Parkesburg Action Committee

For Women, By Women

Parkesburg’s Main Street female business owners lend a helping hand

Tina L. O’Connor, MS, NCC Licensed Professional Counselor Experience Positive Therapy, LLC 226 W. Main Street Parkesburg, PA 19365 (610) 857-8089

An event titled “For Women, By Women” was held in Parkesburg in May to raise awareness and support for the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County (DVCCC) and to celebrate local, female-owned businesses.

The event took place on Main Street in Parkesburg and was hosted by the all-female owned businesses in the 200 block of the borough. Local artists were invited to show, sell and demonstrate their art in participating shops. Included in the event were painters, mixed media artists and two students from Octorara High School, Katie Baker and Claire Badman. Ms. Baker showed her paintings and demonstrated her jewelry making. Ms. Badman showed a collection of her hand-thrown and sculpted ceramics. Both are graduating seniors from Octorara who plan to continue their art making into their college careers.

“The event was a great way for the community to see some of the wonderful creative talent we have here in Parkesburg,” says Tina O’Connor, owner of Experience Positive Therapy on Main Street. “It was fascinating to watch these artists work and create right before our eyes.”

To benefit the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County, monetary donations were accepted along with

donations of toiletries, bedding and clothing for the women and children who are part of the shelter and housing program. In attendance was Danielle Dougherty, director of philanthropic partnerships at the DVCCC, who spoke to attendees about the programs they offer and shared printed, educational materials with all of their services.

Gift baskets were raffled off with the proceeds going to DVCCC. The highlight of the raffle was a Parkesburg lamp, donated by Cathy Wilde Christ from Parkesburg Lights. These antique lamps were made in Parkesburg decades ago and are highly sought after now. A rare purple lamp was raffled and chosen specifically to highlight the official color that represents domestic abuse awareness.

Shelli McKenna from McKenna Moments donated her time and talents to provide mini photo sessions with the proceeds benefitting the DVCCC.

The Main Street businesses that planned and participated in the event were Fountain Springs Wellness Spa, Sweet Serendipity Cupcakes and Treats, The Little Shop Next Door, Flowers in Bloom, Rocco and Anna’s Ristorante Italiano, and Experience Positive Therapy.

A big thank you to the Parkesburg Main Street businesses who put on this event and lent a helping hand to women in need! The residents of Parkesburg were very grateful for the lovely day out to view and purchase art, learn about local artists and to support the brick-and-mortar businesses on Main Street and the DVCCC.

The DVCCC always welcomes donations of any kind. The most needed items are toiletries, bedding and clothing. A full wish list can be seen on their website at https://www. dvcccpa.org/wish-list.

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