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LIFESTYLE LETTER
SEPTEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER
Douglas McDermott douglas.mcdermott@lifestylepubs.com
A Fashion-Forward Fall
EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@lifestylepubs.com STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Jeff Robinson
IT’S THE ISSUE IN WHICH WE PUT A WEST CHESTER SPIN ON
AD DESIGNER
FASHIONABLE NOTIONS.
Rachel Chrisman L AYO UT DESIGNER
First, we applaud the community support and complimentary women wardrobes
Emily Lisenbee
being funneled through the local nonprofit, Wings For Success. They assist women
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
with organizing professional attire and accessories for job interviews, and they've
Jamie Jones
recently been helping to fill in with medical scrubs for health care workers on depleted or tight budgets. We hope you'll consider donating unneeded, relevant clothing to them. Turn to page 16 to learn about their upcoming events. Being fashionable comes in various ways. Sometimes, it starts with a tidy, wellthought-out place to store clothing. Consider contacting the team at Closet Factory for ideas about how to create the closet of your dreams. Fashionable concepts also can be found in artwork, which is why we're so pleased to welcome back West Chester's cherished Gallery Walk. Did you know the first Gallery Walk 30 years ago was suggested by West Chester artist Harry Dunn? Harry's known locally for a variety of his executions, but his artwork also was featured on the covers of House & Garden, Fortune and the New Yorker magazines. Read about what's in store for this special artistic event on page 26.
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
To drive around West Chester in style, just ask the exclusive team at Algar Ferrari
AD MANAGER Chad Jensen
of Philadelphia about the thrilling “Roma,” as featured on our cover. We round out
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams
this edition by taking a look at what it's like to travel to voguish places, such as
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Belize and Africa. Let us know where you're heading. West Chester has some serious style! 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
Douglas McDermott, Publisher ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN
ON THE COVER Escape with the
MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA
"Roma," a stunning grand touring, high
SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
performance Italian sports car created by automobile manufacturer Ferrari.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ALGAR FERRARI OF PHILADELPHIA 4
West Chester Lifestyle | September 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.
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INSIDE THE ISSUE SEPTEMBER 2021
FEATURES 16 Helping Women Wings For Success Females Achieve Autonomy, Success And Confidence Through This Nonprofit That Started In West Chester
20 Africa Euphoria Whirl Away To 'The Motherland'
26 Gallery Walk Is Back Stroll Through Local Artistic Inspiration On Oct. 1
20 16
32 Belize Exudes Natural Beauty Seeking A Most-Memorable Adventure?
26
32 DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
10
Around Town
12
Local Experiences
16
Giving Back
26 Artist’s Palette 32 Travel Destination
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GOOD TIMES
Antique Ice Tool Museum Shares Local, Natural Ice Trade History The Antique Ice Tool Museum at 825 Sconnelltown Road in West Chester is housed in a renovated 1834 stone bank barn. It's thought to showcase the largest private collection of antique ice tools and memorabilia in the United States. The museum is open Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon through October. For details, visit AntiqueIceToolMuseum.org. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MUSEUM
Sashay To Local, Outdoor Growers Market Mini artichokes from D&V Organics debuted at the West Chester Growers Market, held at the corner of North Church and West Chestnut Streets. Founding member, North Star Orchard, brought back peaches and fruits, too. Market hours: Saturday mornings 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. Metered street parking is free during market hours. This delicious market was established in 1995. PHOTOS COURTESY OF WEST CHESTER GROWERS MARKET
8
West Chester Lifestyle | September 2021
Create Magical Tranquility
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
AROUND TOWN
CHESTER COUNTY AMONG AMERICA'S HEALTHIEST: U.S. NEWS Several Pennsylvania communities are among the
Donated clothing and household items at
nation's healthiest, according to a new ranking by U.S.
GreenDrop, 810 West Chester Pike in West
News & World Report. And, Chester County came in
Chester, are converted into dollars to support the
No. 109 in the top 500 cities and counties on this list.
initiatives of these charities: American Red Cross,
This year's report was done in collaboration with
the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the National
CVS Health and the Aetna Foundation. The pur-
Federation of the Blind, and the Society of St.
pose of the ranking is to explore how communities
Vincent de Paul of Philadelphia.
across the United States are working to improve
Donors can drop off tax-deductible items at the
the health of their residents. It also helps keep
donation center, or request an at-home pick-up.
citizens, health care leaders and elected officials
Hours of operations are Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m.
informed of local policies and practices that drive
to 5 p.m. To schedule pickups or to ask questions,
better health outcomes.
call 888.944.3767.
To compile the rankings, U.S. News represen-
The organization receives all men’s, women’s,
tatives analyzed how nearly 3,000 U.S. counties
children and infant clothing, including outerwear,
and cities perform in 84 metrics across 10 health
underwear, shoes and boots, jackets, ties, shirts,
and health-related categories, including housing,
dresses, blouses, sweaters, pants, hats, gloves,
food and nutrition, environment and education.
handbags, purses, raincoats and overcoats, swim-
U.S. News compiled metrics using data from the
suits, sandals, shorts, sleepwear, jeans, T-shirts
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
and formal wear.
the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the
GreenDrop also accepts more than clothing and
U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Environmental
shoes:
Protection Agency.
toys, small appliances, electronics, sporting goods,
In Pennsylvania, Montgomery County led the way, ranking 96th overall.
PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE APPROVES TOLL INCREASE FOR 2022
household items, kitchenware, games/
books, CDs, videos and small furniture.
THIS MONTH BRINGS ANNUAL 'UP ON THE ROOF!' A great party while enjoying a beautiful eve-
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commissioners approved a
ning under the stars is scheduled for Sept. 25
5 percent toll increase for both E-ZPass and toll by
from 5:30-8 p.m. at the 19th annual event to
plate customers, effective Jan. 2, across the entire
support the Beautification of Downtown West
road except the Southern Beltway west of Pittsburgh.
Chester. The venue is the Chestnut Street
This is the 14th consecutive year for toll increases
Garage, 14 E. Chestnut St.
on the turnpike. Commissioners assert annual
This fundraiser includes music, appetizers and
increases are necessary to meet the agency's
dessert by some of West Chester’s favorite din-
annual $450 million payment to PennDOT required
ing spots, with complimentary beer, wine and the
under state law.
always-popular Rooftop Martini. Proceeds sup-
Turnpike Commission CEO Mark Compton
port the annual cleaning, flower beautification
says the 2022 hike is the first time in six years the
and marketing of Downtown West Chester. Since
increase was maintained under 6 percent. He adds
2002, the group has raised more than $301,000
that the annual payment to PennDOT will drop to
toward this project.
$50 million next year, with the other $400 million provided by the state's motor vehicle and use tax.
This event is jointly organized by the West Chester
Business
Improvement
District
and
The increase reportedly means the most com-
the West Chester Downtown Foundation; visit
mon toll for a passenger vehicle next year will
WCDF.org/UpOnTheRoof for tickets. Individual
increase from $1.60 to $1.70 for E-ZPass customers
tickets are $75 each, and other ticket and
and from $3.90 to $4.10 for toll by plate customers.
sponsorship prices range from $350 to $5,000.
The cashless toll for a passenger vehicle at the
Phone 610.696.8211 or email info@chescocf.org
westbound Delaware River Bridge will increase
with questions.
from $6.10 to $6.50 for E-ZPass customers and from $8.20 to $8.70 for toll by plate motorists. 10
GIVE CLOTHING AND UNWANTED ITEMS A SECOND HOME
West Chester Lifestyle | September 2021
Taste
of
Verbena BYOB 102 EAST STATE ST. KENNET SQUARE | PA VERBENABYOB.COM 484-732-7932
Cuisine de Sylvie Chef Sylvie SYLVIE@CUISINEDESYLVIE.COM CUISINEDESYLVIE.COM 484-639-1605
Pietro’s Prime 125 W. MARKET ST. WEST CHESTER | PA PIETROSPRIME.COM 484-760-6100
Brandywine Valley Barnaby’s of West Chester 15 S. HIGH ST. WEST CHESTER | PA BARNABYSWESTCHESTER.COM 610-696-1400
Saloon 151 Whiskey Bar & Grill 151 W. GAY ST. WEST CHESTER | PA SALOON151.COM 610-701-8489
West Branch Distilling Co. 227 BIRCH ST. UNIT B KENNETT SQUARE | PA ADMIN@WESTBRANCHDISTILLING.COM WESTBRANCHDISTILLING.COM 484-734-0162
Brandywine Prime Seafood and Chops 1617 BALTIMORE PIKE CHADDS FORD | PA BRANDYWINEPRIME.COM 610-388-8088
Limoncello Ristorante & Caterers 9 N. WALNUT ST. WEST CHESTER | PA LIMONCELLORESTAURANT.COM 610-436-6230
Gryphon Cafe 111 W GAY ST WEST CHESTER | PA GRYPHONCOFFEE.COM 484-983-3909
TL (610) 388-7061 • hanksplacechaddsford.com HOURS: M-F 7am to 2 pm • Sat & Sun 7 am to 3 pm
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Global Wine Chef
1625 CREEK ROAD CHADDS FORD | PA HANKSPLACECHADDSFORD.COM 610-388-7061
WINECHEF@COMCAST.NET WINECHEFFORYOU.COM 267-250-5715
LOCAL EXPERIENCES
STYLE WEST CHESTER MAYORAL NOMINEE LILLIAN DEBAPTISTE SUGGESTS FAVORITE SPOTS AT WHICH TO DISCOVER GREAT ACCESSORIES FROM OUR COMMUNITY. It's a great time to refresh closets with items from the borough's boutiques. Lillian says she truly enjoys shopping local, as shown here by her recent jewelry finds.
LOCAL FASHION FINDS + The 5 Senses: Handmade, functional works of art and gifts, with stories behind each piece. Lillian loves this bracelet she selected there. 133 W. Market St., West Chester, PA 19382 + Kaly Clothing: Eclectic women's boutique carrying trendy women's casualwear, baby gifts, home goods, candles and accessories; Lillian secures stylish wine bags and blouses there. 37 W. Gay St., West Chester, PA 19380 + Classic Kitchens, Inc.: When Lillian got her personal kitchen remodeled to be in fashion, she turned to this team located in the heart of downtown. 119 W. Market St., West Chester, PA 19380 + Sunset Hill Jewelers: Lillian's classic look with a matching pearl necklace and earrings comes from this full-service jeweler for cleaning, repair, re-designs and appraisals. 23 North High St., West Chester, PA 19380 + Style By Blain: Premier shoe boutique of Voltaire Blain; carries loafers, Oxfords, low/high-cut boots, Alden, Gaziano & Girling, Paraboot, neckwear, socks, custom shirts, suits, accessories. 8433 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118 12
West Chester Lifestyle | September 2021
West Chester’s Lillian DeBaptiste Photo by Jeff Robinson
scan for more photos & the full list
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West Chester Lifestyle | September 2021
PA 17217
#WCGalleryWalk
OCTOBER 1, 2021 First Friday • 4pm - 8pm (rain or shine)
Enjoy an evening of art, dining and shopping while
Generous support provided by
Free to attend | Free Metered Parking Open to the public
West Chester Business Improvement District, 137 North High Street, West Chester, PA 19380
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ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WINGS FOR SUCCESS
ASSISTING FEMALES ACHIEVE AUTONOMY, SUCCESS AND CONFIDENCE IS GOAL OF THIS NONPROFIT THAT STARTED IN WEST CHESTER
EMPOWERING WOMEN AND GIRLS THROUGH
applied for nonprofit status and signed their first
APPAREL, ADVICE AND ADVOCACY IS THE DAILY
lease in West Chester at 326 North Walnut St.
FOCUS OF WINGS FOR SUCCESS SUPPORTERS.
Also during that first year, Wings held the first com-
Five women — Cecily Getz, Kathy Smith Granahan,
munity clothing drive sponsored by West Chester
Beth Heft, Marianne Plucienik and Laurie Todd — chose
University and Parkway Cleaners.
to make a difference in the community during 1997 by
Jill Laufenberg, Wings executive director, says
gathering women’s clothing and assembling $600 in
they’re still going strong with community support.
seed money, which is how Wings For Success took off.
In fact, during 2020, Wings outfitted 342 clients
The original Wings team contacted local social
with necessary medical scrubs and nurse shoes for
service agencies and job training programs that
their employment.
worked with women transitioning to the workforce.
To support this nonprofit, join them on Sept. 30 for
Using their own vehicles, they transported clothing to
their Wings & Wheels virtual event or their in-person
these agencies to help women prepare for interviews
West Chester event with live music, buffet dinner,
and employment. During that first year, they outfitted
silent auction/raffle and test drives from Porsche of
several dozen women, formed a board of directors,
the Main Line / RDS Automotive Group.
16
West Chester Lifestyle | September 2021
+ H E L P I N G WO M E N
GIVING BACK
W I NG S FOR SUCCE S S +
WINGS BOLSTERS CAREER, ECONOMIC STABILIT Y C OMPAS SION
INDEPENDENCE
FAST FACT 1
Only program of its kind in Chester County.
FAST FACT 2
In 2020, Wings served 1,036 women, a 22%
increase over 2019; served 14,000-plus women since its founding. FAST FACT 3
70% of Wings' clients come from
collaborations with 80-plus partner agencies related to domestic violence, substance abuse, homelessness, education, job training, food insecurity and youth development. FAST FACT 4
Wings’ clients range in age between 12 years to
65 years old, but majority are between 25-44. FAST FACT 5
Operates through four staffers, 11 Wings’ all-
volunteer board members and 120 active volunteers together contributing 10,000 to 12,000 hours annually.
DETAILS info@wingsforsuccess.org 610.644.6323 Kennett Square Office: 345 Scarlet Road Frazer Office: 490 Lancaster Ave. WingsForSuccess.org
CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA
17
CREATING BEAUTY, COMFORT AND JOY (215) 808 - 4094 | MIA@EM - INTERIORDESIGN.COM | EM - INTERIORDESIGN.COM
SUSAN REISER
C LO U D N IN E PA IN TE R Cloud Nine Studio Gallery Located in Malvern By appointment
v cloud_nine_painter 610-755-5807 reiser.susan@hotmail.com
18
West Chester Lifestyle | September 2021
Style By Blain Philadelphia’s premier shoe store. Where you can find the best selection of Alden, Gaziano & Girling and Paraboot for men and women. We also offer custom suits and shirts by appointment! 215.753.2465 STYLEBYBLAIN.COM FACEBOOK.COM/STYLEBYBLAIN 8433 GERMANTOWN AVE CHESTNUT HILL PA 19118
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ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON
Serengeti Park in Tanzania. Africa.
A F R IC A E U PHOR I A 20
West Chester Lifestyle | September 2021
WHIRL AWAY TO 'THE MOTHERLAND,' THE SECOND LARGEST CONTINENT THAT'S RICH IN CULTURE, DIVERSITY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
“THE REST OF THIS YEAR IS A GREAT TIME TO TRAVEL TO AFRICA, BUT PACK YOUR PATIENCE BECAUSE THERE MAY BE A SERIES OF LAST-MINUTE CHANGES RELATED TO HEALTH SAFETY GUIDELINES. Logistics are taking three to four times longer to plan and things are constantly changing, but it’s all worth it to go to special places,” advises Jamie Jones, WhirlAway Travel president and luxury travel advisor. She and her West Chester-headquartered team are busy helping clients navigate new international scheduling requirements and rebooking trips that were canceled during 2020. They specialize in trips to high-end U.S. destinations, Africa, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, as well as personalized, private jet travel. Jamie is a travel expert select agent for South Africa and safaris with Signature Travel Network, a member-owned community of leading travel agencies and supplier partners for the travel industry. She went to Africa in March, and has plans to return again in November. “Because we’ve got partners on the ground in Africa, we can tailor plans based on each clients’ needs. There are so many new moving parts in travel, however, we all really have to be prepared to adjust,” she says.
CONTINUED >
Elephant Plains, South Africa.
CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA
21
AFRICA EUPHORIA (CONTINUED)
For example, Jamie says she recently assisted a client who was traveling to volunteer for PARCA
Enjoy landscape of beautiful Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.
(Pennsylvania Rhino Conservation Advocates), a nonprofit trying to prevent the extinction of rhinoceroses in Africa. “When the airline she was originally booked on suddenly canceled all flights in that country, through our on-site relationships, we were able to get her immediately re-accommodated,” she adds. Ensuring that COVID-19 tests are administered at the correct intervals while on safaris can be the difference between gaining entrance to the next leg of trips or getting out of in-country airports, reminds Jamie. “To be sure our clients can prove a negative COVID test result, we sometimes send doctors out to dirt airstrips or remote locations.” This seasoned traveler admits she fell in love with Africa during her first time there seven years ago. “I felt like I was at home in Botswana and that all was right with the world. Then I was so happy in Kenya, too, and I had an overwhelming sense of relief and peace,” she says. “Africa is truly an interesting place that has it all -- the culture, diversity and landscapes.” Jamie says people often mistakenly believe visiting Africa requires “roughing it.” But she says that’s not the case; rather, they work like concierges to book coveted lodging and amazing culinary reservations. Why plan to make several trips to Africa? First, Jamie says the continent is enormous, and visiting all the regions in meaningful ways takes about 30 days. Those regions are diverse in comparison. “It’ll be like visiting New York City and thinking that you now know what all of the United States is like,” she explains. JAMIE BELIEVES MOST PEOPLE WHO ADMIRE AFRICA MAKE AT LEAST FOUR TRIPS THERE: 1. The first trip is to see the wildlife and other animals. “It’s an instant adrenaline rush,” Jamie says. 2. The second time to Africa is to get the gratification of searching for and trekking wildlife. 3. Going back a third time is for the people.
vaccinations updated; take a supply of personal
“Everybody you encounter is phenomenal, magical
medicines and extra PPE; insurance is a must;
people,” Jamie asserts.
have plenty of cash; pack appropriate clothing; pho-
4. She claims a fourth trip back to The Motherland
tocopy important documents; take a power adapter;
is because you feel the need and the drive to “fill
and plan for time to both do a safari and sightsee,
your soul.”
including jet lag variables.
Prior to the pandemic, Africa’s tourism was the second fastest-growing region in the world, not that
26 West Market St.
far behind Asia-Pacific. Good tips to know before
info@whirlawaytravel.com
heading there include: be sure to check with a
610.431.3642
travel doctor two months ahead to get all routine
WhirlAwayTravel.com
22
West Chester Lifestyle | September 2021
T I P S F O R T R AV E L I N G I N 2 0 21 01
02
Plan early. Jamie predicts there
Brace with extra, extra patience. 2021
Remain flexible. Amazing,
will be tremendously more
TSA airport screening levels may
affordable plans can be landed
space availability for Africa
come close to 2019's record-setting
by remaining nimble and
03
travel this year compared to
pace with numbers approaching two
open-minded. Uncertainty is a
2022. She suggests for a 10-day
million passengers per day, so airports
real factor in current travel.
trip to give travel agents at
may take more time with long lines.
least three different weeks with
Many vehicular rental companies have
which to work.
changed policies and decreased their auto totals. Sudden changes may add to everyone's stress levels.
Jamie Jones (second from right) is a travel expert select agent for South Africa and safaris.
CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA
23
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West Chester Lifestyle | September 2021
Jeff Kitchen, AAMS® Financial Advisor
www.edwardjones.com
Member SIPC
IRT-1848D-A
105 South High Street
West Chester, PA® 19382 Jeff Kitchen, AAMS | Financial Advisor 610-430-1320
105 South High Street | West Chester, PA 19382 | 610-430-1320
CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA
25
ARTIST’S PALETTE STROLL THROUGH LOCAL ARTISTIC INSPIRATION ON OCT. 1
ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WEST CHESTER BID
Gallery Walk Is Back ARTISTS PROMPT LAUGHTER, TEARS AND AWE-INSPIRING EMOTIONS. Next month, one special evening provides the chance to relax and be surrounded by that type of local creativity. Up to 14 stops are planned for the fall Gallery Walk, a walking tour of one-night-only art shows throughout historic downtown West Chester to be hosted Oct. 1 from 4-8 p.m. The event is free to attend. This year marks the official 30th anniversary of the walks, which traditionally occurred on the first Friday evenings during both May and October. Last year’s autumn walk had to be skipped due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As one of Chester County’s more popular perennial events, the Gallery Walk provides attendees an opportunity to experience downtown West Chester’s enchanting blend of small-town charm, cosmopolitan tastes, historic streets and eclectic mix of galleries and host retail locations. Artwork will include local, national and international artists and artisans, featuring various art styles, mediums, collectibles and handmade pieces, such as glass sculptures. “It’s our first big event since COVID, so we’re really looking forward to having it and seeing everyone,” says John O’Brien, West Chester Business Improvement District executive director, noting that it’s also the first time the BID is organizing the event, making it doubly exciting for staffers and board members. He says the event appeals equally to fine art collectors, those just starting to select art, and anyone who wants to admire the originality of interesting artists.
26
West Chester Lifestyle | September 2021
“We’re planning for six traditional gallery stops and six or seven pop-up type locations for the Walk, with cocktails available at each stop for guests perusing the art. It’s a great way to witness the unique energy and ambiance of the borough’s downtown,” John says. He adds that this event coincides with “First Fridays In West Chester,” so street meters are free for parking that evening. Sandra Riper, owner of Sunset Hill Jewelers & Fine Arts Gallery, is presenting this year’s Gallery Walk. “Art makes a house a home,” she says. “Every art piece you choose, you select for a reason. It’s often about an event or a remembrance, and it tells a story.” As a founding supporter of this event, Sandy presided over the West Chester Chamber of Commerce and retail committee that launched the first Walk. “We had 12 fine art galleries and a tremendous amount of artistic talent who lived in our area. We coordinated the Walk with Chester County Day. Every gallery was different, with so many styles and choices — there was something for everyone, and there still is,” she says. For the upcoming Walk, Sandy will be showcasing the award-winning work of Don Schoffner, who is a Chester County native, alumnus of West Chester University and active member of the West Chester-based Chester County Art Association. Typically working in watercolor, India ink or acrylics, Don creates winter scenes, nature settings and seascapes. One of his signature elements is weathered barns and old buildings, which are inspired by local farmsteads and Brandywine regional history. He often shares that he tries to capture the “utility, texture and integrity” of such buildings before they disappear from actual landscapes. “Guests can talk to Don, and we’ll have a local pianist,” she adds. She says host participants are intentionally concentrating the stops within close proximity so more attendees are able to physically get to all the stops during the event.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA
27
ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED) Sunset Hills Fine Arts Gallery also provides the work of West Chester regional artist Harry Dunn, who succeeded in fine art as well as commercial executions. Sandy says although his background included extensive exposure to the Brandywine School of painting, his personal style has wide appeal, often bringing fresh, sometimes whimsical, views of traditional subjects. Those who lived in the Delaware Valley during the 1960s and 1970s may remember Harry’s business logos, signs or murals in local hotels, apartment buildings and banks. While he passed away in 1998, his legacy lives on through his paintings and the Harry Dunn Memorial Art Scholarship, which helps support beginning, local artists. Sandy recalls the joy of selling the first piece of artwork for someone becoming a professional artist. “And one of my favorite memories was carrying the work of a Don Shoffner will be the featured artist at Sunset Hill Jewelers & Fine Arts Gallery.
100-year-old artist.” 610.738.3350 DowntownWestChester.com
GLIMMERS
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Kyle Whary “Threesome” Acrylic on canvas
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West Chester Lifestyle | September 2021
SIYON APRIL (215) 910-9111
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There’s never been a better time to plan for your future.
Prepare@DelphiWMG.com | (484) 928-1700 | DelphiWMG.com Kevin McDermott and John Kane are registered representatives of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Lincoln Financial Advisors a broker/dealer (Member SIPC) and a registered investment advisor. Insurance offered through Lincoln affilliates and other fine companies. Delphi Wealth Management Group is not an affiliate of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. CRN-3647624-062521
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West Chester Lifestyle | September 2021
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TRAVEL DESTINATION
Belize Exudes N at u r a l Beauty
01 SAN IGNACIO Known for its rainforest and remote jungle land, this area enables honeymooners, or those celebrating anniversaries, to get off the grid for a while to focus on romance. San Ignacio is a town in the Cayo District of western Belize, on the banks of the Macal River. It's the second largest in the country, after Belize City. Complete with hanging bridges, hiking and kayaking, the area's residents also are eager to teach visitors about the rainforest. Chaa Creek Resort is rated one of the world's best eco lodges and a pioneer in adventure travel to Belize since 1981, owners Mick and Lucy Fleming sum up their philosophy of this jungle resort that's located in the heart of Maya civilization as "wildly civilized." This spot is recognized as one of the best
SEEKING A MOST-MEMORABLE ADVENTURE?
examples of sustainable, green tourism.
The area is known for the Blue Hole in the center of ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON
Lighthouse Reef Atoll, a 1,000-foot circular coral reef that drops 400 feet into an incredible cavern. Visitors can transport themselves around with golf carts, taking in excursions including fishing or swimming with sharks. Victoria House Resort & Spa is located on a breathtaking, private island. This boutique resort features 42
WITH SUB-TROPICAL CLIMATE YEAR-ROUND, THE CARIBBEAN COUNTRY OF BELIZE ALSO OFFERS TOURISTS ITS COLORFUL CULTURE, BARRIER REEFS, BEACHES, EXTENSIVE CAVES, SCUBA DIVING, FLORA, FAUNA, VARIED CUI-
rooms offering a variety of world-class accommodations that pamper guests--whether in a pool villa, luxurious suite, stateroom, or a romantic tropical casita. AMBERGRIS CAYE/SAN PEDRO
SINE, SNORKELING, BIRDING, MAYAN RUINS, CHOCOLATE MAKING AND DELIGHTFUL PLACES TO STAY, INCLUDING LUXURY RESORTS, JUNGLE LODGES, HOTELS, CONDOMINIUMS, VACATION RENTALS, GUESTHOUSES, LIVE-ABOARD VESSELS, CAMPGROUNDS AND MORE. Following are the first six places to consider going while in Belize.
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West Chester Lifestyle | September 2021
02
05
PLACENCIA
03
TURNEFFE ISLANDS ATOLL A long, narrow peninsula of sandy white, palm-
Considered a paradise among divers and anglers,
lined beaches hugging Belize's Caribbean coastline,
Turneffe Islands Atoll encompasses 200-plus coral
Placencia is a popular destination for sunshine lov-
islands surrounding a lagoon. It's one of three atoll
ers. Its brightly colored neighborhoods and rustic,
reefs in Belize's waters. The reefs of this region are
beautiful vibe woos visitors into walking barefoot on
part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second
the boardwalk while enjoying gelato. Personable and
largest reef system on Earth.
intimate Naïa Resort and Spa serves as a natural
04
playground, or the 28-room, charming seafront hideaway Turtle Inn offers unspoiled beauty.
Once a Mayan fishing village, Belize City was the country's capital until 1970 after Hurricane Hattie wreaked havoc. Today, it's Belize's largest city and commercial center; a busy port, which welcomes cruise ships; and the country's main gateway. BELIZE CITY
LAMANAI ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESERVE Lamanai means "Submerged Crocodile" in one of the Mayan languages, and images of crocodiles have been
06
found on the excavated buildings, pottery and figurines at this famous archaeological site in northern Belize. It's one of the largest ceremonial centers. Traveling to the site is an adventure in itself, including an hour-long boat ride up the New River, which provides frequent wildlife sightings. The dense jungle lends a wild feel to these ruins, which are still not completely excavated. Lamanai reportedly was occupied the longest of any Mayan site. CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA
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Professional COVID Cleaning Services
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610.358.9822 FuzzyButtsPA.com 34
West Chester Lifestyle | September 2021
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