Letter to Yenta 02/16/01

Dear Yenta:

Is $10.00 so much to ask, to keep the borough running? I myself certainly don't think so.

We have a great town with all the amenities. Our streets are cleaned twice a week, garbage picked up everyday, snow removal just to start.

I have lived and worked in this area for many years. I happen to love this town. My son is receiving an outstanding education in New Hope. In my heart there is no other place to live.

Remember, it's only ten dollars.

Love New Hope,
Judy Curcio-Butler

Letter to Yenta 02/15/01

I attended the council meeting on Tuesday night. The council passed the occupational privilege tax, which I knew that they would. What bother's me is Richard Hirschfield arrogence at these meetings. He does not even pretend to listen to people speaking, He even called the petition that was presented " an act of mischief" (Phila. Inquirer 2/15). He does not care for those of us who live and work in New Hope. All he care's about is the elite that now is on council. I deeply regret voting for him. I should have seen right thru him, but he fooled us all. I will pay this new tax, but in the future I will NOT vote for this man
again..... Elaine J McNeely

Letter to Yenta 01/31/01

I received several telephone calls, that it was posted on The Yenta, that rumors were heard that Joe Knox was intending to run for Mayor of New Hope Boro. Well the rumors are true. The announcement is on my web site www.joeknox2001.com

During the actual campaign my web site will be up dated with election news, background information and the like.

Until I actually file with the Bucks County Board of Elections, the web site just announces my intention to file.

Joe Knox
New Hope

Letter to Yenta 01/30/01

Dear Yenta,

Thank you for your kind words in your recent letter. I have been Master of Ceremonies at the Annual New Hope Chamber of Commerce Christmas Tree lighting ceremony for over eight years. I have never been asked to portray Santa Clause because as everyone knows the real Santa Clause makes it a point to be
in New Hope for this event. I am asked on occasion to portray General Washington. I am very cautious when I portray General Washington. There has to be a reason for him to be there. The Christmas Tree lighting Ceremony gives me the opportunity to connect the fact that it was here on Christmas in 1776 that the cause of freedom was saved. It was General Washington who was
HERE (Bucks County) on Christmas in 1776 who gave this country the best Christmas present it has ever had. Yes, I do believe (don't have proof) that Washington was at the Logan Inn.

Now, about the bones. They are really the end of the story,not the
beginning. When the Asplundh's appeared before the zoning hearing board to request a number of variances I was a party to the hearing. Many of the neighbors objected to the size and scale of the project. My testimony encouraged the neighborhood support for the project. I did ask for a few considerations. I asked that the black smith's barn (or icehouse) be preserved. The plans showed that it was to be destroyed. It has been saved. The other thing that I had asked for was to have a simple stage one
archeological dig. All that this is, is dropping a bulldozer blade down a few inches to scrape off the top layer of earth and go over the cleared area with a metal detector. The purpose of this is to find areas worth of special attention. In particular I wanted to locate the wells, the privy pits and the dumps.

Almost the entire archeology of Williamsburgh, VA was pieced together by these methods.

Instead of having time to do the archeology study, virtually nothing was done. When Steve Kates renovated the Logan Inn in 1987 he needed to lower the basement floor. He hired the Council Rock football team to remove one bucket of earth at a time. Each bucket was sifted and tested for artifacts.

Somehow a person with a metal detector appeared on the site. I thought at first he was part of the construction crew looking for underground pipes and wires. The man turned out to be Mr. John Irwin. Mr. Irwin, I later found out, is an author of national prominence in the field of metal detecting. He is considered an expert. I don't know how Mr. Irwin was selected but Mr.
Irwin was allowed to run in front of the backhoe and metal detect for a short while. Mr. Irwin found a large number of interesting artifacts. He even gave me a catalog of the objects found. In his estimation, based on the too few days he had to work, this was the single largest Colonial site he had ever seen! It wasn't just coins that he found. He found buttons and watch chains and a Masonic emblem. Need I remind you that Washington was a Mason? What could be learned from these artifacts and others if they where found in context? In addition, as the backhoe excavated the footing for the new porch addition, TWO wells where found! The importance of the wells is that they are a true time capsule. They protect what falls into them. Many times trash and broken hardware was thrown into them when they were abandoned. Even if they remain in continuous use, items often fall into them from around the edge. When in a panic, if people had to flee, they often dumped their valuables into wells in the hopes
that they could be recovered later. Williamsburgh even went so far as to save the mud which came out of bottles for microscopic examination to see what spores and seeds from plants were in use at that time.

The well on the West side was newer, later than 1830 (in my opinion). The one on the East wall was clearly older. I believe the East well to be mid 18th century. It had the feature of a "tunnel" extending from the wall of the basement underground into the side of the well. The advantages of this feature in the winter are obvious. I had never seen this feature or heard of it before. It has been destroyed.

It was around this site that Mr. Irwin had many metallic contacts. (By the way, in no way do I espouse metal detecting as archeology, however this was RESCUE work in front of relentless construction.). Then the bones were discovered! No one was paying any attention to them. They appeared to be coming from about the five-foot level. They were clearly from a large mammal. They were now disorganized because of the backhoe. No skull was found. I challenge anyone to identify bones out of context. The bones were discovered at the same level that Mr. Irwin found three buttons and a belt buckle. No one cared. The backhoe was grinding them into dust. This was on Wednesday afternoon, overheard conversations between the construction workers
implied that there would be concrete poured into the footing on THANKSGIVING morning!

The site at the Logan Inn has been continuously occupied since 1727. This is five years before George Washington's Birth. It was not unusual to bury people close to buildings in the 18th century. Also the area floods, people's remains are still found on islands in the River. Lastly, just this past spring a body was uncovered against the foundation of a house three miles South of New Hope. It turned out to be a victim of the serial killer that stalked people in South East PA in the 1960's. Did I think that I had found a Continental Soldier or the inhabitant of "Room 6"? No, I thought I
found unidentified bones that no one cared about. A prudent man must know are they animal or human.

Just in case this was something other than an animal burial, I took it upon myself to take samples of the bones to the County Coroners Office. The staff was gracious. They listened to the depth and location of where they were found and the items that were next to them. They allowed that there was a better than fifty/fifty chance that they could be human. However their
Forensic Pathologist could not be reached because of the Holiday. The Coroner's Office determined that until it could be proven what the bones were that construction should stop. I forget which Coroner's Office in the nation has the motto, "We speak for the dead", but that is the job of Coroners everywhere. The people I spoke with were the ones helpful in identifying the
remains of the women found in Bristol a few years ago. Through their methods they were able to reconstruct the bones of her face, put flesh on those bones and then to identify her. It gave her family closure.

I felt that at the very least there was a possibility that the bones could be human. In the event that it was later discovered that they were in fact human than any modern construction erected on top would, of necessity, be removed. My intent was to help the Asplundh's from incurring extra construction costs (They were away at the shore, a staff member at the Logan didn't want to bother them) .

When the Forensic Pathologist saw the bones he declared them to be deer bones. Because of the depth at which they were found I still think that they are DEAR bones and because of the items found near them I still think it is the best dressed deer ever seen.

Sadly, there has never been an archeology study done in New Hope. Without interfering with construction or progress we need to seek the origins of our town. We need an organization dedicated to this study. It should be a committee of Borough Council just like Zoning or HARB. I will speak of the benefits of why in a future letter. Suffice it to say that if the Logan Inn
takes the time now to study the last remaining open ground in New Hope they would gain an unparalleled status. Real History, it is priceless.

There was some unpleasantness with a well-meaning but over zealous employee of the Inn. This temporarily resulted in my being banned from the place. Mr. Asplundh appeared to understand the intent of my actions and was delighted to have me be Master of Ceremonies for the Chamber Tree lighting four days later. Contrary to rumors, the bar didn't close because I stopped
frequenting it. I know that I will be welcomed back at the grand opening in April.

This letter has gone on far longer than I intended. I do think that the story needed to be told. I will tell you about the boat next time, the council meeting and other important events. The reason I am in the middle of things constantly is because this is my home. I have lived here all of my life. I care. God bless you in the New Year.

Bob Gerenser
New Hope Borough Councilman

Yenta Column 01/30/01

Sooner or later...

Well the holidays are over. From Halloween to the Winter Carnival
coming this weekend, it has been a busy winter season for anyone
looking to participate in all that the town has to offer. Starting off
the winter activities at Halloween was the introduction of drag races up Mechanic Street. The first year event sported twelve high heeled  racers who clammered up the street to the cheers of onlookers. The results were that next year the event is expected to grow dramatically in size with entries coming in from all over the country. The winner has declared he will take on all challengers. Already several locals contend that they easily could have unseated the crowned champion.  Keep your eye on this one -- it's bound to be a winner far into the future. Could rival the Gay PA contest for excitement. As always, several community Thanksgiving dinners were served in New Hope and
Lambertville, from the Churches to Fran's Pub.

This year's lighting of the Christmas tree in the center of town had
a small monkey wrench thrown into the gears of a normally smooth running event. Seems Santa was played by Bob Gerenser, who in turn is also George Washington. Well, it seems that when renovations began on the Logan Inn, bones were unearthed. Upon hearing of the bones, Mr. Gerenser notified the proper authorities, and then, the decent began.   Every agency possible trying was called in to determine just who's bones these were. Specualtion was rampant--- perhaps a Revolutionary War hero, a witch from days gone by, or perhaps even George Washington
himself! After the Logan Inn's renovations were brought to a dead halt to make the determination, the investigation showed they were probably horse bones. The Inn's owner was less than amused and it is alleged that George Washington is now banned from the Logan Inn forever. Truly a sad day in the history of New Hope!

Other festivities in both river communities abounded during the holiday season and performed to record attendance. From the Riverside Symphonia Concerts, to the Nutcracker performed by the Roxie Ballet, to the school concerts and activities it was an ideallic world.

But alas... it seems antics and cause celibre remain the order of
the day!

In addition to George being ousted from his stool at the Logan, it seems that his river craft which had been lodged on the wing dam for months, was wrenched from it's precarious position on the dam by high water and is now further downstream, gradually breaking up with what looks like little hope of ever being rescued.

Now, imagine this-- the ex-chief finally reached a settlement with the boro. Looks like he's collecting over $100,000- but no one seems to know if he actually has signed and if that's really the final settlement. It appears that this entire event has cost the town dearly -- and not just in dollars. Is the end really in sight? Perhaps council can let us know.

With the new council on board, there certainly has been a more modulated and civil tone at the town meetings -- that is until recently when one of the members of the audience allegedly got up and screamed at Bob Gerenser -- Bob, how do you manage to be in the middle of all of this stuff? -- alleging that he passed around a police report to the entire town.

Interesting how when it was someone elses police report being made public -- it was okay. Remember -- life is a circle game. Everyone makes mistakes, and everyone gets a payback sooner or later.

On the brighter side, Chuck Tarr was honored at a lovely dinner event, where just about everyone who is anyone, or who would like to be someone, in New Hope turned out. The Mayor was there-- rubbing elbows amicably with everyone with an eye it appears for greater political aspirations than New Hope Mayor. Look out-- could there be a new state congressman in the making??

Meanwhile -- sewer, water, parking???? What's happening?

On the school front -- looks like the community is in for more
construction. All of this influx of suburbia is changing what was a
quiet little school into another CB and CR. What brought you here, that personal attention -- will shortly be gone. More, more, more.. but is it better, better, better? The Yenta thinks that more money on programs and great teachers might be money better spent. Maybe the idea of community-based education could be investigated. Some of the faculty at the high school are already complaining that they are "out of room." Have they really looked around? This is not a pit out here -- dollars are real issues, especially to those of us getting up in years. (Yes, the Yenta could possibly be an old fogey!! - then again, maybe not). The Yenta thinks maybe the community should stop and assess what it really wants for its children.

Union Camp construction is moving along. It will be interesting to
see the effect on the retail downtown. Perhaps the shop owners will rest a little easier after it is open (all except Sid).

The Winter Carnival in Lambertville and New Hope is this coming weekend with activities on both sides of the river for young and old, inside and out. The event kicks off with the parade of the
"smoking snowman!!" You really do need to see it to believe it! The local high school marching bands and a famous Philadelpia Mummers Band. Probably one of the highlights of the entire parade are the local officials waving to the crowds and shaking their hands eagerly. (The next election is always just around the corner). For three days, there is music, ice carving, crafts and games to please everyone.

Back to politics -- just for a moment. There seem to be rumors of Joe Knox running for mayor. That could give Larry a run for his money, money, money... But, then there is the question of how Sharon and Richard will maintain their tight reins on the council majority. There are rumors flying that certain members of council should resign their seats so that someone of the proper persuasion can be appointed to fill their vacancy. This smacks of the old days. Guess politics doesn't get changed -- it always changes people. Control, control, control. It's my way, or my way! From King George W. to King Richard, I guess it's all the same.

The last of the crowning achievements for the community is the new church -- St. Staples, ur ah, St. Martin of Tours. They have left the historic little chapel in town and given in to the more materialistic vision of the church in the 21st Century and built a monolithic brick structure next to the similarly bland, adjacent shopping center. The better addition of facilities, is the school. Should be interesting to watch the New Hope-Solebury elementary school empty out their first through third grade classes into the new St. Martin elementary school. So much for school expansion and monument building. Do you think this
church can apply for funds from President Bush's new Faith Based Agency?

It is the Yenta's wish that someday, the community will really begin to work as a community to promote the well-being of everyone, not their own self engrandisement and personal motives. Say a prayer! (Maybe at the new monolithic structure)!

Hello to Chenango Falls, NY. Love my readers out there.
Keep watching for the Yenta-cam at a town near you.

The Yenta

Letter to Yenta 01/20/01

We are all looking forward to a wonderful Winter Festival Weekend, Feb. 2-4,  2001. Let's all show up for the parade from the New Hope High School, across the bridge to Lambertville, starting at noon on Sat., Feb. 3. Two Phila. Mummer's Bands with their captains in full regalia, floats, etc. There is still space if any local groups would like to march with us. Come and watch the festivities. Call 215.862.2102 for info.

Letter to Yenta 01/20/01

Hi Yenta,
I read in the paper about the Chief (Bob Brobson). I am so thrilled that they went in favor of him. He has had his reputation marred. His impeccable service to our community has not been forgotten.
I wish to submit my vote to bring the Chief back. Then we can finally move towards a NEW HOPE!!!!!

Hats off to Bob and Pat
We love you, Judy Butler

Letter to Yenta 12/19/00

A Thought For Christmas:
Do you know what would have happened if it had been Three Wise Women instead of Three Wise men? They would have asked for directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole, brought practical gifts and there would be Peace on Earth! Happy Holidays,Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Magical New Year!

Letter to Yenta 12/19/00

Dear Yenta,

What a wonderful event the New Hope Arts Commission hosted Saturday night at the Rago Gallery! Although the "weather outside was frightful", it certainly was fun inside. Many thanks to those responsible for coordinating the details and to the enthusiastic volunteers who manned the tables. Larry Keller donned his auctioneer hat, and did a great job. Lots of laughs,
as well as money raised for a good cause. Jim McGinniss' kinetic sculpture was a highlight and a whimsical treat. How fortunate the raffle winner will be in March 2001 !

We were certainly impressed with the generous donations from so many local businesses and area artists : especially the generous donation from Burch and Jones Jewelers in memory of Bjorn Polfelt. What an incredible gesture to honor someone who was such an integral part of the New Hope community, and who enthusiastically supported the arts and other civic causes. We miss him, but thanks to events like this, and to some very unselfish community supporters, his memory lives on.

That's still what the holidays are really all about....

Paul and Jan Witte

Letter to Yenta 12/09/00

Many thanks to the Committee arranging the Chuck Tarr Benefit at the Hotel du Village on Wed. It was a great party. One slight problem - someone took home the wrong tan Burberry raincoat and left a smaller size coat by mistake. Please check your raincoat and if the sleeves don't fit, call Barbara at Hotel du Village or anyone on the committee. Thanks - "The Captain".

Letter to Yenta 12/09/00

I would like to commend and thank the volunteers of the
Eagle and Lambertville Fire Companies for their quick response and professional work on the evening of Sunday the third of December. Due to their efforts, this historical building was saved from near certain ruin, and the damage caused by the fire was kept to a minimum. Everyone involved showed an efficiency and concern that demands respect and should be applauded. Careful firefighting technique and determination made quick work of a dangerous situation in an almost inaccessible place. For those who do not know yet, the steeple of the Old Stone Church caught on fire on Sunday night for unknown reasons. The location of the fire (behind the bell tower, near the peak of the roof) made visibility very difficult. I'd like to thank Christina Giorgiou for her good eyesight and quick thinking. Miss Giorgiou spotted a "red line"on the roof of the church from Bridge St. and came closer to investigate. Realizing what it was, she reported the fire, minimizing the time the fire was able to set in and cause more damage. Both Eagle and Lambertville Fire Companies responded, closing the
street, and setting up to fight the blaze. Using the hook and ladder, firefighters were rapidly able to get into position beside the tower and use the scaffolding currently in place. They removed the burning wood from this precarious perch, and slid it down the roof, wetting it where their hoses would cause no damage to the interior of the church. In a surprisingly short time the fire was out and the preservation of this historic church was assured.
Once again, thank you to our local volunteer firefighters for
your quick response, successful efforts, and consideration.

Patricia A. McKenna
(Old Stone Church)
mailto:church@pil.net

Letter to Yenta 12/04/00

Wishing you and everyone a HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON
on a quick note some of you people out there need to lighten up.

Letter to Yenta 11/09/00

Dear Yenta,
In the Daily Intelligencer on Thurs Nov 9th Bob Gerenser, concerned that council may return Cheif Brobson to his former position as a cost saving measure, was quoted as saying "Sometimes you have to spend some money." Why does he not follow his own advice, pay his share in New Hope (his property
taxes) and spend a little money to get his broken down boat out of our river. Seems he doesn't mind thousands of dollars for a police study, hundreds of thousands of dollars for lawyers and now wants to spend even more? If he really believed his own words that we are "The good people of New Hope" he would be more responsible with our money especially since he is grossly behind on his share of it.

Letter to Yenta 10/31/00

Dear Yenta:

Roger Butler’s letter in the October 26,2000 Gazette attempts to make two points.
One, that Borough Council-newly elected officials excluded- have once again left us without a Chief of police. And Two, that it would be the morally correct thing to give the job back to Mr.
Robert Brobson.

Roger, I am curious as to what facts you base your accusation that the not newly elected members of Council had anything to do with New Hope Police Chief Jerry Speziale leaving his post here.
Did you speak with any of us, attend any Borough Council meetings or speak with Chief Speziale directly? I know you did not. I think you are relying on your golfing partners, Fred Williamson and Robert Brobson for your information and for your worldview.

Since you choose not to believe Chief Speziale's public comments as to why he felt compelled to leave, why don’t you ask him personally? In fact I will send him a copy of my response to
you, secure in the hope that he will give a detailed explanation of why he left. It is tragic that we had a true hero among us as our Chief. Jerry has been wounded in the line of duty and faced down
Colombian drug lords. Yet I suspect as you do that there was something on the local scene that made him uncomfortable here.

Maybe it was some of the following:
1.) The close and almost daily contact between a police officer and fired Chief Robert Brobson. (Mr. Mayor are those visits on Borough time?)
2.) The manipulation of the information stream by a Borough Employee that led to confusing the facts between Chief Speziale and another New Hope Officer. This incident lead to national news coverage and a potential for horrendous lawsuits.
3.) The creating of a Public Safety Director position which if filled would have control over the Police Chief. (Gee, what would happen to the Mayor’s authority in that case?) Chief Speziale had no reassurances that he would get that job or if it was created out of consideration of a settlement of outstanding lawsuits.
4.) The constant barrage and whining by the small handful of Brobson supporters telling him how he REALLY should run the department.
5.) The incompetent micro-management by his superiors.

Yes, Roger let’s ask Chief Speziale why he really left. What personalities entered into his decision? What dynamic that continues to work for the self-appointed elite as opposed to the
greater good. Because Roger, I too want to know.
Your second point, that the morally correct thing to do is to bring back Brobson, fails in every respect. The small handful of Brobson supporters have hoped that the town,whose population is growing, has forgotten by now that Mr. Brobson was fired. He was fired for cause. He was fired after a thorough and detailed independent study of his departmental operations found his methods wanting. He was fired when given an opportunity to change those methods he refused. He was fired by a majority vote of Borough Council On January 4th 1998, I suggest you review those council minutes and read the wording of the resolution.

Clearly there is more to this than meets the eye.
I loved a comment by a well-known Brobson supporter at the first October Council meeting with regard to a settlement offer on the issue of Brobson’s Comp Time. (For a description of how Brobson computed comp time read the Police Study)

The supporter said,”Why would you settle with a guilty man?” I say, “If he is innocent, why would he settle?”

Roger, you are being used by the same people who begged you not to run as a write-in Democrat in the 1997 election. You told me then that you where promised to be endorsed in 1999 as a
Republican candidate. Didn’t happen, did it?

The Brobson supporters have relied on the necessary silence of the Council people involved with firing him because of the ongoing lawsuits. The moral stand is to allow all the facts to be made public in a court of law.

I urge all concerned citizens to express your views to Council President Hirschfield that we proceed with starting the process of looking for a new Chief of Police immediately and not wait until the first of the year. This time make it the job of Borough Council, as it should be, and not another Blue Ribbon Committee.

In the meantime Roger, why don’t you read the police study instead of watching old Laurel and Hardy movies.

Robert V. Gerenser
New Hope Borough Councilmen
22 South Main Street
New Hope,PA 18938
215-862-2050
Rgerenser@AOL

Letter to Yenta 10/29/00

Thanks to all who made Halloween in New Hope come alive with excitement. It was thrilling to see Mechanic St. humming with
anticipation of the "Drag Race", people walking down the sidewalks in very clever costumes, tourists absorbing the fun,...New Hope was twinkling again.....

And the wonderful decorations at the Old Stone Church!!! A lot of time and preparation obviously went into this community
event. All ages were able to participate, which made it something that everyone could enjoy. I hope that the New Hope
Halloween party will be an annual event!

GOOD JOB.

Thanks,
Jan Witte

Back