The WC Press People of West Chester - July 2016

Page 1

VOICE OF THE BOROUGH ï‚· JULY 2016


2

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

3


Make the right move. Market Street Realty is a local, family-owned realty business residing in the heart of West Chester. We have professional agents you can trust that yield premier results whether you are buying, selling, or renting your home. Contact us today at 610.732.3818 or www.123marketrealty.com. 123 E Market St | West Chester, PA 19382


JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

5


6

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH




The

“Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart.” —Anne Frank

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

Worth

COLUMNISTS Becca Boyd bboyd@thewcpress.com Diane LeBold dlebold@thewcpress.com Andrea Mason amason@thewcpress.com DJ Romeo romeo@thewcpress.com Dr Geoff Winkley drwinkley@thewcpress.com Published By... Mathers Productions 13 South Church Street West Chester, PA 19382 mathersproductions.com 610-344-3463 The WC Press is a monthly magazine distributed free of charge to more than 250 businesses. For a free digital subscription, visit thewcpress.com. For more information about specific distribution locations, visit thewcpress.com/distribution.

Noting 13 16 23 27 33 34 45 51

Our no-nonsense table of contents

#THEWCPRESS Tag your photos for a chance to appear in these pages KEY QUESTIONS ...for some of West Chester’s most pivotal people THE LOOK Christine’s Upscale Resale is the designer look for lesss OWNER OF THE MONTH John Barone is the man behind John L. Smith BARTENDER OF THE MONTH Kim Koechig celebrates the first birthday of Saloon 151 PRIME EXAMPLES A showcase of West Chester’s movers and shakers PEOPLE OF WEST CHESTER Street photography around town with short stories PHOTO HUNT Find five differences and earn a chance to win a prize

JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

9


10

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


From the

Editor

“People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.” –Isaac Asimov

In a lot of ways this issue is a throwback. We didn’t get our start by writing stories so powerful that our readers needed to tell their friends. We didn’t gain a following curating information so valuable that readers tore it from these pages and posted it on their fridge. No. What we really did was print pictures of people. Our recipe for success was simple and fun: people like to look at pictures of other people, but more than that, they like to know that other people are seeing pictures of them. We went to as many events as possible, asked people to smile for pictures, and if their photo ended up in The WC Press, they told their friends about it. If it was a good shot, they tore it out and posted it on the fridge. Pictures of people are powerful in an immediate way that stories about people sometimes fail to capture. In this issue, you’ll find lots of pictures of people. Now, while there’s a been a shift to increased editorial to make sure this magazine is more than just a print edition of Facebook, we haven’t completely changed our tactics. Every month we feature people from around town, and although we’ve published one every month for years now—this month marks the 53 time we’ve run the feature—Bartender of the Month remains one of our most-read and most-talked about articles. Why? Because it focuses on people that lots of other people know. We don’t publish stories because they’re pressing topics about which we feel it’s our duty to inform. We don’t strive to make salient points about politics. We’re an entertainment magazine. The stories you read in these pages are entirely dictated by what the people of West Chester enjoy, the things in which they are engaged, and everything that excites them. In that way, I think we’re a fantastic representation of this town. This month we’re being straightforward about that representation. In fact, we’ve interviewed some of the people who literally represent this town—both on borough council and in the state house—in Kate Chadwick’s story “Key Questions” (pg 17). We also featured some folks we thought best represented our community in Jesse Piersol’s “Prime Examples” (pg 35) where we chose winners of a variety of superlatives. We also sent photographer Sabina Sister out on the town to capture some authentic street photography with accompanying stories for a West Chester-inspired spin on the famous blog Humans of New York. Finally, for all the people who’ve wanted to find themselves in these pages but never have, we’re introducing an on-going feature of user submitted photos under the hashtag #TheWCPress. When we first got started, people began referring to us as the “monthly yearbook of West Chester.” We found the phrase to be highly flattering, so in these pages we’ve done our best to assemble what we feel is a fun and honest yearbook for the town that we all love. Read it, pass it around, tear out your favorite pages — heck, ask the folks featured if they’ll sign your copy when you see them around town. Enjoy this snapshot of our town, and of course, be sure to have a great summer.

JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

11


12

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


#TheWCPress Tag your photos on social media for a chance to appear in these pages

JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

13


14

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


Design

Andrea Mason is an interior designer for Perceptions Interiors

Dilemmas

We are nearly halfway through the summer months and it’s prime time party season! With Independence Day here and Labor Day around the corner, everyone wants to entertain with their new patio furniture and accessories. A common design challenge people face is where and how they should invest. We have some great ideas on how to renovate your backyard without breaking the bank. The simplest way to make a big impact on your outdoor space on a limited budget is to update the details, including accent pillows, outdoor rugs, lighting, and accessories, as well as to ensure the care and maintenance of existing furniture. Instead of updating your lounge seating, which can be costly, try purchasing a new throw pillow or blanket. Choose ones with a splash of color or a fun pattern on there to add more interest. Your existing furniture will look brand new! Outdoor rugs are often overlooked outside, but they can help anchor a group of furniture. Furniture can look lost in a large backyard or deck, but by placing a rug underneath it will help to signify the area is a unified space. This is also a good opportunity to add another color or pattern to the outdoors. Treat your outdoor lighting like you would your indoor by using multiple lighting options – large outdoor spotlights and sconces are just the beginning; also consider draping fun twinkle lights or placing lanterns and candles on your various surfaces. Don’t forget to accessorize. It’s the best way to add some flair to the outdoors that can cater to your style. Try incorporating more organic items; you are outside after all! Organic items can include rocks, a collection of sea shells, or flowers. Other accessory ideas are statues, jars, and wind chimes. The options are endless, but be sure not to add too much clutter to your surfaces. Your eye naturally turns to nature, so keep your accessories to a minimum so as not to steal all of the attention. Lastly, an important part of keeping your backyard always looking great is paying close attention to the condition of your current furniture. Every surface is unique and requires different care from your wood to wicker to metal. Make sure to read the care manual the furniture came with or that you can find online. Now that you know how to style your space, where should you shop? I have a few go-to places when purchasing outdoor furniture for clients. If you are looking to add a punch of color, try looking at World Market. Some of my favorite items are their umbrellas and throw pillows. If you are in need of fun and funky accessories look no further than CB2 and Pier 1. CB2 has a more modern feel, while Pier 1 has an eclectic vibe. West Elm has a nice array of outdoor lighting, vases, and jars. It’s also a great source for a mid-century modern look. Follow these suggestions and your backyard will be looking festive for the Fourth—now all that's left is a few friends, some food and fireworks! amason@thewcpress.com

JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

15


16

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


Key Questions for some of West Chester’s most pivotal people What makes this borough wonderful, by the people who have their fingers on its pulse by Kate Chadwick

You know why you love West Chester and what makes it so great. And we know why we love West Chester and what makes it so great. But for this month’s issue, we wanted to check in with some of the people who make things happen in the borough—the movers and the shakers, some of them from behind the scenes, and some of them front-and-center—about why they love... well, we think you get the idea.

Carolyn Comitta, Mayor Best-kept Secret: Did you know our West Chester University students volunteer almost one million hours in our community each year? They help our young students, community centers, seniors, downtown (hanging the greens, picking up trash, etc.), our public parks and streams clean ups, among many other good works. Your greatest contribution: I am proud of my work to bring our diverse voices together to improve our community. Among many examples, there is one I am proud of every day: as a new Borough Council member in 2006, I worked toward Council’s unanimous approval of our Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, adding protection of our LGBT community, and closing that void in PA law.

How our readers might know you: I'm proud to be in my second term as your Mayor. I was the first woman elected mayor of West Chester—after 210 years!—and I’m proud that I was the first bipartisan-elected mayor. I hope to continue my public service by being elected your PA State Representative.

Andrew Dinniman, State Senator

Best-kept Secret: The region’s most notable and perhaps most decorated unit from the Civil War, the 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment, was based here, and they actually camped out and trained at what is now Everhart Park. After the war, a monument to the 97th Infantry and all the Union soldiers was built in Marshall Square Park, where it stands to this day. Your greatest contribution: Two recent projects in the north side of town come to mind. I helped secure the state funding necessary to save the Barclay Grounds from development, and today we have the beautiful new Barclay Park. I was also involved with and continue to support the Uptown! Entertainment Alliance’s successful work to establish a theater at the site of the former National Guard Armory. How our readers might know you: I consider a big part of my job attending events all over the county, meeting as many people as possible, and staying in touch with them and what matters to them. Many know me from my time as a Chester County Commissioner. And of course, others just recognize me as the state Senator who walks his dog around town. What our readers should know about you: I grew up on a dairy farm in Connecticut, and I’m a force to be reckoned with when it

JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

17


AMY TUCKER PHOTOGRAPHY

Faunbrook B&B

An 1860s grand manor estate on the south side of West Chester

Weddings d shoWers d rehearsal dinners guest stays d events d 2 to 100 guests 699 West Rosedale Avenue • West Chester, PA 19382 610-436-5788 • 800-505-3233 • www.faunbrook.com

18

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


comes to cows. I’ve taken several titles in cow-milking contests at local fairs.

Matt Holliday, Prothonotary

Best-kept Secret: The best-kept secret in West Chester is the West Chester Public Library on North Church Street. I realize that I'm a bit biased because I'm the President of the Library's Board of Trustees, but I really do think we have one of the prettiest, most historic, and helpful libraries in the county. Favorite person, place or thing: My favorite thing in West Chester is our Old Fashioned Christmas Parade that the Chamber of Commerce puts on each year. It is such a magical night, and I love giving high-fives to the hundreds of kids who line the streets while I walk in the parade. Your greatest contribution: I do my best to give back to the community that I love so much, and as often as I can. West Chester is blessed to have a large number of charities and non-profits that serve those in need. I'm fortunate enough to serve on 12 of those organizations' Board of Directors. How our readers might know you: When I ran for election as County Prothonotary last year, I quickly realized that the only people who ever heard of the position were lawyers and people who worked for the county. However, people may know my work: If you’ve ever been divorced, participated in a lawsuit, or become a United States Citizen in Chester County, you’ve dealt with the Chester County Prothonotary's Office.

Dan Truitt, State Representative

Best-kept Secret: The Charles H. Melton Center. The facility offers many amenities and has huge potential if we could make more people aware of its existence and what it has to offer. It’s past time for our community to rally behind this diamond in the rough. Your greatest contribution: Mentoring of youth through the Boy Scouts and other fraternal service organizations like the West Chester University Friars and the Knights of Columbus. What our readers should know about you: I’m actually very introverted and have to push myself to say hello to someone I don’t know, but I’m never put off when folks introduce themselves to me. In fact, I like it. I also don’t mind when they want

to talk about politics when they think I’m “off the clock.” How the people of West Chester are different: The people of West Chester are well-educated, considerate of others, and very generous with their time and resources when others are in need.

Malcolm Johnstone, Director, Business Improvement District Best-kept Secret: The name of the person who created that giant stone sculpture at 10 North High Street. It was erected about 50 years ago, but there is no indication at the site of who the artist is. Hopefully, that will change soon. Favorite person, place or thing: I've been reading up on J. Smith Futhey, who was a lawyer, President Judge, and historian in West Chester from 1820-1888. He owned and worked in the office I now occupy at 119 N High Street. Futhey is best known for his co-authorship with Gilbert Cope of History of Chester County, a remarkable and massive work published in 1881. I like to think that his spirit is still present in the office, overseeing our progress. Your greatest contribution: An important aspect of my job is anticipating and supporting good development projects. But that has to be balanced with a healthy respect for the historic legacy of our community. I believe that downtown and community leaders understand this well and have worked to enhance the community while respecting the past.

Mark Yoder, President, Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce Favorite person, place or thing: One of my favorite things was former mayor Dick Yoder. Dick embraced me as a fellow “Yoder” when I started with the Chamber. We called each other “cousin” when we realized we both had ancestors from Bern, Switzerland. The day we lost Dick was a sad day, but what he embodied—love of community, helping those around you—is what West Chester is all about. Your greatest contribution: The Chamber runs the Iron Hill Twilight Race Series

and the QVC Christmas Parade—which bring over 50,000 people to West Chester. How the people of West Chester are different: I’ve had many meetings with community leaders who are only thinking of ways to make West Chester better. They don’t think about the profit or the glory; they just want to work with me, the Chamber, the Borough Council, the BID, WCU and other organizations to make West Chester the best it can be.

Scott Zukin, Zukin Realty

Best-kept Secret: In some ways, I think the best-kept secret is also the worst: approximately 1,100 people in Chester County experience homelessness every year. Decades to Doorways is an organization close to my heart, and its mission is to end homelessness in Chester County in the next 10 years. Your greatest contribution: We take a lot of pride in renovating existing buildings in the borough and keeping them historically appropriate, while providing homes for a wide array of residential and commercial tenants. How our readers might know you: Have you eaten at Limoncello, Olive Branch, Yori’s, i-Pasta, Culinary Deliveries, The Pita Pit, Shawarma Kebab, Saloon 151, Pietro’s, Kooma, The Social Lounge, Mercato, Ram’s Head, Lunch Box, Sprouts, D’Ascenzo Gelato, Avalon, or Boxcar Brewing? Done business with Optimal Massage, The G Spot, Pisano Shoes, Salon Chemistry, X-Treme Ink, Stratus Interactive, Big Mike’s Barber Shop, William Shehwen Law Offices, Franklin Mint, Guiseppe Cabinets, High Roller Tattoo, Balance Hair Spa, Moonflower, Zazen Nail Salon, Greene Street Consignment, or Mainline Men’s? Ever read The WC Press? Well… those are all our tenants, not to mention the many residential properties in town.

James Jones, Borough Council

Best-kept Secret: Our alleys. I’ve walked all of them at least once, and I like how they reveal the "private side" of West Chester’s better-known public places. Favorite person, place, or thing: Ray Spriggs. He was the youngest of 14 chil-

JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

19


20

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


dren, born and raised in West Chester, graduated from Lincoln University, and became a member of the first group of Peace Corps volunteers to Ghana in 1961 on his way to a career in public service. Although he died in 1996, he still has many relatives living in West Chester. How our readers might know you: People regularly tell me that they’ve visited my "Riggtown History Homepage" website, or have heard me talk on local radio. Others have read my books or taken one of my walking tours. Still more took my classes at West Chester University, and there are even a few who have seen me serving in local government. What our readers should know about you: My time spent in rural Africa makes me appreciate my life in West Chester.

Brandywine and the roof of the old F&M building at South High and Market…the view is spectacular! Your greatest contribution: I haven't made it yet, but I hope it's my influence on seeing the immensely popular "Plaza Plan" for the Mosteller property at Church and Gay Streets come to fruition. What our readers should know about you: I am a passionate advocate for anything that will contribute to responsible growth in the borough, the retention of its unique charm, and spreading the word about how great a place this is to live and visit. I am a 29-year resident of the borough, a musician, cyclist, motorcyclist, pilot, and have been in the healthcare field most of my career. I am married with two sons, ages 21 and 19.

Diane Lebold, Borough Council Best-kept Secret: The Charles A. Melton Arts and Education Center on East Miner Street is a wonderful and under-utilized resource. They have a huge, beautiful property; a full-sized gym, an auditorium with a stage, and rooms for meetings and events; and great programming for kids. Right now, they’re raising funds to rebuild their outdoor swimming pool, which has been out of service for about 15 years. Favorite person, place or thing: I have a warm spot in my heart for the 100 block of East Miner Street—houses built up to the sidewalk with front stoops, shady trees, and, most importantly, lots of neighbors out in front of their houses talking or just enjoying the day, and lots of kids playing on the sidewalk and at nearby John O. Green Park. How our readers might know you: I’ve been pretty active in the community for about 20 years, serving on Borough Council and the Planning Commission and participating in neighborhood associations. What our readers should know about you: When home computers were first introduced in the early 1980s, I was editor of the user magazine for Commodore 64 computer owners (Commodore was located in the building that now houses QVC). I also lived in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district back in the early 1970s, play the guitar and harmonica, and love working with clay.

Don Braceland, Borough Council Favorite person, place or thing: My two favorite places are anywhere along the

by 49% since the year 2000. Last year we recorded the second-lowest crime total in the last 20 years. We have significantly increased productivity (without additional resources/manpower) and improved the quality of life of our residents and visitors. How our readers might know you: I hope they don’t! My (our) success is measured by the absence of [criminal] events and residents’ general feeling of safety. The department and the community have been the recipients of many awards and recognitions, including best place to live, retire, and its walkability, to name just a few. What our readers should know about you: That the collective health and safety of our citizens and visitors is personal for me. I live in the West Chester area and consider it a privilege to serve in my capacity. On a personal note, I love spending time working at home, family, and quality time with my bulldog.

Carolyn Bunny Welsh, Sheriff

Favorite person, place or thing: The Chester County Family Academy is my favorite place. It is an extraordinary little charter school (K-2) that serves 100 beautiful children. It is small and may not be well known, but it is impactful and lifechanging to the children who thrive and achieve great things while they are there. How our readers might know you: I am proud to oversee a wonderful staff of deputies and civilians who serve the courts and the citizens with integrity and professionalism, and I am proud to be part of an excellent county government. What our readers should know about you: I am honored to have been elected as the county sheriff and serve in the most honorable and historic law enforcement office in the nation. I consider it a privilege to be part of the outstanding law enforcement in the county. I want to thank the citizens for putting their trust and confidence in me and in the Chester County Sheriff’s Office.

Scott Bohn, Chief of Police

Favorite person, place, or thing: I’m biased, but if pressed I would say it’s the people who reside here and the outstanding police department that serves them. Your greatest contribution: Serious crime has been effectively reduced

Keith Kurowski, Director, Department of Parks and Recreation Best-kept Secret: John O. Green Park is a water spray park—the only park in the borough to keep cool in the summer! Your greatest contribution: Parks and Rec being able to provide an excellent and affordable summer camp, and to provide financial assistance to over 20 families in need every year. This wouldn’t be possible without the Chester County Restaurant Festival, which is where we raise the funds for the financial aid we give out. What our readers should know about you: Not so much about me, but us: for all that Parks and Rec does, from summer camps, to bus trips, to street festivals—we do all of this with only three full-time staff members and stay under budget. How the people of West Chester are different: Usually you don’t see this kind of diversity in such a small area; that’s what makes West Chester what it is. The people may have different backgrounds and incomes, but they all care about what’s going on in “their” town.

JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

21


22

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


photo Andrew Hutchins

Christine's Upscale Resale is all about getting the designer look for less High fashion is expensive. Plain and simple. But, just because you don't have the budget of a minor celebrity doesn't mean you can't dress just as well as the trust-fund child of an oil baron. Just think consignment. Chirstine's Upscale Resale has an incredible variety of high-end designer apparel from all the biggest names (that usually come with the biggest price tags), but this big space on

Westtown Road offers you those amazing looks in barely-worn attire for a fraction of the price. With everything from dresses and jewlery to denim, Christine has the best looks for the summer and fall at the absolute best prices. So, stop in this month to get a head start on building out your autumn wardrobe or putting the finishing touches on your summer styles.

LOOK ONE sleeveless fringe dress by STARING AT STARS $39 tan, snakeskin heels by JESSICA $17 freshwater pearl necklace $399 LOOK TWO sleeveless dress by BAILEY 44 $29 wedge-heeled suede shoes by BACIO 6 $35 chunky necklace by KENNETH COLE $19 leather bag by BRAHMIN $59

JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

23


24

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


Ask your

Doctor

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

I’ve been trying to shed some weight for beach season but keep failing. Why is it so difficult? Even knowing that being significantly overweight can lead to life-threatening disease—let alone public scrutiny—those at risk find it difficult to achieve a healthy weight and maintain because it requires lifestyle and behavioral changes. There is no miracle drug like with other conditions—which means long-term focus and commitment. Daily routines and habits must be discarded and replaced, favorite foods need to be limited or eliminated, and numerous obstacles will discourage many from reaching their goal. Achieving sustainable changes requires commitment, planning, organization, time, support and a can-do attitude throughout. Is it really worth the effort? Weight-loss and management is an essential factor in improving quality of life and longevity. In the US, 34% of adults are overweight, 35% are obese and 6.5% are extremely obese. Yes, three-quarters of our population falls into one of these categories, so you’re not alone! Obesity is the second-leading cause of preventable death in the US, as it increases the chances of developing coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, abnormal blood fats (including high cholesterol), and certain cancers as well as many other negative health effects. What can I do about it? Reduce the amount of calories you eat each day and increase physical activity. It really is that simple. Based upon evidence available from randomized research trials, comprehensive lifestyle changes including diet, exercise, and behavioral treatment is an effective strategy for weight loss and management. If you are significantly overweight, I recommend seeking comprehensive professional guidance, including behavioral therapy. The greater the weight loss, the longer the timeframe to achieve the goal weight which increases the likelihood of becoming demotivated and giving up. Although more than two-thirds of US adults are trying to lose weight or maintain their weight, only 20 percent are both eating fewer calories and engaging in at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. Staying committed to weight loss and management requires access to resources that reinforce the commitment. Is there somewhere I can turn for help? In our efforts to support our patients, we work with overweight patients who are ready to make the commitment. Our support includes comprehensive oversight, evidence-based expert advice, and access to professionals—including nutritionists and behavioral therapists—and regular meetings with our staff on topics including meal planning and fitness coaching. No matter how much weight you need to lose, decide today to change your lifestyle and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you feel like giving up! drwinkley@thewcpress.com

JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

25


26

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


Owner of the

Month

PHOTO Andrew Hutchins

INTERVIEW Kate Chadwick

John Barone is the man behind John L. Smith, the local used car lot that evolved into a multifaceted business entity So why does a guy named John Barone own a place called John L. Smith Used Cars? I opened the business with a gentleman by the name of John L. Smith. I worked with John in 1980 at a dealership in Wynnewood, and in 1984 he decided to open a used car lot in West Chester. I went with him. A lot has changed since then, but the name is the same. Are you from West Chester originally? No, I’m from Havertown. But I’ve lived here now for 32 of the 34 years I’ve had the business, along with my wife, three kids, and my yellow lab, Bauer.

That’s a long time to be in business. Well, the thought was, “Hey, let’s open up a lot,” so we did—where the Subway is now. In 1995, we built the first phase of our dealership in our current location across the street. It was basically a garage to serve the customers we’d been selling to. Then we expanded that eight years later into a 10-bay service center and a two-story sales office. After we opened up the service center, we opened Affordable Rental of West Chester, which is housed at the sales office. A car rental business, I’m assuming? Yes, for rentals to our customers for as little as $25 a day, so they’re not inconvenienced while their car is being serviced— or to any of our customers who may have been in an accident or have another need. It sounds like you’ve got every angle covered. Well, then in 2014, I opened up a Farmers Insurance agency here. This helps customers without insurance, plus we can increase coverage and help customers save money. So now, we sell cars, we service cars, we rent cars, we detail cars, AND we provide auto, home, life and business insurance to our clientele.

Can you, personally, cover all these bases? I’ve been in this business a long time. I can do everything but fix your car, but our mechanics are ASE master technicians. What’s your schedule like? Well, our hours are 8am-7pm, Monday through Thursday, Friday until 6. Let’s just say I put in a lot of hours. Oh, and we’re closed on Saturdays in the summer. That might sound crazy, but for me, it’s a quality-of-life issue for my employees. What kind of car do you drive? I drive a different car every day. I have to make sure all of our cars are ready to rock and roll. It sounds like you are here to stay. This business has evolved from a little lot to the oldest and largest used car dealership in West Chester. We typically have 75-85 cars in our inventory, selling for between $5,000 and $15,000. We’re invested in this community. Every year Rustin opened, we’ve given away a $5,000 voucher at their after-prom towards the purchase of a vehicle. We love West Chester, and plan to be here for a long time. Do you have a favorite kind of car? Not really. A car that has gas in it and gets me from Point A to Point B is my favorite.

JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

27


28

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

29


30

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


Home

Becca Boyd has a passion for good food

Beccanomics

I used to enjoy a complicated dish. These days? “Ain’t nobody got time for that.” Summer produce is in full swing and the zucchini and basil are growing with gusto, so I offer up a summer soup that will keep you bathing suit-ready and comes together quickly, to keep you outside longer. Employ your rainy day cooking skills by whipping up a batch of these healthy, light as air pancakes. By flash freezing them, you’re only a toaster push away from a hot and ready breakfast. bboyd@thewcpress.com Creamy Zucchini and Basil Soup Serves 8 1/4 c. olive oil; 1 large (or two small/medium) onions, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed through a garlic press; 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided; 3/4 tsp. black pepper, divided; 2 lb. zucchini (about 3 medium), ends trimmed and chopped; 4 c. low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth; 1/2 c. packed basil leaves; Juice of 1 lime 1. Heat olive oil in large pot over medium high heat. 2. Add garlic, onions, 1 tsp. of salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Saute, stirring occasionally, about five minutes. 3. Add zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, about five minutes. 4. Add broth and turn heat to high. When liquid reaches a boil reduce heat to medium low and simmer about 12 minutes until zucchini is tender. 5. Add basil leaves and puree using a stick blender or by transferring to a food processor or blender. 6. Return to pot (if transferred) and add lime juice and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Stir and taste for seasoning. Serve. Freezer Whole Wheat Pancakes Makes 14 4-inch pancakes 1 3/4 c. white whole wheat flour; 2 tsp. baking powder; 1/4 c. wheat bran, wheat germ, or ground flaxseed; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/2 tsp. baking soda; 2 c. buttermilk; 2 tbsp. honey; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 3 tbsp. butter, melted and slightly cooled; 1. Whisk flour, wheat bran/germ/flax, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a medium mixing bowl. 2. Whisk buttermilk, honey and egg together in a second mixing bowl. 3. Add the liquids to the dry ingredients and fold together with a rubber spatula – stop when still quite lumpy. 4. Add the butter and continue to fold until batter is cohesive but lumpy. 5. Heat a nonstick griddle over medium heat and spray with nonstick spray (or coat with butter/oil). 6. Add batter to griddle in rounds and cook, undisturbed, until set and golden brown. 7. Cook on second side until golden brown. Move pancakes to wire cooling rack and continue with the rest of the batter. 8. When pancakes have cooled to room temperature on wire rack, place in freezer on rack. After about 20 minutes, take pancakes out and place in plastic sandwich bags of 2 pancakes each or freeze altogether in a gallon sized bag. Refreeze. 9. When ready to eat, toast (I usually do two rounds) in toaster and serve.

JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

31


32

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


Bartender of the

Month

PHOTO Andrew Hutchins

INTERVIEW Kate Chadwick

Kim Koechig celebrates the first birthday of Saloon 151. How long have you been working here? Saloon’s only been open about a year, and I came in about a month after that, so almost from the beginning. Is this your first bartending gig? I worked at Barnaby’s, but this is my first time really behind the bar regularly. How do you like bartending compared to serving? Oh, I love it! I mean, I also loved serving, but you get to know people a bit better with bartending. What shifts to you work, and do you have a preference? I’m there Sundays through Wednesdays, daytime, with a

double on Tuesdays, so a bit of both. And honestly, I like both. During the day you have more time to talk to people, but nighttime has its own crazy vibe, and it’s kind of fun to run around. What’s your favorite thing about the restaurant business? There’s something so fun about how it changes every day. It’s something that I don’t think I’ll get tired of. What do you think sets Saloon 151 apart from the other bars in town? It has a different personality to it. It’s kind of like a laid-back, country bar; people have told me that they feel really welcome as soon as they walk in. And when it comes to bartending at Saloon, we keep it simple—we try to do fresh-squeezed juices, and our whisky selection speaks for itself. Do you have a favorite menu item there? I switch it up pretty much every day. Our menus—drink and food—are always evolving. To me, the Caprese Salad and the Brisket Quesadilla are amazing. Brisket quesadilla? You’ve got my full attention. It is heaven—a bit of a guilty pleasure, but I have it at least once a week.

Do you serve food all day? Yes, we have a full menu from 11am to 10pm, and a smaller late-night menu for stragglers. What do you like to drink when you’re having one? Believe it or not, I’m a big fan of a good Old Fashioned. Is there anything else I should know? We’ve got a new Watermelon Mimosa that I haven’t seen anywhere else. Oh, we’re adding smoothies this summer— soon you’ll be able to get a spiked smoothie here! So refreshing. That sounds excellent. Could I get one without the alcohol? Absolutely! What do you during your down time? I like to get outside. We have great parks and preserves around town. I like to go to and take a hike with my dog, Holly. What's your long-term goal? My dream would be to travel and document the people I meet through photography, painting, or writing. I know that’s not particularly specific, but I like to leave room for things to grow. The best things seem to happen when you’re open to changing the plan.

JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

33


34

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


a showcase of west chester's movers and shakers

PRIME EXAMPLES We combed the streets, fields, TV studios, restaurants, and businesses to bring you the best West Chester has to offer. by Jesse Piersol

SCOTT “WALLY” VASSIL, 55

Still serving up the friendliest dog in town after 31 years. Wally grew up in North Jersey but wound up in West Chester for college. Working as a casino investigator in Atlantic City put his criminal justice degree to good use, but it wasn’t long before he needed a change. “I’m here because I hated my 9 to 5 job,” he declares. “Wearing a suit and tie? It was horrible!” Enter Wally’s Wiener World, where his umbrella-topped silver hot dog cart has been a fixture on the corner in front of the courthouse for more than three decades. Best Thing About Wally’s Wiener World: “The customers and the people. The sights and sounds. This is the greatest little city in the world, and getting up for work makes me happy.”

F riendliest

Friendliness Strategy: “I’m an entertainer, born and bred.” Inspiration to Appear on TV: “Drinking in college inspired me to go on Letterman and Leno and stop a fan with my tongue. I started out with a box fan and then graduated to an industrial metal one.” Sage Advice: “Get outside. Enjoy every day.” What’s on his Bucket List: “I want to visit every island in the Caribbean. I’m about 10 islands from that goal. I just love it there.” Thoughts on Being WC’s Friendliest: “What a great honor! I can’t wait to tell my wife.”

JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

35


36

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


MALENA MARTINEZ, 36 JOSH COYNE, 34

Favorite Piece of Clothing: Josh: “A pair of ostrich loafers Malena’s Mom got me for $9 at a thrift store.” Malena: “That tiedye backless halter maxi dress that I bought in New York City during college.”

t s o M

West Chester’s fashion power couple dish on looking good. “I always liked having things nobody else had. It’s about the hunt and finding that unique piece,” says Malena, owner of Malena’s Vintage Boutique on Gay Street. “It seemed like a cop out to go to the mall.” Describing her personal style as “eclectic bohemian,” she’s a fan of Gucci and Missoni. Josh is no slouch either. The filmmaker and tech entrepreneur behind Robot Mouse loves bold combinations. “I’m a fan of the 1970s. I usually go for ‘disco rock-n-roll’ with my look. Etro and Bonobos are two of my favorite brands.”

h s i l Sty

Advice on Finding your Personal Style: Malena: “Branch out and try something different. Experiment with your look and have fun.” Josh: “Wear more color. Experiment. Have some guts.” Biggest Fashion Bang for your Buck: Josh: “If you’re a man, spend your money on your shoes. Don’t wear sneakers. Well, if you have to wear sneakers, make sure they’re awesome. And no square toes. Ever.” Malena: “Don’t buy something just because it’s on sale. Buy pieces that have quality and can transition between a couple of seasons. If you can wear it for two or three seasons, you get more bang for your buck. Buy quality, not quantity.”

What They’re Wearing: Malena: “This is a 1940s resort dressing robe. It’s what you’d wear around the pool, holding a martini and smoking one of those long cigarettes. The belt is from the 1960s from Argentina.” Josh: “Bonobos pants, an American Apparel shirt, and the Bruno Magli shoes my mother-in-law found in a thrift store. And a vintage Gucci belt.”

Town C

lown

Shenanigans galore and memorable pizza names keep Saucey’s owner…well, saucey.

Harv disappeared into the back, reappearing with a ball of pizza dough that he spun in the air until a hole ripped in the center. He immediately wrapped the remnants around his shoulders and hammed it up for this picture. The Springfield native moved to West Chester in 1997, and for the past four-anda-half years, he’s been entertaining locals and out-of-towners alike.

To give you a sense of why Big Harv is “Town Clown,” we need only mention what happened at our photo shoot. After greeting us with a characteristic bear hug,

Why People Love Him So Much: “It’s gotta be my personality. People love my infectious smile. And my laugh.” [laughs]

DAVE "BIG HARV" HARVEY, 49

Secret to Being Town Clown: “You have to be able to deal with drunk people. And you have to laugh a lot. You have to have a sense of humor, I guess, right?” Best Parts of the Job: “Girls dancing on the counter. And our disco ball in the ‘Saucey Underground.’” What People Love About Saucey: “People laugh at our pizza names, like the ‘Sweet and Sassy.’ We also have the ‘420’ pizza. People will come in just to take a picture of it.” What’s Next: “I have enough check marks on the ‘have fun’ side of life. Now I’m working on getting some check marks on the ‘give back to society’ side of life. I’m currently Pennsylvania Little League district administrator, after starting out as president of a local Little League.”

JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

37


Excite all of your senses

at West Chester’s most alternative & unique boutique! A vast array of “one-of-a-kind” products, including...

Hip Clothing • Bags & Accessories • Jewelry Galore • Incense/Oils/Candles • Tapestries/Blankets • Eclectic home/Dorm décor • Hemp products • Grateful Dead, Bob Marley & ‘60s Memorabilia • Tie Dyes & Cool T-shirts • Hand-blown glass & local artwork • Tobacco accessories • Groovy Gifts Gift Certificates Available

130 W. Gay Street 610-431-6607 www.moonflowershop.com A portion of our proceeds go to environmental and pro-peace charities! All major credit cards accepted. Open 7 Days A Week

10% off purchase with student ID! SINCE 1992

38

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


JULIANNE TETTAMANTI, 27 VINCENZO TETTAMANTI, 33

Vincenzo, on the Sweetest Thing about Julianne: “She is the most thoughtful person I know.”

Even sweeter than Gemelli’s treats is the couple behind the popular dessert spot. Julianne and Vincenzo’s story originates in Milan, where he was working and she was studying abroad. Romance blossomed, and in 2009 the couple moved here. Together, they form the award-winning duo at Gemelli, where Vincenzo puts a unique twist on authentic gelato while Julianne handles the marketing and design.

Julianne, on the Sweetest Thing about Vincenzo: “After I moved back from Italy, we were long distance/Skype dating. For Valentine’s Day, he made a book about our time together. I still have it! I look at it all the time.”

What Makes Them so Sweet: Vincenzo: “The approach we have to ‘sweet’ is a healthier approach, including the local organic ingredients we use.” Julianne: “Vincenzo’s cinnamon gelato milkshake. I don’t even like cinnamon normally, but it is so good.”

Sweetest

Advice for Anyone Looking to Sweeten Up: Julianne: “Eat dessert first.” Vincenzo: “And come to Gemelli! We designed this place to relax and chill, like we do in Italy.”

SHAWN BANKS, 40

for birthday parties, fundraisers, divorce parties, funerals...no, seriously!” (Book Shawn at banksfunny@gmail.com.)

West Chester funnyman has deep reasons for making people laugh. “I was always a funny kid growing up,” recalls Shawn, a comedian by trade. “During family gatherings, my uncles and aunties would crack jokes and impersonate one another.” He moved here from Florida in 2009 and notes, “It’s a great place to live that fits my lifestyle.” On the Power of Comedy: “It's in me to make people laugh and bring joy to their hearts. I remember one time after a show a woman came up to me and said it’s the most fun she had in a long time, because cancer had her sick, but it was in remission and I made her happy. Moments like that make me feel good. I'm available for hire

Most Prestigious Gig: “I'd say the set I did on America's Got Talent was probably the most prestigious. Sharon Osborne blew kisses to me, David Hasselhoff said I rocked, and Piers Morgan had nice things to say about me.” Say Something Funny: “Haha... comedians don't like it when someone asks them to tell a joke or say something funny. It’s mostly because we talk about real life ex-

t s e i n n Fu

periences that will take too many words to capture. But here's one you may enjoy...” [Proceeds to tell a hilarious joke that we can't print here.]

Most Likely to Suceed

“I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and creating new dishes,” says PA Leadership Charter School student Owen. “I think I use it as a creative outlet.” His love for cooking sparked an interest in competitive cooking shows, leading to an audition that landed him on season 2 of Chopped Jr. Cooking is a Family Affair: “My family and I don't eat out often so we cook at home most of the time. No one really likes to follow recipes and we prefer to wing it.”

OWEN HALLIGAN, 13

The young chef’s already a seasoned veteran of cooking shows.

Best Dish: “My crepe burger! It is a lamb patty with manchego cheese, a dried cherry and tzatziki sauce, radishes and spring lettuce mix. I wrap it all in a crepe. ”

The Keys to Success: “Nick Farrell owns RapidDough and the Classic Diner, and he and his son Matthew helped me prepare for Chopped Jr. Also, earning my black belt. Cooking and martial arts both require focus and discipline.” The Chopped Jr. Experience: “It was great! At my audition, I had to bring my crepe burger with me and explain how I made it.” What’s Next: “I discovered I really like being on camera so I have been pursuing acting lately. As far as cooking goes, I don't think I will ever stop enjoying it. I am hopefully going to be doing a pop-up restaurant thing in DC to raise money for a charity.”

JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

39


40

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


KATIE MILLER, 28

Recent West Chester transplant seeks outdoor adventures. As long as Jack approves. Although a Pennsylvania resident her whole life, Katie and her handsome German Shepherd Jack are new to West Chester. The mental health therapist at Child Guidance Resource Center holds a B.A. from Penn State and a M.S. from Walden University. She’s also a pianist and drummer, having given lessons on both instruments when she was 16. Strengths:“I’m kind and compassionate, with lots of empathy for people.” Weaknesses: “I love animals, so anything animal-related. And definitely a weakness for a cute boy who plays guitar.” Interests: “Music, animals, and travelling. My favorite places are London and Paris, and I’d love to go to Australia. I also love anything outdoors—snowboarding, hiking. One of my favorite places is Rickett’s Glen.”

JUSTIN SOCHOVKA, 24

This TV personality and outdoor enthusiast wants to show you the sights. Justin fell in love with West Chester while earning his B.A. in Communication Studies at WCU, where he co-founded their weekly news program. These days, you’ll find him pitching wares as an electronics expert for video and ecommerce retailer QVC. He’s also active in civic-minded organizations ranging from the Friars Society to Rotary International. Strengths: “I'd say I’m social, organized, spontaneous and adventurous. I’m also a

Worst Pickup Lines: “Are you my appendix? Because I feel the need to take you out. Also, when guys find out I’m a therapist, they’ll start telling me their problems or say ‘oh yeah, I need therapy.’” Essential Qualities in a Date: “A sense of humor, first and foremost. A good personality—somebody who is clearly motivated in doing something. Volunteering is great.” Perfect First Date: “It’s kind of cliché, but dinner, drinks, and live music followed by a walk on the beach.”

e l b i g i l E t s Mo good cook. Homemade udon noodles and stromboli are two of my best.” Interests: “Hiking, spending time with family. I also love travelling. This spring, I went to Thailand and Dubai.” Worst First Date Ever: “She brought her friends along. The whole time, I was paying more attention to her eight friends than my actual date.” Best Pickup Line: “On her profile on Bumble, a girl listed ‘The Office’ as her favorite TV show. So I wrote back, ‘I’m from Scranton, does that make me one step closer to being your Jim Halpert?’”

CHRIS COTTER, 39

Essential Qualities in a Date: “Someone who’s up for a spontaneous adventure. A little goofy and crazy. A girl who makes me keep up with her.” Perfect First Date: “If I’m keeping it local, drinks and dinner at the Split Rail, followed by Gemelli for dessert.”

Teaching, performing, and producing—this West Chester drummer does it all. When Chris started drum lessons at age 10, he couldn't have anticipated one day teaching in the room across the hall. His career has spanned several bands, starting at age 15. In addition to giving lessons for the past 20 years, he also owns TribeSound Records.

Grooviest

Current Gig: “I’ve been a member of WaveRadio for six years. Our most recent release is the soundtrack to Refugee: The Eritrean Exodus, a documentary film about the plight of refugees from Eritrea. We are also working on a full-length album due to release at the end of the summer.”

Coolest Thing about Teaching: “All the little mini people that I get to influence.” Best Thing about Playing in a Band: “Doing things you love with people you like.” Grooviest Gig Ever: “There are so many! I like shows that are well attended, with a lot of listening fans. Doesn’t matter if it’s a coffee shop or a giant festival. Also, it’s nice to get out of town once in awhile just for the adventure of it.” Who He’s Listening to Right Now: “I was just re-discovering Mos Def last night, ‘Black on Both Sides.’ Other than that, I’ve been listening to a lot of my clients’ work—I have seven people I’m producing right now.”

JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

41


42

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


Home

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

Grown

In my experience, not everyone appreciates the glories of eggplants, but this beautiful, glossy fruit (yes, eggplant is a fruit) is one of the best parts of midsummer. Eggplants are members of the nightshade family and are closely related to several other nightshade fruits that we eat—tomatoes, goji berries and peppers of all types. The signature characteristic of a nightshade is the little green “hat” formed by their stems. Prior to the 1800s nightshades had a bad rap, thanks to a few family members such as “deadly nightshade” (atropa belladonna), whose foliage and berries contain several compounds that cause delirium and hallucinations and are extremely toxic. So it’s understandable that, early on, Western cooks considered eggplant to be poisonous. Even today, Americans are relatively unfamiliar with how to use it and tend to relegate it pretty much to eggplant parmesan. If you’d like to take advantage of the many delicious options for this summer fruit, here are a few tips: First, use only the freshest eggplant. Old eggplants will have lost the taut firmness of their skin and their stems will not no longer be a firm, vibrant green: Check the cut end of the stem for signs of withering. Really old eggplants will have an overall wrinkled, shrivelled appearance. An old eggplant is likely to be bitter and flavorless. When you’re cooking eggplant, it’s important to keep two things in mind: It must be thoroughly cooked (completely soft), and it’s a sponge for oil. Many reciples call for frying, and eggplant cooked this way will take up a lot of oil. So a good alternative is to bake it. For dishes that use cooked pulp, bake it either whole or cut in half. If you want to use slices, brush them lightly with oil to prevent them from sticking and drying out. For a twist on the traditional eggplant parmesan dish, use the baking method to initially prepare the eggplant. Peel and slice it longways about 1/4” thick and arrange the slices in a single layer on an olive-oiled cookie sheet. Brush the tops of the eggplant slices with more olive oil, cover loosely with foil, and bake in a preheated 350F oven until soft. Check after ten minutes or so and remove the foil to allow excess water to bake away. When the eggplant is completely soft, carefully transfer the slices to create layers of eggplant, tomato sauce, and grated mozzarella cheese in an oiled baking dish. Top with grated parmesan cheese and bake again at 350F till everything is bubbling. Let rest 15 minutes before cutting into serving pieces. This is great served over some penne pasta with additional tomato sauce, olive oil and hot pepper flakes on the side. For a really bright taste, make a lightly cooked “al fresco” sauce using fresh tomatoes (a combination of plum, beefsteak, cherry, and grape): Just warm some olive oil, fennel seeds and garlic until the garlic is fragrant then add the unpeeled, chopped tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes or so. Go easy on the sauce when you build the layers—you don’t want the dish to be soupy. For an added touch put some fresh basil leaves in the layers and what you have is summer in a dish! dlebold@thewcpress.com

JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

43


44

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


PEOPLE OF WEST CHESTER

I was a Sheriff for 47 years, and I've lived in West Chester for about 70; I've seen the population double in that time. Most of my career I spent working with kids, even now that I'm retired. I give tours to kids and teach them about the history of this town, like this Court House. For many, it's their first real taste of history.

Ewww... I dont want to take a picture with her!

My favorite thing about him... I guess it would have to be... he's always good to me. No matter what.

I've been here 25 years. I clean the court house and down at the college. I needed a job with my two kids. My older son is married, with five kids now, and so is my younger son. My kids finished school. That’s all I wanted for them. They make more money than I do! What I don't like is the cops and the justice system — I feel like they're trying to push us out.

My favorite thing about West Chester is definitely not the parking.

We met when I broke my leg in the 8th grade. I sat behind her and because my leg was broken I always had to stick it out, which would get in her stuff It annoyed me so much—and I actually hated him at first—but then he asked me to go to Longwood Gardens.

One Christmas all my friends got together and made a photo album and filled it with pictures of us. It was an awesome christmas

I came in 2013 from India. I've been many places: Chicago, South Carolina. I went to California last year—it was so much different than here. I really liked the beaches—they were so nice. Now I'll be in West Chester while I go to university.

JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

45


46

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


I used to work at the Church Farm school, and there's a house on Swedesford Road that has hidden passages for hiding runaway slaves—dates back to the 1860s. This town is steeped in history.

We're learning how to do commerical lighting.

My favorite thing about my dad is playing sports with him because it's really fun... and he buys me pizza I liked being younger. It was nice because I wasn't as concious. I didn't know about all the bad things. But, I like being the age I am now because I'm really learning to respect myself.

I act. I love to act. I really love film, but its going to be really hard to make it because you need to be big to be successful. Kind of scary and daunting.

She is so kind. No matter what, she will always try to help you, and that's my favorite thing about being with her. PHOTOS & INTERVIEWS Sabina Sister I've always done art, all my life. Its an outlet. I usually stay at work until 2am every day so I can draw. It's great because now I get to do it on people and make money!

The best thing is getting to know the local community. I'm from Italy, so I didn't know many people at first. Now that she and I spend so much time at the cafe, we get to connect with all these people. Now we walk down the street and know everyone. It reminds me of what I had growing up in Italy.

JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

47


48

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


Tell Me something

Good

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

Who she is: Carole Koroluck What she does: Carole is a volunteer with Quilts for Kids, a non-profit organization dedicated to brightening the lives of children who suffer from abuse or illness. Why she’s on this page: After teaching in Kennett for 40 years, Carole made a list of possible things to keep her busy as retirement approached. “I knew I wanted to pursue my hobbies of reading and sewing, but I also wanted to continue helping others,” she said. “My daughter is a quilter and worked at Quilts for Kids. I told her I was interested, and it’s been fun re-igniting my love of sewing and making new friends.” Volunteers from all over the country make quilts for youngsters and mail them to QFK headquarters, where they’re collected, organized, and mailed to hospitals in the region and around the country. What we like about her: Carole not only volunteered, she spearheaded. “I’ve started a group that meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the West Chester Public Library,” she said. “We have over 40 volunteers, and we’re growing each week. For four hours, the quilters—both men and women, from teens to people in their nineties—work on quilts with portable sewing machines. Others stop by to drop off finished quilts or pick up new kits. The kits are ready-made by Quilts for Kids for new volunteers, but many experienced quilters use their artistic talent to produce their own designs.” As if that’s not enough, Carole also volunteers with Meals on Wheels. “Recently, I became the Volunteer Coordinator for all the drivers in West Chester, making sure the routes are covered and training new volunteers. We’re always looking for volunteers; for someone who works but wants to help, it’s a great option because it could take as little as one hour a month. It’s ideal for retired folks too!” What she likes about West Chester: Originally from New York, Carole has lived in West Chester since 1972, when jobs brought her and her husband to the area. “West Chester is the focus of my volunteering, and it’s been a wonderful town to raise a family,” Carole told us. “Seven grandchildren keep me going, too! When they visit, there are plenty of restaurants and parks. Big events like the Halloween Parade and Old-Fashioned Christmas are fun for them too. Everyday activities are easy, because everything’s so close—the library, the YMCA, salons. My new favorite lunch spot is La Baguette Magique, the French bakery on Market.” Moral of the story: Don’t just sit there. “The volunteer work keeps me active, and it certainly feels good knowing I’ve lifted the spirits of both the young, with Quilts for Kids, and the old through Meals on Wheels. For more information on Quilts for Kids, visit quiltsforkids.org, or for Meals on Wheels of Chester County, visit mowcc.org. Do you know a WC resident who’s doing good things and deserves a little recognition in Tell Me Something Good? Let us know! Email details to kchadwick@thewcpress.com

JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

49


50

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


Find the five differences between these images. Email your answer to contests@thewcpress.com for your chance to win.

JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

51



Summer

Hit List

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

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

www.djromeo.fm | @DJRomeo24

Tiesto ft. John Legend - “Summer Nights” Thomas Rhett - “Vacation” Twenty One Pilots - “Heathens” Bastille - “Good Grief” AudioDamn! - “Don’t Call Me When It’s Over” Clean Bandit ft. Louisa Johnson - “Tears” Red Hot Chili Peppers - “Dark Necessities” Hozier - “Better Love” Usher ft. Young Thug - “ No Limit” Old Dominion - “Song for Another Time” Shawn Mendes - “Treat You Better” Maggie Rogers - “Alaska” Dierks Bentley ft. Elle King - “Different For Girls” Fifth Harmony ft. Fetty Wap - “All In My Head (Flex)” Izzamuzzic - “Adventure” (Original Mix) Christina Aguilera - “Change” OneRepublic - “Wherever I Go” Daydreamer - “Skyscrapers” Ursine Vulpine ft. Annaca - “Wicked Game” FRANKIE - “New Obsession” Chris Young ft. Vince Gill - “Sober Saturday Night” DJ Khaled ft. Drake - “For Free” Rihanna - “Needed Me” (ATTLAS Remix) Will Jay - “Gentleman” Nuages - “Dreams” Adele - “Send My Love” Dillon Francis & NGHTMRE - “Need You” AJR - “I’m Not Famous” Ashley J - “Dare Ya” Bahari - “Dancing On The Sun”

JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

53



JULY 2016 THEWCPRESS.COM

55


56

THE WC PRESS | VOICE OF THE BOROUGH


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.