The WC Press Non-Profit Issue - November 2016

VOICE OF THE BOROUGH  NOVEMBER 2016

Exploring West Chester’s essential, not-for-profit business sector

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The

Press

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.

Kindness in giving creates love.”

–Lao Tzu

PUBLISHER Dan Mathers dan@thewcpress.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Nick Vecchio nick@thewcpress.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Julie Ryan jryan@mathersproductions.com COPY EDITOR Jon Roth jroth@thewcpress.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Jesse Piersol jpiersol@thewcpress.com Kate Chadwick kchadwick@thewcpress.com STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Sabina Sister ssister@thewcpress.com Andrew Hutchins hutch@thewcpress.com

Worth

COLUMNISTS Becca Boyd bboyd@thewcpress.com Diane LeBold dlebold@thewcpress.com Andrea Mason amason@thewcpress.com DJ Romeo romeo@thewcpress.com Dr Geoff Winkley drwinkley@thewcpress.com Published By...

Mathers Productions 13 South Church Street West Chester, PA 19382 mathersproductions.com 610-344-3463 The WC Press is a monthly magazine distributed free of charge to more than 250 businesses. For a free digital subscription, visit thewcpress.com.

For more information about specific distribution locations, visit thewcpress.com/distribution.

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Our no-nonsense table of contents

BARTENDER OF THE MONTH Chatting with Patrick Barrenechea of Limoncello INSPIRATION, CREATIVITY AND COMMUNITY The mission of the Chester County Art Association LOCAL TALENT Meet Kristin McLaughlin-Mitchell of Resident Theatre Company THE LOOK H. Rose. Boutique offers up a great style for November CORNERSTONE OF THE COMMUNITY The Domestic Violence Center Of Chester County THE MAKEOVER La Difference Salon & Day Spa offers up a totally new look WHAT, WHO AND HOW? Understanding our town’s community-benefit organizations PHOTO HUNT Can you spot the five differences in these two photos?

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From the

Editor

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

—Melody Beattie

As a kid, Thanksgiving was kind of a low-ranking holiday for me. Yeah, I was chubby, so the food was great, but kids don’t really appreciate grub that’s not brightly colored and saturated with sugar. I preferred the holidays where people—and mystical rabbits—gave me things. Christmas, Easter, my birthday: These were the dates I anticipated and colored on the calendar with magic marker.

The primary reason Thanksgiving ranked lower than other non-gifting holidays was that my mom established a tradition that I came to dread. Each member of the family had to roam the outdoors, ponder the splendor of our world and select an item from nature that reflected its beauty. I typically spent more time coming up with excuses for my choice than actually foraging.

“I like this stick because it reminds me of a lightsaber,” I’d say, if quizzed on why I’d chosen the kindling from beside the fireplace.

These pieces were brought to the Thanksgiving table and, after grace, we’d take turns depositing our inspirational item into a basket and expounding on what we were thankful for. As a kid, it wasn’t the kind of attention I craved; I struggled to come up with something sufficiently meaningful when it was time to present my stick. I was almost always thankful for my dog.

A few years ago I stumbled upon an infographic that drove home just what a charmed life I’ve lived. I downloaded that image and saved it to my phone. I return to it periodically when I’m in need of perspective. It reads: If you have food in your fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the world. If you have money in the bank, your wallet, and some spare change, you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million people who will not survive this week. If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the agony of imprisonment, or the horrible pangs of starvation, you are luckier than 500 million people alive and suffering. If you can read this message, you are more fortunate than the three billion people in the world who cannot read at all.

In West Chester, this message applies to multitudes, but that doesn’t mean this town has nobody in need. What it means is that we are in a position to give back in ways that other locales are not. This magazine contains information about more than 30 worthy organizations within our community who exist only to better the place we call home. If you’ve got the time or the means, find the motivation to reach out to one these organizations in this season of giving and see how you can lend a hand.

As an adult, I’m acutely aware of the things for which I am thankful: the roof over my head, the health I take for granted, the business I own. This Thanksgiving, I’ll take a long hike with the woman I love and our two dogs (for whom I’m still very thankful); I’ll find something beautiful to reflect upon and take some time to be grateful for all this life has given me.

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Design

Dilemmas

Andrea Mason is an interior designer who wants to help you upgrade your space

Understanding your design style can help shape the way your home looks and feels. There are dozens of different looks to choose from, but I’ve decided to highlight some of the more popular ones in this column. By learning more about each one, you can start decorating your home the way you truly want it!

Traditional: Drawing inspiration from the past, traditional design is timeless. Details include scrolled arms on upholstered pieces, heavily carved wood furniture, florals, brocades, silks and satin materials. Architectural elements focus on statement molding and a symmetrical design.

Favorite place to shop: Ethan Allen Contemporary: Less is more. If you like clean lines, a minimalist look, and natural light, then contemporary is your style. Noticeable features are solid colors for your furniture pieces against neutral or white walls and floors and barely any ornamentation.

Smooth surfaces and sharp corners do all of the talking.

Favorite place to shop: CB2 Transitional: Like both traditional and contemporary? Transitional is the perfect combination. Details include a neutral color palette and a lot of texture in fabrics. Accessories are kept to a minimum for an uncluttered look. There is a mix of curves and straight lines in the furniture pieces.

Favorite place to shop: Crate + Barrel Mid-Century Modern: This style is a mix of organic and manmade elements, owing its origins to design trends from 19401970. Characteristics include a combination of warm wood tones, molded plastic, metal, and a color palette inspired by the outdoors. Rooms have a calming effect with little detail and an emphasis on statement pieces.

Favorite place to shop: West Elm Eclectic: The most difficult to achieve, eclectic is a mix of all styles, but rules must be followed to have it look intentional. Try to find a similarity in the pieces by chosing a cohesive proportion, color, pattern or texture. If you love antique shopping and collecting, then this design style is meant for you.

Favorite place to shop: Old Soul Décor, West Chester Industrial: Inspired by the turn of the century, this look can be characterized by a mix of modern rustic and vintage pieces.

Architectural elements include brick walls, exposed ductwork, and distressed wood beams. Other examples would be tufted leather chairs, nailheads, and a hammered metal table.

Favorite place to shop: Restoration Hardware Sometimes it can be difficult to convey your style in words. If you’re still struggling, we recommend explaining your preferences with photos. Try Pinterest for collecting ideas on everything from window treatments to wainscoting. Another great source is houzz.com, where you an create “ideabooks” for different spaces or pieces. Both sites have great design ideas that will help inspire and define your style! –amason@thewcpress.com

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Bartender of the

Month

PHOTO Sabina Sister

INTERVIEW Dan Mathers

Patrick Barrenechea of Limoncello talks about football, good food and great friends.

How long have you been bartending?

Only for the past year, but I’ve been at Limoncello for five years.

And what do you think qualifies you to be bartender of the month? I guess because I enjoy making a good drink? I want people to like their drinks, so I always put in the effort. It’s a relaxed environment.

People might sit their with a martini for an hour and catch up with friends, so having really good drink is important.

What has kept you at Limoncello for five years? Everyone who comes to work here becomes part of the Limoncello family right away. The Mingrinos, the owners,

take care of us, the managers are great, and the customers—we have great a clientele. There are customers who’ve become great friends of mine, whether we’re talking at the bar, playing fantasy football, or watching a game together.

What are the perks of the job? I’d never even eaten at Limoncello before I worked here, so being able to eat this amazing food all the time is a definite perk.

How about the perks of being a bartender? I get to know the clientele better than I did as a server. I get to engage in conversation with people while they’re sitting with me, having a drink.

Why’d you get into the service industry? Honestly, just because it was an opportunity that was presented to me.

Limoncello is the first restaurant I’ve ever worked at, and I started out part-time bussing tables. I was in school at the time, and before here I was working part-time at Subway, so this was a major step up, and it’s turned into a full-time job that I very much enjoy.

When’s the best time to visit you?

Probably Fridays for happy hour. From 4-6:30pm we have $3 drafts, most wines

are $6, $2 off martinis, and happy hour tapas, plus discounts on the best pizza in West Chester.

If you’re not working behind the bar, what are you doing? I’m usually watching soccer. I actually take time off to watch matches.

That’s dedication. You don’t find too many hardcore soccer fans in America.

Well, I grew up in Germany, and my parents live in Frankfurt. Bayern is my team, and over here I have season tickets to the Philly Union.

Wait, you grew up in Germany? My father was in the army, so he was stationed outside of Frankfurt. I grew up there, and lived there until I came here for college.

What was your connection to West Chester? My grandparents lived an hour away in Palmyra, so West Chester was close enough that if I ever needed anything they could come help me out... or bail me out.

What made you decide to stay? I like it here. I was thinking about going back, but my friends in Germany moved away, and the friends I’ve made here—my co-workers, my job—made me want to stay.

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Ask your

Doctor

Dr. Geoff Winkley is a board-certified emergency medicine physician who operates Doctor's Best Immediate Medical Care

It's flu season again, meaning it's time to answer the question, "Should I get a flu shot?"

As most know, Influenza viruses, commonly known as the “flu,” typically emerge during the fall and winter months. So far this fall, flu activity has been mild, so some may think that they do not need the vaccine this year. But as the weather gets colder and people spend more time indoors in closer contact with others, flu activity will increase dramatically. Often peaking between December and March, some flu viruses can cause illness into late May. So what is the benefit of getting vaccinated?

From a big-picture perspective, the flu season has a significant impact on public health and the economy. In the US, Influenza is associated with an average of more than 20,000 deaths, about 200,000 hospitalizations, and tens of millions of outpatient doctor visits. It costs the US about $10 billion in direct costs for hospital and outpatient care, $15-20 billion in lost earnings and has a total economic burden of more than $75 billion annually. If most people get the flu vaccine, the risk of spreading the virus among us is directly reduced, thereby reducing the risk to all of us and the associated costs.

Vaccination not only reduces the likelihood of infection, but also the severity of the illness if you do become infected.

Immunization is required every year because the virus changes enough every year that our immune system doesn’t recognize, or have lasting immunity to the new virus. The very young and very old are most vulnerable to the influenza virus, but healthy people are also susceptible, especially if they are not vaccinated.

If you have had the flu virus, you know the most common symptoms of fever arechills, body aches, fatigue, cough and sore throat can last from a few days to about two weeks. If diagnosed in the first 48 hours of symptoms, there are antiviral medicines that may alleviate the symptoms, and shorten its duration. However, even with these medicines, flu illness will most likely require days of rest and time to fully recover, which means time away from work or family, or time spent caring for sick family members.

So, the answer is: Yes. You should get the vaccine. If you haven’t done so yet, don’t wait any longer and get vaccinated in the next few weeks or as soon as you can, because it takes about two weeks after vaccination for the immune system to be able to protect you from the virus. The Center for Disease Control recommends flu vaccination as long as influenza viruses are circulating, for children over 6 months in age and all adults, especially adults 65 years of age and older and those with chronic illness (and their close contacts). Healthcare, child care, education and other professions that are exposed frequently to vulnerable children or adults are strongly encouraged to receive the vaccine.

–drwinkley@thewcpress.com

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The Mission of the Chester County Art Association

by Catherine Quillman

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For most nonprofits, the mission statement is right up there in importance with generating funds.

It’s the guide to the future, the equivalent of a business plan for a fledgling entrepreneur. For the Chester County Art Association, that mission is to be a source of inspiration, creativity, and community by connecting artists, students, patrons, and the wider community to and through art, a cause The WC Press finds to be particularly noble.

artists as founding members, including N.C. Wyeth, the father of the late Andrew Wyeth. N.C. Wyeth and William Palmer Leer were renowned illustrators of their day. N.C. even designed the association's logo – the original metal sign depicting a figure standing with his arm up at an easel still hangs in the foyer, although, unless you know what it is, you might not really notice it amid the building's new renovations.

THE HISTORY The Chester County Art Association (CCAA), a West Chester institution at 100 N. Bradford Avenue, was founded in 1931 and began as a sketch club that soon grew into a full-fledged art organization.

According to one anecdote, those early art exhibits were so popular that wellheeled patrons typically lent out their butler for the evening.

CCAA is the oldest arts organization in the region and one of the few places that can claim some of our region’s greatest

THE BUILDING This summer, the outside of the Chester County Art Association underwent a major makeover, altering its block-style, nondescript appearance that some say has long been a deterrent to bringing

in foot traffic. In other words, it was easy to drive by if you didn't know that CCAA has—aside from art classes— year-round exhibits of original art that is for sale, as well as special holiday gift events. I've exhibited at CCAA since the early 1990s, but I'm still amazed at how much the West Chester location has changed from its dated interior to a place that resembles a graphic design firm or a small city museum.

The short list of interior additions include a new digital arts lab as well as a darkroom (traditional photography is now back!) and a kitchen for culinary classes. This summer, there were plenty of nutsand-bolts improvements including overhauled restrooms, state-ofthe-art lighting, and new classroom supplies such as kilns and pottery wheels. The latter reflects the ongoing popularity of ceramic classes, which form the mainstay of a curriculum that now includes short workshops with well-known local artists. On a recent tour with CCAA's new acting executive

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director, Wendy Kershner, I was especially glad to see the reinstallment of the library in a new room where art books can be spread out on a table. Sometimes you just want to hold a real book instead of looking for inspiration online.

Kershner is no stranger to the kind of bells and whistles people expect to find in an art center these days. She comes to the job from Reading's GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, a dynamic community draw that includes artists' studios and an independent film venue. “I personally believe that everyone is creative, that everyone is an artist in their own way,” Kershner says, before going on to explain how she hopes to put those thoughts into action. Those actions might include “sampler” classes that introduce beginners to different art mediums, or implement classes focused on popular genres that were once rarely found in community art centers, genres such as anime.

THE EXHIBITS Kershner, who is also an exhibiting printmaker, recently took over the job held for several years by Karen Delaney, who is now the exhibition & art event coordinator. Karen’s move, in part, reflects CCAA’s decision to focus on exhibits, a decision that was certainly apparent in the group's recent 85th anniversary celebration, “Chester County Collects,” which drew dozens of new patrons to the galleries. According to Delaney, the exhibit was a follow-up to a 2015 “Founders' show” that was billed as a rare opportunity to see original works by N.C. Wyeth. “We hope to continue the dialogue with local museums and organizations to bring some amazing art to CCAA,” she says.

A recent example of that ongoing dialogue is the case of the work exhibited in “Chester County Collects” by Thomas Hart Benton, an American regionalist painter. Next to Benton's painting, Delaney posted the exhibition flyer for “Rural Modern: American Art Beyond the City,” an exhibit now on view at the Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford.

When I first saw CCAA's exhibit, I found myself playing the “guess-the-artist” game, trying to identify each artist by the artistic style alone. And yes, some of the artists were of such prominence that this was possible. Alongside rare antique furniture and work by Native Americans, some of the big-name artists included Alexander Calder, Chuck Close, Frank Gehry and Wharton Esherick.

In all, I had the most fun identifying those artists who were former CCAA members, including Tom Bostelle and Tania Bouche, contemporaries of Andrew Wyeth who lived creative lives in a landmark studio perched over the Brandywine just south of West Chester. Another favorite “find” was Harry Dunn, a former New Yorker illustrator who—before he died in the early 1990s—enjoyed portraying his native West Chester as a bastion of family life and small-town living.

THE BENEFITS Collector and landscape painter Richard Chalfant contributed numerous items for the exhibit, including several of his prized 1960s hand-printed posters. He called “Chester County Collects”

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Clockwise from Top Left: N.C. Wyeth Self Portrait. Mayor Carolyn Comitta with artist Brett Anderson at his September 2016 solo show. Drop-in children's classes are free to the public.

CCAA's summer art camp serves more than 700 campers each summer. Board president William Cook stands before NC Wyeth's "Paul Revere" at last year's Founder's Exhibition.

an ingenious way of connecting overlooked segments of the community. Noting that the anniversary exhibit focused on what local residents have collected rather than merely presenting a display of Chester County art, Chalfant, who had a recent solo show at CCAA, calls the anniversary exhibit an “eye-opener.” “When you see [the show], you get the idea that there are serious collectors in the region, and that is something serious artists should take notice of and see that something is happening here.”

Member and artist Sherry McVickar— aka “the Barn Lady”—speaks of another aspect of the nonprofit, one even I didn't know about or fully understand until recently: its Exton Square Studio. The studio is located on the lower level of the Exton Square Mall and offers $1 drop-in classes for young students and teens and is part of the organization’s ongoing outreach efforts. It's also a sales gallery for artists like

McVickar, who once sold 65 paintings in a single year there. “I owe my success to the Exton gallery,” she says.

McVickar isn’t the only person with a success story courtesy of CCAA. Founding member Christian Brinton—an internationally-known art critic and early promoter of the Modernist art movement—is often credited with discovering Horace Pippin, then known as an African-American "primitive" painter. In the 1930s, Pippin sold many of his local scenes, informally, much like a fruit vendor, by propping them against a chair in front of his home on the 300 block of West Gay Street.

After Brinton, who was then CCAA president, spotted Pippin's work in a borough shoe repair window, he invited the unknown artist to exhibit at the art association. Pippin’s work was displayed at the association's sixth annual art show in 1937. Less than a decade later,

a "choice Pippin," as one paper in 1944 reported, could command a price of more than $1,000, which amounts to nearly $14,000 today, when adjusted for inflation. Even years after his death in 1946 at the age of 58, New York gallery owners and museum curators continued to clamor for his work.

CCAA can boast myriad stories like those of McVickar and Pippin, or even minor success stories like the countless children who’ve found excitement and confidence through summer art camp, or adults who’ve rekindled their imagination through an open studio course. Over the 85 years since its inception, Chester County Art Association has stayed true to its mission and to this town as it continues to be a source of inspiration, creativity, and community.

For more information about CCAA, visit chestercountyarts.org

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Local

Talent

PHOTO Sabina Sister

INTERVIEW Dan Mathers

Kristin McLaughlin-Mitchell is the Founding Artistic Director of Resident Theatre Company Where’d you grow up? I grew up just outside of New York. I was in and out of the city my entire childhood because of my involvement in the theatre. I was also a ballet dancer as a teenger and danced with the School of American Ballet.

Did you live there your whole life before moving here? I studied musical theatre at Emerson College in Boston, but then I spent 22 years working in professional theatre in New York, as an actress first, then as a director. I spent a lot of time touring—Europe, America, on-Broadway, off-Broadway, regional theatres. I saw the business from a lot of different sides.

At what point did you leave New York?

Love brought me to West Chester four years ago, after I met my now husband.

Was that a difficult move? I had just worked on Lend Me a Tenor on Broadway when we started dating. I thought, “There’s no way I’m leaving here.” As we fell in love I realized, while an actor needs to live in New York for auditions, as a director you can get hired no matter where you are. I could go somewhere with trees, have a garden, see the sky.

Are you happy where you ended up?

West Chester is one of the few places that’s not a major city where I could live and not miss New York. There’s music, art, and so many restaurants that I still haven’t visited them all. The one thing that was missing was theatre, but we’re fixing that.

How long have you been working on fixing that? We launched Resident Theatre Company in May of 2015, in anticipation of Uptown! Entertainment Alliance opening a theatre in West Chester to serve as our home base.

What is your relationship with UpTown!? We're different organizations working together. They’re creating the theater, and we are producing the shows.

What have you been doing since your launch? We’ve been doing smaller events: Broadway in the Borough, an ongoing series where we bring in New York professionals.

We had a Mischief Night party where an actress from Wicked did a 1945 radio play that we adapted to contemporary Broadway music. All of our shows have sold out.

So you feel it’s a strong market? We have been amazed, overwhelmed and so appreciative of the feedback from the community. Everyone I talk to says, “I love New York theatre, but I hardly ever get there.” The idea of having quality theatre in

West Chester has struck a chord with people, and they’re coming out to support us.

What’re you working on now? We’re gearing up for our first big show here in West Chester. We’ll be performing Spamalot, starting March 31, in The Knauer Theater for the Performing Arts, built by Uptown! in the old Armory. Tickets go on sale November 22.

It must be an exciting time. It’s just incredible that this idea is turning into a reality. It’s amazing for me to be able to bring what I know and do into this community.

It’s a dream come true.

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Home

Diane LeBold and the West Chester Food Co-Op examine local food production and bring eaters closer to the source of their food.

Grown

What happens when a Chicago investment banker reads The Omnivore’s Dilemma, a book that examines what’s at stake in our eating choices? In the case of Dean Carlson, it meant leaving his investment career, buying a 360-acre farm in Honey Brook, and creating a sustainable alternative to the industrial method of producing meat. Specifically, it meant a commitment to raising cattle, pigs, and chickens (and sometimes sheep or goats) in a caring, respectful, and humane environment—and creating a place where Chester Countians can experience a direct connection between animals and the food they ultimately become.

Since that beginning, Wyebrook Farm has become a leading local source of humanely raised meat products, available only at the farm’s on-site market. According to Tara Dostalik, manager of the farm’s market, the meat isn’t certified organic, but the animals are raised in a way that’s healthy for them and for those who consume their meat. She points out that the farm’s methods also protect the environment, provide for fair treatment of workers, and support the rural community that’s such an important part of Chester County’s heritage.

But, you may ask, what exactly is involved in raising animals humanely? In order to make the humane approach work, farmers have to give a lot of thought to the breeds they choose, because they’re not going to use hormones to grow them bigger or antibiotics that aren’t necessary. And they’re going to feed them a natural diet, not the standard factory farm diet.

So, at Wyebrook, the cattle come from smaller breeds that do well on a diet of only grass and legumes (organic hay is added in the winter, when grass isn’t accessible). The pigs come from a breed that has great foraging abilities, because they’re raised mainly in woodland pasture. The broiler chickens are a breed that grows more slowly than factory-farm breeds, and, because they’re pastured outdoors, where they can eat grass and bugs in addition to their non-GMO grain ration, they’re raised only in the warm months.

Wyebrook is also focused on connecting customers with the source of their food. Their products are available only at their farm market, so customers are able to experience the animals in the farm environment. Visitors also can reserve a table for lunch or dinner in the farm’s café to enjoy meat and produce raised on the farm. You can’t get a shorter distance than that for farm-totable. And because the farm retains the entire animal for butchering, they’re also able to offer cuts that aren’t normally available in grocery stores. —dlebold@thewcpress.com Learn more about Wyebrook on December 3, when West Chester Food Co-op host a Marche de Noel at Gay and Walnut Streets in West Chester. An outdoor holiday market in the French tradition, the market will offer small gifts and a menu of delicious local winter pleasures made with ingredients from the abundant farmland around us.

Wyebrook and other local food producers will be on hand, bringing the farms and fields of our county to West Chester. More at wcfood.coop

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Plaid Top: ALL FOR COLOR, $48 Patterned Leggings: NIKI BIKI, $29 Beanie, $18 Clutch, $36

PHOTO Sabina Sister STORY Jon Roth The deeper we move into the fall season, the more we rely on the cozy favorites stacked in our closet: those ripped-up jeans, a favorite worn-in sweater, that flannel you’ve had forever. Pulling them on is like catching up with an old friend.

But there’s always room for something new. In fact, the things you love most about those old clothes (the softness, the warmth, the patterns, the comfort) are already being reinterpreted in new ways. Take the look above: the highlight here is a riff on the traditional Buffalo plaid shirt, but the pattern has extra kick, and the tunic silhouette is a fashion-forward improvement on the standard

Stop recycling your comfy clothes and find something cozy and cute at H. Rose Boutique button-down. Cable-knit leggings with a contrasting cuff offer all the comfort of an oversized sweater (or your favorite blanket), but in a cut that actually flatters the figure. The finishing touches come in the form of an earth-tone beanie (the pom-pom here is luxe faux fur instead of the usual yarn) and a whipstitched leather clutch with tasseled zipper that feels perfect for fall.

The next time you fall in that fashion slump of recycling old looks, take a trip to H. Rose Boutique and see what’s on offer.

Odds are, you’ll find more than a few must-have pieces that feel familiar, but look cutting edge.

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Cornerstone of the

Community The Domestic Violence Center Of Chester County works tirelessly to support the survivors of abuse. story Tara Bosler photos Sabina Sister

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hen we think about the cornerstones of our community, we typically think about places like schools, hospitals, houses of worship, maybe even the local farmers market. Most of us probably don’t think about the local domestic violence center. But perhaps we should.

W

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women and one in four men in the U.S. have experienced some form of physical violence from an intimate partner.

Additionally, on a typical day, domestic violence hotlines receive approximately 21,000 calls. That averages out to almost 15 calls every single minute.

With so many people afflicted by family violence, an organization that cares for those individuals is unfortunately an essential element of our community. It is that group of people that holds the victims and survivors of domestic violence up when they are likely at the lowest point of their lives.

Domestic violence and partner abuse often does not see the light of day. Many victims don’t talk about it and don’t

reach out for help. People who know it’s going on regularly turn their heads to ignore it. Still others accept it as part of life and normalize it as “not a big deal,” especially when the abuse is emotional or mental as opposed to physical.

Intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime.

The Domestic Violence Center of Chester County (DVCCC) is doing the essential work to both support victims

of abuse and proactively educate the community about the symptoms and effects of partner abuse. Their diverse services include their 24-hour emergency hotline, adult counseling, legal services, children’s services, educational programming, housing and connections to additional regional resources. They are the organization responsible for the purple ribbons you see around town, part of a campaign to raise awareness of the extensive impact of domestic violence.

The DVCCC comprises a staff of counselors and administrative employees and relies on the work of volunteers for many of their efforts, like staffing the emergency call center, administrative work and fundraising events. Vicki Weatherby, who has volunteered for the Center for the last five years, says—aside from the emergency hotline for victims to call for help—education is the most important work of the DVCCC. Having had experiences with abuse in her own life, she considers education her most valuable volunteering experience. “I love going into the schools because if we can reach the youth, if you can catch them

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before it’s something they are desensitized to, maybe it will change the generations to come,” she says.

It certainly changed the life of Amber, whose name we’ve changed for her privacy and protection. Amber was a former client of the Center and a survivor of domestic abuse. Amber had no idea the DVCCC existed until she filed the first protection from abuse order, or PFA, against her abuser. At that point, the judge who issued the restraining order gave her the contact number for the center. They put three essential plans into action that helped protect her and start her healing: They developed a safety plan, got her a legal counselor and encouraged her to bring her kids to the youth counselor.

Though she had a family lawyer, the legal counselor at the DVCCC helped Amber in completely different ways. “A family lawyer is totally different. What I had in place was not adequate protection; she just asked different questions.

My family lawyer was interested in get-

1 in 5 women and have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner. ting me divorced, not getting me protected,” Amber explained. With this free legal advice, she finally got the help and protection she needed to feel safe in her own home.

On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States.

Along with legal counsel, the Center provided psychological counseling for her youngest daughter, which has made a world of difference. Amber says with gratitude, “My youngest daughter comes in, and the counselor has done wonderful things for her, her self-esteem and her outlook on life. She can stand up for herself. She is empowered to say things to protect herself.” What more does any mother want for her daughter?

Children who are exposed to violence in their home are especially wounded by the actions and behaviors they observe, even if they are not the ones withstanding the violence themselves. Generalized anxiety, sleeplessness, nightmares, aggression and a multitude of mental health issues are often the result for children who bear witness to violence in their homes.

Amelia Rayburn, the Center’s Youth Specialist expounds, “It is vital to have children’s services at a domestic violence center because children are often the silent victims in domestic violence situations: an estimated 1.5 million children (that is 29.4% of ALL children in the United States – a staggering percentage) live in households in which intimate partner violence has occurred.

These problems follow the children well

into adulthood and often they mirror the unhealthy relationship dynamics they witnessed, continuing the cycle of violence into the next generation as either abuser or victim.”

The DVCCC is uniquely positioned to help counsel the children in families affected by domestic violence. Many similar organizations do not have a children’s specialist on hand even though many women in abusive relationships have children.

Between 21-60% of victims of intimate partner violence lose their jobs due to reasons stemming from the abuse.

The reason Amber was able to get the support and protection she needed for herself and her family is not only because of the services at the DVCCC, but because those services are offered completely free for all clients. Paying for legal aid, housing and counseling services on top of your current expenses is nearly impossible for many women in Amber’s situation. But the DVCCC offers their clients all of these top-notch services free of charge. Much like the wide range of services many publicly funded institu-

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tions provide, the center offers essential resources to victims and survivors and in turn, creates stronger and healthier communities.

Dolly Wideman-Scott, executive director of the DVCCC emphasizes the far-reaching effects of partner violence.

“It extends beyond the borders of one relationship; we are all impacted by instances of domestic violence,” she says.

Though the abuse may occur between two people in a relationship, the ripple effects extend throughout our community in our schools, businesses and beyond.

1 in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year.

90% of these children are eyewitnesses to this violence.

This interconnectedness is the concept behind a program recently launched via the partnership between the DVCCC, local law enforcement and the District Attorney’s office called the Lethality Assessment Program or LAP. Within this program, the three partner organizations work together to reduce (and hopefully eliminate) the instances of repeat abuse or escalated homicide in domestic abuse police calls. The program creates a threepronged approach to supporting and protecting victims of domestic abuse and has been a significant factor in being able

to get victims out of violent and dangerous situations and into a places where they can be helped and protected.

Only 34% of people who are injured by intimate partners receive medical care for their injuries.

The Center is a highly respected organization in Chester County, and it has the moral support of its partner organizations because it has been doing incredible work in this community since 1976, but the fact is that Chester County can be a difficult place for survivors of domestic abuse. The area’s affluence has a major impact on housing prices, making it incredibly difficult to procure affordable housing in the area. This leads to victims feeling trapped and unable to escape abusive situations.

When asked what the DVCCC would do if it was magically gifted a million dollars, bridging housing costs was the number one priority. Wideman-Scott says, “Housing is really important. In Chester County, affordable housing is just not there. It’s really really expensive. If we could fill in that gap, we could help victims become and remain self-sufficient.”

While everyone at the Center expresses genuine gratitude for the donations they receive, the reality is that state funding is limited and often cut while the need for the center’s services persists.

DVCCC is the only state-recognized agency in Chester County that provides

free, comprehensive counseling and legal options to clients who have experienced domestic violence. Staff members at DVCCC receive in-depth training to help their clients. “Every member of our staff is trained in not only understanding domestic violence and the emotional distress that comes along with this complicated type of trauma, but also how to work with those who have suffered trauma and to patiently and empathetically assist these clients through the change process,” explains counselor Amelia Rayburn. The Center provides unquestionably high value for their clients at no cost during a time when that is exactly what they need.

Domestic victimization is correlated with a higher rate of depression and suicidal behavior.

The passion, background and training that the staff and volunteers at the DVCCC have for their work and their clients is second to none. With the intensive work they do to aid and protect the victims and survivors of domestic abuse, they are without a doubt a cornerstone of our community.

If you or someone you know are experiencing any form of domestic abuse, do not hesitate to contact the Domestic Violence Center on their 24-hour hotline (888-711-6270). You can find more information about the organization on their website at dvccc.com

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MAKE THIS SCHOOL YEAR

GREATER THAN LAST YEAR!

A new school year brings a fresh start—and Mathnasium is here to help set the stage for success!

Together, we can make this school year greater than last year!

NOW ENROLLING Proven Results

Enrichment

Mathnasium of Glen Mills

610-358-5555

42

Test Prep

Homework Help

Mathnasium of West Chester

484-971-4452

mathnasium.com/glenmills

mathnasium.com/westchesterpa

Old Ridge Village, Suite 9, 100 Ridge Rd Chadds Ford, PA 19317

113 Turner Lane West Chester, PA 19830

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Home

Becca Boyd has a passion for good food

Beccanomics

Cooking with seasonal produce is a thrill in late autumn; as the chilly weather has chased us inside, the time in the kitchen feels less of a chore and more of a respite. This pizza is the sort of quick, weeknight dinner that will bring everyone around the table. The pear parfait is perfect for a fall brunch. bboyd@thewcpress.com

Squash and Brussels Sprouts Pizza Makes 1, 16-inch pizza 1 lb. whole wheat or regular pizza dough 3 c. peeled butternut squash, diced 2 c. fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved 3 tbsp. olive oil 1 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. black pepper 1 chicken breast, cooked and chopped 1 c. grated mozzarella cheese 1/2 c. blue cheese crumbles

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees, and place pizza stone in oven, if using. 2. Toss cubed squash and Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt and pepper. 3. Roast vegetables on a sheet pan for 25-30 minutes, stirring every ten minutes, until lightly brown and tender.

Remove and increase oven heat to 450 degrees. 4. Roll pizza dough on a lightly floured surface, until it forms a 16-inch circle.

5. Sprinkle chicken on rolled out dough, and sprinkle about 1/2 c. of the mozzarella cheese. 6. Layer roasted veggies on top; finish with remaining mozzarella and blue cheese. 7. Using a cutting board, transfer pizza onto hot pizza stone. Bake on a lower rack in 450 degree oven for 12-14 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling and crust is firm.

Caramelized Pear Parfait Serves 4-6 4 pears, peeled, cored, and chopped Juice from 1/2 a lemon 3 tbsp. unsalted butter 1 tsp. cinnamon Pinch allspice 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 c. packed light brown sugar 4 c. prepared granola 4 c. plain, fat-free Greek yogurt

1. Melt butter in large skillet over medium high heat. Toss pears with lemon juice. 2. Add pears and sautĂŠ until starting to soften and steam, about five minutes. 3. Add sugar, salt and spices. Stir to combine. 4. Increase heat to high and sautĂŠ pears, stirring occasionally. Pears will release liquid and then bubble in the liquid. Cook about 10 minutes or until the liquid thickens.

5. Refrigerate pears to cool. 6. To make parfaits, put about an inch of granola in the bottom of glass, plastic wine glass, or mason jar. 7. Top with a layer of yogurt. Divide pears between glasses. Top with more yogurt, and a sprinkle of granola on top.

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La Difference Salon & Day Spa gives a totally new look to a hardworking woman photos Andrew Hutchins stylist Tricia Cosgrove

Lexie is a hardworking professional who is active and athletic in her free time.

I wanted to give her a chic, sexy style that would be easy for her to manage.

This crop haircut is a long version of a pixie. It's fun and easy because the sides and back are undercut, so only the longer top requires styling.

The color is inspired by the onset of

autumn. Using L'OrĂŠal Professionnel colors, I created a deep mocha base and highlighted the top with shades of coppery red.

Lexie's naturally wavy hair can be worn curly, or for a sleeker look with some root volume, like the one you see here, it just takes a bit of smoothing cream and a quick blow dry.

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We can’t wait for you to see what Uptown’s Resident Companies are planning for 2017!

Visit www.uptownwestchester.org

All programs held at The Knauer Theater for the Performing Arts 226 N. High St. West Chester, PA 46

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what, who & how? getting to know the organizations dedicated to bettering our town compiled by Ayla Karim

When we set out to compile a directory of all the not-for-profit businesses located in and serving West Chester, we had no idea what we’d gotten ourselves into. The idea was to motivate our readers to give back to their community and offer them an informed choice on how they’d do it. We figured there might be 15-20 organizations we’d profile… we were way off.

The following compendium lists 35 nonprofits, and we’re well aware the list is far from complete. The businesses contained herein are just the ones who contacted us for were suggested to us. We’re certain there are plenty that escaped our notice, and we apologize in advance for the oversight.

That said, we’ve done most of the footwork for you. All you’ve gotta do now is read our list and decide which of these worthy causes is most deserving of your help. The only hard part is figuring out which ones you’re able to say “no” to.

ACT IN FAITH 212 S. High Street 484.324.8492 actinfaithgwc.org WHAT: Act in Faith helps bridge the gap when existing social services are unable to meet all the needs of an individual. They provide support such as home goods, clothing, school supplies, or a ride, and distribute food via their community cupboard.

WHO: Their board of directors consists of 11 different members who represent a variety of faiths.

HOW: You can help Act in Faith by donating financially or with your time. Volunteers help with tasks like meal prep for their 'Neighbors Feed Neighbors' program.

THE ARC OF CHESTER COUNTY 900 Lawrence Drive 610.696.8090 arcofchestercounty.org WHAT: The Arc of Chester County helps those with disabilities live a self-sufficient life through education and support.

WHO: The Arc of Chester County is made up of a management team, board of directors and volunteers.

Jeanne Meikrants serves as the executive director, working with the eight other members on her management team.

HOW: You can help by attending or volunteering at their events throughout the year, making donations, or joining their recreation program. You can also bring their clients out in the town.

BARCLAY FRIENDS: SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY 700 N. Franklin Street 610.696.5211 hf.hendal.org WHAT: They offer residential living, personal care, memory care, skilled nursing and post-acute rehabilitation, while remaining in alliance with Quaker values. Their memory care programs take place in a non-restricted setting, giving their clients the freedom to be mobile and active.

WHO: Their staff includes a team of

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168 staff members, alongside their board of directors and volunteers.

HOW: You can help by providing donations or by spending time with residents. They also hold two fundraising events a year: the Secret Garden Tour benefits their horticultural program, and proceeds from their golf tournament help fund the organization throughout the year.

THE BARN AT SPRING BROOK FARM 350 Locust Grove Road 610.793.1037 springbrook-farm.org WHAT: The Barn at Spring Brook Farm works with kids living with a variety of disabilities and introduces them to specially selected farm animals to help improve physical and psychological health.

WHO: Marybeth Drobish founded this organization in order to combine her passion for children and animals. She works with her small staff alongside her board of directors and 300 volunteers.

HOW: Because they only have two fulltime staffers, the Barn really encourages volunteers to help with everything from from the kids, to the animals, to property maintenance. Donations are always welcome.

BRANDYWINE BALLET COMPANY 317 Westtown Road, #5 610.696.2711 brandywineballet.org WHAT: The Brandywine Ballet provides professional training and performance opportunities for dancers and offers quality entertainment to the region.

WHO: The Brandywine Ballet was founded by Donna L. Muzio, who serves as the artistic director. Along with Donna, they have an extensive team including an artistic staff, board of directors and other staff.

HOW: You can help by donating to any of the ballet’s funds—which support specific facilities, from shoes, to costumes, to choreography—or by attending any of their performances throughout the year.

Don’t miss their annual performance of The Nutcracker!

BRANDYWINE RED CLAY ALLIANCE 1760 Unionville Wawaset Road 610.793.1090 brandywineredclay.org WHAT: The Brandywine Red Clay

Alliance is dedicated to improving the quality and quantity of water throughout the community. They provide education to 12,000 students a year about the environment and our water supply.

WHO: The organization has a small staff, many volunteers, and a board of directors, headed up by executive director and CEO James E. Jordan, Jr. HOW: All donations go right back into your water, since they focus on everything local. They encourage you to volunteer to help their cause, but they also urge everyone to be informed about environmental issues.

BRANDYWINE VALLEY SPCA 1212 Phoenixville Pike 484.302.0865 bvspca.org WHAT: The Brandywine Valley SPCA cares for abandoned and unwanted animals by providing food, shelter and the opportunity for a new home.

WHO: They have many locations across Pennsylvania and Delaware, and a staff of around 60 members. They also have 350 volunteers.

HOW: They accept donations, are always in need of volunteers, and host events you can attend. You can also help by adopting one of their animals!

BRINGING HOPE HOME 940 W Valley Road Suite #1602 484.580.8395 bringinghopehome.org WHAT: Bringing Hope Home strives to provide financial and emotional support to families with a member suffering from cancer.

WHO: Founder Paul Isenberg, a WCU grad, started this organization when his wife was diagnosed with cancer.

He found that many people lacked the support from family and friends that he had, and so brought together a small, core staff and volunteers to help aid families in need.

HOW: The organization values the time, talent and donations they receive from volunteers. They have events in West Chester, including a 5k that is hosted by the Bringing Hope Home club at WCU. They also have a program called “adopt a family,” where they pair families in need with families who are able to contribute to things like bills or holiday gifts.

CHARLES A MELTON ARTS AND EDUCATION CENTER 501 E. Miner Street 610.692.9290 meltoncenter.org WHAT: The Charles A. Melton Arts and Education Center was founded in 1918 to provide educational, recreational, cultural and civic services. The organization offers educational courses, activities and sports and is working to rebuild their community pool.

WHO: Executive Director Ken Winston is supported by four officers, an advisory board, an administrative staff of two and several volunteers.

HOW: Right now, the organization’s biggest concern is raising funds to renovate their pool with the goal of reopening the long-closed pool this coming summer.

You can contribute by visiting the “Pool Together” tab on their website.

CHESTER COUNTY ART ASSOCIATION 100 N. Bradford Ave 610.696.5600 chestercountyarts.org WHAT: The Chester County Art Association’s mission is to be a source of inspiration, creativity, and community by connecting artists, students, patrons, and the wider community to and through art.

WHO: CCAA accepts monetary donations through their website, which often go to helping underprivileged youth through their art programs, and they’re always looking for volunteers to help build their community or teach classes.

HOW: You can support CCAA’s mission by becoming a member or offering a sponsorship. You can also rent out their gorgeous facilities for your next event. In addition, the organization has a number of volunteer opportunities. For more about CCAA, see our full story on page 19.

CHESTER COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 28 W. Market Street 610.696.8211 chescocf.org WHAT: Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter, working with donors and beneficiaries of charitable funds to create lasting legacies. They works with more than 375 charitable

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funds and support a large number of the other organizations listed within this directory.

WHO: CCCF has an executive staff, a board of directors, advancement and business affairs interns and a variety of volunteers.

HOW: You can help by donating funds and gifts or volunteering. You're also encouraged to attend the organization's events throughout the year.

THE CHESTER COUNTY FUND FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS 1025 Andrew Drive #200 484.356.0940 ccwomenandgirls.org WHAT: The organization was founded upon the principle of offering women and girls equality and security, making our communities stronger and more vibrant for everyone. Since their inception, they’ve awarded more than $2.6 million in grants to 69 organizations addressing critical needs.

WHO: Michelle Sanchez serves as the executive director and works with her staff of four and board of directors, as well as a set of volunteers.

HOW: You can help by either donating, volunteering or partaking in their programs. You can participate in various committees and internships, or take part in their togethHER program, which unites young women ages 21-40 through philanthropy, community engagement and networking opportunities.

CHESTER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY 225 N High St 610.692.4800 chestercohistorical.org WHAT: The goal of the Chester County Historical Society is to preserve the unique history of our county and to help educate future generations about all that came before them.

WHO: The historical society recently appointed a new director, Elizabeth M Laurent, this past summer. The organization is staffed by a combination of full-time and part-time employees and a complement of volunteers.

HOW: You can donate to CCHS directly through their website, or by attending any of their fundraising events, like their annual Antiques Show each spring.

CHESTER COUNTY OPPORTUNITIES INDUSTRIALIZATION CENTER 790 E. Market Street, #100 610.692.2344 ccoic.org WHAT: Chester County OIC are leaders in improving the lives of disadvantaged adults by creating educational and work opportunities to help individuals prepare for sustainable employment.

WHO: The organization has an executive staff, an administrative staff, and dozens of instructors and educators.

HOW: Chester County OIC is funded entirely by grants, private donations and fundraising dollars, so donations are welcome. They are also in need of tutors for programs like Adult Basic Literacy Classes, Nurse Aid, Career Corps and more.

CHESTER COUNTY WOMEN’S SERVICES 27 South Church Street 610.383.0930 ccwsmedical.org WHAT: Chester County Women’s Services provides medical and educational services to women in need.

Medical services include pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, prenatal vitamins, STD info, abortion facts and alternatives, adoption guidance and one-on-one peer counseling. All services are free and confidential.

WHO: Executive director Myriam Ruager, works with her staff of seven, a board of directors and volunteers in order to oversee three different locations.

HOW: The Chester County Women’s Services center is 100% donor supported, so they are always accepting donations.

They are in need of baby care items for their parenting supply closet and look for volunteers to help with sonography, client advocacy, classroom facilitation, office support, special events and fundraising.

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE 300 Lawrence Drive 610.836.5990 cvim.org WHAT: The Community Volunteers in Medicine provide compassionate primary medical and dental care to people who live or work in Chester County and lack insurance.

WHO: CVIM has board members, a small, core staff and volunteers.

HOW: They welcome any and all volunteers interested in supporting their cause, from dentists to doctors to nurses, as well as anyone who speaks another language. They are 100% supported through philanthropy, so they gratefully accept donations from anyone.

CRIME VICTIM’S CENTER OF CHESTER COUNTY 137, 135 W. Market Street 610.692.1926 cvofcc.org WHAT: The Crime Victim’s Center of Chester County provides confidential and free services to victims and their families, whether they are residents of Chester County or their attack happened in Chester County. They also focus on prevention education to help raise awareness and travel to schools and institutions, dealing with everything from nursery school students through elder abuse.

WHO: Peggy Gusz serves as the executive director of CVCC and works with her core staff, a board of directors and volunteers to help support their cause.

HOW: The organization focuses on donations and volunteers. Volunteering requires some training to become a certified sexual assault counselor. They look for people to help on their 24/7 hotline or staff booths at fairs and help with administrative work throughout the day.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CENTER OF CHESTER COUNTY 610-431-1430 dvccc.org WHAT: DVCC supports victims of abuse and proactively educates the community about the symptoms and effects of partner abuse. They offer legal services, counseling and provide survivors with the support they need to begin a safe and happy life.

WHO: Executive director Dolly WidemanScott has a small full-time staff and the support of many volunteers.

HOW: You can make contributions through their website, or you can volunteer to either work directly with survivors of abuse or to work on projects related to the organization’s cause. For more about DVCCC, see our full story on page 35.

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FAMILY SERVICE OF CHESTER COUNTY 310 N. Matlack Street 610.696.4900 familyservice.us WHAT: Family Service of Chester County provides counseling to people of any income to address issues including child abuse, alcohol use, families and divorce, HIV/AIDS, financial self-sufficiency, retired seniors and homelessness.

WHO: They were founded in Chester County with the mission of helping families face challenges at the end of WWII. Today the organizations has a board of directors as well as counselors and volunteers.

HOW: Other than donating to their cause, you can also volunteer by being a parent aide, by adopting a family, helping with transportation and much more.

FRIENDS ASSOCIATION FOR CARE AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN 113 W Chestnut Street 610.431.3598 friendsassoc.org WHAT: The Friends Association for Care and Protection of Children helps homeless or near-homeless families obtain stable lives and permanent housing. They reach a wide range of families through their Homeless Prevention Programs, Emergency Family Shelter and their Outreach to Homeless Families program.

WHO: They have eight staff members, 15 board members and tons of volunteers helping support their cause.

HOW: Friends Association accepts donations, which can vary from financial contributions to home goods. They are more than happy to accept volunteers who can help with group projects, administration, maintenance and seasonal support and internships.

HEALTHY KIDS RUNNING SERIES 1100 Shiloh Road 484.352.2729 healthykidsrunningseries.org WHAT: Founded in West Chester and now hosting events throughout the country, Healthy Kids Running Series fights childhood obesity by providing kids with a positive, educational and fun experience through five-week running courses in either the spring or fall.

WHO: Founder Jeff Long is supported

by a core team that works with their volunteers to help get kids active.

HOW: They accept donations and encourage families to attend their events.

They do also take volunteers, who help at events, whether warming up, managing registration or marshalling the course.

THE HICKMAN FRIENDS SENIOR COMMUNITY OF WEST CHESTER 400 N. Walnut Street 484.760.6300 thehickman.org WHAT: The Hickman is a non-profit residential community that provides individualized care and assistance to seniors who want safe and affordable living.

WHO: They have a full-time administrative and care staff at the facility, as well as volunteers HOW: You can help the Hickman by donating or volunteering. Volunteer opportunities mostly involve entertainment, including arts and crafts, group singing, story telling, games and more.

INTERFAITH HOUSING ASSISTANCE CORPORATION 330 W Market Street 610.696.5675 interfaithhousingcc.org WHAT: The Interfaith Housing Assistance Corporation of Chester County works with single working parents with dependent children who are at risk of homelessness and guide them to stable and financially independent lives, through structured programs of financial assistance, mentoring and supportive services.

WHO: Joyce Lacy serves as the executive director and works with her staff of five, a board of directors and other partners.

HOW: You can help by becoming a volunteer and serving as a mentor, reviewing a parent's resume or providing services such as transportation and child care. They also accept donations on their website.

MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CONSORTIUM 30 W Barnard Street #1 610.344.5370 ccmchc.org WHAT: The Maternal and Child Health

Consortium of Chester County helps pregnant women in Chester County access quality health care.

WHO: MCHC is made up of staff and board members and multiple volunteers.

HOW: You can help by donating, or volunteering for projects like collecting infant care items and prepping packages sent to mothers and children in need.

MEALS ON WHEELS 404 Willowbrook Lane 610.430.8500 mowcc.org WHAT: Meals on Wheels' main mission is to serve a well-balanced meal, five days a week, to homebound residents of Chester County, regardless of age and financial status.

WHO: On top of the 15 members on their board of directors and small core staff, Meals on Wheels also has volunteers helping feed a variety of people throughout the area.

HOW: Meals on Wheels accepts financial donations on their website, but also looks for volunteers to deliver food to some of their 20 chapters in the area.

QUEST THERAPEUTIC SERVICES 461 Cann Road 610.692.6362 questtherapeutic.com WHAT: Quest Therapeutic Services provides pediatric therapy services to children living with disabilities. They are licensed in physical, occupational, speech and language communication therapy and offer a full range of intense pediatric services, including Hippotherapy, which involves working with horses.

WHO: They have a small staff of managers and directors, and they work with therapists and volunteers.

HOW: They primarily look for donations but also welcome volunteers.

RESIDENT THEATRE COMPANY 201.303.9727 rtcwc.org WHAT: The Resident Theatre Company wants to bring the theatre of New York to West Chester. They provide all kinds of theatre, including Tony award-winning plays, musicals, professional children's theater, and cabarets.

WHO: You can read about founding artistic director Kristin McLaughlin-

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Mitchell on page 27. She has a small staff, an advisory board, a founders club and volunteers.

HOW: They are setting up for their first show, opening March 31, and are in their final fundraising push with an event coming up in December, which you should attend. They accept donations and volunteers.

SAFE HARBOR OF CHESTER COUNTY 20 N Matlack Street 610.692.6550 safeharborofgwc.org WHAT: Safe Harbor provides housing, food and access to support services in a structured environment for homeless single men and women. They supply food and housing and create action plans to address challenges and needs.

WHO: Including their newly appointed CEO, Jeanne Corman, Safe Harbor has 18 board members, 20 staff members and more than 400 volunteers.

HOW: Safe Harbor is looking for donations and volunteers who can help their clients learn skills and practices they can use daily.

UNITED WAY OF CHESTER COUNTY 211 N Walnut Street 610.429.9400 unitedwaychestercounty.org WHAT: United Way of Chester County funds health and human service needs including education, financial independence and health, and brings together volunteers and other nonprofits to address common goals.

WHO: United Way have a board of directors and staff as well as volunteers.

HOW: They always accept volunteers, and donations can be made through their website or by mail.

UNITE FOR HER 978 Regimental Drive 484.431.6776 uniteforher.org WHAT: Unite for Her delivers education and wellness programs to women with breast cancer. They pair with area hospitals, providing education about complementary therapy without additional use of medication and offer $2,000 worth of treatments with nothing paid out of pocket.

WHO: Sue Weldon, president of this

organization, works hard with her small staff and board of directors.

HOW: They encourage donations, which can be made on their website, and have many options for those looking to volunteer.

UPTOWN! ENTERTAINMENT ALLIANCE 236 N, High Street 484.639.9004 uptownwestchester.org WHAT: Uptown! Entertainment Alliance promotes cultural, economic and civic life experiences through live theater, music and dance. This January their muchanticipated theater opens its doors in the borough.

WHO: Tom McEvoy, the current president, founded the organization, and his team now consists of an executive board, an advisory board, capital campaign committee and their fundraising event host committee.

HOW: They gratefully accept donations on their website and encourage people to sign up as members. You can also attend events—tickets go on sale for the first main-stage performance at their theater, Spamalot, this month.

WEST CHESTER AREA SENIOR CENTER 530 E Union Street 610.431.4242 wcseniors.org WHAT: The West Chester Area Senior Center helps seniors find friendship, activities, education and nourishment.

They serve 29,000 meals a day, helping their 3,500 seniors.

WHO: Kathy Sullivan, who serves as the executive director, works with her small staff and is supported by volunteers.

HOW: They are very volunteer based.

They have more than 500 volunteers and are always looking for more help. You can also donate to add to their limited government funding or purchase a book from one of the two Second Reading bookstores they operate in West Chester.

WEST CHESTER FOOD CUPBOARD 545 E. Gay Street 610.344.3175 westchesterfoodcupboard.org WHAT: The West Chester Food Cupboard is committed to feeding West

Chester residents in need with healthy, nonperishable food items and serve more than 600 households per month.

WHO: The West Chester Food Cupboard staff is entirely volunteer.

HOW: You can make a financial donation, food donation or you can donate your time and talent. They accept unexpired and nonperishable foods, as well as grocery gift cards. Donations can be made through their website.

WEST CHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY 415 N Church Street 610.696.1721 wcpubliclibrary.org WHAT: The West Chester Public Library is a hub for people to engage, collaborate and enrich their lives through knowledge and a sense of community.

WHO: They have a small board of officers, including president Matthew Holliday, and a regular staff. They also work with volunteers.

HOW: They accept donations online, but you can also attend their events that raise money to help support their library and stock it with many up-to-date resources. You can also volunteer.

WESTSIDE COMMUNITY CENTER 430 Hannum Ave 484.682.4910 westsidecommunitycenterwc.org WHAT: The Westside Community Center works to empower families and youth, encouraging them to partake in their community through leadership roles. They offer three programs: an after school program, skate spot and a community garden.

WHO: Executive director, Ryan Enns, works with his very small staff and their board of directors and volunteers.

HOW: They accept monetary donations as well as materials, including pens, markers, gardening tools, paper, nonperishable snacks and more. They also accept volunteers who help with youth programs.

DID WE MISS SOMEBODY? Email akarim@thewcpress.com with the "what," "who," and "how," of the organization, and we'll make sure they are listed on the up-to-date article at TheWCPress.com

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Tell Me something

Good

Kate Chadwick takes a moment to spotlight local citizens for doing something swell.

Who she is: Carol Zimmer What she does: Carol is a 20-plus-year borough resident. She volunteers with the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk, a three-day, 60-mile walk that takes place in seven cities across the country.

Why she’s on this page: Carol was nominated by previous “Tell Me Something Good” subject Joanne Brown, who met her via the 3-Day. “She’s the mother of three and wife to a very supportive husband and has invited me to join her family for the Mother’s Day walk in Philadelphia for many years,” Joanne told us. “As an 11-year survivor, I believe that her faithfulness to the cause, her energy, and the beautiful person that she is deserve recognition.”

Faithfulness to the cause, indeed. “I’ve participated in this event in one aspect or another since 2007,” Carol said. “I’ve walked seven times, and last October, I made the bold decision to register to walk in all seven cities.” This means that, not only will Carol have walked 420 miles by the end of November, she’ll have raised over $16,100 for breast cancer research. “In addition to fundraising, I also view it as a way to talk to men and women about the importance of early detection and taking care of their bodies.” As if the walking isn’t enough, she’s also volunteered as a crew member for the event. “I get the opportunity to give back to the walkers in a different way: keeping them fed and hydrated, and keeping their spirits elevated.”

What we like about her: She understands the ties that bind. “I think it’s very important for people to be involved in their communities,” Carol said. “One of the things I enjoy about my job with Panera Bread [where she is a baker] is that they donate all of the leftover bread at the end of the day. On more than one occasion, I’ve been able to take the leftover bread to different organizations in West Chester. It’s a good feeling, and it makes me feel good to know that I work for a company that gives back.”

What she likes about West Chester: “One of the things I love about West Chester is all of the events,” Carol said. “I also love the beauty of the town itself: the quiet in the winter, the flowers in the spring and summer, the trees in the fall.” Carol’s participation in the Walk requires a lot of training. “I do most of my training and walking in and around the area.” Some of her favorite borough spots are Market Street Grill and Cathey’s Coffee Bar. “Barnaby’s of West Chester is also a great place to hang out,” she said. “I’ve had several fundraising events there.”

Moral of the story: Don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk—in this case, quite literally. It can give you as much in return as you give to others. By the time you read this, Carol will have walked five of the seven 3-Day cities.

For more information on the Susan Komen 3-Day, visit the3day.org.

Do you know a WC resident who’s doing good things and deserves a little recognition in Tell Me Something Good? Let us know! Email details to kchadwick@thewcpress.com

orders must be placed by November 20

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Can you find the five differences between these photos one of our favorite local non-profits, The Brandywine Ballet?

Email your answer to contests@thewcpress.com for your chance to win.

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November

DJ Romeo curates a list of the hottest songs you’ll hear this month

Hit List

The following is a list of songs that will take over the radio stations in the next few months. You’ll soon know them by heart and play them ‘til they’re tired. But, good news: you can download them first and look like the cool musical genius to all of your friends. djromeo@thewcpress.com

www.djromeo.fm | @DJRomeo24

Bruno Mars - “24K Magic” Norman Doray - “All In” Lady Gaga - “Joanne” Nevada ft. Mark Morrison & Fetty Wap - “The Mack” Drake - “Sneakin” Martin Garrix - “Make Up Your Mind” Little Big Town - “Better Man” Sia - “This Is Acting” The Knocks ft. POWERS - “Classic” Jimmy Eat World - “Integrity Blues” Kiiara - “Gold” Darius Rucker - “If I Told You” Outasight ft. Cook Classics - “Do Something Crazy” Tritonal - “Painting With Dreams” Macklemore ft. Ariana DeBoo - “Drug Dealer” Oshan - “Most at Home” Maroon 5 ft. Kendrick Lamar - “Don’t Wanna Know” Saint Motel - “Move” Death Cab For Cutie - “Million Dollar Loan” Michael Buble - “Nobody But Me” Afrojack ft. Ty Dolla $ign - “Gone” Gavin DeGraw - “She Sets The City On Fire” Machine Gun Kelly ft. Camila Cabello - “Bad Things” Little Mix - “Shout Out to My Ex” Alex Da Kid ft. X Ambassadors, Elle King, Wiz Khalifa - “Not Easy” Wyclef Jean - “If I Was President 2016” Dusky Grey ft. Catrin Hopkins - “Told Me” Jidenna - “Long Live the Chief” Thomas Rhett - “Star Of The Show”

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