NOVEMBER 17, 2011
¯
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WEST CHESTER ¯ Volume 1, Number 13
West Chester proudly saluted its veterans (and their cuddly compatriots) in this year’s Veterans Day Parade... more on pages 52-63 Adam Jones
OysterFest At Doc Magrogan’s Pages 8-20
Glow Nation Party At Más Pages 22-33
Feminique Boutique Book Launch Pages 34-43
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November 17, 2011
610-436-1620
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From The Editor
Our Team Publisher Jack Wright jack@exitzero.us Editor Dan Mathers dan@thewcpress.com
I
N THEORY, at least, Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday. There are no silly mascots, no painted eggs, no religious dividers and no need to max out the credit card to impress people you see twice a year. It’s inherently patriotic, yet without the nationalistic brouhaha. It’s about surviving and coming together – not conquering. In my family, no matter how shy you may be or how silly you may feel, everyone has to genuinely give thanks for something before anyone can touch the turkey. Sure, having the extended family around can wear on you. Sometimes politics come up and your youngest, most liberal aunt runs to the bathroom in tears. Sometimes the in-law who doesn’t really want to be there in the first place has had quite enough and lets loose an invective that makes grandpa cringe. It happens. But you’re family, and having family is – in itself – something to be thankful for. If you can’t tell, I love Thanksgiving, and I find it terribly frustrating the way our consumer culture has allowed Christmas to swallow the last couple weeks of November. That’s why The WC is fighting back – you’ll find no references to Christmas in these pages. We have an excellent and informative holiday guide to the town’s dining and nightlife scene (which you can find on pages 15 and 17) and it’s all about Thanksgiving… at least until next issue. For the partiers amongst our readers, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to Thanksgiving Eve on page 9, supplied by the guys who run DubC Bar Stool. Although it has nothing to do with Thanksgiving, I would be remiss not to mention the feature on a professional driver who is based out of West Chester. It’s a great story, and you can find it on page 45. Enjoy the issue, my friends. We’ll talk again in December, and by then I’ll be okay with discussing Christmas. Dan Mathers
Advertising Manager Nick Vecchio nick@thewcpress.com Assistant Editor Jon Roth jon@exitzero.us Staff Photographers photo@thewcpress.com Adam Jones Justin Muir Andrew Hutchins Graham Nolte Graphic Designer Doree Bardes mausdriver@yahoo.com Staff Artist Victor Grasso www.victorgrasso.com
The WC Press 331 West Miner Street, Floor 2 West Chester, PA 19382 This publication is printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks. Be good to your planet.
November 17, 2011
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A Picture From The Past
The first electric trolley was built in West Chester in 1891 and ran to Lenape. Until 1952 the Red Arrow trolley in the above photograph transported passengers from 69th Street Station in Philadelphia to West Chester. All trolley service in town ended in 1954. Chester County Historical Society
Inside This Issue
An excessive serving of all that is good in West Chester Calendar of Events 5-6
Quick Chat: Mayor Carolyn Comitta 25
Employee Of The Month 41
Our (nearly) definitive guide to what’s happening in West Chester.
Get to know the woman elected to oversee this fine borough.
We chat shop with Laura Aloisio of Dave’s Automotive Repair Enterprises.
DubC Bar Stool’s Thanksgiving Eve 9
The Dating Column 29
Livin’ The Life 45
Johnny Gigantic and Bobby Bigtime tell you what’s happening after dark.
Holiday Restaurant & Nightlife Guide 15-17 Our grid lets you plan where you’ll be eating this holiday season.
Finding Treasure 21 With a keen eye and memory, Tara Dugan finds treasure in the trash.
Ladies can all relate to Diane Stopyra’s dating foibles.
Thanksgiving Throwbacks 35
The story behind a professional drift driver and his West Chester repair shop.
It's Just A Three-Letter Word 49
DJ Romeo’s reunion playlist.
Jill McDevitt explores why something as natural and necessary is so taboo.
A Trainer’s Tips On Staying Fit 37
The West Chester Food Safari 57
Christine Mooney shares her insights on staying happy and healthy.
Jeremy Malanka is skeptical of anyone without a sweet tooth.
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November 17, 2011
November 17, 2011
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Calendar Of Events
Look no further... a carefully curated list of upcoming happenings in West Chester Friday 11/18, 7pm: Astronomy On The Internet: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly The Planetarium holds monthly shows overviewing what is visible in the night sky. Tickets: $5 per person and not sold at the door. To purchase contact the SSI ticket office. West Chester University, Schmucker Science Center, 610-436-2266.
11/18, 11/19 at 8pm, 11/19 at 2pm: Cause And Effect University Dance Company presents this annual fall concert which includes works by current WCU dance faculty, guest artists from the Philadelphia metro area and beyond, and select student choreographers. Tickets are $12 for students and seniors and $15 for adults. West Chester University, Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, wcupa.edu/visitingartists/ VAS.asp
11/18-12/16: Asian Elegance – Paintings By Lu Hong Lu Hong is a graduate of China's most prestigous art school, The Central Academy of Design and Fine Arts, and The Pensylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. He has earned exhibits in most major US cities. Chester County Art Association, 100 North Bradford Avenue, 610-696-5600, chestercountyarts.org
11/30, 12/1,12/2,12/3,12/4 at 8pm, 12/3, 12/4 at 2pm: “The Dark At The Top Of The Stairs” The West Chester University Department of Theatre presents The Dark at the Top of the Stairs, a 1957 play by William Inge about family conflicts during the early 1920s in a small Oklahoma town. Ruben Flood loses his job
Lu Hong's work will be on display at the Chester County Art Association through mid December as a traveling salesman, when the company goes bankrupt. His wife Cora is already frigid and grows more distant as she tries to make ends meet. His teenage daughter Reenie is afraid of going out on dates, and his son is a mama's boy. The tale comes to a head when his wife accuses him of having an affair. Tickets are $5. J. Peter Adler Studio Theatre, High and Rosedale, 610-436-2533, TheatreDance@ wcupa.edu
Tuesday, 11/22, 6pm: Girls Night Out
Wine tasting will be part of the evening when Pietro's Prime hosts Girls Night Out November 22
Pietro’s Prime is hosting Girls Night Out. Come out for light bites and wine tasting. Premier jewelry, purses and accessories will be available for purchase. It is a great time to start your holiday shopping or buy yourself
something for your holiday outfit. 125 West Market Street, 484-760-6100, pietrosprime.com
Friday, 12/1 - Monday 12/4: West Chester's Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration West Chester celebrates Old-Fashioned Christmas with a four-day event. The celebration features more than forty activities including the parade, tree lighting, plays, guided walking tours of the historic downtown area and performances by a wide variety of musicians from gospel choirs to quartets. Select events are highlighted below. 610-696-4046, gwcc.org /chamber-events
Continued On Page 6 ?
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November 17, 2011
Calendar Of Events
Look no further... a carefully curated list of upcoming happenings in West Chester West Chester's Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration Friday 12/1, 6:30pm: Tree Lighting Ceremony Gather round the court house and join together with your community to witness the lighting of our holiday tree. 610-696-4046, gwcc.org /chamber-events
West Chester's Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration Friday 12/1, 6:30pm: Jingle Elf Run Participants outfitted in jingle elf hats will take off down Market Street and loop around onto Gay in a one-mile, two-mile or kiddie half-mile competition. Prizes will be awarded to the winner of each age group, and there will be multiple prizes in the men's and women's divisions. Come early to register or register online. 610-696-4046, gwcc.org / chamber-events
West Chester's Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration Friday 12/1, 7:15pm: 32nd Annual Christmas Parade Who doesn't love a parade? Get out and catch this West Chester tradition as it makes its way down Market Street. The show culminates in Santa's arrival. 610-696-4046, gwcc.org /chamber-events
West Chester's Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration 12/1 at 8pm, 12/2 at 5:30 & 6:30pm, 12/3 at 2 & 8pm: The Gilbert And Sullivan Society Of Chester County Presents “Trial By Jury” Experience the award-winning Trial by Jury in Courtroom One at the Chester County Justice Center – an Old Fashioned Christ-
The big man will be making an appearance in the Christmas parade on December 1 mas tradition in a new location. Edwin jilted Angelina and now she's taking him to court for breach of promise. Come see this sparkling musical comedy followed by a Carol Sing. Begin the holiday season with this joyous farce about love and marriage. 201 West Market Street, 610-269-5499, gsschesco.org
Saturday 12/3, 8:30-11am: Breakfast With Santa The Arc of Chester County presents this funfilled event which includes a visit with Santa and Mrs Claus, a hot pancake breakfast, music, and arts and crafts. Families can bring cameras to snap a photo of their child with Santa. The event is open to all children and their families. Last year, more than 150 children and adults attended the festive event. Too often families with special-needs children do not get the opportunity to participate in traditional activities due to inaccessibility and concerns about different behaviors. This breakfast is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy. Tickets are $20 per family if you pre-register online or $25 the day of the event. 900 Lawrence Drive, 610-696-8090, arcofchestercounty.org/calendar.html
12/9, 12/10, 12/16, 12/17, 6-8pm: Strolling Carolers
Carolers will herald in the season, singing on the streets of West Chester December weekends
To add to the spirit of the season, the West Chester Downtown Foundation is sponsoring Strolling Carolers on the second and third weekends of December. Enjoy the carolers as you wander throughout our very own winter wonderland. wcbid.com
12/10 at 7:30pm and 12/11 at 2pm: “Christmas Wonderland: A Musical Holiday Spectacular” The Greater Ocean City Theater Company travels to West Chester to celebrate the most wonderful time of year with Christmas Wonderland, a Musical Holiday Spectacular! The cast of professional singers and dancers will present a high-energy, family-oriented song-and-dance tribute to the holidays, directed and choreographed by WCU alumnus Michael Hartman. Dazzling costumes, familiar songs, special guests, toe-tapping numbers, and special effects will kindle the holiday spirit in all of us. West Chester University, Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, wcupa.edu/ visitingartists/VAS.asp.
Wednesday 12/14, 5pm: Men's Night Out Spend an evening out with the guys and pick up some great gifts for everyone on your list during Men's Night Out. Grab a few friends and head over to Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant starting at 5pm to kick-off the evening with some good food and a seasonal brew (or two). Then head out to the retail shops for an evening of one-night-only special sales, complimentary gift wrapping and refreshments. Retailers include Penwick Design, Ruby Slippers, Jane Chalfant, Sunset Hill Jewelers & Fine Arts Gallery and Feminique Boutique. wcbid.com
November 17, 2011
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November 17, 2011
11/13: OysterFest At Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House
Toby, Janet
Dan Frew
Pat and Richard McIlvaine
Phil Wilemon
Nicole and Chris Hooven
Ben Lituinas, Ed Frackleton
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ADAM JONES... TO VIEW ONLINE AND ORDER COPIES, VISIT THEWCPRESS.COM
nightlife
specials
events promotions LIVE UPDATES FROM dubC BARS & RESTAURANTS
November 17, 2011
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Guide To Thanksgiving Eve DubC Bar Stool knows where the party’s at
Chester County’s only 24-hour health club • Top-rated personal training and nutrition • Because we know partying with your old friends is just as important as what happens the next day, DubC Bar Stool presents the definitive guide to nightlife
Sport-specific training by NSCA certified strength and conditioning coach
• Clean, friendly, safe atmosphere
Alibis Café
Landmark Americana
$3.50 Tito’s Vodka drinks all day Lost in Paris plays at 10pm
2 DJ’s, 2 Floors
• HDTV on all cardio pieces
Más Cantina
• Best equipment in town!
Barnaby's Acoustic downstairs 10pm-2am DJ Infamos upstairs 10pm-2am
Doc Magrogan;s $3 Victory’s all day $5 Fish bowls all day DJ from 10pm-2am
$1.50 Miller Lites all day $3 Vodka bombs 10pm-12am $2 Well drinks 10pm-12am $3 Pickle backs $2 Tacos 10pm-12am Eagles tickets giveaway iPod giveaway
•
NEW BIGGER, BADDER location coming Spring 2012 in downtown West Chester
Rams Head Second Annual Gobble Off 9pm DJ 10pm-2am
$6.50 Bud Light Pitchers from 5pm-12am The Knockouts upstairs at 10pm
Kooma
Ryan's Pub
Kildare's
$4 Creamsicletinis $4 Flavored vodka drinks $4 Red Bull and vodkas $4 Stoli punches $3 Coronas and Heinekens Love City DJ’s 10pm-2am
DJ from 10pm-12am
Side Bar and Restaurant $3 Victory drafts all day Jeff Cambell 7pm-10pm DJ 10pm-2am
FIND OUT MORE AT FACEBOOK.COM/OPEN BARS
348 HANNUM AVENUE WEST CHESTER PA 19380-2859 (610) 430-2048 clubfit247.com
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November 17, 2011
November 17, 2011
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11/13: OysterFest At Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House
Meghan, Olivia, Erin
George, Jess
Frank, Ginger, Chris, Erin
Tim, Denise and Clifford Reynolds
Jack and Amy Derfler, Tom and Janine Kosek
Jennifer, Christine, Amber, Cathy
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ADAM JONES... TO VIEW ONLINE AND ORDER COPIES, VISIT THEWCPRESS.COM
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November 17, 2011
Your Favorites...
Passersby tell us where to find the things they enjoy
NICOLE TROIA, 17, student, West Chester «Sip a Drink: I'm not 21 «Grab a Sandwich: Kildare's «Savor a Slice: Peace of Pizza «Enjoy a Dessert: Kiwi
KATIE LAPUTKA, 19, student, Hazelton «Sip a Drink: Not 21 yet «Grab a Sandwich: Iron Hill «Savor a Slice: Newhaven «Enjoy a Dessert: Kiwi
STEVE GOREWISTZ, 23, landscaper, San Francisco «Sip a Drink: Barnaby's «Grab a Sandwich: Lorenzo's «Savor a Slice: Riggtown Oven «Enjoy a Dessert: Kiwi
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREW HUTCHINS... TO VIEW AND ORDER COPIES, VISIT THEWCPRESS.COM
Now Open in West Chester
Marble/Granite/Quartz Countertops • Variety of Tiles for Backsplashes, Floors & Bathrooms • In-House Design Team • Cabinets • Installation
Cabinets, Countertops & Tiles West Chester • 129 East Gay Street 610-436-3161 • fax 610-436-8110 ww.GiuseppeKitchenAndBathDesign.com
GRANITE SPECIAL! $ 99
38
SQ. FT.
including free fabrication & installation free sealer application • free edges (excludes ogee edge) free cutting board • free sink (minium purchase of 40 sq. ft.)
10% OFF
any tile purchase
contractor discounts allowed
November 17, 2011
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Your Least Favorites...
Passersby tell us about some things that have begun to irk them
DORI BRIENZA, 18, student, Doylestown «Place to find parking: Church or Gay «Traffic light: High and Gay «Road to drive on: Market Street «Necessary expense: Gas
CARLY SIERACKI, 18, student, Pheonixville «Place to find parking: Darlington Street «Traffic light: Market and High «Road to drive on: Pottstown Pike «Necessary expense: Food
JOE ACCHIONE, 25, video producer, West Chester «Place to find parking: Gay Street «Traffic light: Market and Church «Road to drive on: High Street «Necessary expense: Health insurance
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREW HUTCHINS... TO VIEW AND ORDER COPIES, VISIT THEWCPRESS.COM
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November 17, 2011
Limoncello Ristorante Caterers Award-Winning Lunch Buffet
$9.95 includes fountain beverage - pastas - meats - fish - grilled - vegetables - salads pizza - stromboli -
Holiday Caterering
Now’s the time to start thinking about your holiday party needs. our award-winning team brings legendary italian cuisine and exceptional service anywhere. we’ll guide you through every step of the event and provide our own professional servers and bartenders.
Happy Hour
monday thru friday 4pm-6:30pm
$2.00 off cocktails $3.00 selected draft & bottle Half off appetizer & gourmet pizzas $6.00 wine by the glass
Limoncello Ristorante & Caterers 9 N Walnut Street West Chester, pa 19380 610-436-6230 limoncellowc.com
November 17, 2011
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The Big Holiday Restaurant And Nightlife Guide Some are open, some are closed and some have some excellent deals
VENUE
Anything Special Are You Open Open On Thanksgiving Eve? Thanksgiving?
Do You Offer Off-Site Catering?
Can I Book A Private Party With You?
Do You Have Special Gift Card Prices?
Lost In Paris Show starts at 10pm
Open At 8pm
Yes
Yes
Call For Info
Acoustic With Brent Downstairs, DJ Infamos Upstairs
Open At 8pm DJ upstairs
Yes
Yes
Check Web For Info
N/A
No
Yes In Ur Zone Catering 610-696-0778 inurzonecatering@ gmail.com
Yes Birthday parties
No
Unofficial High School Renuion
No
Yes
Yes
Black Friday Special 50% off 7am-12pm, buy-one, get-one from 12pm-close
Kildare's 18 West Gay Street 610-431-0770 kildaresirishpub.com
Annual Gobble-Off Can you gobble like a turkey? Two chances to win.
No
Yes
Yes
Black Friday Special 50% off 7am-12pm, buy-one, get-one from 12pm-close
Kooma 151 West Gay Street 610-430-8980 gokoomarestaurant.com
Love City DJs $4 Creamsicletinis, all flavored vodkas, Red Bull vodkas and Stoli Punches. $3 Corona & Heineken Both Floors Open
No
Yes Takeout sushi trays
Yes
10% Off Until the end of November
Open At 8pm $2 U-Call-Its
No
Yes Banquet Dining is also available
See Website And Facebook For More Information
No
No
Yes Check out the feature from last issue at TheWCPress.com
Yes
10% Off All holiday gift cards
Yes
Yes
Black Friday 1/2 off 9am-6pm
Alibis 15 North Walnut Street 484-887-0786 alibiscafe.com Barnaby's 15 South High Street 610-696-1400 barnabyswestchester.com Benny's Pizza 14 North Church Street 610-696-0754 Doc Magrogan's 117 East Gay Street 610-429-4046 docmagrogans.com
Landmark 158 West Gay Street 610) 701-9900 landmarkamericana.com Limoncello 9 North Walnut Street 610-436-6230 limoncellowc.com Más Mexicali Cantina 38 East Gay Street 610-918-6280 mas-mexicali-cantina.com
No All Day $1.50 Miller Lites Drink specials $2 Tacos 10pm-12am Giveaways: Eagles tickets, iPod
PARADISE TRANSIT will be on call on Thanksgiving. Book them for your party. 215-839-9287 or ParadiseTransit.com
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November 17, 2011
recycling. reinvented.
SHOP
Favorite designers at incredible prices.
CONSIGN
40% commission and no appointment needed.
New items every day. Six area locations. clothing | shoes | accessories | jewelry
119 W. Market Street West Chester, PA 484-947-5562
greenestreetconsignment.com Present this ad in our West Chester location and receive a 10% discount.
November 17, 2011
Page 17
The Big Holiday Restaurant And Nightlife Guide Some are open, some are closed and some have some excellent deals
VENUE
Anything Special Are You Open Open On Thanksgiving Eve? Thanksgiving?
Do You Offer Off-Site Catering?
Can I Book A Private Party With You?
Do You Have Special Gift Card Prices?
Mezzanine 38 East Gay Street 610-738-8244
Closed
No
See Teca
Yes Accommodates up to 180 guests
See Teca
Nonna's 116 East Gay Street 610-430-0203 nonnaswc.com
None
No But Pietro's is
Yes
Yes Just call Marisa at 610-430-0203
No
Nomad Clientele with Steppin Razor $5 at the door
No
No
Yes
No
Pietro's Prime 125 West Market Street 484-760-6100 pietrosprime.com
John Grecia Live music from 9pm-1am
Yes Regular menu plus prime rib or a traditional turkey dinner for $29
No
Yes
No
Pistachio's 237 East Gay Street 484-887-0488 pistachiochicken.com
Pickup Carry-out Thanksgiving Catering Trays
No
Yes And excellent carryout catering
Yes
Buy $50 Get $10 Free For every $50 you spend on gift cards, you'll get an additional $10 free
Ryan's Pub 124 West Gay Street 610-344-3934 ryans-pub.com
DJs Both Floors
Open At 6pm
No
Yes
Get Free Clothing Buy $50 get a free T-shirt. Buy $100 get a free hoodie.
The Social Lounge 29 East Gay Street 610-738-3948 thesocialwc.com
Rolling Thunder Blues Review No Cover
No
No
Yes Just call Don at 484-888-5389
No
Spaz Beverage 1015 West Chester Pike 610-696-6320 spazbeverage.com
N/A
Open 10am-2pm
N/A
N/A
Gift Cards Available
Teca 38 East Gay Street 610-738-8244 tecawc.com
Live Music
No
Yes
Yes Small parties downstairs, large parties upstairs in Mezzanine
Call For More Info
The Note 142 East Market Street thenotewc.com
PARADISE TRANSIT will be on call on Thanksgiving. Book them for your party. 215-839-9287 or ParadiseTransit.com
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November 17, 2011
11/13: OysterFest At Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House
Pat, Josh
Deb, Fachon
Keith and Nathan Beaver
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ADAM JONES... TO VIEW ONLINE AND ORDER COPIES, VISIT THEWCPRESS.COM
Create The Magic
610-431-3077
800-551-4584
www.MatlackFlorist.com
November 17, 2011
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The WC Monthly Makeover Calista Grand styles a lucky lady
«
SHANNON Grant, like many mothers, has little time for herself, so Calista Grand thought they would treat her to a makeover. When the day started Shannon was a bit dishevelled. (Sorry, Shannon) Priority number one was a hair cut. Stylist Katie cut off half a foot of hair, added bangs to shape Shannon’s face and left her with a layered cut. She added caramel highlights to soften Shannon’s hair to match her complexion. Shannon was then lucky enough to receive a facial from esthetician Yajaira who also waxed her eyebrows. FInally, Shannon hopped into Chelsea’s chair where she received plum and gold highlights to bring out her eyes. Shannon has great bone structure, so Chelsea went with a deep, peachy color to bring out her great cheeks. Photographs by Adam Jones
Before
After
MAKEOVER COURTESY OF CALISTA GRAND 1211 WILMINGTON PIKE 610-399-6677 CALISTAGRAND.COM
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November 17, 2011
11/13: OysterFest At Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House PHOTOGRAPHS BY ADAM JONES
David Nicholson, Bill Birks, Alyson Riddle, Caitlin Birks, Deb Birks
Lauren, Dawn, Kyle, Alice, Carl and Carl Howell
Carolyn Hopkins, Ami Hopkins, Jennifer Barton
November 17, 2011
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Finding Treasure
A
Pickin’ through Chester County, by Tara Dugan
S THE gift-giving season draws near, eco-minded people are thinking vintage, and pottery is a popular gift choice. The wide variety of styles, artists, colors, periods and materials make vintage pottery a great option for many on your gift list. The price points start at around ten dollars and head upwards, depending on the manufacturer. Luckily for treasure hunters, Chester county is a great place to score vintage pottery at terrific prices. Perhaps owing to its place between the major art pottery centers of New Jersey and Ohio, plenty of collectible American art pottery has found its way into Pennsylvania homes. From Ohio came names like Roseville and McCoy, and from Trenton and Flemington came Fulper and Stangl. Maybe you have ridden Amtrak between Philadelphia and New York and wondered about the odd sign spanning the Delaware, “Trenton Makes The World Takes." During the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries, Trenton was an industrial powerhouse, and one of
its chief exports was pottery. New Brunswick native Samuel Hill started making drainpipes and other utilitarian redware pottery in Trenton. In the 1860s, potter Abraham Fulper bought the factory from Hill’s estate and continued to produce earthenware, stoneware and tile products for working purposes in the home. The hero of the story is William Hill Fulper, grandson of Abraham, a Princeton man and Spanish-American War veteran. It was William who formed Fulper Pottery Company, Inc. in 1899 and expanded production, development and marketing. On his watch, Fulper invented a forerunner to today’s water cooler called the “Germ-Proof Filter” that came to be found in nearly every public
transportation station. This was no small feat before the ubiquitous plastic water bottle or even electric refrigeration existed. He spotted the turn of the century trend toward pottery collecting and responded by changing the direction of his factory toward art pottery. Designer John Kunsman won a design award at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904 for his work, and the Vasekraft line was born. Johann Martin Stangl, a ceramic engineer, joined the firm and it was his designs that brought Fulper to the forefront of the arts and crafts movement in pottery. I now own a four-handled “Buttress” vase, part of Fulper’s Vasekraft era. The incredible glaze is a beautiful greenish-turquoise blurring into warm earth tones. It could have been mine for $2.50 in 1911, but today it sells for around $400, assuming you can find one. I found mine at a flea market a month ago. The dealer parted with it at my offered (deeply discounted) price, in an effort to spare himself further torture from my pleading, whining and turning inside out of pockets – some of the fun things I like to do to antiques dealers.
Champions is more than a barber shop. We’re about building a better community. There’s Only One ChampiOn
Now that we have your attention, please email subscription@TheWCPress.com to be signed up for a free digital subscription. Thanks.
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November 17, 2011
11/12: Glow Nation Party At Mรกs Mexicali Cantina
Shannon Burke
Alisha Bennet
Brooke Scaccetti
Rainna, Kristin
Christine Sakos
Jennifer Dobrydina
Devin Karstetter, Shannon Burke
JC, Mike
Melissa, Amy
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ADAM JONES... TO VIEW ONLINE AND ORDER COPIES, VISIT THEWCPRESS.COM
November 17, 2011
Page 23
THANKSGIVING TAKEOUT Pick up day before
BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY TODAY!
BYOB 237 E. GAY STREET BYOB 484-887-0488 • pistachiochicken.com
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November 17, 2011
November 17, 2011
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Quick Chat: Mayor Carolyn Comitta Get to know the woman elected to oversee this fine borough
“I’m not usually dressed this casually,” Mayor Comitta said as she positioned herself in front of John Hannafin’s painting of the borough that hangs in her office. “But, I know your magazine, and I thought that more casual might be appropriate.” Adam Jones
S
OME politicians feel they have better things to do than listen to the concerns of the people. That’s not the case with Mayor Carolyn Comitta. Whether it be helping a student with a questions about what doors a WCU criminal justice degree opens or promptly answering emails from a magazine in her borough, Mayor Comitta puts herself out there and tries to help. If you couldn’t guess, we’re the magazine who emailed her, and we were happy to hear of her enthusiasm to sit down and chat. What makes West Chester special? I would say it’s the diversity of people in this town. We have retirees, university students, families and young professionals. And, the people in this town are extremely caring and capable. Was there any added significance in your being elected the first female mayor? Let’s face it: I was elected in 2010. Had I been elected in 1810 or 1910, then yes it would have been a big deal, but we’re in the 21st century. It should no longer be about gender but about competence. What is the mayor’s role? The mayor is the civilian oversight of the administration of the police department – not the day-to-day opera-
tions, but the administration, working with the chief to set policy. In borough council, the mayor doesn’t have a vote but does have a veto. The mayor can also break a tie in the event a council member abstains or is absent. You’ve served nearly two years as mayor. What is your proudest accomplishment in that time? The mission of the police department reads, “... to protect and serve our diverse communities by forging collaborative relationships.” When I read that I knew I wanted to have this job. My proudest accomplishments have been in building those collaborative relationships. What do you hope to accomplish in the second half of your term? Our goal for the coming year is to launch a TV channel called PEG, Public Education and Government. It’s a collaboration with the university that will be run from their communications department. The goal is to engage citizens through TV. We’re going to start with the education aspect – a student intern will cover council meetings. Do you plan to seek re-election? It’s an honor and a joy to be mayor. If I believe I am still effective in bringing people together to improve things, then I will seek re-election. And if the voters agree, then they can re-elect me.
You’ve been a vice president and a CFO, a teacher and a curriculum specialist, a mother and a mayor. Am I missing anything? You didn’t mention my work with the United Nations. I’m on the executive board of the World Information Transfer, an NGO promoting awareness of environmental health. Which of those jobs is most difficult? Mother. Everybody says that, right? It’s also the most important. What’s something about West Chester people might not know but should? This past year both Forbes.com and Where To Retire magazine declared this town one of the best places to retire to. Also, although the borough is only 1.8 square miles it incorporates all this diveristy in that small area. Do you think parking in West Chester is frustrating? Parking is a challenge in any popular, urban area. The mayor has no authority over parking, but I often get emails from people complaining, and if I get an email I respond. Anything you’d like to tell our readers? I want to encourage everyone to come out to council meetings and to volunteer on our boards and commissions. We are only as good as the people who are involved.
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November 17, 2011
11/12: Glow Nation Party At Mรกs Mexicali Cantina
Amanda Fannon, Shaina Sklar
Lyndzie, Luke, Stephanie, Chase, Mike, Theresa
John, Jamie, Eric, Dan, Becca
Brittany, Kelly, Oscar
Bruce, Brandan, Steve, Cheryl, Katy, Shames
Bryan Dolan, Alana Moran, Courtney English, Jessica Rosade
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ADAM JONES... TO VIEW ONLINE AND ORDER COPIES, VISIT THEWCPRESS.COM
November 17, 2011
Page 27
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The Dating Column
I
Diane Stopyra’s enlightened take on dating from a woman’s perspective
WAS in a room full of married women recently, listening to a discussion about how glad they all are to be married. Dating is tough, they say; there are so few decent, available men. Dating is scary, they say; there are so many crazies out there. Dating is tedious, they say; you've got to kiss a lot of frogs before you find a prince. "We feel for you, Diane" my friend Amanda told me, loading her washing machine for the fourth time that afternoon. But I'm in one of those moods (and they don't come around often, so I'm enjoying the hell out of it while it lasts), where I'm thankful to be single. It's not that I don't want to be married someday. It's that I'm having a really good time. Last week, while Amanda was, once again, busy washing a bottomless pile of dirty onesies and her hubby's tighty-whities, I got drunk for no other reason than because I was in the mood to get drunk – on a Thursday. And then I flirted shamelessly with a six-foot drink of water who wants to take me out for dinner, which will be an excuse to dress up, flirt some more, and, if I feel like it, get tipsy
again. Because I can. Because I don't have a mortgage to pay or children to raise or anything else that follows "I do." I take spontaneous road-trips to nowhere in particular and drop half my paycheck on shoes I don't need. I don't worry about whether or not my spouse is meeting my needs, because I don't have a spouse, and my only need right now is shameless flirting. And as for kissing frogs... I happen to think frogs are adorable. No, I shouldn't take one home with me, but that
doesn't mean I won't pet one in his natural habitat from time to time. It is true that dating is tough, scary, and tedious, but marriage can be, too, from what I understand. (It must be, if Kim Kardashian is calling it quits after only 72 days and a ten million dollar wedding.) So instead of pining away for that stage of my life, I figure I should try to enjoy where I am right now. I don't have a honey to come home to, but I also don't have to feel bad, after coming home, about putting on a green facial mask or those comfy sweatpants that make my thighs look huge. And I can spend a Saturday night under the covers, watching a Lifetime movie simply because I'm in the mood to cry, without having to explain myself to anyone. I don't know how long this mood of mine will last. It's possible that I'll wake up tomorrow longing for that person who's going to give me a hard time about ugly sweatpants and Lifetime movies on a Saturday. Until then, though, I really wish my married friends would stop pitying me. If nothing else, unlike Amanda and married women everywhere, I'm only washing for one.
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November 17, 2011
11/12: Glow Nation Party At Mรกs Mexicali Cantina
Alana McGrath
Mark
Gretchen, Brittany
Shaina Sklar
Allie Schimp
Nicole Anderson
Gretchen, Melissa
Kaitlin, Devin
Rodger
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November 17, 2011
Page 31
THE BIG PICTURE Black and white really doesn’t do Más’ glow party justice. Check out our website to see the photos from party in high-fangled technicolor. Adam Jones
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November 17, 2011
11/6: “Fighting The Crusade Against Sex” Launch At Feminique Boutique PHOTOGRAPHS BY ADAM JONES
Author Jill McDevitt with publishers Karen Hodges Miller and Sam Miller
Jessica Carnella, Lainey Smith, Christian Siderio
Erin Oakes, Liz Martin,Sam Myers
November 17, 2011
Thanksgiving Throwbacks DJ Romeo's reunion music for Thanksgiving Eve
T
HANKSGIVING Eve is the biggest bar night of the year, because, for most, it is an annual yet unoffical high school reunion. It’s a night to reminisce about the memories we've shared. In honor of the reflecting and recollecting, I've put together a throwback playlist. All of these songs were chart-toppers when released, and anyone old enough to head to the bar (and still young enough to enjoy it), will probably know all the words. My top throwback track, DJ Kool's "Let Me Clear My Throat," has moved crowds for years and will always receive a positive reaction the second that first note hits.
There’s certainly no auto-tune on this track Throwback Song of the Month: DJ Kool – “Let Me Clear My Throat” Top Picks: Fatman Scoop – “Be Faithful” Notorious BIG – “Juicy” Warren G ft. Nate Dogg – “Regulate” Lil Jon and The East Side Boyz – “Get Low” Nelly – “Ride With Me” Juvenile – “Back That Thang Up” Snoop Dogg – “What's My Name” Ice Cube – “You Can Do It” Fat Joe ft. Ashanti – “What's Luv” Montell Jordan – “This Is How We Do It” Mase ft. Puff Daddy – “Feels So Good” Jagged Edge – “Where The Party At” Biz Markie – “Just A Friend” Big Pun – “Still Not A Player” Tupac – “Changes” Sisqo – “Thong Song” Lil Kim ft. Lil Cease – “Crush On You” DMX – “Party Op” LL Cool J – “Doin' It” PRESENTED BY SCHAFFER SOUND PRODUCTIONS
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A Trainer’s Tips On Staying Fit
O
Christine Mooney shares her insights on staying happy and healthy
VER the years I have stumbled upon, borrowed, become obsessed with, and trashed a variety of hobbies. This was always done under the umbrella hobby that I refered to as “collecting experiences.” My parents had to bear the brunt of this when I was younger. I would decide that I wanted to pick up cheerleading or softball or dance or even, for a very brief time, archery and my parents would be forced to spend money on these hobbies. I envisioned myself being a natural in each new hobby as soon as the first lesson began, but when I wasn’t an instant pro at whatever endeavor I undertook, I immediately quit. I got very frustrated with myself, my ego felt bruised and I would move on to the next thing. Maybe it wasn’t ideal in terms of quality, but I certainly added a fair number of tally marks to my experience collection. There are a few hobbies that have stuck with me, and I can’t imagine my life without them. They aren’t just hobbies anymore — they are a way of life. Strength has been a hobby for the past ten years now, and
strength, like any skill set, is really about practice. Whether it is strength of character, strength of heart or strength of body, it boils down to repetition – deciding over and over again, from the smallest to the largest obstacle, to commit and not give up because learning and growing turned out to be tougher than expected. Strength is practice, pure and simple, and you gain physical strength by simply picking weights up and putting them down, again and again and again. I can’t take credit for the mantra “Strength
is practice.” It’s a phrase stolen from Pat Flynn, an RKC-certified kettlebell instructor and founder of ChroniclesOfStrength.com. He said it during one of the first kettlebell classes I took with him at the YMCA on Chestnut Street, and it stirred something in me. He was right. Strength truly is practice, so I decided to keep going to his classes. Under Pat’s tutelage these past eight weeks I’ve gotten stronger, my form has improved tenfold, and I’m more able to push myself through the extremely challenging conditioning workouts he includes in each session. What has motivated me these last two months is the intrinsic value of strength, of wellness, of health. These things are greater than a simple hobby. They require repetition. They are experiences to be collected but never to be tossed aside for the next interest. Go, practice your strength and your health. It is the only way to cultivate them. If you’re a WCU student, check out the group fitness room in Sykes on Thursdays and Saturdays. If not, meet me at either of the West Chester YMCAs throughout the week. I’ll be there. And I’ll be practicing.
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November 17, 2011
11/6: “Fighting The Crusade Against Sex” Launch At Feminique Boutique
Jessica Jeff, Brian Beauchamp
Stacy Shiling, Sara Halali, Marissa Kirschnik
Nicholas Stark, Jess Jolly, Chris Hentschel, Katie Brennan
Jill and Joy McDevitt
Zachary, Andrea, Ashley
April, Shannon, Allison, Kristen, Jill
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November 17, 2011
Page 39
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Employee Of The Month
Laura Aloisio of Dave’s Automotive Repair Enterprises talks car care and customer service
DARE works on a number of project cars like the Mustang Laura is leaning on in this shot, as well as handling everyday repair Adam Jones
T
HERE’S much to be said for putting your best face forward. Clearly Dave Aloisio, owner of Dave’s Automotive Repair Enterprises, knows this. That’s why his daughter Laura sits at the front desk. Behind her, her brother John shouts, and various mechanics pop their heads in, ask questions, and return to their jobs, but Laura is the one who greets every customer. It would be wrong to say Laura is just a pretty face – she remembers her customers, runs the business and makes everyone feel comfortable and satisfied. That’s why we’ve named her employee of the month. Name: Laura Aloisio Age: 45 Hometown: Kennett Square Why do you think you’ve been named employee of the month? I’m really not sure. I guess someone must have been impressed. Maybe you could tell me? What exactly is your position? I’m the chief cook and bottle washer – I do everything. I take
care of customers, handle payroll and receiveables. Marketing is my biggest priority. How did you end up with this job? I had worked as an office manager in a real estate office, but I took time off to have kids. I was getting ready to get back into the work force when by brother got married. My dad asked me to fill in for John when he went on his honeymoon, and I never left. What skills are important in the job? It’s important to pay attention to detail but also to be personable and outgoing – to make the customer feel comfortable. Do you ever have to play host? All the time. People will stay here while they’re getting work done. We have a lot of repeat customers, so the conversation is often a continuation from the last visit: How’re the kids? How’s the family? I try to get to know people so they feel at home when they’re here, because often taking your car to the mechanic is such a negative experience. I try to make it a little bit easier. What’s the most common problem that comes through your door? Ugh. John? [Turns
and shouts back to her brother.] John: “My brakes are squealing,” is definitely the most common. You have an angry cutomer. How do you deal with it? We don’t really get any angry customers. People are usually really happy. Can you pretend for the sake of the question? You just have to listen to them, make them feel right and help them get what they want. What’s your connection to West Chester? I came here for the job. I was living in Delaware and commuting, but I always thought it was important to both work and live in your community, so I moved here. Are there any perks to the job? Oh yeah. A lot. I mean, free car repair. How great is that? What’s the most common problem people don’t think of? Probably tire pressure, but I would check with the guys on that. John? [Turns and shouts back to her brother.] John: Tire pressure is one, but so is inspection. People constantly forget to have their car inspected. They come in because their brakes are squeaky, and we have to remind them their inspection is a couple years out of date.
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November 17, 2011
11/6: “Fighting The Crusade Against Sex” Launch At Feminique Boutique
Karen Polis
Vince and Heather Miller
McNelly
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Abbey Remington, Angela Sustello
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11/6: “Fighting The Crusade Against Sex” Launch At Feminique Boutique
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November 17, 2011
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Livin’ The Life
The story behind Import Intelligence, a West Chester-based auto repair shop and professional drift team
F
Import Intelligence owner Matt Waldin lights up the rear wheels of his 350Z, causing the car to drift around the turn Andrew Goodman
OR THE everyday driver, it’s a nightmare scenario – that instant when your wheels break free from the pavement and your car starts to spin, slide and drift out of control. Matt Waldin thrives in this moment. He guns his Nissan 350Z toward the corner and slams on the accelerator, throwing up a cloud of smoke behind him as his wheels spin viciously just above the asphalt. His momentum carries the back end of the car outward toward the wall and he over steers, keeping the now sideways car moving along the track. Coming out of the turn he taps the brakes, swings the wheel around and mashes the accelerator to the floor again, sweeping his car back the other direction. Inches behind him another car mimics his every move in a dangerous dance as each driver tries to outdo the other in head-to-head competition. Welcome to Formula DRIFT, America’s largestgrossing professional drift circuit. Drivers from as far away as Japan and South Africa compete in Formula DRIFT. Their website lists 60 drivers. Sorted by rank, Matt Waldin is the 24th person in that list. True, 24th puts Matt outside of the big sponsorship dollars and media spotlight, but it’s still pretty
damn impressive. In fact, thanks to his victories in the Drift Mania Canadian Championship in the 2009 and 2010 seasons, you can now play as Matt in the iPhone game Drift Mania. At last count, it had been downloaded more than 3.3 million times. Although Matt drives in the world’s premier competition, he’s not exactly a professional drifter – it’s more of a hobby. His day job is running Import Intelligence, an auto repair shop located on Turner Lane here in West Chester. He and his crew from the shop take weekends off to travel across the country for each competition. Matt isn’t your typical mechanic — his degree is in electrical engineering. “Cars are no longer just complex mechanical machines,” he says, “They’re also complex electrical machines.” After graduating he got a job as an engineer and soon married his wife Andrea, a self-described prodigy (and we’re inclined to agree) who earned her bachelors degree from West Chester University at the age of 19, right about the time the average person enters college. At age 31 she’s now the VP of Marketing for an undisclosed software company. “She’s a marketing genius,” Matt says. While working as an engineer Matt spent
his free time fashioning custom car gauges. When he realized how popular they were becoming, he started selling them online. It was only a few months later that he decided to quit his engineering job and produce car equipment fulltime. “We had only been married a couple months when he came to me and said, ‘I’m quitting my job,’ and I remember thinking, ‘Oh great,’” said Andrea. “But, fortunately I was already out of school and working, so we were able to do it.” Also around this time, while in the market for a car, Matt stumbled across a 1992 Nissan 240SX. The 240SX has become synonymous with drift culture – it’s the most commonly driven car on the drift circuit – but Matt didn’t know that at the time. “I just thought it was a cool car,” he said. He started taking his 240SX to the track in Englishtown, NJ, where he fell into a crowd of car lovers with similiarly rearwheel-oriented interests. The names of his cohorts from those days now read like a who’s who of drifting: Chris Forsberg, the number three driver in Formula DRIFT from the 2011 season; Tony Angelo, labeled on Wikipedia as “an American drifting pioneer”; and Vaughn
Continued On Page 46 ?
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November 17, 2011
Getting Sideways ? From Page 45
[Forsberg and Angelo] actually lived in a garage for a while when they were getting started. They were showering under a hose.” Gitten Jr., who Matt and Andrea refer to as The performance business continued to “J.R.” Gitten Jr. is one of only three men to have grow so that by 2006 it was no longer feasible ever won events in both Formula DRIFT and D1 to be running the business out of the Waldin’s Grand Prix, the top competition in Japan where home garage. In 2007 Import Intelligence the roots of today’s drift culture were sewn. opened their doors on Turner Lane. Matt realIn 2000, Matt performed an engine swap ized early on that it wasn’t feasible to run an on his 240SX, subbing in a more powerful, auto shop that solely did performance work, turbocharged SR20DET engine for his car’s and the market crash the following year solidistock KA24DE. Since drift culture has grown, fied that. “People weren’t spending money on and with it the popularity of the 240SX, this making performance upgrades to their cars,” swap has been performed countless times and Matt said. “We knew right from the beginning mastered, but Matt was one of the first on the we would have to target everyday drivers if we East Coast to do it, and certainly the first in the were going to make this work.” greater Philadelphia area. He started building Today Matt estimates that only 10% of his cars for his friends from Englishtown, devel- business comes from performance work. The oping a great reputation as a performance car rest is everyday maintenance, which he has builder working out of his garage. “I built J.R. really taken a shine to. “If you had told me five the first drift car he drove in competition,” Matt years ago that I’d be doing oil changes every proudly claims. day, I’d have laughed,” Matt says, “but now I Matt’s friends started their pursuit of a love it.” Really, it’s not so much about the work drifting career back in the early 2000s, but he as it is about the people. “Taking your car to the had other plans. He expanded the garage at his mechanic is not fun. Nobody likes doing it. So, home and continued to build the performance we try to make it is painless as possible. One of business. Besides, he was a married man who the things people hate most is that they feel like had no business pursuing that life. “Those guys they don’t understand what’s going on, what were living in a garage,” he says. “I don’t mean the mechanic is doing to their car.” WC generic ad4-15_Layout 1 4/15/11 11:45 AM Page 1 they spent all their time in one, the two of them Matt’s solution to this problem has been to
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be as accessible as possible. “He goes and gets the printout and shows the people what Ford is recommending he do for their Focus,” says Andrea. “Then he tells them what he thinks is essential, what’s fluff and explains what needs to be done in as simple of terms as possible.” It’s Import Intelligence’s dedication to service that has put them in the position they now find themselves – able to shut down the shop for the weekend and take off in pursuit of a dream. The surprising thing is that those same guys who tune Matt’s professional drift car are the same ones who do all the work during the week at Import Intelligence. “My bare minimum race weekend team is two of the guys from the shop – Tony Martin and Brian Gaughan – and Andrea who is my spotter,” says Matt. “I won’t race without her.” Sure, Matt Waldin isn’t a household name. Red Bull doesn’t sponsor his car, and import models and teenage boys don’t flock to him for autographs. Most of you reading this article had no idea there was a pro driver here in town. Still, when asked if he could do it all over again, to go back and follow Forsberg, Angelo and Gitten Jr. off to fame, Matt’s answer is straightforward, like everything else about him. He stares at Andrea for a moment, smiles and pauses while she smiles back. “Nah. Absolutely not. They ain’t livin’ the life, dude.”
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Crew and driver: (L-R) Brian Gaughan, Tony Martin and Matt Waldin Adam Jones
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November 17, 2011
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It’s Just A Three-Letter Word
M
Jill McDevitt explores why something as natural and necessary as sex is so taboo
ANY people like to believe that animals are more, well, animalistic and reproduction-oriented in their sexual behavior than humans. They believe animals don’t have all the complicated entanglements of relationships, pleasure and societal structures that people do. The following animal behaviours might come as a shock: Masturbation with Toys: Many animals masturbate, even when a sex partner is available. If they have hands, some use them. Others create toys. Dolphins rub their genitals against rocks on the sea floor. Primates and porcupines have been known to make us of sticks. Many birds masturbate by rubbing against tufts of grass. Penguins rub against pebbles. Homosexuality: Same-sex sex and courtship have been observed in more than 1,500 species. Male lions have been known to have sex and affectionately nuzzle each other, and there have been many incidences of male penguins caring for abandoned eggs and together raising the chicks as their own offspring. Monogamy: Some mammals, and a large number of bird species, are monogamous.
Some are sexually monogamous and others reproduce outside the pair bond but are socially monogamous, meaning they exclusively share resources and territory. Examples include swans, otters, foxes, angelfish and penguins. Prostitution: Some animals will trade sex for important commodities, like female penguins which will exchange sex for the valuable stones they need to build their nests (are you seeing a theme with the penguin?) Watching Pornography: Panda bears are notoriously poor breeders. Only 1,600 exist
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in the wild and less than 300 in captivity. To encourage mating, zoologists have shown male pandas videos of other pandas having sex in hopes that the “Panda porn” will boost the desire to mate... and it worked! In an experiment, male monkeys were willing to “pay” for porn. They happily traded a highly valued treat in exchange for seeing photos of female monkey behinds. Orgies: Sheep, giraffes, lions, dolphins, whales and some species of snakes will often engage in group sex. Bestiality: Some animals have been observed mating with animals of another close species (such as among primate or feline species) although there was one incident in 2008 where scientists witnessed and caught on film mammal/bird sex between a seal and a penguin. Those frisky penguins... Jill McDevitt holds a Master’s degree in Human Sexuality and is currently completing her PhD, which will make her the only person in the world with three degrees in the field. She is the proprietor of Feminique Boutique on Church Street. Her book, Fighting the Crusade Against Sex: Being Sex-Positive in a Sex-Negative World, is out this month.
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Enrich Your Life... Adopt An Animal
These beautiful creatures need homes... call the Chester County SPCA at 610-692-6113
«
KING is a four-year-old, neutered male, American Staffordshire terrier who kept wandering from his unattentive owner’s property. He was simply searching elsewhere for the attention he didn’t get at home! He’d do well with a family who is home a lot and able to devote time to him.
«
GRIFFIN is a young, neutered, male who appears to be some kind of Lab/ Hound/Pointer mix. Although we don’t know his exact age, his energy level and puppy-like behavior suggest he can’t be that old. Griffin will benefit from a patient owner who has the ability to train him properly.
«
MAC is a neutered, adult male yellow Lab who was found as a stray. Mac is a very friendly and gentle boy who seems to love kids and would like nothing more than to be a member of a family. He has some training but may need some initial reinforcement on housebreaking.
Featuring vintage ornaments and Aunt Sadie’s Famous Holiday Candles 125 E. State Street • Kennett Square PA 19348 (484)732-8554 • scoutandannie.com
Page 52
November 17, 2011
11/6: Veterans Day Parade On Gay Street
Vernon, Marjorie
Alexa, Lauren, Kurt, Vincent, Jenny, Jessica
Samantha Mason, Tressa Richard, Benjamin McComb
Francesco, Nancy, Patrick, Rory, Cece, Tullo, Virginia
Lynn, Kyle and Nate Wolman
Jessica, Steven, Alexis
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ADAM JONES... TO VIEW ONLINE AND ORDER COPIES, VISIT THEWCPRESS.COM
November 17, 2011
Page 53
A P S Z SINCE 1948
BEVERAGE A West Chester Tradition Locally owned and operated since 1948, Spaz Beverage has been providing Chester and Delaware Counties with a great selection of imported, specialty and domestic beer. We also offer a wide variety of craft soda, can soda, mixers, spring water, mineral water and non-alcoholic beer.
HOURS:
Monday-Thursday 8:30am-9pm Friday & Saturday 8:30am-10pm Sunday 12pm-5pm
1015 West Chester Pike West Chester PA 19382 (610) 696-6320 www.spazbeverage.com
CIGARS ICE LOTTERY CO2 TANKS PROPANE GIFT CARDS
Page 54
November 17, 2011
11/6: Veterans Day Parade On Gay Street PHOTOGRAPHS BY ADAM JONES
Tom Chambers, Mayor Carolyn Comitta, Dick Yoder
WeÕve Got
Your Back.
Carol Giblin, Ashley Kroberger, Chelsea Pierce, John Suplee
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✦������������������������
Joanna, Gregory, Shawn, Stack
November 17, 2011
Page 55
Enrich Your Life... Adopt An Animal
These beautiful creatures need homes... call the Chester County SPCA at 610-692-6113
«
INKY is a neutered male kitten that was brought to the shelter with his siblings after being found outdoors. Inky is now looking for a new, indoor home where he can play and snuggle with a family. The Chester County SPCA has many kittens in similar situations to Inky’s – why not adopt a pair?
«
MOM is another of the many who have come to us over the summer with kittens. Her kittens have all gone, but she’s still looking for a home. She is friendly, likes to be picked up, has been spayed and would love to spend hours sitting in your lap. Available for the special reduced adoption fee of $25.
«
MURPHY is a neutered, adult male tabby cat that was recently adopted from the SPCA but was brought back because his adopter is now moving. Murphy is a loving and docile cat who deserves a life-long commitment. Give him a chance, because he is certainly sick of being bounced around!
yan’s pub
A classic Irish pub in downtown West Chester MONDAYS Krazy Karaoke: 10pm-2 am $2.75 Bud and Bud Light Bottles, $2 well drinks 10pm12am $2.75 Bud Light drafts all day POWER HOUR: $1 drafts: 11pm-12am
TUESDAYS Live music with Brian Aglira Downstairs $2.75 Bud Light drafts all day $3 Three Olive Drinks 10pm-12am, 2 FOR TWENTY TUESDAY: one app, two entrees, one dessert, only $20
WEDNESDAYS $.25 Wing Nite from 9pm-12am $3 Blue Moon drafts all day Happy Hour 5-7pm: $1 off drinks, drafts & wines
THURSDAYS The Original $2 U-Call-It from 10pm-12am $2 drinks, drafts or bottles, $3 top-shelf and premium beers $2 .75 Lager drafts all day, $5 Bombs from 10pm-12am FRIDAYS Happy Hour from 5pm-7pm, $1 off all drinks, drafts & wines $2.75 Coors Lite Bottles all day SATURDAYS $2.75 Bud Light drafts all day, $2.75 Miller Lite bottles, $3 Three Olive drinks, $5 bombs 10pm-12am SUNDAYS Eagles Party: $2 Bud Light drafts all day, $3 16oz Bud and Bud Light aluminum bottles, special game day menu deals, deck open every game
124 West Gay Street 610-344-3934 Ryans-pub.com
Page 56
November 17, 2011
The Boutique Look For Less: Everything Always Under $60
11/6: Veterans Day Parade On Gay Street PHOTOGRAPHS BY ADAM JONES
Linda, Jim, Chris
200 WEST GAY STREET • WEST CHESTER, PA 610-431-7111 • INFO@SHOPARTIFACT.COM OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
TOPS • DRESSES SWEATERS JACKETS • TUNICS LEGGINGS • HANDBAGS JEWELRY & MORE!
5
$ 00
OFF
your next purchase of $20 or more
Valid until 1/15/12. May not be combined with any other offer. Paul Ronney, Jack Crystle
November 17, 2011
Page 57
The West Chester Food Safari
T
Jeremy Malanka is skeptical of anyone without a sweet tooth
O ME it’s dubious when people claim not to have a sweet tooth. I love chocolate, cheesecake, custard, sorbet, gelato, whipped cream and tiramisu. I am a selfproclaimed expert of the post-dinner treat. So, naturally I am quite the skeptic of the anti-sweet teeth. The first stop on my tour may come as a surprise, because Kooma are primarily known for their sushi. However, they have a knockout of a dessert. Their housemade, ginger ice cream with fresh slivers of ginger is wrapped in poundcake, tempura-battered and deep fried. What? Yes. Ginger ice cream just sounds sensual, and I want a second date with this deep-fried experience. Iron Hill is one of the most consistent dining experiences West Chester has to offer. So, obviously they would never skimp on dessert. My favorite is the the double chocolate hill. A giant piece of chocolate cake oozing with warm ganache and peanut butter, finished with housemade vanilla ice cream. I would like my future wedding cake to ooze with ganache and peanut butter. In fact, all
cakes should ooze. It’s great when my favorite places to drink also offer a heavenly dessert. Ram’s Head has their unbelievable beer list and a couple of desserts worth trying. A warm brownie topped with marshmallow ice cream in a waffle cone and drizzled with chocolate and peanut butter. Amazing to drink with Yard’s Love Stout, it’s perfection on a plate that screams, “Happy hour and four spoons!” Landmark continues the American tradition with large desserts. The largest is their Americana sundae, served in a giant martini glass. Classic vanilla paired with cinnamon and butterscotch ice creams, piled high with
walnuts and cherries and, of course, whipped cream. For something smaller I love their dessert bites sundae with fried brownies and fried dough balls, filled with bananas foster and served with vanilla ice cream melting around the bites. There’s nothing better to alleviate dessert cravings than simply caving in. If you’re just looking for ice cream, definitely check out Scooped on the corner of High and Miner. It’s locally made, organic ice cream with seasonally changing flavors. My favorite is birthday cake. For frozen yogurt Kiwi is the one and only, and with more than 20 toppings it’s a no-brainer. D’Ascenzo’s Gelato has closed for the season, but check them out next spring with their house-rolled waffle cones and the best gelato in the borough. My favorite in a waffle cone? Raspberry Cabernet sorbet and dark chocolate gelato. Holy cow and raspberries. With so many delicious options in our wonderful borough, anybody who tells you they’re “not that into sweets” is full of it... and I don’t mean with ganache and peanut butter.
West Chester’s ONLY late night transportation!
Only $5.00
for an ALL NIGHT PASS (unlimited rides) if located in “The Loop” (check website for Loop details)
Located outside of “The Loop”? No problem! Call and set up a reservation time today! Live GPS tracker for up-to-the-minute location information on the bus! Restaurant Transportation • Phillies Game Shuttles/Tailgating Packages • Private Party Packages available
215.839.9BUS (9287)
•
w w w. Pa r a d i s e T r a n s i t . c o m
Page 58
November 17, 2011
11/6: Veterans Day Parade On Gay Street
Al Duncan, David Wadsworth
Andrew Herrin, Nick Bottaro
Jason Delgott, Jared Jackson
Bob Sheller
Ralph Kramer
Jack Rawson, Walt Kramer
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ADAM JONES... TO VIEW ONLINE AND ORDER COPIES, VISIT THEWCPRESS.COM
November 17, 2011
Page 59
Pr i n t
We Make It Easier! When you are ready to do or re-do your truck or van lettering, or vehicle graphics, give us a call.
610-692-5918. We will MATCH or BEAT any written quote!
Phone: 610-429-1209 • Fax: 610-429-1266 12 W Market Street www.marketstreetprint.com
Page 60
November 17, 2011
Sunset Hill Fine Arts Gallery
Thirteenth Annual Minature Show Featuring 20 Chester County Artists Opening Sunday, November 20, 12-5pm Show continues through December 24 23 North High Street, 610-692-0374, sunsethillgallery.com
November 17, 2011
Page 61
The WC Crossword
None of that generic nonsense you see in other papers... a puzzle just for “The WC” SO YOU love crosswords? AND you love this magazine? Well then, my friend, we have a treat for you. Sit down, get a cup (or glass) of your favorite beverage and enjoy our bi-weekly crossword. The answers to this puzzle all relate to the wonderful holiday of Thanksgiving. ACROSS 1. Contrary to popular portrayals, pilgrims did not wear these on their hats and shoes, because this accessory did not become fashionable until the 1700s. 3. Although the pilgrims originally embarked upon two vessels, sabotage upon the Speedwell meant that this was the only ship that would carry them to America. 6. The pilgrims founding myth states that their feet first touched ground in America at this spot. 8. Landing in New England in this month put the pilgrims at a disadvantage. They would have to battle both the elements and disease to establish their first settlement. 10. There were this many Native Americans in attendance at the first Thanksgiving. 13. This living history museum in Massachusetts shows the settlement as it would have been when the pilgrims first arrived in America.
15. He was elected governor of the pilgrims’ newly established colony 30 times and served for most of his life. 16. Because the pilgrims used this calendar, which was 11 minutes too long every year, their calendars were actually 10 days off. 17. This domesticated grass was the staple crop of the New World and was instrumental in feeding both natives and immigrants throughout the Americas. 18. The pilgrims originally fled England and settled in this city, but when facing difficulty preserving their culture in an established foreign country, they set off for America. DOWN 2. The pilgrims’ trip was delayed by several months due to a leaky ship. They were unable to set off on their trip for America until this month.
They were a rather stern looking bunch...
3. It was not until this month of 1621 that all of the pilgrims permanently moved off of the ship to live in America.
4. At the original Thanksgiving there were approximately this many pilgrims in attendance – that was all that was left after the first winter. 5. Differences with this sect of Christianity, the mandated religion of England, led the pilgrims to seek refuge in other countries. 6. After an unsuccessful attempt to enter the Hudson, the pilgrims eventually anchored their ship in this modern-day harbor. 9. Contrary to popular depictions, the pilgrims did not dress solely in these colors. 11. Captured and brought back to Europe as a slave, this Native American eventually returned home and there instructed the pilgrims how to fish and fertilize crops. 12. This tribe of Native Americans were the first to make contact and ultimately a truce with the pilgrims. They shared in the first Thanksgiving. 14. The origins of Thanksgiving were deeply rooted in both European and Native American cultures. They would feast and celebrate if this was a success.
Page 62
November 17, 2011
What They’re Wearing On The Streets Of The WC PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREW HUTCHINS
Happy Hour from 5-7pm Monday to Friday. Reduced drink and menu item prices. Try the $7 menu with dishes like lobster ravioli, grilled scallops withbroccoli rabe, or sausage and peppers with marinara and mozzarella.
KENDALL GEARREN, 22, stundent, Mount Laurel. Jacket custom made in Italy, Aeri shirt, jeans from American Eagle, Bakers shoes.
LESLI FREAS, 55, RN, parts unknown. Jacket from H&M, sweater from Burlington Coat Factory, jeans from Target, shoes from DSW.
RACHEL LAPCHAK, 21, student, Hazelton. Jacket from H&M, Artifact shirt, scarf from Old Navy, shoes from Charrlote Russe, bag from Borders.
SARAH JAMES, 26, vintage clothing store owner, West Chester. Jacket from Target, scarf from DSW, pants from Urban Outfitters, Steve Madden shoes, Michael Kors purse.
BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY Banquets, buffets, sit-down dinners or cocktail parties, Mezzanine is the only place that accommodates 180 guests 38 E GAY STREET WEST CHESTER PA 19380 610.738.8244 • tecawc.com
November 17, 2011
Page 63
11/6: Veterans Day Parade On Gay Street
Joe, Torrie, Gia
Ellen Lenz, Rick Browne
Paul, Laureen, Rowan
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ADAM JONES... TO VIEW ONLINE AND ORDER COPIES, VISIT THEWCPRESS.COM
Twice a month, 5,000 irresistible copies of THE WC are delivered to 300 selected establishments in and around the wonderful borough of West Chester. AD SIZE
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TO PLACE AN AD IN THE WC, CONTACT: nick@thewcpress.com « Or call (610) 299-1100
Page 64
the lineup
Thursday NOV 17 Doors open 7pm show 8pm
Friday november 18 party starts at 8pm
this event is 18+
this event is 21+
Musical fr33dom’s
saturday Nov 19 Doors open at 8pm show 9pm
November 17, 2011
sunday Nov 20 Doors open at 4pm show 5:30pm
The Porkroll Exit 34 Giant Panda Lights Out Settle For Less, & Dance Project Guerilla dub Glow Neighborhoods, Love City DJs, CD Release Heartwell, By Surprise squad mojo risen this event is 18+ This event is 21+ tuesday Nov 22 8pm
LGbt night
Friday november 26 Doors Open at 7pm
Wednesday Nov 23 Doors open at 8pm show 9pm
Nomad Clientele Steppin Razor
The Road to Southby Battle of LGbt SPlintered sunlight the Bands night this event is 21+ this event is 21+
This event is 21+
Friday nov 25 Doors open at 8pm show 9pm
tuesday Nov 29 8pm
This event is 21+
this event is 21+
wednesday nov 30 Doors open at 8pm show 9pm
Thursday dec 1 Doors open at 7pm
this event is 21+
This event is 18+
king of the dub Rap Battle Ft.
Comedy Night Mic Stewart, Ft. Shane Gillis, Voss, Joel Venom, Tommy pope Teddy Bigglesworth
Friday dec 2 Doors open at 8pm show 9pm
Saturday dec 3 Doors open at 5pm
this event is 21+
This event is all ages
Can You Canoe Villains like you
Max Bemis of Say ANything, Sherri Dupree of Eisley
west chester, pa thenotewc.com