'Tis the Season to Celebrate
LO C A L S E RV I C E S
2023 RE ADERS' CH O I CE AWARDS
D E C E M B E R 2 02 3
You’ll remember this home forever. Because you never forget the first time you brought your babies home, their wobbly first steps, or family dinners around the table.
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
Celebrate the Season
December 2023 PUBLISHER
Douglas Mcdermott douglas.mcdermott@citylifestyle.com EDITOR
Welcome to the Holidays and Giving issue of West Chester Lifestyle Magazine. This month’s issue is full of West Chester holiday happenings, community giving, holiday gift ideas, and more! It’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit! This month we also reveal our Readers’ Choice winners! Dentists, landscapers, coffee shops, dining locations, real estate agents, event planners, clothing stores, jewelers - we have over 60 categories with winners voted on by you! Read on to see what businesses our readers ranked top in the categories; then make sure to stop by and visit these amazing businesses and congratulate them on their success! This time of the year is about family traditions, but community traditions also run very strong! In West Chester, everyone anticipates the return of the Hometown Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting! This year it will take place on Friday, December 1st! The tree lighting is at 6:30 pm and the parade steps off at 7:00 pm! Will we see you and your family lining the streets of this timeless evening? West Chester Lifestyle Magazine will be there and we hope you are too!
Jamie Agamalian | jamie.agamalian@citylifestyle.com
Enjoy the celebration of the season!
Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
D O U G L A S M C D E R M O T T, P U B L I S H E R @WEST_CHESTER _ LIFEST YLE
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise
Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT Y LIFE S T Y LE.COM / WE S TCHE S TERPA |
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 area’s 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
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the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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DECEMBER 2023
inside the issue The Holidays & Giving Issue
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F E ATU R E D
D E PA RTM E NTS
14 2023 Readers' Choice Awards
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Lifestyle Letter
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Local Limelight LO CA L S ERV IC E S
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Inspired By LO CA L S ERV I C ES
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Must See A RTS + C U LT U R E
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Happy Hour FO O D + B EV ER AG E
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Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E
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Events
Winners in over 60 categories voted on by you - our readers!
24 Building Hope - One Wheel at a Time
The 100 Wheels Project provides bikes to kids in our community during the holiday season!
28 Holiday Happenings Guide
Find out what festive activities are happening in West Chester for the holidays!
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> edwardjones.com | Member SIPC
Partnering for positive impact It’s how Jeff Kitchen was named a 2022 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor and continues to make a difference in clients’ lives.
Jeff Kitchen, AAMS® Edward Jones Financial Advisor 535 North Church Street, Ste 275 West Chester, PA 19380 (610) 430-1320 jeff.kitchen@edwardjones.com Ranking Methodology: Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Data as of 6/30/21. Source: Forbes.com (April 2022). Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings to measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com.SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
Member SIPC
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APPOINTMENTS FOR CONSIGNMENT | SOCIAL GATHERINGS WARDROBE CONSULTATIONS & PERSONAL SHOPPING PRIVATE SHOPPING EVENTS
WWW.VIDABEALE.COM • 484.473.8219 29 S CHURCH ST, WEST CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA
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FINE DINING
LIMONCELLO www.limoncellorestaurant.com (610) 436-6230 C A S UA L D I N I N G
S E D O N A TA P H O U S E sedonataphouse.com/locations/ west-chester-pa/ (610) 738-5104 BEST BRUNCH
Winners in over 60 categories voted on by you - our readers! ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN The West Chester area is home to many amazing businesses and business owners who provide top-quality service to all of our community members. Each year West Chester Lifestyle Magazine likes to recognize the best in the business voted on by you, our readers! With over 60 categories to vote for from food and beverage to medical, personal care, professional services, shops, home services, automotive, and more, you weighed in to pick your favorites. The competition was close in many of our categories and it was tough to not list all of our nominated merchants and professionals in this article, but the winners prevailed. We are proud to announce this year’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Winners! Congratulations to all who won! Next time you’re in town or in need of a professional service, make sure to reach out to our 2023 winners!
ROOTS CAFE www.rootscafewc.com (610) 455-0100
Located at 133 E. Gay St, Roots Cafe is home to some of the best brunch food in town. Known for their support of local farmers and artisans, the team at Roots serve up the most creative dishes made only with the freshest of ingredients. Perhaps the most popular dish served is the ROOTS Hot Chicken sandwich, a fried Freebird chicken breast, topped with their signature Hot Sauce, spicy pickles, paprika slaw, and garlic aioli on a Brioche bun and served with sweet potato fries. There is so much more on their menu as well! Make sure to check them out for your next brunch outing.
O P P O S I T E PAG E : (Clockwise from top left) Limoncello. All the Dogs Love. Vida Beale Consignment. Zazen Nail Salon. Ted's Pools. Align Space. Sunset Hill Jeweler. Loch Aerie Mansion.
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COFFEE SHOP
GRYPHON COFFEE
gryphoncoffee.com | (484) 083-3903 Looking for a laid-back vibe with the best coffee in town? Look no further than Gryphon Coffee located at 111 W. Gay St. They don’t just brew coffee, they create drink masterpieces. You can order an espresso, americano, cortado, latte, matcha, loose-leaf tea, and so much more including seasonal drinks and sandwiches! Make sure to stop and look at the walls while you’re sipping your drink. Gryphon Coffee displays artwork from local artists within their shop, which is a great nod to the community!
B E S T B A K E RY
YORI’S BAKERY
www.yorisbakery.com/ | (610) 344-9674
BEST BAR
APPETITES ON MAIN
www.appetitesonmain.com | (610) 594-2030
EVENT VENUE
LOCH AERIE MANSION www.lochaeriemansion.com (484) 320-7055
Loch Aerie Mansion, located at 700 Lancaster Ave. in Malvern, has a long history dating back to 1865. Refurbished and reintroduced in 2018, it is now one of the most popular wedding venues in Chester County. With a 5,000 sq. foot ballroom that can hold 300 guests, as well as smaller parlors for intimate weddings and receptions, and a dining room perfect for corporate events, it is no wonder why Loch Aerie Mansion takes the top spot for best event venue! EVENT PLANNER
DESIGNS BY DAISY bydaisyevents.com (484) 319-7216
BREW PUB
LEVANTE BREWING
www.levantebrewing.com | (484) 202 - 0622
F LO R I S T
M AT L AC K F LO R I S T matlackflorist.com | (610) 431-3077
PIZZA
LORENZO AND SONS PIZZA lorenzoswestchester.com | (484) 999-8756
A favorite in West Chester since 1970, Lorenzo and Sons Pizza is a staple of the West Chester landscape. Located at the corner of Gay St. and N. High St. the pizza at Lorenzo’s is so big that both doors have to be held open to take out the 28" Iconic Pizza. In addition to their amazing pizza offerings (including delicious gluten-free pizza), their menu offers savory cheesesteaks, sandwiches, and fries.
B E S T C AT E R E R
J O H N S E R O C K C AT E R I N G serockcatering.com | (610) 640-2836
Serving the community since 1978, Matlack Florist has a talented and dedicated team of floral designers offering unique arrangements for every season and occasion. Located at 210 N. Chester Rd, Matlack Florist is also home to a garden center and gift shop. Each time you shop at Matlack, you will receive the best, freshest, and longest-lasting blooms available! Stop in and smell the roses (and more)! You’ll be so glad you did! D E R M ATO LO G I S T
SCHWEIGER D E R M ATO LO GY www.schweigerderm.com (610) 594-6660
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P E D I AT R I C I A N
CHOP PRIMARY CARE WEST CHESTER www.chop.edu/locations/primary-care-west-chester | (610) 436-8611
PLASTIC SURGEON
LEGACY PLASTIC SURGERY legacyplasticsurgery.com | (610)756-1789
C H I R O P R AC TO R
G O S H E N F A M I LY CHIROPRACTIC goshenfamilychiropractic.com (610) 344-0384 P H A R M AC Y
L I O N V I L L E N AT U R A L PHARMACY M E D S PA
lionrx.com
CONTOURED MED SPA
(610) 363-7474
www.getcontoured.com | (610) 379-1564
Contoured Med Spa, located in Chadds Ford, helps women feel more confident with every treatment. Offering facial and body treatments, as well as the Skinny Shot, the Contoured Team of physician assistants, injectors, and aestheticians are the best in the business with years of experience. Contact them today to book your next appointment!
I N - H O M E C A R E P R OV I D E R
COMFORT KEEPERS HOME CARE www.comfortkeepers.com/offices/ pennsylvania/west-chester (610) 358-1640
D E N T I S T/O R T H O D O N T I S T
WEST CHESTER ORTHODONTICS wcbraces.com | (610) 918-3200
With a brand new location at 501 Hannum Avenue, West Chester Orthodontics has quickly become one of the best orthodontic teams in the area. Under the direction of Dr. Christine Ferrell, the WC orthodontics team is busy creating beautiful smiles for patients young and young at heart.
GY M
THE EXERCISE COACH OF WEST CHESTER exercisecoach.com/west-chester-pa (484) 881-3770 H A I R S A LO N
P E D I AT R I C D E N T I S T
G R O OV Y P E D I AT R I C D E N T I S T RY groovyteeth.com | (610) 557-0252
PETER’S SALON & EUROPEAN SPA http://www.peterssalonandspa.com/ (610) 436-6464
H O S P I TA L
C H E S T E R C O U N T Y H O S P I TA L www.chestercountyhospital.org | (610) 431-5000
E Y E D O C TO R
SIESPER LASER EYECARE www.siepsereyecare.com | (610) 265-2020
Peter’s Salon & European Spa, located at 1009 West Chester Pike, was one of the area’s first true European day spas. Family-owned since 1962, Peter’s provides contemporary salon services, spa treatments, and a bridal suite. Make an appointment today and let the talented team of award-winning stylists and estheticians pamper you!
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Roman Coia Photography N A I L S A LO N
ZAZEN NAIL SPA zazennailspa.com (610) 430-1400 LASHES
GLIMMERS EYE STUDIO (215) 910-9111 AT TO R N E Y/ L AW F I R M
POTTS, SHOEMAKER & GROSSMAN LLC pottsshoemaker.com (610) 840-2626
Focusing on family law, Potts, Shoemaker, & Grossman are veteran trial attorneys who are fierce advocates for their clients with the winning record to prove it. Located at 138-140 W. Gay St., this law firm offers litigation, arbitration, and mediation services for their clients. ARCHITECT
GIRESI DESIGN GROUP
R E A L E S TAT E AG E N T
THE KIT ANSTEY TEAM www.ansteyteam.com | (610) 356-4800
giresidesign.com (484) 574-8154 P H OTO G R A P H E R
ROMAN COIA PHOTOGRAPHY
www.romancoia.com | (267) 493-1527 Roman Coia Photography, located at 39 W. Gay St. 2nd Floor, specializes in portrait photography services including senior lifestyle portraits, beauty fashion portraits, and signature children portraits. With an eye for capturing the essence of the person, Roman’s portraits are a work of art. In addition to portrait photography, Roman also offers headshot updates, as well as a fine art gallery.
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I N S U R A N C E C O M PA N Y
MILLER INSURANCE AGENCY miainc.com | (610) 269-4500 M O R TG AG E
CMG FINANCIAL - SEAN MALONEY www.cmghomeloans.com/mysite/Sean-Maloney | (484) 798-9084 BANK
FIRST RESOURCE BANK www.firstresourcebank.com | (610) 235-4700
FINANCIAL PLANNER
JEFF KITCHEN OF EDWARD JONES
www.edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/jeff-kitchen | (610) 430-1320
P O O L C O M PA N Y
TED’S POOLS C O - W O R K I N G S PAC E
ALIGN.SPACE
www.tedspools.net (610) 359-1301
www.align.space/ | (484) 473-8400 Align.Space, located at 2 W. Market St, offers entrepreneurs, start-ups, freelancers, artists, and more a space to work individually or as a collaborative group. From single desk space to conference and meeting rooms, Align.Space has revolutionized the co-working space to a modern and fun atmosphere. You can even host your next private party or event here! The possibilities are endless and the space is fantastic!
H O M E T E C H N O LO GY
SRI SECURITY www.structuredresources.com (610) 358-3550 HOME SERVICES EXTERIOR
P E T B OA R D I N G
LUCIE’S BARKINGHAM PAL ACE www.luciesbarkinghampalace.com | (610) 240-0190 Your pets should be treated like royalty when you’re away and that’s just what occurs at Lucie’s Barkingham Palace located 2463 Yellow Springs Road in Malvern. Offering grooming, daycare, and boarding options for both dogs and cats, the team at Lucie’s goes above and beyond to make sure your furry friends get the attention they need.
K I TC H E N A N D B AT H
MADSEN INC https://www.madseninc.com/ | (610) 356-4800
INTERIOR DESIGN
H E R I TAG E D E S I G N I N T E R I O R S heritagedesigninteriors.com | (717)354-2233
JUDGE MOBILE WASH www.judgemobilewash.com (610) 692-9274 HOME SERVICES
MOREVENT H E AT I N G C O O L I N G PLUMBING moreventservices.com (610) 827-5581 APPLIANCES
GERHARD’S APPLIANCES gerhardsappliance.com (610) 444-6666 L I G H T I N G S TO R E
HOME BUILDER
B&D BUILDERS banddbuilders.com | (717) 687-0292
LIGHTING BY DESIGN lighting-by-design.com (610) 524-0107 M A S O N RY
L ANDSCAPER (CO -WINNERS)
D I S A B AT I N O L A N D S C A P I N G www.disabatinoinc.com | (302) 764-0408
DUTCHIES STONEWORKS LLC www.dutchiesstoneworks.com (717) 407-2235
BORSELLO LANDSCAPING www.borsellolandscaping.com | (302) 472-2600
F LO O R I N G
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BOUTIQUE SHOP
TISH BOUTIQUE tishstyle.com | (610) 692-7500
Chic is in and at Tish Boutique, that’s just what you will find. Contemporary women’s apparel and stylists who love finding the perfect outfits for their customers are plentiful at this downtown shop, located at 138 E. Gay St. For stylish tots, their kid's boutique is now open across the street. Stop in today for a wardrobe update! C H I L D R E N ’ S S TO R E
H ROSE BOUTIQUE
hrosekiddos.shopsettings.com | (484) 887-0085
C LOT H I N G S TO R E M E N
PHINEAS GAGE
phineas-gage.com | (484) 266-7344
A R T G A L L E RY
VISUAL EXPANSION GALLERY www.visualexpansiongallery.com (610) 436-8697 P R I VAT E S C H O O L
E D U C AT I O N A L SERVICES Malvern Preparatory School www.malvernprep.org (484) 595-1000 T U TO R I N G
C O N S I G N M E N T S TO R E
VIDA BEALE CONSIGNMENT vidabeale.com | (484) 473-8219 J E W E L RY
SUNSET HILL JEWELERS www.sunsethilljewelers.com | (610) 692-0374
With over 40 years of jewelry business experience, it is no wonder why the professional staff at Sunset Hill Jewelers landed in the top spot! Located at 23 N. High St., Sunset Hill offers fine jewelry, custom design services, wedding and engagement bands, jewelry repair services, and a fine arts gallery. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff keep customers returning time and time again!
P E T S TO R E
ALL THE DOGS
www.allthedogslove.com | (484) 887-0282 H E A LT H S TO R E
THE PRANA HOUSE
www.thepranahouse.com | (610) 436-1407
F U R N I T U R E S TO R E
G I U N TA’ S F U R N I T U R E
www.facebook.com/giunta.furniture | (484) 887-8271
A N T I Q U E S TO R E
D O W N I N G TO W N V I N TAG E L LC
www.facebook.com/downingtownvintage | (215) 789-6460
H OT E L
HOTEL WARNER
www.hotelwarner.com | (610) 692-6920
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M AT H N A S I U M www.mathnasium.com (484) 200-5975 AU TO AC C E S S O R I E S
TINT WORLD www.tintworld.com (610) 204-2083
AU TO M E C H A N I C
DARE DAVE’S AUTO REPAIR ENTERPRISES dareauto.com (610) 696-7153
A good mechanic is hard to find, but not in West Chester. Dave’s Auto Repair Enterprises, located at 301 S. Bolmar St. is known to be the best in the business since 1976. This family-owned shop services over 550 cars a month! From simple oil changes and inspections to bodywork, car detailing, and everything in between, you can trust your vehicle to their committed staff. LU X U RY AU TO
LAND ROVER OF WEST CHESTER www.landroverwestchester.com (800) 445-0819
PURE, UNFILTERED JOY.
That feeling when your community thinks you’re the best. Thank you to our community and customers for voting us the Best Bank in West Chester!
Member FDIC
I can help with all your buying and selling home needs.
Mark Reale 610-308-9500 markreale44@gmail.com nexthomesignature.com • 140 S. Village Avenue, Suite 125, Exton, PA 19341
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FORWARD MOVING AND STORAGE Dedicated to Moving the Community Forward
MOVING SERVICES | REMOVAL SERVICES | STORAGE | SENIOR MOVING Our mission is to go above and beyond with the highest degree of integrity and quality. We take tremendous pride in helping propel people FORWARD in their lives. We want our reputation to speak for itself in promoting and demonstrating an environment of high ethical standards, reliability, integrity, hard work, discipline and positive attitudes.
245 Welsh Pool Rd • (484) 473-4605 • forwardmovers.net 22
Prepare to be Enchanted
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WINNER
Paradise makes your heart beat faster. Find it - in a perfectly designed outdoor retreat that reflects your dreams. We’ll make it happen...complete with breathtaking fountains, artistic paving and magnificent finishing touches. Plus meticulous service and maintenance throughout the season and magnificent restorations, too. Dive in. Call us for a complimentary consultation in your home. Now is the time to plan to swim in 2024! www.tedspools.net | 610-359-1301 | Newtown Square, Pennsylvania 19073
The Answers You’ve Earned Consistent Partners for Your Major Decisions
513 E GAY STREET, WEST CHESTER
484-887-8271 Open Mon-Sat 10-5 Closed Sundays
Holiday Gifts Have Arrived CJ Winchock & Advisor Team
805 Springdale Drive Exton, PA 19341 (484) 928-1700
www.DelphiWMG.com
Registered Associates of Delphi Wealth Management Group are registered representatives of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a broker/dealer (Member SIPC) and registered investment advisor. Insurance offered through Lincoln affiliates and other fine companies. Delphi Wealth Management Group LLC is not an affiliate of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. CRN-5698898-052223
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Building Hope One Wheel at a Time The 100 Wheels Project provides bikes to kids in our community that are most in need during the holiday season!
Santa’s Elves are everywhere and often pop up when you least expect them to! This couldn’t be more true than for the nonprofit The 100 Wheels Project. During the 2007-08 financial crisis, Mike Dolan noticed that local nonprofits that usually provide holiday gifts to those in need were low on donations and financial contributions and were struggling to meet their holiday wish lists. He and his team of volunteers asked these local social service organizations what they could provide to help. The answer - bikes! “We ended up donating 50 bikes that first year (thus, the ‘100 Wheels Project’),”
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I NSP IR E D BY | LOCA L SERVI CE S
said Dolan. “We gathered together with our staff and their families to assemble the bikes during a festive bike-building party and the tradition was born!” Now in its 16th year, The 100 Wheels Project has built over 1,400 bikes! They now average over 100 bikes per year and rely on community support for donations. In addition to financial contributions to help purchase the bikes, members of the community also purchase bike helmets and locks. When it comes to assembling the bikes, volunteers throughout the community gather together for one night at Pine Street Carpenters, Dolan’s daytime business. This build night has become a well-loved tradition for the Pine Street Carpenters staff and their families, clients, trade partners, and the biking community. They assemble over 100 bikes in a festive party atmosphere. “What has been incredible to witness over the years is the power of a community working together to take care of those in need. From the non-profit agencies we work with to our staff and their families, from the scores of volunteers young and old who help us assemble the bikes to the clients and business partners who help support this initiative, this project has taken on a life of its own. In many ways, it has become the kick-off to the holiday season for many in the community – a holiday tradition of service,” said Dolan.
ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE 100 WHEELS PROJECT
The 100 Wheels Project has expanded its donations beyond the West Chester area this year reaching as far as Norristown to supply bikes for kids ages 2 to 18. “We partner with local non-profit organizations that provide critical services to families in the community. These non-profits work with the families and can identify children who could benefit from a brand new bike,” said Dolan. “Sadly, there is no lack of need.” For the 2023 holiday season, the organization has partnered with The Care Center Foundation in West Chester, Family Service of Chester County, the Norristown Area School District, the Friends Association for the Care and Protection of Children in West Chester, Home of the Sparrow in Exton, St. Agnes Day Room in West Chester, People’s Pantry in Malvern, Kate’s Casa in Phoenixville, and Women Destined for Change in Coatesville. This has allowed the Project to reach more kids in more areas of need, which is the goal of Dolan and his volunteers. If you would like to become involved with The 100 Wheels Project, either by donating to the cause or volunteering to help build a bike, reach out to Dolan and his team on their website at www.bikebuild.org.
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We Deliver to the Shore and Poconos
Pool Tables Shuffleboard Tables Game Tables Arcade Games Bars Bar & Kitchen Stools Hot Tubs Dart Supplies Game Room Décor www.royalbilliard.com
515 Bethlehem Pike, Colmar
215-997-7777
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H O LI DAY HAPPENINGS GUIDE FIND OUT WHAT FESTIVE ACTIVITIES ARE HAPPENING IN WEST CHESTER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! West Chester Hometown Christmas Parade
The holidays are a bustling time in West Chester. There is so much to see and do in our community to get into the holiday spirit, which is why we put together the West Chester Holiday Happenings Guide. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect activities to ring in the holiday season in our amazing town! W E S T C H E S TE R H O M ETOW N C H R I S TM A S PA R A D E AND TREE LIGHTING Friday, December 1st 6:30 pm Tree Lighting at the Lawn of the Historic Courthouse 7:00 pm Parade Location: Downtown West Chester
ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN
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Even Santa himself can’t stay away from this annual tradition. The Hometown Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting is back for another year to usher in the holiday season with more marching bands, award-winning floats, a wide array of community group performances, and capped off with the big guy himself waving a hearty “Ho Ho Ho” to everyone along the parade route. It’s a great way to get into the Christmas spirit with your community.
West Chester Railroad
West Chester Railroad
WEST CHESTER RAILROAD Santa’s Express: Dec 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 Times: 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm Christmas Tree Train: Dec 3, 10 Times: 8 am Only Location: Market St. Station in West Chester All Aboard! The West Chester Railroad is full-steam ahead for this holiday season offering both the popular Santa’s Express and Christmas Tree Train! Guests of all ages can join Santa on a 75-minute holiday journey through the Chester Creek Valley en route to the Glen Mills station. The heated and decorated train will feature live entertainment, refreshments for purchase on board, and
of course, Santa himself. This popular event is sure to sell out, so make sure to get your tickets early! The popular Christmas Tree Train takes passengers to the Wiggins Tree Farm to pick out their holiday tree. All passengers will depart the Market St. location at 8 a.m. When they arrive at the tree farm, they will be provided with a hand saw as they embark on their mission to find the perfect tree. Passengers will board the train to return to West Chester at 9:45 a.m. Seating is very limited for this event, so order your tickets early. The trip is approximately 2 hours in length. Visit www.wcrailroad.com for more information. CONTINUED >
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C H R I S T K I N D L M A R K T AT THE CHESTER COUNTY A R T A S S O C I AT I O N Saturday, December 9th from 1 pm - 8 pm Sunday, December 10th from 11 am - 4 pm Location: Gay St. in Downtown West Chester Join the Chester County Art Association for its 4th annual Christkindlmarkt. This free holiday market will feature over 60 stall
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holders offering individually handcrafted and locally designed products including art, ceramics, jewelry, homewares, food, and much more on Gay Street in Downtown West Chester. This is a great way to support our local artisans as well as find the perfect holiday gifts for your loved ones! Visit the Chester County Art Association website at www.chestercountyarts.org for more information.
PROFESSIONAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITION Now Through January 2nd Location: Throughout Downtown West Chester Professional bakers from the area compete in this annual competition to see who can create the best Gingerbread House in West Chester. The competition takes place throughout Downtown West Chester now through January 2nd. Visit www.greaterwestchester.com for more information on participants and how to vote! Past participants include Kilwins of West Chester, The Master’s Baker, Carlino’s Market, John Serock Catering, Cakes & Candies by Mary Ellen, and Yori’s Bakery. While you’re visiting these amazing creations, make sure to pick up a delicious treat from their shops. H O L I D A Y S H O W S - U P T O W N ! AT K N A U E R P E R F O R M I N G A R T S C E N T E R Throughout December Location: 226 N. High St. in West Chester To help you get into the holiday spirit, the Uptown! has great holiday shows happening throughout December. Starting with the Holiday Cheer Concert on Dec 1st, the Uptown Studio singers will sing a mix of holiday favorites and current pop and R&B hits. Come out and support our area youth, also known as our future stars of Broadway! On Wednesday, December 6th, Accent, the international acappella hit group will dazzle the audience with their smooth jazz overlays to classic holiday hits. This is a concert you won’t want to miss! Other shows throughout the month include Holidays in Hollywood, The Cartoon Christmas Trio, The Last Big Band, Twelve Twenty-Four, A Dream is a Wish, and Ballet with a Twist. For more information and to purchase tickets for a show, head to uptownwestchester.org.
Tree Lighting at the Historic Courthouse
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
The Naughty List INGREDIENTS • Bronson’s Original Punch 2oz • Laird’s Applejack 1oz • El Guapo Creole Orgeat .50oz • El Guapo Holiday Bitters 6 dashes • Cranberry Juice 2oz.
Recipe courtesy of Libations
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H AP PY H OU R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Combine all ingredients, shake vigorously and pour over crushed ice. 2. Garnish with lemon wheel & cranberries
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The City Lifestyle
Giving Campaign
2023 38
G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE
“
This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
The annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is in its 4th year. Last holiday season we gave away over $300,000 to help 116 individuals and families in need, but we need your help to make it happen again this year. With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. Perhaps you know of a single parent struggling to provide for their family, an elderly person who has experienced loss, someone enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need, even if no one else does. “We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them during this holiday season.” “We believe God has blessed our company with continued success, so we in turn want to be a blessing to others,” Matthew Perry, President of City Lifestyle adds. City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep giving on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is truly rewarding and it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster a culture of generosity.”
Scan Code to
Nominate Nominations accepted Nov. 27 – Dec. 10, 2023
Follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram for reminders! To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. All nominations and recipients will be kept confidential. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STC HE ST E R PA
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DECEMBER 2023
events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
DECEMBER 1ST JANUARY 2ND
Professional Gingerbread House Competition
D ECE M BE R 1 ST
West Chester Hometown Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
DOW N TOWN W EST CHESTER | 1 2:0 0 P M Professional bakers from the area are competing to create the best Gingerbread House in West Chester. The competition takes place throughout Downtown West Chester through January 2nd. Visit greaterwestchester. com for more information on participants and how to vote!
DOW N TOWN W EST CHESTER | 6 :30 P M Join the community for the annual Hometown Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting - a favorite holiday tradition of West Chester. Stay until the end for the grand entrance of the big guy himself - Santa! It's a great way to kick off the holiday season!
DE C EM BE R 2 N D, 3R D, 9 T H, 1 0 T H, 16T H & 1 7 T H
Santa's Express on the West Chester Railroad
DE C E M BE R 6T H
Accent - an A Cappella Holiday
WEST CHESTER R AILR OAD | 1 1 :0 0 A M All Aboard! Join Santa for a 75-minute holiday journey through the Chester Creek Valley en route to the Glen Mills station. Passengers will be visited by Santa while on board and be treated to live entertainment. The train runs Dec 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 with multiple trips a day. Visit wcrailroad.com for more information.
U P TOW N ! KN AUER PER FOR MING A RTS C E NT E R | 7 :30 P M Get into the holiday spirit A Cappella style with Accent! This widely popular international group is known for their close-harmony jazz singing. Enjoy a night of holiday classics that will have you humming and singing along even after the show ends! Visit https://uptownwestchester.org/ for more information.
D E C E M BE R 9TH & 10TH
D EC E M BE R 1 7 T H
Christkindlmarkt at the Chester County Art Association
DOW N TOWN W EST CHESTER | 1 :0 0 P M Join the Chester County Art Association for its 4th annual Christkindlmarkt. This free holiday market will feature over 60 stall holders offering individually handcrafted and locally designed products plus live music. This event takes place on December 9th and 10th! Visit chestercountyarts.org for more information.
Touch-A-Truck Day
2 01 N CHUR CH STREET IN W E ST C H E ST E R | 1 0 :0 0 A M Children of all ages are invited to Touch-A-Truck Day. This event is a great opportunity to interact and learn about dozens of vehicles such as fire trucks, ambulances, police cars, cranes, and more! Plus, guests will be able to meet and talk with local first responders. The event takes place on the corner of Chestnut and Church Street.
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