West Chester, PA June 2023

Ever Wondered, “How Much Do Fathers Matter?"

Let’s start with the simple answer — the importance of a father is tremendous. Fathers make countless differences in their home and family. However, how much impact you decide to make as a dad is entirely up to you. A father’s gifts of quality time, life-giving words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children.

As I reflect on fatherhood this month, here are just a few of the ways dads can build up their home:

• A father’s strength can be powerful.

• A dad’s words can be fueling and inspirational.

• Hugs from a dad can be deeply comforting.

• A dad’s smiles can instill joy and confidence.

• Time with a dad can be fun and productive.

• A dad’s physicality can be challenging.

• A dad’s guidance can be life-changing and foundational.

• A father’s correction can be life-saving and life-giving.

• Adventures with a dad can be exciting and memorable.

Let your father, or a father figure in your life, know how much he matters to you. And if you’re a dad, let us be the first to say, thank you. You’re invaluable to the people who know and need you as well as the community around you.

Happy Father’s Day!

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Douglas McDermott douglas.mcdermott@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jeff Robinson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Julie Brown Patton, Lisa Hatcher

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jeff Robinson, Christine Kozsuch, Heather Raub

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

DOUGLAS MCDERMOTT, PUBLISHER @WEST_CHESTER_LIFESTYLE

Learn

Proverbs 3:5-6

Campli Photography

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @west_chester_lifestyle

1: Santino’s Tap & Table won 10th Annual Best Chef Culinary Competition sponsored by ACT in Faith. 2: West Chester Borough Police Chief James Morehead and Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste join 2023 Community Cleanup. 3: Yoga In The Street of Downtown West Chester 8-9 a.m.: June 3, 10, 17.

COURTESY OF KRISTEN STEWART

WEST CHESTER PARKS AND RECREATION

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

WCU Earns Military-Friendly School Gold Distinction

West Chester University employees earned the national 2023-2024 Military Friendly School designation, maintaining Gold status in recognition of leading practices, outcomes and effective programs for military members and veterans enrolled at the university. More than 1,800 schools sought Military-Friendly designation. Of the 530 institutions that earned the general designation, only 250 nationally were selected for Gold award status, which is reserved for schools that scored within 10% of the 10th ranking school in their category.

Nominations Open For 12th Annual West Chester Preservation Awards

Nominations are due by June 10 at 5 p.m. for the West Chester Preservation Awards  program, which raises awareness and appreciation of West Chester’s significant historic character while also encouraging protection of its historic integrity. All nominations must be for projects and properties located within the Borough of West Chester. Winners are in three categories: Bricks and Mortar; Preservation  Service; West Chester Preservation Legacy. Contact Allen Burke, Preservation Awards Committee chair, at ABurke317@aol.com or 610.908.9101.

Photography by Courtesy of West Chester University

Photography by Courtesy of West Chester Downtown Foundation

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA

Shakespeare's First Folio's Quadricentennial Anniversary Observed

The 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's First Folio (first publication of his plays) recently was celebrated at West Chester University.  First Folio  was published in 1623, seven years after his death. Of the 750 initial copies, West Chester University owns one of the approximately 200 copies remaining in the world. "Without the First Folio, we might never know some of Shakespeare’s greatest works, including Macbeth and Twelfth Night," states Ron McColl, WCU special collections librarian.

Chester County Gets “En-Pie-ronmentally” Pizza Deliveries With New Electric Vehicles

Domino's Pizza delivery teams began delivering “En-Pie-ronmentally” pizzas in electric vehicles late last year across the country after announcing plans to add about 900 electric delivery vehicles to its fleet. More than 600 EVs already were delivered to Domino's stores. One area Domino's franchise owner added 18 electric vehicles for deliveries to customers in Chester and Berks counties: Mike Khan, who owns 108 Domino’s locations in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey.

Photography by Christine Kozsuch

IF YOU ARE READING THIS... SO IS YOUR BEST CLIENT.

2 OUT OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

Zero To Hero

Philadelphia Union Foundation Enables Safe, United Soccer Communities To Form

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY PHILADELPHIA UNION

To ensure more youths gain beneficial, lifelong lessons from soccer, the Philadelphia Union Foundation was formed during February 2008. With the group's 15th year underway, foundation initiatives that were revamped several years ago are making noticeable headway by providing a pioneering mental health fitness program and career opportunities for participants, on top of the teamwork and leadership skills learned through 'The Beautiful Game.'

As executive director of this Chester-based foundation, England native Paul Howard leverages the power of fútbol (uh-hum, soccer; he admits a little piece of his heart dies each time it's called soccer in America) to unite communities to create opportunities that transform lives.

"We have boots on the ground, and hold each other accountable. The soccer groups that we're helping to establish are much more, in that they're community resources with emotional toolkits and physically safe spaces for underprivileged youths," he says.

Under Paul's direction since 2019, the foundation went through a rebirth, of sorts. By expanding the board's six members to 23, they got more active and leveraged their energy, expertise, time and relationships. They discovered decrepit conditions in the region that were unconducive for soccer play and totally realized why Chester High School hadn’t had a soccer team for three decades.

Paul recalls: "They all turned to me, and asked: 'Can you put that right?'"

So, foundation members set about establishing mini pitches by resurfacing local tennis courts. Their first larger project occurred at Francis Myers Recreation Center in Philadelphia where they resurfaced, added goals, night lights and a fencing perimeter. By working through and aggregating pockets of existing soccer groups, Paul says they began to truly reintroduce soccer to the area with the goal of establishing 15 new, viable pitches by 2025.

"We just opened our third one, and two more pitches are scheduled to be added this summer,” he adds. “Each one serves three soccer clubs, so that will eventually assist 1,500 kids. The infrastructure is a half-million-dollar investment, including benches and bleachers.”

Now, Chester High's revitalized Clippers' soccer program is competitive. Paul says work is underway to also establish a girls' soccer team there.

Why worry so much about places to play a game focused on one ball and two, rectangular goalposts? “Because the power of this sport gets youths out of their shells, and devoted to their futures,” asserts Paul.

He particularly points toward the example of a young, struggling immigrant from Guatemala. “He’d only been in the United States for 11 months, and spoke limited English. After he made the Chester High School soccer team, he realized he’d found true friends and a whole new family that made him want to try his best to excel. Now, he’s the team’s star striker,” he explains.

Additionally, Paul established the innovative "iAM Project," which supports aspirational high school students from low-income backgrounds in Chester to maximize their personal, academic and professional potential, and to prosper with the assistance of employer/mentor partners. Participating high school students get help with discovering their career aspirations through workshops, paid internships and even living on the Newman University campus for a week to witness what college life may be like. This turnkey program removes barriers, Paul states, and allows employers to directly tap into these potential, future employees.

"Many mentors share personal stories of what it took to hustle and persevere ,  and let students know it's important to accept help along the way from people who have their best interests in mind," Paul says.

Professional basketball player Kevin Durant is working with Union Foundation creatives to establish uniform designs via concepts from the youths' soccer clubs.

"I'll wear my favorite one to amplify that more people are kicking ball."

Paul Howard, executive director, Philadelphia Union Foundation

He's also assembling the "HeadFirst" program to destigmatize conversations about mental health issues. He says the objective is to give players, coaches and parents the toolkit to facilitate discussions related to mental and emotional health challenges.

To support the foundation's mission in addition to monetary contributions, Paul suggests following the progress on social media. He also encourages anyone who can volunteer their time and talents to step into where they fit, as coaches, mentors or workshop leaders.

"Through soccer, we're on the mission of helping to change the life trajectories of as many youths as we can. We focus on ensuring they have life-beneficial exposure, experience and opportunities," asserts Paul.

"The power of soccer gets youths out of their shells, and devoted to their futures,” asserts Paul Howard, Philadelphia Union Foundation.

WEST CHESTER EQUESTRIAN

ARTICLE BY LISA HATCHER

Leslie Falini Young Springs From Brandywine Hills

Brandywine Hills, the oldest race of its kind in the Delaware Valley, is known for its longtime tradition of being the starting point for leaders and champions in equestrian sports. Steeplechase trainer Leslie Falini Young is one of these leaders.

Born and raised in West Chester, Leslie is from a family of avid riders. Her parents, Dominick and Peggy Falini, hunted with the old Brandywine Hounds, and Dominick rode in point-to-points. From the beginning, both of her parents encouraged Leslie’s equestrian aspirations – pony club, fox hunting and pony racing.

As a rider, Leslie won 16 of 43 races from 1979-1991. She is the trainer of 2019 NSA timber titlist Andi’Amu, 2017 NSA champ Lady Blanco, 2014 NSA champ Bittersweetheart, and 2013 Virginia Steeplechase horse of the year Gustavian (also an Eclipse finalist).

Clearly, Leslie got her start in equestrian sports due to family, friends and the Brandywine horse community. She excelled in the saddle, and won gold at the Pony Club Eastern Pennsylvania Region eventing rally with her C-3 team. She was nationally ranked in girls tetrathlon, and rode the DelMarVa pony race circuit, claiming year-end titles.

In high school, Leslie worked for Hall of Fame trainers Jonathan Sheppard and Jack Fisher, while also excelling

at lacrosse and field hockey, and making All-Stars and All-American for both. After graduating from Lynchburg College with a degree in health science and athletic training, Leslie returned to Pennsylvania, and began a career as a physical therapist and also as the lacrosse coach for a championship high school girls team. Leslie left the horse world behind.

She later met Irish Jump Jockey (and later Five-Time Steeplechase Champion) Paddy Young in Pennsylvania in 2003, and they became great friends who shared a similar outlook on life and the same passions and goals. Everything clicked, and they married in 2007. Leslie got her trainer’s license in 2007, their son, Rory, was born in 2008, and daughter, CeCe, was born in 2009. Paddy’s older son, Tom, joined them in the United States, and the team was all together, working, thriving and winning in the racing world.

Leslie says the toughest thing about being a trainer has nothing to do with the animals. “Sometimes, you need a degree in psychology to deal with the owners and staff. The horses are the fun and easy part."

On the horizon, Leslie says she also looks forward to welcoming new horses into her barn. “We have some exciting new horses coming, in and some old stars returning.”

BrandyWineRedClay.org

Partnering for positive impact

It’s how Jeff Kitchen was named a 2022 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor and continues to make a difference in clients’ lives.

Edward

Church

Member SIPC TA L-13149A-A-AD

Je > edwardjones.com | Member SIPC 19 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/WESTCHESTERPA JUNE 2023

Time For Outdoor

Projects

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

With warmer weather on the horizon, many homeowners are gearing up for outdoor home improvements. With thousands of dollars on the line, prioritizing potential remodeling projects is essential, asserts Jack Sweeney, West Chesterbased EXP Realty Realtor.

Based on perspectives, feedback and costs from homeowners, real estate professionals and landscape professionals, Jack points to interesting considerations from The 2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features issued by the National Association of REALTORS Research Group.

To analyze the remodeling projects that may yield the most monetary return, the new report evaluated the following 11 outdoor remodeling projects, which vary in size and scope, with costs ranging from $415 to $90,000 for each project.

1. In-ground Pool Addition:  Install an 18-foot-by36-foot in-ground pool with Gunite walls, 3-foot to 7-foot depth, and a standard filtration system, including a thick concrete perimeter surrounding it.

2. Landscape Lighting:  Installing standard transformer and LED lights.

3. New Patio:  Install a backyard 18-foot-by-16-foot concrete paver patio, dry set over compacted gravel and sand base, with paving material estimated at $7 to $10 per square foot.

4. New Wood Deck:  Build a 14-foot-deep-by-18-footwide wood deck attached to the house with a ledger. Decking, railing, stair treads and open risers to be constructed with cedar lumber, with a clear deck sealer. The lower structure can be covered with pine or fir lattice.

5. Fire Feature:  Install a dry stacked natural stone kit and gas burner with a 10-foot diameter flagstone patio.

6. Overall Landscape Upgrade:  Install a front walkway of natural flagstone with stone planters. Install flowering shrubs and one deciduous tree. Mulch with landscaping bark.

7. Landscape Maintenance: Annual mulch application, mowing lawn, pruning of shrubs and planting perennials or annuals.

8. Irrigation System Installation:  Installing and managing an irrigation system for a lawn.

9. Standard Lawn Care Service: Apply seasonal fertilizer and/or weed control applications.

10. Tree Care: Apply tree fertilizer, regular spraying, trimming, and pruning, as well as removing any dead trees.

11. Outdoor Kitchen: Add inset grill, stainless steel drawers, ice chest, sink, and concrete countertop, made from veneered masonry stone.

Of these 11 remodeling projects, Jack suggests the following three as his top recommendations for the best return on investment when homeowners are thinking about selling their properties: overall landscape upgrades, new patio and lawn care.

For the local, 2023 Pennsylvanian housing market, Jack also would suggest a few other remodeling options, such as replacing garage doors to give a home a major boost in curb appeal or switching out the front door to create an impressive entryway that sets the tone for the rest of the house. Fixing a house's facade is actually one of the most cost-effective ways to improve a home's value, he adds.

"I'm happy to discuss further details of these remodeling endeavors, as well as others we typically assess," Jack says, adding that he maintains a thorough database of dependable contractors and vendors who can assist with various remodeling projects.

Jack has lived in Chester County with his family for 20-plus years. He's been a full-time Realtor for more than five years, and says in addition to buyers and sellers, he also works with investors to locate cash-flow properties for them.

jack.sweeney@exprealty.com

484.631.5720

JackSweeney.ExPRealty.com

Planning Financial Roadmaps

Edward Jones Advisor Assists With Positive Impacts For Clients, Colleagues, Communities, Society

One of the most important things a financial professional can do for clients is help them avoid making choices based solely on emotions or fears, says Jeff Kitchen, Edward Jones financial advisor and division activation leader, who recently relocated the local office to 535 N. Church St., Suite 275 (second floor).

After 25 years elsewhere, Jeff says they were able to secure this renovated, more spacious location with superior parking, known as the Hartshorne Mansion or the beloved Barclay House. "Our office provides a great, calming atmosphere that combines the best of our area's history and its modern amenities, with our conference room overlooking the park," he adds.

He says having a private, inspirational place to converse with clients is a benefit as they partner to help them understand strategic financial planning is about more than just monetary investments.

"We serve as a trusted partner and guide in each financial decision our clients make. The personal experience we deliver sets us apart," assures Jeff.

Jeff says the guidance they provide to clients often intersects with goals for their health, family, their own purpose, as well as their finances. "You might use the word 'well-being' to describe what we're talking to our clients about. They’re seeking financial advisors who understand the way they think about their goals now and who have longer-term pictures in mind, coaching them to and through life’s phases and complexity.

Knowledge requires understanding and guidance, weighing complex tradeoffs and developing financial and non-financial solutions," he says.

"On the other hand, empathy requires deep, personal relationships, paired with intuitive listening skills that show a desire to understand clients’ needs. The work we do matters, and is needed more than ever," he adds.

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON |

BY JEFF ROBINSON

Since Edward D. Jones Sr. opened the doors of the firm 100 years ago, the company's focus has been helping people connect to their own purpose and achieve things in their lives they might not have known were possible. "That purpose is our why," Jeff adds.

Jeff says they're proud and appreciative to live and work alongside those they serve. "We pride ourselves on making positive impacts one person, one colleague and one community at a time."

From being headquartered in St. Louis, Edward Jones’ teams provide financial services in the U.S., and through its affiliate, in Canada. The firm’s nearly 19,000 financial advisors serve more than 7 million clients with a total of $1.8 trillion in assets under care.

Because every person has unique financial goals, circumstances, savings

habits, interests and comfort with risk –and because these factors are constantly changing as life evolves -- Jeff says he uses an established process to understand specific needs of each client and to provide a human-centered approach to develop a custom-tailored strategy.

"Our personalized approach with investment strategies is as individual as each client is, which is why they can feel confident as we work toward reaching those goals and navigating life’s ups and downs," he says. "It's a privilege to be invited into my clients' lives, and work with them to grow and protect their wealth and help them provide for future generations."

Jeff has an accredited asset management specialist designation, and was named a 2022 and 2023 Forbes Best-inState Wealth Advisor.

610.430.1320 | jeff.kitchen@edwardjones.com

Our Garden Center has been meeting the everchanging needs of gardeners and landscapers with one of the largest selections of plant materials in the area.

• Annuals

• Perennials

• Trees & Shrubs

• Garden Accents

• Pottery

• Mulch, Soil, & Stone

SO NO ONE FACES CANCER ALONE

Veteran Realtor David Marcolla Leads Nonprofit's Board To Provide Comprehensive Support To Those Fighting Cancer

Regional Realtor Dave Marcolla chairs the 20-member board of the Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia, an organization that serves a five-county area, including Chester County.

He says his passion for this group's mission, which is to ensure all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community, comes from having had many of his family members battle cancer.

"Through CSCGP, we provide heartfelt support, education and hope to help adults and children affected by cancer," Dave says.

Cancer Support Community supporters are honoring the entity's 30th year of existence during 2023. The present organization was formed in 2009 via the merger of headquarters' staff of the Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club (legacy of comedian Gilda Radner). The Wellness Community of Philadelphia (in Fairmount Park) had opened in 1993, with Gilda’s Club Delaware Valley (in Warminster, Bucks County) opening its doors in 2003.

Dave is serving his third term on this board, and has been a volunteer and leader with the group for 10-plus years, previously being board vice-chair and chairing the

ARTICLE

BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Dave Marcolla invites everyone to attend the 7th Annual Pints in the Park fundraiser on May 21 to benefit CSCGP.

CSCGP marketing committee, as well as spearheading fundraisers, such as the Gala and Pints in the Park events.

To support the group, join this month's fundraiser, Crazy Mixed-Up Bingo, on June 11 at Ben Wilson Senior Center, 580 Delmont Ave., Warminster. Game sponsorships also are available in honor of, or in memory of, someone for $100. After all, June is National Cancer Survivors' Month.

Dave says donations and fundraising proceeds are applied toward a comprehensive, professional program of education, social and emotional support to enhance the mind, body and spirit of people whose lives have been affected by cancer. "All of our programs and services are provided at no

cost to our participants, known as our members, so there’s never a barrier for anyone who needs cancer support."

Additionally, Dave, MBA/C-RETS, ABR, SRS, SRES, recently opened a new brokerage, Marcolla Realty, based on his 20-plus years of sales, marketing, financial and real estate services experience.

To get involved with CSCGP locally, call Dave at 267.291.0400.

info@cancersupportphiladelphia.org 215.441.3290

CancerSupportPhiladelphia.org

2023 Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia board retreat.

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Turks Head Music Festival

EVERHART PARK | 12:00 PM

This daylong celebration in West Chester features approximately 70 artists and vendor booths set up throughout the park to sell their products, arts and crafts. Throughout the day, two stages will feature seven local bands performing different genres of music, including Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, RnB, Country and Blues. Terrific fresh food from local vendors will be available all day long.

JUNE

Better Than Bacon: Improv Comedy

UPTOWN! KNAUER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | 7:30 PM

Better Than Bacon performs in completely unscripted improvisational games, which are all driven by attendees' suggestions and interactions. Every word and every action is completely made up on-the-spot, so it's never the same show twice. Tickets are $25 to $30 each. Tickets can be purchased online at  Secure.UptownWestChester. org/3146/3218; call 610.356.2787.

JUNE

Amphitheater Concert

JUNE JUNE 2023 32

WEST GOSHEN COMMUNITY PARK | 6:30 PM

BOTOX • BODY • BOUTIQUE

Cosmetic treatments performed by skilled and experienced medical professionals in a state-of-the-art facility.

Contoured is the premier provider of CoolSculpting® | Botox® | Juvéderm® & Restylane® fillers in Chadds Ford, PA.

100 Ridge Road, Suite 17 Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania 19317 (610) 379-1564 | getcontoured.com

REDEFINE...REIMAGINE...REINVENT FREE LOCAL DELIVERY & INSTALL ATION! (Call for Details)

Integrated LED Ligh ng

B ilt-in G er Drainage S stem

Remote Control Motori ed Lo ers

Si es: ’ ’, ’ ’, and ’ ’

A ailable in Ma e White or Dark Gra

THE RANETEK VILLA PERGOLA IS THE DO-IT-YOURSELF SOLUTION TO TRANSFORM YOUR BACKYARD INTO THE ULTIMATE OUTDOOR OASIS.

500 Abbott Dr., Broomall, PA 19008 484-202-3460 www.RaneTekPergola.com