Bucks County Herald officially a nonprofitPage A3 March 25, 2021 40 pages, four sections including Homes Podcast unveiling A10 Volume 19 www.buckscountyherald.com Number 25 [email protected] DELAWARE RIVER TOLL BRIDGE COMMISSION Milestone across the Delaware The Scudder Falls Bridge Replacement Project along I-295 in New Jersey and Pennsylvania is on the cusp of reaching the 90-percent-completed mark by the end of March and achieving substantial completion in December. A major construction milestone was reached on March 16, when the last of 98 steel support girders for the sec- ond parallel span was lifted and secured into place. See page C7. Coveting Henry Mercer’s legacy, historians want a share in Tile Works lease decision Bridget Wingert The historical society, owner of the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, believes the Tile Works should be With the Bucks County commissioners on the verge under its umbrella, since it is the principal custodian of approving a lease for use and maintenance of the of Henry Mercer’s legacy. The Tile Works rounds out National Landmark Moravian Tile Works, local his- Henry Mercer’s major contributions to building con- torical organizations are asking for an opportunity to struction in the early 20th century. address the issue. The proposed lease would go to The Tileworks of The county commissioners are expected to vote on a Bucks County, a new nonprofit founded by local tile reported 30-year lease April 7. artist Katia McGuirk, recognized locally for her mu- The Bucks County Historical Society, which has a rals in Doylestown – the Star Garden Pocket Park and traditional stake in the building, says the decision on the Freedom Square, and in the Neshaminy Manor garden. lease has come too quickly. It is asking the commission- According to the Katia Tiles website, “The Tile- ers to hold off on the decision, claiming it has not been works of Bucks County is a Pennsylvania nonprofit given an opportunity to weigh in on the proposal. Continued on page C6 County Theater hopes for April completion Opening day “a moving target,” maybe May, maybe June Katia McGuirk, here in a photograph from her website, has founded the nonprofit Tileworks of Bucks County. Freda R. Savana so there’s not a lot to show. And, everyone is waiting to see when people will feel comfortable coming back Doylestown’s much-loved County Theater is near- into theaters. Palisades mourns board member’s ing completion of its multimillion dollar expansion “It’s possible it could be May, but maybe, June. It’s and renovation project, said John Toner, the arthouse just hard to say,” explained Toner. And, he noted, “as loss, reappoints superintendent cinema’s founding director. a nonprofit, once we reopen our expenses substantially Cliff Lebowitz “We hope to see completion by April 15,” Toner increase, so we need to know people will be coming in.” said, on Tuesday. “As to when we open, that’s a mov- The iconic theater on East State Street has installed Shaken by the passing of a long-serving former member, the Palisades ing target.” new, larger seats in the existing theaters – one has 110 School Board moved forward with its March 17 public meeting agenda, A number of factors will influence the reopening seats, the other has 86 – and, the third theater has 180 including the reappointment of Superintendent Bridget O’Connell. decision, the director said. “There aren’t that many seats, Toner said. Screen frames have been placed At the outset of the meeting, board President Bob Musantry called Continued on page C7 arthouse film distributors distributing films right now, for a moment of silence in honor of Bob de Groot, who he noted had served the board long term, in two separate stints. De Groot served for over 25 years, ending in 2017, including many years as board Solebury anticipates new 202 traffic patterns treasurer. Since retiring from the board, he continued to attend and participate in some board and committee meetings. Recent land purchase allows for safety measures Continued on page C6 Birgitta Wolfe would provide a safe and efficient signalized exit from the acquired flea market property (through Shire Drive) Solebury Township plans to improve traffic condi- to Route 202, by reducing the number of uncontrolled Hilltown neighbors oppose Ag Area tions near its recently acquired 12-acre open space-rec- entrances along Route 202, explained Supervisor Chair Chris Ruvo reation project along Route 202 by buying an adjacent Mark Baum Baicker. 1-acre tract at Lower York Road (Route 202) and Shire “It would thus enhance the recent open space acquisi- The owner of a nursery on Hilltown Pike in Hilltown wants Drive for $210,000. tion and further the township’s long-term goals of pro- to place the land into the township’s Agricultural Security Area The agreement to buy the property, appraised at viding a safer and more efficient Route 202 corridor. (ASA), but neighbors have objections. $300,000, was approved unanimously the the board of “Our engineer added that the acquisition would pro- The topic came up at the Hilltown Board of Supervisors Monday, supervisors on Tuesday, March 16, with final settle- vide a potential driveway connection to Logan Square; March 22 meeting. Ultimately, property owner Thomas Linke will need ment planned for mid-June. potential trail connections at Logan Square – possibly approval from supervisors to have the property entered into the ASA. According to the township’s traffic consultant it Continued on page C6 Continued on page C7 opportunities and fulfill different dreams.” Chatterbox A2 Crossword C7 Delaware Valley President Gallo “We are extremely grateful for her dedicat- announces she is leaving ed service and success over the past five years, Op-ed A6,7 Arts C8 particularly in the face of challenging circum- Sports B1 Entertainment C9 Delaware Valley University President Ma- stances during the pandemic,” said Majid Al- ria Gallo has announced that she is leaving Dining C2 Police C13 sayegh, chair of the board of trustees. Business C3 Real Estate her position at the end of this semester. She will be formally recognized at gradu- “Since the start of my presidency in July ation in May. Dr. Ben Rusiloski, vice presi- ObituariesC4 Classified 2016, I have been honored to serve Delaware dent for academic affairs and dean of the fac- Spiritual C5 Homes Valley University,” she said. “It has been ulty, has agreed to serve as interim president Classified C6 Section truly rewarding. At the end of this semester, until a new president has been named. Happy hour with stars C9 however, I will be moving on to pursue other Page A2 (2) Bucks County Herald March 25, 2021 New Hope’s drag community gives back Sequins, feathers, high heels and bright lights are not only what makes a drag show in New Hope. In New Hope a drag show is the coming to- gether of a community to celebrate New Hope Celebrates History logo. when times are good and to lend a hand when times are difficult. and Ginger Alley have been per- our platform. It makes you feel good Throughout the years, New forming and hosting drag shows at inside putting food on people’s ta- Hope’s local bars have been holding the Greenhouse in New Hope to con- ble.” Ginger Alley expressed how drag shows donating all proceeds to tinue giving back to the community. welcoming and inclusive New Hope local charities or to someone who is They have raised money for St. Phil- is adding, “New Hope is the best in need. The need has been greater ip’s Episcopal Church’s Food Pan- place to be.” A former Miss Gay for the community during the pan- try in New Hope and the Delaware Pride South Jersey 2016 and 2017 demic, especially for those out of Valley Food Pantry in Lambertville, and Miss Gay Philadelphia 2014, N.J., among others. They will also be Ginger Alley said she puts something work in the food service industry. GINGER ALLEY Shows have been hosted by New Berrie Lyndon, left, and Ginger Alley. doing a show to benefit local pets. All behind her good following by giving Hope’s finest divas to raise money drag performances follow COVID back to the community. during the pandemic. Miss Pumpkin Those seeing the show are asked to ing her monthly shows at John & safety with performers wearing face Judging by their large turnouts, and Summer Clearance with a bevy bring a donation of canned food to Peter’s for a different charity each shields and are contactless. not only is drag here to stay in New of their special performers have host- be donated to a local food pantry. month. Ginger Alley, who has been doing Hope, but the giving spirit of this ed shows at Martine’s Riverhouse. Miss Pumpkin will resume host- New Hope’s own Berrie Lyndon drag since 1991, said, “Our stage is community lives on. Camille Granito Mancuso: Chatterbox As the baton is passed Over the past couple of days, subjected to – most certainly, friends, it was tough for anyone auction block decades ago, and youthful part of what they reflect I have been reminded more than all very smart investments, but to make this celebration spe- it’s often said that, as family upon when they are adults. once about the heart of a home. annoying nonetheless. cial. Somehow my loved ones elders pass away, families don’t Either way, those traditions will As signs often do, they came to Like millions of others, I just managed it, but the words I was gather in the same way as the be remembered.