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COLORS SPRING FASHION IDEAS 2016 FRESHEN UP YOUR HOME INSIDE & OUT Volume 6, Issue 2 $4.99 US

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Your Home. Your Community. Your Life.

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features

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10 Growing Herbs Indoors & Outdoors 40 Spring Fashion Ideas 2016 60 Detroit Rises and So Does America

64 what’s cooking

health & wellness

26 Fork 4-11 The Di Bruno Brothers 28 Healthy Meals You Can Eat On the Go!

home & style

33 50 53 55

23 What is New in Luxury Home Marketing 25 Toast to the Outdoors

profiles

fashion

16 Let’s Get Stoned 20 Alegacy Furniture

42 QVC ‘s Spring Lineup of Must Haves for the Season

travel 36 Plan Now & Save for Your Summer Vacation

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Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 2

Nutrition The Five Health Benefits of Tea Experience St. Luke’s Care Your Way Senior Perspective Your Family’s Health

pets 63 Help Your Chubby Dog Lose Weight

Local Living Digital Magazine When you subscribe to our digital edition you will have access to additional content exclusive to our online version only.

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WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

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PUBLISHER Karen A. Kovacs ART DIRECTOR

• Send us an email at info@bluewatermedia@ gmail.com.

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Online, Facebook & Twitter Visit our website for features, contests and digital versions of each issue: www.locallivingmag.com.

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Letters to the Publisher It’s “Your Home. Your Community. Your Life.”

We want to hear about it. Email the Publisher at klavery.bluewatermedia@gmail.com Local Living Magazine Attn: Karen Lavery 4 Gulph Mill • Somers Point, NJ 08224

Reprints & Back Issues High-quality reprints of articles are available, as well as entire previous issues. Make your request by calling (609) 938-1516 Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm EST. Local Living Magazine makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without permission from Local Living Magazine.

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DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Amy McDermott CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jason A. Bleecher, Mike Hirata Photography CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Deb Borgotti, Terese Brittingham, Kerry Branch, Diane Burns, Kimberly Cambra, Drew Giorgi, Jack Kerr, Jennifer O’Malley, Josie Rutherford, Beth Simpson

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Celebrating 40 Years Every Great Neighborhood Deserves a Great Neighborhood Eatery & Pub

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ACCOUNTING MANAGER Melinda Kovacs COURIER SERVICE Harrisburg News Company BLUE WATER MEDIA LLC 4 Gulph Mill Somers Point, NJ 08224 (609) 938-1516 www.locallivingmag.com

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Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 2

info.bluewatermedia@gmail.com

publisher’s page think I see a glimmer of spring! Each day, little hints of the season come our way. As I was out with the dog early this morning, a few green sprouts were popping out of the no-longer-frozen ground.

Snowy days have turned to rainy ones, which means the growing season may finally be drawing near.

I

As the winters seem to get colder, the onset of spring is even more welcomed and appreciated. I have become a hermit during this winter season, and I’m ready for a change. Too often over the last few months evening plans were canceled because I simply didn’t want to go outside. I am confident in saying that I was not the only person who changed my routine this year due to the weather.

I have missed the social aspect of eating out with friends. I missed catching up with the owners of small, independently owned stores as I opted for closer-to-home one-stop shopping at a large supermarket, but I promise you those owners missed my business even more.

Thankfully, all of this will soon be restored as the weather changes. Spring is a season of renewal— warmer days bring fresh starts and positive change, so let’s take advantage. Bottom line is that with the arrival of spring, we need to get back into our non-winter routines, and do so quickly.

Farm stands are opening for the season, so let’s start shopping there earlier than we might have in the past. Let’s choose to support local businesses by eating out a little more than usual or going out of our way to specialty food shops. Perhaps stop by a favorite local bakery that’s seen slower business this winter.

One of the best ways to support the existence and growth of local businesses is with our dollars. So think about the people and places you missed over the winter and bring them back into your lives sooner rather than later. Their livelihood depends on it!

Happy Spring!

Karen A. Kovacs, Publisher

Volume 6 | Issue 2 Local Living

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Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 2

HOME & GARDEN

Growing Herbs Indoors or Outdoors

By Beth Simpson

T

he practice of planting herbs has been undertaken on every continent for hundreds of years.

Herbs are prized for their scents, medicinal properties, and seasoning qualities in gardening, aromatherapy, arts and crafts, home remedies, and cooking.

Planting a small sized kitchen herb garden supplies a wide range of flavorful, therapeutic, and fragrant herbs.

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Visiting herb gardens is the best way to decide on which plants to select and where to place your garden.

There are bed designs for growing herbs such as a cook’s garden of basic culinary herbs, a formally arranged medicinal uses border, or a collection of colorful herbs in cottage garden style.

Indoor Herb Gardening Many herbs can be successfully grown indoors in a container herb garden.

• Choose a sunny windowsill to arrange your containers.

• If needed, use a grow light to provide full-spectrum light.

Watering Herbs Growing Indoors • As with most indoor plants, over-watering can be a bigger problem than under-watering.

• Be sure that your containers have adequate drainage.

If Your Pots Dry Out Completely • Don’t let the pots sit in water with one exception: if the soil in your containers dry out completely, place the container in a small dish of water, and set a timer for 10 minutes.

• This will allow the dry soil to re-absorb water.

Fertilizing and Harvesting Container Herb Gardens • Feed liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Harvest herbs by pinching off the tips of the plants.

• This encourages bushy plant growth.

Outdoor Herb Garden Plans The space requirements and growth habits of your plants must come first when deciding on which herbs to grow.

For instance, in a small bed there will not be adequate space to cultivate a woodland herb such as loveage or angelica.

These majestic herb plants would dominate the other plants and appear hopelessly out of scale.

Geometric patterns can be created when growing herbs by using evergreen perennials with similar heights and growth rates.

Keep in mind when selecting the plants for your herb garden that some herbs are very picky about the soil where they are grown.

On the other hand, there are herbs that can adapt practically to any conditions.

For example, rosemary thrives basically anywhere except in cold winters.

It is a good idea to begin fitting in the plants with a few herbs to start that you know you will use and add others later. Ask neighbors for advice on which plants thrive in your particular location.

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Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 2

Planting Your Vegetable Garden Preparing the Soil

Putting some extra effort into preparing your beds before planting will save you a lot of time and effort in the future. Dig the bed up to break up compacted soil (this will help with drainage) and removing rocks and weeds as you go. Try to pull out as much of the weed roots as possible so that they will not come back to haunt you later. This is also a good time to amend your soil.

Companion Plants in the Vegetable Garden

There are some plants that, when planted close together, will benefit each other. Likewise, there are certain combinations of plants that will inhibit the growth of one or both types of plants. Here are a few combinations to avoid: • Potatoes – inhibit growth of tomatoes and squash • Beans – inhibit growth of onions • Broccoli – inhibits growth of tomatoes • Carrots – inhibit growth of dill This isn’t to say that you can’t grow these plants together in the same garden, just don’t grow them right next to each other.

Watering

Vegetables need a bit of extra care when it comes to watering. Consistent watering will produce successful results. If you have a large garden, you may want to consider a soaker hose. This will ensure that your plants get an even watering without getting the leaves wet and all you have to do is remember to turn on the house.

Rotating Crops

Assuming that you plan to grow vegetables more than one year, it is important that you rotate your crops. Crop rotation prevents building diseases up in the soil and preserves micro-nutrients. Rotating is not very difficult, but does take a little advance planning as well as a basic knowledge of the vegetable families.

Vegetables are broken down into basic family groups.

These groups should be rotated together as they use soil in similar ways and share similar pests.

• Alliums Include Onions, Garlic, Scallions, Shallots, and Leeks.

• Brassicas Include Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Brussels

Sprouts, and Kale.

• Crucifers Include Turnips, Radishes, Rutabaga, and Collards.

• Cucurbits Include Cucumbers, Squashes (from zucchini to pumpkin), and Melons.

• Legumes Include Peas and Beans.

• Mescluns Include Arugula, Swiss Chard, Chicory, Endive, Escarole, and Radiccio.

• Solanaceae Include Tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplant.

Perennial vegetables such as Asparagus, Rhubarb and Artichokes should not be rotated and therefore should be planted separately. The rest (most vegetables are hardy or semi-hardy annuals) should be rotated every year on a four year plan (so that the same family of vegetables is not planted in the same location within four years). This is easy to accommodate if you have planted four beds for your rotating plants and one bed for your non-rotating perennials. See where that advanced planning starts to come in handy?

Timing

How many times have you had a co-worker or friend arrive at your home or office with bags full of zucchini or cucumbers? If you plant all your vegetables at the same time, everything will come to maturity at the same time. The solution is to continually plant small amounts of short-season vegetables throughout the growing season. That way, you can enjoy your vegetables all summer long and not be inundated by them all at once.

Vegetable Container Gardens

Vegetables that thrive when planted in containers include: tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, carrots, chard, lettuce, beans, peas, and cucumbers.

Ornamental Vegetables

Who says that vegetable gardens are homely? There are many vegetables that, in addition to tasting good, are also very attractive. These include: sweet peas, French (green) beans, runner beans, endive, kale, red cabbage, and ruby chard.

Vegetable gardening can be great fun and it is truly rewarding to enjoy delicious food from your own garden. With these basics tips, you are well on your way.

Enjoy!

Source: www.helpfulgardener.com/vegetable/2003/vegetable.html

Volume 6 | Issue 2 Local Living

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Top Three Planning Tips for Successful Outdoor Parties

E

ntertaining outdoors can seem like a tall order, especially if you’re trying to create an elegant yet ecologically-minded experience for your guests.

But it doesn’t have to be! Innovative products, many made from plastics, help make outdoor entertaining easier than ever. Below are three top tips for making sure your outdoor party is a memorable one!

The Right Grilling Tools

For a more formal outdoor soiree, look for plastic pitchers, plates, flatware, serving pieces and even stemware with elegant designs.

Plastic drink dispensers with the look of crystal are a sophisticated way to serve refreshments at outdoor parties.

Since guests can serve themselves (without fear of breaking a glass dispenser), there’s no need for a hosted bar, which allows you to enjoy more time with your guests.

Outdoor grilling essentials include silicone plastic basting brushes for applying marinades and sauces, heat-resistant silicone grilling mitts to protect hands and arms from heat and flames, and shatter-resistant plastic containers with lids for sauces, marinades and dips. Lightweight plastic trays and platters come in all sorts of creative designs and make it easier transport food to and from the grill. And if you accidentally drop a plastic tray, you won’t have to deal with glass or ceramic shards and splinters.

Sustainable Party Planning

Sophisticated Serving Pieces & Table Settings

Happy entertaining!

Source: www.plasticsmakeitpossible.com

Planning a perfect outdoor party means making things as beautiful and easy as possible. Sophisticated plastic serving pieces and table settings are perfect for any type of outdoor party since they are lightweight and shatter-resistant.

Recycling is an essential part of entertaining – both indoors and outdoors. Make sure to place a labeled recycling bin next to the trash bin to remind guests to recycle at your next outdoor party. Depending on your local recycling programs, plastic bottles, bags, wraps, containers, cups, plates and cutlery can be recycled to live a second life as decking, t-shirts, handy wine carriers, cutting boards, carpeting and even outdoor furniture.

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profile

Alegacy Furniture

A

legacy Furniture is the result of a love for beautiful, handmade, hardwood furniture, and a desire to promote and support American entrepreneurship.

Specializing in made-to-order, handcrafted furniture, that offers you the ability to purchase furniture using standard options or to custom design your furniture to your specific needs. Their furniture is hand made in your choice of American hardwood and finished with the stain or paint color you choose. This flexibility allows you to satisfy your tastes in style, color, and function. You can select from a large collection of styles and designs, or create your own

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look using their options or your own ideas! You can custom design, which they offer free of charge, allowing you to enjoy the experience of designing your own masterpiece! Bring a picture, sketch, or just your ideas and they will design your furniture!

1486 Pottstown Pike, Pottstown, Pa 19465 (GPS address) 1486 S. Hanover St., Pottstown, Pa 19465 www.Alegacyfurniture.com Phone (610) 970-4340

“Thank you again for treating my new furniture as if it is special to you. I know that you are familiar with hearing all of the positive comments about the workmanship but I just love the quality and style. You were instrumental in our decision to take a chance with making design changes to what already existed. I am also looking forward to receiving the new bench and another visit from the amazing “Alegacy” crew.”

— G & L, Douglassville, PA

“My granddaughter confirmed that she did indeed receive the chair a short while after Thanksgiving.

She had been busy with the holiday as well as her infant daughter and had neglected to let me know.

By my reckoning you guys delivered the chair almost a whole month earlier than the original suggested arrival time and I think that is terrific service. Thank you so much for all your efforts.”

— J.E., Conway, South Carolina

“Thanks! I was just at your store on Thursday and ordered four counter stools! You definitely have the high quality furniture that we were looking for.”

— Chris H., Douglassville, PA

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Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 2

Landscaping: Where to Start?

On Paper.

I

f you’ve decided to work on your own landscape plan, take precise measurements of the areas of your yard, and draw a sketch of your property. Highlight in red areas with underground cables (with the help of your local utility companies). Note which areas are sunny and which are shady. Pay special attention to problem areas: areas with poor drainage, erosion problems, etc. As you set this information down on paper, a clearer picture of what needs to be done emerges.

Based on your sketch (particularly the location of sunny or shady areas), research which plants will grow best in the various areas of your property.

The next step -- again, to be carried out on paper -- will be to include plants and hardscape features (patios, walkways, etc.) in your sketch.

Why bother landscaping a piece of real estate you’ve just bought?

Those who have just become homeowners for the first time might want a good reason why they should bother landscaping at all. The fact that landscaping can raise real estate values may be a good enough reason for many.

If enhanced enjoyment of your property through landscaping is insufficient incentive, consider this: landscaping enhancements can raise your real estate’s value by at least fifteen percent, according to many.

Should you hire a professional to work on your landscaping and, if so, how do you go about hiring a professional, such as a landscape designer?

Besides tree limbing, there are many other specialty tasks for which you may want to hire professionals. For instance, you may wish to hire an arborist to have a prize tree pruned properly. “Limbing” and “pruning” are entirely different operations. You may even want to have a landscape architect or landscape designer to re-do your entire landscape.

Some projects demand such highly specialized skills that you have little choice but to hire professionals, like installing a driveway for instance. Nonetheless, you can still make an informed decision before hiring someone by doing your homework.

The decision of do-it-yourself versus hiring landscape architects and other professionals largely depends on your budget and personal tastes. Even many people who can afford to hire a landscape architect prefer to do the work themselves, because they find it relaxing, challenging and satisfying.

Source: www.landscaping.about.com/cs lazylandscaping/f/hire_architect.htm

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profile

Let’s Get Stone’d

O

pened in 2001 with an employee number of just three. Today LGS employs over two dozen team members consisting of designers, fabricators, and installers. The members of our team which were with us from day one are still with us today. We treat everyone as they are family here.

For this reason, our employees value their quality of work. We strive to provide the very best craftsmanship and customer service. It is important to us to educate our

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consumer on the options available to them. Our hard work has lead us to be voted one of the Best of Buck since 2008. Along with the many awards we have received, our reputation in the community is the “go to” shop for all of your stone needs. We thank you for giving us the opportunity to be a part of your unique projects and look forward to serving you and your family in the future.

What People Are Saying Let’s Get Stone’d was recommended to me by a friend years ago and I’ve used them for two houses now. You can tell the difference when you have a good contractor…I’ve referred them to others too.

—Roman Sharf, Richboro, Pa

We knew we wanted granite, because it’s natural and it has a beautiful depth. We went to Home Depot and Lowe’s then Let’s Get Stone’d and they were less expensive, and more helpful.

— John Hierholzer, Chalfont, PA

We went to Adam with a sketch concept and went back and forth over the backsplash.

He took the time to answer all of our questions.

— Nicole and Kevin O’Brien, Doylestown, PA

414 Easton Road Warrington, PA 18976 Visit us at www.lgsgranite.com

Volume 6 | Issue 2 Local Living

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Imagine the...

possibilities.

Wallace Landscape Associates Inc

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

DESIGN-BUILD

610-444-6161

WALLACELANDSCAPE.COM

ask the expert - real estate

What is New in Luxury Home Marketing Terese Brittingham

N

ew technology is helping luxury Buyers and Sellers who are looking for improved ways to buy and sell their Luxury Real Estate. In 2015, Keller Williams Realty Group / International Luxury Homes Division began embracing that technology.

How do you make your luxury listings more attractive to prospects who might want to sell or buy without stepping foot in the property? It has a lot to do with new technology that enables Buyers to get to know the Realtor and view their properties intimately without a walk-through or faceto-face visit. These virtual walk-throughs save time for the Buyer and give an opportunity to focus on the best features of the home.

In 2016, Terese and Keller Williams Realty Group started KW Live TV. The concept is that within minutes of signing a listing contract Terese is able to broadcast a live commercial from that new listing and post it immediately through social media. This is cutting edge technology and expands our marketing to reach Buyers faster, ultimately lowering the days on market. It’s a win-win for Buyers and Sellers. Hiring a professional photographer is another important marketing tool that provides high quality pictures that shows more details of the luxury homes. Professional videos, pictures, and great descriptions are what luxury Buyers and Sellers require.

Keller Williams Realty International Luxury Homes allows its Luxury Realtors to exclusively market in Domain

Magazine an International quarterly publication distributed Worldwide by Keller Williams Realty International Luxury Homes. Terese distributes this to hundreds and shares the virtual magazine link to thousands of people in her database. Social media, blogging, and online networking presents’ an opportunity to create a trustworthy personality over the internet. Building rapport is so important when you only have minutes to impact a relationship with a luxury Buyer or Seller before the face-to-face appointment actually occurs. International Exposure is key.

Traditional marketing methods are still critical in promoting luxury real estate. Promotional materials have to be professional, high quality, and justify the value the Seller is asking for their Home. Buyers and Sellers still want a sign worthy of a luxury home. Keller Williams Realty International Luxury Homes has a beautiful sign worthy of any high end home.

Terese Brittingham Broker/Owner Keller Williams Realty License #RM419528 www.kwseven.com

Volume 6 | Issue 2 Local Living

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PAOLI DESIGN CENTER

UNIQUE, EXTRAORDINARY, EFFORTLESS HOME DESIGN Custom Kitchen Cabinetry Pools and Fountains Custom Garages Custom Closet Systems Furniture & Accessories Slate & Copper Roofing Unique Bath & Shower Fixtures Landscape Design Outdoor Environments Custom Draperies, Blinds & Shutters Wallcoverings Hardscapes Electronics Hand Carved Stone Statuary Fireplaces Wine Storage Carpeting & Area Rugs Original Artwork ...and much more!

1604 East Lancaster Avenue, Paoli, Pennsylvania 19301 - www.paolidesigncenter.com - 610.644.4100

2011 Black Box Chardonnay, Monterey, CA Light golden yellow. Aromas of fresh lemon, Braeburn apple, melon and vanilla. Mediumbodied with flavors of pineapple, apple and mandarin with creamy notes on the finish.

Price: $22 (3L Box) 2011 Bandit Pinot Grigio, California Pale yellow. Lemon, green apple, white peach and floral hints on the nose. Light-bodied with pear, peach, and lemon meringue on the palate with a crisp finish.

Price: $6 (500ml Tetra Pak) NV Lunetta Prosecco, Trentino, Italy Pale straw color with delicate streams of bubbles. Fuji apple, pear blossom and nectarine aromas. Sweet apple, lemon, kiwi and juicy nectarine flavors. Light-bodied with a lively mousse texture and a clean finish.

Price: $11 (3-pack of 187ml bottles) 2009 Black Box Merlot, California Moderate garnet red. Blackberry, plum, cinnamon and mint aromas. Medium-bodied with plum, black cherry, vanilla and cola on the palate. Smooth and velvety texture. Moderate berry tinged finish.

Price: $6 (500ml Tetra Pak)

A Toast to the Outdoors!

By Michele Kawamoto Perry

S

pring has arrived. The sun is shining. Skies are blue. Time to come out of winter hibernation ~ the great outdoors beckon!

This is the perfect season for picnics, camping, hiking and fishing.

Outdoor adventures require light packing. Wine bottles can often be cumbersome and heavy. But don’t fret! You don’t need to leave the wine behind. Nowadays, you can find some good value wines in more portable friendly formats, such as boxes, Tetra Paks and pre-packed single serving bottles. So go ahead, have your cake and eat it too: Enjoy nature while indulging in a glass of wine!

2011 Bota Box Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina Dark ruby red. Intense aromas of dark cherry, anise, vanilla, violet and mocha. Full-bodied with flavors of black cherry, blueberry, tea and tobacco. Moderate tannins with an earthy and dark cocoa finish.

Price: $19 (3L Box) 2009 Black Box Cabernet, California Moderate garnet red. Black currant, cherry, cedar and cardamom on the nose. Full-bodied with blackberry, plum, vanilla and smoky oak on the palate. Moderate tannins with a long berry filled finish.

Price: $6 (500ml Tetra Pak) Michele Kawamoto Perry is a wine industry veteran, sommelier, and international wine educator.

Michele is a Certified Sommelier and instructor through the International Sommelier Guild, and co-owner of Rouge-Bleu winery in southern Rhone, France. She received her MBA from Bordeaux Business School with a focus on the wine industry, and her BA from Harvard University.

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The

Fork-1-1

by Kimberly Ca mbra

DiBru no Brothers...

Says “Cheese” & Free Smiles The DiBruno Brothers Joe and Danny embedded the “brother” in the City of Brotherly Love along 9th Street in the Italian Market neighborhood in1939.

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T

his first generation of culinary pioneers set sail in pursuit of the American Dream and landed in Philadelphia at 930, home to the original store, backdrop for a scene from the “Rocky” movie and gastronomic destination for all. For a little over seventy years, this family has brought tradition, quality and passion to its loyal customer base. However, steeped in proprietary tradition is one common thread in this family’s fabric and it is service. According to the company’s president, Billy Mignucci Jr., when he was asked, “What makes you get up in the morning?” he replied, “Responsibility to continue the legacy, serve my customers and be a better gourmet retailer - everyday.” It’s evident the company’s commitment to service and their customers is everything. It is no wonder that those of us who have stood in a line out the door to get in are happy to wait.

Billy Jr. and his cousin Emilio Mignucci have significantly expanded the DiBruno Brothers services and locations. Not one store mimics the other and each store has its own clientele given the distinctive locations of the stores. The newest of locations is the Ardmore Farmer’s Market where the customers demand the finest; DiBruno’s delivers by providing handcrafted boutique cheese to the rich and not-so-famous.

This airy and open location is ideal for anyone in search of a concise and notable selection of charcuterie, pates and cheeses. Another newer location is amidst the collection of high-end retailers and epicurean eateries at The Market & Shop of the Comcast Center. Busy professionals and students can discover impressive gourmet goodies to go, and there’s après work treats for chillaxing with a good glass of wine when you get home at night. Or, you can start off you day with an eye-opener from the breakfast bar. Both locations are elegant and sleek in design, a big departure from the teal and pink neon that were favored yesteryear by the Mignucci’s grandparents.

What distinctively separates these foodie forgers generationally is that Danny and Joe were very content in their 9th Street store. It afforded them a sense of community, pride and achievement, all fueled by a bionic work ethic and loyal customers, which is exactly what they set out to do. This proved to be quite the contrary for Billy Jr. and Emilio who took the company to the next level and in the process added another aspect of growth to the family recipe. The first new frontier for the cousins was Pronto in 1998, a natural homegrown extension a couple doors down from 930. Here was their entrée to entrees with prepared meals, soups and salads to enjoy onsite or to take home.

“Well… We’re Movin’ on UP, Movin’ on UP”

The next storefront for the cousins’ culinary destinations is off of Rittenhouse Square at 1730 Chestnut Street, their

“We didn’t have much money, but a smile doesn’t cost you anything!”

- Danny DiBruno flagship location, as pretty on the inside as she is on the outside. This 3-story beauty was no small undertaking with a $4 million price tag. For the first time Philadelphia finally has 10,000 square feet dedicated to an epicurean café, coffee bar and a unique Cheese Cave. Cheese Cave? That’s right, a state-of-the-art storage and showcase for a world class inventory of cheese. Like Pronto, there is an outstanding menu of prepared foods along with a meat and seafood section. One-stop shopping if you don’t care to cook or you care about what you are cooking.

From a business perspective how do the Mignucci cousins plan to chart their next course of cheese laden adventure? As this magazine was going to press, Local Living learned they have unearthed a tried and true space that was the original kitchen to one of the culinary forefathers of the Philadelphia restaurant scene, none other than Steve Pose of the Frog Commissary. The plan will be to restore the kitchen as their primary production kitchen for all locations and growing catering business. So, the next time you’re looking for a genuine epicurean eat-venture consider taking a trip to the original “House of Cheese” in the Italian Market to savor a slice of history while nibbling on a slice of Parmigano Reggiano. There will be a style of service that you will continue to crave and it’s no surprise DiBruno Brothers was recently featured on the cover of Gourmet Retailer and maintains their position in the TOP 50 Gourmet Retailers in the country.

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Healthy Meals

You Can Eat On The Go

By Deb Borgotti

W

hen your days are packed with meetings, workouts, appointments, work, and a social life, sometimes the only time to eat is when you’re on the go. Which is why we’re big fans of portable snacks and meals!

So we went on a mission to find as many recipes as possible that we could eat with our hands.

After all, pretty as that mason jar salad may be, we’ve forgotten to also pack a fork a few too many times (oops).

These dishes reimagine favorites into breads, pies, and even muffins, so you can forget about utensils—just bring a napkin (because you still want to look civil when eating with your hands).

Breakfast Empanadas

These crisp little pockets of deliciousness are the perfect brunch item (though I like them for lunch and dinner as well). Filled with savory bacon, soft scrambled eggs and sweet potatoes, they’re an easy crowd-pleaser. In a pinch, make them with storebought pie dough.

Ingredients 2 cups flour plus more for dusting and rolling Pantry 1 tsp salt Pantry 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2inch pieces 4 eggs, beaten, plus 2 eggs, lightly beaten, divided (for dough and egg wash) 1/4 cup ice water 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar 3 slices thick-cut bacon 2 cups spinach leaves 1 small onion, diced 1 small sweet potato, scrubbed and diced 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese salt and pepper to taste Pantry Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly flour a baking sheet and set aside.

2. Combine flour, salt, butter, vinegar and 1 lightlybeaten egg in a food processor or in a bowl, using 2 forks to mash, until the mixture resembles small peas.

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Slowly stream in ice water (you may not need it all), just until dough comes together. Turn dough out onto a floured surface.

3. Use a floured rolling pin to roll dough out into a large circle, about 1/4” thick. Use small bowls or large cups to cut 5 or 6” circles out of the dough. Place on wax or parchment paper until ready to use. You should have 6-8 circles.

4. Heat a large ungreased frying pan over high heat.

Cook bacon for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until quite crisp. Drain on paper towels.

5. Lower the heat to medium-high and cook the sweet potatoes and onions for 4-5 minutes, or until sweet potatoes begin to soften. Add spinach and 4 beaten eggs. Cook until eggs are set, stirring frequently. Crumble cooked bacon over mixture and stir in cheddar cheese. Scrape mixture into a bowl and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

6. Once mixture has cooled, scoop 3-4 tbsp mixture onto each dough circle, and fold over, pinching to seal. Gently press a fork along the seam to create ridges along the edges.

7. Combine the remaining lightly-beaten egg with 2 tbsp water and use a pastry brush to lightly brush the empanadas with the egg wash. Transfer empanadas to the floured baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until empanadas are golden brown and glossy.

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Mini Whole Wheat BBQ Chicken Calzones

Cute little calzones stuffed with chicken dripping in barbecue sauce super caramelized onions and piles of cheddar and provolone. Who wouldn’t love these?

Ingredients makes 6-8 calzones Store bought wheat pizza dough 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 tablespoon olive oil 1 1/2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 cup of your favorite bbq sauce + more for dipping 4 ounces freshly grated cheddar cheese 4 ounces freshly grated provolone cheese fresh cilantro, if desired Directions 1. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add olive oil.

2. Toss in onions with a sprinkle of salt, then cover and let caramelize for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a bowl, combine chicken with garlic powder and smoked paprika.

4. Roll each ball of dough into a small oval, then fill with a few spoonful’s of bbq sauce, shredded chicken, a handful of caramelized onions and a sprinkle of both cheeses. Toss in cilantro if desired. Drizzle a bit of additional sauce on top, then fold the top over to meet the bottom, tightly sealing the edges. Poke a few holes in the top with a knife or fork. Place calzones on a non-stick baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Spinach, Almond & Egg Breakfast Muffins

Cooking breakfast sometimes gets even more difficult because of shortage of time. Yet mommies want to feed healthy, protein packed and filling breakfast that can be prepared easily. Spinach, Almond & Egg Breakfast Muffins are healthy, easy and flavorful breakfast.

Ingredients 1 cups baby spinach (chopped) 1 cups Almond flour* 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper (crushed) 4 eggs 1tbsp flax oil*

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Directions 1. Preheat oven at 350 degree Fahrenheit. Prepare the muffin tray by greasing it with cooking spray.

In a bowl combine all the dry ingredients including spinach.

2. In another bowl whip the eggs and mix oil in it.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well so that the batter is well coated.

4. With an ice cream scoop spoon the batter into the muffin tray and put it in the oven.

5. Bake it for 25-30 minutes or until the fork comes out clean.

Mini Granola Cups with Yogurt & Berries

Ingredients 4 Tbsp. Coconut Oil (or butter if you’d rather) 1/4 Cup Honey 1/4 Cup Unsweetened Apple Sauce 2 tsp Cinnamon 1/4 tsp Salt 1 tsp Vanilla 2 Cups Old Fashioned Oats 1/3 Shredded Coconut 1/4 Cup Ground Flax Seed 1/4 Cup Sliced Almonds 1/4 Cup Dried Blueberries, Cranberries or other dried fruit 1 cup fat free Greek yogurt Fruit of your choice for toppings: I used berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries) and banana slices Directions 1. To a small sauce pan, add the coconut oil, honey, cinnamon, and salt.

Heat until all ingredients are combined. Remove from heat and stir in the apple sauce and vanilla.

2. In a separate bowl mix together the oats, coconut, flax seed, almonds and cranberries.

3. Pour the liquid over the dry ingredients and stir until completely coated.

4. Place the mixture into the fridge for about 30 minutes to cool.

5. When ready to bake, grease up a muffin tin or mini muffin tin and fill each opening about 2/3 full.

Using your fingers press into the center of the hole and then work your way around the edges to form a bowl. If the dough is sticky, wet your fingers with cold water, shake them out, and proceed. Repeat as necessary.

6. Place the bowls into an oven preheated to 325 degrees. For regular sized muffin cups, cook about 20-25 minutes. Store in an air tight container. When ready to eat, fill with the yogurt of your choice. Top with fresh berries. Enjoy!!

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Pearl S. Buck International’s

TASTE OF THE WORLD 2016

12th Annual Gala

Register at pearlsbuck.org/taste

FRIDAY MAY 20

Event Highlights

Taste of the World Chairman’s Reception 6–7 pm Main Event 7–10 pm Enjoy a wonderful evening of music, prizes, food and beverages to benefit children around the world & here at home!

1 Proceeds transform children’s lives & inspire others to continue the humanitarian work of our founder

Samples from more than two dozen restaurants, food shops, vineyards & caterers 1 Silent & Live Auctions featuring Getaways, Golf Outings, Artwork, Cultural Events, Gift Certificates & more 1 Top Taste & Fan Favorite competitions 1 Raffle for one-of-a-kind Sherry Tinsman necklace & earrings set Music by the Cherry Lane Band, & Lou Pompilio 1 Tours of the National Historic Landmark Pearl S. Buck House Signature cocktail by Award-Winning Flair Bartender Henry Hufnagle

Join our Celebrity Judges!

Emcee Don Polec SunBlossom Entertainment

Kimberly Cambra Local Living Magazine

Joseph Brosnan President, Delaware Valley University

Barry Sexton The Opinionated Palate

520 Dublin Road | Perkasie, PA | 215-249-0100 | Tickets at pearlsbuck.org/taste

nutrition

The 5 Health Benefits of Tea

by Josie Rutherford

T

ea is one of the most valued and widely consumed drinks in the world. Besides being a delicious, inexpensive beverage that has no calories, tea has a unique set of natural chemicals that provide various therapeutic benefits. As more research is conducted, tea, specifically black and green, demonstrates significant antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticavity properties.

3. Weight Loss Evidence is still inconclusive in this area, but it’s thought that the catechins found in tea, specifically green tea, create thermogenesis-the production of heat within the body which is related to burning calories. These compounds may inhibit certain chemicals in the brain, thus prolonging thermogenesis. Drinking at least three cups a day is recommended to raise the body’s metabolic rate.

1. Oral Health Along with the natural fluoride found in tea, polyphenols and catechins are associated with killing bacteria that cause tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease-the number one cause for tooth loss. Studies have found that consumption of one or more cups of green tea a day was significantly associated with decreasing the risk of tooth loss. Adding sugar, honey, or other sweeteners to tea however, may negate these benefits.

4. Cancer Numerous research has demonstrated that tea is beneficial in preventing cancer including prostate, pancreatic, breast, colorectal, esophageal, bladder, lung, and stomach. The catechins found in tea prevent cell mutation, deactivate certain carcinogens, and reduce the formation and growth of tumors. Drinking as many as four cups a day may be necessary to reap the anti-cancer benefits.

2. Bone Health Routine tea consumption, especially for more than 10 years, has been associated with decreasing the risk of osteoporotic fractures. It’s thought that tea helps diminish bone loss through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, tea’s health-promoting properties are thought to suppress the breakdown of bone while increasing the amount and activity of bone building cells.

5. Heart Health Tea consumption is also associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. People who drink at least one cup of tea daily have a 44 percent lower risk of heart attack.

Some animal studies have demonstrated that tea also lowers cholesterol levels.

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www.marshabrownrestaurant.com

Looking to bring a little southern hospitality north of the Mason-Dixon Line? Look no further than Marsha quality Brown Marsha Brown’s; the highest of fish, meat and poultry, and relaxed 215.862.7044 yet elegant surroundings.

Lunch and Dinner Served Daily refined creole kitchen & loUnGe

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looking to bring a little southern hospitality north of the Mason-dixon line? look no further than Marsha Browns; the highest quality of fish, meats and fowl, and relaxed yet elegant surroundings.

15 S. Main St., New Hope, PA 18938 215.862.7044 | www.marshabrownrestaurant.com

“Say it with Chocolates, Bridge Street Chocolates!”

610-935-8100 • 158 Bridge Street Phoenixville, PA 19460 Like us on Facebook 36

Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 2

JAPANESE SUSHI & STEAKHOUSE SUSHI BAR - COCKTAIL LOUNGE

Reservations Welcome Gift Cards Available BYOB Welcome!

Open 7 Days BYOB, Southampton only.

Private room available.

459 Second Street Pike Southampton, PA 18966 215-396-8985

43 Summit Square Newtown/Langhorne, PA 19047 215-860-6888 (Same center as Giant Foods)

Ardmore Plaza 36 Greenfield Avenue 610-658-9888

(Between County Line and Street Road)

Lunch Hour: Mon-Fri. 11am - 3pm • Dinner Hour: Mon-Thur. 4:30 - 10pm, Fri. 4:30 - 11pm • Sat. 2:30 - 11pm • Sun. 2:30 - 9:30pm

TRAVEL

Plan Now & Save On Your Summer Vacation

By Jennifer O’Malley

W

hile a summer vacation may seem light years away. In just a few short months, school will be wrapping up, the days will be long and sunny, and you’ll be wishing you started planning your summer vacation earlier!

While planning ahead is a big part of preparing for an affordable and enjoyable summer vacation, it also gives you

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something to look forward to as you wait for winter to say its final adieu.

A family summer vacation should be a relaxing, fun-filled time for bonding and re-energizing, but too often families find their vacations to be just as stressful, if not more so, than their daily routines. This can be due to lack of planning, chaotic itineraries, unhappy family members, and the

number one cause: overspending.

Whatever your budget, your summer vacation can be stress-free if you take the time to plan ahead and vow to be flexible with your itinerary. Follow these simple steps to make for a better summer for all!

Set Your Budget – You Still Have Time to Save!

When planning your budget, don’t forget to take everything into account: transportation, lodging, entertainment and attractions, food, and shopping. The best part about planning your budget ahead of time is that you still have some time to save up!

While you don’t want to overestimate how much you can expand your budget in the few months leading up to summer, you certainly can save a few hundred extra bucks if you cut some things out between now and your vacation.

For instance, perhaps you can forgo that $5 morning latte or cancel your gym membership and opt to run outside.

Maybe just throwing all your change in a piggy bank will help you to reach your goal.

Finalize Your Destination and Transportation Plans With your budget set, you can decide on a final destination.

Likely, transportation will be a big factor in this decision.

After all, flying across the country is bound to cost a lot more than driving a few states over.

You also don’t want to forget about ground travel in your destination city: a sprawling metropolis like Los Angeles is a lot more difficult and expensive to get around than a small city with ample public transit like Boston.

However, if you’re driving to your destination anyway, maybe you’ll save money by avoiding taxis and expensive subway tickets. Make sure to do your research before making a final decision.

Find Affordable Accommodations There are many affordable accommodation options out there, but they may take some outside-the-box thinking to come by. The massive resorts and expensive hotels will often be the most visible, but unless you’re planning a spa getaway, your lodgings might not be the most important part of your trip.

Some alternative options are bed and breakfasts, motels, camp grounds, and short-term rentals. Rental homes or apartments are great because they also give you the opportunity to cook a lot of your own food, which will ultimately save you lots of cash.

hiking or relaxing on the beach can always be accomplished at minimal costs.

Make sure to check local websites just before your visit to see what’s going on that could be of interest to you and your family.

Be Flexible I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Flexibility is key to planning a successful summer vacation. Whether this means choosing a less expensive destination, sacrificing a fancy hotel, traveling during the “shoulder season,” or letting your kids pick a few of the activities on your itinerary, you’ll be glad later on that you were flexible.

Giving up some of that control, or perceived control, will help you to relax and enjoy your vacation regardless of whether the circumstances are perfect or not.

Find Free or Cheap Local Activities Of course, in most destinations you’ll be able to choose from some free or very affordable attractions that are open to the public. Many museums offer free days, festivals and street fairs are big in the summer months, and activities like

Volume 6 | Issue 2 Local Living

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THE GABLES at chadds ford

Located in the heart of The Brandywine Valley, offering a rustically refined approach to local and seasonal food with international inspirations.

423 Baltimore Pike • Chadds Ford, PA 19317 610.388.7700 • thegablesatchaddsford.com

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fashionista

Spring Fashion Trends at VF Outlet

By Keri A. Branch

T

he runways of New York’s Fashion Week were lined with bold colors and feminine styles from our favorite designers, and have helped to determine what the trends will be for the upcoming season. One of which is Boho Chic. One thing is for sure, this 70’s inspired look is showing its staying power as it continues its influence into spring. And as we make our way into the season of music festivals, you will see details such as fringe, lace and floral prints in both bold citrusy colors and softer more feminine pastels which reflect PANTONE’s colors of the year. Yes, I said colors. For the first time PANTONE has chosen a blending of two shades, Rose Quartz and Serenity (a soft pastel blue), as their Color of the Year.

There were also other fun and fashionable trends making their way back onto the runways, and hopefully into our closets. Some looks we saw from our favorite designers included: 90’s inspired styles, stripes that went from dainty to big & bold, a fresh take on denim, and the new side of tye-dye.

I know, stripes can intimidate the best of us, but in this season’s iteration of over and undersized lines I encourage you to give it another try. This can become your new secret weapon if it is done right. To do that it may take some trial and error in the fitting room, but once you discover the slimming effect of a vertical striped pant or how a top with diagonal stripes in multiple widths can fool the eye into look right over those trouble areas, you’ll fall in love too.

Denim is a staple for all of us, but it certainly is not the first thing that pops into your mind when thinking of spring. That didn’t stop designers from sending denim down the runway in the form of dresses, shirts, jackets and more.

This fabric favorite was not only seen in new lighter washes for spring, but we also saw surprising new uses for it which included structured dresses, sophisticated seersucker and

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floral printed trousers, dramatically embroidered jackets, and overly distressed capris. This spring there will be a denim for every occasion and everyone, and you’ll find that reflected in the selection at VF Outlet. We will have a wide selection for you to choose from, including; distressed shorts, rompers, capris in light and dark washes, and cropped or boxy denim jackets to pair with spring dresses on those cooler days.

Another trend we are seeing is being called “The Cold Shoulder”. It was hard to find a designer that didn’t incorporate a shoulder baring crisscross halter, cool cut outs or an off the shoulder look on the runways and these looks will definitely keep you cool as the warm weather approaches.

The cut out trend had an especially fresh new approach for spring that was very exciting. You will see the cut out popping up in fun new places. Some designers blended a cut out shoulder and sleeve creating an almost halter effect.

The trend can also be seen around the midsection, look for fun slits on the lower back or along the sides of some of your favorite silhouettes. These little surprises are meant to flatter, showing just a touch of skin without being too revealing, and by doing these designers are adding just the right amount of sexy to freshen up styles like the peasant shirt or peplums taking them from been-there-seen-that, last season, to Va Va Voom!

The new side of tye-dye is simple sophisticated and all grown up. Imagine it, on the runway, as a seductive slitto-there shirt, in large scale on a mesmerizing sheath dress, or layered in long sleeves over a maxi. The look is so sophisticated it’s only on second glance you find you have to stop and ask yourself – “Wait, was she wearing tye-dye?”

And we are seeing this in very wearable styles that are both comfortable and familiar, yet fresh and fabulous in chic colors of the season.

denim tye-dye seersucker floral spring dress

cold shoulder peasant shirts big & bold boho chic Volume 6 | Issue 2 Local Living

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Spring FLING tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss QVC Item #A333927 Approximately $19.00 ED On Air Prelit Marquee Words with White Finish

by Ellen DeGeneres QVC Item # H205045 Approximately $45.00 ED On Air Glass Apple and Pear Tabletop Succulents by Ellen DeGeneres QVC Item # H204917 Approximately $33.00 NEST Fragrances Midnight Fleur Soleil 1.7 fl oz Eau de Parfum QVC Item #A270941 Approximately $68.00 IT Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Matte Luxe Shadow Palette and Brush QVC Item #A238703 Approximately $43.50 philosophy pure grace 2 oz. spray fragrance QVC Item #A06410 Approximately $48.00 12� Moroccan Inspired Mosaic Cylinder by Valerie QVC Item # H207985 Approximately $33.00

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not just any rug. your rug. the delaware valley's most spectacular selection of area rugs

visit us in person or online

area rugs • hardwood • carpet • ceramic • stone • laminate • vinyl

555 s. henderson road • king of prussia • 1-888-your-rug • www.floorsusa.com

Make Spring Come Alive!

GET A FRESH START THIS SEASON

new

TASTES

more

FUN

new

LOOKS

GET OUT & SHOP!

Rte 611 at Street Road l Warrington, PA (adjacent to Wegman’s) shopvalleysquare.com OVER 35 SHOPS, SERVICES & RESTAURANTS INCLUDING EASTERN MOUNTAIN SPORTS l DSW SHOES l BANANA REPUBLIC l J. JILL ESSENTIALS SALON l LOFT l VICTORIA’S SECRET l CHICO’S l CHIPOTLE l PANERA BREAD l THE MELTING POT l CARMEL KITCHEN AND WINE BAR l TED’S MONTANA GRILL l PF CHANGS l AND OUR NEWEST STORE, SOMA Managed by The Wilder Companies

Thursday April 28, 6 pm

2016 Woman of Influence Join Us in Honoring Jane Golden Founder & Executive Director, Mural Arts Program Celebrate Jane Golden’s contribution to art, restorative justice and community empowerment!

Dinner and Award Presentation

Special Tour of the Pearl S. Buck House optional

Register at pearlsbuck.org/woi or call 215-249-0100 x166 by April 8th All proceeds support Pearl S. Buck International’s mission to build bridges and transform lives.

Pearl S. Buck International®

520 Dublin Road, Perkasie, Pennsylvania

Jane Golden photograph by Steve Weinik; photographed in front of Micro to Macro © 2014 City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program / Benjamin Volta.

Background image is L’Dor V’Dor © 2009 City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program / Shira Walinksy & Paul Downie.

profile

How to Distinguish a Woman of Influence?

O

n April 28th from 6 – 8 pm Pearl S. Buck International honors its 33rd Woman of Influence, Jane Golden, at the annual dinner and award gala. This prestigious award, inspired by Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winning author and humanitarian Pearl S. Buck, recognizes women who make outstanding contributions to improving the quality of life and expanding opportunities for children and women around the world. Honorees are selected by the Woman of Influence Committee, composed of community leaders and area residents, and then approved by the Board of Directors.

This year’s recipient, Jane Golden, is the founder and executive director of the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, the nation’s largest public art program. Formerly the co-founder and director of the Los Angeles Public Art Foundation, then head of the Anti-Graffiti Network in Philadelphia, Golden is the driving force behind Mural Arts’ creation of more than 3,800 works of public art for thousands of residents and visitors to experience and witness.

For more than 30 years, Mural Arts has united artists and communities through a collaborative process, rooted in the traditions of mural-making, to create art that transforms public spaces and individual lives. Mural Arts engages communities in 50–100 public art projects each year, and maintains its growing collection through a restoration initiative. Core Mural Arts programs such as Art Education, Restorative Justice, and Porch Light yield unique, projectbased learning opportunities for thousands of youth and adults. Golden is also a lecturer at University of Pennsylvania.

When asked about the qualities of a Woman of Influence, Golden states “one must be compassionate and understand

2016 Woman of Influence, Jane Golden, at the dedication of Colorful Legacy, by Keir Johnston and Willis “Nomo” Humphrey.

Photos by Steve Weinik

that the world changes because of people who work tirelessly on behalf of those who have less, in order to achieve a more equal and just world. That woman is also committed to her beliefs and ideals, and understands that life is sometimes a matter of swimming upstream. Lastly, she is courageous and creative, recognizes the role of innovation and moves forward fearlessly in order to break new ground, even in spite of obstacles. Some inspirational women of influence shatter glass ceilings while others strive to break records but all take action, in one way or another, to secure our equal rights, our safety, and our liberty in the world.”

Past recipients include Audrey Hepburn, Helen Hayes, Hilary Rodham Clinton, Corazon Aquino, Toni Morrison, and Laura Bush, and Karen Moyer. Pearl Buck embodied these characteristics that we recognize in special women each year. For tickets and registration for this annual celebration, go to pearlsbuck.org/woi.

About Pearl S. Buck International Pearl S. Buck International® provides opportunities to explore and appreciate other cultures, builds better lives for children around the globe and promotes the legacy of our founder by preserving and interpreting her National Historic Landmark home.

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Smiles to You Invisalign: Straight Teeth Are More Than Just Pretty

A

ll health-related aspects are intertwined…

An individual’s habits often show manifestations in the mouth just as the healthiness of one’s mouth affects the body and overall wellness.

Sometimes people dismiss crooked teeth as a concern for those who are just concerned with having the celebrity smile. But crooked teeth are a form of malocclusion and malocclusion is more than a superficial concern.

The affects of crooked teeth (or crowding) present an increased potential for chronic infections according to a study published in the Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics in January 2004. (“Crowding > 3mm as an individual “host factor” represented a cumulative risk potential for chronic inflammatory processes whose consequences are manifest only at a higher age.”

J.Orofac Orthop 2004 Jan; 65(1): 13-25.)

Essentially, the nooks and crannies found amid crooked teeth provide a safe harbor for bacteria to collect. This bacterium inflames the gums and the supportive tissues surrounding the teeth. Crooked teeth are harder to clean thoroughly, so the bacteria have an easier time building up and creating the potential to cause chronic inflammatory problems.

Chronic inflammatory problems manifest in one’s overall health. Studies suggest that severe periodontal infections may increase the risk for problems such as heart disease, complications of diabetes, adverse

pregnancy outcomes, respiratory diseases and even memory loss.

According to the Journal of Dental Research, malocclusion affects 74% of American adults. Teeth that are not aligned properly, left untreated, can create abnormal stresses on teeth, jaws and supportive structures.

There are a number of ways to treat malocclusion for adults, yet for those who do not wish to have traditional braces, the teeth straightening method using sets of clear aligners custom-made to gradually align the teeth is a wonderful option.

Your mouth is like an early warning system. Caring professionals with trained eyes can detect problems early and lead you toward healthful resolutions.

We are proud of our Preferred Provider Status with Invisalign, and can attest to the success of the system among our patients. For more information about malocclusion, please visit our website at www.buckscountydental.com.

Dr. Robert Lantzy is a comprehensive family dentist in Newtown, Bucks County. He and his caring staff of professionals provide a range of services in a state of the art facility where the focus is on individualized attention and lasting patient-doctor relationships. You may reach the office at (215) 860-5901 or by visiting www.buckscountydental.com.

Snap the tag to visit the website for Dr. Robert Lantzy directly from your phone!

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Experience St. Luke’s Care Your Way. Life can be challenging. Access to quality health care shouldn’t be. Choose Easy. Access. Now.

profile Experience St. Luke’s Care Your Way

L

ife can be challenging. Access to quality health care shouldn’t be. That’s why St. Luke’s University Health Network now offers customized health care choices, allowing patients to choose the option that works best for them.

Virtual Visits Utilizing virtual visits through Care Anywhere, the doctor is always available. Whether someone is at work, at home or somewhere in between, St. Luke’s now brings the physician to them. Care Anywhere allows individuals to have a live virtual visit with a doctor in a convenient and secure way using their smartphone, tablet or computer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from anywhere in Pennsylvania. Conducted over a secure high quality streaming video platform, St. Luke’s Care Anywhere can be used by anyone 18 and older and children age 12 and older when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Patients can enroll by visiting slhn.org/CareAnywhere or

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downloading a mobile app from the app store for iPhone, iPad or Android platforms. From there, it’s easy: patients sign-in, provide some information about themselves and their condition, select a physician and — following a quick, virtual appointment — receive a diagnosis, explanation of treatment option and a prescription if needed. For $49, Care Anywhere provides a quick and convenient alternative for the treatment of a variety of minor conditions including cough and colds, sore throats, sinus infections, flu symptoms, pink eye and many other ailments. St. Luke’s Care Anywhere is the convenient, secure way to get medical attention – no appointment necessary!

Online Scheduling Seeing a primary care doctor in the St. Luke’s University Health Network has never been easier with the recent introduction of St. Luke’s “Make an Appointment” online scheduling. This service allows patients of more than 40 St. Luke’s primary care practices, including Coopersburg Center

Valley Family Practice, Daniel J. Stauffer Family Practice, Palisades Family Practice and Pennsburg Family Practice to log on from home or a mobile device – anytime of the day or night — to schedule an appointment with a St. Luke’s provider. Evening, weekend and same-day appointments are available for new and established patients. Online appointments are also available at pediatric practices, including St. Luke’s Coopersburg Pediatrics.

“This service helps making and keeping an appointment easier than ever before,” says Michael Abgott, MD, VP, Chief of Primary Care, St. Luke’s University Health Network.

“With this online approach to making an appointment, patients can expect to be scheduled quickly and to be seen promptly. Patients may manage their appointments using any computer or mobile device and may register to receive text messages or email appointment reminders.”

With online appointments and electronic reminders, patients have been better able to optimize their visit with their doctors, said Dr. Abgott. Additionally, parents can now easily schedule appointments with primary care pediatricians at several locations. “Make an Appointment is very consumer-driven,” concluded Dr. Abgott. “The service allows patients – anytime of the day or night - to choose a convenient appointment and schedule it online.”

To access “Make an Appointment” visit sluhn.org and click on the “Make an Appointment”’ icon.

Walk-in Care People living in Upper Perkiomen and surrounding communities have easy access to quality St. Luke’s walk-in care through the St. Luke’s Care Now – Upper Perkiomen, located in the St. Luke’s Upper Perkiomen Outpatient Center on Geryville Pike in Pennsburg. Hours are 12 – 8 pm Monday through Friday and 8 am to 4 pm on Saturday.

For those unexpected ankle (and life) twist and turns, St. Luke’s Care Now-Upper Perkiomen can handle immediate medical needs when an individual’s family doctor is not available and when an injury or illness is not an acute emergency. No appointment is ever needed.

“Thankfully, not every medical need requires an Emergency Room visit,” says Joe Cunningham, Network Director, Urgent Care Services, St. Luke’s University Health Network. “St. Luke’s Care Now bridges the gap. Patients can walk right in to a St. Luke’s Care Now and be seen by a St. Luke’s primary care provider, making it the quick, practical, quality choice. Care is also provided at a lower cost than an emergency room visit.”

While St. Luke’s Care Now manages unpredictable minor medical needs, it does not replace an individual’s primary care physician or manage chronic health concerns. In addition to

[ [ With online appointments and electronic reminders, patients have been better able to

optimize their visit with their

doctor. Parents can now easily schedule appointments with primary care pediatricians at several locations.

walk-in medical care, St. Luke’s Care Now locations offer onsite diagnostic testing, including lab and X-ray services, and occupational medicine services to employers. Learn more about Care Now at stlukescarenow.org.

Virtual visits, online scheduling and walk-in care are three innovative initiatives St. Luke’s University Health Network provides to ensure patients receive the highest level of care any time of the day or night. For more information visit careyourway.org or call 1-866-STLUKES.

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senior perspective Words and Wisdom

A New Look for Seniors

by Diane Burns

Y

ears ago we women over 60 were expected to wear dark colored clothing like blues and blacks.

Thank goodness times have changed. Since older women have an understanding sense of who they are they can create a style all their own. However, there are certain rules that should be followed. In an article I read recently these were some of the things we seniors should think about in determining our style.

• For the Classic style you should wear well-fitting, smooth line clothing and just a little jewelry.

• You also have to consider what your body type is: small boned, middle frame, or big boned.

• For the Natural look consider a relaxed, comfortable layered look, something in tweed perhaps.

• If yours is the Feminine look you should wear colors and prints and maybe ruffles.

Nice jewelry and stylish shoes are a must.

• The Dramatic look is for the women who like to be noticed the minute they enter a room. Bold, strong solids are for you.

Once you determine what style you want check out your closet and see if that has been what you have been wearing. If not, it’s time to clear out all those items that are not portraying who you are now. Sometimes we purchase clothing on a whim or just because it’s on sale and sometimes we don’t even try it on until we get home only to discover that it’s all wrong for us.

Senior fashions can be stylish as well as comfortable. However, we seniors have to consider how our body has changed in recent years. For instance, if our middle has expanded we shouldn’t wear belts or sashes and short skirts are not complimentary for those who have varicose veins.

Another problem that we have is the inability to button our clothes because of some medical issue. The remedy is the use of Velcro near the button hole. What style shoe we chose is very important too. A good shoe may be a little more expensive but in the long run they may give you more support and help to relieve stress and some of the aches and pains we get as we age. Sneakers can feel comfortable but they may not give enough support or help you with your balance.

Now that we have chosen our clothing style we must con-

sider our hair style. What looked good on us at 30 does not necessarily look good on us now. Our faces have changed over the years and so should our hair style. The next time you go to a salon for a cut, check out some styles in a hair magazine and find one that flatters the “more mature” you. If you decide on a new doo remember hair grows back and you can always try a different style next time. Consider not only a new cut but possibly a fresher color.

Finally to complete our makeover we have to check our makeup. Aging creates new skin problems that we have to

contend with. Crow’s feet, wrinkles and sun spots cause us to consider new makeup applications. First we have to prepare our face with a good cleansing and moisturizing. Always remember when applying your makeup a heavy application is not becoming; less is more. Use a rosy, pink blush instead of one of the darker shades. Also avoid dark lipsticks. Use a light pink or pretty nude. Finally, eye shadow should compliment your eye color and liner should be thinly applied.

Now that you have had your makeover from head to toe, go out and enjoy your new younger-looking, stylish self.

Make some heads turn this Mother’s Day! To submit feedback or respond to our senior perspective topic, send an email to Diane Burns at dburnsllmag@gmail.com.

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Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 2

family health

“I Feel Fine”: Three Little Words That Can Do More Harm Than Good

by Marc S. Rabinowitz, M.D.

T

here is a certain comfort that comes with the words, “I feel fine.” The phrase provides a security blanket that assures us that if we are not feeling certain symptoms, we are “safe” for the time being. And if I am feeling fine, why do I need to see a doctor? I am not looking for trouble.

Truth be told, if you don’t see a doctor annually, you may not be looking for trouble, but trouble has a good chance of finding you.

We are taught as parents that one of our primary responsibilities is to make sure our children receive annual examinations and the necessary vaccinations. We spend thousands of dollars to take our pets to the vet and our cars to the dealership for regular oil changes and maintenance checks.

And yet, as we get older, we forget that this proactive care is so essential when it comes to our own well-being.

What changes when we become adults? Well, for starters, many of us start leading much more sedentary lifestyles, with little to no exercise and absolutely zero regard for what we are eating between work and shuffling our kids to school, dance recitals and soccer practice. The results are downright fearful with two-thirds of our population overweight, and one in every three people suffering with some form of diabetes. The onset of chronic illness such as heart disease and cancer runs rampant as we age, leading to 70% of all deaths. Snore at night? That heavy breathing should not be taken lightly—it may be a sign of sleep apnea, which could increase your chance of a stroke by 30%.

The fact is, now more than ever, you need to see a doctor regularly, even when you think you are on top of your game. When was the last time you had a physical examination? For most of us, it was a lot longer than a year ago.

And when we say a physical, we mean much more than blood work and an EKG. An adult patient deserves an adult evaluation. This includes: • A comprehensive review of your family history, including parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins, to determine which ailments and illnesses run

through your family tree.

• A lifestyle evaluation, reviewing your daily diet and level of activity. We examine everything from how many steps you take in a day to the number of fruits and vegetables you consume (or in most cases, don’t consume).

• An Epworth sleep evaluation to screen for sleep apnea and identify any needs for treatment.

• A mini mental evaluation to explore the potential for memory loss, and a Zung depression analysis, which will screen for any undiagnosed depression.

• An extensive review of your occupational history where we look at all of your work settings and determine the need for any specific health screenings as a result of your job(s). If we do locate a form of illness or cancer, it is far more treatable in its earlier stages.

• A comprehensive exam while undressed which includes necessary rectal exams, prostate exams for men, and breast exams for women.

Is the annual exam a pleasant experience? I doubt it will ever top the list of your favorite activities. However, by taking the time to have yourself checked out regularly, you can assure yourself that you will be able to continue to enjoy your favorite activities. From this exam, we put together a wellness program to make sure you feel fine for a long time to come.

You don’t wait until your car breaks down before you get the oil changed. Why would you wait for your body to break down before you go to the doctor? By seeing a doctor on an annual basis, you not only add years to your life, but most importantly, you add life to your years.

Your life can be richer, fuller and healthier for about the cost of your daily coffee. To find out more, call 215-PREVENT (215-773-8368) to schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation, or visit us online at www.215prevent.com.

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pets

Help Your Chubby Dog Lose Weight!

By Jack Kerr

E

verybody knows that obesity can cause a host of health problems for people — but it also causes medical issues for dogs.

More and more people are becoming health conscious and watching what they eat and making sure that they get enough exercise. This is important for pet owners to do for their pups too. A recent study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention shows that a staggering 54 percent of American dogs are overweight or obese, and the number is climbing. In other words, it’s an epidemic.

Because our beloved four-legged friends don’t live as long as we do, most doggie parents want to do all they can to ensure that their pet will have a long and healthy.

First, Get to the Vet We’ve all seen the thousands of “get in shape” infomercials — especially around New Year’s — that boast instant sixpack abs or super-firm buttocks in 1 month. You don’t need to admit that you’ve watched any, but I’m sure that you’ve at least caught a glimpse. The only thing that they all, and I mean all, have in common is that they suggest that people see their doctor before starting any dieting or exercise regimen. This is absolutely true for your faithful friend too.

You should call your veterinarian and schedule an appointment for your dog. The veterinarian will do a complete evaluation of your pooch’s physical condition and let you know if he is healthy enough to start on an exercise program. A dog that appears to be overweight and not in optimum condition could have underlying health issues such as thyroid problems, diabetes or Cushing’s disease. It’s vital that you talk with the vet before changing anything in your dog’s schedule or diet. Your vet will also be able to provide pointers on dieting and exercise, and should be able to determine a target weight that is realistic.

Enter the Personal Trainer (You!) All right, so you needn’t hire a personal trainer for your puppy, but you will need to act as his personal trainer. You will need to create a personalized plan for the conditioning routine. Naturally, all dogs are different and the exercise schedule for a Chihuahua will be completely different from that of an Afghan hound.

Begin with increasingly longer walks. Do this at a brisk pace at first — no stopping to smell the roses every two minutes. This is a weight-loss walk, not a leisurely stroll.

And warmups and stretches? Forget about ’em. Dogs are built to run at a second’s notice. However, don’t overdo it or you’ll be carrying your poor dog home.

So, again, what we’re talking about here is a brisk walk, not a full-on run. There should be a little sweat on your forehead after a few minutes.

Sensible Snacking Do not overindulge your dog with food. Especially avoid feeding scraps from the table. Because his digestive system is different from yours, your dog will tend to put on more weight from human food. Never overfeed your dog beyond his daily ration of food. You might find it helpful to use an automatic pet feeder with a timer. The timer is important; you don’t want a feeder that will dispense food every time your pet wants it.

There are healthy options that will satisfy your puppy’s need to nosh without him packing on more pounds. Believe it or not, most dogs love baby carrots! They’re cold, crunchy and quite tasty. Celery sticks are also healthy and low in calories. These are great snacks that the both of you can enjoy. Healthy snacks for dogs are among the easiest ways to get your dog to lose weight sensibly.

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DETROIT RISES

AND SO DOES AMERICA

F

By Drew Giorgi rom 2009 to 2013, there was no dearth of voices decrying the auto bailout buttressed by journalists articulating a deep skepticism that the government could do anything to rescue failing automakers let alone enable them to become competitive again. After the bank failures, the collapse of Detroit was truly a symbol of how 21st century America had fallen behind in the global marketplace it had created in the 20th century.

The changing nature of the auto industry engendered the question: What was the government saving? In a real sense, these “domestic” automakers hover over America, with plants and businesses all over the world. Once upon a time they were central to American life, but today’s GM is castigated in the press for taking government help, trimming its domestic workforce, and building cars in China.

Starting in 2008, the federal government spent about $80 billion to save Detroit. Recipients included GM and Chrysler—Ford took no money. The Bush administration initiated the program with an infusion of $17 billion; the Obama administration took over in 2009. Although articles started appearing as early as 2013 claiming that the bailout was over, it really ended on Dec. 8, 2014, when the Treasury Department sold off its GMAC shares. At that time, measuring the stock market performance, the government lost roughly $9.2 billion; however, keeping the automakers intact led to enormous benefits. According to economist Robert Samuelson, automakers were responsible for 25% of the gains in manufacturing and added nearly 300,000 jobs during the recovery, including those at dealerships and parts stores.

At the end of 2015, GM was number three with 9.8 million vehicles sold, just behind market-leader Toyota (10.

1 million) and Volkswagen AG (9.93 million). In 2016, the auto industry expects to sell more cars than ever in the US; however, the rest of the world—from the BRIC countries to the European Union—is experiencing a slump, mostly due to struggling economies. While GM has moved some manufacturing overseas, many foreign automakers—from Hyundai to Mercedes—have invested millions in American manufacturing seeking both talent and good press. This can prove tricky for buyers seeking to buy American. For example, two identical Hyundai Elantras on the same lot might be from different countries; typically Korea and America. The

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car’s first VIN number indicates origin; 1, 4, or 5 denotes the vehicle was made in America.

Today’s American automakers are more robust than many experts ever expected, offering the most dynamic technological advances in the industry. While Mercedes has put new electric models on hold and Volkswagen has sullied its reputation with an emissions scandal, Chevy has launched the new Malibu hybrid and debuted the Bolt at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show. An affordable, allelectric vehicle free from range anxiety, Chevy’s Bolt will beat Tesla’s affordable Model 3 to market by at least a full year. Chrysler recently launched the redesigned 200, which features a highly efficient nine-speed automatic— something GM and Ford are now working on jointly.

With 2016 café standards requiring cars get above 34 MPG in real-world conditions, new cars are hundreds of pounds lighter than their predecessors using lighter steel and carbon fiber.

But the innovations are not all about engines and efficiency; cabin quality and dashboard electronics have seen substantial upgrades, especially when it comes to interfacing with third-party software like Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Smartphones provide valuable enhancements, including up-to-date maps with real-time traffic reporting along with a host of approved in-vehicle apps. Safety features such as lane-keeping assist, collision prevention, and blind spot monitoring are also sound options to consider. In 2016, a backup camera is a must have to ensure resale value as Congress will soon make it required equipment.

Lastly, traditional outsiders like Tesla and Google have brought a sense of the fantastic back to the industry with their focus on autonomous vehicles. In response, many automakers are now repositioning themselves as mobility companies. Ford has joined Google in a partnership that envisions bringing autonomous vehicles to market in as little as four years. Tesla has already introduced level 3 autonomous driving capability in its Model S. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration describes this level as when a driver monitors the car, ready to take over for safety reasons.

Tesla plans to get to NHTSA Level 5 by 2020, which would make the car the equivalent of a robot chauffeur.

Detroit is back, but within a decade you may find the once whimsical notion of summoning your car to pick you up quite commonplace. You may also miss the headclearing benefits of a long drive behind the wheel.

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Local

goes local

Charleston, South Carolina

By Diane Burns

I

f you are looking for a spring getaway may we suggest Charleston, South Carolina. Named in 2012 as The Top City in the United States

by Conde’ Nast Travelers Readers Choice Awards, many other travel magazines have dubbed Charleston as, “America’s Most Friendly City” or “The Most Hospitable City in America.” Whether you are a history buff, a fan of high-quality theater, a beach bunny or a fashionista, Charleston has something to tickle everyone’s fancy.

This charming, genteel city has a downtown peninsula well-known for its prominent scenes in art, music, local cuisine and fashion. The Spolata Festival founded in 1977 by Gian Carlo Menotti is a major performing arts festival. If live theater is for you, you’ll find just what you’re looking at a production by Charleston’s oldest theater group, The Folly Players.

Each spring the city is invaded by designers, journalists and clients from across 66

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the country to attend the city’s Fashion Week in Marian Square. History connoisseurs can enjoy the many stories told by buildings rich in architectural detail in the French Quarter and top that off with a visit to Fort Sumter, site of the first shots fired in the Civil War. The Battery is an historic defensive seawall. The city has a number of fine museums, including America’s first museum, the Charleston Museum.

Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront with its markets, shops and beautiful fountains. Walk along the Ashley River lined with plantations and fantastic gardens.

There is a Wildlife Refuge and sandy beaches for some fun with the kids in the outdoors. Folly Beach, one of the most popular, has its own lighthouse, a surefire hit with the children.

Among Charleston’s main attractions are its mansions. You will see The Calhoun, the Gibbs Mansion, Wentworth,

and the Charleston mansion. In the downtown area, horse drawn carriages will take you around the city over cobblestone streets. After a day of touring and sightseeing you’ll want to visit one of Charleston’s wonderful restaurants. For casual dining try Joe’s Pasta for fantastic Italian food, Tommy Condon’s Irish Pub, or the Charleston Crab House with its selection of gumbo and the state’s signature dish, she-crab soup. If you prefer fine dining visit Crue Café or Bocci’s Italian restaurant.

At the end of the day retire to one of the city’s fine hotels for a night of relaxation and rejuvenation. Charleston truly has something of interest for everyone — and the weather in spring is perfect for a family vacation. For more information visit www.charlestoncvb.com.

Diane Burns is a writer currently residing in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

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