fig spring 2016 | issue no. 18 | the fresh, fashionable, & flavorful of west chester, pennsylvania
WEST CHESTER
COVER
THE EDUCATION ISSUE
FIG IS FREE
TAKE ME WITH YOU
PUBLISHER Fig Industries figindustries.com EDITOR Deborah Brandt MANAGING EDITOR Allison Snavely-Villano COMMUNITY COORDINATOR Cynthia Sawaya DESIGN Shani Tucker Josh Seibert Ana Tamaccio Laura Moyer PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Miville
FIG WEST CHESTER IS SUPPORTED BY LOCAL BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS. JOIN US IN CREATING A THRIVING DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY— SHOP LOCAL THIS SPRING & YEAR ROUND! ISSUE NO
PRODUCT MANAGER Amy Hynes WRITING Nicole Patterson COMMUNICATIONS Theresa Yerger PUBLIC RELATIONS Rebecca Fowler BRAND STRATEGIST Emma Parnham FINANCE Matt Brandt INTERNS Ryan Jones Amy Olweiler OTHER FIG DESTINATIONS LANCASTER, PA figlancaster.com KENNETT SQUARE, PA figkennett.com BETHLEHEM, PA figbethlehem.com COLUMBIA, SC figcolumbia.com
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on the cover and this page
This historical microscope belonged to Humphry Marshall and was procured through Ben Franklin. View this piece of history at the Chester County Historical Society. Learn more about their mission in this issue!
fig is sponsored by the West Chester Business
Improvement District (BID); they believe in the power of a unified downtown. downtownwestchester.com. Thank you for sharing our mission of loving local.
what is fig?
Fig is a hyper-local, super-social guide to shopping, dining, arts, and events in great destinations. Fig believes in the power of creative communication to inspire, engage, and educate. Find out more about Fig's mission to create economic sustainability and collaborative communities at figmagazine.com.
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To find out how you can strategically and effectively market your business through the Fig communications package, contact Allison SnavelyVillano at allison@figindustries.com.
THE CREATOR & PRODUCER OF FIG figindustries.com studio@figindustries.com Fig Industries has made every attempt to ensure that all information contained in this publication has been obtained from reliable sources, but all such information is provided “as is” with no guarantee of completeness or accuracy. The views of contributors do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of Fig Industries. Fig Industries cannot be held responsible for errors tCopyright 2016 © Fig Industries. All rights reserved. Photography or page layout contained in Fig shall not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the specific written permission of Fig Industries. Contact 717.394.7737 or info@ figwestchester.com.
OF
LEARNING
Learning was valued in my family. My mother, a teacher by trade, read to me until her throat would get sore and I would offer endless glasses of water, never wanting the chapters to end. I was learning empathy as I morphed into diverse characters. I wept with a broken, incensed, confused heart while reading The Slave Dancer and laughed so hard during Tales of a Fouth Grade Nothing that my face hurt. Books became my escape and the stories I read contributed to the way I experienced and viewed the world. My younger brother was learning differently. When my mother would read she would lose her place as he bounced her all over his bed—his body charged with endless energy. Luckily, my mother realized that not all education looks the same. My brother’s education would come from nature and building and creating. He was touching the world with his hands, taking things apart and putting them back together. He was out finding snakes and toads and salamanders. And when it came time to start kindergarten the principal would have to stand and hold the door shut as my brother screamed and cried and tried instinctually to get back to his place of true learning. Education is vast and the way we learn is different but always vital. It gives us prospective and fuels our imaginations. It creates great leaders and artists and writers. Ultimately, it makes us better people, something our very founders understood building the first schoolhouse in 1760. This commitment to education is leading the way for the esteemed West Chester University (my alma mater) and inspires more than 15,000 young people. The Chester County Historical society has a strong presence in this issue with our understanding of our past influencing our future. The mission is not only to educate but to build community identity. To quote Aristotle, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” Within the spring issue please find both information and heart. I proudly call West Chester my home. With appreciation and admiration, Allison Snavely-Villano Meet the entire creative & talented team that makes Fig West Chester possible at figindustries.com.
figwestchester.com
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STUDY POETRY WITH THE MASTERS! E X P LO R I N G F O R M & N A R R AT I V E
Dana Gioia, conference co-founder addressing the audience.
21 ST AN N UAL WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY POETRY CONFERENCE
JUNE 8 ‒ 11, 2016 FRIEN D & INFO LY RMAL ATMO SPHER E
the west chester poetry conference stands out among other conferences both for its unique focus on the traditional craft of poetry and the way it combines a writers’ conference with a scholarly conference. Writers, critics, and students mix together in a notably friendly, informal, and egalitarian atmosphere. The Poetry House
Workshops, readings, and seminars will take place in the beautiful Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center at West Chester University. For class descriptions, faculty, and registration information please visit our website at wcupa.edu/poetry Contact us at poetry@wcupa.edu or 610.436.3235.
R. S. “Sam” Gwynn, Poetry Conference Program Director
4 823 south high street 610.436.3235 wcupa.edu/poetry
P R E PA R I N G F O R L I V E S O F
CARING LEADERSHIP
WELCOME! for more information and to visit wcfs, please call barbara rowe, director of admissions at 610.696.2937
FLEX IB TUIT LE ION AVA I LABL E
EDUCATING BOYS & GIRLS IN PRESCHOOL THROUGH 5 TH GRADE Innovative & enriched curriculum in the context of Quaker values, including STEAM studies, Smart Table and Makers Space | Interdisciplinary Literature & History | Music, Studio Art, & Art History | Mindfulness Training | Raised Bed Gardens & Resident Hens | Learning Partnerships with the West Chester University Honors College, Kennett Symphony, Chester County Historical Society, Echo Hill Environmental School | Intergenerational Program with Hickman Home
415 north high street 610.696.2937 wcfriends.org admissions@wcfriends.org
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we support west chester university and its contributions to our community. Our attorneys have devoted their careers to practicing with initiative, which means that every day we strive to be one step ahead. We strive to have the most energy, to be original, to work with integrity and imagination, to be ambitious and creative—to take action before others do.
TA K I N G I N I T I AT I V E
EVERY DAY 6 west chester location: 17 west miner street 610.436.0100 macelree.com
L eft to right: PJ Gallo, Aimee Bowers, Andrew Silverman, W. Patrick Scott, Caroline Donato, Tim Rayne, & Jane Shields
T H E M O S T I M P O R TA N T STEP IN BUYING JEWELRY IS FINDING THE RIGHT
JEWELER OWNER SANDRA RIPER is a Graduate Gemologist and excited to help you with everything from... EXPLAINING THE 4C’S OF DIAMONDS to THE WEAR & CARE OF ALL YOUR GEMSTONES & JEWELRY to DESIGNING JEWELRY THAT FITS YOUR LIFESTYLE & TASTE to EXPERT REPAIR, RESTORATION, & APPRAISING and so much more!
W H AT ’ S I T WO R T H W E D N E S D AY S
4 – 7 pm EVERY WEDNESDAY FREE VERBAL JEWELRY APPRAISAL Start the conversation.
23 north high street 610.692.0374 sunsethilljewelers.com
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upscale & affordable american made custom shirts & suits from $795. custom tuxedos available for purchase & rent. ask about special wedding party pricing.
A R T F U L LY TA I L O R E D
JUST FOR YOU 8 131 west market street 484.905.7098 mainlinecustomclothiers.com
KALY
BABY Visit our newly-expanded baby and toddler area!
organic cotton
fair trade
sustainable bamboo
We’ve added some great new lines to our baby mix: Aden + Anais, Jellycat, Chewbeads, Barefoot Dreams & much more!
37 west gay street 610.436.8272 kalyclothing.com
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authentic | SPRING 2016 | figwestchester.com authentic. true. west chester.
Sheriff Carolyn Bunny Welsh
AUTHENTIC :
S H E R I F F C A R O LY N B U N N Y W E L S H
“being sheriff is pretty cool!”
that I have the privilege of working with every day. And then, politically, I get to meet a lot of cool people, too.” Her office, tucked inside the Justice Building, is decorated with photographs of famous faces.
As one of only forty female sheriffs in the nation, her job is to be the enforcement arm of the court. “What we provide each and every day is security for all the courts, the judges, the public, the employees, and citizens,” she says, emphasizing the professionalism and good work of her deputies.
“People’s lives change in this building,” she says. “You can lose your family in here in a domestic court. You can lose your finances in a civil court, and you can lose your freedom in a criminal court.” Of course, some of the news is happy—people come in and get married or adopt children.
says Chester County Sheriff Carolyn Bunny Welsh with a laugh. She is the first woman to be elected Sheriff of Chester County, Pennsylvania, and has served since 2000.
“I’m extremely proud of the men and women 10 figwestchester.com
Sheriff Welsh is dynamic and driven—and has a great sense of humor. She’s actively
involved in dozens of organizations and nonprofits and has received numerous awards. She enjoys speaking to kids and senior citizens and has followed her father’s advice about finding her passion in life. “I enjoy my work every day. I enjoy being here. My biggest joy in this office is the community outreach and the good we can do.” On any given night you might find her at Core de Roma enjoying a dinner special. “We are such a unique, wonderful county. There’s so much to be proud of here in Chester County.” Learn more at sheriffwelsh.com.
REPRESENTING NORTH AMERICAN & REGIONAL ARTISTS FUNKY FINDS & UNIQUE GIFTS FOR EVERY OCCASION FAIR-TRADE PRODUCTS
Featured Artist for May 6th Gallery Walk
ROBIN & JIM FLYNN Newtown Square, PA Turned walnut & fused glass cheese/sushi serving piece
THE GLASS FORGE Grants Pass, OR
RHODA KAHLER West Chester, PA
Southwest hand blown glass martini set
TERRA PRINT Terra cotta fingerprint tiles MOTHERHOOD VESSEL Stoneware carved & footed vase
BOB DEANE POTTERY Media, PA
SERTODO COPPER Austin, TX
GLASS EYE STUDIO Seattle, WA
BARRICK CANDLE Lancaster, PA
Wood ash fired hand-built clay vase
Reclaimed hammered copper bar utensils, drinking cups, & serving pieces
GOD’S EYE PAPERWEIGHT Hand blown glass
Hand poured designer candles
133 west market street 610.719.0170 the5senses.com
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EXPERIENCE
MUSIC, DANCE, PERFORMANCES, AND DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS RIGHT HERE IN WEST CHESTER popovich comedy pet theater APRIL 1
7:30 pm
Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building Orchestra: Adults $20 Seniors/Students $15 Balcony: Adults $17 Seniors/Students $13 Audiences will be delighted to see this familyoriented blend of the unique comedy and juggling skills of Gregory Popovich and the extraordinary talents of his performing pets.
missoula children’s theatre presents peter & wendy APRIL 9
3 & 5:30 pm
Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building General Admission: Adults $8 Seniors/Students $5 Back by popular demand the Missoula Children’s Theatre returns to West Chester University and will be recruiting more than fifty local children to stage an original musical adaptation. Auditions: Monday, April 4, 2016 at 4:30 pm at Asplundh Concert Hall
tamagawa university taiko drumming and dance troupe APRIL 2
7:30 pm
Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building General Admission: $10 Nearly 30 drummers and dancers from Tamagawa University, Japan, make a return appearance on our campus for an athletic and graceful performance that includes thundering Taiko drumming and Japanese folkloric dance.
Register for auditions online at: wcupa.edu/live.
REPRESENTING NORTH AMERICAN & REGIONAL ARTISTS FUNKY FINDS & UNIQUE GIFTS FOR EVERY OCCASION FAIR-TRADE PRODUCTS 12 for additional performances & tickets: 610.436.2266 or wcupa.ticketleap.com
HANDCRAFTED D O E S N ’ T S TO P AT T H E B E E R
SAVORY FRESH DELICIOUS
AVAILABLE IN CANS
APRIL 1
PARADISE IS PORTABLE Hang four with our warm weather favorite— Mahalo Apollo! Brewed with citrus, lemongrass, and sun-loving flavors. Take home a 4-pack today.
3 west gay street 610.738.9600 ironhillbrewery.com
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T H E S T E P S W E TA K E TO
CELEBRATE CAKES FOR GRADUATION, BIRTHDAYS, SHOWERS, MOTHER’S DAY, EASTER, AND MORE!
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CUSTOM CAKES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ALL CAKES CAREFULLY MADE FROM SCRATCH ON THE PREMISES
3
YORI’S BAKERY CHURCH STREET
14 15 north church street 610.344.yori (9674) yorisbakery.com
JUMP INTO A S P R I N G F L I N G O F FA S H I O N
BCBG MAX AZRIA
VINCE
AG JEANS
FREE PEOPLE
SUNCOO
AMANDA UPRICHARD
HOSS INTROPIA REBECCA TAYLOR
ECRU
DL1961 PREMIUM DENIM MONROW LILLY PULITZER ALTERNATIVE APPAREL
PLUS SO MUCH MORE!
cameron cotrufello is the Event Coordinator for Unite for Her, an organization on a mission to bridge the gap between the medical and wellness communities. She loves to shop at Tish for all the great fashion she finds there, and for their support of Unite for Her.
138 east gay street 610.692.7500 tishstyle.com 15
“ The front porch is just waiting for your wicker furniture & a mint julep.” says owner Jean Gross
“PO
JEAN GROSS
REA D RCH THE TA L KS ” BLO G!
A FA M I L I A R FAC E I N C H E S T E R C O U N T Y R E A L E S TAT E , A N D H E R H U S B A N D B O B ON THEIR FRONT PORCH.
what is staging? Home
staging is the STAR in The Jean Gross Team arsenal of services, and is so much more than home decorating or design. Staging helps allow buyers to imagine what kind of lifestyle they could enjoy by buying a home. Jean’s intent in staging a client’s home is for buyers to walk into a potential
new home and immediately think “This is it! This is THE ONE for me!” The Jean Gross Team believes staging is an art, and they put love and personalized details into every home they stage for their clients. And it works! National statistics have shown that staged homes sell in half the time and for 5% more than unstaged homes.
get your free behind-the-scenes report showing local home staging results by our team. stagedlistedandsold.com
16 keller williams real estate 100 campbell blvd, suite 106, exton 610.363.4300 jeangross.com facebook.com/jeangrossteam
BALANCE SALON
EFFORTLESS
ELEGANCE
Formal makeup & styling for all occasions
west chester: 150 east gay street 610.314.4300 exton: 826 north pottstown pike 484.872.8457 balancehairspa.com 17
S AT U R D AY, JUNE 4, 2016
JOIN US FOR THE 14TH ANNUAL EVENT TO SUPPORT T H E B E A U T I F I C AT I O N O F D OW N TOW N W E S T C H E S T E R
rooftop sponsor steffi swope pinnacle sponsors
Chestnut Street Garage | 7 – 11 pm | $100 per person; $120 at the door Live Music, Buffet, Beer and Wine, and Rooftop Martini Musical Entertainment by The Manny Trio Dinner compliments of Limoncello
panorama sponsors blue dog printing & design brandywine valley heating & air conditioning
Appetizers & Desserts compliments of “A Taste of West Chester” featuring John Serock Catering and various downtown restaurants and bakeries
media sponsor For more information visit wcdf.org. For questions or tickets contact the Chester County Community Foundation at 610.696.0501.
pa contractor 031124
PROUDLY PURSUING T H E H I G H E S T S TA N D A R D S O F I N T E G R I T Y, W O R K M A N S H I P, AND CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR MORE THAN 22 YEARS.
working together since 2005, Mark Hess, Director of Facilities &
Support Services of Barclay Friends of West Chester, has relied on Brandywine Valley Heating & Air Conditioning to keep all systems functioning with the great customer service and reliablity that he has received throughout the years. Bill Ronayne, President of Brandywine Valley HVAC (above right), and Billy Ronayne, Service Administrator (above left), with the entire team have a wealth of experience in using a full-service approach to meet all commerical and residential heating and cooling needs.
Bill & Billy Ronayne check in with Mark Hess at Barclay Friends of West Chester.
917 old fernhill road suite 300 610.692.3900 bvhvac.com
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EXPERIENCE THE ARTS AT WC U T H I S S U M M E R the elementary school and middle school summer music camps offer large ensemble and small ensemble performance opportunities for band (EL and MS), orchestra (EL and MS), and vocal students (EL only). Students will receive instruction from some of the region’s finest educators and performers. Daily faculty recitals allow students to see professional musicians perform in an informative and engaging setting. the high school summer music institute offers students the opportunity to perform in a variety of large and small ensembles including wind ensemble, string orchestra, chorus, flute ensemble, clarinet ensemble, saxophone ensemble, double reed ensemble, brass ensemble, percussion ensemble and vocal ensemble. All ensembles perform at the end of the Institute, and all concerts are open to family and friends. the summer jazz workshop, which is designed for advanced middle school and all high school students, provides participants the opportunity to explore the pedagogy of jazz improvisation, arranging, orchestration, jazz history, and performance techniques. Visiting artists as well as the WCU faculty will perform and conduct masterclasses on various subjects. Learn more at wcupa.edu/summermusiccamps.
20 the college of visual and performing arts 610.436.2739 visit wcupa.edu/cvpa for information
AMERICAN CRAFT BEER & WHISKEY EXCELLENT BEER SELECTION & DAILY ROTATING DRAFTS CREATIVE MENU WITH INSPIRED PUB FOOD SPECIALS & EVENTS
INSPIRED
FLAVORS 40 east market street 484.631.0241 ramsheadbarandgrill.com
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THE MANY ARTS OF
presented by
LEARNING
Chet Reber
PA I N T E D P L AT E 104 west market street west chester, pa 19382 610.738.0603 paintedplatepottery.com The Painted Plate, West Chester’s paint-your-own pottery store, welcomes everyone with a creative spirit to create that one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Everything you need is provided and there are hundreds of pieces to choose from. Friendly staff is on hand to help you. When you’re finished, you will have a piece that is microwave, dishwasher, and food safe. Great for parties and Girls’ Night Out.
Len Doyle
TAY L O R ’ S M U S I C 116 west gay street west chester, pa 19380 610.696.1812 taylorsmusic.com Quite possibly the oldest music store in America, Taylor’s Music serves as the center for musical instruments and music education in Chester County. They offer everything from guitar picks to grand pianos along with instrument repairs and school rentals. From Bach to rock, Taylor’s can guide you to the right instrument and the right music instructor with over 40 teachers for all instruments.
Victoria E. Dow
WEST CHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY 415 north church street west chester, pa 19380 610.696.1721 wcpubliclibrary.org Serving West Chester Borough and the surrounding townships, the historic West Chester Public Library receives more than 100,000 visits and circulates more than 150,000 items per year. Internet access and electronic materials have been expanded to meet contemporary needs. Presentations for children and adults are a regular part of the library’s programs.
the west chester business improvement district (BID) celebrates small, family-owned businesses that have become the hallmark of downtown West Chester. Learn more about the resources the BID offers at DowntownWestChester.com.
WEST CHESTER UNIVERSIT Y proudly presents the
DEPARTMENT OF ART+DESIGN BFA EXHIBITION TH URSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016 from 5:00–8:00 PM Exhibition runs April 20th through May 6th in the John H. Baker Gallery. Located in the E. O. Bull Center for the Arts 2 East Rosedale Avenue, West Chester, Pennsylvania
department of art + design 610.436.2755 visit wcupa.edu/cvpa/artdesign for information
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THE PERFORMING ARTS Photo: McMasters Photography
SUPPORT THE ARTS IN WEST CHESTER
B R A N DYW I N E B A L L E T
T H E B R A N DYW I N E S I N G E R S
the wonderful wizard of oz
mozart’s requiem
May 13 – 15 Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall
may 7, 7 PM | Church of The Good Samaritan, Paoli, PA
brandywineballet.org 610.696.2711
thebrandywinesingers.org 301.520.2336
WEST CHESTER STUDIO FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
UPTOWN! E N T E R TA I N M E N T A L L I A N C E
honk jr: May 21 & 22, 2 PM | the attic: May 20 & 21, 7 PM
support bringing a theater to west chester
Shows, classes, and summer camps are held at Chester County Historical Society at 225 North High Street. Join West Chester Studio year-round for everything theatre, and find your voice!
A champion for the arts, Uptown Entertainment Alliance is a task force designed to create a living, breathing gathering space for artists to express themselves right in the heart of West Chester’s Historic District. Be a part of it!
westchesterstudio.com 484.995.2915
uptownwestchester.org 484.639.9004
24 figwestchester.com
WITH WILLING HEARTS,
W E H AST E N TO AS S I ST Fame Fire Company of West Chester
SOCIAL MISSION At Fig, we believe in the power of a community that works together to identify needs and find solutions—one that creates community connections and is passionate about helping its neighbors. We believe in the mission of the West Chester Fire Department—our 2016 Social Mission Partner. Please consider supporting them with your dollars and your time this spring.
Bill Ronayne, Fame Fire Company’s Campaign co-chair and volunteer firefighter, proudly displays Fame’s fleet.
fame fire company is part of the West Chester Fire Department along with First
West Chester and Good Will fire companies. Fame is the only fire company in the WCFD that provides water, trench, collapse, extrication, and ice rescue services. The current facility was built in 1974 and Fame’s history (more than 175 years in the making) like 1st WC and Good Will is 100% volunteer, saving our community millions of dollars. Our goal is to raise $2.5 million to construct an 8,000 square-foot addition to the existing building. This addition will have a larger engine room, a training facility, and dorm rooms for a live-in program for West Chester University students who volunteer.
To learn more about Fame Fire Company’s campaign and events, please visit famefireco.org or email famecampaign@verizon.net.
E X PA N D I N G F O R THE FUTURE
Join us to help raise funds at the following events this season! March 17: Corporate Champions Breakfast featuring guest speaker and entrepreneur Chuck Piola at Fame Fire Co.
April 29: Willing Hearts Gala at the Antique Ice Tool Museum
May 21: Stadium Grille Reunion Barbecue fundraiser at Fame Fire Co.
April 30: Pig Roast at Fame Fire Co.
200 east rosedale avenue 610.692.5404 famefireco.org 25
ONE-STOP SHOP
F O R A L L Y O U R A U T O C A R E N E E DS
Jonathan & Laura Aloisio, Owners
FAMILY OWNED AUTO REPAIR AUTO BODY AUTO DETAILING AUTO SALES
28 301 south bolmar street 610.696.7153 dareauto.com
AFFORDABLE. EFFECTIVE. CONVENIENT. Build a blueprint to a better you. From hardcore training to gentle beginnings, we have an entry point for you, in the heart of downtown West Chester. And with four coaching sessions and Child Watch included in your membership, now’s the time to make our Chestnut Street facility your new hot spot – morning, noon or night. Don’t join a gym. Join a community.
#ygbwstrong www.ymcagbw.org
No Joiner Fee with a Commit to Your Health membership. Ask for details. OSCAR LASKO YMCA AND CHILDCARE CENTER One East Chestnut Street 610-696-9622
1 east chestnut street 610.696.9622 www.ymcagbw.org
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5
half day | full day 9am to 4pm
5 day studio sessions Monday-Friday, June 13 to August 19
CHESTERCOUNTYARTS.ORG Art of Ancient Cultures Giant Sculptures Wheel Throwing Art Wars Anime Character Development Drawing & Painting Little Artists: Big Art Wearable Art Perspective Drawing Kids on Canvas Ink Pen Ink Wash Dr. Seuss & Me! Come Play w/ Picasso Photography Fashion Fix-Ups Creative Clay Fabric Creations Introduction to Oil Painting All Levels Drawing
CHESTER COUNTY
KIDS SUMMER
AN INSIGHT TO THE CHESTER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
THE CHESTER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
001
DEAR FRIENDS OF CCHS, The Chester County Historical Society (CCHS) successfully implemented several strategic and focused initiatives throughout 2015. First and foremost, we are incredibly grateful to our members and community partners who helped us achieve an operational balanced budget that was reinvested into supporting the mission of the Historical Society. As we look forward to 2016, we would like to acknowledge the efforts of our late president, Rob Lukens (2011-2015) and our past chairman, William S. Latoff (2007-2009). Rob and Bill brought a special combination of professional experience and contagious enthusiasm for local history. The Board of Trustees and staff continue to build on their vision to share and preserve the history of Chester County. As I look to our mission statement, I am confident CCHS will continue to share the remarkable stories of Chester County and its people especially through the implementation of our innovative permanent gallery re-installation effort. As we announced, the Chester County Historical Society is developing a new 6,000 sq. ft. permanent multi-gallery exhibition, Chester County: A Place in History. This exhibition will provide a dramatic experience for audiences, from school students to tourists, by focusing on stories from over 300 years of Chester County history. In addition, the new galleries will feature over 1,000 sq. ft. of visible storage to increase the accessibility of our renowned collections. To date, we have met our anonymous donor’s $1 million challenge match and raised more than $2.8 million of our $3.7 million goal from our members and community partners toward Chester County: A Place in History. Our goal for 2016 is to raise the remaining fundraising balance of $900,000 by December. We encouraged dialogue, discussion, and civic engagement, and fostered learning among people of all ages through lectures, school programs, and presentations to the community through our History Connections education program, History on Tap, and amazing exhibitions. I remain honored to serve as the Interim President and Vice President, Development to steward this 123-year-old organization and the amazing work we do for the community. I ask for your continued investment in the Chester County Historical Society as we forge ahead and make history together. Respectfully,
David B. Reinfeld Interim President and Vice President, Development
OUR MISSION The Chester County Historical Society (CCHS) inspires, informs, and builds community identity by preserving and sharing the remarkable story of Chester County and its people. CCHS fulfills this mission through: . Acting as steward of an unparalleled collection of artifacts, manuscripts, photographs, and volumes that documents over 300 years of County heritage; . Offering innovative educational programs and exhibitions that draw on the collections to bring history to life; . Helping audiences explore their own histories through Historical Society resources and staff expertise. Founded in 1893, the Chester County Historical Society is the official county history museum, history education center, and historical repository of Chester County, Pennsylvania. As such, the Society aims to preserve and share the county’s remarkable history in powerful and relevant ways. CCHS is located in “the History Center,” a 56,000 sq. ft. complex in the middle of downtown West Chester, steps away from dozens of great restaurants and stores. The Chester County Archives, which CCHS jointly administers with the County of Chester, is located in the Chester County Government Services Center.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS . Reached more than 10,000 students and
teachers throughout Chester County with our History Connections program which aligns with Pennsylvania State Academic Standards.
. Continued to develop the permanent gallery
exhibit Chester County: A Place in History through the input of staff, volunteers, community members, and academic advisors.
. Filled more than 50 photo requests from the
photo and museum collections and renewed a dozen long-term loans to the region.
002 THE CHESTER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY VISIT ” CHESTERCOHISTORICAL.ORG TO LEARN MORE
CCHS LIBRARY
LIBRARY AND PHOTO ARCHIVES
Throughout its history, CCHS’s library has collected materials documenting the diversity of the county from the 1680s to the present. The library houses printed volumes and collections of manuscripts including letters, diaries, and other personal papers, business and organizational records, pamphlets, broadsides, newspapers, audio-visual material, and genealogical material related to the history of the county and surrounding area. The library contains a wealth of information for the researcher—whether your interests are genealogy or local history, property research, or antiques. Beginning with the first donation to CCHS back in 1893, our manuscripts have now grown to number over 500,000 items and include both personal and family papers, as well as the records of businesses,organizations, churches, and schools throughout Chester County. Over 25,000 published volumes fill our library. We have an extensive collection of genealogies, plus many books and periodicals covering state and local history (including works on neighboring states and counties). The library's large collection of published works on decorative arts is a resource for both our museum and the public. Chester County newspapers are available on microfilm and in our renowned newspaper clippings file. A collection of local historic maps will aid both the property and family researcher. Federal and state census records, in-house databases, and a new and growing collection of online history articles as well as many additional resources are available for use by researchers.
CCHS PHOTO ARCHIVES The CCHS Photo Archives collection of over 100,000 historical photographs offers a rare glimpse of the county’s historic past for genealogists, property researchers, local historians, and anyone with a curious mind. The Photo Archives welcomed 144 walk-in researchers and 336 inquiries by phone and email in 2015. This resulted in 14 publication requests and 47 orders for reproductions. Over the summer, CCHS had the opportunity to scan the panorama and oversize photograph collections. These images are now linked to the catalog records in CCHS’s PastPerfect database and ready for use if requested for reproduction. CCHS was invited to participate in ground breaking experiments conducted at the University of Rochester using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The University borrowed CCHS’s Frederick Douglass daguerreotype for display in the Rush Rees Library and SEM examination. Nicholas Bigelow, Lee A. DuBridge, Professor of Physics, and Ralph Wiegandt, visiting research scientist and conservator at the University of
THE CHESTER COUNTY ARCHIVES since 1982, CCHS has administered the Chester Rochester, are studying the unique chemical makeup and deterioration in daguerreotypes on the nano level. Photo Archivist Pamela Powell was able to watch the examination streamed in real time from the University of Rochester. This research revealed important information on the unique chemical makeup of this nationally significant daguerreotype that will play a role in all future conservation decisions.
County Archives in cooperation with the County of Chester. The archives was established to preserve and make available the historic records of Chester County. Its collection of county government records dates back to 1681. Chester County Archives is in the Chester County Government Services Center at 601 Westtown Road, West Chester, and is open to the public Monday through Friday, free of charge. A reference archivist is available to assist researchers. Visit www.chesco.org/archives to find more information on the archives and county records, download our property research guide, or search our numerous online indexes.
THE PERMANENT GALLERY
Chester County: A Place in History Since our founding in 1893, the Chester County Historical Society has been the preeminent resource for the history of the county and the Delaware Valley. Located in an area rich with cultural resources, it is the only museum that provides a comprehensive interpretation of the region’s history with collections that have a national reputation. CCHS’s tradition of scholarly and popular award-winning changing exhibitions will soon be complemented by a sweeping reinstallation and expansion of our permanent exhibit galleries. Our innovative project titled Chester County: A Place in History will feature 6,000 sq. ft. of newly-designed gallery space. The exhibition has been developed with community and visitor input, which CCHS has been soliciting since 2010. The exhibition is designed to expand our audience and help our visitors understand and appreciate Chester County’s place in our nation’s history. Through Chester County: A Place in History, CCHS will: • Meet our mission of preserving and sharing the remarkable history of Chester County. • Expand CCHS’s current audience with a specific emphasis on school groups, area residents, and cultural tourists. • Support CCHS’s vitality through increased attendance, membership, and tours and expand visitor hours. • Help support a major cultural and tourist attraction that will promote the economic development of West Chester and Chester County. Thanks to the generous commitment of our members and community partners, we have continued to develop the permanent gallery exhibit through the input of staff, volunteers, community members, and academic advisors. As the only museum and library charged with preserving and sharing the history of Chester County and its people, CCHS is in a unique position to tell the whole story through engaging methods. Currently, our permanent exhibition galleries give an overview that is heavily focused on our decorative arts collection. CCHS is acutely aware that this is not enough. Chester County: A Place in History will showcase its collections in a storyline that
RENDERINGS OF FUTURE PLANS
will inspire visitors of all ages. Chester County has contributed in extraordinary and surprising ways to our nation’s history, arts, and culture. The exhibition will use the Historical Society’s nationally recognized collections to tell that story of over 300 years of local history. Residents, cultural tourists, researchers, and school students, including those with special needs, will find one location where they can walk through those 300 plus years of history to comprehend the full story of the region. The exhibit will help CCHS best meet its mission to “preserve and share the remarkable story of Chester County and its people.” Planning for the exhibit is well under way. Our design firm, Quatrefoil, is finalizing the floor plans. The staff have compiled the list of items for inclusion. Right now that number is over 400 but will be refined. Staff have also identified a wide range of individuals whose stories we want to tell and who will literally put a “face” to historical events. A grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities provided funding for us to bring in subject experts to make sure our research is both accurate and current. This is particularly important for areas such as early settlement, the American Revolution, and immigration— in which our staff know they do not have sufficient expertise. This new permanent exhibition will be designed to meet the needs and expectations of our existing and potential audiences. One of those audiences is cultural tourists, who flock to the Brandywine Valley in millions
topics or eras will encourage visitors to locate Chester County women, men, children, and families where their stories unfold. Hand-held tablets will enhance topics with access to additional images, searchable databases, and in-depth information. The entire installation will meet or exceed ADA guidelines.
annually. Through a focused marketing campaign with this major project at the core, CCHS will become a greater presence as a destination for these travelers. Another core audience is school students. CCHS currently reaches 10,000 students on and off site but this new exhibition will expand this audience, particularly for Title (1) (underserved) schools through free and reduced price field trip options. Schools in Chester County and beyond, many of which see Philadelphia as the only option for their field trips, will now have a local destination that links with state standards in history and social studies education. Ultimately, the exhibition will provide teachers with tools to build community and civic engagement through learning local history. From the beginning, we have included teachers in the exhibition’s development. The exhibition will go global with an online version that schools can use for pre- and post-visit resources or for those that cannot attend the exhibition in person. Learning methods in this new project will include traditionally displayed objects with printed labels and graphics. These authentic objects, when paired with an expanded use of technology, will allow visitors to immerse themselves deeper into Chester County’s history. Wherever possible there will be audio components, such as excerpts read from manuscripts or taken from oral history interviews. Storytelling narratives, audio components, and role-playing areas will contain interactive opportunities. Biographies depicting individuals representing different
Another component of this project is visible storage, which will allow visitors to see into a secured collection storage display. The 1,000 sq. ft. visible galleries will feature more than 500 artifacts that will appeal to the general public, collectors, connoisseurs, scholars, and those who wish to view large portions of CCHS’s collection. CCHS’s collection of decorative arts is known as one of the strongest of any county historical society in the nation. There is a consistent demand from visitors to view large portions of this collection. Our new visible storage will address that demand, through both exhibiting significant portions of our collection and providing access to data through computer kiosks. Realizing this vision for our exhibition galleries can only be accomplished through the generosity of our members and community partners, as well as several granting agencies. To date, we have raised more than $2.8 million of the $3.7 million project goal in gifts and pledges for Chester County: A Place in History. Part of our fundraising for this new exhibit includes receiving a highly competitive implementation grant of $400,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities, a technology grant of $250,000 from Bentley Systems, a $200,000 grant from the Longwood Foundation, and a $50,000 grant from the Welfare Foundation. This allowed us to receive the entire $1 million challenge match which was pledged to this project by an anonymous donor. Our goal for 2016 is to raise the remaining $900,000, so please consider joining this community initiative. Also, individuals, foundations, and businesses can make a gift in honor or memory of someone special dedicated to this exhibit; naming options are also available. Please contact David B. Reinfeld at 610.692.4800 ext. 267 or dreinfeld@ chestercohistorical.org to work with you to find the right contribution or naming option for you.
AND
HISTORY LAB
through the lens of local history, the
Chester County Historical Society tells the story of America’s past. Our education programs teach using the “stuff” of history—the letters, diaries, tools, toys, photos, and furnishings of days gone by. Whether making a museum visit, inviting us into your classroom or senior center, or renting one of our traveling trunks, our programs put you face to face with Chester County history. Our award-winning program, A Walk Through History, takes students of all ages on a walking tour of West Chester, during which six clues are presented in order to help find the “old among the new,” thus turning West Chester into an outdoor living museum. Programs are taught by our highly trained Museum Teaching Assistants who volunteer their time, whether in the museum or in an outreach setting. This year, you can be one of the people who really experiences Chester County history in a meaningful way! Consider making a museum visit, inviting us into your classroom or senior center, or renting one of our traveling trunks. When you do, our programs will put you face to face with Chester County history. For more information, call the Education Department at 610.692.4800, ext. 203.
SOME EDUCATIONAL PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS MUSEUM PROGRAMS
Growing Up in Colonial Chester County, Revolutionary War -War Comes to Your Backyard, Underground Railroad, Victorian Childhood, Quilts, Tall Case Clocks and Time-Telling.
TRAVELING TRUNKS
Lenape Children, Underground Railroad, Revolutionary War, Chester County and the Civil War, Government and Citizenship, Women and Reform, Industrial Revolution, Bayard Rustin, Horace Pippin, Improving the Land, Quilted History, and World War II.
OUTREACH PROGRAMS Suitable for classroom or organization:
Daily Life in Colonial Pennsylvania, Then and Now, American Revolution in Your Backyard, Underground Railroad, Then and Now and Quilts.
ADRIAN MARTINEZ PRESENTS THE VISIONARY WORLD OF HUMPHRY MARSHALL 1750-1800
OUR CHANGING
EXHIBITS
Opening Tuesday, November 8, 2016 What happens when art and history collide? Discover the answer at the Chester County Historical Society in 2016. The Visionary World of Humphry Marshall will bring together nationally-known artist Adrian Martinez and local history in an exhibit telling the story of brilliant botanist Humphry Marshall and the dramatic events surrounding his life in eighteenthcentury Chester County. CCHS thanks the Humphry Marshall Trust Fund, under the auspices of CCHS for their generous lead contribution, the 1675 Foundation, the Marshalton Conservation Trust, and several individuals for their sponsorship of this exhibit. Please contact David B. Reinfeld at 610.692.4800 or dreinfeld@chestercohistorical.org to support Adrian Martinez Presents the Visionary World of Humphry Marshall 1750-1800.
THE SIXTIES! THE AGE OF AQUARIUS IN CHESTER COUNTY November 10, 2015 through August 27, 2016 Transformation defined the decade. It was powerful, pervasive, and life altering. The aftermath of modern weapons of destruction shocked a post-World War II 1950s generation and created a cold war of distrust and atomic threats. Baby Boomers (born between 1945 and 1964) were reaching college age by the 1960s and the U.S. had a young president. Civil rights needs drew national attention and the obstacles posed by limited opportunities for African Americans and women were enormous. Television, relatively new when the decade began, quickly became the go-to source for ideas and ideals. The Vietnam War entered living rooms on news reports. Controversy on every possible subject was pervasive. The Soviet Union and U.S. were in a tight race to get to the moon. Feature films reached a zenith by the end of the decade and music was exploding, from the Beatles to Motown to Janis Joplin. By the end of the decade there were short skirts and long hair. This exhibit illustrates some of those changes and asks visitors: What do you think matters today? Presenting Corporate Exhibition Sponsors: Wilmington Trust and M&T Bank.
THE CHESTER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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HISTORY DAY
national history day is an exciting year-round academic program for 6th through 12th grade students across the nation. The Chester County Historical Society is the official coordinator for National History Day in Chester and Delaware Counties, Pennsylvania. Each year, over 2,000 local students participate in their schools, 400 advance to compete at the regional level, and many continue on to the state and national competition. CCHS invites you to compete, consider being a volunteer judge, or sponsoring National History Day in support of history education.
THE NHD PROGRAM The Chester County Historical Society is the Regional Sponsor of National History Day in Chester and Delaware Counties. We feel it is core to our mission to help youth enjoy history and to utilize historical materials in their research. NHD teaches critical thinking, prepares students for college, careers, and citizenship, and inspires students by encouraging them to question history and creatively express their findings. For information about National History Day, please contact Kelley Meagher at kmeagher@chestercohistorical.org.
this hidden gem is full of unique locally created gifts, current exhibit-inspired items, and many books on local history. There is a large collection of reproduction photographs featuring Chester County landscapes, buildings, and people. Explore the assortment of reproduction maps depicting the changes over the years of Chester County. Peruse the one-of-a-kind gifts created just for CCHS, such as a custom cotton throw with scenes of Chester County, custom toile pillows and floor mats depicting iconic buildings of Chester County, and much more. In addition, the museum shop has local postcards, greeting cards, and gifts for children.
THE MUSEUM SHOP
Do you have the genealogy bug? Come in for an assortment of books and aids for research to pursue your family history. Looking for custom stationery or invitations? The museum shop is also now the home of Paper Moon, custom stationery for all of life's events. Paper Moon also creates gift cards and custom gifts that are available in the museum shop. VISIT � CHESTERCOHISTORICAL.ORG TO LEARN MORE THE CHESTER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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EVENTS
RECEPTIONS . PERFORMANCES CONFERENCES . MEETINGS FORMAL GALAS . FUNDRAISERS
AT T H E
The Chester County Historical Society’s Cultural Center is the perfect setting for your wedding reception, fundraiser, special event, holiday party, or corporate meeting. Vaulted ceilings, a three-story atrium, and 2,600 sq. ft. of convertible space are just a few of the highlights of one of the most historic buildings in Chester County. Other amenities include complete audio and visual equipment, wireless Internet, and access to our award-winning museum.
The High Street terrace is an outdoor space that was completely renovated and expanded in summer 2015. This is a great location for cocktail receptions and offers guests the option of incorporating outdoor space into their event or reception. The Chester County Historical Society is pleased to announce a catering partnership with Jimmy Duffy’s Catering and Limoncello Ristorante & Caterers.
Kate Giovinco Photography
CCHS also has rental space available for small groups, conferences, and board meetings. Located on the 3rd floor, comfortable classrooms are available 7 days a week for day or evening events. Each classroom has access to a whiteboard or blackboard and can accommodate 10-20 guests each. The classroom spaces are ideal for business meetings, classes, children’s birthday parties, etc. Located on the 2nd floor in the administrative office wing, the conference room is available 7 days a week for day or evening events and comes equipped with a whiteboard. The space can accommodate 12 guests and is ideal for business meetings.
VISIT ” CHESTERCOHISTORICAL.ORG TO LEARN MORE THE CHESTER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT In 1784, West Chester was established as a village by a small group of settlers, led by John Hannum, at the crossroads of what is now High and Gay Streets. From that point, a four square block grid was laid out bounded by Chestnut, Walnut, Market, and Church Streets. Within a few years, the village had acquired a courthouse, tavern, school, shops, livery stables, and several small farms so that by 1788, the Pennsylvania Assembly established West Chester as a “county town” with its current boundaries and a population of about 200. Today, the original grid still exists, but the town has grown into a borough (incorporated in 1799) with a population of nearly 19,000. About 4,200 structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places with many of the most outstanding within the original old town. Sixteen structures and sites are highlighted in this tour. We invite you to go to DowntownWestChester.com/ history for details of each site as you stroll back in time and visit these remarkable places.
A FEW SITES TO SEE 01 HORTICULTURAL HALL
09 WILLIAM DARLINGTON BUILDING
02 WEST CHESTER ARMORY BUILDING
10 STONE SCULPTURE
03 SITE OF FIRST MASS-PRODUCED PENICILLIN
11 HISTORIC COURTHOUSE
04 WARNER BLOCK
12 BUCKWALTER BUILDING / OLD MUNICIPAL BUILDING
05 AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR SITE
13 FARMERS & MECHANICS BUILDING
06 THE INSURANCE BUILDING
14 LINCOLN BUILDING
07 HISTORIC POST OFFICE
15 PETER & MARY RUSH'S GROCERY STORE
08 FIRST BANK OF CHESTER COUNTY
16 WEST CHESTER FIRE COMPANY BUILDING
1848 | 225 North High Street 1916 |226 North High Street
1943 | Chestnut and Walnut Streets
1930 | 100 Block of North High Street 1777 | NW Corner of Gay & High Streets 1905 | 15 East Gay Street 1907 | 101 East Gay Street 1837 | 17 North High Street
1789 | 13 North High Street
1966 | 10 North High Street 1848 | 2 North High Street 1893 /1912 | 11-15 South High Street 1908 | 2 West Market Street
1833 | 28 West Market Street 1825 | 1 North Church Street
1887 | 30 North Church Street
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west chester university
PRESENTED BY ” THE WEST CHESTER BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT DOWNTOWNWESTCHESTER.COM
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BECOME OUR HISTORY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PA R T OF
George C. Zumbano, Esq.,
William S. Latoff
Charles H. White,
Regina Horton Lewis
Chair
Vice-Chair
Francis B. Jacobs II,
CHESTER COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION, 1916 POSING BEFORE CHESTER COUNTY COURTHOUSE, WEST CHESTER.
BECOME A MEMBER Be a part of one of Chester County's best-kept secrets! Within our walls you can explore 300 years of Chester County history through exhibitions. Visit our library and photo archives where our expert staff will help you research your family tree. As a benefit to joining CCHS, several local restaurants and businesses have graciously offered a discount to our members. If you have any questions regarding membership, you can call us at 610.692.4800 or contact us at dreinfeld@chestercohistorical.org.
ALL MEMBERS RECEIVE: . Unlimited, free admission to the museum, library, and photo archives . 10% discount on CCHS bookstore purchases . Discount on exhibit openings, lectures, and educational programs . Exclusive members–only programs including behind-the-scene tours . Special advanced invitations to exhibits and events . Volunteer opportunities to support our programs and meet fellow members
. Guest passes to museum/library . Free access to the New Hope Historical Society & the Parry Mansion Museum . Free access to the National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum
MEMBERSHIP LEVELS: . Individual - $45 | *Senior $40 . Family - $55 | *Senior $50 . Contributor - $125 . Patron - $250 . Benefactor - $500 *65 years of age or older
BECOME A VOLUNTEER The CCHS Volunteer Organization supports the CCHS mission on a daily basis. Volunteers (more than 300 active) are a diverse group of young and old from a wide range of backgrounds, interests, and experiences. More than 14,300 volunteer hours were tracked in 2015. There are many areas in which to volunteer. Examples include working with students at an education event, conserving and cataloging our collections, guiding in our museum, baking for a hospitality table, and governing on our Board of Trustees.
Chairman Emeritus
Thomas H. McIntyre
Treasurer
Sandra Nesbitt
George C. Werner,
William B. Parker
Secretary
Charles C. Piola
Caroline Bentley
Belin Robertson
Sen. Andrew E. Dinniman, Ed. D.
William Ronayne
Grete Greenacre
James C. Sargent, Jr.
William Hieb
Craig Tucker
Dr. Mian Jan
L. Gordon Walker
Susan Johnstone
STAFF David B. Reinfeld
Barbara Brown
Beth Lindsay
Vicki McKeefery
Ellen Endslow
Carol Samuelson
Interim President & Vice President, Development Operations Manager Director of Collections/ Curator
Heather Hansen
Receptionist & Database Administrator Education Coordinator Education Coordinator
Kelley Meagher
Collections Manager
National History Day Coordinator
Pamela C. Powell
Margaret Baillie
Laurie A. Rofini
Susan Johnstone
Photo Archivist
Director of Chester County Archives and Records Services
Cliff C. Parker Archivist
Kimberly F. B. Bucklaw Assistant Archivist
Lauren Hoyer
Venue Sales and Marketing Manager
Assistant Librarian Volunteer President
Cyndi Meadows
Museum Shop Assistant
Ben Corry
Facility Rental Program Assistant
Jo Ann Carey
Development Assistant
225 N. HIGH STREET . WEST CHESTER, PA . 19380 610 . 692 . 4800 VISIT ” CHESTERCOHISTORICAL.ORG TO LEARN MORE
WCU College of Visual and Performing Arts is proud to support CCHS through the arts.
I N F LU E N C E S
adrian martinez is an artist whose work, in life and art, is a fiercely beautiful mixture of strong memory and an unwavering drive to assimilate a difficult past—of which he claims, victoriously, that his intellect is at the service of his emotions. His juxtaposed works are layered and crystalized into oil on canvas and panel. It’s still life. It’s landscape. It’s history. His paintings and portraits are in many public collections, including Camp David and the White House—the latter of which, by chance or divine appointment, he remembers very differently. He grew up in Washington, D.C., in one of the worst slums in the city, just blocks from the White
House. His positive memories reside inside museum walls, where he would roam. They were free and full of perspectives. Slowly, on the backs of menus, he started to draw what he saw in museums. Like most children, his bedroom became the epicenter for meaning and metaphor. Soon he was labeling, cataloging, and identifying things in his bedroom. “I had this huge room with crumbling plaster walls. I put hundreds of nails into the wall with cardboard shelves,” he says, describing displays of bits of broken glass and fossilized leaves. Today, he says it was his attempt to order the world and find meaning. What he discovered, and still explores through his
artwork, was that he needed to find and assign his own meaning to life. “That’s what life is. That’s what we’re responsible for,” he says. “More objects. More layers. More meaning.” Adrian lives with his wife, Leah, and son, Sebastian, in Chester County, which inspires his original works that are created inside his home—an 1894 Victorian. Learn much more about him and see his collection on November 8, 2016, at the Chester County Historical Society: See history unfold through the eyes of an artist! Adrian Martinez Presents the Visionary World of Humphry Marshall. Learn more at amartinezpresents.com.
figwestchester.com
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april first
2
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SMART, SOCIAL, S P R I N G I S HE RE—TH E SEASON FOR E XPLOR IN G! D ISCOV E R E V E RY T HIN G THAT MA K ES WEST CH ESTER SO SPE C IA L—A N D FIN D IT A LL IN FIG!
DATEBOOK
@figwestchester
/figwestchester
figwestchester.com
@figwestchester
The best of West Chester in 140 characters or less.
A community of people who love West Chester engaging daily. Join the conversation!
A weekly e-newsletter filled with great people, places, and events. Time to plan your weekend!
A visual guide to life in West Chester.
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I N N OVAT I V E , A R T I S T I C , A N D
RE-IMAGINED ONE-OF-A-KIND FURNITURE, SCULPTURE, LIGHTING, JEWELRY, & CLOTHING RE-IMAGINED ART FROM FOUND OBJECTS & RECLAIMED MATERIALS
Paul Walcott, “Re-Imagineer”
Tom Bazis, “Wood Sculptor”
1351 west strasburg road, village of marshallton 215.704.7419 themerchantofmenace.net
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A WOMAN’S HEART IS DIFFERENT. That’s why the early warning signs of a heart attack in a woman are often different from a man’s. Many women make the deadly mistake of attributing these signs to stress. As a woman, it’s important to understand your risk and know your heart health. Start by taking our Heart Tracks Assessment at PennCCHeart.org.
T H E R E G I O N ’ S # 1 H E A R T & VA S C U L A R P R O G R A M I S R I G H T H E R E I N T H E H E A R T O F Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y AT
CH E S T E R COUNTY H OSPITAL Important Heart Information for Women Women & Cardiovascular Disease • Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women in the US • Over 450,000 women die from cardiovascular disease each year, nearly one every minute! • Cardiovascular disease kills more women each year than all forms of cancer • 64% of women who die suddenly of heart disease have no previous symptoms
Heart Attacks are Harder on Women • Women are far more likely to die from a heart attack than men • Women are less likely to survive the first year following a heart attack • More women than men suffer recurrent heart attacks and go into heart failure
How to Stay Heart Healthy • Get Active
• Lose Weight
• Control Cholesterol
• Reduce Blood Sugar
• Eat Better
• Stop Smoking
• Manage Blood Pressure
If you or a woman you love suffers from heart disease, never settle for anything less than the best care. Visit PennCCHeart.org or call 800.789.PENN (7366) today.
C H E S T E R C O U N T Y H O S P I TA L
| 701 EAST MARSHALL STREET, WEST CHESTER
SILVANUS
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34 148 west gay street 610.430.0811 beau-etre.myshopify.com
RAISING THE BAR ON THE
QUALITY OF CARE FAMILY FRIENDLY BEAUTIFUL SETTING LATEST TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS BUILT ON KNOWLEDGE & PATIENT EDUCATION
Left to right: Dr. Saldivar & Dr. Jester
Nathan (5 years old)
the i-cat flex machine takes 3-D images of the head and neck safely and gently. It replaces the large and small x-ray film with a digital capture of amazing accuracy and scope. Jester and Saldivar utilize this and other high-quality technology to provide the finest in seamless care for seniors, children, orthodontics, TMJ, periodontal, and implant care. An added benefit is that all the treatment rooms overlook the beautiful and serene Fern Hill Reservoir. We are committed to prevention and intervention in every dental patient. Our patients truly become family足. We look forward to meeting you. 1244 wrights lane 610.696.6070 jesterandsaldivar.com
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WELCOME HOME,
SPRING
MAKE IT A DAY AND VISIT THESE OTHER GREAT FIG DESTINATIONS IN PENNSYLVANIA. LET’S
GO!
LANCASTER
BETHLEHEM
KENNETT SQUARE
LANCASTERHISTORY.ORG
HISTORIC BETHLEHEM MUSEUM & SITES
PHILLIPS MUSHROOM FARM
LancasterHistory.org is a communitybased, nonprofit organization established to educate the public on the history of Lancaster County and its place in the history of Pennsylvania and the US, including the life and legacy of America’s 15th president James Buchanan and his home, Wheatland. Take tours and visit the museum store. LancasterHistory.org
Bring history to life by educating the public about Bethlehem’s rich heritage, by preserving historic sites, and by collecting, preserving, and exhibiting historical and artistic objects that can be used to tell the stories of Bethlehem’s people. Take a custom or seasonal walking tour and visit the museum store. historicbethlehem.org
The Woodlands at Phillips located at Phillips Mushroom Farm offers visitors and locals a true taste of Kennett Square—the mushroom capital of the world. Browse their fun museum and gift shop and find recipes, soups, sauces, and souvenirs. thewoodlandsatphillips.com
figlancaster.com
figbethlehem.com
figkennett.com
GO. SEE. EXPLORE. Warmer days are here and it’s way too beautiful to sit inside all day. Hop in your car, buckle up, and hit the road to one of our Fig destinations. We’d like to take a moment to introduce you to a few of our favorite towns in PA. Say hello to Lancaster, Bethlehem, and Kennett Square! Plan a daytrip and explore the history of these places. Shop local and savor life like the locals do.
on the following pages, you’ll find our Fig Community Supporters—businesses committed to a thriving downtown economy. Although they may not be located in the borough, they believe in the power of buying local and shopping small. Take time this spring to visit and tell them you found them in Fig! figwestchester.com
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giving back | spring 2016 | figwestchester.com volunteer. donate. give back.
Michael G. Vadasz & Lisa Thompson Otto’s BMW
GIVING BACK : to anyone driving by their iconic dealership on wilmington pike in west chester, the signs are obvious: Otto’s BMW is in the midst of another major renovation and expansion, the fifth and most fascinating in their nearly 50year history. “Controlled change has been a constant theme in our evolution,” says dealership principal Michael G. Vadasz, “as has our commitment to help those in our community.” What began as the fledging partnership of Lisa Vadasz and her father in the mid1960s, shifted gears when her husband,
38 figwestchester.com
OTTO’S BMW Michael, joined the company as a temporary employee and quickly became its driving force. Decades later, and now in its third generation of family management, Otto’s has more than 140 professionals working at both its West Chester location and MINI dealership in Exton.
to the community is also obvious and ongoing, with partnerships with a number of nonprofits, most notably Chester County Hospital, Brandywine River Museum, West Chester Parks and Recreation, Chester County Family Academy, as well as local cancer research and support groups.
The family’s commitment to employees and customers alike is evident in their daily oversight, a practice begun by the senior Vadaszes and embraced by Lisa Thompson, Sales Director at Otto’s BMW, and her brother, Michael E., General Manager of Otto’s MINI. Their dedication
As to the major upgrade to the BMW dealership, we’re told to expect completion in the fall of 2017, just in time for Otto’s 50th anniversary. Learn more at ottosbmw.com.
W H AT B E G A N A S A D I S TA N T D R E A M IS NOW A CONFIRMED
R E A L I T Y.
After years of meticulous planning, we are delighted to announce that Otto’s BMW has officially begun the most comprehensive expansion and reorganization in our 47-year history. And now that the time has arrived, we can’t wait to get to the future!
W H AT D O E S T H I S E X PA N S I O N M E A N F O R O U R VA L U E D C L I E N T S ? It means that during our multi-phase makeover we may look different for awhile, but we promise we’ll do everything possible to make you feel at home. We’d like to thank you in advance for your understanding and patience as we undergo this update. 1275 wilmington pike 610.399,6800 ottosbmw.com
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located throughout chester county 484.678.9269 treehouseyogaforchildren.com
YOGA FOR KIDS EVERYWHERE! BOOSTS SELF-ESTEEM & CONFIDENCE, PLUS RELIEVES STRESS HELPS DEVELOP FOCUS & CONCENTRATION IN LOCAL SCHOOLS & FACILITIES CALL TO COORDINATE YOUR LOCATION HAPPILY PARTNERING DURING THE SUMMER WITH
N LOCATED WITHI
FITNESS AND WELLNESS CENTERS
NO CONTRACTS
MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING
FREE TRIAL LESSONS
FOR ALL AGES
OPEN ENROLLMENT OPEN TO MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS OF ACAC
1130 mcdermott drive 610.416.9620 magnuskarate.com
G E T F I T, GIVE BACK, H AV E
with the whole family ON-SITE BABYSITTING BIRTHDAY PARTIES SWIM LESSONS AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
JOIN TODAY 30 days for $30.00 per person, now through March 31, 2016
SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
E ver y d olla r of you r f ee goes t o Ha b i t a t f or H u m a nity of C h es t er Coun ty.
1130 mcdermott drive, west chester 610.431.7000 acac.com
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BEAUTY IN BLOOM SINCE 1978 EXQUISITE FLORAL DESIGNS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS OR THE EVERY DAY GARDEN-INSPIRED GIFTS, ACCESSORIES, & HOME GOODS UNPARALLELED CUSTOMER SERVICE SAME-DAY LOCAL DELIVERY
COMMUNITY SUPPORTER
42 210 north chester road (rte 352) 610.431.3077 matlackflorist.com
NEW SURROUNDINGS
CASTILDI’S GIF T CA RDS AVAILA BLE! COMMUNITY SUPPORTER
SCHWARZKOPF
MOROCCAN OIL
GLOBAL KERATIN
MALIBU
castaldi’s salon is a cutting edge, full-service salon with over 21 years of hair experience for men, women, and children. After 12 years of being in business, we have recently renovated for a truly glamorous experience.
MUK
SIMPLY SMOOTH
We believe in a highly tailored approach to beauty that complements and enhances who you are. Visit Castaldi’s this spring to refresh your look and let your personality and uniqueness shine through!
328 kennett pike, chadds ford 610.388.0670 castaldissalon.com
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THE 24TH RUNNING OF THE
Willowdale Steeplechase Sunday, May 15th , 2016
COMMUNITY SUPPORTER
PHOTO BY JIM GRAHAM
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS:
$30 per person in advance, $35 per person race day. Children under 12 are admitted free of charge. For more information call 610.444.1582 or go to www.willowdale.org. Races run rain or shine.
Davey Dickens, owner Dickens Chimney Restoration
SPRING R E N E WA L HISTORIC RESTORATION CHIMNEY RELINING CHASE COVERS & CHIMNEY CAPS MASONRY REPAIRS CUSTOM STONE & BRICK WORK RE-POINTING STAMPED CONCRETE MASONRY STAIN REMOVAL STUCCO REPAIR CHIMNEY INSPECTIONS CHIMNEY SWEEPING GUTTER CLEANING
COMMUNITY SUPPORTER
610.268.2457 dave@dickenschimney.com dickenschimney.com
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COMMUNITY SUPPORTER
E NJOY YOUR FOOD & FLI GHTS EUROPEAN-STYLE CUISINE WITH NEW AMERICAN FLAVORS AND A TOUCH OF SOUTHERN FLAIR Private dining for weddings, banquets, and meetings
46 423 baltimore pike, chadds ford 610.388.7700 thegablesatchaddsford.com
RAISE A GLASS TO SPRING
INSID ET WEST T HE AMISH OWN MARK ET
NEW SEASON, N E W LO C AT I O N
COMMUNITY SUPPORTER
Visit our new location in West Chester! 1173 WILMINGTON PIKE WEST CHESTER, PA 19382
winery: 1833 flint hill road, landenberg • westtown amish market: 1173 wilmington pike, west chester 610.255.5684
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INVITING YOU TO OUR NEW
SHOW ROOM The
ONE STOP SHOP for homeowners & contractors.
EXTENSIVE SELECTION OF NATURAL LANDSCAPE STONE DESIGN-FOCUSED FURNITURE OUTDOOR FIREPLACES, FIREPITS + KITCHENS
48 190 west ross street, lancaster 717.735.1922 patiopennstone.com
COMMUNITY SUPPORTER
Molly S Photography COMMUNITY SUPPORTER
B E CAU S E
GREAT CARS
michael’s driving passion is finding great cars that will excite discerning customers—whether vintage cars for serious car enthusiasts, like this 1939 pre-war MGTB, or top-quality late model, certified used cars for everyday use. And yes, the MGTB is for sale.
ARE MORE
FUN
Michael’s Motor Cars has expertise in both buying and selling vintage and classic cars. Is there a great old car in your garage that you would consider selling? We would love to see it! Give us a call or visit us online at michaelsmotorcars.com.
922 north queen street, lancaster 717.392.2888 michaelsmotorcars.com
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THE HEART OF CARDIOVASCULAR CARE AT T H E L A K E
Pictured from left to right are Crozer-Keystone cardiologists Aymen Alrez, M.D., Roselle Mesmer, M.D. and Michael Adesman, M.D.
crozer-keystone’s outpatient facility in glen mills, Crozer Medical Plaza at Brinton Lake, is a hub for a range of medical specialties, but one of its strongest connections is to the specialists and services of Crozer-Keystone’s cardiovascular program.
And should you ever need surgical intervention, our team of interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons are performing innovative techniques to heal hearts and save lives.
Your heart is the hardest working muscle in your body. Living well and exercising will keep it strong and healthy. But should you ever need a medical professional’s help, our clinical cardiologists have the knowledge and experience to diagnose, treat and manage heart disease.
50 crozer brinton lake, route 1, glen mills crozeratthelake.org
HAN Cardiovascular Group: 610.521.0150 Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons of Delaware County: 610.619.8477 Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia: 610.579.3579
COMMUNITY SUPPORTER
! N O n Ru
April 9, 2016
Come run the GARDEN SPOT VILLAGE MARATHON or HALF MARATHON in Eastern Lancaster County. Lancaster YMCA KIDS MARATHON April 8, 2016. Visit GARDENSPOTVILLAGEMARATHON.ORG for details. Hosted by Garden Spot Village a different kind of retirement community where people live lives filled with opportunity and purpose.
433 south kinzer avenue, new holland 717.355.6000 gardenspotvillage.org
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fig is your guide to
presorted standard us postage paid moxie house
SHOPPING, DINING, ARTS, & EVENTS in west chester, pa
Fig Industries, figindustries.com 153 East King Street, Suite 212 Lancaster, PA 17602
april 1
POPOVICH COMEDY PET THEATER AT WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY WCU Live! presents this world-famous performance, blending the comedy and juggling skills of Gregory Popovich and his performing pets, each rescued from the streets. wcupa.ticketleap.com
april 2
EVENTS
TAIKO DRUMMING & DANCE TROUPE AT WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY WCU Live! welcomes the top-ranking Taiko Drummers and Japanese folkloric dancers from Tamagawa University, Japan, as they make a return appearance. The athletic and graceful performances have received rave reviews from national media. wcupa.ticketleap.com
april 22 – 24
WEST CHESTER FILM FESTIVAL The 12th Annual West Chester International Short Film Festival brings an expanded selection of films in the Standard, and Young Filmmaker categories. Various locations. westchesterfilmfestival.com
may 1
MAY DAY FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS A daylong celebration of the arts held at Everhart Park. 45+ artists set up throughout the park to sell their high quality arts and crafts. Strolling magicians, local dance academy performances, and children’s crafts. Fresh food from local vendors. Free admission. downtownwestchester.com
may 6
june 3
Enjoy the creative work of local, national, and international artists, featuring styles from traditional to contemporary, and everything in between. Five prominent galleries will combine with more than twenty additional “one night only” show hosts throughout the downtown. Rain or shine. greaterwestchester.com
Get together with friends for an evening of shopping in Downtown West Chester. Shops and boutiques stay open late. Enjoy special sales, refreshments, and more. Free parking on-street and in lots. downtownwestchester.com
may 6
Gay Street in Downtown West Chester comes alive with this giant annual festival, featuring six bands, antique cars, and rides and games for the kids. Plus, a large number of food and craft vendors. Free admission. downtownwestchester.com
GALLERY WALK
WEST CHESTER’S VINTAGE MARKET Explore a variety of vintage-inspired booths of retro, industrial, up-cycled, and other unique vintage finds. downtownwestchester.com
FIRST FRIDAY
june 5
SUPER SUNDAY
may 13, 14, & 15
WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ The Brandywine Ballet presents a reprise of its popular Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the timeless story of Dorothy and her fellow travelers as they embark on a magical journey brought to life by the imaginative choreography of Resident Choreographer, Nancy Page. Ticketed event at the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall in the Philips Memorial Building. brandywineballet.org
june 2
SWINGIN’ SUMMER THURSDAYS An evening of live music on the streets of Downtown West Chester. Two live bands, local food, and artisan vendors. downtownwestchester.com
VISIT
DOWNTOWNWESTCHESTER.COM F O R A CO M P L E T E L I ST O F E V E N TS!