Western Chester County Life Spring/Fall 2020

Spring/Summer 2020

WESTERN Chester County LIFE

Magazine

— HOME REMODELING ISSUE — Spring/Summer 2020 • ISSUE 6

Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce Magazine

Inside Meet Our Members Chester County Home Show preview Stepping back in time to Penn's Woods Philadelphia Rock Gym continues to climb the ropes in Coatesville and beyond

Complimentary Copy

BROWNSTOWN 4216 OREGON PIKE

717-859-3131

CLEONA

308 W. PENN AVENUE

717-273-7555

www.martinwater.com

EPHRATA

1717 W. MAIN STREET

717-733-7730

MYERSTOWN

740 E. LINCOLN AVENUE

717-866-7555

www.martinsappliance.com

QUARRYVILLE

2318 BEAVER VALLEY PIKE

717-786-7373

www.martinfurniturepa.com

READING

4850 PERKIOMEN AVE

610-401-0390

Since 1957 the Milanese Family has provided Chester County residents with quality products, affordable prices and dependable service.

Lifetime Exteriors!

EXTERIOR REMODELING Windows Doors Siding Roofing

Enjoy the Outdoors!

OUTDOOR LIVING Awnings Patios Decks Sunrooms 610-384-5820 • www.MilaneseRemodeling.com 50 Broad Street, Coatesville, PA 19320 4

——Spring/Summer

2020 • Volume 6——

STUDENTS SPEND THEIR DAYS GAINING INDUSTRY SKILLS, EARNING COLLEGE CREDITS AND BUILDING FRIENDSHIPS...

ALL at TCHS

Open Houses!

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

March 2, 2020

March 3, 2020

March 12, 2020

TCHS Pickering Campus

TCHS Pennock’s Bridge Campus

TCHS Brandywine Campus

Phoenixville • 610-933-8877

West Grove • 610-345-1800

Downingtown • 484-593-5100

www.technicalcollegehighschool.org An equal oppportunity employer and educator ——For

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

TCHS0120005

5

Western Chester County Life A Publication of the Western Chester County Chamber in partnership p with Chester County Press

Western Chester County Chamber Thanks our Sp ponsoringg Partners Sponsoring

Table of Contents Spring/Summer 2020

Meet our Members Coatesville Flower Shop .................................................16 Blue Dog Printing. ..........................................................22 Signal 88 ........................................................................26 Stottsville Inn..................................................................42 Coatesville Area Senior Center .......................................46 Agape Institute of Functional Healthcare ........................50 Midway Arts Coatesville .................................................60

Featured Articles Stepping back in time to Penn’s Woods .........................10 Get to know your local garden center ............................28 Chester County Home Show Preview .............................36 Philadelphia Rock Gym continues to climb the ropes in Coatesville and beyond.....................52 Strawberry Festival lives on thanks to the Coatesville Rotary .....................................62

In Each Issue Letter from the Board President ........................................8 Chamber Calendar ...........................................................9 Community Events .........................................................18 Chester County Economic Development Council ...........24 Chester County Planning Commission............................34 Transportation Management Association of Chester County........................................44 Parkesburg Action Committee ........................................48 Honey Brook Community Partnership ............................58 Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance ...................................64 Western Chester County Chamber Member Directory...........................................67 6

——Spring/Summer

2020 • Volume 6——

Western Chester County Life| JumpLetter

from the 2020 Board President

Continued from Page 8

W

elcome 2020 and Western Chester County Life with 20/20 vision. The future is clear and bright.

Western Chester County is the best place in Pennsylvania to live, work and raise a family. It is evident that in order to have a strong local economy, you must have a strong community. We are so fortunate in our region to have leaders, business owners, educators and citizens who realize that we all share in the responsibility of creating economic success and happiness in our community.

With a new decade upon us, I would like to recognize and appreciate the amazing assets our area has to offer.

Western Chester County presents a central location with easy driving distance between multiple world-class cities. We are fortunate to have excellent housing values, beautiful parks with miles of trails to enjoy with family and pets, plus streams and lakes for fishing, boating and other outdoor activities.

There are numerous high-quality educational options, including career and technical training, and innovative state-of-the-art medical facilities with cutting edge training resources. The chamber and libraries, non-profits and community partnerships host a multitude of local events, community days, races, movie nights, craft fairs, farmers’ markets and parades throughout the year. People are moving into and choosing to stay in this area because of everything it has to offer.

The Western Chester County Chamber’s goal is to retain and grow businesses in our region. Through educational and networking events, we help provide resources to our businesses and nonprofits for them to keep jobs and revenues in our region.

Let me take this opportunity to thank everyone in this region who volunteers their time and energy. I am in awe

8

——Spring/Summer

of the generosity of this community. There are countless businesses, industries, nonprofits and individuals who continue to give both financially and their personal time each year. It is through this ongoing dedication that our region continues to thrive.

We are grateful to those leaders, who have worked so hard in the past, who had a vision for this region and founded the organizations we enjoy today. This dedication provided us with a solid foundation, and it is our duty to improve upon their legacy for the next generation of leaders.

I strongly encourage everyone to get involved and participate in the activities of the chamber and our community.

As with anything in life, the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it! To those of you who are fully engaged right now, we thank you for providing manpower to sustain our chamber and community organizations.

To the younger generation, this is your time to shine.

Come introduce new and fresh ideas and take what an amazing opportunity this region affords and make it greater Continued on Page 8 than your wildest dreams.

No idea or contribution is too small or insignificant.

Community progress starts as a vision of just a few individuals and blossoms into successful organizations and events. Some examples are: Our Western Chester County Chamber’s Home Show and our Taste of the Farm Ag event; Parkesburg Action Committees’ Final Fridays; the City of Coatesville’s Grand Prix; and Coatesville Rotary’s Strawberry Festival. Everything that is accomplished is through the hard work and dedication of many.

I invite you to be an active part of our team and work side by side with business and community members who are as devoted to the area’s success as you are. There are many opportunities available. Join a committee or group that focuses on a topic that interests you, sponsor a Chamber event, or come and network with other local professionals at our monthly events. I guarantee that you will find your efforts to be rewarding and even fun!

Don’t forget to join us on February 22, for our Chester County Home Show at the Technical College High School in Downingtown. Remember, all the chamber events are open to everyone, so come out to visit us and discover new business connections!

I am confident that 2020 is just the beginning of a prosperous and successful decade for everyone.

Alissa Griffith Quik-Stop Pharmacy

2020 • Volume 6——

Western Chester County Chamber 2020 Events All Events are open to the general public. Visit WesternChesterCounty.com for more details and to register. Our Networking Events are free and a great way to discover the benefits of WCCCC Membership…..helping to grow your business!

February 22 Chester County Home Show presented by the Western Chester County Chamber 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

TCHS Brandywine February 28 Legislative Roundtable 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic Elementary School March 9 SCORE Business Seminar 7 Cool Things to do with Your Website 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Marriott Courtyard Coatesville March 12 Ribbon Cutting/Networking 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Midway Arts Coatesville

——For

March 27 Municipal Update Luncheon 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Greg A. Vietri, Inc. April Workforce “What’s Working to Build our Talent Pipeline” Time TBD Chester County Public Safety Training Campus May 5 SCORE Business Seminar Let’s Talk: Loans to Small Businesses (SBA) 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Marriott Courtyard Coatesville June 2 Chamber Day in Harrisburg 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

June 11 Gala on the Greene 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Lukens Historic Grounds July Corporate Citizenship Date and Location TBD July 30 WCCCC Night at the Reading Fightin Phils 7 p.m. start Fireworks after the Game August Agricultural Summit & Taste of Western Chester County Farms 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Romano 4H Center August 24 Golf Outing 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

French Creek Golf Club

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

9

Western Chester County Life|

Stepping Back in Time to Penn’s Woods

By Kirsten Werner, Natural Lands In 1996, Natural Lands acquired 177 acres of forested land—situated squarely in the path of development around Exton along the Route 30 corridor. Over the past two-anda-half decades, the non-profit conservation organization has purchased an additional 23 parcels, expanding the property— known as Sadsbury Woods Preserve—to a whopping 508 acres.

The preserve is just a few miles from the Hopewell Big Woods, the largest remaining expanse of unbroken forest in southeastern Pennsylvania measuring more than 110 square miles.

“An unbroken forest is one that hasn’t been divided by roadways, lawns, or meadows,” says Sadsbury Woods Preserve Manager Erin Smith. “These woods are ecologically exceptional, since they offer critical habitat for wildlife… in particular, several species of migratory songbirds.”

10

——Spring/Summer

Indeed, birds like Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrush, Cerulean Warbler, and Ovenbird are all struggling for survival globally, largely due to the loss of forested habitat. These colorful and melodious birds spend their winters in South America and breed during the spring and summer in North America. To survive here, they need abundant food and protection from the weather and predators. The forests of Sadsbury Woods fill these needs quite well.

Before Europeans first arrived in what is now Pennsylvania, trees covered 90 percent of the territory. By 1850, millions of acres had been cleared for farming, timber, and firewood. And today our region continues to lose its forests to development— about one acre per hour in the Greater Philadelphia Region. In the next 25 years, the population of Chester County, in particular, is expected to increase by more than 28 percent. And all those new residents need a place to live.

2020 • Volume 6——

Founded in 1953, Natural Lands is the region’s oldest and largest land conservation organization.

More than 2.5 million people live within five miles of land under the organization’s protection.

Sadsbury Woods Preserve is one of 44 properties owned by the non-profit company.

“Most land conservation organizations protect open space by placing land under conservation easement. That means the land can never be developed, but the deed is still held by the landowner,” said Oliver Bass, president of Natural Lands. “Our organization certainly employs this technique —we hold conservation easements on 23,000 acres of land. But we also actively purchase land to own outright. That way, we can open it up to visitors and connect more people to nature.”

All told, Natural Lands’ properties total 24,000 acres and boast 110 miles of hiking trails. What’s more: they are all open free of charge to everyone.

Oliver Bass says this reflects the organization’s motto: “Land for life, nature for all.” It’s also evidence of the organization’s generous members, whose support makes free visitation possible.

Continued on Page 12

——For

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

11

Sadsbury Woods Continued from Page 11

Visitors to Sadsbury Woods Preserve, with its 5.5 miles of trails, can expect to enjoy these highlights: • Buck Run, a major tributary of West Branch Brandywine Creek, runs through the southern edge of the preserve. The forest helps keep the water cool and clean as it flows downstream—eventually traveling all the way to the Delaware River, which provides drinking water for 15 million people, including the communities of New York City, Trenton, Philadelphia, and Wilmington. The purple trail loop crosses Buck Run at two places, and can make for wet crossing if there’s been heavy rain. Bring boots!

• Part of the preserve is land that was once the Compass Quarry and was mined for building stone. Stone outcroppings dot the landscape at Sadsbury Woods, jutting up from the loamy soil.

• In spring, look for the colorful—and fragrant—blooms of pinkster flower (Rhododendron periclymenoides), a native shrub that thrives in the dappled sunlight and rich, acidic soil of Sadsbury Woods Preserve, particularly along the creek. The common name for this plant, pinkster, comes from the Dutch word for Pentecost (the seventh Sunday after Easter), in reference to its bloom time.

• In summertime, listen for the chorus of neo-tropical migratory songbirds, particularly if you visit early in the morning.

One such bird, the Wood Thrush, creates two notes at once

12

——Spring/Summer

as it sings its flute-like melody. Birds can harmonize with themselves because they have syrinxes instead of larynxes, the human version of the voicebox, which allow them to vocalize simultaneously from each of two pipes.

Sadsbury Woods Preserve is located at 443 Old Wilmington Road, Coatesville, PA. A trail map is available at natlands.org/ SadsburyWoods, or via the organization’s free smart phone app. For more information on the app, visit natlands.org/app.

The preserve is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset.

Admission is free.

2020 • Volume 6——

——For

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

13

In 2013, after working for nearly decade in the restaurant industry, Erin Smith was at a career crossroads. She was burned out and wanted to do something that would enable her to have an impact on the environment, so she went back to school to get her master’s degree in landscape architecture at Temple University. During her final semester at Temple she completed a land management internship at Briar Bush Nature Center in Abington, PA. “I enjoyed every minute of it, even in the snow and rain,” Smith said.

A few months later, she was hired as an intern at Crow’s Nest Preserve, one of Natural Lands’ properties in Elverson, PA, then was promoted to the position of stewardship assistant.

In 2019, Erin became preserve manager for three Natural Lands’ preserves. In addition to overseeing Sadsbury Woods Preserve, Erin is responsible for the stewardship of: • the 126-acre Willisbrook Preserve in Radnor, which hosts a rare serpentine barrens ecosystem that supports more than 40 species of threatened or endangered butterflies and moths; and • the 200-acre Green Hills Preserve in Mohnton, home to a 90-acre meadow restoration project, as well as a protected habitat area for an endangered species. “I’m so proud to be able to represent Natural Lands as a woman, and hopefully to

encourage other women to seek out this career path, or at the very least know that it’s an option,” Smith said. “I’ve had many jobs and I can truly say that, even though there are few women in this industry, I have never felt like more of a valued peer the way that I do at Natural Lands.”

• Commercial/Industrial Wiring • Utility Pole Construction • Equipment Rentals • Foundation/Civil Construction • Heavy Underground • Sports Lighting • Cable Fault Locating • Medium Voltage Cable Splicing & Terminating • Process Automation 105 Independence Way • Coatesville, PA 19320 610-857-1110 • Fax 610-857-1191 • www.gavietri.com 14

——Spring/Summer

2020 • Volume 6——

Meet Our Member:

Coatesville Flower Shop

By Greg DePedro Owner of the Coatesville Flower Shop

Our daughter Lisa showed a true talent for designing and a keen business sense as well. Over the next 10 years she began to take the reins from us and became the face of our business. oatesville Flower Shop is 71 years old and still going But in March of 2004, Lisa was diagnosed with cancer and strong! The godfather of our business, Carmen, started in five months later we lost her after a truly valiant battle. She left the fall of 1948, along with my mother, Peggy. Opening behind a 10-year-old daughter Payton who came to help us the business at 334 East Lincoln Highway, the flower shop was for a few years after her graduation from high school, but left across the street from the YMCA, where the Coatesville Towers to pursue her love of animals and is studying and pursuing her career as a veterinarian assistant. are now, and nestled between the old After the loss of our daughter we had Washington Hose Co. and the Famous a very difficult time. We were facing Restaurant. Two children, four grandchilthe first anniversary of her death and dren and four great-grandchildren later, could not imagine how we could face Carmen is still working, overseeing the it. We remembered how she bravely business and going strong. faced each day and felt we had to In the tradition of a true family busihonor that. We recalled the outpourness, my wife, Dorrie, and I took over the ing of love, prayers and help from our reins of the business in 1972. The flower community and from her school famshop needed to expand and, in 1977, we ily. They wanted to do so much. We moved to our present location at the corasked Lisa “Everyone wants to help or ner of 3rd Ave. & East Lincoln Highway. do something for you. What should we Dorrie and I worked together side by tell them?” side as we raised our family. Many days, Her answer was, “Tell them to do our children would come to work with something nice for someone today.” us and be in a playpen next to our work That was her wish. That they take the station. Once they started school, they kindness they were offering her and would walk from St. Cecelia’s Catholic give it to someone else who needed it.

School to the flower shop and stay there Dorrie and Greg DePedro And with that in mind, “Lisa’s Roses” until it was time to go home. They eventually started helping to clean off flowers, help with deliveries and was born. We decided to dedicate the day to “Do Something try their hand at designing as the years went on. Our son knew Nice for Someone Today.” We give away a dozen roses to early on that this wasn’t the business for him and he attended anyone who comes into our flower shop. There is one stipuWest Chester University and is now a health and physical educa- lation. They keep one rose for themselves and give the other 11 to individuals who need a kindness or just a smile. That tion teacher in the Central Bucks School District.

C

ASK OUR TEAM HOW to keep healthy.

brandywine.towerhealth.org

16

——Spring/Summer

2020 • Volume 6——

was 15 years ago. It has become an annual celebration of our daughter’s life. We have received so much strength from the outpouring of love from our family, our friends and our community, as we give away 10,000 each year. They have brought us through the darkest time of our lives. And every Aug. 23, the anniversary of Lisa’s death, they continue to do so. The day of celebrating our daughter’s life has become so important to us that we realized that we needed to share this healing process with other parents who have lost children. We have opened up our “Lisa’s Roses” to include anyone who would like to come in and give away roses in their child’s name. We stand side by side and say their child’s name and ask our ‘Rose Family’ to distribute their roses in that child’s name. If we can help even one parent survive the devastating grief that they endure we know Lisa is smiling.

We have seen the floral industry change over the years. From the plastic flowers of the 1960s and 1970s to the terrarium craze of the 1970s and 1980s to today’s trend of cactus and succulents. We have seen a change in our wedding business as well. Fifty years ago, the brides carried what was called a cascade bouquet in all white and bridesmaids carried nosegays of pastel roses. We’ve seen the years when the rainbow weddings were the vogue. Then, there were the times when the bridesmaids wore black dresses and the groomsmen were in white tuxes. There was a time when a bride’s favorite month to get married was May, and now any month is a wedding

——For

month! From Christmas weddings to weddings in the middle of a field, we’ve seen it all! We love the changes and diversity as it really keeps us on our toes.

Our family has been through many changes in our community as well, from the town of the 1960s and 1970s with businesses booming up and down Lincoln Highway, to the struggle many small towns in America are facing. The ‘mom and pop’ businesses were shut down and replaced with first strip malls and then the big shopping malls. Many towns faced empty store fronts and people leaving the community for what they felt were bigger and better opportunities. Now the change seems to be taking a swing back. We will never go back to the way things were 50 years ago, but we have seen our community rebuilding. We have seen our local government applying for much needed help with reconstruction and reorganization.

And we are proud to be a part of the wonderful people of this community who never left. We have “kept the faith.”

I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about how we came to have such a strong work ethic and such belief in our community. It is thanks to wonderful parents who taught us how to work hard and give back to the community who has given us so much.

They taught us the value of family. And they never ever let us forget that we are loved. We have passed that lesson and our love to our son John and our four grandchildren.

Dorrie and I hope that we can give back and love this community as they have loved us.

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

17

Western Chester County Life| Chester County Parks located in Western Chester County • Hibernia • Springton Manor • Wolf’s Hollow • Warwick Activities, hiking, lectures and more chesco.org/178/Parks

Community Days Visit your local municipal website to enjoy your local community day Final Fridays in Parkesburg from April through October https://parkesburg.myshopify.com

Farmers Markets Downingtown Farmers Market Eagleview Farmers Market growingrootspartners.com Remember to Buy Local from our area farmers. Chester County has 1,730 operating farms most of which are family owned. Use the Farm Finder Guide to search by product, address or farm name to find the freshest, local farm goods near you. chesco.org/1124/Find-Local-Farm-Products

Libraries in Western Chester County • Atglen • Coatesville • Honey Brook • Parkesburg Libraries host a wide array of programs and events for every age from preschool to

adults, for fun and to learn. Check out their Business & Career Center, for resources to grow your business, find new clients or explore a new career. ccls.org

March 5 National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum

Women’s History Month Lecture 6:00 p.m. “Quaker Women” 50 S 1st Ave, Coatesville, PA 19320 steelmuseum.org

Join in the event that brings community together to show the youth of Coatesville the power of fishing and the strength of an involved family. Fathers involved Shedding Hope (FISH) was born on that dream and established by David Terry in 2015. For more information or to help volunteer please contact FISH by calling David at 484-8837200 or email FISHCoatesville@gmail.com FISHCoatesville.com

May 2 Sheep & Wool Day

Twin Valley High School Celebrating 51 years and featuring more than 30 dealers. Showcasing furniture, folk art, Americana and pottery. elversonantiqueshow.com

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Springton Manor Farm The sheep are losing their winter wool and you’re invited to the shearing. Spend a day on the farm experiencing sheep shearing, wagon rides, artisan displays & demonstrations, plus many new and exciting family activities. chesco.org

April 2

May

March 28 & 29 Elverson Antique Show & Sale

National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum

Businesses Along the Brandywine River Lecture 6:00pm 50 S 1st Ave, Coatesville, PA 19320 steelmuseum.org

April 18 & 19 5th Annual FISH Rodeo Hosted by FISH Fathers Involved Shedding Hope

National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum 14th Annual Rebecca Lukens Award Presentation The Rebecca Lukens Award honors individuals who exhibit the qualities of Rebecca Lukens — resilience, leadership, courage, and strategic outlook. Please join us at the National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum for the awards presentation as we recognize our 2020 recipient. steelmuseum.org

HATT’S HARDWARE 2803 E. Lincoln Hwy. Thorndale, PA 610-384-1954 18

——Spring/Summer

2020 • Volume 6——

TMACC - Transportation Management Association of Chester County May 11 through May 15 – Bike to Work Week May 15, 2020 – Bike to Work Corporate Challenge Interested in participating? Contact TMACC at 610-993-0911 or check us out online at www.tmacc.org

May 28 to May 31

June 11 through August 20

Strawberry Festival Coatesville Rotary

26th Anniversary Celebration of Town Tours and Village Walks honoring Our Beacons of PrideArchitecture, Artistry and Personal Expression

This spring, the beautiful grounds of the Brandywine Hospital will be bursting with exciting entertainment, family fun, food, fireworks, laughter, music and more at the annual Strawberry Festival. facebook.com/ RotaryCoatesvilleStrawberryFestival/

May 30

May 9 28th Annual Willowdale Steeplechase This family-friendly event is enjoyed by over 10,000 spectators who spend a casual yet sophisticated day in Chester County’s horse country. willowdalesteeplechase.org

May 16-17 Chester County Studio Tour 2020 Visit our studios and enjoy the spring weather traveling the winding roads of Chester County. Give art or buy that special piece of art for yourself. This spring we plan on showcasing the best artists and studios in Chester County. Be prepared to spend the entire weekend engaging in the arts. countystudiotour.com

May 16-17 Tough Mudder 2020 Same epic venue, brand new course at Plantation Field in Coatesville/Unionville. Teams square off against ten miles and 20 obstacles. brandywinevalley.com

May 20 Brandywine Health Foundation Garden Party 6:00pm Enjoy a festive and fun evening of cocktails, light supper and the one and only “Battle of the Berries at Brandywine”, at the foundation’s signature event and help to build a culture of health in the greater Coatesville area. brandywinefoundation.org ——For

Chester County will unveil their schedule of Town Tours and Village Walks in April 2020.

Take advantage of these free tours and discover parts of Chester County you may not have ever visited. chescoplanning.org/HisResources/TownTours

OABEST Expo 9:30 am- 1:30 pm OABEST stands for Octorara Agriculture, Business, Environmental, Science and Technology Expo. This community day fair showcases what Octorara Area School District students do best! OABEST Expo is a collabo ative event packed with food vendors, student demonstrations, science fair exhibits, K-12 art show, First Responder demonstrations, crafts, music, games, hayrides and many more fun filled activities. oabestexpo.com

May 30 25th Annual Race Against Violence 9am Crime Victims Center of Chester County’s annual 5K race and walk. Take a stand against violence with CVC. Thousands of victims and families that we’ve personally helped over the last 45 years will appreciate your support. cvcofcc.org

May 31 to September 27 Brandywine Polo Presents Horses and Horsepower Brandywine Polo Club is a 0-8 goal USPA club that brings the passion of polo and the spirit of the local community together every summer season. Celebrating their 70th Anniversary year. Check their website for dates and times. www.brandywinepolo.com

June 14 French Creek Iron Tour 2020 French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust preserves open space where iron blast furnaces and forges served as cornerstones of industry in colonial Pennsylvania - hence “Iron Tour.”When you ride in the French Creek Iron Tour, you have a direct impact on the preservation of the scenic countryside that surrounds you. irontour.org

June 26, 27, 28 Chester County Balloon Festival at Willowdale Steeplechase Grounds Celebrating our 14th year, the Chester County Balloon Festival is a must attend event providing family fun for all ages. Filled with activities on the ground and in the air, with up to 100 craft, food and local business vendors, live bands, and fireworks, mass balloon launches and evening balloon glows. Balloon, helicopter and Monster trucks too. Contributions from the event go to the Chester County Hero Fund as well as other local youth community groups, including our local Scouts and athletic groups. ccballoonfest.com

July 11 Coatesville Unity Day & Music Festival Fireworks will be at dusk. coatesville.org

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

Continued on Page 20 19

Western Chester County Life|

Continued from Page 19

July 18

August 8

Bike Coalition’s Bikes and Beers 2020

92nd Annual Chester County Old Fiddlers’ Picnic

We’re back at Victory Brewing in Parkesburg for a 5th year and we couldn’t be more excited! A bike ride that focuses on local craft beer and benefits Philadelphia Area cycling! You will have a chance to win a new bike, gift baskets and live music.

Bikesandbeers.com/portfolio/parkesburg

Rain Date - Sunday, August 9 10 AM - 4 PM Hibernia County Park will come alive as hundreds of musicians and music lovers gather to celebrate traditional music using a variety of instruments and styles. The event features vendors offering a variety of craft items and novelties, as well as food options, jam sessions, and children activities.

Hibernia County Park | 1 Park Road, Coatesville, PA 19320 checo.org/parks

July 25 Di-Atglen Alley Wizard Faire 11:00 am- 6 pm Follow Atglen Library on Facebook for all the breaking news!

Live owls, magic show, magical marketplace. Free kids’ activities, including Potions, Wandmaking, and Herbology classes. Escape room, food trucks, shopping and more! atglenpubliclibrary.com Facebook.com/DiAtglenAlley

20

——Spring/Summer

August 28-30 Citadel Country Spirit USA in Chester County’s Brandywine Valley Dierks Bentley and Chris Young are two of your three Citadel Country Spirit USA headliners. Three-day passes are on sale now for the spectacular festival experience, held at Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds. brandywinevalley.com

2020 • Volume 6——

September 5-7

September 19

Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show & Country Fair

5th Annual Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix

Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show is one of the longest running shows in the area. For over 75 years it is a Chester County tradition on Labor Day weekend for people to attend and compete in this show annually. ludwigshorseshow.com

Coatesville will come alive with the sights and sounds of vintage and historic cars and motorcycles roaring through the streets of the city. The event gets started at 8:30 AM with a Color Guard ceremony and our National Anthem. Cars go off at 9 a.m. and follow a 2.2-mile course along Lincoln Highway encompassing the heart of the city and its neighborhoods. ADMISSION IS FREE! coatesvillegrandprix.com

September 11 National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum Coatesville Remembers 18th Anniversary World Trade Center Commemoration They should never be forgotten. The thousands of victims of the 9/11/2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center twin towers will be remembered at the National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum’s “Coatesville Remembers September 11th” Commemorative Service.

The service will take place at the site of the Steelworkers’ Memorial, which is marked by one of the ten 50-ton World Trade Center steel tridents recovered by the museum in 2010. Free Event steelmuseum.org

——For

September 26 Bike the Brandywine Explore the scenery, glimpse the history, and discover the lure of the Brandywine during the fifth annual Bike the Brandywine!

Three fully supported loops are available to riders – approximately 25, 45 and 80 miles long, with well-marked routes, rest stops and cue sheets provided to all riders. All three routes treat riders to breathtaking landscapes throughout the Brandywine Creek Greenway, with money raised supporting the clean water programs of the Brandywine Conservancy.

Register today at: www.bikethebrandywine.org

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

21

Meet Our Member:

Blue Dog Printing & Design

“W

hy Blue Dog?” That is the question that Bill and Debi Friedmann, owners of Blue Dog Printing and Design, hear more than any other when asked about their

business.

The story goes back to the late 1990s when as a young couple, newlywed and in their first house, decided the time was right to adopt their first dog. They went to the Chester County SPCA and found the dog that stood out. She was a little skittish, because she had been abused and then rescued. cued. What really made her stand out was that she had ad been dyed completely blue. They brought her home and quickly fell in love. The blue eventuntually washed away, and she found her forever ver home.

What does that have to do with a printingg company? Well a couple of years later, in n 2003, Bill had a corporate job and Debi had d her own graphic design business working out of their basement while taking care of their two-year-old daughter.

Bill was reading the Sunday paper and saw a print shop for sale. He turned to Debi and said “Hey, what if you could print all the stuff that you design?” She thought he was crazy… a noisy, smelly print shop with paper and ink all around. Not to mention the fact that neither one of them knew a darn thing about running an offset press! He suggested they at least take a look at it. It wasn’t the answer, but the idea did not go away. Debi was working on a large project for a client that required 128 individual documents that needed to be produced in small quantities. Digital print technology was just starting to be developed and it would have made her project much easier and much more affordable for her client.

They decided to start their own digital printing company. They rented some office space across the street from their daughter’s daycare center, bought some furniture and equipment and got to work. Bill continued to work at his job for another year or so—the

22

——Spring/Summer

goal was to be able to bank six months of salary and be confident that the company would make it. As for the name—they want something a little quirky, a little creative and something that would stand out—just like their work. Of course, the inspiration came from their adopted pooch, resulting in Blue Dog Printing & Design.

Today Blue Dog Printing & Design still offers digital printing and graphic design but has expanded its operation to include large format forma graphics, posters, banners, yard signs as well as full mail house capabilities. Along the way, they acquired a promotional products and apparel company. Blue Dog has become the app one-stop local shop for all of a company’s on marketing needs. As a family-run business, m they focus their efforts on their three core th vvalues: Tail Wagging Service, Unleashed Creativity, and Community Loyalty.

C The third promise is what sets Blue Dog apart from other area printers.

Both Bill and Debi have a passion for giving back and see it as a responsibility as a business owner to be community leaders. Over the years, they have gottten involved with countless organizations including The Rotary Club of West Chester, Chester County’s Children, The West Chester School District Education Foundation, The West Chester Chili Cook-Off, and Leadership Chester County to name a few. Bill and Debi have also worked closely with several local chambers of commerce including the Exton Region, the Greater West Chester and the Western Chester County.

Blue Dog also partners with dozens of Chester County non-profits and has created a program designed to help these organizations stretch their marketing dollars. Their non-profit program, Lend-APaw, starts with a discounted rate on printing and design services.

Annually, Blue Dog will sponsor an event, on an in-kind level based on the prior year’s revenue.

2020 • Volume 6——

“We see this as a win-win for us and for the non-profit. We get the exposure of being a sponsor and they receive discounted printing year-round along with sponsorship revenue and our expertise in helping them with their event” remarked owner Bill Friedmann.

In fact, their Lend A Paw program has been so successful in helping non-profits with their fundraising events, a newly formed product is being created and expected to live launch in March. It’s called Event In A Box…a step-by-step website that walks a volunteer-based committee through all the marketing tools needed for a fundraising event.

After sixteen years in business, Blue Dog continues to grow as a company and as a community partner. “We love being a part of the Chester County business community and are always looking for ways to grow our business and to grow our involvement,” stated Debi Friedmann. They are still a family-run business and try to bring that sense of family to everything that they do. Bill and Debi’s daughter Alex, now eighteen and a Graphic Design major

at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, grew up stuffing envelopes and folding brochures. When she is home on break, she makes deliveries and has even been known to help with certain design projects.

Service is the number one goal at Blue Dog Printing & Design.

Whether it is great customer service or serving the community, they pride themselves on being “real people.”

“As a local company, we see our customers all of the time—we need to make sure that they are happy. If you call us, there are no scripts, if there is an issue, we figure out a way to fix it,” promised Bill Friedmann They really believe that there is a difference as well as a commitment to doing right by their customers, by their employees and by their staff. That is why their tag line is “Because Service Matters.”

Blue Dog Printing & Design is located at 1039 Andrew Drive in West Chester. They can be reached at 610-430-7992 or at bluedog@getbluedog.com. Visit their website at www.getbluedog. com.

Celebrating twenty years as Pennsylvania’s friendliest golf club.

Public golf seven days a week Innovative Homemade Cuisine.

Open to the Public Every Day.

HONEYBROOK GOLF CLUB & The GREENSIDE GRILL 1422 Cambridge Road Honey Brook PA 19344 (610) 273-0207 www.honeybrookgolf.com ——For

Greenside Brunch Every Sunday. www.greensidegrill.com

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

23

The Chester County Economic Development Council celebrates its 60th year in 2020

Continued on Page 24

The Chester County Economic Development Council team.

The Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) is excited to be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2020. This new year begins with a strong foundation resulting from its accomplishments in 2018 and 2019 in the four key areas critical to our clients and the economic health of the county. For example: Financing Solutions: We facilitated financing for 29 projects totaling more than $58 million and launched our Finance Finder newsletter to support service outreach.

24

——Spring/Summer

Location Services: We forged a partnership with the development team at Cheyney University to reimagine the campus and identify university assets suitable for local companies.

Workforce Development: We provided career exploration opportunities to more than 4,600 students through our STEM Innovation programs and summer academies.

Innovation Culture: We strengthened our network of services and resources by serving more than 100 emerging tech companies in our region.

2020 • Volume 6——

With an unemployment rate hovering around 3 percent, recruiting, hiring and maintaining a strong and committed workforce is of utmost importance to the success of our employers. CCEDC is no different. With this in mind, we are proud to celebrate the contributions and successes of our team, along with the outstanding support of our board, partners and many volunteers.

As we enter this anniversary year, we do so with gratitude

for the work of our team and volunteers and look forward with great anticipation to working together to grow the economic health of Chester County’s commerce, culture, and community.

All the best, Gary W. Smith, President & CEO For more details on CCEDC please visit: https://annual. ccedcpa.com/

Where Place & Possibility Meet!

The library is where people go to find accurate information, connect with others, & collaborate.

Our computers are used for 1000s of hours a month for applying for employment, filing taxes, accessing genealogical records, a studying for tests.

Physical books, books on CD, e-books, movies & TV shows are always available! Our children’s and adult programs are well attended and help our community learn and have fun.

Come by or call 610-384-4115 for more information and to get a library card!

501 E. Lincoln Hwy. Coatesville, PA 19320 610-384-4115 ——For

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

25

Meet Our Member:

Signal 88 Security of Octorara

W

hen it comes to everyday situations, where wide variety of clients, including security for as many as there is a need for extra security, Signal 88 five hospitals at one point.

Security is available to help.

Signal 88 Security of Octorara is available for one-time Signal 88 Security of Octorara is part of a nationwide special events such as sporting events or concerts, as well franchise. Locally, the business is owned and operated by as short-term threat situations, and overnight patrols.

Pete Mango and his wife Jeannette.

“We’ll do one-time events, we’ll do threat responses if Mango’s experience as a there’s an employee termipolice officer meshes pernation or a threat against fectly with the security a business,” Mango industry. He started as a fullexplained. “We can put an time police officer with the officer in plain clothes in Veterans’ Administration in there.”

Coatesville in 1977, followed The company is also by service as a part-time available for short-term officer in East Fallowfield security needs, such as site and Caln Township police protection after a fire or at departments.

He later construction sites. became police chief at East Mobile patrols are another Fallowfield and served there way that the company can for 25 years. provide a deterrent to crime “A year before I retired, and identify problems.

I was looking at alternaCorporate sites, residential tives. When I saw Signal 88 sites, businesses, or comSecurity franchise opportunimercial properties may ties advertised in a police benefit from patrols conmagazine, I thought it was ducted in highly visible, perfect because I know marked vehicles. how to protect people and “The visibility causes those I know how to respond to who are intent on conductincidents, but I didn’t know ing criminal acts to look the business side of the elsewhere,” Mango said. security world,” Mango said.

Signal 88 may be best “Having the opportunity to known for the presence buy into a franchise system they provide in six Chester that provides the knowledge County school districts, and back-up with HR, payincluding Octorara Area Courtesy photo roll, uniforms and everything Signal 88 was recognized for sustained employer support of National School District. was just the right choice.”

More than just responding Guard and Reserve service members.

Now in business for 10 to violence on campus, the years, Signal 88 Security of Octorara is among one of the officers’ presence helps staff and students feel they are in senior franchises in the Signal 88 system. They are a two- a safe environment where they can focus on education. time winner of the franchise of the year.

Officers are also there to help protect students engaging in With 45 to 50 employees, Signal 88 Security of Octorara self-destructive behavior, and control access to the school. covers most of Chester County and the eastern portion of Mango explained, “It’s not so much the active shooter Lancaster County. Over the years, the firm has handled a threat. There’s also a lot of other services our officers 26

——Spring/Summer

2020 • Volume 6——

provide in schools, including identifying people who are using and selling vaping devices in the schools, vandalizing bathrooms, bullying prevention, accident investigation, traffic control and theft from the school or other students.

Our officers work closely with the school principals.”

Mango added that for different situations, there are different levels of service.

“We provide armed security officers who are all retired law enforcement officers, recent MPOETC graduates or off duty officers,” he explained. “Many of them are state troopers and local police officers who have retired. We have them in schools in a good part of the county.”

But not every situation calls for an armed officer. “The second service we provide is unarmed officers. They are also in the schools, in some cases working under the supervision of an armed officer,” Mango said.

Utilizing the newest technology, including cameras in all patrol vehicles, officers are automatically logged in and out as they make their rounds. Automatic reporting systems make sure that reports of any incidents they handle are immediately sent to the client. Officers also attend online training via a very robust learning platform, 88University.

As security becomes an issue at the forefront of people’s minds, the need for Signal 88 continues to grow.

“As we see more and more active shooter situations occurring, there’s been a greater demand on us. That’s the

Pete Mango’s career experience enables him to provide top-level security services

armed officer we’re increasingly providing,” Mango said.

“It’s a growing business.”

For more information on Signal 88 Security of Octorara, call 302-298-3307 or visit the website at www.signal88.com.

The mission of THE POINT is to empower youth and their families to live victoriously by offering a SAFE, ENGAGING and SPIRIT-FILLED environment

700 Main Street | Parkesburg, PA 19365 | 610-857-3393 | www.ParkesburgPoint.com

——For

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

27

Western Chester County Life| Jump

Continued from Page 28

Get to know your lo Distinctive Gardens

By Ann Lane, Chester County Ag Council Do the first signs of spring have you ready to reach for your spade and gardening gloves? Consider a visit to your local garden center before you dig in.

“Local garden center staff can give you the personalized advice that big box stores often can’t,” said Susan LeBoutillier of LeBeau Gardens in Downingtown. “A plant may or may not be cheaper at a big box store, but if it’s ill-suited for our region, it will die and you’ll have to buy another.”

Local garden centers often have the advantage over larger chain stores when it comes to providing horticultural expertise because many are familyowned, with generations of the same family passing along gardening wisdom to the customer communities they serve.

“We’re here to help you make the right selection,” says Barbara Gardner, co-owner of Distinctive Gardens in West Chester. “We encourage people to bring us photos of their yards so we can help them find the best plant for their needs.”

Garden centers aren’t just about the plants. Many also offer professional landscape design and installation, hardscaping (patios and permanent outdoor features), seasonally-themed gift shops and more personal seasonal services like installing and decorating your Christmas tree at the holidays.

Whether you are a serious gardener or someone who just wants to add a little seasonal color around your home, a trip to your local garden center will give you the confidence and the materials to make your horticultural vision a reality.

28

The appropriately named Gardner family owns and operates Distinctive Gardens, a full service garden center and nursery outside of West Chester/ Marshallton. They carry a wide selection of gardening supplies and plant materials for all seasons, landscape design and installation services, as well as a gift shop which offers unique giftware and holiday decorations.

According to Barbara Gardner, aspiring gardeners need to understand the seasonal nature of the landscape and the value of planning ahead: “It’s important to understand the seasons and the plant materials that go along with them. For instance, if you want lots of tulips and daffodils in the spring, you need to plant them the fall prior.”

Their greenhouses ebb and flow seasonally in order to provide the plant materials they grow on site and to house the plant stock they bring in from other growers. Once their custom wreath and Christmas tree traffic dies down in the winter, Distinctive Gardens’ greenhouses soon fill with seed trays of popular annuals like sunpatiens and lantana that will beautify late spring and summer plantings. In addition to their famous mums, The Distinctive Gardens staff also grow a wide variety of “Proven Winner” perennials, which are bred and tested for hardiness and performance in the garden, as well as many varieties of trees and shrubs.

In addition to their outdoor plant materials, Distinctive Gardens also carries a wide variety of unique and interesting house plants, a trend Gardner sees making a comeback. She is especially excited about new varieties of “phenomenal” succulents making their way into homes and gardens, which can provide visual interest in a range of diverse growing conditions.

Distinctive Gardens is located west of Marshallton at 1531 Telegraph Road, West Chester, Pa. ——Spring/Summer

2020 • Volume 6——

local garden center R-P Nurseries

R-P Nurseries has the distinction of being the oldest family-run nursery in the United States. This Kennett Square business opened in 1866 as a bare root tree operation, and it has since expanded and evolved under generations of the Rakestraw/Pratt family.

In response to changing customer demand, their business model now includes a garden center; gift shop; residential and commercial landscaping; and maintenance services. They’ve also greatly expanded their greenhouses to include a rotating inventory of indoor and outdoor plants−everything from popular varieties to rare finds.

Manager Greg DiStefano says their loyal fan base of customers return year after year because they appreciate R-P’s knowledgeable staff, great selection of plants and good prices.

DiStefano and his staff relish the opportunity to engage with their customers to help them solve gardening dilemmas and understand what to do in the garden and when.

“We often get questions from customers about the right time to trim or plant,” said DiStefano. “It all depends on the type of plant, and we enjoy guiding them to a good choice.”

R-P Nurseries is located in Unionville at 656 Unionville Road, Kennett Square, Pa.

LeBeau Gardens

LeBeau Gardens in Downingtown is also founded on a strong family gardening tradition. Susan LeBoutillier, who opened LeBeau Gardens in 2012, is the granddaughter of James and Anna Paolini who founded the much loved network of Waterloo Gardens garden centers, where she got her start in the landscaping department.

“I’ve been doing this work my entire life,” said LeBoutillier fondly. LeBoutillier understands that shoppers have many choices when it comes to buying plants and other garden materials. However, she strongly encourages people to shop at local garden Continued on Page 30 ——For

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

29

Nurseries Continued from Page 29

centers like hers to not only support community businesses, but to also get the personalized advice and attention only a trained horticultural staff can provide.

“There are rules of design and rules of horticulture to understand,” she said. “Looking at the Internet alone for ideas won’t do it.”

She encourages home gardeners to be diligent with their pruning to keep their foundation beds in check and to understand that the lifespan of a good garden design is often only 15-18 years. After that point, plants can grow out of scale to their surroundings and it can be a good time to make changes.

LeBoutillier and her staff stock LeBeau Gardens with everything from unusual perennials, to beloved classics and native plants, an increasingly popular segment of the garden industry.

In terms of plants to keep an eye out for this spring, LeBoutillier is particularly excited about “Einstein,” a relatively new variety of the native clethra shrub. The “Einstein” cultivar is a hardy shrub with long, white racemes of blooms that attract pollinators and tolerates a wide variety of growing conditions, a good candidate for many kinds of landscapes and site conditions.

LeBeau Gardens is located on Rt. 113 south of Lionville, 320 W Uwchlan Avenue, Downingtown, Pa.

30

——Spring/Summer

2020 • Volume 6——

Valley View Perennial Growers

Busy from March until Thanksgiving, Valley View Perennial Growers offers a large selection of over 250 varieties of container perennials, grasses, bedding plants, herbs and vegetable plants. Many of which are native to Pennsylvania and pollinator-friendly.

Owner Lynn Snyder Mack strongly believes in the importance of either growing her own plants or sourcing from nearby quality growers.

“Customers ask us why our plants do well and plants from big box stores don’t,” said Snyder Mack.

According to Snyder Mack, plants from big box stores are often grown entirely in green houses and fed excessive amounts of plant food in order to look particularly green and lush when they hit stores’ shelves. However, this aggressive start in life means these plants aren’t always able to adjust and thrive in the variable, sometimes challenging garden conditions found outdoors in Pennsylvania.

“It’s taken us years to find the best local sources for young plants, years of trialing plants to make sure they will be reliable in the garden and years to find good sources for our special potting mix blend, so we can produce the most productive plants for our customers,” says Snyder Mack. “We want our plants to do well in the real world, not just in a greenhouse.”

Understanding that customers can sometimes feel overwhelmed by their wide selection of plants, Snyder Mack and her staff are always happy to offer advice on a plant’s deer resistance, pollinator appeal and the best way to site Continued on Page 32

——For

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

31

Nurseries Continued from Page 31

Other local garden centers to visit:

plants for long term garden success. They also offer free sample landscape design plans customers can take home to get ideas about garden design and structure.

Valley View Perennial Growers is located on Rt. 10, 2068 Limestone Road, Cochranville, Pa.

Hidden Acres Greenhouse, 956 Fallowfield Road, Atglen, PA 19310 Jane’s Flower Patch, 1219 Horseshoe Pike, Downingtown, PA 19335 King’s Herb Nook, 1060 Compass Road, Honey Brook, PA 19344 Route 10 Garden Center, 430 Limestone Road, Oxford, PA 19363 Somerset Nursery, 1697 Pottstown Pike, Glenmoore, PA 19343 Water Crest Farms Nursery, 190 Woodcrest Road, West Grove, PA 19390

ASHI #246193

Home Inspections SPECIALIZING IN: Whole House Inspections, Radon Testing, Well Performance & Water Testing

Public • Commercial • Industrial Real World Solutions Contractor Providing Excavation and Repairs for Underground Utilities & Pumping Stations

Fidelity Contracting LLC

Inspector: Kevin Kerr

789 North Manor Rd, Elverson, PA 19520

Ground Up Home Inspections

610.816.0704

610-324-3064 • ks-kerr@hotmail.com 363 Hill Road, Honey Brook, PA 19344

www.fidelitycontracting.com 32

——Spring/Summer

Proudly Serving Chester County and the Surrounding Counties

2020 • Volume 6——

——For

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

33

Western Chester County Life|

Chester County’s destination towns offer unique experiences

Jump

Continued from Page 34

By Brian O’Leary Executive Director of Chester County Planning Commission

Farmers Market Directory. Farms selling direct-to-consumer are more likely to remain in business. On average, about 13 fulltime jobs are created by farms that sell locally per $1 million Chester County’s urban centers are becoming destination in revenue created, compared to three jobs for farms without towns where more and more people want to live, work, and local sales.

County Planning Commission Urban Planner Kevin Myers visit to enjoy unique experiences offered by breweries and tasting rooms, farmers’ markets, food trucks, and short-term rentals discussed short-term rentals, which are more commonly known as Airbnb or VRBO rentals. These are residential properties or such as Airbnbs and VRBOs. That was the message that came out of the Chester County portions of residential properties that are available for rent on a Urban Centers Forum last fall at the Victory Brewing Company limited duration basis; there are over 250 of this type of rental in Chester County. Myers said these in Parkesburg. rentals are popular options in comBill Covaleski and Ron Barchet comunities with higher lodging demand, founded Victory Brewing Company in thriving business or entertainment disDowningtown in 1996 and now have tricts, seasonal destinations, significant locations in Parkesburg and Kennett tourism attractions, close proximity to Square. The manufacturing and distriuniversities, and large special events bution operation now sells its products Continued on Page 34 such as fairs, concerts and festivals. in 35 states and six other countries.

Myers noted that municipalities “We’re very proud of our home,” said should consider some factors before Covaleski. “We’re very appreciative of allowing this type of lodging includthe water here.” ing potential neighborhood opposition, Kent Steeves of the new Braeloch the effects on housing availability and Brewing in Kennett Square spoke about Courtesy photos affordability and effects on commercial some of the hurdles people might face Farmers’ Markets are very popular. lodging such as hotels and bed and when opening a brewery or tasting room. He credited Kennett Square Borough officials for being breakfasts. Myers also provided suggestions for municipalities, forward thinking when it comes to welcoming new businesses such as examining policies and determining methods of regulation such as zoning ordinances or standalone ordinances. there.

Eric and Elaine Kelleher of On the Roll Food Truck were on There are currently about 25 breweries in Chester County, based on 2019 Chester County Health Department licensing hand to discuss the benefits of food trucks in urban centers. records. Pennsylvania is ranked first for volume of craft beer “It’s been interesting and it keeps us busy,” said Eric Kelleher.

Kelleher added that he doesn’t believe food trucks take busiproduced in the United States and ranked sixth nationwide for the number of breweries. This industry has a $6.3 billion ness away from brick-and-mortar restaurants. “We’re not taking economic impact on Pennsylvania, which is second only to business away from them – we’re actually bringing business to them,” he said. “I actually think we complement each other.”

California.

There are dozens of food trucks licensed to operate in Chester Lisa O’Neill, owner of Growing Roots, spoke about the benefits of farmers’ markets in Chester County. Her organization County, according to a Planning Commission analysis of currently runs three markets in Chester County and one in Berks Health Department records. The annual food truck sales in the County. She said the markets help bring visitors to the boroughs United States equates to over $2 billion.

Chester County Health Department Environmental Health who then patronize the local businesses.

“Our purpose is to breathe life back into the community,” Specialist Carrie Lane spoke about the importance of business owners and municipal officials reaching out to the County she said.

There are 10 active farmers’ markets in Chester County, six Health Department for assistance when opening new restauof which are open during the off-season. As of December rants, breweries, and businesses. “It’s vital that we’re involved 2019, there are more than 8,700 farmers’ markets nationwide, from the get-go,” she said.

Phoenxiville Borough Planning and Land Development according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National 34

——Spring/Summer

2020 • Volume 6——

Victory Brewing has three locations in Chester County.

Food trucks can have many benefits for urban centers.

Director and Zoning Officer David Boelker spoke about how consumers have shifted their spending habits toward more online shopping these days versus brick-and-mortar stores. As a result, when people go out in their spare time, “they want experiences,” he said.

Urban Centers Forums have been conducted since the development of VISTA 2025, the County’s economic development strategy. The forums are the result of a partnership involving the Chester County Commissioners, the County Department of Community Development, the County Planning Commission, and the Chester County Economic Development Council.

The Planning Commission is implementing projects in Landscapes3 that will help the boroughs and City of Coatesville such as an Urban Centers Design Guide. In addition, the Vision Partnership Program (VPP) is available for all municipalities in Chester County, including urban centers, to help improve their planning programs while achieving consistency with

Landscapes3. View more information about the VPP: https:// www.chescoplanning.org/municorner/vpp.cfm.

County Department of Community Development Director Pat Bokovitz noted that urban centers can apply for Chester County Community Revitalization Program (CRP) grant opportunities for infrastructure improvements. View more information about the CRP: https://chesco.org/1924/Apply-for-Grants.

View fact sheets about destination towns: https://chescoplanning.org/MuniCorner/UrbanPlanning.cfm The Chester County Planning Commission can be reached by phone at 610-344-6285, by email at ccplanning@chesco.org, or by mail at 601 Westtown Road, West Chester, PA 19380. Get all the latest updates online at www.chescoplanning.org

Founded in 1919, Coatesville Savings Bank has been serving the needs of the community and its residents for over 100 years. Having survived the stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression, the Bank has demonstrated its resiliency and stability throughout the years. Even today, our team remains committed to providing quality customer service, along with financial products and services, supported by modern technology, that help you prosper. We invite you to stop by a local branch to meet us and learn more!

PERSONAL & BUSINESS | CHECKING | SAVINGS | LOANS & LINES MOBILE DEPOSIT & BANKING | ONLINE BANKING & BILL PAY

CO AT E S V I L L E | OX F O R D | N E W H O L L A N D | Q UA R R Y V I L L E | G E O R G E TO W N

( 610 ) 384 - 8282 | CO AT E S V I L L E S AV I N G S . CO M

——For

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

35

36

——Spring/Summer

2020 • Volume 6——

——For

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

37

Sneak Peak

38

——Spring/Summer

2020 • Volume 6——

Meet Our Member: Western Chester Jump

County Life|

Stottsville Inn owner realizes youthful wish

Continued from Page 42

The sign outside the Stottsville Inn.

Michael Quinn running successful landmark

By Natalie Smith Contributing Writer

The charming hotel rooms have been pared down from 16 to nine, to accommodate more bathrooms with five-foot, walk-in showers. The rooms were enjoyed by one particular ot everyone is able to fulfill a childhood dream, so guest, Academy Award-winner Kate Winslet. The actress Kate the Stottsville Inn owner Michael Quinn might be Winslet, in Chester and Delaware counties to tape her upcoming HBO series, “Mare of Easttown,” spent one December counted among the lucky.

“From a young boy, for some reason or another, I always night in the suite. Unfortunately, other commitments pulled had the yearning to own a restaurant,” said Quinn, a building Quinn away that evening, so he didn’t meet her. “But we can say, ‘Kate slept here’,” he said. contractor who specializes in historic renovations.

The Stottsville dates back to 1858, when it was built In 2016, Quinn purchased the Inn at 3512 Strasburg Road from the estate of the late Raymond Carr, the well-known as a hotel-restaurant for travelers going from Lancaster to Philadelphia. “It was a way entrepreneur and developer station where people could of the Duling-Kurtz House in Continued on Page 42 board their horses, eat a Exton and Kennedy Supplee meal and sleep overnight,” Mansion in Valley Forge Quinn said, noting it was National Historical Park. just one of many such estabThe pull for Quinn was lishments along the route, strong. “I drove by this place including the Marshalton for 30 years,” he said, “and Inn, about 12 miles east I put an offer in the day it on Strasburg Road and the went on the market.” Being General Warren in Malvern. able to put his talented son Stottsville has gone through Isaac as executive chef in a few incarnations since its the kitchen was also comearly days, including its prepelling motivation to acquire vious turn as a fine-dining the Stottsville. The younger restaurant.

Quinn counts among his But under the Quinn cooking experience stints at Pictured inside the Stottsville Inn are (from left) owner Michael Quinn; such Philadelphia eateries as general manager Kate Richárd, who was Quinn’s longtime office manager family, the Stottsville has Barbuzzo, Lolita and Little in his general contracting business; and Isaac Quinn, Inn executive chef and embraced a more laid-back Michael Quinn’s son. and comfortable atmoNonna.

Quinn’s contracting know-how was naturally a boon when sphere. Michael Quinn describes the menu, with its mix of it came to remodeling. “We did about a year-and-a-half of homey and more sophisticated selections, as eclectic. renovations – mostly interior and painting the outside. We put He speaks enthusiastically about the chef’s offerings, listabout $1 million into it.” ing some of the more popular ones.

Included in the design changes were adding windows “Everything he cooks, he’s just got a little twist to it. It’s throughout the interior, resulting in a light and open feel in not the same that you would get any other place. We go the main dining room, the clever suggestion of his wife Kelly. from bar food all the way to four- or five-star entrees.”

Another move was to remove the tired, musty carpeting to “My son is a very innovative chef,” Quinn said. “We have expose the original heart pine floor. Quinn explained the pan- things like shrimp and grits, and chicken marsala. All of our els were cut from the center of pine trees from the 19th century soups and salads … everything is house-made. Our tomato and “you can’t get that kind of wood anymore.” soup is just a little different than a standard tomato soup

N

42

——Spring/Summer

2020 • Volume 6——

The bar at the Stottsville Inn was enlarged in the 18-month renovation after it was purchased by Michael Quinn in 2016.

Actor Kate Winslet slept in the suite in the Stottsville Inn early in December when she was in Chester County during the filming of her HBO series, “Mare of Easttown.” The beds in each of the nine rooms has 600 thread count sheets.

with a little bit different spice in it. Our French onion soup -- instead of being a standard broth base-- has a little tomato base in it that people just absolutely love.”

The chef himself said he’s trying to do a mix of comfort food and dishes that might be new to some of the patrons.

“I try to make the regular menu pretty approachable. But on the weekends, I’ll try to do more elevated specials,” Isaac Quinn said.

Quinn said the kitchen expansion part of the renovation was to accommodate a very special piece of equipment.

“Isaac and I built and designed the kitchen. We put in a five-foot, custom wood-fired grill that we got from Texas.

So we either cook or finish things off on the wood-fired grill. We use it extensively on anything from steaks, hamburgers … our wings are par-fried and then finished off on the wood-fired grill, so they have the barbecue, smoky taste to them. We have grilled asparagus … we do a lot of vegetables.

“Our calamari … we have sautéed as well as fried calamari, served with a house-made tomato sauce. In our appetizers, we have Brussels sprouts that are finished off on a wood-fired grill and our shrimp cocktail – in my opinion a true, five-star shrimp cocktail – he marinates it in a Creole sauce, then finishes it off on the wood-fired grill and it’s served over a bed of thinly sliced celery with the cocktail sauce on the plate. In comparison to the shrimp cocktail that would just be in a cocktail glass. That’s just boiled shrimp.”

Cheesesteak and chicken steak sandwiches also benefit from this manner of cooking. The meat is cooked on the wood-fired grill prior to being on the flattop grill. “It’s cooked twice, which gives it a special flavor. Our cheesesteak is not your normal cheesesteak.”

Stottsville’s casual food has been recognized by Main Line Today magazine, which gave the Inn an award for best pizza in the Western Suburbs. “Our margherita pizza is just over the top. It’s like it has a little bit more cheese than most margherita pizzas. And then we have our custom pizzas: barbecue chicken, Brussels sprout, short rib ….”

But don’t ask for a large. “We don’t do any large pizzas ——For

Photos by Natalie Smith

The dining room at the Stottsville Inn.

because, in my opinion, they don’t cook the same. So we do 12-inch pan pizzas.”

Popular entrees include Mushroom Beef Stroganoff, which can be made without beef for a vegetarian option; the Inn Crab Cake; and Grilled Hangar Steak.

But if brunch is more your style, you’re in luck. Chicken and Waffles, S’mores Pancakes and Bananas Foster French Toast all grace the menu from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Stottsville also has daily specials, of course. But they come with a little something extra, Quinn said: a stated price.

“I hate going to a restaurant and they have a list of specials Continued on Page 43 and they don’t give you the price. You might be hesitant or embarrassed. You don’t want to look like a cheapskate, so you go ahead and get it and it costs $42!

“So we have prices on our specials. It’s in our business plan to put our fresh food at reasonable prices and we’ve made a huge effort to do that.”

Quinn is planning on adding an additional dining room, but not to pack the restaurant.

He pointed to the substantial spacing between tables in the dining room.

“You see, there’s generous room here. I can pack more tables in here if I wanted. But when you get this dining room full, it’s too loud. And people feel like they have to leave as soon as they’re done.

“So my business plan is to have more tables so that means it can double as a private party space. It’s a little bit of a European model. [Europeans] basically live in smaller homes and they don’t have the same space to entertain, so they go to restaurants and stay for four hours.” Quinn said he’d welcome people to linger and chat at his tables.

As he gains more experience as the proprietor of the Stottsville Inn, Quinn said one of his greatest satisfactions is watching many of the young people in his staff of 35 grow and mature in their jobs.

“There are so many hard things about running a restaurant,” he said. “But this is a real joy.”

Natalie Smith may be contacted at DoubleSMedia@rocketmail.com

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

43

Western Chester County Life| Jump

Transportation and the 2020 U.S. Census

Continued from Page 44

By Tim Phelps TMACC Executive Director Awareness of the upcoming 2020 U.S. Census is growing.

State and local governments around the nation are establishing Complete Count Committees (CCC) to educate and raise awareness to all to participate in the census. On Wednesday, Sept. 11, the Chester County Commissioners approved a resolution calling for the formation of a countywide Census 2020 Complete Count Committee (CCC) to encourage all residents’ participation in the Census survey and established a Complete County Committee.

In the County announcement the Commissioners stated that Chester County’s CCC is a group of volunteers who, at the local level, develop and implement a 2020 Census awareness campaign based upon their knowledge of the local community. The CCC is comprised of government and community leaders from education, business, health care, and other community organizations. Their focus is to raise awareness about the 2020 Census and conduct public outreach to “hard-tocount” residents of Chester County.

In March and April of 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau will be conducting the 2020 Census, as is required by Article 1,Section 2 of the United States Constitution which mandates a count of all the people living in the United States every ten years. The county announcement goes on to say, “Because the 2020 Census affects the future distribution of state and federal funding to Chester County’s governments and social service organizations, the Chester County Commissioners have established a Complete Count Committee to help ensure that all

residents in Chester County are counted.”

So why does the Transportation Management Association of Chester County and its partner organizations like the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce strongly support the participation in the upcoming 2020 U.S. Census?

From a transportation perspective it’s this simple: Federal Highway Planning and Construction dollars relies on censusderived data and funds distributed by state.

The George Washington University’s Institute of Public Policy conducted research for the U.S. Census entitled Counting for Dollars 2020. The first portion of the study focused on the allocation of funds from 55 large Federal spending programs and then the 16 large Federal assistance programs that distribute funds on basis of decennial Census -driven statistics. At $34.3 trillion dollars, Highway Planning and Construction is the fourth largest Federal assistance program to State transportation departments. These are formula driven grants where State departments select projects in cooperation with local officials; for southeast Pennsylvania this is the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission a Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Five transportation programs including Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality which local municipalities apply for, and Surface Transportation rely on this Census -driven data which includes population and median income. Moreover, per the code, the distribution of funds with a state is to be based in part on local population size. A State decennial Census undercount would directly result in lower population and lower state share of transportation leading to less project funding.

Per the study, in FY2016 Pennsylvania received $39,179,047,733 through 55 federal spending programs

FINANCIAL PLANNING, INSURANCE,

for your business and family.

AND INVESTMENTS

Service, strategy and advocacy are the foundation of how we work for our clients. Let us show you how. www.PennRiseAdvisors.com 610.269.8363 Karl Klingmann II is registered with and securities are offered through Kovack Securities, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Kovack Securities Corporate Headquarters: 800-711-4078 | www.kovacksecurities.com Advisory services offered through Kovack Advisors Inc. Penn Rise Advisors is not affiliated with Kovack Securities, Inc. or Kovack Advisors, Inc.

44

——Spring/Summer

2020 • Volume 6——

guided by data derived from the 2010 Census. Of the 16 large Federal assistance programs for FY2015, Pennsylvania’s number four assistance program was Highway Planning and Construction for a totaled $1,670,766,557.

So why does the Transportation Management Association of Chester County encourage everyone to participate in the U.S. 2020 Census?

Pennsylvania relies on the federal dollars to continue repairing, rebuilding and maintaining our state transportation infrastructure. In the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation 2018 Annual Report (Pub 409 (7-19)), it states that PennDOT is �directly responsible for approximately 40,000 roadway miles and 25,400 bridges in Pennsylvania, maintaining our transportation network takes strong partnership among the department, federal and local governments, planning partners, the construction industry and our communities. In addition to the state’s highways and bridges, a robust menu of travel and commerce options such as aviation, transit and rail facilities are also essential to keeping people and goods moving�.

Construction lettings in 2018 was for $2.48 Billion dollars for 726 contracts that focused on highway and bridges.

For Chester County and the Delaware Valley we must continue to improve the safety and efficiency of moving people

and goods throughout the region. More efficient transportation network reduces congestion, improves our air quality and increases our quality of life.

To learn more about the figures in this article, visit The George Washington University’s Public Policy website for Counting for Dollars 2020 at www.gwipp.gwu.edu/countingdollars-2020-initial-analysis. For information on the U.S. Census visit www.census.gov . Chester County’s CCC will be actively working from the fall of 2019 to the spring of 2020 to ensure that everyone in Chester County is counted. Please visit the Chester County Planning Commission’s Complete Count web page to view the 2020 Census timeline, obtain informational resources, and learn how you can become a Census Champion.

TMACC is the Transportation Management Association of Chester County, a non-profit, member-based organization focused on improving traffic congestion and air quality for the County of Chester through transportation demand management strategies. If you are interested in being a part of the movement, visit them at tmacc.org

Take the Census. We are counting on it!

™——For

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——™

45

Meet Our Member:

Coatesville Area Senior Center

T

he Coatesville Area Senior Center (CASC) has more to offer than you may expect. Most people envision a senior center as a place for bingo and perhaps blood pressure screenings for people who have slowed down during retirement.

Today’s senior center offers much more than that. In addition to the mid-day meal, social games, and exercise classes that are traditional staples of a Senior Center, at CASC you may also find beer- and wine-tasting events, active gardening clubs, art classes, dance classes, and even stand-up comedy after dark.

Bill Pierce, the CASC director, explained, “We strive every day to think outside the box and bring engaging, exciting, and innovative opportunities to our participants – because let’s face it, it’s what they want. Wouldn’t you want the same?”

No longer exclusively for sedentary seniors, CASC is striving to meet the expectations of people with five or more decades of interests and abilities.

“If you have children by age 35, they’ll be 50 years old by your 85th birthday. That means that you and your children could be enjoying CASC together. Additionally, our programs

and services must be adaptive for varying financial circumstances, medical conditions, mental health diagnoses, and more,” Pierce said.

“For one person, CASC might provide the only full meal in a day. For another, our fitness programming may provide a safe and comfortable environment to stay active without fear of being injured or overworked. No matter the need, CASC is committed to staying relevant for individuals who want to stay active and healthy,” Pierce said.

One-size-fits-all options that cater to an increasingly elderly America are no longer a viable option. The aging population is the largest demographic shift that business leaders, policy makers, health care providers, and service providers will face in the next few decades.

It is projected by the U.S. Census Bureau that by 2034 older adults will outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history.

Community members still under 50 should be thinking about what they want a senior center to look like when they’re ready to visit one. CASC is working now, with an eye to the future, to begin offering those same kinds of programs and services.

Jerry James

Ruth Wilson

46

——Spring/Summer

2020 • Volume 6——

CASC offers support services to connect individuals to the resources available in the community. Trained staff encourage clients to take better care of themselves and learn how to ask for help – when they need it.

Exercise programs in partnership with the Brandywine YMCA help people stay active as they age, with weekly fitness classes that improve mobility and increase strength. Everyone has access to outcome-based approaches to staying healthy.

People should also engage in the creative process to activate the mind and body. At CASC, there are a wide range of artistic projects that improve fine motor skills, generate new ideas and help people discover new talents.

Educational opportunities provide the means to learn a new language, explore history, or even brush-up on driving skills.

Classes are conducted in a respectful learning environment that encourages interaction with like-minded peers.

Nutrition programs are at the heart of CASC. Nostalgia Kitchen by CASC offers a unique dining experience for the community. Everyone, no matter their age, may enjoy breakfast at CASC with lunch available for persons age 60 and older.

CASC’s culinary-trained chef leads clubs and cooking classes and the nutrition team produces homemade soups for purchase on a weekly basis.

CASC recognizes that their visitors are not just seniors. They are also teachers, activists, chemists, leaders, innovators, and founders.

——For

Ruth Wilson, age 93, is one of only six living AfricanAmerican Rosie the Riveters from the World War II campaign aimed to get women to come into the workforce. She left her job to do sheet metal work on the USS Valley Forge at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Labor activist Jerry James returned to Coatesville after his time in the service and took a job at then Lukens Iron and Steel Company. At the time, black men were often relegated to menial jobs and labor gangs. Dissatisfied with his limited opportunities, he persevered with the status quo until the racial injustices were recognized. He helped to alter company policy and would open the doors for his peers as he represented them as the first black brick layer for Lukens.

Services at CASC are open to anyone age 50 and over.

Volunteers of any age are welcome to help on the administrative team, lead a class or work on a fund raiser. No matter what your interest, there is a place where you can help.

CASC works behind the scenes to remind everyone, including service providers, funders, and the government, that their commitment to working for the welfare of older persons is important. That is true whether their interest is ending hunger and poverty or increasing access to medical treatment.

CASC is located at 250 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. (formerly Harmony St.), Coatesville. For more information call the Center at 610-383-6900 or visit the website at www.coatesvilleseniorcenter.org and follow on Facebook.

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

47

Western Chester County Life|

Parkesburg: A borough on the cusp of a Renaissance

Jump

Continued from Page 48

By April Kenworthy, Parkesburg Action Committee The Borough of Parkesburg has faced more than its share of challenges over the years. If you drive down Main Street or First Avenue today, you will see many empty storefronts situated between thriving businesses. Occasionally, a new business will open up with great expectations - but then after a year or sometimes less, sadly close their doors.

Fortunately, there is a movement taking place in the borough that is bringing a wave of positive change. It’s coming not only from the local government, but also its citizens and business owners. Longtime residents are joining forces with newcomers, and something exciting is happening. People are taking part, joining local committees, participating in activities, stepping up and getting involved. There is a “Can Do” spirit growing here that is contagious.

People want to see the charm of a small-town return to Parkesburg. The good news is that the borough has been actively working with the Chester County Planning Commission on a path towards revitalization.

The first step towards this goal is updating the Comprehensive Plan. Working on this is a task force comprised of representatives from the county, the borough council, business owners and citizens.

Long time projects that have been mired down in decades of red tape are finally shaking free and clawing their way towards progress. The Parkesburg train station is slated to begin muchneeded property upgrades funded by PennDOT and pushed through Amtrak thanks to Senator Andy Dinniman. We should

48

——Spring/Summer

start seeing work there in 2021.

PennDOT announced that it will also start replacing the long-closed West Bridge Street bridge at the end of 2020. This will provide another connection between Main Street and 1st Avenue as well as clean up a blighted eyesore.

While on the topic of eyesores, the long empty former ACME underwent mysterious renovations, sparking many rumors over just what was going into the space. After more than 15 years of sitting vacant, the iconic ACME was transformed into a bustling Planet Fitness. So not only is the town shaping up, the citizens are too.

The Keystone Valley Fire Department completed the renovation of the fire station and memorial garden. This was celebrated last May with a dedication ceremony.

The Chester Valley Trail (CVT) West project held feasibility studies and town meetings to evaluate potential routes through the borough. The project will connect the CVT in Downingtown to the Enola Low Grade trail west of Atglen.

Having the trail go through Parkesburg Borough, rather than around it, brings the promise of the borough becoming a “Trail Town.” The potential of recreation-centered economic development is enormous.

Within the borough itself, there have been many changes.

The new borough manager, Neil Vaughn, has been instrumental in much of what has taken place. He sought, and was awarded, a $50,000 grant which will be used for several improvement projects at Minch Park.

This year, the borough has also formed two new commissions. The Parkesburg Historic Commission’s mission is to record the history of the borough, maintain an archive of various historical memorabilia, and to inventory historical sites and structures. One of the main objectives of the Historical Commission is to create a physical museum to house, preserve and display the history of Parkesburg. Under the guidance of Vice Chairman Gerry Treadway, a vast collection of historic memorabilia is currently awaiting a permanent home. To kick off the fundraising efforts, the commission sold Christmas ornaments featuring a vintage photograph of the old Parkesburg School. The sale was so successful that they look forward to repeating the fundraiser yearly.

The Parkesburg Parks and Recreation Commission was also formed and was immediately joined by several enthusiastic citizens who desired to become involved with borough activities. They coordinated the first borough-wide street luminary event and adorned the gazebo in Minch Park with festive

2020 • Volume 6——

decorations. They look forward to seeing these programs expand every year. The commission has a vision of a large, permanent evergreen tree that will be the center of future tree lighting ceremonies.

The Parkesburg Action Committee (PAC) was formed almost four years ago by a group of business owners and community leaders who desired to create a sense of community, promote growth and improvement within the borough. They started hosting a street fair one night a month called Final Friday. The 200 block of Main Street is closed off to traffic, allowing vendors, food trucks, musical entertainment, local businesses, and civic groups to all come together and enjoy the evening. Many people have expressed how nice it is to have an activity that brings the town together, gets people outside and visiting their friends and neighbors. They also host a Christmas on Main event, highlighting the businesses on Main Street and bringing in additional local vendors for holiday shopping.

Reviving a community requires residents, businesses and the local government to work together, one step at a time.

Parkesburg is on the path to reinventing itself for current and future generations to live, work and play.

For more information on Parkesburg events follow Parkesburg Action Committee on Facebook.

——For

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

49

Meet Our Member:

Functional Healthcare offers new approach Agape Institute looks to brain for illness beginnings

By Natalie Smith Contributing Writer

F

or those interested in expanding their healthcare beyond drug management, Dr. Stephen Conicello and his staff at Agape Institute of Functional Health and Chiropractic, offer a chance for patients to look outside more traditional methods.

Agape’s Functional Medicine is defined on its website.

“Functional Medicine looks for the cause of why your body created the problem, instead of managing your symptoms with drugs or surgeries for the rest of your life.”

Conicello is a doctor of chiropractic that is specific in the use of functional neurology and holds a host of post graduate education in related disciplines. The doctor has an impressive and varied background, which includes being a paramedic, conducting research, correcting patients with upper cervical chiropractic, and attending medical school up to his 4th year.

At that point, Conicello decided Dr. Stephen Conicello and he did not want to continue a Agape Institute in 2014. residency in medicine. Conicello is constantly studying, both to keep up with the latest advancements in his field and to find the best ways to handle his patients’ ailments.

In 2009, Conicello was invited to Rome, Italy to take part in a revolutionary research study with leading cardiologists, vascular and orthopedic surgeons on multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. After returning to Pennsylvania, in 2010 he opened the Upper Cervical Chiropractic Neurology Center in Downingtown. Following completion of his training in Functional Chiropractic Internal Healthcare, he opened Agape Institute in Coatesville in 2014 and is focusing on that side of chiropractic.

Dr. Conicello also knows personally what it’s like to deal with his own health issues. As a very athletic boy – playing in the playoffs for the Little League World Series and later in 50

——Spring/Summer

lacrosse, ice hockey and football – the chiropractor said he suffered numerous concussions that affected his well-being for years. Among his ailments were impacted sinuses and asthma, which required the frequent use of an inhaler.

“Over time, the constant use of the medication started to deteriorate the cartilage in his lower spine and his hips,” said Dr. Conicello’s wife Michelle, who is studying to become a certified natural health practitioner. But Dr. Conicello’s visits to an upper cervical chiropractor relieved his symptoms which ultimately led to cartilage regrowth. It was an inspiration for Conicello to pursue his life’s work.

At Agape, which translates to “unconditional love,” patients are helped with a wide variety of conditions through state-of-theart technology, lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements. But it all starts with the brain/body connection.

Michelle Conicello explained what a typical process for a new patient would be: “The first step in the practice would be to analyze what’s going All photos by Natalie Smith on with the person neurologically, wife Michelle founded the [using a neurofeedback machine],” she said, “because the brain can actually drive disease throughout the body.”

This helps to determine if there has been different types of trauma to the body, to the brain, especially, including things like a concussion, whether it’s an actual physical concussion or chemical concussion. Concussions are more common than one might think.

Michelle explained, “Most children, as they’re learning to walk, hit their head more than you realize. So some of us have had mild concussions and we may not even realize it.

It can even be kids playing sports when their first major concussions can happen. You see the [young kids’] football and they’re not supposed to collide, but they do. Even hitting a soccer ball on your head, which is normal during the game, could produce a mild concussion and even mild concussions can cause swelling.”

2019 • Volume 6—— 2020 4——

Agape also offers oxygen therapy to improve “The brain assessment can show whether healing and performance. or not there’s a problem or an imbalance” she explained. To use the ClearMind Brain “One of the things that’s very helpful for the Mapping System, an electrode cap to monibrain to heal and the body in general is oxygen. tor brainwaves is placed on the head, and And one of the only things that’s able to heal the software records electrical impulses. A nerve tissue is oxygen and oxygen under presdetailed report is issued from ClearMind sure is what we do with hyperbaric therapy.” center to identify which brain areas could be The patient gets inside the chamber, which causing a patient’s problem. is loosely like a very large, all-encompassing From brain mapping, the analysis may need sleeping bag. “All the air that’s going in is the to go deeper using blood, urine, saliva— air that is in the room. The pressure of the whatever Dr. Conicello deems appropriate to hyperbaric chamber is set at 4.5 psi. This allows show him a fuller picture of how everything the hyperbaric to infuse oxygen into the body is functioning. and help it to heal. The chamber also has an Another part of patient assessment is mea- Agape also offers SculpSure, a oxygen concentrator which takes the oxygen suring ocular movement using a system called process that rids the body of fat out of the air, filters it, concentrates it and puts RightEye. cells. It works best on people it in through a mask which is on the patient’s “When the person is doing the testing, the who are just looking to lose face. It’s going directly into the lungs at 98 system uses an infrared camera to track the about an inch. percent oxygen into the lungs. It’s so great for eye movement. For someone with vision problems, that’s people that have post-concussions, trauma brain injury (TBI), just one part of it,” said Michelle. “Children who have wounds, post-stroke, pre- and post-operations and increase trouble reading; even adults who feel like they have to read sports performance.” For the wheelchair-bound, Agape has a the same paragraph over and over – there could be a track- lift to easily help those patients into the chamber. ing issue.”

For those who are interested in body sculpting, Agape For people who play sports, using RightEye could prove offers SculpSure, a system that uses light-based technology to invaluable. destroy surface fat cells. While not a way to lose weight but “Pro athletes are using the system to get better. So any to lose fat, the system is for healthy people who have a BMI sport, any position within that sport, can be improved. of less than 30 and want spot toning. Patients will see results “The therapies can actually be done on your home com- as early as six weeks following the 25-minute session with puter,” she said. optimal results usually within three months. The nice thing?

A staff nutrition coach plays a role in helping the patient There is no down-time! heal. “Once the patient knows ‘OK, these foods need to be The Conicellos understand that some of Agape’s methods avoided’ from specific lab testing, we can help the body to might be unfamiliar, but they want people to know they are decrease inflammation in the body, and allow it to heal. A effective. lot of times their lifestyle needs to change, even if it might be “It’s a different approach, but it’s all based on science and for a three- or four-month period,” she explained. a lot of training,” Michelle said. “The reason we do brain “What [the nutrition coach] does is works with the patient mapping as a first step is because of what Dr. Conicello has and their family member -- whoever does the cooking -- to learned that most disease processes start with the brain. help them make substitutions with their diet,” Michelle “We’re looking at the way things are functioning and helpConicello said. “For example, a patient might need to elimi- ing the body to ultimately heal itself. We’re not the ones nate grain and dairy from their diet, every single person’s healing it, we’re guiding the patients and encouraging the blood chemistry is different.” patients. We really are coaching them, but on a very high level so it’s completely different than just a life coach or health coach.”

Conicello works with each patient’s medical doctors. “As a patient improves, they may no longer have a need for medication, [Conicello] is not going to take them off, the medical doctor needs to take them off.”

Conicello emphasized that the health of the patient is the ultimate goal, with neither MDs or practitioSome of the supplements included in The Hyperbaric Chamber is good for healing both brain and body. recommendations for patients of Dr. Stephen ners being the “be all, end all. It’s Conicello of Agape Institute of Functional Health about the collaboration to help the and Chiropractic in Coatesville. patient to become well.”

——For

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

51

Western Chester County Life| Belaying & Bouldering:

Philadelphia Rock Gym continues to climb the ropes in Coatesville and beyond

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer At first glance, the 32-foot-high walls at the 12,000-square-foot Coatesville branch of Philadelphia Rock Gyms seem unfit for the faint of heart or the sedentary soul.

Their height, and the maneuvering it takes to get to the top, seems like it would require a pretzel twist of the body and a wish for luck, and although the last two words in the company’s slogan – Community and Climbing – are easy to see from the dozens of climbers ascending in teamwork with each other, it is the first word – Confidence – that appears out of place.

And yet, in the 11 years the Coatesville facility has been open and served thousands of novice and experienced climbers, confidence is the word that most clearly defines and measures its success. Residents from Coatesville, Downingtown, West Chester, Parkesburg, Exton and the Brandywine Valley – drop-ins and Continued on Page 54

52

——Spring/Summer

2020 • Volume 6——

Photo by Derrick Ruf, Iron Oak Studios

Philadelphia Rock Gyms are the perfect social opportunity for friends and coworkers to have a lot of fun.

——For

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

53

residents throughout southeastern Pennsylvania to the sport of indoor rock climbing. In addition to the Coatesville location, Continued from Page 52 PRG has facilities in Oaks, East Falls, Wyncote and Fishtown, nearly 500 members – are bursting through the doors of the and is preparing to open its newest location in Malvern this Coatesville facility, donning climbing gear, and under the tute- spring.

Rowland’s vision for the company clicked in perfect harmolage of experienced teachers, are climbing their way toward ny with the timing of his purchase. Once relegated to rugged new challenges.

“The best example of where you see confidence mani- outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, the popularity of rock fest here is at the top of the wall,” said Lauren Caporizo, climbing and bouldering has soared in recent years, due in Philadelphia Rock Gyms’ (PRG) Chief Business Development large part to the surge in indoor facilities popping up across Officer. “Getting up there for most people when they start out the U.S. Statistics provided by IBISWorld estimated that from seems intimidating and extreme, but when people get there for 2012-2017, the average annual growth for the indoor rock the first time it instills a sense of achievement. They’re doing climbing industry was nearly four percent in the U.S., nearly something they previously didn’t think they could do, because 40 percent more than the gym, health and fitness club industry grew during that same period. they have pushed themselves beyond their boundaries.”

The five PRG locations are now among the more than 500 Founded in 1994 by two college friends and now owned

by Dave Rowland, PRG has introduced more than 500,000 indoor rock climbing centers in the U.S., and in that past few years, facilities have opened in Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York City, and in California, Massachusetts, Hawaii, New York State, New Jersey and Wyoming, among other states.

The popularity doesn’t end with new facilities.

Beginning at the 2020 Summer Olympics, indoor rock climbing will be listed as an official Olympic sport, and in 2018, two documentary feature films – “The Dawn Wall” and the Academy Award-winning “Free Solo” – were released to critical acclaim.

“At the time the Oaks location opened in the 1990s, indoor rock climbing was not nearly as popular as it is now,” Caporizo said. “It was more of a passion project for the original owners and their friends, but when Dave bought the business, he saw this venture as an opportunity to legitimize both the sport and the business, and by expanding our reach, we could introduce more people to the sport.”

For Rowland and COO Lucas Stoddart, PRG’s success is measured by far more than merely riding on the wave of the sport’s popularity. Each of their five Photo by Richard L. Gaw Megan Stockdill, Troy Probst and David Cowens are regular climbers at the centers continue to expand their curriculum by providing a wide array of programs for climbers of all ages Coatesville location.

Rock gym

54

——Spring/Summer

2020 • Volume 6——

and experience, including classes tailored specifically for women, parents and families; kids camps and several special events; fielding competitive teams that have won several regional, national and even world titles; and providing outdoor expeditions throughout the U.S. In addition, PRG is also becoming a perfect spot for team building sessions, targeted specifically to each business or entity who attends, that allows employees to strengthen their bonds outside of the often-confining limits of the workplace.

“Climbers have to be experts in communication and trust, which are frequently the most pertinent things that those attending our teambuilding sessions want to focus on,” Photo by Derrick Ruf, Iron Oak Studios Caporizo said. “If you don’t trust Every Philadelphia Rock Gym location provides trained and certified instructors. your climbing partner, the effects are often devastating. In business, they are equally as devastating. We focus on creating these microcosms of where communication breaks down, and we address how to anticipate problems in the workplace before they happen.

Although climbing is offered as an option at the end of each session, “most of our classes are not done at the wall at all,” Caporizo added. “Our sessions are both feet firmly planted on the ground, to encourage our participants to use their brains more Continued on Page 56

——For

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

55

Rock gym Continued from Page 55

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Philadelphia Rock Gyms offer opportunities for both beginning and experienced climbers.

than their bodies.”

Megan Stockdill, an engineer with an orthopedic medical device company owned by Johnson and Johnson in West Chester, began to rock climb at the Coatesville location on an invitation from a co-worker who had been climbing there since 1999. She’s been a regular at PRG in Coatesville for the past five years.

“I’ve benefited a lot from rock climbing at PRG, from the standpoint of building a confidence in my own abilities,” she said. “I really enjoy the mental component of climbing.

It’s something I really thought I wouldn’t like when I first started, because I was scared of heights. Over the past five years, however, I’ve slowly acclimated to heights and been able to take that confidence into some of my other hobbies, such as hiking.”

56

——Spring/Summer

2020 20 • Volume 6——

In the documentary “Free Solo,” professional rock climber Alex Honnold attempts to conquer the first free solo climb of famed El Capitan’s 900-meter vertical rock face at Yosemite National Park. While there are state-of-the-art indoor rock climbing facilities in the U.S. that provide all of the training that climbers like Honnold need, PRG’s business paradigm has always been structured to reach a more broad audience.

“I always tell people that if they’re looking for a high-end facility, we’re very laid back and more about the fun, the team environment and the camaraderie,” Caporizo said. “We’re in the business for non-climbers, in order to create opportunities that allow 99 percent of the people who walk through our doors for the first time get to the top of that wall on their first day.

“The way we define being a climber is someone who is willing to intelligently push themselves past their limits, and that can be anyone who shows up on Day One, and someone who has been with us for several years.”

Day passes at Philadelphia Rock Gyms are $18.50, and monthly memberships are $53 a month, and $43 a month for students. To learn more about all five Philadelphia Rock Gym locations including Coatesville, visit www.philarockgym.com, or call 877-822-ROPE. To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.

BE THIS COOL. When you select Rhoads Energy as your local energy partner, you can be this cool!

Decades of heating and cooling experience, comprehensive offerings, neighborly service and hometown values.

100 YEARS OF COMFORT

FAMILY OF COMPANIES

PA002137

PROPANE • HEATING OIL • NATURAL GAS HVAC SERVICE & INSTALLATION FLEET FUELING • AUTOGAS ——For

800.673.2423 RhoadsEnergy.com

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

57

Western Chester County Life| Jump

Honey Brook Community Partnership

Continued from Page 58

By Reuben Schonebaum, vice president One of the familiar landmarks that is identified with the Honey Brook community is the Waynebrook Inn, in the center of the borough. You may well ask, ‘why isn’t it the “Honey Brook Inn?” The town was originally named after the Revolutionary War general, Mad Anthony Wayne, the source of the name for the inn. Unfortunately, the railroad, which ran through the village, caused a problem. There was another town with the same name in western Pennsylvania, and the freight was being routed to the wrong stations. So, the name was changed to Honey Brook, to correspond to a translation of Nantmeal, from which the town was split in 1789.

Well, whether you call it Waynebrook or Honey Brook, local organizations will offer a wide array of activities this spring and summer. Among them are the following: The Honey Brook Food Pantry, which provides a three-to-four-day supply of various food items to neighbors in need in the Honey Brook community, will be open on the 2nd Wednesday (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and the 4th Wednesday of the month (4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.). A new initiative of the Food Pantry is the “Under-Four” program, a nutritional supplement program for infants and toddlers, whose development is most critical for future health. Specialized foods, instructions, educational materials and counseling are offered to over 40 families and parental feedback has been overwhelming. The Food Pantry is located at Goods Food Distribution Center, Door #8, 5064 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook, PA 19344.

For its sixth year, the Honey Brook Township Park & Recreation Board will sponsor a half-day summer camp. The camp will be held at the Honey Brook Elementary Center on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon, starting July 7 and ending July 30. Campers from grades K-5 will enjoy games, crafts, trips to the Honey Brook Community Library, special guests, and—always a favorite—water games 58

——Spring/Summer

day! Each week will be centered around a theme, such as dragons and princesses, STEM, or the Olympics. Registration forms will be available in late spring on the Township’s website, www.honeybrooktwp.com.

Pick-up games of Pickleball at the James A. Umble Memorial Park were a big hit last summer and will return this spring on a date yet to be determined. Typically, games begin at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. What began as a half-dozen curious folks last year blossomed into over 20 enthusiasts by season’s end. Additional information will be available on the township’s website.

The Honey Brook Borough Park and Recreation Committee will hold its annual free summer conContinued on Page 58 cert series in Honey Brook Borough Park (located behind the Honey Brook Post Office). The concerts in the past have included a blues band, a Celtic band, an Indie/folk band, and a folk/rock group. The Park and Rec Committee also sponsors four bocce tournaments from May through November. Details about all park events can be found on Honey Brook Borough’s website, www.honeybrookborough. net.

The Honey Brook Community Library will hold a variety of engaging programs, free of charge, for children, teens and adults. Preschool children can enjoy songs, stories and crafts with Miss Jennifer. The library has started a new Book Club for Young Adults age 18 and older. The YA Club will meet the 2nd Thursday of each month. Adults are invited to join the “Chatty Crafters” every Thursday evening. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own supplies to crochet, knit or work on any other crafts. Beginners can learn from more experienced crafters who are eager to teach and share their talents. For more information, contact Jennifer Spade, Library Director, at: jspade@ ccls.org.

The organization that ties together all these organizations is the Honey Brook Community Partnership. The Community Partnership was founded in 2008 by a group of local busi2020 • Volume 6——

ness leaders to bring together Honey Brook borough and township partners. They had the common goal of wanting to find ways to enhance the community and attract people to visit Honey Brook. However, the Partnership has developed into much more than a business organization. Its members have re-instituted and revitalized the annual Harmony Day festivities, organized the annual Deck the Brook winter holiday event, started a scholarship program for Twin Valley High School students, and established a grant program for projects sponsored by local non-profit organizations.

Becoming a member of the Community Partnership is an excellent way to enhance the visibility of your business or organization in the greater Honey Brook Area. As part of our efforts to promote our community, we have a strong Facebook and web presence. Our social media reach falls somewhere between 2,500 and 4,000 contacts a month. These media channels have been so well received, that we want to make these marketing avenues available to our membership. For more information about becoming a member, please contact us through our website: www.hbpartnership.org.

Published by the Chester County Press in cooperation with the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce Randall S. Lieberman - Publisher

Steven Hoffman ....................................Editor Richard L. Gaw.............................Staff Writer Brenda Butt ............................Office Manager Tricia Hoadley...............................Art Director Alan E. Turns ....................Advertising Director Teri Turns .......................Advertising Executive Helen E. Warren..............Advertising Executive

Turn to our local, trusted team for your Ănancing needs.

Commercial Loan Officer Michael Guyer is an active member of the Chester County community and has been a valuable resource to local businesses for more than 15 years. Allow him to show you the community bank difference.

Michael Guyer VP/COMMERCIAL LOAN OFFICER

717–575–6934 michael.guyer@midpennbank.com

Arlene McGoldrick .........................Copy Editor

• www.chestercounty.com •

P.O. Box 150 • Kelton, PA 19346 ——For

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

59

Meet Our Member:

Coatesville building restoration paying off for developer, businesses Midway Arts attracting eclectic group of artists and others ing; something that makes the area a destination,” Udis said. “That’s how we change a community. It’s through those s Coatesville is on its way to being a hub for the chang- commercial and retail businesses, not ing face of business, among the facilities in the center through residential and townhomes.”

And how does Mark Lane Properties of the trend is Midway Arts. The century-old structure at 139 E. Chestnut St. is rapidly becoming an attractive loca- make those changes that add to a tion for those in the creative fields looking for reasonable rent, community?

“Our model is very basic,” Udis said. an accommodating landlord and community feel.

The transformation of this five-story, 68,000-square-foot “We take a building such as this -- usubuilding (whose past functions ranged from livestock service, ally an old industrial warehouse. We do to sewing factory and most recently the Lipkin’s Furniture all the cleanup; environmental, as well Photo by Natalie Smith warehouse), is the vision and work of real estate development as the frontage and general cleaning ...

Lane Udis is a just one layer of paint and cleaning up a firm Mark Lane Properties. partner in Mark Company vice president Lane Udis said giving an old parking lot can make a huge difference Lane Properties, the structure in a striving area new life has been his partner and for an area.” developer of Midway Breathing life into an old property Arts Coatesville. company president Mark Sherman’s practice for more than 30 certainly presents challenges, but developer Sherman’s own years.

“It’s focused not only on what we’re doing [in Midway Arts], personal history of success and the firm’s achievements have given the partners the experience which is artists’ studios and office to identify the right building in the space, but in larger terms, retail, right area, Udis said. restaurant and entertainment— “Someone else might walk in things that will draw people into here and say this is a gigantic an area,” Udis said. “Down the amount of restoration. But we road it might lead into residential, walk into a space and we see although for the most part we what’s left of a roof and some don’t do residential.” nice flooring and brick walls and Udis cited past successful we love it. We’re ready to make it similar projects in sections of work,” he explained.

Philadelphia, including Nicetown, They purchased the building, West Philadelphia and East Falls. which they dubbed Midway Arts In addition to Coatesville, the Coatesville, in December 2018 developers are currently working and got right to the business of on a project in York, in a building making it tenant-ready. that used to house a wire screen “The ground floor had a lot of company. trash, but the second floor and up “We come into areas that need was mostly empty with some brothat burst of commercial [develPhoto by Natalie Smith opment] and burst of restaurants, A chalkboard in the Midway Arts office has the names of some of ken windows. There were a lot of pigeons,” Udis said with a laugh. entertainment or something excit- the building’s tenants.

By Natalie Smith Contributing Writer

A

60

——Spring/Summer

2019 • Volume 6—— 2020 4——

“But it has really good bare bones, you know, and it was easy to sweep out and paint.”

On the five floors, there are roughly 50 spaces of varying sizes, with rent an affordable $12 per square foot. The fifth floor, an airy, open space lined with windows, might be appropriate for a restaurant, with views that sweep over the top of the city, Udis said. More parking spaces are planned.

“We basically create spaces as the tenants come to us.” Udis said, and consideration is given to placement, such as locating noise-producing businesses in certain areas or whether a retail establishment requests a certain floor.

“Hopefully, this will create a good mix of community and artist space. It’s gone very, very well in this Coatesville location.”

The goal of mingling artists with business space is proving an appealing one.

“The office-users love it because they get to experience the whole artist vibe and they all end up working together,” he said, giving as example that the graphic artist has created logos for many of his fellow business owners.

Some of the current tenants include a potter, a bladesmith, two yoga studios, a tattoo artist, three photography studios and an energy carrier call center.

There is a large commercial gym on the first floor.

Soon to be welcomed on the first floor will be a coffee roaster, also a retail business. In one of the two sub-basements, there will be a microgreens company, growing the tiny plants that are smaller than baby greens but larger than sprouts. “Because the temperature stays moderate, it’s a really easy space to set up for their production,” Udis said. Mark Lane Properties is also talking with a jerk chicken company that is interested in opening a small restaurant on one of the floors.

Thus far, most of their tenants have come through Craigslist. Udis reckons that about 40 percent of the tenants are from outside the area. “They come for multiple reasons,” he said. “Many have come from far away because other areas are so saturated with [their type of business].”

Tapping into Coatesville’s past for its future potential has the developers looking even beyond Midway Arts. They’re hoping to close on the building at 204-206 East Lincoln Highway, the former location of the Coatesville Record.

The plan there is to turn half of its 10,000 square feet into a restaurant. “It’s a very, very nice building,” Udis said. “If you walk down the street, there’s building after building of incredible architecture in Coatesville.”

Udis gave high marks to the city leadership and the people of Coatesville for working with the developers and making them feel welcome. “You walk down the street here and people say hello to you. It’s a really good community and we’re happy to be here,” he said.

The developer said an earmark of his firm’s business plan is to not drag their feet.

“We don’t sit on things,” Udis said. “We come into a community to do something now. People always laugh at that. ‘Yeah, right.

We’ll see you in a couple years.’ That’s not how we work.”

Courtesy Mark Lane Properties

Creation Cottage is a holistic yoga practice owned

by Tabathe Wallace in Coatesville’s Midway Arts building.

Courtesy Mark Lane Properties

Michele Allen is owner of Mimi’s Favorite things, which hosts small events to view and purchase locally made goods.

Photo by Natalie Smith

Natalie Smith may be con- Two local women stopped by to talk to Kyle Wegman of tacted at DoubleSMedia@ Lift, Inspired Fitness about his gym’s program. Pictured from left are Wegman, Tarah Payne and Dionne Holmes. rocketmail.com.

——For

Courtesy Mark Lane Properties

Eight Bells Tattoo is owned by Jess Baker and is part of the community at Midway Arts.

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

61

Western Chester County Life|

Strawberry Festival lives on thanks to Rotary its efforts to continue this family-centric and hugely popular event.

“Forty-seven years ago, our club staged the first festival along with the nurses of the former Coatesville Hospital,” explained Lindsay Myers, president of the Rotary Club of Coatesville. “We are incredibly excited to again lead this landmark event, which the Brandywine Health Foundation has built into such an important event in our community. We deeply appreciate this extraordinary show of support with this general operating grant.”

Other local organizations and individuals have stepped up to support the event, as well, including Presenting Sponsor Citadel,

By Nina Malone, Arbonne The Rotary Club of Coatesville is at the helm of the annual Strawberry Festival once again. The festival will take place this year from Thursday, May 28 through Sunday, May 31 on Brandywine Hospital’s grounds on Reeceville Road in Coatesville.

Rotary is picking up the mantle from the Brandywine Health Foundation (BHF), which is using its resources to focus on a new strategic direction: To improve the conditions under which all people in the Greater Coatesville community can be healthy and thrive. The BHF approved a $30,000 general operating grant to assist Rotary in

Treatment Planning & Consultation Complete Restorative Care Dental Implants iTero Scanner Digital Impressions Cosmetic Services including Bonding & Veneers Root Canal Treatment Excellent Hygiene Care & Dental Health Education Caring Pediatric Dentistry Invisalign® Treatment In-House Whitening & Take-Home Whitening

62

COMPREHENSIVE, COMPLETE CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY IN A WARM ENVIRONMENT

Forming Lasting Relationships with Individualized Patient-Centered Dental Care Want a healthy smile and exceptional care?

HughesDentistry.com DR. MICHAEL E. HUGHES

DR. R. MICHAEL HUGHES

DR. LOUIS J. BERGES III

1400 Horseshoe Pike • Glenmoore, PA • 610.942.3321 Our office is conveniently located on Route 322 (Horseshoe Pike), just a few minutes from the Route 30 bypass ——Spring/Summer

2020 • Volume 6——

Follow Us

plus Dallas and Di Krapf, and Jennifer and Bob McNeil.

The event will feature all the favorites: Rides and games on the midway, the international food fair (don’t miss the Rotary’s strawberry shortcake!), a craft, art and vendor fair, a used book sale, live acts and entertainment on the Strawberry Stage and Strawberry Cafe Live, Strawberry Land, the Strawberriest Kids Contest, the signature fireworks extravaganza, and much more. Organizers are hoping to also offer adult beverage selections. Visit www.brandywinestrawberryfestival.com and follow the Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/

——For

RotaryCoatesvilleStrawberryFestival/ for the latest updates.

All the fun and fanfare is still for a good cause. Proceeds will benefit the Coatesville Youth Initiative, Chester County Food Bank and other community organizations.

Myers said, “We are so excited to be able to bring the energy and enthusiasm of the Rotary Club of Coatesville to this event. We’re looking to preserve the well-loved traditions of the Festival while bringing some new twists to include something for everyone.”

Interested in sponsoring, volunteering, crafting or more? Contact the organizers at strawberryfestival@coatesvillerotary.org.

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

63

Western Chester County Life|

Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance Orchestrating the Renaissance in the City of Coatesville

Jump

Continued from Page 64

You’ve read articles and updates about Coatesville’s economic progress under the heading of Traction in previous issues of this magazine. Now learn more about the 2nd Century Alliance and the work they are doing in Coatesville.

First, a quick review: Who is the 2nd Century Alliance?

The 2nd Century Alliance is a group of community stakeholders that came together in 2015 when Coatesville celebrated its 100th anniversary as a third-class city. They are the City’s partner in community and economic development, and they work together and alongside community partners to ensure that Coatesville’s “second century” is economically prosperous.

Their mission is to develop and execute a strategy that improves current economic conditions of the City, stabilizes and strengthens the social climate, fosters investment and development, and brings resources and community partners together for these purposes.

They are a true Public/Private Partnership, funded by a collaborative partnership between the Chester County Department of Community Development, public and private grants, and charitable contributions from the private sector (Note: tax deductible contributions to their efforts can be made through their Facebook page @Coatesville2ndCenturyAlliance. You can also see a full listing of their funding partners at www.2ndCenturyAlliance.org.)

What do they do?

The 2nd Century Alliance detailed five-point revitalization plan includes: 1) Building strong residential neighborhoods; 2) Bringing jobs and economic opportunities to City residents; 3) Revitalizing Coatesville’s downtown corridor; 4) Implementing and advancing programs that improve the overall quality of life; 5) Promoting the City’s assets and advocating for progress that will benefit the entire community.

Why does it matter?

Without a consistent and concerted focus on revitalization, a vulnerable community like Coatesville can fall deeper into 64

——Spring/Summer

economic decline, causing further degradation of housing stock and other real property, deterioration of parks and public spaces, increases in criminal and vagrant activity, added financial burdens on the municipal budget, and a perpetuated social malaise among residents and other stakeholders.

The economic and social health of Coatesville, Chester County’s only city, is a reflection of, and on the County.

Positive progress in revitalization initiativesContinued will: on Page 64 • Grow jobs and economic opportunity for residents by attracting various business sectors.

• Cultivate civic leadership and empower residents to take ownership of their neighborhoods.

• Improve parks and public spaces, encouraging healthier behaviors.

• Increase owner occupied residences thereby strengthening neighborhoods.

• Create safer, cleaner, and well-lit streets to encourage commerce and neighborliness.

• Enhance public transit and transportation systems connecting residents with jobs.

To that end, outlined here are some of the organization’s accomplishments made since their inception in 2015. Adding up the funding dollars, they’ve secured more than $1 million to support their work in Coatesville.

Coatesville Growing Greater Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative: $500,000 In November of 2018, a grant from the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation was awarded to hire a Community Coordinator who will carry out a five-year residential neighborhood stabilization plan. The strategic plan focuses on strengthening neighborhoods in order to mitigate gentrification displacement.

Neighborhood Partnership Program for Downtown Revitalization: $600,000 A successful application to the PA Department of Community 2020 • Volume 6——

and Economic Development provides funds to add a Downtown Manager who will focus on supporting existing businesses, recruiting new retail and hospitality businesses, ensuring downtown is “clean, safe, and green,” facilitating a facade improvement program, and coordinating special events that entice patrons into downtown Coatesville.

Vision Partnership Program: $40,000 Building a collaborative partnership between the City, South Coatesville, and Valley Township, this multi-municipal grant from the Chester County Planning Commission will allow all three municipalities to work together to create an economic development and business attraction strategy bringing jobs and economic opportunity to City residents.

Historic Train Station: $70,000 CDBG funds secured from the Chester County Department of Community Development address deferred maintenance on the exterior of the existing historic train station building at Third Avenue and Fleetwood Street.

LERTA The 2nd Century Alliance worked with the City to shepherd the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance program through the municipal adoption process and through acceptance by the Coatesville Area School District.

New Train Station Development The 2nd Century Alliance is working with the City, the Coatesville Redevelopment Authority, and PennDot to ensure the new station and surrounding private development stays “on track” and will be the economic stimulus for the City it promises to be.

Qualified Opportunity Zone Introduced in the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, this new economic incentive provides for capital gains tax relief in exchange for investment in low- to moderate-income communities. The 2nd Century Alliance advocated for and secured designation for all four Coatesville census tracts, and are working to facilitate, manage, and market the program.

Parking Strategy In order to encourage patronage of all City businesses and afford residents easy access to on-street and near-by surface parking, they are leading the City Planning Commission in the development of a comprehensive City-wide parking plan that addresses current and future parking needs.

Coatesville Community Connector They initiated a conversation with the Chester County Department of Community Development about having a fulltime point-of-contact social service navigator in Coatesville.

Through the Chester County Human Services Department and a partnership with Child and Maternal Health and the Coatesville ——For

Area Public Library, they helped relocate the existing “information and resources” staff to the Library, and introduced a fresh branding and communications campaign for a more efficient service-delivery system for Coatesville residents. www.2ndCenturyAlliance.org In partnership with the Chester County Planning Commission, an interactive map highlighting opportunity sites, projects in process, and community assets was developed for www.2ndCenturyAlliance.org.

Development Projects The staff and volunteer leadership of the 2nd Century Alliance work consistently with the Coatesville Redevelopment Authority and individual developers and investors, supporting, endorsing, and assisting in projects in numerous and various ways. They’ve crafted press releases, testified at State hearings, advocated for grants and subsidies, and helped navigate roadblocks as needed.

You can help. Why support the 2nd Century Alliance?

County growth projections, federal and state incentive programs, affordable real estate, and an administration committed to progress, Coatesville has garnered a great deal of attention and today is at a tipping point. Many vulnerable communities similar to Coatesville have undergone rapid, uncontrolled expansion and suffered unexpected consequences such as traffic congestion, parking shortages, artificially inflated real estate prices, and most importantly residential displacement.

In order to create a long-lasting, sustainable economic recovery, and ensure that everyone in Coatesville is prepared to reap the benefits of progress, it is imperative that Coatesville embark on a measured and strategic approach to economic growth.

The Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance benefits the City of Coatesville in the following ways: As an independent non-profit, they maintain constant and consistent implementation of long-range revitalization strategies, independent of election cycles.

As a federally designated charitable organization they can access grants and other funding opportunities.

Their partnership with Chester County and relationships with local, state, and federal officials can bring new and previously untapped resources to the city.

Their extensive technical expertise supports and enhances the City’s goals for growth and prosperity.

Their experienced staff brings more than 20 years of tried and proven principles to their programming, ensuring smart development and highest and best use of limited real estate.

Their expansive volunteer board leadership provides access to skills, talents, and resources.

Their short four-year track record illustrates significant strides in organizational growth and community impact.

Learn more and sign up www.2ndCenturyAlliance.org.

for

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

regular

updates

at

65

Octorara Area Career & Technical Education Programs: Where careers begin

,

I \RXU LGHD RI D JUHDW HGXFDWLRQ H[WHQGV QR IXUWKHU WKDQ ZKDW LV DE VRUEHG LQ D WUDGLWLRQDO FODVVURRP WKHQ VSHQG VRPH WLPH ZLWK VWXGHQWV HQUROOHG LQ WKH 2FWRUDUD $UHD &DUHHU DQG 7HFKQLFDO (GXFDWLRQ 3UR JUDP¶V +RPHODQG 6HFXULW\ 3URWHFWLYH 6HUYLFHV 7KH\ XQGHUJR ULJRURXV WUDLQLQJ H[HUFLVHV 7KH\ UHFHLYH ¿UVW KDQG H[SHUL HQFH LQ ¿UH¿JKWLQJ HPHUJHQF\ PHGLFDO VHUYLFHV YHKLFOH DQG ZDWHU UHVFXH DQG ODZ HQIRUFHPHQW IURP SURIHVVLRQDO ¿UH¿JKWHUV DQG HPHUJHQF\ ¿UVW UH VSRQGHUV 7KH\ FOLPE LQWR (06 DQG ¿UH¿JKWLQJ YHKLFOHV DQG SDUWLFLSDWH LQ UHDO OLIH VLWXDWLRQV ,Q SDUWQHUVKLS ZLWK WKH &KHVWHU &RXQW\ 3XEOLF 6DIHW\ 7UDLQLQJ &DPSXV WKH $FDGHP\ SUHSDUHV VWXGHQWV WR DSSO\ WHFKQLFDO NQRZOHGJH DQG VNLOOV UH TXLUHG WR SHUIRUP HQWU\ OHYHO GXWLHV LQ ODZ HQIRUFHPHQW ¿UH¿JKWLQJ HPHU JHQF\ PHGLFDO VHUYLFHV DQG RWKHU VDIHW\ VHUYLFHV ³,W¶V DQ XQEHOLHYDEOH RS SRUWXQLW\ IRU RXU VWXGHQWV ´ VDLG /LVD 0F1DPDUD WKH 2FWRUDUD $UHD &DUHHU DQG 7HFKQLFDO (GXFDWLRQ DGPLQLVWUDWRU ³7KH\¶UH JLYLQJ EDFN WR WKHLU FRP PXQLW\ LPPHGLDWHO\ 7KH\ KDYH DFFHVV WR HYHU\ LQGXVWU\ WKDW FRPHV WKHUH )LUH¿ JKWHUV FDQLQH XQLWV (07V )%, SROLFH R൶ FHUV DQG PDQ\ PRUH 7KH GDLO\ H[SRVXUH WR OLIH PHQWRUV WKDW WKLV SURJUDP JLYHV VWXGHQWV LV DPD]LQJ ³7KH NH\ EHQH¿W LV WKDW WKH\ ZLOO JUDGXDWH IURP WKH SURJUDP ZLWK RYHU LQGXVWU\ FUHGHQWLDOV DQG LI WKH\ FKRRVH WR JR WR D WZR \HDU RU IRXU \HDU FROOHJH WKH FUHGHQWLDOV PD\ FRQYHUW WR FROOHJH FUHGLWV DQG TXDOLI\ WKHP IRU IUHH FROOHJH KRXVLQJ DQG WXLWLRQ ´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¿ UH FKLHI IRU HLJKW \HDUV DQG DQ (06 0DQDJHU IRU ¿ YH ³5RE KDV DQ H[WHQVLYH NQRZOHGJH RI HPHUJHQF\ PHGLFDO DQG PDQDJHPHQW DQG ZH¶UH H[FLWHG WR KDYH KLP RQ WKH $FDGHP\¶V WHDP ´ 0F1DPDUD VDLG 7KH +RPHODQG 6HFXULW\ DQG 3URWHFWLYH $FDGHP\ QRZ KDV LQVWUXFWRUV IRU ¿ UH ODZ DQG HPHUJHQF\ PHGLFDO 6WXGHQWV PD\ QRZ FKRRVH WKH GLVFLSOLQH WKH\ ZDQW KRZHYHU SDUWLFLSDWLQJ LQ WKH $FDGHP\ IRU DOO WKUHH \HDUV ZRXOG

SURYLGH VWXGHQWV ZLWK RYHU LQGXVWU\ FUHGHQWLDOV DQG SUHSDUH WKHP LQ DOO ¿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¿HG RFFXSDWLRQV (DFK SURJUDP LQWURGXFHV VWXGHQWV WR UHSUHVHQWDWLYHV IURP VRPH RI WKH ODUJHVW LQGXVWULHV LQ &KHVWHU &RXQW\ DQG EH\RQG ZKLFK SDUWQHU ZLWK WKH 2FWRUDUD $UHD 6FKRRO 'LVWULFW 'XWFKODQG ,QF $HUH]RQ 86$ /DQG 2¶/DNHV 6(&&5$ DQG PDQ\ RWKHU FRPSDQLHV 3DUWQHUVKLS PD\ LQFOXGH VLWH YLVLWV WR HDFK SURJUDP WR H[SORUH KRZ WKHVH FRPSDQLHV FDQ KHOS VWX GHQWV OHDUQ RU VXSSRUW WKH SURJUDPV WKURXJK JUDQW IXQGLQJ 2FFDVLRQDOO\ VWXGHQWV DUH KLUHG ULJKW RXW RI WKH 2FWRUDUD $UHD &DUHHU DQG 7HFKQLFDO (GXFDWLRQ 3URJUDPV :KLOH HQUROOHG LQ WKHVH SURJUDPV VWXGHQWV JHW WR OHDUQ IURP WHDFKHUV ZKR FRPH WR WKH VFKRRO ZLWK \HDUV RI SURIHVVLRQDO H[SHULHQFH 2FWRUDUD FRQWLQXHV WR DGG FRXUVHV LQ ¿ HOGV WKDW DSSHDO WR VWXGHQWV DQG KDYH SUDFWLFDO DSSOLFDWLRQ DIWHU JUDGXDWLRQ :LWKLQ WKH $QLPDO DQG 3ODQW 6FLHQFH 7HFKQRORJ\ SURJUDP VWXGHQWV PD\ SDUWLFLSDWH LQ WKH 2FWRUDUD (TXLQH 6SRUWV 7HDP :RUNLQJ ZLWK QDWLRQDOO\ NQRZQ ORFDO SURIHVVLRQDOV VWXGHQWV DUH H[SRVHG WR GL൵ HUHQW ULGLQJ GLVFLSOLQHV DQG SUHSDUHG IRU D ZLGH UDQJH RI FDUHHU RSSRUWXQLWLHV LQ WKH HTXHVWULDQ LQGXVWU\ 0F1DPDUD VWDWHG ³7KH $QLPDO DQG 3ODQW 6FLHQFH 7HFKQRORJ\ 3URJUDP LV RSHQ WR DQ\ VFKRRO GLVWULFW WKDW KDV D VWXGHQW LQWHUHVWHG LQ HTXLQH LQGXVWU\ ,W¶V DQ RSSRUWXQLW\ RI D OLIHWLPH DQG 2FWRUDUD VWXGHQWV ORYH LW ´ 3ODFLQJ VWXGHQWV GLUHFWO\ ZLWK H[SHULHQFHG SURIHVVLRQDOV VHUYHV DV D UH FUXLWPHQW WRRO IRU SRWHQWLDO HPSOR\HUV 0F1DPDUD VDLG ³:H KDYH EHJXQ WR VHH D JURZLQJ JDS WKDW VHSDUDWHV HGXFDWLRQ IURP WKH SUDFWLFDO DQG WHFKQLFDO VNLOO VHWV WKDW HPSOR\HUV ZDQW WR VHH DQG RXU SURJUDPV ¿OO WKDW JDS ´ VKH VDLG ³(GXFDWLRQDO V\VWHPV KDYH WR UHDFK RXW WR LQGXVWULHV DQG DVN WKHP µ:KDW GR \RX ZDQW DQG ZKDW GR \RX QHHG"¶ 7KH\¶UH WHOOLQJ XV µ:H QHHG WUDLQHG DQG IRFXVHG VNLOOV LQ RXU LQGXVWU\ ¶´ 7R OHDUQ PRUH DERXW DOO QLQH 2FWRUDUD $UHD &DUHHU 7HFKQLFDO (GXFD WLRQ 3URJUDP RSSRUWXQLWLHV YLVLW ZZZ RFWRUDUD N SD XV RU FRQWDFW /LVD 0F1DPDUD DW

CHAMBER MEMBER DIRECTORY Accounting Service Albert Abdala Tax & Insurance Center Albert Abdala (610) 384-6425 apatax.com CBIZ Employee Services Organization Donna McCorkle (484) 667-6652 cbiz.com Gina’s InterNet Advising Gina Rodkey (484) 712-5959 GinasInterNetAdvising.com Paisley Solutions Paula Paisley (610) 444-2597 paisleysolutions.com Quinn, M Cynthia, CPA Cynthia Quinn (610) 380-1040 mcq1040.com The Small Business Accounting Solution Inc Nicole Odeh (610) 203-9682 TSBAS.com

Romano 4-H Center of Chester County Don Cairns (610) 636-8107 facebook.com/TheRomano4HCenterofChesterCounty Windy Hill Farm Anna Larsen (848) 218-2949 windyhillfarmpa.com

Administrative Services Brandywine Business Systems Sam Slokom (610) 563-1487 Agriculture Cairns Family Farm Don Cairns (610) 636-8107 Chester County Agricultural Development Council Hillary Krummrich (610) 344-6285 chesco.org/141/Agricultural-Development-Council Chester/Delaware County Farm Bureau Dan Miller (717) 529-2508 pfb.com Highland Orchards Marsha Hodge (610) 269-3494 highlandorchards.net Highspire Hills Farm, LLC Deborah Ellis (610) 942-9634 localharvest.org/highspire-hills-farmllc-M6683 Penn State Extension Logan Hall (610) 696-3500 extension.psu.edu/chester ——For

Apartments and Townhomes Fairways Apartments & Townhomes Kristin Undercuffler (610) 383-0690 fmgnj.com Millview Apartment Homes Melissa Gatto (610) 466-7800 millviewapts.com Architecture Art & Architecture Susan Salvo (484) 880-8023 fb.com/susansalvoarchitect Ronald David Osborne Architect Ronald Osborne (610) 384-3133 Attorneys Carosella & Associates, PC Vincent Carosella, Esq. (610) 431-3300 carosella.com Gawthrop Greenwood, PC Anthony Verwey, Esq. (610) 696-8225 gawthrop.com See ad pg. 18 Keen, Keen & Good William Keen, Esq. (610) 383-7810 KKGLawFirm.com Lamb McErlane PC Helen Esbenshade, Esq. (610) 430-8000 lambmcerlane.com Law Firm of Barry S. Rabin Barry S. Rabin, Esq. (610) 873-1600 BarryRabinLaw.com Law Office of Jayne Garver Jayne Garver, Esq. (484) 784-5372 jgarverlaw.com Law Office of Robin J. Gray Robin Gray, Esq. (484) 769-5855 robinjgraylaw.com

Law Offices of August J. Ober, IV A.J. Ober, Esq. (215) 779-3433 OberLegal.com Powell Law Associates, LLC Marvin Powell, Esq. (610) 489-1714 powellpatentlaw.com Siana, Bellwoar & McAndrew LLP Chris Gerber, Esq. (610) 321-5500 sianalaw.com Skinner Law Firm, LLC Michael Skinner, Esq. (610) 436-1410 skinnerlawfirm.net Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees, P.C. Theodore Claypoole, Esq. (610) 692-1371 utbf.com Automotive Sales and Service Brian Hoskins Ford Ed Kovatch (610) 384-4242 brianhoskinsford.com Extra Mile Auto Service George Devine (610) 384-2864 extramileauto.com See ad pg. 12 Fling’s Towing, Inc. Daryl Fling (610) 383-6362 flingstowing.com K’s Collision Bruce Kuryloski (610) 384-3337 kskollision.com RS-Werks Automotive Shop LLC Michael Meldrum (484) 712-5044 rswerks.com Salvo Brothers Motorcars Ari Salvo (610) 384-1352 salvobrothersauto.com Banks BB&T | Parkesburg Patrick McCullough 610) 857-9667 bbt.com BB&T | Honey Brook Stephanie Rich Bailey (610) 273-2992 bbt.com Bryn Mawr Trust Company Andrew Stump (610) 430-6158 bmtc.com

Coatesville Savings Bank Steven Cunningham (610) 384-8282 coatesvillesavings.com See ad pg. 35 First Resource Bank John Durso (610) 363-9400 firstresourcebank.com See ad pg. 31 Fulton Bank | Guthriesville Patricia Savino (610) 873-4740 fultonbank.com Fulton Bank | West Chester Mike Reese (610) 918-8814 fultonbank.com M&T Bank | Honey Brook Jennifer Simmet (610) 273-7022 mtb.com Meridian Bank Geoffrey Sheehan (484) 568-5026 meridianbanker.com Mid Penn Bank Mike Guyer (717) 690-3985 midpennbank.com See ad pg. 59 Phoenixville Federal Bank & Trust Steve Pratt (610) 933-1000 PhoenixFed.com PNC Bank | Christiana Susan Kuryloski (610) 593-2121 pnc.com Banquet Facility West End Fire Company #3 Gina Langan (610) 384-9798 Beverage / Breweries Christiana Beer & Beverage Mike Peace (610) 593-5887 christianabeer.com See ad pg. 54 Lamb Beverage Inc. Michael McGinley (610) 384-1470 lambbeverage.com Sly Tom’s Take Out John Sly slytoms.com

Continued on next page news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

67

Directory Continued from previous page

Suburban Brewing Company Honey Brook Corey Ross (610) 273-3106 suburbanbrewingco.com Victory Brewing Company Mike Kearns (484) 718-5080 victorybeer.com Building Contractors Provident Homes Corporation Matt Bedwell (610) 692-7697 providenthomes.com Rittenhouse Builders George Metzler (610) 380-9570 rittenhousebuilders.com Simmers Builders Inc Lloyd Simmers (610) 383-5562 simmersbuilders.com Building Supplies Graber Supply, LLC David Blank (610) 593-3500 polebarn.com Hatt’s Industrial Supplies and True Value Chip Clavier (610) 384-1954 hatts.com See ad pg. 18 Business Consulting SCORE of Chester and Delaware Counties Vic Goldberg (610) 344-6910 chestercounty.score.org Transfers of Learning Tasha Delaney (610) 466-7521 transfersoflearning.com See ad pg. 30 Caterers Harry’s Nieghborhood Place John H. Lymberis (610) 857-2331 HarrysHotdogs.com See ad pg. 56 John Serock Catering John Serock (610) 640-2836 serockcatering.com See ad pg. 13 Rita’s of Gap Debbie Pierce (610) 405-4586 ritastruck.net 68

Triple Fresh Catering Jim Petro (610) 384-5037 triplefresh.net Victory Brewing Company Mike Kearnes (484) 667-9249 victorybeer.com Chambers of Commerce PA Chamber of Business & Industry Alex Harper (717) 720-5431 pachamber.com Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce Donna Steltz (610)384-9550 westernchestercounty.com Chiropractors Agape Institute of Functional Healthcare Michelle Conicello (484) 593-0882 agapefhc.com See ad pg. 75 Chamberlain Chiropractic Dr. Jeffrey Chamberlain (610) 429-4920 chamberlainchiropractic.com Churches Our Lady of Consolation Mary Wishneski (610) 857-3510 olcchurch.org Cleaning Services Clarel Janitorial/Maintenance Services Corp.

Claudia Muntean (484) 378-0827 clarelmaintenance.com Morinelli Powerwashing Joseph Morinelli 610) 316-6422 morinellipowerwashing.com Rainbow Washhouse Steve Dovidio (610) 637-7636 Commercial Flooring Sales and Installation Precision Flooring Enterprises LLC Marilyn Costalas (610) 857-3519 precisionflooringllc.com Communication Services Verizon Wireless Saeed King (484) 378-7979 Community Services Angel Grapevine Joan Allen (774) 272-1914 AngelGrapevine.com ——Spring/Summer

Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art Sheila Fleming (610) 388-8389 brandywine.org/conservancy Brandywine Health Foundation Vanessa Briggs (610) 380-9080 brandywinefoundation.org See ad pg. 45 Brandywine Regeneration Project Bob Holliday (610) 717-2265 Bridge Academy and Community Center Jordan Crans (610) 466-9505 thebridgeacademy.org Caln Athletic Association Steve Santillo (484) 378-0470 calnaa.com Chester County Association for the Blind Tracey Melia (610) 384-2767 chescoblind.org Chester County Community Foundation Stephanie Stevens (610) 696-8211 chescocf.org Chester County Council, BSA Jeffrey Spencer (610) 696-2900 cccbsa.org Chester County Futures Clarence Johnson (610) 241-6624 ccfutures.org Chester County OIC Taj Brown (610) 692-2345 ccoic.org Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance Sonia Huntzinger (484) 786-8896 2ndCenturyAlliance.org Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, Inc. Christine Zaccarelli (610) 388-1218 x212 cvcofcc.org Good Samaritan Services Nate Hoffer (610) 380-1360 goodsamservices.com Good Works Robert Beggs 610) 383-6311 goodworksinc.org

2020 • Volume 6——

Greater Deliverance Development Outreach Stephanie Duncan (484) 886-6413 greaterdeliverancechurch.org Habitat For Humanity of Chester County Joey Fowkes (610) 384-7993 hfhcc.org Honey Brook Area Community Partnership Verna Emery (484)-467-2837 hbpartnership.org Life Transforming Ministries Bill Shaw (610) 384-5393 quietrevolution.org Minding Manners With Ms B Bongai Mhloyi (484) 356-8935 mindingmannerswithmsb.com PABA - Parkesburg Area Business Association Allan Fellman (610) 857-5114 paba-pa.org Parkesburg Action Committee Jenny Alexander (610) 425-1148 facebook.com/PAC19365/ Rotary Club of Coatesville Michael Givler (610) 384-9196 facebook.com/rotaryclubofcoatesville/ Salvation Army - Service Extension Cindy Yearsley (610) 383-0868 Star Superior Home Foundation Stefanie Tarloski 610-331-2624 starsuperiorhomefoundation.org Stewart Huston Charitable Trust Scott Huston (610) 384-2666 stewarthuston.org The Huston Foundation Charles Lukens Huston III (610) 832-4955 hustonfoundation.org The Parkesburg POINT Debbie Shupp (610) 857-3393 parkesburgpoint.com See ad pg. 27 United Way of Chester County Chris Saello (610) 429-9400 unitedwaychestercounty.org See ad pg. 33

Construction City Construction Co. Inc. Dennis Fallon (610) 269-9530 cityconstructionco.com D. Howe & Sons, Inc. Douglas Howe (610) 942-4249 dhoweandsons.com David P. Kristman Excavating, Inc. David Kristman (610) 273-9388 dpkristmanexcinc.com Directional Drilling, Inc. Curt Eldredge (610) 873-1099 directionaldrillinginc.com Fidelity Contracting LLC Richard Burkholder (610) 816-0704 fidelitycontracting.com See ad pg. 32 Five Point Renovation & Remodel Rob Wishneski (484) 888-8276 fivepointconstruction.com G Force Engineering & Construction David Steltz (610) 233-9925 fbsginc.com Graber Supply, LLC David Blank (610) 593-3500 polebarn.com JGM FABRICATORS & CONSTRUCTORS LLC Joseph Messner (610) 873-0081 jgmusa.com Provident Homes Corporation Matt Bedwell (610) 692-7697 providenthomes.com Rittenhouse Builders George Metzler (610) 380-9570 rittenhousebuilders.com Simmers Builders Lloyd Simmers (610) 383-5562 simmersbuilders.com Veteran Construction and Utility Services, Inc Sue Durborow (610) 384-8235 veterancus.com White Horse Construction Chris Stoltzfus (610) 593-5559 whitehorseconstructionpa.com

Credit Union Citadel | Eagleview Corporate Office Doug Thompson (610) 466-6412 citadelbanking.com See ad pg. 30 Citadel | Parkesburg Kim Jarvis (610) 466-6634 citadelbanking.com See ad pg. 30 Citadel | Thorndale Gwen Smoker (610) 466-6649 citadelbanking.com See ad pg. 30 Citadel | South Coatesville Anthony Williams (610) 466-6623 citadelbanking.com See ad pg. 30 Dentists Hughes & Hughes Family Dentistry Cheryl Gaudi 610-942-3321 hughesdentistry.com See ad pg. 62 Rainbow Valley Dental Stephanie McGann, DMD (610) 383-4747 rainbowvalleydental.com Developer First Eastern Development Company, LLC John Newton (610) 842-8224 Mark Lane Properties Lane Udis (215) 510-6399 New Heritage Properties, LLC Crosby Wood (610) 383-9800 newheritageproperties.com Legend Properties David DePetris (610) 941-4034 lpre.com Oliver Tyrone Pulver Corporation Donald Pulver (610) 834-3185 otpcorp.com Dry Cleaners Orth Cleaners Chris Miceli (646) 519-1472 orthcleaners.com Economic Development Organization Chester County Economic Development Council Gary Smith (610) 321-8227 ccedcpa.com

——For

Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance Sonia Huntzinger (484) 786-8896 2ndCenturyAlliance.org Education Chester County 2020 William Stevens (484) 680-5570 CC2020.org Chester County Intermediate Unit Kristina Goodwin (484) 237-5153 conferencecenter.cciu.org See ad pg. 55 Chester County Futures Clarence Johnson (610) 241-6624 ccfutures.org Chester County Technical College High School Beth Myers (484) 593-5100 tchsbrandywine.org See ad pg. 5 Coatesville Area School District Dr. Richard Dunlap (610) 466-2400 casd.schoolwires.net/Domain/4 Delaware County Community College Ruth Bennett (610) 359-5131 dccc.edu Harcum College Coatesville Sondra Brewer (610) 810-1556 harcumcoatesville.org Octorara Area School District Lisa McNamara (610) 593-8238 octorara.k12.pa.us/ See ad pg. 66 Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic Elementary School Maria Samson (610) 384-5961 popejohnpaul2sch.org Electrical Contractors Bill Mullen Electric LLC Bill Mullen (484) 716-1177 Billmullenelectric.net Billows Electric Supply Company Bob Weiss (610) 269-1493 billows.com Denmans Electrical Services, Inc. Jeffrey Denman (484) 228-8111 denmanselectric.com G. A. Vietri, Inc. Greg Vietri (610) 857-1110 gavietri.com See ad pg. 14

Rumsey Electric Patrick Melvin (610) 832-9000 rumsey.com William S. Malany & Sons, Inc. Chad Lease (610) 436-4023 malanyelectric.com Emergency Services Chester County Department of Emergency Services George (Beau) Crowding (610) 344-5000 chesco.org/217/Emergency-Services Elverson - Honey Brook Area EMS Steven Jones (610) 286-8925 http://www.elversonems.org Keystone Valley Regional Fire District Raymond Stackhouse (484) 571-9686 kvfd8.com Keystone Valley Fire Department Krystine Sipple (610) 857-3232 kvfd8.com West End Fire Company #3 Gina Langan 610-384-9798 coatesvillefire.org/content/wfofficers/ Employment and Training Services Chester County OIC Taj Brown (610) 692-2345 ccoic.org Energy Management Service Electric Advisors Consulting, LLC Frank Lacey (610) 793-2809 electricadvisorsconsulting.com Kauffman Gas Inc. Ken Kauffman (610) 593-5063 kauffmangas.com Rhoads Energy Family of Companies Michael DeBerdine (610) 857-1650 rhoadsenergy.com See ad pg. 57 Tobelmann Energy Brokers, Inc. John Tobelmann (610) 639-1406 tobelmann.net Engineer Consultants Edward B. Walsh & Associates, Inc. Theodore Gacomis (610) 903-0060 ebwalshinc.com See ad pg. 25

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

Continued on next page 69

Directory Continued from previous page

Hydraterra Professionals Joe Boldaz (610) 942-3000 hydraterrapro.com McMahon Associates, Inc Natasha Manbeck (610) 594-9995 mcmahonassociates.com Padula Engineering Company Mark Padula (610) 357-2896 padulaengineering.com Traffic Planning and Design, Inc Randy Waltermyer (610) 326-3100 trafficpd.com Entertainment and Recreation Air Ventures Balloon Flights,Inc Deb Harding (484) 753-2598 air-ventures.com Revival Productions Heather Grayberg (484) 378-0047 revival-productions.com Rita’s of Gap Debbie Pierce (610) 405-4586 ritastruck.net The Golf Zone George McNamara (610) 942-9494 golfzoneproshop.com The Lukens Band Mike Givler (610) 383-4197 lukensband.org Environmental Consultants Coventry Environmental, Inc. Steven Ohrwaschel (484) 639-4578 covenv.com Envera Michael Matheny (484) 593-4002 envera.com Sovereign Environmental Group Larry Johnson (610) 383-9919 sovereignenvironmental.com Excavating Contractors David P. Kristman Excavating, Inc. David Kristman (610) 273-9388 dpkristmanexcinc.com Fidelity Contracting LLC Richard Burkholder (610) 816-0704 fidelitycontracting.com See ad pg. 32 70

Financial Services Beacon Financial Group, LLC Cathy Jackson (484) 844-7824 CAJ-BeaconFinancial.com Penn Rise Advisors Karl Klingmann II (610) 269-8363 pennriseadvisors.com See ad pg. 44 Fire, Water and Damage Clean-up SERVPRO of Central Chester County Dave Lyman (610) 524-0211 servprocentralchestercounty.com SERVPRO of Kennett Square/Oxford Cliff Masscotte (610) 268-8620 Servprokennettsquareoxford.com See ad pg. 45 Fitness Training and Sports Centers Academy Sports Complex Rob Smith (484) 288-8033 academysportspa.com Elemental Yoga Sarah York (717) 341-5005 elementalyogawellness.com LiFT Fitness Coatesville Kyle Wegman (484) 378-2562 liftinspired.com/ YMCA of Greater Brandywine, Brandywine Branch LaKeisha Harris (610) 380-9622 ymcagbw.org See ad pg. 63 Florists Blue Moon Florist Ami Trost (610) 873-7900 bluemoonflorist.com Coatesville Flower Shop Greg DePedro (610) 384-2677 coatesvilleflowershop.net Funeral Home and Services Harris Mountain Funeral Home & Cremation Service Kevin Mountain (610) 384-1091 harrismountain.com James J. Terry Funeral Home Greg Froio (484) 378-7210 jamesterryfuneralhome.com Wentz Funeral Home M. Joye Wentz (610) 384-0318 wentzfuneralhome.com/

——Spring/Summer

White Willows Memorial Design Fay Monte (717) 442-9001 whitewillowsmemorials.com Furniture Greg Pilotti Furniture Makers Greg Pilotti (484) 764-6956 gpfurnituremakers.com Gifts & Specialty Shops Homestead Studios Tracy McClaskey (484) 712-5087 homestead-studios.com Golf Courses Applecross Country Club John Harte 484-692-1010 x102 applecrosscc.com Broad Run Golfer’s Club Tom Morgan (610) 738-4410 broadrungc.com Coatesville Country Club Chris Walton (610) 384-3200 coatesvillecountryclub.com French Creek Golf Club Thad Fortin (610) 913-6330 frenchcreekgolf.com Honeybrook Golf Club Donna Horvath (610) 273-0207 honeybrookgolf.com See ad pg. 23 Ingleside Golf Club Chris Ward (610) 384-9128 golfingleside.com/ Moccasin Run Golf Club/ Shotgun Pub & Grille Curtis King (610) 593-2600 moccasinrun.com Government Elected Officials U.S. Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan 6th District (202) 225-4315 houlahan.house.gov U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Jr. (215) 405-9660 casey.senate.gov U.S. Senator Patrick Toomey (215) 241-1090 toomey.senate.gov State Senator Andrew E. Dinniman 19th District (610) 692-2112 senatordinniman.com

2020 • Volume 6——

State Senator Katie J. Muth 44th District (717)787-1398 senatormuth.com State Representative Tim Hennessey 26th District (610) 326-2626 rephennessey.com State Representative John Lawrence 13th District (610) 869-1602 replawrence.com State Representative Danielle Otten 155th District (717)783-5009 repotten.com State Representative Christina Sappey 158th District (717)772-9973 repsappey.com State Representative Dan Williams 74th District (484) 200-8256 repwilliams.com Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline (610) 344-6000 chesco.org Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell (610) 344-6000 chesco.org Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz (610) 344-6000 chesco.org Government - County Chester County Commissioners Becky Brain (610) 344-6100 chesco.org Chester County Department of Community Development Pat Bokovitz (610) 344-6900 chesco.org Chester County Department of Emergency Services George (Beau) Crowding (610) 344-5148 chesco.org/217/Emergency-Services Chester County DES - Public Safety Training Campus John Gillespie (610) 344-4100 chesco.org/des Chester County Planning Commission Brian O’Leary (610) 344-6285 chesco.org

Government - Municipal Valley Township Hardware Stores Summers & Zims Carol Lewis Joseph Zimmerman Atglen Borough Hatt’s Industrial Supplies (610) 384-5751 (610) 593-5129 Caren Andrews & True Value valleytownship.org sumzim.com (610) 593-6854 Chip Clavier Wallace Township atglen.org (610) 384-1954 Historical Society Barbara D’Angelo hatts.com Borough of South Coatesville Graystone Society | National Iron and (610) 942-2880 See ad pg. 18 Ramsey Reiner Steel Heritage Museum wallacetwp.org (610) 384-1700 Healthcare Providers Jim Ziegler West Bradford Township south-coatesville.org (610) 384-9282 Brandywine Hospital Tower Health Justin Yaich Caln Township steelmuseum.org Mark Reyngoudt (610) 269-4174 Kristen Denne (610) 383-8000 Home Improvements westbradford.org (610) 384-0600 towerhealth.org Budget Blinds of Coatesville West Brandywine Township calntownship.org See ad pg. 16 Germaine Schumann Dale Barnett Christiana Borough ChesPenn Health Services, Inc. (610) 643-4929 (610) 380-8200 Carol Pringle Michael Lucas budgetblinds.com/Coatesville/ wbrandywine.org (610) 593-5199 (610) 383-3888 Cellarium Wine Cellars West Caln Township christianaboro.com chespenn.org Don Cochran Thomas Siedenbuehl City of Coatesville Lancaster General Health (610) 721-9698 (610) 384-5643 Michael Trio Debra Wertz Cellarium.com westcaln.org (610) 384-0300 (610) 857-6639 Certapro Painters of West Fallowfield Township coatesville.org LancasterGeneralHealth.org Western Chester County Gina Wheeler See ad pg. 2 East Brandywine Township John Fecile (610) 593-5916 Scott Piersol Levin Luminais Chronister Eye Assoc (484) 283-5003 westfallowfieldtownship.org (610) 269-8230 Paul Fernandes western-chester-county.certapro.com/ West Nantmeal Township ebrandywine.org (610) 384-9100 Chester County Fencing Deborah (Debi) Kolpak lleaeyes.com East Fallowfield Township Chris Kaminski (610) 286-9722 Scott Swichar Physical Therapy Workshop (610) 273-3300 westnantmeal.com (610) 384-7144 John Spangenberg chestercountyfencing.com West Sadsbury Township eastfallowfield.org (610) 466-7060 See ad pg. 63 Ed Haas ptworkshop.com East Nantmeal Township Chester County Tile and Design (610) 857-5969 Kathy Brumfield Surgical Specialists, PC Jason Phillips westsadsburytwp.org (610) 458-5780 Scott Kripke (610) 380-5040 Western Chester County eastnantmeal.org (610) 384-6550 chestercountytile.com Council Of Governments surspc.com Elverson Borough Five Point Renovation & Remodel Jennifer Daywalt Lori Kolb Health & Wellness Rob Wishneski (610) 384-9550 (610) 286-6420 Agape Institute of (484) 888-8276 wcccog.com elversonboro.org fivepointconstruction.com Functional Healthcare Graphic Design and Marketing Highland Township Michelle Conicello Good Works Inc. Barbara Davis Blue Dog Printing & Design (484) 593-0882 Robert Beggs (610) 857-1791 Debi Friedmann agapefhc.com (610) 383-6311 highlandtwp1853.org (610) 430-7992 See ad pg. 75 goodworksinc.org getbluedog.com Honey Brook Borough Arbonne International Milanese Remodeling Janis Rambo Hyland Graphic Design & Advertising Nina Malone Mark Milanese (610) 273-2020 Matthew Weiss (610) 331-8285 (610) 384-5820 honeybrookborough.net (484) 879-6145 ninamalone.arbonne.com milaneseremodeling.com hylandgraphics.com Honey Brook Township See ad pg. 4 Heating and Air Conditioning Kristy Deischer-Eddy Link Promos Precision Flooring Enterprises LLC Darryl N. Barber Plumbing (610) 273-3970 Megan Lamkin Marilyn Costalas & Heating Inc. honeybrooktwp.com (717) 543-3767 (610) 857-3519 Darryl Barber linkpromos.com Modena Borough precisionflooringllc.com (610) 273-2369 Jennifer Daywalt Surefire Graphics & Marketing darrylbarberandsons.com Tony Buck Home Improvement (610) 384-6777 Vincent Zambuto Tony Buck Joe Ward Plumbing & Heating, Inc. modenaborough.com (484) 378-4033 (610) 384-7863 Joe Ward SurefireGraphics.com Newlin Township tonybuck.com (610) 593-6474 Gail Abel Grocery Store Home Inspections MACK Services Group Heating & (610) 486-1141 Crop’s Fresh Marketplace Cooling Ground Up Home Inspections newlintownship.org Chad Cropper Eric Jameson Kevin Kerr Parkesburg Borough (484) 593-2665 (610) 857-5525 (610) 324-3064 Neil Vaughn cropsmarketplace.com mackservicesgroup.com grounduphomeinspections.com (610) 857-2616 See ad pg. 15 See ad pg. 32 Rhoads Energy Family of Companies parkesburg.org Triple Fresh Amy Stackhouse Sadsbury Township Jim Petro (610)857-1650 Tammy Russell (610) 384-5037 rhoadsenergy.com (610) 857-9503 triplefresh.net Continued on next page See ad pg. 57 sadsburytwp.org ——For news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com—— 71

Directory Continued from previous page

Hotels Courtyard Marriott Coatesville Tamira Stevens (610) 380-8700 courtyardcoatesville.com Stottsville Inn Michael Quinn (484) 718-5121 stottsvilleinn.com/ Human Resource Consultant CBIZ, Inc. Donna McCorkle (484) 667-6652 cbiz.com Human Services Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, Inc. Christine Zaccarelli (610) 388-1218 x212 cvcofcc.org Greater Deliverance Development Outreach Stephanie Duncan (484) 886-6413 greaterdeliverancechurch.org Industrial Engineered Graphic System Uticom Systems, Inc. Paul Keeler (610) 857-2655 uticom.net Insurance Albert Abdala Tax & Insurance Center Albert Abdala (610) 384-6425 apatax.com Beaver Insurance Agency Larry Beaver (484) 356-6455 allstate.com/larrybeaver Breuninger Insurance Chip Breuninger (610) 384-1980 binsured.com See ad pg. 17 C. Kenneth Grant Insurance & Real Estate Barry Norton (610) 384-6260 grantinsuranceandrealestate.com Chester & Associates, LLC Penny Reeder (610) 383-3884 rswinsurance.com DiMatteo Insurance Al DiMatteo (610) 383-1114 dimatteoinsuranceinc.com

72

EMB Specialty, LLC Erik Brecht (610) 857-4759 embspecialty.com Knies Insurance Group Greg Knies (610) 273-3756 keytoinsurance.com See ad pg. 49 The Wright Agency Jonathan Wright (610) 269-6115 wrightagencyinsurance.com See ad pg. 11 US Health Advisors Harry Lilley (484) 554-4989 ushagent.com/HARRYLILLEY VanDyne Insurance Agency Donna VanDyne (717) 430-2798 vandyneinsurance.com Whitford Insurance Network, Inc. Bob Ward (610) 524-7860 whitfordinsurance.com IT Services CompNet, Inc. Mark Davis (610) 380-1314 compnetinc.com Fashay Consulting Diane Fasnacht (610) 331-9246 fashay.com/ Origami Technology Group, Inc. William Gayle (484) 639-0004 origamitg.com Landscaping Bonner Landscape Contractors Ryan Bonner (484) 886-2925 BonnerLC.com Matthew Forrest Hardscape & Landscape Matthew Siter (484) 753-4434 The Tree Connection Ryan Sipple (484) 888-5360 treeconnection.us Libraries Atglen Public Library Robbyn Kehoe (610) 593-6848 ccls.org/158/Atglen-Public-Library Coatesville Area Public Library Penny Williams (610) 384-4115 coatesvilleareapubliclibrary.org See ad pg. 25

——Spring/Summer

Honey Brook Community Library Jennifer Spade (610) 273-3303 ccls.org/171/Honey-Brook-CommunityLibrary Parkesburg Library Kathleen Hood (610) 857-5165 parkesburglibrary.org/ Management Consultants Transfers of Learning, LLC Tasha Delaney (610) 466-7521 transfersoflearning.com See ad pg. 30 Manufacturing ACR Machine Inc. Steve Tury (610) 383-6150 ACRMachine.com Aerzen USA Corporation Cheri Hager 610-380-0244 aerzen.com/en-us.html American Roll Suppliers, Inc. Karen Neuhauser (610) 857-2988 ArcelorMittal Albert Fuller (610) 383-2000 arcelormittal.com Armstrong Engineering Associates, Inc. Robin Austin (610) 436-6080 armstrong-chemtec.com Brandywine Valley Fabricators Josh Crane (610) 384-7440 brandywinevalleyfab.com See ad pg. 20 Cigas Machine Shop, Inc. Craig Cigas (610) 384-5239 cigasmachine.com H2O Connected Susan Springsteen (610) 594-2191 leakalertor.com JGM Fabricators & Constructors LLC Joseph Messner (610) 873-0081 jgmusa.com John Rock Inc. Bill MacCauley (610) 857-8080 johnrock.com Keystone Turbine Services, LLC Patrice Beail (610) 268-6200 kts-aero.com

2020 • Volume 6——

Pacer Industries, Inc. Joseph Moran (610) 383-4200 pacergrindingwheels.com Paulsonbilt Pamela Barranco (610) 384-6112 paulsonbilt.com Pelet Welding Inc. Timothy Pelet (610) 384-5048 peletwelding.com Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Chuck DiLabbio (610) 644-4430 lockheedmartin.com/us/what-we-do/ aerospace-defense/sikorsky.html See ad pg. 16 Marketing and Public Relations Communication Works Now Judith Lee (610) 368-2058 communicationworksnow.com Media and Publishing Chester County Press Randall Lieberman (610) 869-5553 chestercounty.com Vista.Today Ken Knickerbocker (610) 256-9571 vista.today Memorials and Monuments White Willows Memorial Design Fay Monte (717) 442-9001 whitewillowsmemorials.com Metal Fabrication American Roll Suppliers, Inc. Karen Neuhauser (610) 857-2988 Brandywine Valley Fabricators Josh Crane (610) 384-7440 brandywinevalleyfab.com See ad pg. 20 JGM Fabricators & Constructors LLC Joseph Messner (610) 873-0081 jgmusa.com Mortgage and Financial Guaranteed Rate Jason Ashe (610) 864-6357 rate.com/jasonashe Museum Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art Sheila Fleming (610) 388-8389 brandywine.org/conservancy

National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum/Graystone Society Jim Ziegler (610) 384-9282 steelmuseum.org Music The Lukens Band Mike Givler (610) 383-4197 lukensband.org Networking Groups Women’s Business Connection of Chester County Bette Cowles-Friedlander (484) 823-0110 wbcchesco.com Ophthalmologists Levin Luminais Chronister Eye Assoc Paul Fernandes (610) 384-9100 lleaeyes.com Painting Certapro Painters of Western Chester County John Fecile (484) 283-5003 western-chester-county.certapro.com/ Parks and Recreation Chester County Parks Lori Caldwell (610) 932-2589 chesco.org Payroll Services CBIZ, Inc. Donna McCorkle (484) 667-6652 cbiz.com The Small Business Accounting Solution Inc Nicole Odeh (610) 203-9682 TSBAS.com Pharmacies Honey Brook Pharmacy Tony Scalies (610) 273-7300 honeybrookpharmacy.com Hopewell Road Pharmacy Tony Scalies (610) 269-0002 hopewellroadpharmacy.com Quik-Stop Pharmacy Alissa Steele-Griffith (610) 384-6100 qstoppharmacy.com Photography Aleesha Nicole Photography Aleesha Howe (484) 824-1897 aleeshanicolephotos.com

——For

Images by Trish Trish Kozola (484) 258-1977 imagesbytrish.com Physical Therapy Physical Therapy Workshop John Spangenberg (610) 466-7060 ptworkshop.com Plumbing Darryl N. Barber Plumbing & Heating Inc. Darryl Barber (610) 273-2369 darrylbarberandsons.com J-S All Things Plumbing Bob Sparr (610) 500-4373 bobsparr.wix.com/allthingsplumbing See ad on back cover Joe Ward Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Joe Ward (610) 593-6474 Summers & Zims Joseph Zimmerman (610) 593-5129 sumzim.com Tri-County Water Services Inc. Brent D. Hershey (610) 857-1740 tricowater.com Printing and Promotional Services Adelfi Promotions, Inc. Michael Millard (484) 999-0656 adelfipromo.com Blue Dog Printing & Design Debi Friedmann (610) 430-7992 getbluedog.com Denron Sign Company Robert Sciarra (610) 269-6622 DenronSigns.com FASTSIGNS EXTON Carrie Mengel (610) 280-6100 FASTSIGNS.COM/368 Image Ink Janet Petsko (610) 518-5181 image-ink.biz Link Promos Megan Lamkin (717) 543-3767 linkpromos.com Metro Printing & Promotions Veronica Hall (484) 883-1243 metroprintingusa.com Paragon Business Gifts, Inc. Greg Krajewski (610) 857-5506 paragonbusinessgifts.com

Shirts N More LLC Joseph Early (610) 873-6075 shirtsnmorepa.com Surefire Graphics & Marketing Vincent Zambuto (484) 378-4033 SurefireGraphics.com Tam Arte Design Studio Rick Milne (610) 269-7518 tamartedesign.com The UPS Store Print Shop Downingtown Bruce Cobb (610) 518-5010 theupsstore.com Zakback Inc. Bruce Korn (610) 407-0285 zakback.com Property Management BLUE CORD Property Care Bradley Fink (484) 796-1586 bluecordpropertycare.com Brite Realty Services Thomas Taylor (610) 524-8285 briterealty.com Clarel Janitorial/Maintenance Services Corp.

Claudia Muntean (484) 378-0827 clarelmaintenance.com Huston Properties Sharon Tandarich (610) 384-2666 hustonproperties.org Wills Property Maintenance Richard Wills (610) 384-1624 willspropertymaintenance.com Zeke’s Inc. Joseph DiSciullo (610) 384-5119 zekesincpa.com Real Estate Brite Realty Services Thomas Taylor (610) 524-8285 briterealty.com C. Kenneth Grant Insurance & Real Estate Barry Norton (610) 384-6260 grantinsuranceandrealestate.com Help-U-Sell Direct Homes Matthew Boyle (610) 363-3737 helpusell.com

High Associates, LTD Brian Davison (610) 380-8437 highlandscenter.com Keller Williams Jennifer Randell (610) 659-0800 battykolo.com Mark Lane Properties Mark Sherman (215) 510-6399 The Gorham Group Matt Gorham (610) 363-4340 mattgorhamgroup.com Re/Max Professional Realty Laurie Keen (610) 363-8444 teammatrixhomes.com Star Suoerior LLC Real Estate Stefanie Tarloski 610-331-2624 starsuperior.com Recycling and Collections Services A.J. Blosenski, Inc. Anthony Blosenski (610) 942-2707 ajblosenski.com Mahoney Environmental Services Brenda McNeil (610) 425-1289 mahoneyes.com Reliable Industries Michael Carlini (717) 626-2181 relbox.com Rentals American Tent Rental Jay & Denise Riley (484) 340-7450 americantentrental.wixsite.com Northwestern Chester County Rentals Kathy Duca 610) 857-1110 nccrllc.com Residential Exterior Remodeling Milanese Remodeling Mark Milanese (610) 384-5820 milaneseremodeling.com See ad pg. 4 Restaurants Beaver Creek Tavern Stuart Deets (484) 593-0481 beavercreek-tavern.com Bordley House Grille Melissa O’Hara (610) 738-4410 x13 broadrungc.com/amenities/bordleyhouse-grille

news and events visit WesternChesterCounty.com and ChescoWest.com——

Continued on next page 73

Directory Continued from previous page

Bright Spot Café Shannon Maria Brower (610) 458-7000 BrightSpotExton.com Glenmoore Deli Christie Keith (610) 942-4321 facebook.com/Glenmoore-Deli-Country-Market-997885856960616/ Greenside Grill at Honeybrook Golf Course Donna Horvath (610) 273-0207 honeybrookgolf.com/greenside Harry’s Neighborhood Place John H. Lymberis (610) 857-2331 HarrysHotdogs.com See ad pg. 56 Little Chef Family Restaurant Nick Lymberis (610) 384-3221 thelittlecheffamilyrestaurant.com Mr. E’s Tavern & Fine Food Beth Perdue (610) 384-4356 mrestavern.biz Rita’s of Gap Debbie Pierce (610) 405-4586 ritastruck.net Rocco and Anna’s Ristorante Italiano Rocco Pirozzi Jr. (610) 857-1111 roccoandanna.com/ Shotgun Pub & Grill at Moccasin Run Golf Course Grace King (610) 593-2600 moccasinrun.com/pub/shotguns Stottsville Inn Kate Richard (484) 718-5121 stottsvilleinn.com The Attic Lounge at Harry’s John H. Lymberis (610) 857-0202 TheAtticLoungeAtHarrys.com See ad pg. 56 Victory Brewing Company Mike Kearnes (484) 667-9249 victorybeer.com ZING Sushi John H. Lymberis (610) 857-0001 ZingSushi.com See ad pg. 56

74

Retirement Life Care Communities Freedom Village at Brandywine Nicole Rosella (610) 383-5100 fvbrandywine.com Harrison House of Chester County Jean Bryan (610) 384-6310 harrisonseniorliving.com Harrison Senior Living of Christiana Sherri Stoltzfus (610) 593-6901 harrisonseniorliving.com Heatherwood Retirement Community Kelly Miller (610) 273-9301 heatherwoodretire.com Tel Hai Retirement Community David Shenk (610) 273-9333 telhai.org Safety Systems and Services Signal 88 Security of Octorara Pete Mango (302) 298-3307 signal88.com The Protection Bureau Christine Pezzi (610) 903-4900 protectionbureau.com VVP Security Michael Amersek 267) 977-8706 securityvpp.com Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc. James Witmer (484) 288-6405 wpsginc.com Self Storage Global Self Storage Jonathan Arasin (610) 857-0777 globalselfstorage.us Hidden Valley Self Storage Denyce Tober (610) 857-1778 hiddenvalleystorageparkesburg.com See ad pg. 44 Senior Services Coatesville Area Senior Center Bill Pierce (610) 383-6900 casc.org Skincare and Cosmetics Arbonne International Nina Malone (610) 331-8285 ninamalone.arbonne.com Telecommunications and Networking CTDI Keith Montone (610) 793-8103 ctdi.com ——Spring/Summer

FBSG, Inc. David Steltz (610) 233 9925 fbsginc.com Transportation Chester County Area Airport Authority Gary Hudson (610) 383-6057 chestercountyairport.com Chester County Aviation Steve Fortin (610) 384-9005 chestercountyaviation.com Krapf Group Gary Krapf (610) 431-1500 krapfbus.com Signature Aviation Blaze Sharkley (610) 384-9000 signatureflight.com TMACC-Transportation Management Assoc. Chester County P. Timothy Phelps (610) 993-0911 tmacc.org Travel and Tourism ChescoWest chescowest.com Chester County Conference and Visitor’s Bureau Susan Hamley (610) 719-1730 brandywinevalley.com Tree Care The Tree Connection Ryan Sipple (484) 888-5360 treeconnection.us Wills Property Maintenance, LLC Richard Wills (610) 384-1624 willspropertymaintenance.com Utilities PECO Energy Company Scott Neumann (610) 725-7189 exeloncorp.com PECO Energy Company Edward Piscopo (215) 841-5411 peco.com Pennsylvania American Water Company Terry Maenza (610) 670-7789 amwater.com Pennsylvania American Water Company Justin Brame (610) 384-1776 amwater.com See ad pg. 54 2020 • Volume 6——

Video Production Multimedia CRD Multimedia LLC Ross Darlington (610) 247-0766 crdmultimedia.com Valley Creek Productions Justin Chan (215) 525-9904 valleycreekproductions.com See ad pg. 47 Water Products & Services H2O Connected Susan Springsteen (610) 594-2191 leakalertor.com Tri-County Water Services Inc. Brent D. Hershey (610) 857-1740 tricowater.com Website Design CompNet, Inc. Mark Davis (610) 380-1314 compnetinc.com Fashay Consulting Diane Fasnacht (610) 331-9246 fashay.com Link Promos Megan Lamkin (717) 543-3767 linkpromos.com Mercurygraphix Brandon McLean (610) 639-4723 mercurygraphix.com Youth Services Bridge Academy and Community Center Jordan Crans (610) 466-9505 thebridgeacademy.org Caln Athletic Association Steve Santillo (484) 378-0470 calnaa.com Chester County Council, BSA Jeffrey Spencer (610) 696-2900 cccbsa.org Minding Manners With Ms B Bongai Mhloyi (484) 356-8935 mindingmannerswithmsb.com The Parkesburg POINT Debbie Shupp (610) 857-3393 parkesburgpoint.com See ad pg. 27

Western Chester County Life Magazine Spring/Summer 2020 www.westernchestercounty.com

A Chester County Press Publication P.O. Box 150, Kelton, PA 19346 address corrections not required

Residential or Commercial

Don’t Delay, Call Today!

Jones

J-S Sparr

610.500.4373 • Gas Line Installation & Repair

Natural Gas & Propane • Well Pump Repair, Service, & Replacement • Public Water Service & Repair • Water Conditioning Services & Installation • Gas/Oil Hydronic Systems (Boilers) Repair, Service, & Installation • Kitchen Sink & Faucet Repair & Installation Bath Tubs, Showers, Vanities, & Toilets • Toilet Repair, Service & Replacement

• Kitchen Disposal System Services • All Types of Piping

Repair & Installation • Gas, Oil & Electric Water Heaters Repair & Installation • Repair Pipes of any Kind • Service Leaks of any Type • And so much more!

Call today 610.500.4373 Fully Insured and Licensed in Pennsylvania