a vehicle for keeping intellectually stimulated and getting together with like-minded friends and neighbors on a regular basis. Early on, Kalmia Club members prepared book reports (of the classics mostly) for the meetings, which were held at member's homes until the acquisition of the York St. building. They also put on plays (or tableaus) for which the husbands were often borrowed.

Kalmia Club member and former club president Bernie (Bernice) Snyder remembers the club meeting at her home (in the 1930's) when her mother was president. "My sister and I used to laugh and giggle and spy on the women as they drank tea in their gloves and hats, " says Bernie. Now Bernie is one of the members drinking - and serving - tea.

The club was restricted only in that a potential member's name had to be presented to the club by a current member. Today every woman is welcome to join Kalmia. Yearly dues are only $25.

The Kalmia Club meets 9 months out of the year - September thru June. Meetings consist of a social hour, a short business meeting, and a speaker program that could be on anything from flowers to animal preservation - fun to academic.

Kate Breuning joined the Kalmia Club 18 years ago, shortly after she and her husband moved to Lambertville. "It's a great place to meet women … and make friends," she comments. Although most of the hundred plus members still reside in Lambertville, other members live in Clinton, Flemington, Frenchtown, Pennington, Titusville, Milford, Trenton, and Stockton, NJ and New Hope, Doylestown, Yardley, Solebury, Erwinna, and Lahaska, PA.

The club does service work for the local community. Among its services are: providing a $1,000 scholarship each year to a deserving girl student "who exemplifies the spirit of Kalmia;" supporting Lambertville students each year so they can take a scientific boat ride; and helping to support other community projects and programs that come up throughout the year. Last year, they outfitted a room in the new Battered Women's Shelter in Flemington, NJ.

Since 1897, the Kalmia Club is a member of New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs, headquartered in New Brunswick, NJ and the largest volunteer women's service organization in the state. Two Kalmia members attend the yearly convention each year.

The Kalmia Club meets the 2nd Monday of every month. If you are interested in obtaining more information or in joining, call 609-397-2537.

Top of Page

The Writers Room (1/03)
by Marilyn Bullock

Most people know that the New Hope area is famous for its past and present artists and cultural activities. Less publicized is the rich literary history here. Bucks county was home to numerous writers during the mid-20th Century, including: satirist S. J. Perelman; screenwriter Dorothy Parker; playwrights George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart; novelists Pearl S. Buck and James Michener; and lyricists Oscar Hammerstein II and Stephen Sondheim. Contemporary writers continue to make Bucks County their home: 1995 Bucks County Poet Laureate River Huston; memoirist James McBride; Obie Award-winner Christopher Durang; Oscar-winning screenwriter Ted Talley; and Jan and Stan Berenstain (of Berenstain Bears fame.)

Author and ghostwriter of more than a dozen books, Foster Winans also lives in BucksCounty. He is the founder and president of The Writers Room of Bucks County, located in Doylestown.

Foster is a genial, outspoken, yet humble man. He grew up in an intellectual and expressive family environment on a farm near Ottsville, Pa. He became aware of and fascinated with the literary giants who lived not far from where he grew up. As a child, his bike route regularly took him past Oscar Hammerstein's home!

At the age of 19 Foster went to work at the Intelligencer as an entry-level writer. In the 1980's he moved into a position at the Wall Street Journal and lived in New York for the next 10-15 years, covering the Stock Market and co-writing the "Heard on the Street" gossip column. He co-wrote The Great Wall Street Swindle, which was published in 2001.

In 1995 Foster left NYC and moved back to his roots, continuing to write, ghostwrite, and collaborate on books and other writing projects. What he really missed was the tempo of the Big Apple and his buddies at the Writers Room of New York. So, in 1998, Foster started The Writers Room of Bucks County, a non-profit, "educational organization providing regular programs designed to encourage and support the creative development of writers of all ages and levels of proficiency." The Writers Room also offers writing space with computer access.

The Writers Room encourages writers of all levels to join and/or participate in the seminars, workshops, and salons offered at its building on the corner of Main St. and Oakland Ave. The Bucks County Writer, a quarterly publication of short stories and poetry by local writers is offered for $5.95 but a one-year subscription is free to Patron Members. Patron Members and Salon Members alike receive preferred access to more than 70 events each year. There are currently over 250 Salon Members, but everyone is welcome to attend the events for a nominal donation.

The Writers Room offers professional and amateur writers the opportunity to mingle and work side by side with other writers. There are critique sessions that offer writers the opportunity to have their works critiqued by more experienced writers.

Through The Writers Room, Foster wants to renew an interest in language. A program called "Underage Thinking" offers 13 - 18 year-old students the opportunity to submit and have published their short stories, essays, photography, and art. "Generation Crossroads" is a program for budding writers to interview and write the memoirs of Senior Citizens interested in documenting their lives.

Foster, thank you for providing such a wonderful service and educational program to our community!

Top of Page

Hepatitis B Foundation
by Marilyn Bullock

It is not often that you find a Nationally recognized non-profit organization right in your very own back yard - yet here we are in New Hope, the origin of The Hepatitis B Foundation, "the only national voluntary nonprofit organization dedicated solely to the cause and cure of Hepatitis B."

The Foundation started just 12 years ago when friends Paul and Jan Witte and local scientist Dr. Tim Block , Professor at Jefferson Medical College (Philadelphia, PA), got together in the Witte's living room to discuss the situation of a young family with a Hepatitis B-ailing infant. The Hepatitis B Foundation was born and has become a national resource for hundreds of people infected with the HBV virus that is 100 times more infectious than the AIDS virus and is the most common serious liver infection in the world.

The Foundation's first fundraiser was held in New Hope in 1991 and brought in far more donations than were anticipated.

The Hepatitis B Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for the disease and of serving as a resource for those who need information and support about prevention, detection, and treatment of Hepatitis B. Its scientific and medical advisors include a roster of some of the most highly recognized scientists in the world, including Dr. Baruch Blumberg, recipient of the only medical Nobel Prize that came from the Bucks County area. Dr. Blumberg won the Nobel Prize for his discovery of the hepatitis B virus and his participation in developing a vaccine to prevent its spread.

The Hepatitis B Foundation also funds an active Research Program that includes the Hepatitis B Foundation Laboratory at the Jefferson Center for Biomedical Research, on the campus of Del-Val College. Dr. Timothy Block serves as professor and director of the Jefferson Center. Each year the Foundation sponsors the annual Princeton HBV Workshop where the nation's leading scientists are invited to exchange information to advance HBV antiviral research.

The most recent good news came just a couple of weeks ago when Gov. Mark Schweiker announced $7.9 million in state funding to help create a new biotechnology research complex at Delaware Valley College in Doylestown. The grant was awarded jointly to Delaware Valley College (DVC) and The Hepatitis B Foundation. It will be used to build a 55,000 square-foot research complex that will be used by non-profit research organizations and biotech companies and will bring new jobs to the Doylestown area.

"This project is about economy-building -- it will help Bucks County strengthen its presence in the field of biotechnology by creating a complex where biomedical researchers and biotechnology companies can work hand-in-hand in a desirable campus setting," Schweiker said.

Dr. Block is excited that the community has been so supportive of the efforts of the Hepatitis B Foundation. After having lived out of the area for some time, this support only helped to reinforce his decision to move back to Bucks County. Dr. Block is currently the president of the Hepatitis B Foundation.

A lot of the research work in the field of hepatitis B also results in therapeutic benefits for those with hepatitis C, a more recent and equally serious virus.

For more information on the Hepatitis B Foundation, visit their website at www.hepb.org or call 215-489-4900. The new grant provides funds for the new complex itself - not for the design of it. So, the Hepatitis B Foundation will be looking for more resources to help move the project along. All donations are tax-deductible.

Top of Page

Lori Rosolowsky (9/02)
by Marilyn Bullock

Pianist/singer/songwriter Lori Rosolowsky reminds me of that cleaning tornado commercial. Not that she is going to scrub down my house or anything like that. It's just that she always seems to have so much energy, sometimes talking so quickly as to make it difficult to take everything in! Please don't get the wrong idea though. Lori is a fantastic communicator and a very appealing entertainer!

Lori was born in Seattle, WA but grew up in Albuquerque, NM with her parents and two sisters. Lori started taking piano lessons just one month shy of her 6th birthday. She remembers being inspired by the girl up the street who was six years older than she was and who eventually went on to become a concert pianist.

Lori went to Oberlin College in Ohio-a school known for its world-class music conservatory and liberal arts school. She continued her studies in music while receiving a B.A. in biology and environmental studies. She went on to graduate school in Texas to earn a PhD in pharmacology (to be able to support herself). While there, she met her future husband, Mark Rosolowsky, who was, at the time, a post-doctoral fellow. "The day I got my PhD, I felt like one of the characters from the Wizard of Oz. I realized that it's the journey that counts…not the prize at the end."

Lori and Mark moved to Buckingham eleven years ago when Mark got an offer with Merck & Co., Inc. Lori worked for over 5 years as an environmental consultant in a Princeton, NJ firm. Their first son Kurt was born in 1994. In 1996, she left consulting and decided to get back into studying music, performing, and teaching piano. (She is still highly committed to volunteer environmental work, especially land preservation.)

Regarding her musical work, Lori comments, "I don't feel like I'm just teaching piano. I teach life skills about discipline, focus, persistence, and learning how to transcend playing an instrument." Soon after getting back to the piano, Lori began performing at local classical concerts, benefit events for environmental causes, and for the Musical Fireworks programs in Lambertville.

Lori began songwriting almost by accident. For years, she has written spoofs of songs for friends and relatives. Gradually though, she started writing her own music to celebrate life's joys and as therapy for life's frustrations. She never thought of herself as a singer, and originally hired singers to bring her songs to life. Now Lori says, " Singing gives me so much joy. When I write a song, I can't stay away from it-it's the same fascination as holding a newborn baby!"

Lori's new CD, "Pass It On," was partially inspired by a bicycle trip she and Mark took in the Canadian Rockies several years ago. The title song, about the power of music to transcend generations, was written and dedicated to Kurt. But the song has taken on a life of its own and is a symbol of many important things in life that are passed on through generations, such as love, friendship and knowledge.

Lori's voice and style have been compared to Carole King and Carly Simon. Her songs are upbeat and earthy. Every song tells a story, whether about the joys and conflicts of parenthood, her passion for nature, friendship, love, and the ups and downs of life. Her message and musical style resonate with a diverse audience, and young and old quickly become fans.

Lori was pregnant with her second child while recording her CD. She was dedicated to "giving birth" to her "CD baby" before giving birth to her new son. She has accomplished both - her CD was introduced in June, and Cody Lance Rosolowsky was born on August 22, 2002 - both to resounding applause!

Lori's CD is available at Trac Records in Doylestown. You can contact her directly through her website www.lorirosolowsky.com.

Top of Page

Vie Tabaac (10/02)
by Marilyn Bullock

If you see an elegant looking woman wearing a flashy hat and a glowing smile - it's probably New Hope resident and chanteuse, Vie Tabaac, better known at Miss Vie!

Vie Tabaac was born on an Oklahoma Indian reservation in the mid 30's. At the age of two weeks, Dr. Harvey Bally and his wife, Violet, adopted Vie, whose Indian name means "Little Purple Flower." The Bally's adored their only child and raised her in a loving and supportive environment. Vie's mother, who taught her young daughter that "every part of your body is as beautiful as your face", sang and performed in minstrel shows to raise money for the church. By the time Vie was 3 years old, she had begun her singing career. Her early childhood was filled with laughter, song, and "dress up."

Vie studied music with the Munich Opera Company and was trained as a classical opera singer. Upon returning from Munich, she sang with John Kuhn and the "101 Strings." She also sang with Mitch Miller on his TV program for over a year. When Vie left, a 16-year-old girl named Leslie Uggums was her replacement!

In the late 50's Vie took a break from show business to raise her children with husband, Irv. Vie and Irv have a daughter, Donna, and two sons, Dean and Kevin, and all three live within an hour or so drive from New Hope. Good thing, too! Vie often needs a hearty dose of grandkid laughter!

Vie got back into singing in a roundabout way. Irv, a pharmacist for many years, wanted to open a restaurant - one that provided live entertainment. So Irv called upon his talented wife to take the stage once again. It's still a toss-up on which was more successful - the restaurant or Vie's career! Vie and Gene Kutch, the former piano player from the Latin Casino, performed several years at the restaurant, which was located in New Market Square in Philadelphia. It soon became apparent that the restaurant was not turning over enough people because everyone wanted to stay and listen to the music. Philadelphia magazine touted Miss Vie as "one of the 77 people to watch in 77."

Vie and Gene got a call from Bill Mott who asked them to perform at his Utopia Room in Atlantic City. Vie performed everything from Jazz to Broadway, making each song her own. Vie was finally performing the way she had always wanted to - seducing her audience with her voice. "I always thanked the audience for letting my soul play with theirs for a little while."

Vie and Irv lived in Atlantic City for 19 years, Irv running the restaurant and Vie singing in Atlantic City and New York City Cabaret shows with an occasional trip to Las Vegas. While performing in New York, Vie met Mel Torme and performed many of his songs. She also met Margaret Whiting, who was once a prominent vocalist with the bands of Freddie Slack, Billy Butterfield, and Paul Weston. Vie and Margaret are still good friends today.

Margaret Whiting introduced Vie to Johnny Meyer (former Judy Garland paramour), who helped Vie develop her first act. Later, Vie met director Bruce Hopkins who convinced her that she could do musical comedy, something she thought she would never do.

In 1989, Vie and Irv moved to New Hope. They "Love, love, love it here!" (Vie's words) Vie continued to perform in New York until 1992, when her director died. Vie has two CD's, "Dare to Dream" and "Vie Tabaac: Celebrating Jo Stafford & Friends." Until last year, Vie also performed each year at Odette's, where she was a hostess. More recently, Vie is the host/manager at the Champagne Room at the Mansion Inn.

Vie enjoys dancing (she and Irv met at an Arthur Murray dance class), cooking, shopping, and going to the gym. She also recently joined the Riverside Symphonia's Women's League. Her next goals are to record another album and to find a place in New Hope where she can perform in a "listening room," like in the supper clubs of old.

Stop by The Mansion Inn and see Vie on Fri, Sat, and Sunday evenings. You can contact Vie at 215-862-2168.

Top of Page

Annie Haslam (11/02)
by Marilyn Bullock

Renaissance lead singer in the 1970's and 80's, Annie Haslam is a wonderful mixture of bountiful energy and joyful exuberance. Despite uncertain times in the music industry and in her personal life, Annie has managed to successfully re-define her life several times and continues to look forward to the adventures each day has to offer.

Annie grew up in northern England - in Lancashire - the youngest of three children to a working class family. When she was young, all she could think about was being "a ballerina or a nurse - little girl things." (She sang in the school choir, but got kicked out for singing too loudly!)
Annie ended up going to art school to become a dress designer. After graduating, she worked for a time in London as a seamstress for a Saville Row tailor.

One day her sister-in-law overheard Annie singing along to the theme song of the TV show "The Saint" and encouraged Annie to study singing. Annie took time off from work and began taking singing lessons and entering talent contests (of which she won many.) Her first singing job was at a dinner theater called "Showboat on the Strand."

On or about New Year's Day in 1971 Annie auditioned for the group Renaissance and immediately got the job. Three weeks later she was on tour in Germany. "I was terrified," she says, standing tall and stiff and clasping her hands in front of her, staring straight ahead. "For the longest time, this is how I stood when I was singing."

Renaissance went through several changes over the years. In 1972, when Miles Copeland took over management of the group (he managed Sting until 2001), he made Annie the lead singer and formed a new five-piece band around her. Annie was on her way to Superstardom.

Shortly after the band disbanded in 1987 and wondering what to do next, Annie recalls "hearing" her father's voice while she was showering one morning. "Form your own band," the voice said. And so she did. She recruited a former Renaissance band member, Raphael Rudd, to help her recruit a new band of musicians, one of whom is still with her today, Rave Tesar.

In 1989, Epic records produced the album "Annie Haslam." Shortly afterwards, the Annie Haslam Band went on tour in Japan and picked up a strong following of fans. Afterwards, Annie moved to Bucks County, PA, where she still resides - with her dog and cats.

In 1992, at the same time Annie started writing her own songs, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She "panicked for a day" and then dealt with the illness the best way she knew how - by continuing to do the work she loves and producing a new CD, "Blessing in Disguise," in 1993. In addition to making her own CD's, Annie has recorded songs on two tribute albums- "Turn of the Century" with Steve Howe of Yes and "Ripples" a Genesis classic.

Annie released an album in 1999 called "The Dawn of Ananda," a lovely collections of songs that are each in some way Angel related The word Ananda means "bliss" in Hindu. Annie feels that "angels are with us all the time" but that "this material world we live in sometimes clouds our view." In 2001, she came out with "It Snows in Heaven Too," her first CD of Christmas songs.

Annie's current world revolves around her new CD (to be released in Nov. 2002), "One Enchanted Evening," on which Annie sings songs she enjoyed as a young girl. She has also started to oil paint. Since June of this year, she has painted over 80 canvases. They are mysterious and ethereal and evoke emotions in people that Annie is hard-pressed to explain. Friends say that Annie's paintings make them "feel good." One day she sat down to paint and could not stop. She says that "the inspiration flows from within my being."

Whatever she's doing, Annie approaches it with enthusiasm. Her debut in New Hope on February 7, 2003 at the Stephen Buck Theater is bound to be a sell-out. She will be performing there as part of the Lambertville/New Hope Winter Festival. For more information on this performance, go to www.winterfestival.net.

For more information on Annie, to purchase her CD's or paintings, or to contact Annie, go to www.anniehaslam.com , where there will soon be photos of her paintings.

Top of Page

River Huston (12/02)
by Marilyn Bullock

River's first comments to me were this: "When you said you wanted to write about me for NewHopePennsylvania.com, I wasn't sure at first where the connection is today (she lives in Upper Black Eddy.) But then I thought - I came to New Hope to die, what better connection is there than that!"

River grew up in Newtown in a disastrous family environment. She was raped at the age of 14 and sexually molested by the therapist who was supposed to help her overcome the rape trauma. She left home at the age of 16. For the next 15 years, River survived by living and working in places many of us wouldn't even visit. She experimented with sex, drugs, and alcohol. In 1990, after separating from her singer/performer husband Donald Ray Huston, who had killed himself after discovering that he was HIV positive, River discovered that she, too, was HIV positive. In 1992, after feeling rejected by her family and life in general, River moved to New Hope to commit suicide.

She rented the apartment on top of the Cheese Shop on N. Main St. Shortly after moving in, River donned her "almost got married and called it off at the last minute" wedding dress and sat down to write her suicide note which turned into a poem about her life. The more she wrote, the less she felt the urge to kill herself. She took the newly written poem to a neighbor (still dressed in the wedding dress) who told River she should read it at the next Great New Hope Poetry Slam [poetry contest] that was held at Karla's Restaurant. River read her poem - the first time she ever read her own work in front of a group - and not only won that evening's contest, but won the 5 subsequent contests as well. In 1995 River was awarded the Bucks County Poet Laureate title!

Most of River's poetry is not pretty, not fun, not sugary and sweet. It is reality in overdrive - intense, honest, and sometimes depressing. One may laugh or weep (or both). It is almost impossible not to be affected in some way. Yet to meet River, one can't help but laugh out loud at her sacrilegious gung-ho approach to life with HIV. Her message and the loving that pours from her heart are inspirational.

River bares her life so that others can learn and grow from her experiences. Her work is all about bringing awareness, loving, and the forgiveness to as many people as possible. She shares her views not only on HIV prevention but also on body image - encouraging people (especially women) to love their bodies just the way they are.

In addition to being an award-winning poet, River has become an advocate for AIDS awareness and prevention and a lecturer. Some of River's lecture topics include: Sex, Lies, and Abstinence; Love, Life and Relationships; It's None of My Business What Oprah Weighs; and her current one women show, Sex, Cellulite, and Shopping - One Girl's Guide to Living and Dying.

River has performed and appeared on hundreds of TV and radio programs, college and university campuses, and in front of youth groups and organizational meetings. She has authored 3 books of poetry: Jesus Never Lived Here, The Bones of Susan, and the forthcoming In Which I Lost a 1000 Lbs. She is the author of A Positive Life;, a photo documentary book about women living with HIV and Goddess: A Guide to Feminine Wisdom.

River continues to deal with the daily torture of physical and emotional pain related to HIV. Although her weekly treatments drain a lot of her energy, River will continue to perform, educate, lecture, and write for as long as she can. This is what keeps her ALIVE - spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

River will be hosting an open mike December 19 at Café Classics in Doylestown. Musicians, poets, writers, storytellers are welcome. For more information about her performance schedule or to contact River go to her website: www.riverhuston.com.

Top of Page

Bob Miles (1/03)
by Marilyn Bullock

If you haven't caught Bob Miles' cable guitar show "Miles of Music" you definitely should. It is THE ONLY guitar show of its kind in the world and Bob is attaining national recognition for his innovative and educational show.

Bob has been a guitar addict since the age of 12 when he inherited a guitar from his older brother. When still in his teens, Bob would spend hours practicing and playing music of the Allman Brothers, Yes, the Beatles, and other classic rock bands. His friends used to say "Bob's diggin' a hole again!"

In high school Bob was in a 7 member band "Lost Symphony" - a name they got from the back of a Yes album. Bob went on to study music at Bucks County Community College, playing in disco bands in his spare time.

Bob stopped playing music for about 10 years while he pursued a career as an appraiser. Then in 1993, at the age of 35, he made a decision that would change his life forever. While finishing up an appraisal job in Plano, TX, a voice inside told him to "just get home." At home the next day, while watching Good Morning America, Bob heard that the town he had just left the day before was wiped out by a tornado. Bob interpreted this incident as an omen and made the move to go back to his music and his guitar.

In 1995, he opened the Guitar Academy in Warrington, PA and within a short time had more students than he could handle. In 1997 he started "World of Guitar" that aired by Suburban Cable, which offered him excellent production for his shows. The name of the show was later changed to "Miles of Music" and is now aired by Comcast on Channel 66.

Shortly after the cable show was launched, Bob reconnected with one of his high school friends, Janet. Bob and Janet were married in 1999 and moved to Lambertville where they have a lovely home.

"Miles of Music" hosts some of the world's greatest guitar players, including: Pat Martino, Les Paul, Bob Benedetto, Jackie King, Tyrone Brown, and Arlen Roth just to name only a few. Bob recently interviewed Steve Howe of Yes. Bob Benedetto says of Bob's show, "…what a refreshing and wonderful contribution "World of Guitar" ["Miles of Music] is to American television. Bob Miles has discovered a cultural niche, appreciated by guitar enthusiasts, and music enthusiasts, of all levels…." Nashville has picked up "Miles of Music" and is airing it 3 times a week on Channel 19.

Currently Bob is in negotiations with two major networks to take over production of his show. He is also putting together a tribute band to honor the great guitar players of the last 30 years. He already has the commitment of George Williams from Beatlemania to play bass and sing.

Bob has been featured in Bucks County Town & Country Living Magazine and the Intelligencer and has received accolades from many of the guitar greats that he has interviewed. It is estimated that the show will reach several million viewers. In 1998, the show took 1st Place in the entertainment category at The Hometown Video Festival - one of over 1,400 entries.

Locally, "Miles of Music" airs 3 days a week on Channel 66 - Wed.night at 7:00 PM, Thursday afternoons at 2:00 PM, and Saturday evenings at 6:00 PM. You can also catch the show on RCN Cable and Drexel University Public TV. If you cannot find the show in your local listings, contact Bob at 215- 343-3011 or visit his website at www.milesofmusic.tv.

Top of Page

Blair Brown
by Marilyn Bullock

Tony Award winning stage, screen, and TV actor - Blair Brown is a beautiful gifted professional, a dynamic conversationalist, and an active advocate for human rights. To top it all off- she owns a home just outside of Stockton, NJ!

Blair will be performing in The Tempest at McCarter Theater in Princeton, NJ February 11- March 2. Shakespeare's magical play has been rewritten so that Prospero becomes "Prospera" and, according to Blair and director, Emily Mann, the change of gender offers a whole new perspective on the power dynamics of the play.

Born Bonnie Blair Brown, red-haired Blair was classically educated at the National Theater School of Canada. She began her stage career with the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and made her film debut in The Choirboys in 1977. Her first starring screen role was in Altered States with William Hurt. From 1987-1991, she starred in and occasionally directed The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd. Blair has performed in numerous stage productions, most recently, James Joyce's The Dead and Sam Mendes' production of Cabaret on Broadway. She has one son, Robert, by actor Richard Jordan. Robert is currently attending Yale University.

Blair feels that as we grow older, we become either "narrower" or "wider" in our thinking. Actors, as a whole, tend toward being open and compassionate, receptive to new experiences and opinions, and, in general, " being much more accepting of other people's foibles."

Blair Brown receives more fulfillment out of performing for the theater as opposed to film acting. Although TV and film are "fun to do," the beauty of theater is that it offers actors a greater sense of creativity and freedom.

When asked about how acting can affect one's own personality, Blair was ardent in her response. "The craft [of acting] is to keep the two separate." Acting is learned through study. "The gift of it is to be able to go deep into it and then come back."

Blair is active in defending First Amendment rights. She is on the Board of Directors of People for the American Way, the watchdog organization for the religious right, and she is on the Advisory Board of The Creative Coalition, which she helped to found. The Creative Coalition is the nonprofit, nonpartisan social and political advocacy organization of the entertainment industry.

Fourteen years ago when she was performing in a movie with Jodie Foster (Steeling Home), Blair drove up to Bucks County and fell in love with the area. The coup de grace was Farley's Bookstore and Philips' Wine Store - a good bookstore and a great place to buy wine! Sergeantsville is where she ultimately purchased an 18th Century home for herself and Robert.

Blair is a real NYC person - she loves the people, the noise, and the activity - "I really USE the city," she says. However, Hunterdon County is where she can enjoy the quiet of the country. Throughout the Molly Dodd years, with its 15- hour workdays, each Friday Blair would drive with Robert from NYC to their home in Sergeanstville.

Occasionally Blair entertains friends but more often she spends time just being quiet with her golden retriever or working on her own play. Blair's first love is to tell stories and one of her unmet goals is to direct a play. So don't be surprised to see Blair Brown directing her own theater production one of these days!

For more information about The Tempest performance, go to www.mccarter.org or call 609-258-2787.

Top of Page