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LIFESTYLE LETTER
FEBRUARY 2021 PUBLISHER
Douglas McDermott douglas.mcdermott@lifestylepubs.com
Show West Chester What You’re Made Of
EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER
Miranda Read L AYO UT DESIGNER
Emily Lisenbee
HEY THERE, CONNOISSEURS OF WEST CHESTER. This month’s issue is about
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
what we enjoy creating and sharing.
Jeff Robinson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Do you have a special talent for jewelry making, pottery, painting, baking, carpentry
Alicia Slough, Maria Wilson
or something else? Maybe this month you take a leap and start your own online store. Or maybe you already have a side business in the works. We’d like to see what it is you do, so please tag us in your social media posts so we can support you and share the incredible makers in our community. Flip through these February pages to be inspired by stories of local artists, community entrepreneurs and wellness heroes, while finding some new small businesses to check out. In Chester County, we certainly were happy to see the first of the COVID-19 vaccine doses go to Chester County Hospital-Penn Medicine in West Chester, Brandywine Hospital, Jennersville Hospital in West Grove, and Phoenixville Hospital, all Tower Health hospitals. Let's hope that we're all on the mend, with a healthy spring right around the corner.
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Douglas McDermott, Publisher
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
ON THE COVER Cloud Nine Painter Susan Reiser
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ROBINSON 4
West Chester Lifestyle | February 2021
CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA
Proverbs 3:5-6 West Chester Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Chester areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in West Chester Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
STEP INTO THE NEW YEAR
IN STYLE
R o m a n s 12 :10
w w w.de a n s-l a nd s c a p ing.c om | W es t Ches t er, Pa |
B FOL L OW U S ON FACEB OOK
INSIDE THE ISSUE FEBRUARY 2021
FEATURES 12 Making Music West Chester High School Alumna Leah Dowdy Debuts On National TV
18 The Art Of Coffee Gryphon Cafe West Chester's Top Barista Dishes On Getting Coffee Just Right
22 Unite To Face Cancer Unite For HER, Unite For HIM -- Give The Gift Of Support
12 28
28 Ziggy's Biscuits Charitable Support For The Love Of Pets
22
18 DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
10
Around Town
12
Local Limelight
16
Food & Wine
28 Giving Back 34 Culinary Creations
GOOD TIMES
'Heartist' Susan Reiser Offers Universal Love Symbol In KIKI Heart Series Paintings Susan Reiser, known as the Cloud Nine Painter, is a devoted artist whose raw approach to compositions range from contemporary abstracts, golf courses and cloudscapes to seascapes, landscapes and her popular KIKI Heart painting series. Each heart is unique. Her bright, vibrant work conveys a sense of relentless energy compounded with soothing depth. For Valentine's Day gift options, visit CloudNinePainter.com/Shop.
Jeff Kitchen, Jeff Kitchen, AAMS® AAMS® Brendan Murphy, AAMS®
Brad Abel
South High Street520 S. Bradford Avenue 105 South105 High Street WestPA Chester, West Chester, 19382 PA 19382 West Chester, PA 19382 610-430-1320 610-430-1320 610.436.4101
206 West Miner St, Floor 1 West Chester, PA 19382 610.696.0210
IRT-1848D-A
Financial Financial Advisor Advisor
8
Financial Advisor
West Chester Lifestyle | February 2021
Financial Advisor
www.edwardjones.com
Member SIPC
AROUND TOWN To be eligible, a museum must have an annual operating budget exceeding $100,000, excluding capital and in-kind services, and at least one full-time professional staff person, or an approved equivalent. Award amounts are determined based on a percentage of the eligible museum's previous year's operating budget. The maximum any museum could receive is $40,000; all official county historical societies receive a $4,000 minimum grant.
WELCOME NEW BUSINESS, PINE + QUILL Pine + Quill opened in downtown West Chester at 23 N. Walnut St. They offer a selection of home
DON'T LET OLD, UNUSED PRESCRIPTIONS FALL INTO THE WRONG HANDS West Chester Police Department officers have a medication drop off box for unwanted or expired
décor, art, photography, one-of-a-kind gifts, repurposed furniture and items created by local makers. Mondays and Tuesdays are private shopping days, by appointment only; phone 302.383.9759 or email pineandquillshop@gmail.com.
prescriptions and medications in the main police station lobby at 401 E. Gay St. For liquid medicines, remove drugs from original containers and mix them with something undesirable, such as used coffee grounds, dirt or cat litter. Put mixture in something that can be closed (a re-sealable zipper storage bag, empty can or other container) to prevent the drug from leaking or spilling out. Pet medicines, inhalers, patches, sprays, creams and ointments also are accepted.
CHESTER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETIES, MUSEUM GET STATE FUNDS FOR OPERATIONS Chester County Historical Society representatives received $16,513 in state grant funding to continue researching, preserving and educating on the county's history. Also granted award funds in Chester County were: Graystone Society, Inc. and
While many consumers judge the local menu
National Iron & Steel Heritage receiving $6,385;
items at Tacos Cheesesteak Pizza to be equally
Historic Sugartown Inc. receiving $4,000; Historic
scrumptious (which makes deciding on which one
Yellow Springs Inc. receiving $10,706; and Wharton
to order very hard), this month a multitude will be
Esherick Museum receiving $4,749.
choosing the restaurant's special Valentine's Day
As the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Historical &
10
HOW DO I LOVE THEE? LET ME SLICE THE WAY
pizza that comes complete with pepperoni and a tomato skin and basil rose.
Museum Commission awarded nearly $2 million in
They also offer other favorites, such as fried
grants to 155 eligible museums and official county
pickles, chicken wings, chili fries, Mexican tortas,
historical societies from 58 Pennsylvania coun-
strombolis, calzones, burritos, salads, quesadillas
ties. The grant program is designed to reinforce
and hoagies.
Pennsylvania's museum community by supporting
Call 484.593.2329 for delivery options, or place a
costs of general operations that aren't supported by
web-based order at OnlineOrdering.cmpmobile.
other state funding programs.
com/menu/TacoCheesesteakPizza.
West Chester Lifestyle | February 2021
You Call. We Come. It’s Fixed. Guaranteed.
610•444•3333 MoreVentServices.com
LOCAL LIMELIGHT
who Leah Dowdy
career Actress, Dancer, Singer-Songwriter
philosophy New York City-based | Born and Raised in West Chester
advice
Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.
Photo by Alicia Slough
Photo by Maria Wilson
IT FEELS LIKE INTERMISSION IS FINALLY OVER, AND I AM READY FOR MY SECOND ACT. 12
West Chester Lifestyle | February 2021
ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON
Making
"Music reminds us that we are not alone," says Leah about her first music video.
MUSIC WEST CHESTER HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNA LEAH DOWDY DEBUTS ON NATIONAL TV
Demonstrating resilience, she constructed a home recording studio in the closet of her childhood bedroom and self-produced two singles while quarantining with her family in West Chester. EAST HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNA LEAH DOWDY MADE HER
In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, she titled her
NATIONAL TELEVISION DEBUT PERFORMING HER NEW,
second single “Human,” and decided to upload the powerful anthem
ORIGINAL SONG “THE FOOL” LIVE ON THE TODAY SHOW
onto major music platforms and donate the proceeds to the non-
WITH HOSTS HODA KOTB AND JENNA BUSH HAGER.
profit organization Color Of Change.
“I never imagined in my wildest dreams I’d be singing live on the TODAY Show. Honestly, I’m still pinching myself, “ she says.
At press time, Leah was finishing up a music video to complement her third single “Worthy.”
While at East High in West Chester, Leah was active in theater,
“I shot my first music video during a pandemic...2020 was super
with roles in Once On This Island (2004), Footloose (2005), and
weird, but I’m so grateful to still be pursuing my artistic passions,”
Anything Goes (2006). Leah majored in film studies and communica-
she reflects.
tions rhetoric, with a minor in dance, at the University of Pittsburgh. After graduating from college, she moved to New York City to pur-
Leah says she looks forward to building her music library and hopes to pen Grammy-award-winning lyrics in the near future.
sue an acting career, appearing on television shows, such as The Sinner and Dispatches From Elsewhere.
LeahDowdy.com
Leah says COVID-19 brought her back to her love of songwriting when the pandemic caused an industrywide shutdown. CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA
13
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15
FOOD & WINE
CHECK OUT THESE DELICIOUS, LOCAL DINING ESTABLISHMENTS
Taste Brandywine Valley
WEST BRANCH DISTILLING CO. West Branch Distilling Company makes fine grain-to-glass spirits from scratch in Kennett Square. Their spirits are available online for pickup, free local delivery and shipping in Pennsylvania, and also in select fine wine and spirits stores.
builds on proud traditions of the Old Country while
spearheads wine and food pairing services for women,
offering cuisine made from Sicilian family recipes.
men, couples, family “bubbles” and small groups who are practicing COVID-19 safety precautions, including
BRANDYWINE PRIME SEAFOOD AND CHOPS Set
at-home anniversary celebrations, date nights and
in a renovated 300-year-old inn, rustic charm meets
ladies-nights-in.
contemporary style and casual atmosphere to provide contemporary American cuisine with a focus on dry-
SALOON 151 WHISKEY BAR & GRILL From the heart
aged beef, local products and “terrific” wines at every
of Downtown West Chester, longtime local restaurateur
price point.
Frank Herron features slow-cooked meats, hand-cut fries, mix and match craft beers to go, and of course, an
ANDIARIO With cuisine that’s considered locally influ-
extensive whiskey list.
enced Italian, pasta is one of the passions of chef and owner Anthony Andiario. The pastas are handmade
BARNABY’S OF WEST CHESTER This popular fam-
from locally grown and milled grains. They recently
ily restaurant/sports bar reflects the historic feel and
offered “Suppers To Go.”
energy of the community. Its menu covers American fare, seafood, wraps, soups, grinders, tacos, pub steaks,
SPLIT RAIL TAVERN The location opened in 2015 as
blazin’ buffalo wings and crab cakes. Undecided?
a tavern for craft beer and cocktail enthusiasts, serving
Consider their daily specials.
locally sourced food to locally expanding minds. Their bar features rotating draft lines, wines on tap and clas-
CUISINE de SYLVIE As an at-home caterer/personal
sically oriented signature cocktails.
chef who offers French cuisine for small groups, Chef Sylvie provides buffet style meals and weekly meal
ÉCLAT CHOCOLATE Partake of delectables created
preparation.
by master chocolatier Christopher Curtin, who honed his skills in the finest chocolate houses of Belgium,
PIETRO’S PRIME This chic, family-owned spot has an
Switzerland, France, Germany and Japan. Choose
upscale menu of meat and seafood selections, along
from finely made truffles, caramels, mendiants, mondi-
with tantalizing sides and some of the most unique
ants, bars and holiday assortment selections.
martinis in West Chester. MERCATO RISTORANTE AND BAR Their custom LIMONCELLO RISTORANTE & CATERERS “You
cocktail menu was created with a balance of Italian
don’t have to live in Italy to live like an Italian” when this
classics and seasonal favorites. Expansive desserts
authentic, family-owned ristorante is nearby. The menu
available. They offer multicourse takeout specials.
16
West Chester Lifestyle | February 2021
ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON
GLOBAL WINE CHEF | TONY LAWRENCE Tony
Taste
of
Brandywine Valley
Andiario
Brandywine Prime
106 W. GAY ST. WEST CHESTER | PA ANDIARIO.COM 484-887-0919
Seafood and Chops
Barnaby’s of West Chester 15 S. HIGH ST. WEST CHESTER | PA BARNABYSWESTCHESTER.COM 610-696-1400
1617 BALTIMORE PIKE CHADDS FORD | PA BRANDYWINEPRIME.COM 610-388-8088
Cuisine de Sylvie
Limoncello
Chef Sylvie
Ristorante & Caterers
SYLVIE@CUISINEDESYLVIE.COM CUISINEDESYLVIE.COM 484-639-1605
Eclat Chocolate 24 S. HIGH ST. WEST CHESTER | PA ECLATCHOCOLATE.COM 610-692-5206
9 N. WALNUT ST. WEST CHESTER | PA LIMONCELLORESTAURANT.COM 610-436-6230
Pietro’s Prime
Split Rail Tavern
125 W. MARKET ST. WEST CHESTER | PA PIETROSPRIME.COM 484-760-6100
15 N. WALNUT ST. WEST CHESTER | PA SPLITRAILTAVERN.COM 484-999-8805
Saloon 151 Whiskey Bar & Grill 151 W. GAY ST. WEST CHESTER | PA SALOON151.COM 610-701-8489
TL
West Branch Distilling Co.
Tony Lawrence
227 BIRCH ST. UNIT B KENNETT SQUARE | PA ADMIN@WESTBRANCHDISTILLING.COM WESTBRANCHDISTILLING.COM 484-734-0162
WINECHEF@COMCAST.NET WINECHEFFORYOU.COM 267-250-5715
Global Wine Chef
coffee
the art of
GRYPHON WEST CHESTER CAFE’S TOP BARISTA DISHES ON GETTING COFFEE JUST RIGHT FOR HUGS IN MUGS ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY JEFF ROBINSON
AS A DEVOTED WEST CHESTER NATIVE, LEN MOJZES
SPOILER ALERT:
THOUGHT THE BOROUGH WOULD BE A PERFECT LOCATION
At press time, Len was working on devel-
FOR A COME-SIT-FOR-A-WHILE COFFEE SHOP, ONE THAT’S
oping a proprietary coffee blend specifically
MORE LIKE A TRADITIONAL EUROPEAN CAFÉ. He says since
in honor of West Chester. While a final flavor
1998 he had wanted to establish a coffeehouse in West Chester with
or name hadn’t been completely decided, he
his business partner, Rich Mattis. They eventually found the right
says he envisioned the likely medium-roast,
physical spot, opened Gryphon West Chester Café in 2019, and have
special hometown brew to have a pleasing
been serving delightful cups of coffee and noshes since.
“nutty, caramel and a little chocolate” taste.
“Making and serving excellent coffee in a convivial atmosphere is
They create most of their own recipes,
the Gryphon Cafe’s heart and soul. Our baristas make this happen
including syrups and sauces. While snacks
day in and day out,” assures Len.
on the Gryphon menu are croissants and
Rich launched Gryphon Coffee Co. during 1996 in Wayne as the first location. Len started as the manager there in 1998. Now, together, they also operate a third location in Philadelphia off of West Oxford Street.
pastries, they also serve egg sandwiches, as well as Philly muffins, toasts and cereals. Milk alternatives span oat milk, almond milk, macadamia milk and soy milk.
Len says Rich is the company’s main roaster and that he sources amazing coffees, rotating somewhat based on coffee-growing sea-
GRYPHON DRINK
sons. Many of the beans originate in Ethiopia, Colombia and Kenya.
ESSENTIALS INCLUDE:
Gryphon single-origin coffee names reflect the creativity and care
+ Espresso
with which the blends are made: Vigor, Louella, Ardi, Tio Conejo,
+ Americano
Gakuyuini, Marlowe, Park, Team Skyline and YirgZ. Teas served
+ Cortado
there range from Monk’s Blend, Earl Grey and Gryphon Breakfast to
+ Latte
Blue Eyes, Vanilla Almond Rooibos and Moroccan Mint.
+ Cappuccino
18
West Chester Lifestyle | February 2021
+ Flat White
there several days a week. After converting seats into
+ Hot Chocolate
shelves due to COVID-19 restrictions on indoor dining,
+ Matcha
Len says they pivoted to offering more tea and coffee devices while coaching customers how to prepare
SEASONAL DRINKS OFFERINGS:
better coffee at home. “We’ve been happy to answer
+ Chai
a lot of questions, and we’ve even walked customers
+ Hot Chocolate
through some of the processes, such as various styles
+ Golden Milk
of pour-overs,” says Len.
+ Baba’s Brew Kombucha on tap + Nitro Coffee
He encourages everyone at home to use filtered water to make java, as the purified water at the café is a key ingredient to the smooth taste of their coffees and teas.
SANDWICHES AND PANINI CHOICES: + Chicken Salad Sandwich, which is handmade with love since 1996
“Our reverse osmosis equipment looks a bit like a Star Trek transporter. It’s an expensive system, but it yields phenomenal water for making tea and coffee,” Len says.
+ Prosciutto plus Camembert + Hummus Sandwich
IMPORTANT SIDE NOTE TO ARTISTIC MAKERS OF
+ Cheese Panino
ANOTHER SORT:
+ Mushroom Panino
Original artwork is displayed in the café. “We believe
+ Prosciutto Panino
artists help us see not only what we are but what we want to be. If you’re interested in sharing your vision,
Gluten-free and vegan breads also are available at
please contact us,” invites Len.
Gryphon West Chester. “By spring, we hope to introduce some new salads and sandwiches,” Len reveals. Because the café team nurtures a “so-chill” ambi-
484.983.3909 GryphonCoffee.com
CONTINUED >
K ING AND SERVING EXCELLENT COFFEE IN A CONVIVIAL
O SPHERE IS THE GRYPHON CAFE’S HEART AND SOUL.
R BARISTAS MAKE THIS HAPPEN DAY IN AND DAY OUT.”
OU
AT M
“M A
ance, many past customers have chosen to work from
111 W. Gay St.
CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA
19
THE ART OF COFFEE (CONTINUED)
fun java
fac t s Coffee beans grow on bushes; they're actually pits of berries, which makes them a fruit. History indicates coffee was discovered by a goat herder in Ethiopia in the 1500s after he saw goats eating coffee cherries (the seeds) and not sleeping at night due to energy bursts. Coffee is consumed in such great quantities, it's the world’s second largest traded commodity. After coffee beans are decaffeinated, several coffee manufacturers sell the caffeine to soda and pharmaceutical companies. People surmise the word 'coffee' entered the English language sometime in the 16th century. It was borrowed from the Italian word 'caffe,' which comes from the Dutch word 'koffie,' taken from the Ottoman Turkish 'kahve,' which stemmed from Arabic 'qahwah.' 20
West Chester Lifestyle | February 2021
Gryphon West Chester Café partner Len Mojzes
SUSAN REISER
C LO U D N IN E PA IN T E R Cloud Nine Studio Gallery Located in Malvern By appointment
v cloud_nine_painter 610-755-5807 reiser.susan@hotmail.com
CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA
21
West Chester Lifestyle | February 2021
ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON
UNITE FOR HER 22
U n i t e To Fa c e C a n c e r
Susan Weldon, founder Unite For HER
WHEN SOMEONE’S DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER, IT’S DIFFICULT TO KNOW WHAT TO DO OR HOW TO HELP THEM. There’s no standard instruction guide on how to provide support during such a challenging life stage. Breast cancer survivor Sue Weldon knows that feeling; that’s why this West Chester resident founded a local nonprofit called Unite For HER (Helping to Empower and Restore). The mission
cancer patients to enhance their wellness and
is to enrich the health and well-being of those
to care for their emotional, spiritual and physical
diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancers by
needs,” she recalls.
funding and delivering integrative therapies.
Since she established the organization in 2009,
When Sue was diagnosed with breast cancer
staff and supporters have bridged that gap of
in 2004, she says she searched for information
resources for breast cancer patients. They also
on therapies that would complement medical
work toward overall wellness initiatives. To date,
treatments she was receiving. “What I discov-
they’ve assisted 7,000 people diagnosed with
ered was a lack of easily accessible resources
breast or ovarian cancer.
on topics, like nutrition, acupuncture, massage,
“Just in the last 10 months, we’ve treated close
yoga, counseling and other ways for breast
to 1,500 women newly diagnosed through our integrative program, a program we shifted all to the comfort of their homes during a pandemic,” Sue explains. Sue says the organization is guided by a board of directors, spanning physicians and finance professionals. They also have a development committee and an advisory committee for the African American community. GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF UNITE FOR HER: + Compassion + Community + Empowerment + Inclusion + Partnership + Trust One phenomenal outcome of this group is HER and HIS care boxes, which were developed by Unite for HER’s team of medical and CONTINUED >
UNITE FOR HIM
UNITE FOR HER, UNITE FOR HIM -- GIVE THE GIFT OF SUPPORT
CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA
23
UNITE TO FACE CANCER (CONTINUED)
wellness professionals to help empower, educate and bring balance to the emotional and physical well-being of those affected by breast or ovarian cancer during treatment and beyond. The boxes can be purchased and shipped nationwide with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the nonprofit’s wellness program. COVID WAS JUST ANOTHER ISSUE TO OVERCOME COVID-19 was simply another challenge to be conquered by Sue. “We went into problem-solving and reinventing mode. Our women were still fighting cancer, and we were going to still fight for them,” she says. The group quickly created Unite for HER at Home to provide the nonprofit’s services in a virtual format. They created new educational mate-
to work, or were just too sick to travel to a wellness
rials, added Zoom videoconference sessions, and
event. Now they can attend in the comfort of their
determined how to ship and deliver the care boxes
home and easily register through a virtual experi-
with six weeks of fresh, organic vegetables. “When
ence,” Sue assures.
we put out the statement we would continue to serve our community from home, our women, nurse
FEBRUARY’S FUNDRAISING EVENT:
navigators and hospital partners were relieved and
Each year, more than 3,500 gymnasts partici-
filled with joy that they had something positive to
pate in the Pink Invitational meet and 15,000-plus
celebrate,” she adds. “Our shifts are resonating
attendees gather in unity to honor and celebrate
greatly with our newly diagnosed community, at a
the lives of those touched by breast and ovarian
time when they need us now more than ever.”
cancers. All proceeds from the Pink Invitational
Sue says they’ve adapted in every way, from now
benefit Unite for HER nonprofit organization, sup-
having all four signature fundraising events vir-
porting hundreds of women affected by breast and
tually to executing 20-plus wellness conferences
ovarian cancers.
virtually as well.
Due to coronavirus safety precautions, this
“This shift has been critical to our ability to serve
year’s meet will be held virtually between Feb.
and continue the hands-on work and mission
19-21. Sue says they expect 2,800-plus athletes to
we’re known for. It also allowed us to break down
compete online.
barriers of the past, where some of our women
Community supporters can assist by registering
couldn’t get transportation, needed child care, had
as sponsors by Feb. 5, submitting program tribute ads by Feb. 12, sharing John Pancott Heart of Gold Award nominees also by Feb. 12, and submitting Above & Beyond donations by Feb. 14. Those interested can email pinkinvitational@ uniteforher.org with any questions. Sue encourages companies to become sponsors of the event. “Many are in the position to help us
24
West Chester Lifestyle | February 2021
fund more women, especially in underserved areas, through a grant or charitable contribution. Our priority is to get to everyone newly diagnosed and in need,” she adds. “Because of our ability to reinvent our hallmark integrative wellness program for those newly diagnosed during a pandemic, we now have the ability to take this new model national, leaving no woman or man behind. This has been an strategic goal of Unite for HER’s, however we didn’t expect it to reveal itself so quickly. It’s been one silver lining during COVID that will bring hope, joy and healing to thousands across the nation,” Sue reflects. She says there’s no other U.S. organization that they know of that’s providing the comprehensive integrative programming that Unite for HER provides. “Our recipients receive $2,000 worth of treatments and therapies, as well as a lifelong commitment to fund those living with metastatic disease. They also have access to acupuncture, oncology massage, meal delivery and grocery delivery services, nutrition consults, sexual health counseling, reiki, meditation and more,” she proclaims. “Our group’s results are impactful and needed, and with the help of our community, we’ll continue to serve until we know everyone is able to get access.” 127 East Chestnut Street, First Floor info@uniteforher.org 610.883.1177
CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA
25
Allison Prettyman INTUITIVE HEALING
Transform, heal &renew your life.
INTUITIVE LIFE COACH & MENTOR REIKI PRACTITIONER/TEACHER WELLNESS CONSULTANT REMOTE/LONG DISTANCE SESSIONS 814-795-2059 afprettyman@yahoo.com www.allisonprettyman.com 525 East Gay St., West Chester, PA 19380
The new normal: Look forward to doing your taxes.
Prepare@DelphiTMG.com | (484) 928-1715 | DelphiTMG.com 26
West Chester Lifestyle | February 2021
If you’re looking for auto repair in West Chester, PA, you’ve found us. Here at Yarnall’s Garage we work hard to earn your trust and loyalty. We know how important it is to find a West Chester car service you can rely on, so your satisfaction is our top priority each and every day.
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Yarnall’s
GARAGE, INC.
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214 WEST WASHINGTON STREET WEST CHESTER, PA
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GIVING BACK ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON
CHARITABLE SUPPORT FOR THE LOVE OF PETS
ZOË FONTECCHIO IS A 16-YEAR-OLD BUDDING
ANIMAL
DOCTOR OR
BIOMEDICAL
RESEARCHER, OR BOTH. She’s getting a jumpstart on life to figure it out. She also envisions operating her own animal rescue when she’s older. She’s got a jumpstart on that part of life, too. At 13 years young, in 2017 she already launched a nonprofit called Ziggy’s Biscuits. Through sales of dog treats, bandanas and face masks that she makes herself, she’s already raised $10,639. A full 100% of the money Zoë receives through sales is donated to local, no-kill animal shelters and pet adoptions throughout the Brandywine Valley, including the Brandywine Valley SPCA, To Love a Canine Rescue, Tails of the Free Rescue, All 4 Paws, Aardvark Animal Rescue, La Mancha, Senior Dog Haven, Cure4Cam, and Treetops Kitty Cafe and Animal Rescue. Her nonprofit is named in honor of Ziggy, her family’s beloved Shiba Inu, an intelligent and loyal Japanese breed.
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West Chester Lifestyle | February 2021
Z i g g y 's Biscuits Ziggy, the inspiration of Ziggy's Biscuits
When Zoë was in middle school, she says she and a friend frequently discussed starting a business to sell dog bandanas, collars or vests. “I purchased bandanas and leashes for my dog from online businesses. My mom kept telling me I should try and make them myself,” she recalls. “At first I thought I’d start a regular business, like the ones on Instagram and Etsy, but I eventually realized it would be most useful as a nonprofit. I was volunteering at the time for a rescue called Tails of the Free, and I saw how they needed resources to pay for all the cats they rescued. I wanted to help. Around that time, my family took a trip to New Orleans, and we visited the Villalobos Rescue Center from the TV show ‘Pit Bulls and Parolees.’ It was my favorite show at the time and really inspired me to get involved in rescue work.” As a member of the National Junior Honor Society, volunteering to clean cat cages at PetValu stores helped to fulfill Zoë’s required volunteer hours. But the task yielded much more. “Volunteering there made me realize how many CONTINUED >
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GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)
small rescues -- many are foster only -- there are besides the big shelters, and how they depend so much on donations. I thought I could help raise money by selling dog and cat bandanas, and eventually added dogs biscuits and face masks,” she says. To get other young people involved, Zoë also started social media initiatives because she wanted to raise awareness about the need for pet adoptions. “I really enjoyed going back to my elementary school, West Chester Friends School, to talk about my nonprofit. WCFS really taught me the value of helping others,” she adds. Zoë plans to major in biology and English in college. “I’d really like to go to Brown University, and I want to either be a veterinarian or a scientist who develops new medicines for animals and people,” says the junior at Downingtown STEM Academy. “Animals appeal so much to me because they aren’t people. Animals can’t really judge people to the same extent that people do. They aren’t inherently racist, sexist, homophobic, etc. It’s just refreshing to be around someone that’s only there to be loved and give you love,” reveals Zoë. “Animals are also irresistibly cute, which is a plus.”
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West Chester Lifestyle | February 2021
and reversible masks for regular days of the week, but also makes sports-, patriotic- and holiday-themed masks,
including
those for
passionate
Eagles,
Philadelphia Flyers or Penn State fans. In December, Zoë donated $500 on Giving Tuesday To Love a Canine Rescue. She also conducted a towel and blanket drive for the Brandywine Valley SPCA. This animal lover also takes special requests and has personalization options -- all in the name of lending a paw for noble causes. Facebook.com/ZiggysBiscuits Instagram@ziggysbicuits ZiggysBiscuits.wixsite.com/ZiggysBiscuits Gnocchi
Tracy Long, To Love a Canine Rescue founder and executive director, says Zoë works tirelessly to help dogs in need. “She’s got a positive attitude and is sure to change the world for animals to make it a better place. At TLC, she’s done everything from help us at transports to attend meet-and-greets. She advocates for rescue dogs and even hopes to foster dogs soon,” says Tracy. “We are so appreciative to have Zoe as one of our volunteers. We love her!” Zoë attended the Boiler Vet Camp at Purdue University in the summer of 2019, and says it was amazing. “Now I love working after school at The Animal Clinic in Exton with Dr. Zuczek,” she adds. To purchase some of Zoë’s made-with-extra-love bandanas ($8-$14), biscuits ($5 per bag) and face masks ($12 three-layer with adjustable ear loops) to help save the lives of more dogs and cats, email her at ziggysbiscuits@gmail.com. She has fun, vibrant
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EASY TO MAKE, FUN TO EAT AND PERFECTLY FESTIVE
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DIRECTIONS 1. Measure cereal into large bowl. If using strawberry candy, use 4 cups of cereal. If applying chocolate chips route, use 6 cups of cereal. 2. Pour melts into small glass dish. Add 1/2 tsp shortening, if desired, to help chocolate coat the cereal. Microwave for 1 minute 20 seconds. Let sit in microwave for 3 minutes. Remove; gently stir. If chocolate leaves its shape and looks smooth, it’s done. If not, return to microwave in 15-second increments, letting it sit for 2-3 minutes each time, until melted and smooth. 3. If chips and pudding mix are used, add 4 tablespoons of strawberry creme pudding into white chocolate; stir gently until smooth. Add 2 drops of red food coloring, if desired. 4. Pour chocolate mixture over cereal; stir gently to coat. 5. Transfer cereal mixture to large piece of wax paper. Sprinkle with M&M’s and Valentine’s sprinkles. Let cool to set. Break into pieces. Store in airtight container. Candy can be made up to three to four days ahead.
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West Chester Lifestyle | February 2021
Some call this recipe “Puppy Chow.” Photo by The Toasty Kitchen
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