West Chester, PA May 2024

Unite for HERChanging the Lives of Women Nationwide

Campli Photography

Prepare to be enchanted

The Ladies' Issue

Ladies, this is your issue! We are dedicating an entire issue to women and needless to say, our women in the West Chester area are amazing! We want to celebrate you!

This month we are highlighting a very special nonprofit - Unite for HER. Unite for HER was founded in 2009 by West Chester resident Sue Weldon, who had the idea of an organization that would assist women during their treatment for breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Locally-born Unite for HER has now spread nationwide and is a champion for women everywhere. Read on to learn more about Sue’s journey and this amazing foundation.

As we celebrate all the mothers in our lives this month, I urge you to look beyond the traditional mom role to find a community member who might be a mother in a different way. Moms come in all forms. Take the time to acknowledge those moms in our lives who are constantly nurturing the things around them. From students they might teach, to pets and animals they care for, to even nature ... being a mother doesn't have to be a conventional role. We celebrate all the women in our lives!

DOUGLAS MCDERMOTT, PUBLISHER @WEST_CHESTER_LIFESTYLE

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Douglas Mcdermott douglas.mcdermott@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Jamie Agamalian | jamie.agamalian@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Studio 161 Photography, TeamPhoto

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Laura Paige

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

Learn

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Our team of professionals take a

• Design & Planting

• Drainage & Grading

• Boulder Walls

• Walkways

• Patios

GARDEN CENTER

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

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

UNITE FOR HER

One woman's journey is now changing the lives of women across the nation!

ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STUDIO 161

PHOTOGRAPHY AND TEAMPHOTO

Tossing a pebble into a pond causes a ripple which eventually grows into a wave. This saying has been used over and over again in life, but it rings true for Sue Weldon, CEO and Founder of Unite for HER, a local nonprofit organization supporting those affected with breast and ovarian cancer. Unite for HER’s reach has grown like a wave in recent years, now stretching across the country helping those undergoing treatment and it all started by tossing out a pebble of hope.

“Our goal is to empower our women by providing and funding integrative therapies,” said Weldon.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, Sue is no stranger to the struggles of treatment. Her search for complementary therapies and resources helped her through her recovery, though she quickly became aware of how hard it was for most women to receive these additional supports, as they were not covered by insurance or easily accessible. These services also come with hefty price tags that are often financially prohibitive for many patients.

“The inspiration for Unite for HER came while I was at an event. I saw this woman out of the corner of my eye. She’s bald, her hair is out, and I could tell by the yellowish skin. I was looking in a mirror. I knew that woman,” said Weldon. “I went up to her and told her about all the tools that I did to help me heal, but as I was talking she started tearing up and said ‘Good for you, I could never afford that.’ It broke my heart.”

That was the moment that began it all; the moment Unite for HER was born. Now in their 15th year, the nonprofit has grown beyond helping solely in the Philadelphia region to providing services and support to those affected nationwide regardless of their socioeconomic status or background.

“Our goal is to empower our women by providing and funding integrative therapies,” said Weldon.

Each person who is a part of the Unite for HER program has access to comprehensive education, services, and tools that enrich their health and well-being and most importantly, they have a loving community behind them every step of the way.

“The hallmark of the Unite for HER program is the Wellness Passport. Each individual in the program receives a Wellness Passport for integrative therapies and services worth $2,000,” Weldon said.

Integrative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, yoga, Reiki, nutrition, professional counseling, and meditation, enable individuals going through treatment to be renewed in their mind, body, and spirit, which is crucial to holistic healing. In fact, 80% of patients in the program reported significant improvement in their side effects, 94% of patients felt that Unite for HER made a positive impact on their quality of life during and after treatment, 27% of patients reported that they were able to eliminate or reduce at least one prescribed medication, and 93% of patients reported that the program reduced their level of stress, according to Unite for HER.

The therapies and services offered are not a onesize-fits-all type of option. Each person gets to choose which therapies and services they feel will compliment their treatment best. The program is truly tailored to each individual.

“Every woman gets to choose the modalities that she believes will help her. It’s a beautiful partnership” said Colleen Connor, volunteer for Unite for HER.

Unite for HER pivoted course in 2020 in response to the Global Pandemic. While the world took a break, cancer diagnosis did not. Services and therapies changed from in-person to Zoom and Unite for HER pivoted alongside the world. They found they were able to reach more members through an online approach and with the aid of the Care Box that is mailed out to each new member. This opportunity helped to expand Unite for HER to a national level. Now, as our world has reopened, the nonprofit has partnered with more than 80 hospitals across the country to help provide services. They are prioritizing underserved communities and people of color across the country, knowing that they often face the most disparity in healthcare services. By pairing with Unite for HER, these members receive much needed support they wouldn’t otherwise find.

“So many women say that their doctor helps them with healing their cancer, but Unite for HER helps them heal their soul,” said Colleen Connor, volunteer for Unite for HER.

“So many women say that their doctor helps them with healing their cancer, but Unite for HER helps them heal their soul,” said Connor.

In 2023 alone, they supported 5,322 members nationwide. Half of those receiving help in 2023 were members of color or underrepresented. In addition in 2023, they provided 25,085 integrative therapies to members, hosted 61 wellness events, and partnered with more than 80 hospitals nationwide.

“We measure our goals and success by how many women we can get to,” said Weldon. These numbers have grown quickly in recent years as news of Unite for HER has spread and they continue to expand. Weldon does not see the momentum slowing down now that they are at a national level. In addition to members receiving these valuable integrative

therapies and services, awareness about breast and ovarian cancer is spreading to non-members, through fundraising efforts that are also spreading beyond West Chester.

As a nonprofit, Unite for HER relies on the generosity of donors and the community to help fund their programs and services. There are many ways our West Chester community can support this foundation. Major fundraisers throughout the year include the Pink Invitational, a gymnastics competition drawing more than 4000 athletes to the Philadelphia Convention Center; the Bloom Fashion Show; the Unite for HER 5k; and Harvest, a unique farm-to-table event featuring inspired culinary creations from over 25 top chefs in the Philadelphia region.

Student events are also very popular ways for Unite for HER to not only raise funds, but to spread awareness of breast and ovarian cancer to young adults. These events take place across the country and are a great way to raise funds on a community level.

For a more hands-on approach, volunteers are always needed to help assemble Care Boxes which are mailed out to members nationwide when they are first enrolled. Care Box builds are a great way to do team building for businesses and organizations of all sizes. These builds are also available for individuals who want to lend a hand. Reach out to Unite for HER for more information on how you can get involved to help!

No one wants to hear the diagnosis, but Weldon and her team are empowering those affected in ways that was never thought of before. “By nurturing a culture steeped in empathy, trust, and innovation, Unite for HER has emerged as a beacon of hope for individuals seeking comprehensive, holistic care on their cancer journey,” said Weldon.

To learn more about Sue Weldon’s journey and the Unite for HER organization, visit their website at UniteForHER.org

Bloom Fashion Show

Bloom Fashion Show

WINNER

A

CUT

ABOVE THE REST

PETER'S SALON & EUROPEAN SPA OFFERS PREMIER SALON AND SPA SERVICES IN WEST CHESTER

ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN

At Peter’s Salon & European Spa, it’s all about family! Opened in 1962 by Peter and Alice Thiel, and now owned by their son Michael and his wife Carol, along with his three sisters Christine, Suzanne, and Karin, this salon continues to operate under the same philosophy as it did on day one, “To provide our clients the very best customer service combined with outstanding technical skills to make sure that each client is completely satisfied with their experience at our salon and spa.” This is exactly what you can expect at your visit - excellent customer service by highly trained professionals!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER'S SALON & EUROPEAN SPA

With 13 members currently on their team, Peter’s stands out amongst other salons with some of the most trained and award-winning stylists and estheticians, which has been the standard since their opening over 60 years ago.

“My sisters and parents traveled throughout the country and the world competing in many prestigious hairstyling competitions including the World Championships of Hairdressing. My sister Christine went on to win in those competitions using our sisters Karin and Suzanne as her models and eventually became the youngest judge to represent the United States in the World Championships.

I remained at home and helped run the business as Carol and I were starting our family and taking so much time away would have been challenging,” remarked Thiel. “We all work together and strive to make our business the best it can be. Our team of professionals is second to none with exceptional technical skills and outstanding customer service.”

Not just your typical salon, Peter’s Salon puts focus on hair health in addition to providing traditional services, such as hair styling, permanent waving/straightening, hair coloring, and reconstructive therapies. Often therapeutic scalp treatments will be offered along with styling services.

OUR TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS IS SECOND TO NONE WITH EXCEPTIONAL TECHNICAL SKILLS AND OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE.

These not only benefit the hair and scalp but also help clients relax and relieve some stress at the same time.

The main service seen at Peter’s is hair coloring. According to Thiel, “It may be high lighting, low lighting, single process or double process or a combination of those services. Dynamic color is what most of our clients like to see and we work with each client to create their best look. We are seeing a shift in texture from the very straight smooth looks to styles that are

more wavy and curly. Hair with movement creates more interest than straight smooth looks; however, the smoother looks can make dimensional color look bolder."

In addition to the various salon services offered, clients can enjoy numerous spa treatments that are focused on the health of the skin.

“We perform a number of facial and body treatments using formulations for each client's particular skin type,” said Thiel. “Whether it be aging skin, acne skin,

or even a very specific skin condition, we address each client individually with the latest treatments available.”

Some of these specialized facial treatments include microdermabrasion to remove and refine fine lines in the skin, and Microneedling to smooth the skin by encouraging collagen production. They also have a Vichy Shower room for various body wraps and treatments and perform organic spray tanning for clients. You can even get your teeth whitened at Peter’s.

With wedding season approaching, brides will find that Peter’s Salon has all of their needs met. There is a bridal coordinator on staff to work with the bride to help plan the hair and makeup portion of her big day. They are able to accommodate any size bridal party and even offer light refreshments while they are waiting between services. Brides are encouraged to schedule a trial session to determine exactly what hairstyle and makeup colors will enhance them the best on their wedding day.

For ladies looking for a nice salon and spa day with friends or even a solo spa day, Peter’s offers packages that can be customized depending on your needs. If you’re planning to stay for a few hours at a time, the salon will provide a light lunch for clients during their session.

Peter’s is proud to be a long-standing staple in the West Chester community and they believe their longevity is due to their excellent customer service, which is the backbone of their business.

“We have a number of clients that have been with us for 20, 30, and 40-plus years and we now have their children and grandchildren as clients. I see this as a testimony to the skill and service that all

of our ‘professional family’ provides to our clients each and every day. The support and loyalty of our clients has helped us grow throughout the years and we are very grateful to all of them,” said Thiel.

To schedule an appointment with Peter’s Salon & European Spa, you can either give them a call at (610) 214-2939 or visit their website at www.peterssalonandspa.com

Explore the World

TAKING

A GIRLS' TRIP IS A GREAT WAY TO UNWIND AND CREATE LASTING MEMORIES.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN

Jamie in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Girls’ Trip to Egypt with Adventures by Disney

Are you itching to get away? Is it time to break the norm and explore new locations or revisit old favorites?

Vacations are good for the soul. They give our minds and bodies a break from our daily routine. While we often take these trips with our families and create amazing memories, there is something to be said about taking a girls' trip!

Perhaps you want to reconnect with your best friends from your youth while sitting on a beach, or maybe it’s time for a reunion of your college friends to check in with each other - all are excellent reason to plan a trip. You can take a trip as a group of neighbors who just need a weekend break from it all or as a long overdue mother-daughter trip. The possibilities are endless! Let’s discuss some of the travel industry’s top trip ideas for a girls’ getaway!

One of the top girls' getaway trip ideas is an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, which offers a luxurious way to unwind away from it all. With unlimited food and drinks, amazing accommodations, beautiful beaches and pools to soak up the sun, nightly entertainment, and relaxing spa treatments, all-inclusive resorts create a wonderful backdrop for a great trip. A few of my favorite resorts that I have visited over the years include Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Unico 20 87, Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, Hard Rock Punta Cana, and Beaches Turks & Caicos. These are top locations around the Caribbean and are sure to be the perfect place to get away.

Another great girls' getaway option is to take a cruise. Cruising offers a completely different way to reconnect with your gal pals while exploring a new port each day. It's a great way to see and do it all! Similar to an all-inclusive resort, cruising provides amazing food and drink options, nightly entertainment, pools to relax in, and spa treatments to unwind with, in between visiting different countries on your itinerary. For example, you and your girlfriends can spend a day exploring and adventuring in beautiful Charlotte Amelie, St. Thomas, and then return to your ship that evening for a fabulous dinner and theater show. Cruising is the best way to combine the want for an all-inclusive with a jet-setting itinerary!

With itineraries in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Alaska, and more, there is a cruise for almost every location. One of my favorite cruise lines to sail on is Virgin Voyages. This is an adult-only cruise that offers a champagne toast at the sail away party, live music at every corner, fantastic food, and a private beach for Caribbean sailings. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises also offer great sailings throughout the world making great girls' getaway cruise vacations!

Perhaps you want to get away but need to stay in the continental US. There are countless options throughout the US, which puts domestic travel as our third girls' getaway option. Some favorites include weekends seeing a show in New York City, staycations in Philadelphia, a weekend in Savannah, beach trips to Florida, and even weekend theme park getaways to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort. You can't go wrong with a weekend away to any of these locations with your friends, as there is always something for everyone.

If you are traveling domestically, look at planning your trip around special events that coincide at that location. Your travel advisor will be able to look up special happenings around the country to help you find the perfect fit for your friends. Perhaps you're a country music fan and want to hit Nashville during CMA week, or maybe you love all things spooky and want to head to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando with your favorite gals. All of these are great reasons to get away and enjoy some time together.

Now that you're inspired to travel, gather your girlfriends and start planning. Find a weekend you are all free and call your travel advisor to start planning your muchneeded getaway. Travel advisors are valuable assets when planning a trip and will be able to help take the stress away so you can simply show up and enjoy your vacation!

Jamie Agamalian is a full-time travel advisor with Magical Wishes Travel. With over 10 years of industry experience, Jamie specializes in family travel, romance travel, destination weddings, special needs travel, and more. Learn more about Jamie and her business at mwtbyjamie.com or email her at Jamie@MagicalWishesTravel.com

Travel advisors are valuable assets when planning a trip and will be able to help take the stress away so you can simply show up and enjoy your vacation!

While we often take these trips with our families and create amazing memories, there is something to be said about taking a girls’ trip!

Girls' Weekend Trip to Universal Orlando Resort

Waiting for the nightly fireworks at Walt Disney World

Pool at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Mexico

FORWARD MOVING AND STORAGE

Dedicated

photo: Rhinehart Photography

HANDMADE BREAKING

This recipe is quick and easy to make with just a few simple steps. It tastes great on its own, but dipping it in olive oil infused with fresh herbs adds an extra level of flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ¾ cups warm water

• 2 ½ teaspoons sugar

• 1 package active dry yeast

• 4 cups flour

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• Optional:

• Fresh rosemary

• Coarse sea salt

• Fresh pressed garlic

INSTRUCTIONS:

Use a stand mixer with a fitted dough hook, and stir together the water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and stir again. Set mixture aside for 5 minutes. Mixture should be foamy. Next, add the flour and salt and mix on low until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed and mix for an additional 4-5 minutes. Brush a large bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Set aside for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until the dough has doubled in size.

Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of oil. Uncover the dough and rub hands with olive oil. Slide your hands under the dough and fold it onto itself. Continue to work your way around the edge of the bowl, folding the dough onto itself until there is a ball that you can lift from the bowl. Place the dough in the prepared pan and press the dough to the edges. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a damp towel and set aside to rise for about 45 minutes until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough. Rub your hands with olive oil and use your fingers to make indentions on the surface of the dough. Sprinkle it with salt and rosemary and any desired toppings. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.