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Yenta Archives Below

Letter to Yenta 05/01/08
I read an article on-line in regards to Sharyn Keiser and her refusal to disclose where and when she received her doctorate. Any public servant knows that when you hold any type of public office your life becomes an open book. Her refusal to put this debate to rest can only hurt public opinion of the Borough and the Councils integrity. If she has one then she should disclose the requested information , if not then bite the bullet and admit that she doesn't. The longer that this plays out the more damage this could cause the Borough. -Charlie C

Letter to Yenta 04/15/08
What's with the chamber website? 3 weeks after the anual meeting and election it stil doesnt show the new board list. And the minutes? last one listed is for feb 2006!!!
Can't the offiice staff get this done? Or is she just another cronie getting paid to do nuthing. Cmon chamber. How can we trust you when you cant keep your own house in order. -P O'D in New Hope.

Letter to Yenta 04/08/08
Let’s keep the Yenta’s column well informed. Gerenser’s ice-cream parlor was shut down by the Bucks County Board of Health. It has nothing to do with the Borough.

Letter to Yenta 04/07/08
Dear c from MII,
You are correct that it is optional to join the new water service. However if you have a Bucks County Health Department license, you are required to hook into the public water. This is a county health department requirement over which the Borough of New Hope has absolutely no control.

Letter to Yenta 04/06/08
New Hope will host a benefit for animal rescue.
Please be our guest on April 25, 2008 at Occasions Union Square for the Blues to the Rescue Funraiser event benefiting homeless animals. Animal Lifeline will be bringing more than 200 animal lovers into the town of New Hope for a casual evening of networking, live blues music, great food and an impressive silent auction of more than $5,000 in donated items from local businesses. Details are available at http://www.AnimalLifelineOnline.org. Some of our guests, from the greater Philadelphia region, are looking for places to stay and things to do for the weekend. If you would like to offer discounted rates for accommodations, dining or special offers in our goodie bags please let me know as soon as possible. If you are interested in supporting this event in any manner please contact me. 100% of the proceeds of the event will directly benefit the animals. Thank you & best wishes.
- Shannon - Animal Lifeline, Board Member - Shannonderstine@gmail.com

Letter to Yenta 04/02/08
I would love to go to an old favorite for truly homemade ice cream but the town had the gall to shut down the oldest store still standing in town.We were all told that the water line would be and always remain an OPTIONAL hook-up. Well as far as I understand, they closed down Gerenser's Ice Cream Parlor because the owner,( heir to the business that has been in new hope for ever), really likes the way his well has treated him and his parents' business for the past how many years?? Now all of a sudden it's mandatory to hook up to the town water. What happened to being "grandfathered" in? Gerenser's is as grandfathered as it gets! And what about a little support for people who really love New Hope and have the BEST interest of their HOME town in front and center in all that they do?? So, Uncle Charlie, it is what it is, its a shame is what it is.
c from MII
P.S. rest in peace phill, you will be missed, love you (memorial service May 10 at Rago's)

Letter to Yenta 03/02/08
My name is Uncle Charlie, I'm 40-(mumble) years old, and I'm addicted to Dunkin' Donuts' Vanilla Iced French Cruellers. Most other folks like the Boston Kreme, Glazed or Jelly. I also like Dunkin's coffee better that the burnt, overpriced variety across the street along with their precious slivers of air-dried coffee cake and pastry remnants. Dunkin's kinda boring but also kinda honest and egalitarian in its way. While it's hard to believe they could prosper on donut traffic alone, especially without ample, easily accessible parking, the ice cream could do quite well in its infinite varieties and forms, especially if fairly priced.
New Hope's always been an ice cream town. I remember coming to New Hope as a kid 40 years ago and buying ice cream (honeydew) at Gerenser's on Main Street. We'd walk down the block to the theater, and my dad would hold onto me while I strained over the side of the bridge to see the waterfall below. Coming from the suburban flatness of Central New Jersey, New Hope was wonderfully hilly and wet and full of old, magical stuff. For others it was the Now & Then shop, the only place between New York and Philly where you could get decent rolling paper. Or a place where you could pursue your personal lifestyle without feeling threatened. Or hear a decent band, buy sandals, see old row houses and canals and mules.
The New Hope experience still has many stakeholders: its residents, its businesses, its political leadership, its diaspora who live away for now and read these pages, and the visitors (the largest group by far). If you asked stakeholders their perceptions of New Hope, they'd probably say artsy, historic, and unique, among other things. Marketers would use these qualities to determine the brand essence of the New Hope experience, which can then be converted into taglines and message points for marketing our town, because we aren't the only thing going between New York and Philly any more, there's lots and lots of other tourist towns with vintage car cruising nights and unified logos emblazened on downtown banners and signage. Face it, every half-pint podunk in the Delaware Valley has its marketing act together except one: New Hope. Our Chamber of Commerce consists of out-of-town toner salesmen and real estate professionals exchanging business cards over local rice beer and jammy Yellowtail, our Borough Council buys a huge church and larger offices for themselves while allowing developer George Michael to create blocky, Soviet-style housing that blots the sky and squeezes out affordable parking lots, someone will hand out a few balloons in a last-minute holiday-themed act of desperation, but nobody, NOBODY is marketing New Hope right now. In the coming weeks, I'll write more about how the business community can turn itself around all by itself, compete with the myriad choices available to visitors today, and help build a sound, prosperous local economy that creates jobs and reinvests in the community.
And that's why Dunkin' Donuts has been troublesome. If our uniqueness is a key selling point for New Hope, then franchised, fast-food locations in the downtown are, well, a downer. Though you'll probably catch me sneaking out of there with a bag once in a while this spring, which seems to be coming soon. I remember Max telling me before he died that March 15 can be a magical day for business owners in New Hope -- there's always a slight lift in sales that starts gradually from that day on and builds through the summer. People in town who make their living running stores and restaurants often hang on by a thread through the winter, so all of us who can, no matter what our view, should try to go downtown this weekend and buy just a few little things we might get elsewhere or grab a bite at an old favorite. And that's a tip from your Uncle Charlie.

Letter to Yenta 02/18/08
Oh gosh those crazy Chamber folks! Got another informative epistle from the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce in my mailbox today, this one announcing a Bridal Showcase and Expo they're sponsoring up in Erwinna. Why is the New Hope Chamber spending its time promoting Erwinna, one may ask? Count your blessings, if Chamber leaders direct their efforts up north, we may actually begin to prosper again down on this end of the Delaware. That the business organization charged with promoting the local economy should sponsor out-of-town events is especially unsurprising given that most businesses in our "New Hope" Chamber are actually not from New Hope like, apparently, the organization's next un-elected president-to-be! Yes, word is that the affable if rudderless Frank is stepping aside and handing the presidency to his friend and Buckingham mortgage specialist Louis. The searing intellect and insightful business acumen of the erstwhile Louis shall rescue our beloved borough from the plague brought upon our houses by Dunkin Donuts opening to the north in March and, anchoring the southern end of town and further cementing New Hope's reputation as a culinary mecca, the upcoming Weenie World, thus completing New Hope's holy trinity of tourist refreshments: ice cream, pretzels and at long last weenies besides those running our Chamber of Horrors. -- Uncle Charlie

Letter to Yenta 02/04/08
That Hillary Clinton, and those that support her are so inclusive, please note that the invitation to watch Super Tuesday Primary results is limited to those supporters of Billary only. Not an inclusive, come on on out New Hope and root for your favorite candidate. Her now touted 35 years of experience, and this invitation, prove one thing, to me, she, and her supporters are neither inclusive nor the liberal thinkers they purport themselves to be. Where is the invitation for everyone to sit at the table? What a laugh, she and her supporters do not support, even, the idea of change, but rather business as usual.
Shame on you Triumph for allowing this invitation to be made in your name, I'll take my weekly business somewhere else from this day forward.
A Republican Considering a CHANGE and a Vote for Obama

Letter to Yenta 02/01/08
Supporters of Hillary Clinton for President are invited to view the Super Tuesday results at Triumph Brewing Company of New Hope, on February 5th 2008, 7 PM to 9 PM. and sign petitions to get Hillary Clinton and her delegates names on the ballot for the Pennsylvania Primary Election held April 22nd. Hillary's campaign has selected a delegate from New Hope to the Democratic National Convention. Please come out, we need your signature! Triumph Brewing Company is located in Union Square, off West Bridge St, New Hope, PA.

Letter to Yenta 02/01/08
Old Beatnik, did I hear the phrase "dirty-necker?"
Send me an email? Oldindianrider@aol.com
"Forget injuries, never forget kindness" Confucius

Letter to Yenta 02/01/08
Hi. I was just wondering a few things. One, does anyone know for sure about the dunkin' doughnuts that is supposed to go in on main street? Is this a done deal? I'd hate to see them go in...and watch as yet another chain store works its homogenizing influence on this superb little indie town. Also, is it possible to create an Independent Business Alliance in New Hope? I think it could be the thing that helps New Hope get out of the present tourist trap situation and back to a thriving local community that is year round. Some communities who have developed great local independent alliances include:
Austin Independent Business Alliance: http://www.ibuyaustin.com/
Salt Lake City Vest Pocket Business Alliance:
http://www.vestpocket.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
Another great resource on how to create local business alliances is here: http://amiba.net/
This is working for other towns...it could work for New Hope...let me know if I can help. -Lisa

Letter to Yenta 01/30/08
Just wondering if the New Hope Starbucks made the cut or will be included in the 100 closings of underperforming units announced today. DD may get a pleasant surprise.

Letter to Yenta 01/24/08
Eric,
Last year, and the year before that, and the year before that, ad infinitum, new hope chamber members voted for president but there was only one choice. Regular members are free to vote, but can't run for office or nominate...the president is selected by a nominating committee of the board, although sometimes a non-board member has been allowed on the nominating committee. Are you saying that has changed? Are you saying that the general membership of the new hope chamber of commerce will be able to choose among competing candidates for president this year, or merely ratify what has already been decided in a closed committee session? -- Uncle Charlie

Letter to Yenta 01/22/08
"The time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine...they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn from the truth and wander away to myths." Paul to Timothy. 2nd Epistle
I am at once amazed and in awe of the rationale offered by some members of this community as very poor excuses for whatever ails them and the civil, cultural, social, religious and business responses to them It's not that you don't or can't nominate/vote for or democratically elect your chamber president. It's not that we experienced in the last six years a bridge closing, mangled streets and three floods. It's not that we have overactive/over zealous policies where parking violations and enforcement are concerned. It's not that the economy is up or down or that we are at war, and it's not that gasoline prices are up. Rather, it is a combination of all these and other factors which are, and are not limited to, an underachieving partnership between the civil, cultural, social, religious and business groups. It is that there has not been a concerted community response to all these factors There is not an agenda among these groups in which they have agreed among themselves to help and support an idea or ideas which will make them and keep them ALL strong. All of these groups want to eat from the same trough simultaneously. No one wants to step aside to let another segment of the community go first, get strong and then step back to support the next group and it's policies. You all want to be first and then you forget what got you there in the first place. It is NOT about continuously relying on the same ideas from the same people, it is about supporting fresh faces and new ideas. It is about learning to be uncomfortable with being uncomfortable.
New Hope, it seems, has not been able to capitalize on the good times which enable it to sustain itself in the not so good which all to often spikes the local downtown economy. The fat, in our case the civil, eat the lean, which is the hand that feeds them, by not working in tandem to promote initiatives which create a sustainable economic climate for all and by their over active policies which threaten and frighten those they are elected to serve. The cultural and social keep returning to the lean, soliciting, ever more often to promote their good cause. The religious forget that charity begins at home, but remember that serving the needs of those far away does get you press. The business people have lost their nerve, they have lost their courage, they lack pride and they, in many instances, lack the fundamental knowledge and will which is required to run a small business which is, and remains, powerful and sustainable over the long run. They even in some cases lack the courage to close and make the change which necessitates their personal progress. When all of this happens, coupled with catering to the wants and wishes of the few while neglecting the needs of the many, cultural cannibalism ensues and we become what it is, grotesque!
Quirky, innovative, free thinking, creative, culturally permissive, intellectually curious and politically savvy New Hope needs to get off it's ass, it needs to be willing to lead and include, and be led and included by, those it has marginalized and diminished and NOT listen to it's own, not so independent, surveys taken by and of, their own kind. New Hope needs to coagulate it's differences and agree to stop the bleeding.
Problematic New Hope, there are solutions, and there is enough in the trough for everyone, but remember that talking about problems, leads to talking about possibilities which lead to solutions that we may all be proud of, and that greed of spirit and resources always gets you in the end. -The New Hope Observor

Letter to Yenta 01/21/07
As a Business owner for over 13 yrs and as a member of the town work force for over 25 yrs we all in this town have felt this economic setback; for the past 7 years of decline, including 4 floods and no positive press. The chamber pres is nominated from within the board.
There are 6 seats open and any member can nominate any member to the election committee. The election committee then adds the names to the hat. The nomination and election of candidates will be as follows, (taken from the letter in question):

"It is time once again for the annual elections of The Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. There are six (6) open positions which will be filled by general election at the Annual Meeting on March 25, 2008. The members will also elect a new President, Vice President, and Secretary.
Any member of the Chamber may nominate another member, or themselves, to run for a board position. To make a nomination follow the rules as described below:
(1) The person being nominated must be a current member of the Chamber.
(2) The person making the nomination must be a current member of the Chamber.
(3) E-mail the name of the nominee and the nominator to info@newhopechamber.com by the end of the day on Friday February 22, 2008.
The nominations committee (Chaired by Caleb Lentchner of Marsha Browns) will follow up with all nominees and produce a suggested slate of executive board positions.
Help us in selecting our leaders in the coming year by nominating someone who will serve the members and put the New Hope Community before themselves.
Thank You, Rick Urben - Board Secretary"

This was taken from the letter sent from the secretary. Now this is not the letter that you got?
There are more than one pres. canidate if there are more nominated.
There are more than one member of the business community on the board.
President: Frank Policare, Penn Wealth Planning investments,lives here; Vice President: Louis Lucitra Rainbow Assurance, Inc. real estate title and escrow , ; Secretary: Rick Urben, 5th Season Gifts, retail,; Treasurer: Ed White The Lexington House B&B, service,lives in the area;Past President: Connie Gering, Namesake Art & Gift Studio, retail,; Catalina Castells, Heart of the Home, retail, ;Bill Cleary, Bevinco of Hunterdon/Bucks, restaurant consulting firm; Paul Cohen Baldi & Jenei law service,; Maria D'Ambrosio,Tesori, retail and service,; Sharon Flanagan, New Hope Leather retail,; Caleb Lentchner Marsha Brown, food service and sales; Tom Rice Jonathan Rice Collection, retail; Steven Walny Weidel Realtors they sell houses and property,lives here; WE also have a member of the board from Havana's, He's a nice guy; Eric Lee Mystikal Tymes retail , we sell stuff most people don't understand like jewelry,incense,and candles,etc i also live here.
As far as the practice of re-up-ping a seat it must be voted on. Thats how I got my seat, last year and it is up in another year, and I will then have to run again as far as I know. But here are the bylaws http://www.newhopechamber.com/downloads/nhcoc-bylaws-2005-08.pdf if anyone would like to read them.
As far as tourism have you noticed that gas, oil, electric,and other things have almost tripled in the past 7 years, due to this economy and the WAR. The dollar is week as of this weak .60 cents as opposed to 1.75 in 2001.
To quote you
It will not stop until the business people of New Hope are allowed to elect their own leader.
My answer is they DO, and I vote
Are YOU a member? What store or service DO You Have? and What's your name?

-Eric Lee - Mystickal Tymes Inc., 127 S Main St, New Hope, PA 18328

Letter to Yenta 01/20/08
As a painter who has made a go of being a full-time artist in New Hope for four years I find it strange that those who might benefit from this towns arts legacy seem to have no interest in the fact that the artist seem to have fled. There is a difference between tourist town and tourist trap and I would love to see New Hope brought back to the former. Sincerely, Steve Messenger

Letter to Yenta 01/20/08
Got my email from the New Hope Chamber of Commerce last week telling me that there's going to be elections in March, but I'm not allowed to vote for President...in fact, nobody can, nor can you nominate or run for president even if you're a member of the Chamber. Oh, you'll get to vote for president, but there will only be one candidate: the guy who's in charge now or one of his friends. That's why we have a Chamber run by people who've never had a store in New Hope (except for the secretary who also has the distinction of being the only one who actually ran for office) Why is the President of the New Hope Chamber of Commerce afraid of running in a free and open election, one may ask? You'd think the head of New Hope's business community, the only one the local politicos say they'll recognize, would be one of the owners of Havana or Hot Plates or Strawberry Jam or folks who at least have a background in marketing or tourism, or at least live here and own a store...not out-of-town opportunists who keep re-installing themselves and their relatives and friends year after year. That's why the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce is the laughing stock of the region, and why tourism is down by half in just the past five years. It will not stop until the business people of New Hope are allowed to elect their own leader.

Letter to Yenta 01/17/08
Hi Yenta, Happy New Year!
To Anon:
There is no such thing as a bloodless coup where human emotions are involved, while the power was usurped, in a peaceful, quiet and democratic way, the emotional blood of an outgoing leader was let. In much the same way Sharon Kaiser wrestled the presidency away from Keith David in the very formative months of Partner's in Progress, history, then, does repeat itself. Like she told Keith, she told Richard Hirshfield that she was happy to be second in command, that he was doing a fine job and in essence let's leave well enough alone. If this is an example of "girl power", heaven help us all in the national election season, but let's be real in New Hope and call it what it is, petty politics by a very petty bureaucrat for very petty power.
Businesses beware, while Richard was not an outward friend of small businesses in this town, Sharon is your sworn enemy, just look at her voting record where issues pertaining to you are concerned. In all the years that I have attended Boro Council meetings, I have never heard any initiative, and virtually no comment from Claire Shaw. Maybe it is the quiet ones that you have to watch, watch out Sharon!
-The New Hope Observor

Letter to Yenta 01/14/08
What happened at the last Boro Council meeting? Was King Richard really deposed in a secret, bloodless coupe by Geri, Sharon & Claire? Girl Power! - Anon.

Letter to Yenta 01/07/08
Alright everybody, enough of the bull@#$%. Firstly, I'm a 7 year military veteran ( from 1961 to 1967 -you do the math ). With regards to the Iraq ?war? - are kids are being asked to be cops and not necessarily soldiers.
This got us into a load of crap last century. I hope we don't have to do that again. Secondly, healthcare - I worked for 16 years at one of the largest health insurance companies in the country and I can tell you they are all about the profit and not the "product'. Finally, politicians - These folks are all wealthy and can only become more wealthy by becoming a President Of The United States. What about a president who was a plumber or possibly a pizza hut guy. The middle class has been supporting this country for years and I don't see that changing in the foreseeable future.
Our kids won't have any social security when they come due - I could go on but I'm depressing myself. I'll vote, I'm not happy with the choices in either party - Hey, wadda 'bout a third party???? I gotta go....
-The Old Beatnik

Letter to Yenta 01/06/07
To the writer of "Lets see if I understand this":
The Iraq war is costing: $275 million per day, 4,000 U.S. soldiers killed & 60,000 wounded, 700,000 Iraqis killed and 4 million refugees. The total cost for the Iraqi war is presently close to 500 billion (1/2 trillion dollars)! The US spends almost as much as all other countries combined on it's military. Foreign ownership of US Treasury Securities is 2.25 trillion dollars. The gross National Debt is presently somewhere around 8 trillion. Consumer debt is presently somewhere around 2.5 trillion. Common sense says a day of financial reckoning will eventually arrive. This wasn't a Pearl Harbor. We occupied a country which by all accounts our government knew had not attacked us before troops were committed. They knew old street thug Sadaam wasn't in bed with Al-Qaeda (they actually had great disdain for one another). This was a war for oil and corporate interests, with Israel thrown in for good measure. Liberating Iraqis' from Sadaam played no role - if it had, maybe our country's name would be something more than lice on the world stage.
Military defeat? What better way to bring the US down than to bleed it financially dry with an expensive war with no end. While the Haliburton types fly high on the conflict; we have 47 million men, women and children unable to afford healthcare insurance. Millions of jobs are being outsourced overseas by our fortune 500 companies, not because Americans won't do the jobs, but because they can't survive here on a chinese hourly wage. For the jobs that can't be outsourced, our government has tacitly supported corporations employing millions of illegals for larger profits. The answer from our government on all this has been to go shopping and Nafta type trade agreements. Our election process (in the absence of any meaningful campaign finance reform) insures only corporate bought candidates have a shot at being elected (Democrat & Republican alike). The legality of corporate personage makes for a democracy in name only. When the tower of babble crashes, it doesn't take much intelligence to figure out who the losers will be.
Ron Paul, the political psychiatric ward and the quiet corner of Montana you mentioned look pretty darn good. -JC

Letter to Yenta 01/06/08
Let’s see if I understand this
The Democrat party presidential candidates are running on three main issues.
They want to raise taxes on the rich, correct?
They want to withdraw from the war in Iraq, correct?
They want to nationalize our health care system, correct?
This is their national stance throughout the last two months of debate. Wouldn’t you agree?
Here’s what all this really means.
First, they don’t tell you what their definition of rich is. Some say it’s over $60,000 a year. Other Democrats say it’s over $250,000 a year.
It really doesn’t matter what they say. In order to raise the money they need for all their laundry lists of programs they are going to have to raise taxes on the middle class.
They must do that because that is where the bulk of the nation’s money exists. There aren’t enough really rich to get the money the liberals need. Remember President Bill Clinton said he’d lower taxes on the middle class and then promptly turned around and signed a massive tax raise. “I tried really hard, but ah jus couldn’t do it…” You simply cannot trust them. Just look what they promised in 2006. They failed to deliver on ANYTHING they promised.
By saying the Democrats want to withdraw from Iraq they are actually embracing military defeat.
In reality they say they support the military, and then they do everything they can to undercut our men and women in the armed forces. It is part of their DNA. They hate the police as well and do everything they can to embrace criminal “Rights”.
They seem to hate their own country as it exists today.
Finally, by seeking to impose a government health care program on America they will ruin what was the best health care system in the country. Many of the health care problems in the USA today have been created by tons of government regulations and restrictions on the industry.
And now a few final words, of dubious wisdom, about the presidential election 2008.
Isn’t Hillary Clinton is running on a platform of change and experience. Isn’t that contradictory?
John Edwards is saying he wants to rid the government of lobbyists. Ahem, aren’t trial lawyers and lawyers of all stripes one of the strongest and biggest, most powerful lobby groups in the country?
Barrack Obama is also for change. Well, with one year’s experience in the US senate we should all ask, is that enough experience? I mean do you want a college freshman running the university?
All the Republican candidates have more experience than any of the Democrats.
That’s all except US Texas representative Ron Paul, who mirrors the Democrat’s US Ohio Representative David Kucinich. Both of those two should share the same room in the political psychiatric ward in some quiet corner of Montana.
Perhaps that’s why Europeans are both fascinated and appalled by our political debates seen worldwide. No wonder respect for America is in the tank.

Letter to Yenta 12/23/07
Hooray for Georganne’s posting. Hooray for Greg from Variete spreading the holiday spirit. Hooray for Dennis & John for suggesting a positive idea for next year!
I have to believe there are enough creative people in New Hope to make this happen if you start planning now.
I hope many of you will participate. If you can’t get the township to cooperate then show them how it’s done and run press releases in every media unit in this area calling people to come out and see what the business owners and residents of New Hope did together in 2008. Show them how it is done. Start planning now.
Don’t burn out. Don’t get discouraged. You can do this. Some will pull more weight than others. If you are tenacious your attitude will be contagious.
Be original. Be creative. Be the New Hope we used to know.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world: Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has” -Margaret Mead
Best wishes in 2008. ~S

Letter to Yenta 12/23/07
Reply to Dennis and John. You set forth a problem about the Xmas decorations in New Hope and then a solution. I hope some of our terrific, creative people will take you up on this. You will have much support.

Letter to Yenta 12/21/07
Greetings everyone and Happy Holidays!!
We have to agree with prior sentiments about the lack of holiday decorations/spirit in town. You would think that will all the talented people in our area that New Hope could be decorated so much nicer! We are not sure what the budget is for the holiday decorations, but come on, we can do much better. We envision a New Hope in Victorian decoration with the corner of Main and Bridge Streets decorated to the hilt welcoming everyone to New Hope and the holiday season. This may be just a dream/fantasy, but it would look awesome. Hey, here's a thought, we would be interested in forming a holiday decorating committee for next years season and coordinate the kind of decorating New Hope, it's residents and visitors deserve! Unless we are going to fight an uphill battle with the local officials/council, we are up for the challenge. Anyone interested? We would be interested if anyone has suggestions on how to start the process to ensure a very festive New Hope for the 2008 holiday season. We hope we are not being naive with this idea, but let's give it a try!
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all!
-Dennis and John :o)

Letter to Yenta 12/18/07
I THINK we're getting free parking for the holidays??!! Better late than never??

Letter to Yenta 12/13/07
I read the entry by "Old Yeller" that is dated 11/30/07. When I first read the entry I was angered by it and his condescending tones, when he mentions their service to their country. I have no problem with his mention of their alleged business practices, but to use their service record that is without question inexcusable. These men served their country with courage and honor, who are you to make light of their service. As you say in your article that a lot of finger pointing will done by everyone, so they can blame it on someone else, you are the one who seems to be doing the finger pointing . You are blaming the American Legion. You say they should be ashamed of themselves for doing this. Did you ever serve in the Armed Forces? My guess would be "No", because if you
had you would never have made the comments that you made. You even failed to have the courage to sign your name at the bottom. I served in the Marine Corp for 6 years, part of which during Desert Storm, and to bad mouth anyone in the service past, present, or future during these times is something that you yourself should be truly ashamed of. From what I was able to see first hand from the canal boat was that ticket sales were way down and for the most part the Canalboat Ride Concessionaire operated in the red, most of the time. -Rich Joyner

Letter to Yenta 12/12/07
So true about the decorations in town. Many of the merchants have done a fine job, but the town itself? Bah, humbug. Those shabby wreaths were a disgrace when they were first put up over a decade ago. They haven't improved with age. In fact, they should be junked this year.
Come on, boro council, let's show some holiday spirit. Maybe some money can be diverted from the water hole next to the mayor's house for next year's decorations. And remember, the December holiday season includes both Christmas and Hannukah.
-TMP

Letter to Yenta 12/11/07
Where is New Hope's Christmas spirit? What a dismal Christmas display! I'm not talking about the merchants who have decorated their stores; I'm talking about the town government. Are decrepit little wreaths with burned out bulbs on a few telephone poles the best you can do?
Look at Lambertville, Frenchtown, even little Stockton. They have done a far better job than you.
With all the money coming in from developers, surely you can do better. Shame on you! -lg

Letter to Yenta 12/04/07
Hi Yenta,
There is a parking initiative being proposed by Boro Council and which has been circulated by The Chamber to it's membership only. Council, as we have been told many times BEFORE, deems only the Chamber both the ears and voice of the business community. Woefully wrong, that is like telling a black man or woman that their concerns would only be heard if they were a member of the NAACP, or that a woman's concern would only be heard if she were a member of NOW. THIS APPROACH BY COUNCIL IS WRONG AND DISCRIMINATORY TO NON CHAMBER MEMBERS IN THAT THEY HAVE NO TROUBLE COLLECTING A BUSINESS TAX FROM EVERYONE!

In a nutshell, the proposal, which is a hollow one, would allow free weekday parking to residents only between the hours of 10:00 and 3:00. I do not believe that any business people or residents other than council members were canvassed in anyway. This proposal, as I understand it, IS THE REASON WHY COUNCIL ASKED THE CHAMBER TO NOT REQUEST FREE HOLIDAY PARKING. What one has to do with the other is not clear, especially when one considers that that this scheme will not be in place for resident's holiday shopping and that resident's will have to pay a small fee for the privilege. One need only look at the success of the last scheme which allowed free weekday parking from 10:00-12:00 for residents, for which less than twenty residents bought the $10.00 permit, to know that this new proposal is also useless.

Classic politics, circulate a motion when most people are too busy to note, or respond to, it.

I urge all residents who believe in downtown and all whose livelihood is dependent upon same to express yourselves in writing or phone calls to Boro Manager John Burke and Council President Richard Hirshfield, email them at NewHopeBorough@comcast.net TELL THEM THAT THIS SCHEME IS A WASTE OF TIME AND AN INSULT TO ALL OF OUR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS, TELL THEM TO SPEND THEIR TIME ON SCHEMES WHICH WILL OFFER SOME RELIEF TO EVERYONE THAT MAKES AN ATTEMPT TO PARK IN THIS TOWN. TELL THEM TO ROLL BACK ALL PARKING UNTIL 6:00 PM AND TO ASSESS RESTAURANTS AND BARS WITH A SPECIFIC LIQUOR OR LIQUOR LICENSE TAX WHICH IS LEGAL AND WILL HOLD UP TO OPPOSITION. TELL THEM TO FIGURE OUT A SOLUTION TO A PROBLEM WHICH THEY HAVE HELPED TO CREATE AND PERPETUATE. TELL THEM TO HELP REPAIR NEW HOPE'S REPUTATION AS AN UNFRIENDLY TO EVERYONE DESTINATION. Ask them for an accounting of the $131,000.00 which they collect in business taxes and yet can only point to the maintainace of the Visitor's Center as a benefit to you of those taxes.This proposal is discriminatory, in that it does not provide free and equal access to all publicly apportioned spaces, this proposal could be challenged in court by any non-resident at great expense to the boro, ultimately you!

CHAMBER MEMBER OR NOT MAKE YOUR VOICES BE HEARD, Tell them that even this something is NOT not better than nothing! Tell them to canvass the entire business community and not just the Chamber leadership. Tell them that you are fired up and will not take anymore! The next boro council meeting is Wednesday, December 19th. 7:30, New Hope-Solebury School cafeteria.

The New Hope Observor

P.S. Why would you let yourselves be represented to the public by a group that could not purchase the correct lights for a Christmas Tree, a group that would knowingly host a lighting ceremony for a tree which they knew would not light.

Hasn't the entire New Hope community suffered enough embarassment at the ineptitude of it's social, cultural and business leaders? Is this the way to run an airline? UNITE AND REVOLT!

Letter to Yenta 11/30/07
Hi All, Just wanted to share some holiday cheer... Earlier this week Greg from the now closed Variete stopped in my store. At the time the only holiday decorations I had in my store were a string of lights outside my store that my neighbor from the candy store put up. Honestly I was in no mood to put up decorations. I have had a number of personal issues this year that have put a drain on me and lets face it business is down. Pretty much a big Bah Hum Bug was all I was willing to give. Greg twisted my arm (just a little), paid for Christmas garland out of his own pocket and spent 3 days totally transforming my store. Basically he did a lot more-just can't name it all. Greg has really put himself out there-yes in his letters to the yenta-and at various meetings. He has also done a lot of good (canvassing the town fund raising for the bell auction). I'd just like to thank him publicly and also say maybe we could all use some constructive ad vise from our neighbors, maybe we should look out for each other a little more and think of ourselves as neighbors not competitors. Greg stopped in just to say Hi and ended up staying around for 3 days. To that I'd like to say a big Thank You and a Very Merry Christmas!
-Georgeanne - Primadonna's Closet

Letter to Yenta 11/30/07
Dear New Hopeians, ( Liechtenstein )
Well it appears the local media was yet again been scooped by the The Morning Call in their November 18th issue The article is entitled .....“A Last hope in New Hope’ Deal to keep barge ride open falls through. Now its’ odds are 50- 50......“
Yes folks you read correctly the odds of the “Barge Ride” or as I like to say canalboats, continuing in New Hope are as good as going to Atlantic City, New Jersey, putting 10 dollars down on red or black on a roulette table. Then waiting for the wheel to stop and a little white ball let you know if you are a winner or a looser, 50 -50.
Let me give you some background information.
The Canalboat ride in New Hope only exists because of partnership between three groups ( people.) The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCNR who maintain and manage the 60 mile Delaware Canal State Park. The Canalboat Ride Concessionaire who runs the canalboat ride for 6 months and the parking lot in the off season for an additional 6 months. The American Legion, that owns the land that the parking lot and public restrooms in New Hope, where the canalboat company office is located, at Lock # 11.
The revenue generated by the parking lot is essential to the Canalboat Concessionaire to cover the fact the canalboat ride is only open 6 months and the operating costs and weather can sometimes be detrimental to the bottom line. So any additional revenue from the parking lot , helps balance out fluctuating incomes. In other words, the parking lot is 50 percent of the canalboat business revenue.
In order for the concessionaire to be able to operate , the two other parities have to come to an agreement. The DCNR needs to establish a rental agreement with the American Legion for the use of the parking lot/ bathroom. Then the DCNR assigns a contract to the Canalboat Ride Concessionaire for a period of time.
Now the current contracts and agreements expire on December 31st 2007 at 11:59 PM , a fact both parties are aware of.
So let’s see what has been happening. The DCNR and the crack staff of over paid bureaucrats have know for 10 years, the length of the current contract, when the bomb will explode. But instead of being proactive, getting agreements in place over the last 18 months, year or even 6 months etc. These people have dilly dallied until the last two months. In September the DCNR advertised a bid for a new canalboat ride concessionaire who’s contract would start on January 1 2008. Ok bid (s) come in and three days before they are to open the bid (s) , October 31st , some bright civil servant realizes they haven’t crossed all the “T” and dotted all the “i” So the bidding is cancelled and the bid(s) are sent back.
So what’s the problem. Whoops the DCNR never signed that agreement with the American Legion.. but wait it gets better. American Legion people, your fellow Citizens/ Neighbors have hit the DCNR with a list of last minute unrealistic demands regarding the parking lot up keep. Now, though I feel all the things that the Legion what’s the DCNR to do in New Hope are great, and need to be done. The Legion people seem to be missing one crucial point The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania can not use your tax dollars to directly benefit and/or enhance private property.
Or is this just a case by the American Legion of making demands that they know can not be met, in order to sabotage the whole working relationship.
And at the eleventh hour at the last second when the whole deal blows-up and the canalboat ride in New Hope is closed permanently, due to incompetence and greed I am sure there will be a lot of finger pointing going around as to who was to blame. ” It wasn’t my fault ”.........says the American Legion people. “ Oh it wasn’t my fault ” .......says the DCNR representatives. Rest assured, no one involved will be looking in a mirror when they make these statements.
With the purposed rental agreements for the two parking lots that they own. The American Legion people stood to gross over one million dollars in ten years. So what do they plan on doing with this money. What improvements do they have planned for their building or their property ? How do they plan to benefit the residents and community that they live in.
Oh that’s right kill the canalboat ride , your welcome New Hope.
So I ask, why did these honorable men go to war ?. Why did they risk there lives for this country ? I would think it was because they are proud to be an American. That they have great love for this county. They survived their war. They came back and join a group of like minded veterans, the organization of American Veterans. They did all of this so that in the twilight years of their lives, they got to deny this generation and generations to come of something so much part of American History , the history of canals.
They should be ashamed of themselves.
Back in 1953, a man by the name of Pete Piscusso (sp) started the New Hope canalboat rides one Summer to earn a little money.
Here it is 54 years later, just think of all the people who live in this area who have worked on the canalboat ride during the last 54 years. Maybe you yourself spent a Summer Season “ Down On The Canal”
Think of all the people who in 54 years have taken the canalboat ride and gotten a taste what life was like back in the 1830’s when canals helped the beginning of a great Commonwealth, forge a greater nation.
In 54 years think of all the people who have come to Bucks County , to New Hope, because there are only about a dozen or so historic canalboat rides in all of the United States. The entire State of Pennsylvania. only has two canalboat rides for visitors to enjoy.
Now all of this could be gone because “grumpy old men” and incompetence bureaucrats screwed the whole thing up when we turned our eyes away, for just a second.
Think of all the things that will happen when the canalboat ride in New Hope disappears.
* The current canalboats are sold off for scrap, no ride, no reason to keep them.
* The mules are sold off since there is no longer a ride, no need to keep them. 4 less animals eating local farmers hay, using local veterinary services, local feed mills etc.
* Local stores are no longer selling supplies, office paper, food, tools etc to the local business.
* The 15 or so people who would work an average season no longer have jobs.
* The local advertiser losses another customer.
* Local ad agencies losses another business for graphic or web design.
* New Hope losses more Summer visitors.
* New Hope stores loose additional business revenue.
* Less visitors means less revenue for the town.
* Less revenue means less police or city maintenance people needed.
Less, less less.
The comments that the Executive Director of The Friends of the Delaware Canal made in the Morning Call article really make me wonder.
“ If you did lose it for a period of time, “ Szafran said “ I would hope it would be for just a period of time and there would be some concrete plan of action to bring it back. “
From these comments it would appear The Friends are not interceding in any exemplary way to mediate this crisis. Mr. Szafran’s comments are so bland he might as well be referring to losing the local shoe shine store or apple&orange cart. Hard to imagine this individual has a clue as to how important the canalboat ride truly is to New Hope, Bucks County or Pennsylvania history and tourism. Even though the ride occurs just outside of his office window six months out of the year. His concern for the Delaware Canal and its’ history are so wishy-washy. Sounds like another bureaucrat who will be getting his paycheck on Friday, no matter what happens to the Delaware Canal and the canalboat ride.
Does anyone truly care ?
And after the Canalboat Company is gone what “ concrete plan of action “ .. will occur ? Who would come into New Hope in 1, 2, 4 or more years with enough money and start from scratch ? Run a business that is so specialized, build new canalboats, purchase new mules etc. For a business that generates revenue for only 6 months. Who will spend that kind of money ?
So many people lose , so much will be lost.
But remember this, the bureaucrat (s) still have their jobs, they still get a paycheck on Friday no matter what they do. And The Legion still gets its’ million when the canalboat ride is gone.
But what does New Hope get ? ........yea I know.................times 2.

Signed, “Old Yeller"

Letter to Yenta 11/28/07
Yenta - The New Hope - Lambertville Winter Festival is back in 2008! Help us spread the word.
Make plans now to visit New Hope & Lambertville on the weekend of January 23 through the 27th for Winter Festival 2008. We will once again be hosting a fun-filled weekend with all of our popular events.
This year, the festival starts Wednesday night with the tapping of a keg of Winter Fest beer. On Thursday night enjoy local wines and food at our “Twin Town Tasting”. Join us Friday evening for a concert by Lori McKenna (www.lorimckenna.com). Over the weekend, come to see: our parade featuring the Philadelphia Mummers; take historical walking tours of New Hope and Lambertville; visit the historical Parry Mansion & Marshall house; watch the ice carvers create works of art from chunks of ice; tour local B&B’s; and see a series of performances. On Saturday have a feast at the Beef ‘n Brew and help us close out Winter Festival on Sunday with our most popular event -- The Chili Cook-off. Get your tickets to this event early as it always sells out.
Be sure to visit our website at www.winterfestival.net for complete information on this year’s Winter Festival and to buy tickets online (Winter Festival tickets make great holiday gifts!). The Winter Festival is a non-profit event, and all proceeds from these events go to local charities. We look forward to seeing you in our towns in January.
-The 2008 Winter Festival Committee

Letter to Yenta 11/26/07
Well here we go again this season. No matter, I will park in L-ville like I did last year and do my shopping in New Hope. Ya just can't depend on anybody any more. Same old same old.. -The Old Beatnik

Letter to Yenta 11/25/07
The Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce did it right this time.  Santa and his wife (and child) arrived on time.  The weather cooperated and many thanks to those supplying the cookies, cider, coffee and roasted chestnuts.  So the tree lights weren’t quite right – but that happens to all of us.  Merry Christmas.

Letter to Yenta 11/23/07
Does anyone know what has happened to Bob Egan's Cosmopolitan club at the New Hope Inn? We were there on the opening weekend in July and thought the place looked great and would be a much needed asset to the New Hope entertainment scene. I was shocked to hear that it had suddenly closed.

Letter to Yenta 11/22/07
Christmas parking history in a nutshell: It used to be free, all parking was free a long time ago, before the Borough illegally metered Route 32 (Main Street) and the rest of town. But meters eventually came. The Borough would stop collecting parking fees from Thanksgiving until Christmas, every day. Merchants would request it, and would pay for and manage the bags to put over the meters. In recent years, as Borough Council has turned New Hope into a parking-based economy, taxing visitors more and more in its quest for real estate and bigger police budgets, the Chamber of Commerce President would appear before Borough Council by the October meeting to "request" relief from parking fees during the holidays. Two things happened to stop this: Council realized that the business community lacked unity and whittled the "free" period down to two weeks and ultimately without weekends! And the Chamber lost any power or credibility as the largest Main Street businesses pulled out and left it to the Union Square crowd. Two years ago, the Chamber President, despite repeated urgings, decided not to request Christmas parking relief, and was nearly thrown out of office by angry merchants rebelling for free elections and better communication. Last year, the leader of an independent business alliance embarrassed the current and former Chamber presidents into requesting holiday parking, who then made a half-hearted, disastrous attempt that ended in Council not allowing free holiday parking on weekends for lack of a mythical $25,000 budget shortfall. Of course the "water feature" alone in the park being built next to the mayor's house costs more than $32,000 according to records, but then again under Mr. Hirschfield's leadership, business in New Hope has been decimated and replaced by a meter-and-ticket police economy. There will be no free holiday parking this year, no free elections for President of our Chamber of Commerce, and tourists this holiday will continue migrating to well-decorated, friendly towns where they can park without being ripped off. -- Uncle Charlie

Letter to Yenta 11/21/07
As far as i know and I may be wrong, the free parking for the holiday season has always depended upon a group of people paying the amount neccessary to have the free parking to boro. It usually was the Chamber and when they didnt have enough money to pay boro to bag the meters the chamber people went around and asked for donations on the spot and got it done. When they slacked there was always another group ready to pitch in (Oh how I miss the Independant Merchants of New Hope...sigh) and they got it done. So the boro as far as i can remember anyway has nothing to do with it even tho it would be REAL nice if they stepped in and offered to bag the meters this year... but that would then be the residents that pay property tax actually paying for parking for the shoppers.When would that happen??!! So its always been up to the merchants and if youre not happy, its the chambers fault and the fact that there is no opposition group to the chamber which is what New Hope has always had and thats how things got done. Oh well ! I wonder what this new group that no body ever hears from but is on boro's payroll is doing? Isnt there some sort of town organization group, the one that did SO much for towns like Bristol managing the town? And thats tax payers money along with all those nice grants.... C rom MII

Letter to Yenta 11/20/07
There will be no free holiday parking during the upcoming holiday season, allegedly the boro is working on a new parking scheme and they did not wish to address the issue at this time. Another lost opportunity and frankly I do not see what one issue has to do with the other.
The tree will be lit on Saturday night November 24th, the festivities begin at 5:00 outside The Logan Inn.

Letter to Yenta 11/20/07
I have a solution to the financial woes of some New Hope merchants...Perhaps it's time for another Biker Weekend! Many merchants feel that bikers are a staple of the New Hope economy. After Biketoberfest, I read a Letter to the Editor from a biker who came to Biketoberfest with $1,000 in cash burning a hole in his pocket.
However, his spending spree was quickly squelched when he was pulled over and ticketed for the illegal noise level emitting from his motorcycle. He said he had been coming to New Hope for 10 years and never knew about the ordinance. He was very upset and left New Hope without spending all of his money. Here's a thought, maybe the bikers could actually drive their cars to New Hope in the cold weather! They wouldn't have to worry about breaking the noise ordinance law and could spend all the money they want. Now that would be the day...
-Bugged Out

Letter to Yenta 11/17/07
To my recollection, there was no mention of bagging the parking meters for the holidays.  Nor did anyone from the Chamber of Commerce make a request for it at the recent Council meeting. Hope someone can make it happen before it's too late!
As far as Dunkin' Donuts getting conditional approval to have a store on Main and Bridge Streets, there is one small consolation:  at least we'll now have a guaranteed police presence downtown!

Keep smiling! -An ol' local yokel

Letter to Yenta 11/15/07
Does anyone know if the chamber of commerce got the free holiday parking at last nights borough council meeting? We were not able to go so I am hoping that someone can answer the question. We realize that the free parking is some kind of incentive to come to town during the week. After all, Peddler's Village has free parking all year long and Lambertville has 2 weeks of free parking before Christmas. I only hope that we are getting the free parking this year because business is bad all over town. If the chamber needs volunteers to help with the meters and bags, they should announce it on the Yenta. I will help along with a lot of other business owners. Free parking always starts right after Thanksgiving and the holiday is a week away. If anyone knows the answer to this question, please post it on the Yenta. By the way, will there be a tree lighting ceremony this year? If so, when and what time. -Hanging by a Thread

The Yenta Column 11/14/07
Well the election has once again come and gone…New Hope elected the incumbents,
again, but this time not with the mandate that they have previously had. A real challenge
was mounted by the Republicans in the persons of Bob Gerenser, Steve Benson and
Howard Cooperman. Had only 75- 100 voters changed their votes, it would have been
a toss up as to the results. Hopefully, the message of inclusion and openness in the
process has been sent.

Solebury also got the same message. Although there were no incumbents, the Republicans, who have totally controlled Solebury for over 50 years with only one
Democrat having held elected office in that time, lost 4 of 6 open slots… hardly a
mandate. Looks like the winds of change are blowing in Solebury….stay tuned!

But on to more exciting events! One individual in the New Hope-Solebury community
has taken up the charge to raise the funds to purchase the only full size replica, cast from
the original mold at the foundry in England, of the Liberty Bell. This bell was
commissioned by Mr. Pizak, founder of Mrs Pauls frozen food for the Liberty Foundation and the Bicentennial Celebration. It is now to be auctioned of this Sunday, November 18th, at Freeman’s Auction Gallery. The estimated sale price is somewhere between $20K and $30K. The goal is 400 donors of $100 each. Already there is $15000 raised. With two days to the auction your help is needed. Just give Greg a call at
215-862-4887 to make your pledge. You can also email him at variete34@aol.com

This is an opportunity to give all of the members of the town a rallying point…
liberty and freedom is often minimized and sidelined as “not cool”…well, it is the
basis of all we have and all we profess to believe in. What better symbol to have in
our town than the Liberty Bell. This town played an integral role in the formation of
our nation…join in honoring that past, and in pledging to support its ideals as we
go forward. -The Yenta

Letter to Yenta 11/13/07
As a business owner in New Hope, I have not always agreed on many of the issues of the Chamber of Commerce or that of council. I will say that every year that the Chamber bags the parking meters in town, it does make a difference for the business owners. We are located between two communities that offer free parking. Peddler's Village offers free parking all year round and Lambertville always offers free parking for two full weeks prior to Christmas. I was surprised that last month a request was not made for the free parking. I only hope that the request will be made at the next council meeting (tomorrow night). The business community (other than restaurants & bars) are really suffering and I hope the chamber realizes it. After all if they are to spear head commerce in New Hope they should take on those individuals that can make a difference for the businesses. -hanging on by a thread

Letter to Yenta 10/31/07
To: Don Epps:
Just because people make an observation and then make a statement does not mean that anyone, as you suggest they are in your commentary, is attacking the police departmentt. Many of us, in many walks of life are in thankless jobs which no one else might want to do, that does not mean. however, that we do not do our jobs well. In the case of public servants that are unresponsive to the needs of those which they have sworn to protect and serve; what is wrong with pointing out what should only be construed as constructive criticism?
Additionally, I am so pleased that you are willing to pay more in taxes for a new facility. There are some among us that either cannot nor do we care to pay additional taxes whose purposes are to serve the comfort levels of our civil servants. I think that what you fail to see or have failed to comment on is the already escalating price tag that is accompanying the new Boro Hall. At the council meeting where the measure to purchase the property was ratified we were told that the cost would be $72.00 per tax parcel for ten years. Yet, without a nail being hammered the new estimate is $85.00, an increase of 15% plus. We were also told that the current property was appraised at $1.5 million and could be SOLD for same with the proceeds to cover the costs associated with renovation, furnishings and finishes. Now we are told that the property must be disposed of via the statutes of the PA Borough Code which places the property at the mercy of an AUCTION, sold to the highest bidder. Where will the shortfall come from and why weren't these things known and explained at the time the proposal to purchase was put before the public? How is the public supposed to comment either favorably or unfavorably on an initiative when all the facts are not honestly presented so that a genuine discussion may ensue?
If we really want to make a change and correct the way that the rights of the citizenry are being trampled on the national level, it can begin in our own backyard. Changes should be discussed rationally with all the facts presented and without rancor among neighbors and friends who profess to respect diversity, which in and of itself is only thought.
-From: An observor of the human condition

Letter to Yenta 10/28/07
Come on - there's a major problem with motorcycle noise all up and down River Road, and it's been going on for years. To live on or near River Road and not acknowlege this is to say either you're an alien with no ears or you're a merchant that makes money from the motorcycle crowd.

Letter to Yenta 10/27/07
Greg, you closed Variete too soon. In the November issue of Cottage Living they have a great article about our area of Bucks County. New Hope is mentioned as a fun place to visit and a number of our attractions are listed. Listed as a place to buy gourmet picnic supplies is none other than Variete.

Letter to Yenta 10/27/07
People are still complaining about the loud motorcycles and the lack of enforcement. They also complain about people speeding, DUI's, and the amount of gravel trucks that drive through town. One local citizen went to a council meeting and said that 600 gravel trucks drive through town everyday. No, that is not a typo (SIX HUNDRED). I did the math and that equals one gravel truck every 2.4 minutes. Being a resident of New Hope, I know that number of gravel trucks is HIGHLY exaggerated. He also claimed that he sat in front of his house and counted them for at least 9 hours. If people are going to complain about something, be honest, please do not inflate the numbers to make your case. You waste a lot of other peoples time, and only lose your credibilty. Now we go on to the other issues. It seems that people forget that we have the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. T he police need something in order to stop you for which ever crime you may have committed. It is called probable cause. Just because it sounds loud does not mean that the pipes on said motorcycle are illegal, it also seems to be apparant that in the court of public opinion that a large portion of them are drunk when they leave town as well. There is specific case law on the books that controls what is considered probable cause to stop someone for DUI or anything else. Does anyone out there realize that since the local police in Pa cannot use radar, they must give a person a 10 mile an hour leeway. If the speed limit is 25, you must be doing at least 35 before they can ticket you. If you are arrested for DUI and they give you a breath test, it is the lower number they are allowed to use. So if you blow a .08 on the first test and a .07 on the second. Guess what, you do not get arrested for DUI. There has been a huge reduction in the amount of motor cyclists revving their engines in town, has anyone even noticed that? The answer is NO, because most people will nto be happy until all the motorcyclists are chased out of town. Now people are also starting to complain about the new Boro offices and police station. Do they not deserve a modern facility to work out of? They have a very difficult job to do and I feel they deserve the best. When you see them walking around town, or arresting someone for DUI, or giving them a ticket for what you feel is a motorcycle with illegal pipes you will wave and smile and say Hi, and think to yourself how nice it is to see them out doing their job. However, when they pull you over for rolling through a stop sign, speeding, or they come to your house and tell you that they arrested your kids for under-age drinking, now all of a sudden they are the enemy. They should be out arresting real criminals and not you or your fam ily. Recently I saw on the news that another college student died form a drug and alcohol overdose. Do you know who I blame for that, the parents, they are the ones who when their kids get arrested for it, they go out and hire an attorney for their kids to fight the citation. The reason why, is so that they don't lose their drivers license and their insurance rates do not go up. A friend of mine is a police officer in New York. He was recently telling me about an under-age drinking party that they had raided. He told me that most of the parents were arguing with him when they came to pick up their kids. How do you know my son/daughter was drinking? You say you tested my 14 year old son and he came up at a .03 blood level. Well, that is not that high. Forget the fact that the kid is only 14. Anyone who has been to the police station knows how small it is. Give them the room they need to do their job as eff ectively as possible. If I only have to pay another roughly 80 dollars a year to give them that I will gladly pay it. Quit attacking the police and thank them for doing a difficult job, that none of you would be willing to do. -Don Epps

Letter to Yenta 10/25/07
The discussions on your pages recently have addressed a number of problems in our formerly happy little Borough. It would appear that this is the season of our discontent. Why? Collectively the town has been under a great deal of stress from endless flooding to street projects and bridge closings. There have been culture clashes over the "Bike Fest" weekend, national franchises in the downtown and the dilemma of developer disaster. Cries of despair from the local businesses over the dwindling number of patrons and shattered bottom lines have gone unnoticed by those in charge. Borough Council fiddles with social engineering while New Hope burns.

There is an answer to these problems. There is an election looming on the horizon. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. To put it another way, " yea shall know the tree by the fruit it bears". If you want different fruit then sanely go to a different tree.

I am running for New Hope Borough Council. I am conducting a radically different campaign. The usual method to try and get the votes of the electorate is to run down your opponents. I won't do that. They have done good things as well as bad things. The incumbents are good people, and they mean well. It isn't that they are not listening, it is that our voices have become too weak to be heard. It is now time to find another direction from which their policies are leading the town. To achieve that goal there must be a change from the incumbents now seeking reelection. Vote loudly and I will speak on your behalf.

The day after the election I intend to be neighbors with the Democrat candidates regardless of the outcome of this election. This is a small town and we must work together. At the next Council meeting after the election I will be in the Council Chamber as always. I will either be in front of the table or behind it. I hope your vote will put me behind the table so that I can find a New Direction for our beloved New Hope.

Please vote for me and the other people running for Council opposing the incumbents. You will find us on the Republican ballot. This is the first Republican challenge in six years.

I pledge that I will work to preserve and protect our sacred Historic structures from destruction. I will strike the provisions of the International Building code adopted by the Borough and sanctioned by the UN that allows warrant-less entry into your home. I will work to relieve the business district from the endless maze of red-tape and uneven code enforcement. I want to get government out of your house, your business and your car. In short, I will work to return our unique and beloved town to a happier and more prosperous time.

I do have specific ideas and you know I am qualified. I will post more later this week. If you would like a campaign sign please call me at 215-862-2050 and I will bring you one..

Bob Gerenser, Candidate for Borough Council Lever 19B

Letter to Yenta 10/21/07
Hey, I'm thinking about opening up a White Castle in the vacant store-front next to Esca's. Anyone want to go in halfsies with me? Ignorant Bob.

Letter to Yenta 10/15/07
The missive from the letter writer of 10/14 is a real life, real time example of the diversity of thought which is not present in New Hope. Letter writer, if you are a merchant you might have invited Cranky Dave to your shop and explained your position, rather than being insolent and rude. The treatment which you gave to Dave here suggests your lack of understanding about the long term effects of same and the impression which it will give to other people which view this site. Rather than entice Dave and his ilk, of which I am, back, you choose the path of least effort, you dismiss him and then marginalize his opinion and observations. His opinion was the result of a survey of one. What are you afraid of? How very much the mark of an enlightened thinker!
I think that you fail to see that what Cranky Dave, correct me if I am wrong Dave, was saying; that he has supported many of the establishments in town on a regular basis and in some cases neither recieves a hello or a thank you for being loyal, gets to, on this particular day sit at the back of the bus. That merchants, whether sponsored by the Chamber or not, could think that this was a way to win friends and influence people is laughable, particularly with all of the lamenting which has gone on both here and in the local print media. To have staged this kind of an event in light of the public commentary is insensitive and insensible. Accepting diversity means that you cater to all people of any stripe at all times, diversity means that you hadn't even noticed that people are different. Diversity, and the acceptance of same means that you treat everyone as you would like to be treated.
Get off it new Hopians, you think that you are all so special and that your town is so unique. From what I have observed you are a town still seeking an identifiable denominator upon which to hang your missing artist smocks.. You pat yourselves on the back for seeming diversity and for just doing what is intrinsically correct. You take your hats off to political correctness and blatantly disregard the everyday courtesies and correctnesss of polite societies which you should be extending to all your guests. You are no longer vital, you are no longer vibrant and you are no longer the arts center which you like to claim that you are. From where I sit you have become a town without a mission, a direction or a plan. You are a town without any identifiable partnerships between the public and private sector. From what I read you are a town fathered and mothered by a council which is neither dynamic or visionary. Remember, please, that all fish, whether they be in large or small ponds all rot from the head, and that fish does not rot in a day, it takes time, but that it does eventually rot and that dismissive missives like yours are the smell!
Yet, letter writer, I can sympathize with you for it is clear that you and your town lack the creative civic, business and cultural leadership required to restore New Hope to any part of it's former self . What New Hope fails to recognize is that New Hope has always catered to the fringe elements within the culture. Only this time your catering has made your town grotesque. New Hope never had a heyday, New Hope was never wildly prosperous in a sustainable way. New Hope and it's history are being rewritten by revisionist historians and being accepted by a segment of your poplulation which, because they don't know their history, believe it. It is being accepted because there is no anger and there is no passion , both of which will be exhibited, I am sure, on election day.
Incidentally, local police, state police, the Buck's County Sheriff and I suppose the constable were all on hand to welcome bikers, four wheeled tourists and residents alike, is that any way to welcome your guests and be accepting of their diversities ? -SJ's Sister

Letter to Yenta 10/15/07
Cranky Dave,
Have you ever thought of trying a place called North Main? What is wrong with you people? Do you not realize that New Hope consists of 4 BLOCKS?? Lets see what you've been missing if you turn LEFT at the light: The Landing Restaurant, Mother's Restaurant, The Blue Tortilla Restaurant, Porches B&B, New Hope Leather, Burch and Jones Jewelers, Ferry Hill, Gargoyles,
Sofio, Topeo South, Ed Adams Gallery, Diana Micheles Jeweler, Not Too Shabby, New Ceramic place, Topeo, Little Girl's show, The Trading Post, Made In Italy, Hello Gorgeous, The Piquel Gallery, Town Hall and the Police. Now that's not mentioning the other 10 or more establishments on Bridge St! So maybe you might want to take a walk around the REST of town before you head over the bridge and see what's not over run by the bikers. If that's the only reason you wont be going to South Main any more.

Letter to Yenta 10/14/07
Goodby, Cranky Dave. Does this mean you won't be writing your errorfilled vindictives any more to the Yenta?
I always have trouble following your logic. Let's see. You don't like the fact that some merchants chose to give discounts to certain of their customers, so you will retaliate by not patronizing the other merchants that were not involved.
You don't like the Biketoberfest event developed by certain merchants, so you criticize the Chamber which did not sponsor it.
Well, goodby, Cranky Dave. Hopefully your space will be filled by someone who knows what they are talking about.

Letter to Yenta 10/13/07
Just a note to respond to the 2 people who cared enough to respond.
The problem was Saturday night, with the shewing away of the people and the road was not re opened until Sunday night.
I know Sharron is not going to help next year! Thats why I asked her to dummy proof what she has so nicely done for future organizers! God help whoever steps up!
C from MII

Letter to Yenta 10/09/07
I remember traveling through the Upper Penninsula of Michigan once and seeing sign after roadside sign advertising the "Mystery Spot." After a while, I just had to go there. It's a place where rivers run upstream and the laws of nature don't apply. Kind of reminds me of this Canal Street project over here on West Mechanic Street, where the laws also don't always seem to apply. Say you're a worker there...want to cut that piece of material? Just set up a table in the middle of the street, block traffic, generate clouds of unabated dust and noise, take a break, leave the saw plugged in and unattended, leave unfenced trenches, debris, heck, work on the weekends if you want! Mechanic Street residents were promised by the Borough that the sidewalks would remain open, but they've been closed for months and months, and last week the builders caved in and destroyed much of the historic sidewalk near the bridge. Forget about enforcing ordinances because borough council desperately wants the $200,000 paycheck they're supposed to get from the builder, but haven't, because the builder needs a delay. Out of 20 units, only one has sold best I can tell, and there might be small deposits and one or two more (correct me if I'm wrong, George). That means the Borough won't see that money any time soon, which means the new one-entrance, water-feature park next to the Mayor's house will stay an empty lot with a giant rusting multiport hay-nanny sitting on it. But how will the Gods of New Hope pay for their new borough hall at the former Saint Martins Church on the mount? They will charge all of us $72 a year more in taxes so they can have larger, more luxurious offices. Do they deserve it? Clearly not. This "unity team" of 1999 and beyond is devoid of vision, heart and courage. They care not about the local economy, they're turning New Hope into their Pleasantville bedroom. Parking lots are being eliminated, tourists harassed, and "jobs" is a four-letter word to this collection of retirees and professionals. The loudest noise in New Hope doesn't come from bikers, it comes from builders...let's ask the police to turn their sound guns toward Canal Street..sound levels often are earsplitting...and see if Borough Council will issue tickets to their friends and benefactors the Big Developers, or simply continue to harass our visitors and make the town more and more unfriendly. It's not just about how many skull rings a store might be able to sell to the bikers or how many bags of caramel corn are moved at the "craft" show, it's about keeping New Hope a place where people are free to be themselves. -- Uncle Charlie

Letter to Yenta 10/08/07
Man thanks alot for the OVERWHELMING feedback on the artshow question
c from mii

Letter to Yenta 10/08/07
To c from MII:
Keep in mind that north Main Street is a state highway and the permission to temporarily close that road was for a specific time period. The police were correct in requiring everyone to vacate the street so it could be reopened.
Whether or not they were "over zealous" may depend on one's point of view. Yes, it was beautiful weather and it might have been nice to keep the show going later, but an agreement is an agreement.

Letter to Yenta 10/08/07
Dear MII, I understand that Sharron is not doing the craft fair again. Maybe you could make it dummy proof next year.

Letter to Yenta 10/07/07
New Hope Poll Workers Needed
Poll workers are needed by the Bucks County Board of Election to work in New Hope on election day at the Eagle Fire Company hall. The election board pays $90 for a full day from 7 AM until the polls close at 8 PM. Half days shifts are also open. Poll workers sign in voters and operate the voting machines. Both Democrats and Republicans are needed.
If you know anyone who is interested, please have them contact Bert Johnson at 215-862-3596 home or 215-534- 4634 cell. Email to johnson797@comcast.net
Positions are open as several long time poll workers have retired this year. This is a great opportunity for new borough residents to meet their neighbors.

Joe Knox
Bucks County Democratic Committee-person

Letter to Yenta 10/04/07
Today I learned of the Biketoberfest on OCT 14 where the local merchants will be giving their beloved bikers discounts on beer and booze. No discounts for me, I guess I've spent too much money in town to qualify for a discount. This is the final straw for me. With the exception of a shop and a restaurant that are owned by friends I will not spend another dime in town. Sorry Landing, Triumph, Villa Vito, Logan, Karla’s, Taste of Cuba, and Mother Earth. I’ve been a regular and loyal patron of your establishments year-round for the last 10 years but I can no longer tolerate the lack of regard your Chamber shows to the locals. I will miss the great food, delightful beers, and fine cigars, but from here on out we’ll be eating our meals across the river away from the noise and stink of New Hope. Good bye and enjoy your bikers. Cranky Dave

Letter to Yenta 10/03/07
You tell 'em Cranky Dave!!! Once again, even police officers from other municipalities either can't read or have missed the point!! We don't hate bikers! However laws/ordinances are in place for a reason!! Obviously even as a police officer, New Hope Grown has strayed from the oath he has taken, to protect and serve the citizens/community who pay his salary! Maybe that's why he doesn't care about the laws/ordinances being enforced in New Hope!? We think he needs to spend more time to reflect on the oath his has taken and hang out once again at the cannon so we all have something to complain about, lol!! -Dennis and John :o)

Letter to Yenta 10/02/07
I think it would be good since its fresh on our minds to weigh in on the juried art/craft show that took place over the week-end. This would be a good time to express opinions, advice, critisise or praise this annual affair.
Answer some questions:
Do you think there were more people in town because of the show?
Where sales up because of this?
Where sales down because of this?
Should it have lasted longer on the saturday night?
My answers are yes, the town was packed!
For the amount of people we had a decent 2 days.
It was a problem on Saturday night when the police came thru a little over zelously at 6 oclock, when the street was packed, telling all to get out 'cause the "show was over" cars comin thru, hurry hurry, get out! What could have been a late night for us was truncated at six.
Otherwise it was finally a well organized and pretty decent show. Thank you Sharron! Make sure to make it dummy proof for next year!
-c from MII

Letter to Yenta 09/27/07
In response to New Hope grown's email, since we were made part of it, we have yet to see where these bikers, especially the one's with illegal pipes, "spend a lot of money" other than the normal watering holes??!! We have yet to see any bikers with purchases/packages/bags from the local merchants. Seems like only one or two establishments benefit from this so-called "spend a lot of money" be passed around by the bikers?
We agree, New Hope has become and now will always be a tourist town. What does that have to do with properly enforcing the laws and/or ordinances that are in place for noise, DUI/DWI and/or speeding for us residents?? You don't seem concerned about that! The fact that you are a police officer for another municipality should instill more values of protecting the citizens than the almighty dollar. Obviously that it not so in your case! We are glad to hear you are an officer for another city other than New Hope where you choose to live! What's that all about??!! Maybe you need to hang out at the cannon so we have something to complain about, give us a break! -Dennis and John :o)

Letter to Yenta 09/27/07
Someone has to tell “New Hope Grown” that the town wasn’t established in 1973. I’m sure there were people waxing poetic in the last century about the cock fights and the whores that took care of the canal boats, but that didn’t make them an asset to the town. What I find most troubling is that “Grown” is a law enforcement officer who doesn’t want to acknowledge there is a difference between legal bikes and the illegal ones. We do have laws on the books to project the majority of the population from the “obnoxious” jerks that travel through town. That fact that they drop a couple of bucks on beer and pizza does not grant them immunity from these laws. God help the town that you serve. -Cranky Dave

Letter to Yenta 09/23/07
Hello good people of New Hope, (Liechtenstein) .
What it has been almost a month and postings on the 'Yenta" site have been Spartan, what gives ? So much to discuss, other than "Dunkin Donuts". To that end let me get things going.
After the Interstate 35W bridge collapsed in Minneapolis on August 2nd bridge replacement is on everyone's minds
Last Fall I feel a few people will remember newspaper articles about a certain centrally located bridge in New Hope that was slated to be replaced by dear old "PennDot", namely "Bridge Street" that crosses the Delaware Canal. Actually it first was discussed in print for replacement in 2004. Construction was to have started start this Fall 2007.
So what gives haven't heard a thing about this project have you ? Well New Hopians you are in for a surprise. Start asking questions you may not like what you learn.
If this project is to start it needs to start tomorrow if it is to have a minimal impact on the already fragile business economy of New Hope.
If you need to see what replacing a bridge entails, a close example is the replacement of River Road Rt 32 bridge over the Delaware Canal down near Washington's Crossing. That project started in May and is still going, on 4 months later. As of today they had just installed the road deck, though a lot more needs to be done.
That project isn't located in a busy town.
They didn't try and keep one lane of traffic open.
There are no buildings right next to the bridge abutment that needs to be replaced.
There is plenty of space to lay out all the materials and machinery.
I suggest all interested people go down down and look at that project and then imaging trying to shoehorn all of that into New Hope. I think then you will see my point.
4 months and counting, in an out of the way closed road, with no historic structures around and plenty of space to move.
So If "Dunkin Donuts" wants to move into town God Bless them because Bridge
Street will be a mess.
Signed - "Old Yeller "

Letter to Yenta 09/04/07
Not to sound rude to any of the people have written into Yenta; But geez how long have any of u lived in New Hope. If any of you lived here for very long u would know that this is what New Hope is; I was born and raised in New Hope almost 40yrs ago; I love my home town and all of it's "strange temporary guests" ISSUE ONE; the MOTORCYCLES have been here longer then most of you (not to offend those of you who have been here awhile-more then 15yrs). Motorcycles have been coming to New Hope since the 1970's and have always been obnoxious, funny and spend a lot of money. Numerous cities across america are now and have been for decades trying to come up with a fair noise regulation for all. Unfortunately, to make everyone happy it is next to impossible. (do I need to state the obvious) ISSUE TWO; DUNKIN DONUTS (well at least the cops & drunks will have a place to go):o) all kidding aside I agree having that most inappropriate facility in our UNIQUE town would not be appropriate. Maybe, they can put it up by McDonalds (hmmmm) I digress how long did it take to get McD's almost 10 years; I believe it arrived in 1985. ISSUE THREE; POLICE (D & J don't get your panties in a bunch okay) but I am a police officer in another city and I can tell you ALL from a professional point of view that having officers on bikes and foot is much better in the down town area is much safer and more effective. We can get to those citizens in need faster with out the hasel of parking a car and obstructing traffic (oh and then u all call and complain because we blocked traffic). Our foot patrols and bikes have the ability to give tickets to people on motorcycles, j-walkers, parking offenders; you get the idea. In-fact one of u pointed that out already. Also, for those of you who do live here and have not figured it out yet WE THRIVE ON TOURIST DOLLARS (HELLO)so it is appropriate for us to be a TOURIST TOWN. If you don't like the way NEW HOPE is leave and go back where you came from. Hell when I was a kid we used to hang out at THE CANNON, GRENSERS, THE CHURCH. I suppose you would not approve of that D & J. It is my town and those of us who love it for what it is and will become; ...?????????:o( Sincerely, NEW HOPE grown

Letter to Yenta 09/03/07
Labor Day 3pm – Unbelievable noise from the Bikers today.I live on the 232 just outside of town. Sitting in the living room unable to have a conversation, sitting in the garden – forget about it !!! Is there anybody else totally frustrated with the individuals who have an utter disregard for the residents of this area ??? I too read the article posted by Cranky Dave.Let us “Share our Misery”- are there more voices out there?

Letter to Yenta 09/01/07
In response to Mug Man's observations; perhaps the Glassman's need a failing franchise to defray some of the taxes on their other two successful businesses. Much like the Logan was to it's previous owners.

Letter to Yenta 08/27/07
In response to Mug Man's observations; perhaps the Glassman's need a failing franchise to defray some of the taxes on their other two successful businesses. Much like the Logan was to it's previous owners.

Letter to Yenta 08/23/07
From an Associated Press story in this morning’s Bucks County Courier Times regarding action that being take across the country against illegal bikes. We are not alone in our misery.
* As of July 1, riders in New York City are subject to a minimum $440 fine for having a muffler or exhaust system that can be heard within 200 feet.
* In Lancaster, Pa., starting this month riders — and all motor vehicle drivers — could be ticketed for drawing attention to themselves, whether
by creating too much noise by revving their engines or doing hard accelerations. Tickets start at $150.
* As of July 1, motorcyclists in Denver could be ticketed $500 for putting mufflers on their bikes made by someone other than the original manufacturer, if the bike is 25 years old or less. These so-called after-market products can be louder than their manufacturer-made counterparts. Denver’s plan is unusual because it targets the aftermarket equipment. -Cranky Dave

Letter to Yenta 08/21/07
I used to live in Northern California where towns fought the inroads of national franchises with sign ordinances and specific regulations on how the business looked in comparison and companionship to the rest of the town. No flagrant and garish paint jobs and certainly no late night hours in what the town said were general business hours. It seems unreasonable to ask our borough council to discriminate and edit the various restaurants and businesses that wish to open in our midst purely on what they believe the community wants but wholly in their purview to uphold and use the existing ordinances to make sure that compliance happens. This issue of whether this particular business should be allowed to open, although it seems to be at the onset a very unpopular one, is not a public one. All we actually can do is verbally oppose to the franchise owners that they may be opening their doors to a public that doesn't want what they have to sell. Beyond that we have to depend on our rules and regulations that are already on our books and sure that new businesses adhere and respond to them. If these prove to not be enough then perhaps more restrictions need be added. I just feel that here in this little town any business that chooses to open with this much negative community energy is doing so with foolish advice should look real hard at why they are choosing to fight what is such a public uphill battle. The real issue here is how will they be as business partners and companions in a town already armed with pitchforks and tarred rails against them. I understand the attractiveness of the area they wish to open in and I admire their financial tenacity to continue this fight under these current conditions. I support borough council's efforts to enforce ordinance compliance but realize in the end maybe we'll be looking at loaded trash bins and another national franchise right on our downtown face. I walked by Starbucks the other day and was struck that the only sign I saw of their business was one hanging on the INSIDE of their own window. Maybe this one will be as motivated to fit in as Starbucks is or maybe they could care less. Whatever the case I believe the community has spoken as clearly as we can to the owners, their lawyer, the borough council, and to each other our less than enthusiastic support for the placement of their business right in our face. You think of New Hope as a tourist town...a lot of us think of this as our home. Please remember to wipe your feet upon entering...!
-the MUG Man

Letter to Yenta 08/20/07
Another quiet Saturday night downtown - NOT!!
We had guests in from out of town and of course we took them to support the local merchants in New Hope. Had a very nice dinner INSIDE at the Logan Inn, the new owners are doing a superb job! Went for a stroll downtown and purchased a few things. What would have been a very nice evening in New Hope was quickly ruined by our friendly bikers!
OK, I'm trying not to let one bad apple spoil it for the whole bunch, but enough is enough! We were inside the coin shop when a hot dog biker decided to test out his ILLEGAL muffler and blast the evening hustle and bustle sounds with his revving down Main Street! It was so loud we could not even hear ourselves talk inside of the shop!! Our guests just looked at us and said "is this normal?!" Unfortunately it is becoming the norm since the police department is either understaffed or turning a deaf ear to this problem. We need more police force IN VEHICLES to catch these jackasses and ticket them. There are too many officers on foot or on bicycles who are unable to ticket these offenders! Yet, we have what, 400 meter maids always downtown??!!
Like we continue to say, we don't hate bikers but we hate the fact that the laws/ordinances in place regarding noise, speeding and DUI are not being enforced for all!
Thanks to the merchants who showed our guests nice hospitality and made their visit to New Hope an enjoyable one, with the one exception! Unfortunately, it's the one exception that people remember.
OK, enough complaining about a topic that obviously will never be addressed and/or enforced! -Dennis and John :o)

Letter to Yenta 08/15/07
Hey as long as everyone is kvetching. Am I the only one who finds that the "D-Town Intelligencer" vendo box at the corner of Bridge and Main (the center of the "historic" district) just a little bit tacky. It takes up sidewalk space on crowded weekends. This will be my final prognostication on the Dinkin Dognutz issue = there are already 3 coffee places in Hew Hope, and oh yea, Bob, the less affluent do have access to affordable caffein here in the Borough and don't need to finance their crapachinno at Stud Bucks. There are 2 coffee places just a short walk across the river in L-ville. The walk is pleasant and the scenery beautiful. Both my younger brothers have purchased new M-cycles within the last 2 weeks and guess what? They left the baffles in their exhaust systems. It's coming up on election time so shut up and vote.....
-The Old Beatnik

Letter to Yenta 08/10/07
Another Borough meeting on Wednesday with a dissapointing number of residents and businessess in attendance. The dumpy donuts disaster is still going on and will continue on September 19. Probably public comment will be able to take place. Now is the time to stand up and make your thoughts be heard. Come and see these people who want to open their joint right in the middle of town. He testify's one way, she another. Who do you believe?. One says they recycle, the other says they don't. The lawyer told the planning board that they would be opened from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm. They intend to be opened from 5:00 am til 3:00 am. Again, another lie. Just what we need in the middle of town. This type of business opened til 3:00 in the morning. When asked to describe New Hope in one word, he shrugged his shoulders and said "tourists". Not quaint, quirky, charming, artistic, diverse, friendly, famous, historic. No, he said "tourists". When interviewed by the Gazette she stated, "We're bringing something clean to this town. New Hope downtown is in desperate need of cleaning up. If you walk down the street, there's smut outside, there's smut in the windowns, there are dilapidated buildings, there are dirty stores. Dunkin is going to be something that just cleans up the town." I personally want to thank them for their kind remarks. This is just the kind of neighbor we want speaking for and about our town. If they have such disdain for this town, then why don't they take their business to the strip malls where this junk belongs. I only hope the businesses and residents boycott this joint. There are plenty of other places in town where you can spend your money. Let them see what life is like when those "tourists" that they want to suck the lifeblood out of aren't around. Those locals and fellow business owners that they have insulted and ridiculed should walk on by and let them flounder for the "tourist" dollar that is fast disappearing.

Letter to Yenta 08/10/07
The Old Beatnik is right on target. It’s time for a group hug.
– Cranky Dave

Letter to Yenta 08/10/07
Funny Bob should mention hypocracy since he touts himself as being one of the younger and open minded residents of New Hope. Making note of makes and models of cars that he feels are speeding by his house and submitting this information to the local police department is opposite of someone who feels our “tourist town” needs to be more open to disrespectful and/or illegal behavior. I would also guess that Bob has not noticed that many of the bikers who visit our town spend the day at the local outdoor watering holes. Get used to it. -Bugged Out

Letter to Yenta 08/09/07
Yo Yo Yo - Hey Bob, Cranky Dave et.al. I'm an incredibly immature 65 year old who used to ride a Harley among others. Pipes without baffles are ILLEGAL, Harley or otherwise. Peeling out and flying on 1 wheel on your crotch rocket maybe isn't illegal but is stupid and dangerous to the pedestrians that you are trying to impress, end of story. Loud radios emitting gibberish while cruising the borough are annoying. Diversity is great. Dumbkin Dognutz - wrong for our town UNLESS they loose the garish purple and pink signage. HARB should handle that. And for the rest of it, arrogance comes in all ages. Keep the dialog going. No-one will do anything but it's good to vent...
-The Old Beatnik

Letter to Yenta 08/09/07
Dear Cranky Dave, Dennis & John,
Thank you for your responses to my comments posted 8/8/2007. I readily admit that I have the mentality of a 16 year old but to infer that I’m ignorant was upsetting. I’m really, really smurt. When my wife told me I was impotent I went out and bought a new suit because you’s has to look impotent to be impotent….
As with all opinions posted on this site, my observations were based on personal experience. I talked with neighbors and other residents, listened to what they had to say and drew my conclusions from those conversations.
Honestly, I could care less about DD; that was just a joke to make a point. However, I am curious to know what you three had to say about the Starbucks when that opened up in one of our towns most historic and prominent buildings. I guess a better class of people buy Starbucks coffee so that was ok.
D & J, you mentioned something about enforcing the local laws concerning speeding and/or DUI. The road my wife and I live on gets a lot of traffic. There are several signs clearly posted with the proper (and enforceable) speed limit but during morning and afternoon rush hours the same cars speed past my home. These are local residents commuting to work. I have marked down the make/model and license plates of several of the repeat offenders. I’m sure your names won’t be on the police report but maybe one or two of the people complaining about DD and the noise level will, and you have to admit the hypocrisy of this. People can’t be town criers, spout elitist, self-serving rhetoric, and then break the law by speeding past my home because they have to beat the light on Rt. 202.
I have a DUI story as well but this nonsense is even boring me so we can skip that tale.
Thank you for letting me vent.
Your friend always, Ignorant Bob.

Letter to Yenta 08/09/07
In response to Bob’s generalization of the residents of New Hope, I find it laughable that someone who moved here a few years ago has decided to divided all of the residents into 2 categories, young and old. As someone who fits into neither category, I will raise concerns about the ILLEGAL bikes as long as they exist. When I am walking down Main Street and I hear a biker yelling at the top of his lungs that traffic needs to get moving because he needs to take a dump, I will voice concerns. When I am trying to have a conversation and have to stop because someone with an ILLEGAL noise level is waiting for the light to turn green, I will voice concerns. When I can’t walk on the sidewalk because a bunch of bikers are staring at their motorcycles, I will voice concerns. When I see a biker put earplugs in, I will wonder why they can’t tolerate their own noise. There is no need to get used to the ILLEGAL noise level produced by these “tourists”, they are breaking the law. - Bugged Out

Letter to Yenta 08/09/07
Hey Bob- You paint with a very broad brush. It’s not just old folks that like a good quality of life. I’m in my 40’s and I know Dennis and John aren’t ready for a rest home yet either. Maybe your reading comprehension skills have been impacted by the noise, but as we’ve said time and time again we’re not against motorcycles just illegal ones. Don’t choke on your donut. - Cranky Dave

Letter to Yenta 08/09/07
Hey Bob "New Hope", it sounds like you need to be the one on medication/drugs or maybe you already are!! After reading your ignorant email, we are not sure of your age other than maybe "16"?? We are the "younger residents" you have chosen to speak for in your email and sorry to say you don't have your facts correct! Please in the future do not speak for us and you are in no way a good representation for us "younger residents"!
Despite the fact you classify our New Hope as a "tourist town", we do live here as well! Once again, people such as yourself either can't read or missed the point which is enforce the laws/ordinances that are in place for all as far as noise, speeding and/or DUI.
If you love DD so much, why don't you have that "final stroke" so your family can move to a more "convenient location" which has a DD at your doorstep where they will be happier?!
Don't miss us too much when you leave! Bye-bye, so long, good riddens!
-D&J

Letter to Yenta 08/08/07
There are two populations in New Hope; the younger residents who are open minded and happy to be living in a diverse, artistic town and the older, established residents who distrust people, criticize every minor change the town proposes and who are generally unfriendly.
Motorcycles. My wife and I first visited New Hope 20 years ago and continued to visit until we decided to move here a few years ago. We recently walked past Fran’s Pub and commented that there seemed to be more bikers 20 years ago than there are today, but who is counting. Who are these people complaining about the noise. We live in a tourist town. It has been that way since the 1920’s, you know, the year you were born. Get used to it or please have that final stroke your family has been praying for.
Dunkin’ Donuts. I love this place. I love New Hope. Imaging having two things you love so close and available. But the older residents are correct; Dunkin’ Donuts would ruin the town’s eclectic feel. It would be much better to look at an empty storefront like the countless cob-webbed, bare shop windows I see on Main Street. Someone finally wants to open a business in our town that may actually survive and prosper. Let them. If this establishment is truly ruining our town, no one will shop there and it will close like all the other “preferred” businesses you have accepted without complaint.
So for our recap, no Dunkin’ Donuts because we want the town to be special and unlike other small towns but we need to kick out all the bikers with their terrifyingly load pipes and bizarre unkempt appearance. I get it... eliminate the element that makes our town different and ban everything deemed ordinary.
Has the FDA approved that Alzheimer’s medicine yet? We could use some of that at the next town hall meeting. -Bob "New" Hope

Letter to Yenta 08/06/07
I am very happy to report that this Sunday I witnessed New Hope’s COB (constable on bicycle) taking readings and pulling over loud (very loud) motorcycles. Seeing some action being taken made this weekend a little more bearable. A big thank you to the New Hope Police Department. - Cranky Dave

Letter to Yenta 08/06/07
Boro council meeting Wednesday August 8th at 7:30 If anyone is still interested in the dunkin donuts debate, it's on the agenda, so, show up if you care!

Letter to Yenta 08/03/07
Hey Unsigned Guy - I think ANY COMPETENT, ELECTED official is MANDATED by his/her constituents to canvas their position regarding the spending of TAXPAYER money. It's part of the job as a volunteer on paid politician. Democracy, remember...... Way to go Greg.. -The Old Beatnik

Letter to Yenta 08/02/07
Good morning Yenta,
In re the unsigned post of 08/01/07:
From the posture that the comment writer takes I think that it is safe to assume that he or she is a former or current Boro Council member when they say, "Elect the people you trust and leave them alone to do their volunteer job." How appalling, has this letter writer never read or heard about volunteers who voluntarily put their hand into the cookie jar? May I remind the writer that volunteerism is supposed to be an altruistic endeavor and that there is as much service in dissension as there may be perceived in their acclaimed service, Need I remind them that Rome burned, Nero fiddled! The attitude presented here is volunteerism at its very worst and is exactly why in the next election, had the person had the courage to sign their name, that they, and their cronie, should be voted out of office, and I will remind them that "eternal vigilance is the price of freedom."
The most appalling part of this whole scenario is the Archdiocesan complicity in undervaluing the property to the tune of nearly $600,000.00 to make a sale to the Boro of New Hope to abet their "continuing support of this community." One has to wonder why the Archdiocese feels the need to subsidize a community of median priced housing in the range of $500,000.00 while it closes schools in this regions poorest districts and counties. If one takes the time to read the minutes of the Boro, you'll see this all in there and I had the temerity to say it to the faces of those people representing the diocese. By the way the Archdiocese is funded by the people and is in fact composed of many pseudo volunteers that just happen to be wearing clerical garb. but also, who are human and guided by what is termed "human nature."
Leave alone anyone that acts in authority over you and me, whether it be volunteer or not, I think not and so should you! Remember that you get what you tolerate.
Only in New Hope folks, only in New Hope!
-Gregory Conocchioli

PS. Spellchecker still sends the abbreviated spelling for the word borough, Boro, as bore. If you watch them it's never boring and better than any reality show, only in this case it is the lives and fortunes of the constituents, who also happen to be their friends and neighbors, whose rights they have been sworn to uphold that are being trampled. Watch Washington politicians? I suggest we look into our own backyard first, that's where it all begins.

Letter to Yenta 08/02/07
SOLEBURY (CD) - Solebury Township officials announced yesterday that they have allotted an additional $50,000 to eradicate the township’s squirrel problem.
“We have a serious squirrel problem and it should be attacked “said Supervisor Susan Poopa. Other Solebury officials said their effort is necessary to protect bird feeders around the town and reduce nearly daily car accidents because of squirrels.
The first targeted area will be Squirrel View, a Droll Brothers development on the southern end of the township that has seen a dramatic increase in bird feeder damage caused by squirrels. The View is a 40 acre housing development was completed three years ago on what was once a farm and woodlands.

Letter to Yenta 08/01/07
Hey everybody. I heard the Borough Council voted late last night (in a cave near the river that no-one knows about) to install parking meters in the Staples parking lot.. -The Old Beatnik

Letter to Yenta 08/01/07