Christmas & New Years ' Guide Broug Brought to you by b the C Chester County Pres Press D b 7, 7 December 2016
2 - CCP - Christmas & New Year's Guide • December 7, 2016
CCP - Christmas & New Year's Guide • December 7, 2016 - 3
FURNITURE & CABINETRY We build everything from Kitchens, Bars, Free-standing or Built-in Entertainment Centers, Bookcases, Tables and Furniture
SHOWROOM MONDAY-SATURDAY 10AM-4PM
ALL OUR WOODWORKING IS MADE HERE BY OUR CRAFTSMEN 610-869-0700 | 420 West Baltimore Pike, West Grove, PA | londongrove.com
4 - CCP - Christmas & New Year's Guide • December 7, 2016
Oxford shines during joyful Country Christmas celebration By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer The streets of Oxford were filled with Christmas cheer last Friday night as friends and neighbors gathered for the annual Oxford Country Christmas celebration that included carriage rides, strolling carolers, plenty of children’s activities, a visit from Santa, and the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree. “What a great night tonight,” Mayor Geoff Henry commented just moments before he flipped the switch to light up the town’s Christmas tree. The Grinch— that bad banana who has garlic in his soul—promptly turned the lights off, but Henry saved the Christmas celebration by chasing away the heel and turning the tree lights back on.
Photo by Steven Hoffman
The Oxford Presbyterian Church staged a live Nativity for the Oxford Country Christmas on Dec. 2.
Oxford’s small town charm is on full display during the annual Country Christmas event, and the sights and
RUFFINI’S BARBER SHOP Professional Haircutting & Styling For The Entire Family
Clipper and Scissor Cuts for Men and Boys
only $12
Hairstyling for the entire family Family Owned and Operated Since 1964
(610)869-3002 Hair & Body Care Available
Walk-ins Welcome • Gift Certificates Available Tues - Fri 7AM - 5:30PM | Sat 7AM - 2PM | Closed Sun & Mon
104 Rosehill Avenue, West Grove, PA
sounds of the season were everywhere. The Oxford Presbyterian Church staged, for the second year in a row, a live Nativity
on The Green, a nice reminder of the real reason for the Christmas season. Buddy Continued on Page 6
CCP - Christmas & New Year's Guide • December 7, 2016 - 5
6 - CCP - Christmas & New Year's Guide • December 7, 2016
Continued from Page 4
the Elf was outside Wholly Grounds, congratulating the shop on having the best coffee in the world. Children got to share their Christmas wishes with Santa Claus. After arriving in town on a fire truck, Santa posed for pictures with kids at Oxford Odds & Ends. Children enjoyed rides up and down Third Street on a train called the Funtastix Express, while families took carriage rides around town. For people looking to enjoy some food or a glass of wine, the Sawmill Grill and Flickerwood Wine Cellars were popular spots. Shops like the Candy Case, the Outback Trading Company, and Millstone Jewelers helped those looking to get a little holiday shopping accomplished. At the Oxford Arts Alliance, visitors could choose from the wide variety of
Savannah Kimes, Max Kimes, and Elise Kimes are pictured with The Grinch and Olaf.
artwork that was available in the artisan gift shop. The Christmas Shop was once again open this year. Flossi Prewitt, the chairperson of the Neighborhood Services Center’s thrift shop, explained that items are donated to the thrift shop throughout the year. The Christmas items are sold at the Christmas Shop that is set up each holiday season, with
The Bethany Presbyterian Church is planning a live Nativity at the church for Fri., Dec. 16 and Sat., Dec. 17.
all the proceeds going to benefit the Neighborhood Services Center. Prewitt said that the goal this year is to raise $6,000 at the Christmas Shop. Singer Jamie Marie led the crowd through a selection of Christmas favorites, concluding the set with a gleeful “Rockin Around the Christmas Tree.” Children really enjoyed the “Frozen” favorite, “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”
The stores were beautifully decorated to welcome the large crowd that turned out for the event. Randy Grace, a borough council member, was eager for the Maroon Hornet, one of Oxford’s newest businesses, to be open for its first Country Christmas. Customers of all ages were perusing the selection of Captain America, Star Wars, Walking Dead, and Batman comic books.
CCP - Christmas & New Year's Guide • December 7, 2016 - 7
Oxford residents Brad and Ryan Berman do a little shopping at the Christmas Shop.
Buddy the Elf congratulated Wholly Grounds for having the best coffee in the world.
Santa Claus took pictures with children throughout the evening at Oxford Odds & Ends.
“This is my favorite First Friday of the year,” Grace said, explaining that he likes to see families coming together for the Christmas celebration in a small town. “It brings it back to what Christmas is all about.” Many different businesses and individuals contributed to the Country Christmas. Henry thanked the Oxford Community
Enhancements organization for donating the Christmas lights for the lamp posts. The donation was made in memory of Oxford Community Enhancements founder Buddy McCoury. Henry also thanked Oatman Tree Service for decorating the town Christmas tree. Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. (OMI) once again took the lead in planning the Country Christmas celebration. A few
of the sponsors for Oxford Country Christmas included the chiropractic services of Dr. Douglas Fasick and Dr. Andrew Rickard, Flickerwood Wine Cellars, Ira Binder, Attorney at Law, Herr Foods, Oxford Area Senior Center, Oxford Feed & Lumber, and Servpro.
T L
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
Photos (6) by Steven Hoffman
Organizations in the community like the Oxford Little League set up tables at the Country Christmas. Little League president Scott Towey was spreading the word that online registration for the 2017 spring season is now underway, with information about upcoming walkin registration available on the Oxford Little League’s Facebook page.
MOVING SERVICES, LLC
C
610-268-3243 A Personalized and Friendly Service Specializing in House and Retirement Home Moves
Coordinating and Managing Moves Since 1984! If you’re planning a local or long distance move, across town or across the country, then do what smart senior citizens and other residents have done for years and call TLC Moving Services, LLC at 610-268-3243. These professionals will pack your items with the utmost care, arrange to have them moved by a reliable moving company, then unpack them and place them in your new home where you desire. If you are downsizing, they can help you arrange a sale of your goods or assist you in donating to the charity of your choice. Once out of your old home, they can clean-up and make repairs so the house is ready for the new owners, or to be put on the market. If moving is in your plans, then your first move is to call TLC Moving Services, LLC. Put these professionals to work for you and call Caen Stroud at 610-268-3243.
CaenStroud@msn.com
www.tlcmovingservicesllc.com
8 - CCP - Christmas & New Year's Guide • December 7, 2016
Santa and Mrs. Claus By John Chambless Staff Writer A fire emergency forced Santa and Mrs. Claus to hurry up and get out of the fire truck they were using to ride through West Grove on the evening of Dec. 1, but the crowd of children and parents who eagerly greeted their arrival couldn’t have been happier. Just before Santa’s arrival at 6:30 p.m., the fire siren sounded in West Grove, causing a last-minute change of plans, but Santa and Mrs. Claus warmly greeted their young admirers in front of the West Grove Library and took several children by the hand for a short walk to The Garage Community and Youth Center, where a cozy room was set up for them.
Settling into two comfortable chairs, Santa and his wife warmly greeted a long line of children that stretched out the back door of the youth center. While they were waiting, families could enjoy cookies and popcorn. Youth from the center were on hand to see Santa’s arrival as well, and even West Grove Police officers couldn’t resist getting a quick photo with the celebrity visitors. While the annual Christmas tree lighting was skipped due to Santa’s quick arrival, the evening was a big success, judging from the beaming smiles of Santa’s youngest fans. To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty.com.
Photos (7) by John Chambless
Santa and Mrs. Claus walked with families to the Garage Community and Youth Center in West Grove.
Santa steps out of the West Grove Fire Company truck on Dec. 1.
A girl gives her carefully prepared wish list to Santa.
CCP - Christmas & New Year's Guide • December 7, 2016 - 9
arrive in West Grove
A father takes pictures at the Dec. 1 event.
West Grove Police Chief Michael King, along with officers Justin Fonock and Joseph Cooper, got into the holiday spirit as well.
Treats were served to a long line of families waiting to see Santa on Dec. 1.
Families were eager to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
10 - CCP - Christmas & New Year's Guide • December 7, 2016
Kennett Square Holiday
This youngster enjoyed her time in the parade.
The Kennett Holiday Light Parade featured a contingent of moms, dads and Philip DiFebo and his family enjoyed This young man warmly greeted float Colorful floats stretched from one end of State kids in strollers, both in the parade and the annual lighting of the holiday tree. after float as they passed by him. Street to the other. watching from the sidewalk.
CCP - Christmas & New Year's Guide • December 7, 2016 - 11
Light Parade 2016
Photos (15) by Richard L. Gaw Brooklyn resident Kate Tarker enjoys the parade with Members of the Kennett High School Mini-Thon said her brothers Joseph and Matt Patterson. The siblings “Happy Holidays” to hundreds of people who attended Guess who arrived at the parade in an antique car? were just three of several hundred parade-goers who the 2016 Kennett Square Holiday Light Parade. braved a persistent rain to enjoy the Nov. 25 event.
What’s a holiday parade without colorful Quinton Schroeder provided his daughmerchandise? ter Ella with a great view of the parade.
There may be no better place for a selfie than beside a brightly-lit tree, decorated for the holidays.
Colorful floats stretched from one end of State Street to the other.
The holiday parade included a variety of live performances.
Local Boy Scout Troop 191 marched down State Street.
12 - CCP - Christmas & New Year's Guide • December 7, 2016
Donating to the Needy
T
he holidays are the perfect time to buy for those in need. There is nothing more uplifting than to meet someone’s need through a special gift that makes them smile. Getting involved with local charities or soup kitchens during the holiday season is a great idea — one that hopefully sticks with you throughout the year. Because even though the holidays bring out the givers in all of us, people who are in need actually need help year-round. High-Priority Gifts There are many ways to buy gifts for those in need, but you may be wondering where to even start. The first thing to do in this situation is to check with your local giving organizations to find out if there are specific needs this holiday season. Their professionals will be able to point you toward high-priority items, such as personal care products (hair and skin products, toothpaste, razors) or gifts for kids (school clothes, shoes or coats). Many organizations are dedicated to these types of causes, so start there for ideas on how you can help this holiday season.
Practical Gifts Preparing and delivering a holiday food basket can be a great way to help those in a homeless shelter this year. Again, coordinate with management to find out their requirements and the best way to deliver these types of items. They may have policies in place that limit what types of items you can gift to their residents. Pick up a card off a holiday Angel Tree and teach your children about giving to the less fortunate. Although these gifts are anonymous and their impact to the receiver unknown, it’s a special way to change someone’s Christmas. Gifts of Encouragement “In need” doesn’t necessarily have to mean poor or homelessness. There may be people in your life struggling with grief during the holidays. A gift of encouragement may be what they need more than anything. Purchase an inspiring book or offer to simply take them out to dinner. A special tree ornament, jewelry or perfume also make for great pick-me-up gifts. Don’t underestimate the power of your words of encouragement. Gifting a card with some personal words of wisdom or prayers would be priceless for those seeking support from others.
CCP - Christmas & New Year's Guide • December 7, 2016 - 13
14 - CCP - Christmas & New Year's Guide • December 7, 2016
Kennett Square throws the region's biggest New Year's Eve party K
ennett Square loves its mushrooms, and on New Year’s Eve, everyone loves the gigantic lighted mushroom that ushers in the new year. On Dec. 31, the town will be packed with visitors for “Midnight in the Square,” the countdown to 2017. Admission is a donation of nonperishable food for Kennett Area Community Service (www.kacsonline. net). There will be food trucks from Kaboburritos, M&M BBQ, Nomadic Pies and State Street Pizza, and the Garage Community Youth Center
will be offering food, beer and wine beginning at 9 p.m. ($10 cover charge). Dancers from Longwood Performing Arts will be performing, and the lighted mushroom will be raised between 7 and 8 p.m. Also performing will be Rose Project, Veronika Petra and others. Capping the entertainment will be the band The Funsters, who will perform from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The lighted mushroom will be lowered at the stroke of midnight, ushering in the new year. A laser show begins at 6 p.m., and will be repeated every halfhour all night. Some Kennett Square
restaurants and several shops will be open for “Midnight in the Square” as well. Parking will be available at Kennett High School and Exelon Way, off of East Baltimore Pike, with free shuttle buses running from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Visitors should know that open alcohol containers are not permitted in public or in vechicles. “Midnight in the Square” is a joint venture of the Kennett Area Restaurant and Merchants Association and The Mushroom Festival. For more information and updates, visit www. midnightinthesquare.com.
A huge, lighted mushroom will be lowered in the middle of Kennett Square on Dec. 31 to usher in the new year.
Christmas & New Years‘ Guide PUBLISHED BY AD PRO., INC. Randall S. Lieberman-Publisher DISPLAY ADVERTISING 610.869.5553 ext. 22 Steven Hoffman......................................Managing Editor John Chambless..............................................Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw................................................Staff Writer Brenda Butt...............................................Office Manager Tricia Hoadley.................................................Art Director
Alan E. Turns....................................Advertising Director Christy Larry....................Assistant Advertising Director Teri Turns......................................Advertising Executive Helen E. Warren............................Advertising Executive Arlene McGoldrick.......................................Copy Editor
Chester County Press • P.O. Box 150 • Kelton, PA 19346
CCP - Christmas & New Year's Guide • December 7, 2016 - 15
16 - CCP - Christmas & New Year's Guide • December 7, 2016
Flexsteel | King Hickory | Sam Moore | Temple | Zimmerman | Keystone | and many more!
HURRY IN Sale Ends December 24!
33rd Annual
Christmas SALE
GOING ON NOW!
SAVE UP TO 70% STOREWIDE We are slashing an EXTRA 10% OFF* sale prices SPECIAL ORDERS AVAILABLE AT SIMILAR SAVINGS* (5% on all Special orders!)
SOFAS | CHAIRS | DINING ROOMS | BEDROOMS | TV STANDS | RECLINERS
610-869-3351 | filachecksfurniture.com
Filacheck’s Furniture
343 E Baltimore Pike, West Grove, PA Tues, Wed & Sat 10a-5p | Thurs & Fri 10a-8p | Sun & Mon Closed *Does not include red tag clearance merchandise. Prior sales excluded. Major credit cards Accepted.
CCP - Christmas & New Year's Guide • December 7, 2016 - 17
Couples S
ome gift-givers prefer buying for couples. Doing so allows for a bit of a higher budget per gift. It also can be easier to find a collective gift rather than finding presents for individuals. Whether it is a young married couple or your adult children and their spouses, a couples gift is a great idea that shows how much you care. Shared Interests Take note of any shared interests of the couple, because that way, the gift can be geared toward that common ground. This will increase the odds that both of them will be happy with the gift, and that is the overall goal, right? They both might enjoy the same type of music or movies, so the latest CD or movie release would fit the bill. Some couples have a mutual passion for traveling. A gift idea for them might be a new set of luggage
&
or plane tickets to an adventuresome destination. If they both like the outdoors, give them equipment to go camping or hiking. Many couples like to do puzzles or crafts together. There are many budget-friendly gift ideas that would be right up their alley. Household Items Couples often need household items, and these traditional gifts allow you to knock out two birds with one stone. Some newly married or young couples may need things such as a set of dishes, pots or towels. Bigger items such as a flat-screen TV or a piece of furniture would make for exceptional gifts. If they don’t really need anything or they are more established, a colorful scented candle or a personalized picture frame can be a fun gift. How about a gift card to your local home improvement
store? Every couple has a few home projects in mind. Other Options Some couples might be humored by a matching set of sweatshirts or hoodies. Novelty gifts fly off the shelves this time of year and can make memorable
from
presents that you will talk about for years to come. For food and drink options, consider buying a good bottle of wine with a set of beautiful wine glasses. Local wineries are the place to shop for these. Foodies will appreciate a gift card to the best local dining establishment.
18 - CCP - Christmas & New Year's Guide • December 7, 2016
CCP - Christmas & New Year's Guide • December 7, 2016 - 19
Somethings Unique Furniture & Accessories for your home
Semi-Annual Accessories Sale - Going on Now! 20% OFF!
3834 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE • 302.426.1950 • www.SomethingsUnique.com Monday through Friday 9:30am - 6pm • Saturday 10am - 5pm • Sunday 12 - 4pm
We Work with Designers • Tax-Free Shopping • Design Services Available *Sale ends December 31, 2016.
20 - CCP - Christmas & New Year's Guide • December 7, 2016
All Wood Made in America • One Week Turnaround
CABINET FACTORY HOME OF ALL WOOD CABINETRY
2 LOCATIONS IN TAX FREE DELAWARE
$500 OFF
OR
$7,500 CABINET PURCHASE
Mad
e
in Don’ t be f USA o Chin ese im oled by itatio ns
$1,000 OFF $10,000 CABINET PURCHASE
*Not to be combined with any other offers. Restrictions apply. Visit store for details.
SHOWROOM • 302-543-5550
OUTLET • 302-792-5070
3460 Naamans Rd, Wilmington, DE 19810 • Rt. 202 and Rt. 92 Naamans Rd
100 Naamans Rd, Unit 3A, Claymont, DE 19703 • 1st Exit off I-95
HOURS: Mon - Fri 10-5, Sat 10-2
HOURS: Mon - Fri 9:30-5, Sat 9:30-12
www.cabinetfactorydelaware.com
www.cabinetfactorydelaware.com
Family Owned and Operated Since 1980 • Free Computer Design • In-House Installers, No Subcontractors