It’s February and love is in the air with Valentine’s Day right around the corner.
Our Happy Valley column is a valentine to the folks that make Hopewell Valley outstanding. Since I couldn’t poll all of our dedicated readers, I asked 10 community influencers to write a short love letter expressing why they love our Valley.
The majority responded without hesitation, and many even thanked me for the opportunity to participate. Their enthusiasm to help make things happen—from crowdsourcing this little column to addressing large substantive issues—demonstrate their commitment to contributing.
Each person quoted below has stepped up on a mission to improve the lives of others in Hopewell Valley and beyond. They named celebrated Valley qualities. Email me with any they missed!
Hopewell Borough Mayor Ryan Kennedy is the only one who literally wrote a love letter to Hopewell Valley. Ryan keeps us smiling. He also holds leadership roles on several nonprofit boards.
Dear Hopewell Valley, Ryan wrote: “I love your beautiful open spaces, your revolutionary history, walkable streets, shopping and quirky lunch places. Your people care for each other but don’t back down when pushed. You welcome new neighbors, and honor what your past has done: George Washington, the Frog War, HI Ribs — especially that last one.”
Lyn Farrugia owns Aunt Chubby’s. Their commitment to community goes beyond being a welcoming and amazing restaurant. Lyn walks the nonprofit walk by supporting local businesses, suppliers, and nonprofits. Bonus: Chubby’s has a food pantry on its back patio.
“There are so many wonderful things about Hopewell, but it’s the people I love. I am fortunate that I get to meet amazing people who are always ready to lend a hand to a neighbor in need. This makes us a strong and vibrant community.”
Leslie Kuchinski is an unsung hero. Often in shadow of her well-known husband, Kevin, Leslie is the operations director at FoHVOS. She supports all people and activities that blanket our Valley with green, open spaces.
“I love Hopewell Valley because it’s the perfect ‘package deal’. It’s big enough for beautiful open spaces, shops and restaurants lining the boro streets, historical sites, and local arts programs. It’s small enough not to hassle with travel and city crowds. As Goldilocks might say, our Valley is ‘just right.’”
Hopewell Township Mayor Courtney Peters-Manning not only leads the Hopewell Township Committee, but is also the President of the Mercer County Federation of Democratic Women. Courtney also chaired and founded the local Democratic club.
“I love that Hopewell Township is where George Washington landed when he crossed the Delaware River on his way to the Battle of Trenton on Christmas night 1776. Living where this pivotal moment for our Democracy happened is powerful. It is a reminder that we all have a stake and a responsibility in our government and freedom.”
Police Chief James Rosso keeps of our Valley safe and leads with a steady hand in turbulent times. Starting as a patrol office with township police over 22 years ago, Jim is a role model to all.
“Hopewell Valley is a community where safety, relationships and service come together. That, partnered with the rich history of George Washington, as symbolized on our police patch, the excellent schools and a caring, engaged community make it an incredible township that I have the pleasure of working for.”
Kim Janel founded Mercer, Bucks, Central Jersey Eateries on Facebook during the pandemic to draw positive attention to struggling, local restaurants hit hard by the pandemic. Today, her page still advocates for local restaurants, and has amassed 32,000 members.
“What I love most about Hopewell Valley: its residents, stunning natural beauty, thriving agriculture, diverse dining options, and rich cultural heritage, which all come together to create a vibrant community.”
Adam Sawicki is the longest serving HVRSD school board member this century! Adam was vice president and in leadership roles on every committee. Among the smartest people I know, Adam took part in everything good coming from our schools.
“My wife Michele and I moved into Hopewell Valley back in 1997 to start our family, having fallen in love with its small-town neighborhoods and beautiful countryside. We’re very grateful for its excellent schools, where the district staff and community volunteers served our children so well.”
Nadine Stern just began her second term on the Pennington Borough Council and is its newly elected president. Nadine is a thoughtful, caring, environmentalist working to ensure a great future for her grandkids and yours.
“I love the friendly, caring, and active people, the ample opportunities for volunteering such as the Hopewell Valley Food pantry, community commitments to open space and protecting the environment, recreational opportunities such as the Lawrence Hopewell Trail, convenience to shopping, and access to excellent medical care and education.”
Anne Nixon-Ellery owns Glenmore Farm and 519 Design. Anne was born in Hemel Hempstead, England, but chose to raise her family in Hopewell Valley and has generously donated both her venue and design services to many deserving local causes. Bonus: Anne designed the Happy Valley picture displayed with our online column.
“I’ve lived in many places, but Hopewell Valley feels most like home. It’s where I can be unapologetically myself, surrounded by nature and a community blending art, kindness, and sincerity. Perfectly located between NYC and Philadelphia, it’s a haven of balance, creativity, and people who inspire me to do better.”
Joe Emanski is the Editor of the Hopewell Express and a pleasure to work with. I suspect that Joe prefers reporting the news to being the subject of it. He is a good friend, fun to chat with, and a reason I’ve done this for eight years.
“What I love about Hopewell Valley is the way it has a little patch of almost everything: forests, farms, small towns, old factories, railroads, quarries-turned-swimming-holes, fast food and fine dining. Parks you can hike in, shops you can get lost in. And yet, always all uniquely Hopewell Valley.”
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