Letter to Yenta 08/26/03

I have also experienced bicyclists who think they are participating in the Tour de France while careening down the towpath. My poor older dog was almost hit once when he couldn't get out of the way in time. The state did try to alert people as to the rules of the towpath, but the signs were vandalized almost as soon as they were put up. In addition, they were so confusing that I doubt many people even understood what they meant. They read : Bicyclists YIELD TO Pedestrians who YIELD TO Mule Teams. If only they were more visible to those whizzing by. Someone also told me that bicycles are supposedly not allowed to be ridden while on the towpath in town, but I have never called the state to confirm this. And even if it's true, who's going to enforce it? Maybe we need some SPEED HUMPS! Only in New Hope.
Living & Laughing on the Towpath
COSMOS

Letter to Yenta 08/25/03

While visiting one of the many wonderful stores along the canal in New Hope, I couldn't help noticing all of the bicyclists riding on the narrow towpath of the Delaware Canal. The first bicyclist almost ran over a woman walking her leashed dogs. The second one almost ran into the mules. The third one was going so fast that I couldn't help but fear for anyone who stepped into his path. The fourth one almost rode into the canal when another bicyclist riding quite fast came from the opposite direction. What a fiasco! I don't know about you but I miss the old historic earthen towpath and the days when we could enjoy a safe, casual stroll along the canal. I miss the authentic 170-year old path. But then again, I wouldn't suburbanize anything that precious and irreplaceable whether it be a stone house or a cobblestone pathway. I loved the days when parents could take their toddlers on a towpath hike and meander along the trail, daydreaming about the stories of their ancestors and skip and play in the grassy turf. I miss the artists that used to set up their easels and spend the whole day painting the historic landscape. Those were the days.

And although the bicyclists shared the canal towpath back then too, the difference was that they couldn't ride as fast on the authentic surface as they can now that the towpath has been paved with that ugly dusty, red stuff that sticks to our shoes and becomes a muddy mess when it rains. I don't know about you, but I would rather take my chances stepping over a few tree roots than being run over by a bicyclist.

Quite frankly, the towpath is barely as wide as a sidewalk and if bicyclists are not allowed on sidewalks why are they allowed on the towpath? Surely, these spandex torpedoes can go to other parks with actual bike trails where they can let their speed demons loose.

Several friends of mine who are serious bicyclists would never ride the towpath because they say it is too narrow and poses too many possibilities for conflict and collisions with pedestrians. They tell me that the riders that are speeding along the towpath are a bunch of sissys who are afraid to face the real road world and would rather intimidate the pedestrians instead. They also told me that there have been bicycle pedestrian collisions on trails like the towpath that have been serious and even fatal.

I think we need to return our towpath to a safe footpath and tell the bicyclists to go somewhere else.

Gone but not forgotten.

Letter to Yenta 08/07/03

I've know it as Gravity Hill. It is on Pleasant Valley Road and is an optical allusion.

Letter to Yenta 08/05/03

Are you familiar with witch's hill? When I was visiting New Hope some of the locals I met took me to a road just outside Lambertville. We turned our engine off on top of a hill on the road and our car rolled down. We then turned the car around at the bottom of the hill and after about 30 seconds, with the engine off, the car rolled back up the same hill. It was wild. They told me in the old days 3 witches were hung at the top of this hill. I went back 3 separate times with different people and all the cars rolled down and then back up the same hill. Do you have any information about this?

Letter to Yenta 08/05/03

I agree with the previous contributor about the steam train - that's an historical sound background from New Hope's history. I live right near it and I never have had its sound drown out my conversations. I even enjoy the Hogs parked by Lulu's on Sunday mornings, and the low gutteral throb of their comings and goings is no grief to me. But the Kawasaki racing bikes, and those who think mufflers are effeminate, are the most offensive simply because I can not hear my family conversing in my backyard. Add to that the jet skis' whining that drowns out any conversation in the backyards of both Lambertville and New Hope. History always repeats itself - Mr. Earp outlawed cowboy gunplay in the streets of Dodge City, and we ought to outlaw the nonsensical revving of un-muffled bike engines for the passing blondes whom don't give a hoot anyhow.
- Near-Deaf Blonde

Letter to Yenta 08/02/03

I read in the BUCKS COUNTY HERALD that the New Hope Police are stopping Motorcycles and checking them. More like harassment to me. They are doing this in response to complaints, Oh but there never seems to be end to the complaints from those who recently bought homes in the area. It would seem to me that the real estate agents who sell these homes be required, by law, to have any person thinking of buying in the area be informed they are buying a house in a community that has motorcycles on Sunday morning, they have a steam locomotive. The person buying a home should be also be required to sign the statement so there would be no crying after they move in. LEAVE YOUR OLD ATTITUDES WHERE YOU CAME FROM. Either join in or move out and go back where you came from.

Letter to Yenta 07/29/03

I agree with the letter stating don't try to tear down what's been accomplished, by this or previous councils. The town does need council to engage the public in a very public manner, turn on their Martin Luther King personas and ROCK! We need a publicly articulated long term vision for the character of the town and a council willing to put their privates on the fire to get residents behind a direction. Voters need an election where they have the proposed directions and visions of the candidates available beforehand. For example, what character do the candidates envision for the boro 5-10 years down the road? Do they see a business community primarily rooted in tourism or more of an upscale bedroom community.  The ZONING, architecture, parking, river access needs etc would be different for each of these directions. Neither council nor the citizens want development to become a hodgepodge of each developer's project by project plan. This town is capable of great things, but we need our fearless leaders to both articulate and lead a vision for the community's character (with some heart and soul)! Good business administration alone will not allow the enormous potential of this unique town to be realized. Surely Richard can muster some Martin Luther King from deep within (say it's so Richard) and likely can some of his opponents.

Letter to Yenta 07/29/03

My opinion of the current council was not based on a "couch potato" point of view. I am an active volunteer locally and attend as many borough meetings as possible. So much is going on that it's hard to attend all the meetings, (Council, HARB, Zoning and now the Bridge Commission). They are all important and it's sad to see the same people attending meetings. A different group altogether loudly complain later on when it's too late to do anything. Get involved and you will see that this council is a 200% improvement over the previous one. We have a manager who is able to manage. Our budget is now balanced. We have a terrific police force. Various grants have enabled us to improve the town's appearance and function and great things are planned for the future. Give council your ideas but please don't tear down what they have been building in the last few years. They deserve our support.

Letter to Yenta 07/27/03

Regarding the letter of 7/22 and the opinion of the writer that the current "council has things going in the right direction". The writer advocates keeping them in office and giving them a chance. I would love to know if this opinion is based on really looking at the facts, past facts especially, or just a couch-potatoes point of view? We need to make change now. This council is in their pre-election facade. If re-elected I am confident the old antics will begin again.

Letter to Yenta 07/26/03

On Zadars - A museum would be far better than condo's (though less than a public park, had boro council at least considered pursuing that possibility along time back). Does anyone know who the other "benefactors" are in Museum Properties, LLC? The Gazette only mentions Mr. Alterman and the Dept of State's website only lists that the LLC was filed 4/25/03, with an address in New Hope. Could be a great thing for the boro and worth strong public support for speedy approval. But, it would be of interest to know the identity of the other "benefactors", to have a sense on whether the use would likely remain a museum in the long term.

Letter to Yenta 07/23/03

I just want to thank the person who couldn't resist stealing the " Speed Hump" sign on West Ferry street. You owe me a new muffler. Unfortunately, someone with humor that sophomoric wouldn't be reading this column.  Couldn't you have stolen one of the useless " Burlington Bristol bridge" signs in Buckingham or Wrightstown. That would more amusing and an act of mercy for the hopelessly lost Jersey tourists. It would have spared me the aggravation and expense of being in direct violation of the new noise ordinance. Whoops.....I didn't hear that last sentence, a quarry truck was barreling past my window....or was it the train?

Letter to Yenta 07/22/03

Let's face it - the previous council was going no where. They could not even keep order at the meetings. This council has brought great changes for the better to New Hope. Let's give them a chance to keep us going in the right direction.

Letter To Yenta 07/21/03

Dear Yenta:

In the two letters regarding the Back Door Road, I'm sure that the former councilmen Ginsburg, Williamson and Procenio planned the road to have true public access as a public street, not a private road for Mr. Michael, as this was 1997 and 1998 and Mr. Michael had not yet arrived in town to start his rebuilding of New Hope into Georgetown. Also the Bucks County Redevelopment Authority was the one's planning on rebuilding the Union Camp Paper Mill property. When the new council took over in 2000 (Hirschfield, Delevich & Keiser) they fell in love with Mr. Michael, and tossed out the county Redevelopment Authority in favor of private redevelopment and with it came the "private road."

I remember sitting at a borough council meeting in 2001 when it was asked from the audience how the Back Door Road could be used by the public as one would have to drive through the paid parking lot of Union Square. The council members sat there in silence, as they knew you wouldn't be able to, it was a private road all along, everyone knew it but the public. The same story is true for the municipal parking lot which was leased to Mr. Michael (suprise-suprise) without putting it up to public bidding.

You say, well why would they build a road only Union Square could benefit by at taxpayers expense? Perhaps you forget or don't know, that Mayor Larry Keller owned and owns under a corporate name a warehouse and large piece of land that was mostly land locked until the new Back Door Road was built, giving it way more road frontage. So you see not only did Mr. Michael benefit, but so did Mayor Keller as it increased the value of his land also.

It was just the taxpayers of the borough, school district and state that paid for it that got a closed private road to no where.

Letter To Yenta 07/21/03

Thank you "JR Hunt" for your informative letter! I read Peter Jordan's letter to the editor of the Gazette and have a couple of additions. If you read on THIS web site there is a page on supporting the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad. If you click on it, it sez "Is the railroad being railroaded? Support our railroad."

Not only was the railroad being railroaded, but so was the taxpayers of New Hope. The borough council hired a special Doylestown lawyer to sue the railroad, to clean up the rail yards, remove the old train cars and shut off the engine. Well, guess who's property is right across the cannel???? The same one who got the zoning change, our council vice president. I guess she wanted to up the value of her house and that railroad was just an eye sore, so let's spend the taxpayers money to sue them and we may get a few more dollars for the house.

Well, the judge dismissed the frivolous law suit as railroads come under state and federal law's not the borough's newly passes noise ordinance. A few days after the suit was dismissed the "house" went up for sale. No use waiting since the borough lost the suit and besides we got the zoning change. How much did the borough council spend on this lawyer?

All we hear is about the backdoor road, how we need it to relieve traffic on Bridge Street leaving town, Oh what a great thing WE did for the taxpayers & visitor of New Hope. Well, have you tried to use it???? If you try to get through from the North next to Magill's Mini Storage, the road it chained off at the Union Square end and you have to turn around and go back. If you try from the Bridge Street end you have to get a parking ticket to enter and it's still chained off in the back.

Stop patting yourself on the back Borough Council, the only person it helped was Mr. Michael (as usually) not the taxpayers, school district or the state grants that helped pay for it.

I agree with JR Hunt elect the 3 new ones, as the old 2 are not honest with us.

Tim White

Letter to Yenta 07/20/03

Good evening Yenta. Hope you are well!
Just a short note to let the good folks of New Hope know November 4th is not too far away!
What is Novemeber 4th you might ask? (not you Yenta, but your readers)
November 4th is ELECTION DAY!! It is the day the citizens of New Hope could & need to band together and send a real message to the current council (and those who may follow). And that message is this town is not going to take their biased, back-room decisions anymore! What is good for one is good for all! I can't believe what I just read in the Gazette!! This is just another example of the character of this council!
People, read the letters to the editor section of this weeks Gazette, July 17 edition, " Rental unit addition drawn into question". Thank you Peter Jordan for bringing this to our attention!
But my question is why did it happen?? How does something like this repeatedly happen? I'll tell you how.
The people we elect abuse the power of their office.
It is time folks, to make a drastic change! After all, nothing could be worse then it is. Oh, I know, the current council says things are good and moving in the right direction. But do you hear them, Hirschfield & Delevich, in their campaigning, giving credit to the council members who sat before them? (Once they read this they might) Do you folks realize that many of their "successful projects" especially the "back door to New Hope" were started years ago with the likes of councilmen Ginsberg, Williamson, & Procenio to name a few?
Don't be lead into thinking that this council is all that original! Half of them don't have a mind of their own and the other half are just darn mean individuals!
Our neighboring state, NJ, has a movement underway called "GRIP". This stands for Get Rid of Incumbent Politicians! I propose to all of you reading this column that you remember this when you go to the polls Novemebr 4th. I propose that you remember this as you begin to read the election propaganda that will begin
to surface. Get rid of the incumbents! There are 3 seats up for election and we have 3 new people to consider for these positions: McManus, Shaw & Velasco.
I say give the new guys a chance and let's hold our elected officials accountable for their decisions and perks!
J R Hunt
New Hope

Letter to Yenta 07/09/03

The closing of the Lambertville-NewHope bridge for six months would be a welcome re-visit of Coryell's Ferry, operated by Rbt. Gerenser.  I think a
blast-to-the-past would be an experience enjoyed by all who really appreciate this place as our home. As long as it is a people conveyance, then we'll see less of the road-rage of vehicular traffic.

Letter to Yenta 07/09/03

I read in the police report in the Gazette of a stabbing at the basketball courts at the High School. It seemed to be kept low key how ever in reading recent comments one stated that the guilty parties are living among us. No names mentioned, address or other details followed. I don't like what I see in town with a growing influx of "Hispanics" taking over the back streets of town. Most of them are hard working and polite people but recently I have noticed groups of males making gestures towards women tourists and mocking the gay tourists also. Mechanic and Ferry Streets seem to be the hub, possibly due to many living at the Canal House apartments. I really hate to seem like I'm focusing on one group but I when we start hearing of "STABBINGS" in town what next?

Letter to Yenta 07/02/03

It's very pleasing to see that there will be so much music in town on the 4th; I hope it will be a big draw for people to visit. Unfortunately it does not seem possible to have fireworks anymore, but, as a firefighter, I can see the problem the borough was faced-with. I hope some of these bands will play patriotic tunes - It's great to hear Sousa on Independence Day! I'd just ask the band at the canal boat landing to play a bit gently so as not to scare the mules..
Happy 4th of July! -Cap.

Letter to Yenta 07/01/03

Just a note to let everyone know that the New Hope Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Independent Merchants has put together eight bands to play music around town on the Fourth of July. The locations will be: the mule barge landing, the visitor center, Ferry St. park (Canon Square), the parking lot next to Cockamamies on Bridge St., the Mechanic St. Bridge, the PNC Bank parking lot, under the awning at the Triumph Brewery, and at the railroad station. Close to a hundred merchants will also be displaying red, white, and blue balloons, and giving them away at the end of each day of the weekend. If you want to participate, please call Fred Eisen at 215-862-5988.
Thanks to everyone participating.
Fred Eisen
New Hope Chamber of Commerce Board Member

Letter to Yenta 07/01/03

The recent letter which voiced a need for "constructive" dialog rings true. With all the expansion in the works, the boro needs to pursue options that could balance growth and atmosphere.
I'll throw out the following pipe dream (which has been mentioned before). Could our elected officials consider pursuing a tax referendum for open space on the next election's ballet? The purpose would be to buy the old Zadar/Edge complex next to the playhouse and turn it into a "pedestrian only" public park. It's the only opportunity the boro will likely ever have to acquire and preserve some open space on the waterfront (the towns greatest attraction). It would be a great long term investment in the tourist trade and a great resource for boro residents. With the sprawling Union Square industrial architecture (built for cars not pedestrians) and the high rise condo's going up in-town and south of town; this would be an opportunity to balance that growth with some amenities that would help keep the center of town attractive to tourists and residents alike. Even the developers (at least those that plan on keeping ownership of their buildings for leasing) might see some benefit to this (as without a viable tourist trade, the mix of possible tenants dwindles). What say you boro council & major developers? Does this make any sense and worth active investigation? Might the present owner be willing to unlist the property for a period of time (for a fee) to see if this is possible?

Letter to Yenta 07/01/03

There is a big difference between "high end" and "taste." New Hope years ago had "taste" now it has become "honky tonk". Honky tonk towns attract honky tonk people. Maybe this is why so many people are now going across the bridge to Lamberville to shop. Why do we have a HARB board if they do not protect the historical looks of old buildings. Only in America do we tear down or change looks of historical buildings.

Letter to Yenta 06/30/03

I am writing in response to the approval of Marsha Brown's entrance as I also find it lacking in tasteful style and find it extremely tasteless! However, it is not Marsha Brown's fault that this was approved. It is the fault of your (our) elected officials!!
The folks sitting on boro council, through the privilege of election, have been charged with protecting our town in accordance with certain guidelines....not their personal opinions or styles.
Yes, Brown's representatives did arrive at the council meeting with lantern, drawing, etc. in hand. I was present at that meeting as well. The reason there were and are often no public comments on matters such as this is because we, the public don't get a chance to see these proposals! If I laid eyes on the color scheme, design etc. I would have made my concerns known.
What can we object to if we are not given the information? Absolutely nothing and isn't that a great control technique? Perhaps council should make these proposals, in their entirety, public BEFORE a vote is taken!

Letter to Yenta 06/29/03

Happy Fourth!
Thanks to Caroline and other the Independent Merchant volunteers who are organizing events for the day. The events include stilt-walkers, cannon-firings, face painting and other patriotic and family friendly activities.
-Eric Maywar at The New Hope Book Cellar

Letter to Yenta 06/29/03

I know Marsha Brown and I am grateful that she doesn't know about this
column nor would she have time in her busy schedule to read it. The entrance was not finished for the "freebie" (I find that term offensive) because it was not approved on time. I will skip over the details as to why it was delayed you can all figure that out this IS New Hope. When it did get approved at the town council meeting, I thought that I was witnessing the trial from the song Alice's Restaurant. Instead of 8x10 glossies , she brought one of the lamps and a miniature of the building. It took three people to carry everything. The council loved the dog and pony show, she got approved. I think a few council members grew a couple inches taller with that power. I am guessing that these letters are not from merchants and business owners otherwise they would know that is not only the artists who are starving in New Hope these days. We need high end restaurants and businesses to bring the clientele that still has some money left to spend during this economic nightmare we are in. Perhaps, Savioni's store looked better as the gutted Golden Pump or Beyond the Wall was better as the empty General Store. Let's remember that money follows money and we all need that to survive and be a place that is attractive to tourists (aka our bread and butter). Marsha Brown dotted all of her "i's" and crossed her "t's" leave her alone. I will say a little prayer that none of you choke on your next "freebie". Shame on you!

Letter to Yenta 06/26/03

Remember the stabbing last weekend of two men at NH-Solebury H.S.? The two were in hospital and the event was reported in the papers. I have now learned that the perp, who was apprehended at the time, is now free - living in New Hope! Anyhow, I'm now on the west coast, so all I can do is tip my glass to the east, shake my head, and hope you all fare well under the continued protection of Andy and Barney.     Truly Yours,  Otis (Reformed)\

Letter to Yenta 06/26/03

What was the purpose of the 6/20 letter? Why dredge up old stuff? Things are so much better now under the present administration. I hope they all get back in.
Nasty! nasty! Say something constructive or be quiet.

Letter to Yenta 06/25/03

The HARB issue re the entrance is whether the design is complementary to the character of the neighborhood - and not if it is identical to the character of the building. National guidelines for restoration and expansion of old buildings recommend that new additions not mimic but be clearly and visibly different from the old.

HARB reviewed the design twice - the first time it was unanimously remanded back to HARB by the Borough Council. It was then modified and subsequently approved. There was no public comment on the application at either meeting.

Letter to Yenta 06/24/03

The entrance to this place looks like the candycorn boardwalks of Atlantic City. What with the gold-necklaced black silk shirts across the street at Versace, all we need to add are the slot machines. I guess black lacquer and brass will be the New Hope style from now on. It complements the "starving-artists" shops already on display.

Letter to Yenta 06/23/03

What's with the entrance to Marsha Brown's? It looks like the Taj Mahal!!! Why was the entrance for the freebie (which was very much appreciated) different from the one that is now presented? Is this in accordance with the HARB limitations?

Letter to Yenta 06/23/03

Why dredge up old info re voting? That has greatly improved. Thanks to those responsible.

Letter to Yenta 06/22/03

A door or such would be nothing in comparison to what was allowed to go through at the Logan Inn, New Hope Inn and the high rise at the Waterworks. If the local governance is going to facilitate wholesale alterations to the boro's character by some of the entrenched money mongers, then it should do likewise with their competitors. The politically connected  and those who play the social circuit for profit shouldn't be allowed to unfairly benefit. Seems fair play is scant as a thong in the boro.

Letter to Yenta 06/22/03

I am curious as to how the stone church on South Main St. (which is recorded on the historical register) and in the historical district could be allowed to have the front of their building changed so dramatically. I can remember when the church wanted to replace their front doors from a 6 panel door to a four panel and they were told, NO. Amazing!

Letter to Yenta 06/20/03

Dear Yenta:

Would you please republish the following letter which appeared 4 years ago on The Yenta on May 27, 1999. I guess history in New Hope is destined to repeat itself.
"Now that the primary election is in the books here in New Hope, I have a comment. I know there are strict laws about conduct in and around a polling place and I'm sure that they are adhered to in New Hope. When I pulled into the Eagle Fire Company's parking lot to cast my vote, I noticed a crowd of probably 25 people standing in the lot in front of the sidewalk leading into the polling place. I groaned to myself as I have had to run this gauntlet in times passed, but as I parked and started to walk up to the entrance I was literally mobbed with people handing me literature and telling me who to vote for and who not to vote for, candidates telling me they knew I would support them etc., etc.. I must have looked somewhat harried in that as I finally approached, or should I say shouldered my way to the entrance, a person I did not recognize, who I took to be an election official, looked at me a said, "It's legal"! I made a comment inside to the effect that it was a little intense outside and all agreed.
I mentioned this to my wife on my return and she agreed that is was actually intimidating for her. This bothered me and I mentioned the episode to a number of others. Two people told me that they did not vote because knew it would be like that and one person who told me she pulled into the lot to vote, saw the crowd, and left! She actually drove to the firehouse to vote and left rather then deal with what was going on. That is wrong.
I applaud the candidates and their supporters for their zeal, and I'm not suggesting anything illegal was taking place, but can we lighten' it up a little in the parking lot. By the time you have made it to the polls you have decided who you will vote for. Making people uncomfortable helps no one.
We have had many an election in this town were three votes MADE a difference!"

Letter to Yenta 06/09/03

Nice letter Jan. Makes sense to me.

Letter to Yenta 06/09/03

I am one of many voters in New Hope who is grateful that we finally have some civility and order at the polling place on Election Day. Constables Knox and Sweeney should be commended for their volunteer service on this day, not criticized for their uniforms.

The two constables arrived early at the Eagle Fire House, taped the “off-limit” areas, made sure that candidates' tables and literature were kept the legal distance from the doorways, and donated free coffee and donuts for the poll watchers and election officials inside! How “intimidating” is that?

Some critics may not realize that New Hope Voting Day in the past meant hundreds of complaints from voters saying they had to run through a crushing gauntlet of candidates and pamphlets all the way up to the door. Other voters were witnesses to volleys of insults and name-calling between political factions in the parking lot as they walked up to cast their ballots. A moment to exercise one's voting privilege instead became a moment of dread.

Voting is a right that should be respected from beginning to end. The candidates work diligently beforehand to register voters, send out literature and “get out the vote.” So once a voter does come out, he/she deserves a courteous, friendly, and “safe” zone in which to make decisions.

This Primary proved once again that every single vote in an election is pivotal in determining its outcome. When just one voter stays away by aversion to a “pressure-cooker” approach to politics, it means all the difference in the world to a candidate counting on that support.

Thank you to the constables for enforcing election rules and for ensuring a more sane and secure voting environment for our borough.

Janine Witte

Letter to Yenta 06/08/03

RE: Visitors Center renovations: congrats on completing the renovations!

I have been a New Hope resident since '76. A business owner since '82. I am a member of the Chamber of Commerce (and its successors) since '82, and more recently, also a member of the Indep. Merchants of New Hope.
I too attended the opening of the newly renovated Visitors Center, albeit a tad tardy. And i support it financially too. A late Friday afternoon 'opening' was very difficult to attend for most small businesses, and particularly tough for an establishment that is oriented to weekend business.
I respectfully suggest the Center contact the New Hope businesses that support the Center thru the Business Priviledge Tax and other dues payments and ask us what would be the best time(s) to hold a mini-Open House for the business community.

A. Carl Glassman

Letter to Yenta 06/06/03

Hi Yenta,
You don't know me, but I just found out about my Aunt Kathryn's (Kathryn Bair)
passing. She eventually ended up at the same nursing home as my Uncle Walter-
I was searching for her obituary in the New Hope Gazette and found your plea to her friends and former students in 1999 when my uncle went into the nursing home. I would like to thank-you for caring about my aunt and contributing to her well-being. There is a viewing and Mass for her this coming Monday (6/9/03) and I thought you might like to pass the word. Aunt Kathryn thought the world of her students and I know they felt the same. Her viewing is in New Hope at St. Martin's beginning at 9:30. Her funeral begins at 11:00.

Sincerely, Sharon Minschwaner

Letter to Yenta 05/21/03

I am responding to Caroline's offer to help participate in cleaning up River Road along the south end of town. I too would be willing to pitch in to help get rid of the trash. Any other takers?? Please post your interest here, or write to me at jcr64@att.net, and we'll see about getting something organized!

Thanks!! -- Julie

The Yenta Column 05/21/03

New Hope Elections--- you will not believe it!!! Once again -- only in New Hope. Well which side do you want to hear first?...Let's save the best for last and start with the Republican primary results...

Mike McManus topped the list --- he looked good in his leather, white flowing shirt and long hair pulled back. I guess he had everyone swooning.

Claire Shaw ran second...low key, professional and independent thinking.

Richard Hirschfeld ran a surprising third --Wait...
he's a Democrat, no he's a Republican...well, he did it with a strong write-in campaign. Surprise to Bob Gerenser. BUT...it seems that there are votes being contested because of alleged assistance by one of the people assisting at the polls who went into the booth, behind the curtain, and helped the voters pull the lever and write in their candidate's name.

Bob Gerenser finished in fourth -- if the contested votes on Hirschfeld are thrown out, either for misspelling or improper assistance, Bob would move into third position on the ballot.

Meanwhile here are the Democratic results...the BIG surprise!!!

Ray Valesco and Geri Delavich -- tied for the first two spots (New Hope seems to have a thing about tie votes).

Here's the real kicker--- Alan Rosenberg and Richard Hirschfeld --get ready... it's a TIE!!!!! And to boot...there is another challenge... contested votes, and they are contested in Alan's favor. One absentee ballot was postmarked on time, but received late. The other contested votes are for Richard...they were two voters who mailed in absentee ballots and then appeared at the polls.

Some thoughts from the Yenta...

Look's like King Richard has his hands full...not as much support as he thought. And what's worse, he might end up as a Republican if loses on the Dem side...oh boy...now his wife won't be able to endorse him because she is on the Democratic Committee...hmmmm.

The air may be shifting as it appears the newer, reserved and polite candidates, who didn't engage in mudslinging and heavy handed tactics, grabbed the top spots on both sides of the aisle...that should send a message to the current office holders to be more cautious in their actions. Seems the voting public is not as content with the current regime as the regime would like to think.

The Yenta leaves you with one last thought...

in a democracy, EVERY vote DOES count!!!

The Yenta

Back