West Chester, PA July 2023

Securing Summer Fun

Are you relaxing by the pool and soaking in some much-needed Vitamin D? We sure hope so. There’s just something about the summer season that brings about a sense of excitement and adventure.

Sure, fall includes favorite flavors and scents, winter has cozy charms, and I can’t deny the beauty of spring’s freshness. But when the summer solstice rolls around, I’m more than ready for the long, languid days sitting by the ocean or floating on a boat.

Even if summer doesn’t mean three months of summer vacation anymore (because we’re, you know, adults) we can still look forward to an adventure by crossing things off our ultimate summer bucket list and curling up with a new favorite beach read.

Just like this warm, sun-filled season has a way of bringing people together, we hope the pages inside this month’s edition will enrich and enliven your experience of the West Chester area this summer.

Hooray for summer,

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Douglas McDermott douglas.mcdermott@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jeff Robinson

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Cathy Palmquist

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Cathy Palmquist, Janie Jones, Mary Schwemler, Julie Brown Patton

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

Learn

Proverbs 3:5-6

|

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: Chester County/Penn Presbyterian Hospital staffers presented Officer Davis with Life Saving Coins regarding his actions.

2: Keller Williams Brandywine Valley reps partnered with West Chester Senior Center for Red Day/National Day of Giving. 3: June 21 was World Music Day in West Chester.

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business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

West Chester Area School District Student Named Semi-Finalist

Saanvi Bhatia, a graduating senior at West Chester East High School, was named one of 628 semifinalists in the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. She served as the 2023 class secretary. The Scholars semifinalists were selected from more than 5,000 students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2023. She is the daughter of Sumedha Malhotra Bhatia and Neeraj Bhatia. She reportedly plans to attend Stanford University.

The Fund for Women and Girls Making A Difference

Dynamic guest speaker Yasmine Mustafa, who grew up in Royersford, Pennsylvania, united and inspired attendees in her keynote talk about her local roots, her path to adulthood, and her tech career at The Fund for Women and Girls in Chester County's 18th Annual Making a Difference Luncheon fundraiser at The Desmond Hotel in Malvern. To date, The Fund has directed more than $4 million to 86 nonprofit organizations. For details, visit online TheFundCC.org .

Ice + Custard = Happiness

What happens when Italian Ice is taken for a spin with creamy custard? A refreshing Misto Shake is the result at Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in West Chester at 323 E. Gay St. Ask for a pup cup! Company managers state the Italian Ice is made fresh daily, with a rotating selection of 95-plus flavors. Formerly known as Rita's Water Ice, the popular chain was founded in 1984 by Philadelphia firefighter Bob Tumolo.

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TAP INTO DELICIOUS SUMMER DINING

Enjoy Craft Beers And From-Scratch Menu Options At Sedona Taphouse

Community and charity are core principles at Sedona Taphouse West Chester, 44 West Gay Street, Suite 1. This location, which opened in April 2021, represented the chain's second Pennsylvania location and 15th overall Sedona Taphouses at that time.

Inspired by Southwest cuisine, Sedona Taphouse is a casual dining restaurant, with a menu featuring hundreds of craft beers, handcrafted cocktails, and made-from-scratch food selections.

DJB Hospitality LLC/Sedona Taphouse Restaurants founder and CEO, Dennis Barbaro, says they appreciated the 5,350 square-foot West Chester restaurant was able to be part of a mixed-use development.

Dennis founded the food, drink, and hospitality company in 2011, with the first Sedona Taphouse opening in Midlothian, Virginia. He opened a second location in 2013 in Charlottesville.

Presently, the chain has 16 restaurants in total, spanning Connecticut, New York, Michigan, New Jersey, Tennessee, Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

This West Chester restaurant offers special menus for holidays, as well as a popular Sunday brunch including choices, such as Canyon Crab flatbread, truffle fries, salads, French toast, crab-stuffed shrimp, a hummus platter, avocado toast, omelets, eggs benedict, shrimp and grits, sliders, à la carte sides, wine and cocktails.

Sedona Taphouse's "Dine Out For Charity" initiative offered at the restaurant every Monday provides 50% off of special, full-sized menu items consisting of steak and salmon. At least $1 for every Dine Out plate sold is donated to the restaurant’s featured charity each month. Entities that have received donations from this charity fundraiser include groups such as YoungLives Chester County and Chester County Bar Association.

This signature charity program has contributed nearly $1 million overall in donations to local nonprofit organizations.

Additionally, Sedona Taphouse proudly supports the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization honoring the nation’s first responders and military heroes. In support of the foundation's mission, they feature a special cocktail: the T2T Lemon Basil Martini, which is made with vodka, fresh lemon and basil. A dollar for every T2T drink sold is donated to the organization. Proceeds help build mortgage-free, accessible smart homes for catastrophically injured service members, and pay off mortgages of Gold Star families and the families of first responders killed in the line of duty.

Patio seating at the restaurant is always first come, first served. The restaurant's staff accepts inside reservations for parties of six or less.

Catering orders, placed 48 hours in advance, can be picked up any non-holiday during these time frames: 10 a.m. to noon or 3-5 p.m.

The company's award-winning 'Happier Hours' are hosted Mondays through Fridays between 4-6 p.m.

610.738.5104

SedonaTapHouse.com/locations/West-Chester-PA

Our Garden Center has been meeting the everchanging needs of gardeners and landscapers with one of the largest selections of plant materials in the area. • Annuals

Hosting the Perfect Dinner Party

Your next event, served alfresco

Catering experts Chef Kyle and Hannah Williams, owners of Savor & Swirl culinary company, create an outdoor dinner party with chef-driven perennial dishes served in beautiful seasonal settings. For this alfresco dinner party, Chef Kyle draws on his favorite recipes updated for a modern palate and paired with wine selections to complement the bountiful feast.

Insider Tips for Hosting:

• Build a menu around the season. Start with what produce is available locally based on the season for the most authentic meal experience. For instance, Chef Kyle says “In November, people crave turkey, sage stuffing and cranberry sauce,” but that meal served in the heat of Summer wouldn’t hit the same. In-season fruits and vegetables will always be of highest quality and best taste.

• Always greet guests with a beverage and appetizers. “Offer champagne for wine-lovers or a sparkling drink or signature cocktail. It’s all about serving guests to the highest caliber,” Kyle says.

• Draw inspiration from the season’s colors and temperatures. For Spring and Summer, think flowers, fresh herbs and linens. For Fall, think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.” For Winter, head indoors to create a cozy environment for guests to connect.

• An easy but thoughtful detail is to put a simple menu at each place setting, so guests know what to expect. “Add a pen, so guests can jot tasting notes, especially for wine pairings or multiple courses,” Hannah says. “Guests can share comments, then take the menu home as a sweet reminder of the event.”

• As fun as it is to dine outside, always have an indoors back-up plan. “We’ve had to bring it indoors before,” Hannah says. “It’s still fun.” Insider Tips for Hosting: “Think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.”

EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS AT MAIN LINE GARDENS CAN RECOMMEND VARIETY OF OPTIONS

PRODUCE PATIO PARADISES

Summer is a perfect time to spruce up patios, basically making them a welcomed, extra outdoor room. By thinking on multiple levels, homeowners can create aesthetically pleasing and functional private patio spaces. The team at Main Line Gardens can help with identifying ways to add plants, shade, seating and visual interest in vertical as well as horizontal ways.

For all garden center and outdoor accent needs, many people enjoy the convenience and peace of mind from getting options, assistance and longterm relationships at a one-stop, trusted business. Located at 376 Paoli Pike in Malvern, Main Line Gardens specialists indicate they cater to that same goal.

For patios or lounge outdoor areas, Main Line specialists routinely assist homeowners with "going green." Add lush green touches to outdoor oases for truly stunning looks. Be sure, however, to pick plants that grow well outdoors and that are easier for which to care. Hang baskets of trailing ivy or ferns from on high. Add ground cover plants, such as lantana, to frame walkways or paving stones. In between, mix it up with flower boxes and planters of all sizes.

Or, add color to patios by introducing vases, plants, planters, and more in a variety of shades. If choosing neutral-toned upholstery for seating, jazz up the color scheme with a mix of colors in both solids and print pillows.

Founding partner and owner Jody Camp  assures they've put high-quality products and exceptional customer service at the forefront of the company since 1981.

Through Main Line's hardscaping services, customers can secure patios, walkways, retaining walls, driveways, and other additions to their backyards -- topped off by custom potting. Custom potting designs also are tailored to each outdoor living area for a complete look and feel, including the sizes and styles of pots.

As a family-owned, full-service garden center and nursery for professional landscaping and hardscaping, the Main Line Gardens team vows to provide the highest standard of quality service they can, no matter the size of the project or job. Their on-site nursery contains a full selection of plants, trees, shrubs, mulch and stones. CONTINUED >

Team members say they believe landscapes are truly complete with several potted plants to bring fresh color and fragrance to each customer's retreat. This hardscape team uses a variety of materials, such as pavers, brick and natural stone materials to construct surface areas for multiple purposes.

In addition to pottery, Main Line offers beautiful bird baths and garden statues to add a classic touch of regality and sophistication to outdoor areas. Some customers choose certain statuaries to become the focal points of their gardens or yards.

In 2014, Jody even expanded the company's service offerings and added another level of expertise by obtaining Waterloo Gardens, an iconic landmark that provided landscaping and hardscaping services as well as a nursery. With sprawling gardens full of beautiful flowers and plants as well as an on-site store with outdoor furniture, home décor, and garden accents, the Main Line Gardens' team maintained the Waterloo Gardens brand to preserve its history and is still honoring its devoted customers.

MAIN LINE GARDENS

HOSTS SPECIAL EVENTS, SUCH

AS LADIES NIGHT OUT, EASTER EGG

HUNT, MOTHER’S DAY SPECIALS, BLACK FRIDAY SALES

EVENT, VISIT FROM SANTA CLAUS.

"No matter what kind of atmosphere you desire, our plant specialists and landscaping professionals will develop the ideal environment to complement your home," says Jody. "We manage every aspect of projects to ensure we take care of each detail for optimal functionality and an allaround cohesive feel."

"Our mission is to provide both function and beauty to our customers' outdoor living spaces," adds Jody.

Adding to the services, Main Line also offers insect repellents, in liquid or granular forms. They also sell covered repelling stations, which are designed to act as a barrier between plants and predators while also allowing them to get the sunlight, water and nourishment necessary to thrive.

Mulch in bulk quantities, or bagged soil, can be secured from this garden center, too.

The Main Line garden center offers a large indoor plant selection and unique garden tools, accessories, pots, and accents, as well as seasonal holiday decorations.

Bonus tips: Customers can pick plants, and creative Main Line staffers will pot them in the perfect planters, designing tailored arrangements to suit each home or style. Because their terracotta pots are porous, water and air easily moves through them, an element that helps prevent both root rot and disease.

610.644.2300 MainLineGardens.com

CITY LIFESTYLE

Summer Bucket List

Welcome, summer! As a hyper-local publication, we thrive on helping our readers make connections with the cities they live in, the businesses that make up their communities and the inspiring individuals making a positive mark. Are you ready for your most adventurous, fun summer? Here are summer bucket list ideas for you to accomplish this year. We hope you’ll explore a new neighborhood, spend a lazy Saturday afternoon at a new winery or taste the flavors at a local ice cream shop. Let us know what you discover and enjoy! We’d love to hear.

KIDS ADULTS

Make the most of this Summer! Check off these activities on our Kids Summer Bucket List as you complete them throughout the summer. P.S. You might need an adult’s help with some of these!

Make Popsicles

Go Swimming

Play Sand Volleyball

Have a Family Movie Night

Stargaze

Go on a Picnic

Watch Fireworks

Build a Fort

Make Tie-Dye Shirts

Build a Sandcastle

Bake Cookies

Splash at a Waterpark

Have a Water Balloon Fight

Make Homemade Pizza

Pick Your Own Fruit

Explore a New Local Park

Go Fishing Camp in the Backyard

Sleep In

Play Board Games

Do a Random Act of Kindness

Write a Kind Note to a Friend

Ride a Rollercoaster

Visit a Carnival Go

Summer is finally here. Take advantage of the season with our Adult Summer Bucket List. Check off these activities as you complete them with your family and friends and congratulate yourself on a Summer well-spent!

Learn Something New

Take a Cooking Class

Visit a Local Winery

Go on a Bike Ride

Explore a New Area of your City

Try a New Restaurant

Try a Local Ice Cream Shop

Hike a New Trail

Explore a National Park

Read a New Book

Book a Self-Care Service at a MedSpa

Take a Roadtrip

Go Whitewater Rafting

Barbeque New Recipes

Visit the Local Farmers’ Market

Go Snorkeling

Go on a Bar Walk

Go Rock Climbing

Have a Bonfire

Go Zip Lining

Plan a Family Camping Trip

Go to a Film Festival

See an Outdoor Concert

Host an Adult Scavenger Hunt Volunteer at

BOTOX • BODY • BOUTIQUE

Cosmetic

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE TO VETERANS

GREG AND SANDRA WEISENSTEIN VETERANS CENTER IN WEST CHESTER STRIVES TO PROVIDE STEADFAST HONOR, ASSISTANCE

Creating an expansive culture and safe space of understanding, acceptance and success for veterans, active military, reservists, dependents, and those whose support them is the mission of the Greg and Sandra Weisenstein Veterans Center at West Chester University.

An additional goal of the veterans center is to facilitate communication among the campus offices to provide students with a coordinated system of support and a meaningful transition from the military to West Chester University.

The Greg and Sandra Weisenstein Veterans Center Lounge offers the following specific elements:

• Meet WCU military-veteran students

• Accessing GI Bill benefits

• Free coffee and Snack Shack

• Print-copy-scan for free

• Computer stations

• Quiet study space

• Big screen TV

• Playstation 3 with games and a PS 4

In 2016, this center was rededicated to its current name in honor of, and during the retiring year of, Greg Weisenstein, who became the president of the university in 2009. He played a leading role in establishing the veterans center as a way to assist the current and former members of the armed forces as they transition back to civilian life.

The university president always stated that veterans and their families have sacrificed so much for their country and one of the best things that the university can do is to develop programs that will help the veterans transition back to civilian life. He was lauded for his tireless support for the veterans center and its mission, and for enrolling a record number of veterans.

During his tenure, programs for returning military veterans grew considerably. The number of ROTC members increased, as well as the number of veterans who attended the university. He also arranged for scholarships for both ROTC students and returning veterans.

During December 2022, at the Veterans Center, Col. Joseph Kirlin, Pennsylvania Department Commander of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Military Order of World Wars (MOWW), presented the Bronze Patrick Henry award to Vince DeMarro ’90, M’99, the university’s VA School certifying official and a retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran. The award recognizes the university’s status as a Gold Designated Military Friendly University 2021-2022 as well as for service to veterans.

MOWW is a patriotic, nonpartisan, Veterans Service Organization dedicated to promoting local patriotism, civic responsibility, public service and leadership. There are 77 chapters organized into 10 geographic regions throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These chapters serve veterans, youth, first responders, and others in their communities via education, recognition, public speakers, and community support outreach programs.

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.

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Member SIPC TA L-13149A-A-AD

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need a summer vacation for the taste buds?

MÁS MEXICALI CANTINA TRANSPORTS GUESTS

PSYCHOLOGICALLY FROM WEST CHESTER TO CALIFORNIA

Más Mexicali Cantina, a West Chester gem at 102 E. Market St., can make diners feel as though they've flown to one of California’s fusion-style Mexican restaurants. A bonus is that it's the borough’s only rooftop dining space.

The three-story restaurant, best known for its overloaded burritos and sizzling fajitas, offers two bars, including a tequila bar, along with rooftop dining overlooking downtown.

Summer is THE perfect time to order the Más Signature Margarita. Also check out their daily specials for other beverages, food, and entertainment.

Más Mexicali Cantina supports local nonprofits, such as West Chester Food Cupboard.

610.918.6280 | MasMexicali.com

COMMUNITY WAREHOUSE PROJECT RECEIVES EQUITY AWARD

likely to become homeless again," she says, noting that an estimated 30 percent of families become homeless again if without furniture.

Glenda says children are more likely to thrive in a furnished home. "They are more hopeful.”

VETERANS, FAMILIES IN NEED PROVIDED WITH DONATED FURNITURE

Turning empty houses into homes. American Association of University Women (AAUW) West Chester-Chester County representatives presented the 'Gateway to Equity Award' to the Community Warehouse Project (CWP), located in West Chester at 800 E. Virginia Ave.

“CWP’s mission is to collect and redistribute donated furniture and other household items to families and veterans in need in Chester County. It’s generally a one-time, free service to pre-screened recipients, supported through the generosity of those within our community,” explains CWP Executive Director Glenda Brion.

The Gateway to Equity Award is presented annually to a group, organization or individual that's shown by action and philosophy in the promotion of the AAUW mission to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. The Community Warehouse Project was chosen from nominations made by AAUW members.

“We have a story to tell. Most of the clients are single moms,” says Glenda, who herself, she adds, was raised by a single mom.

“So I know how important it is to have a home. But if you don’t have furniture, you're more

CWP provides about 60 beds a month to families and works with eight to 10 families each week. CWP gets referrals from teachers, churches, and 60-plus area agencies with whom they work. “It’s a team effort. None of us can do this alone,” Glenda says. “This past year, 72 veterans went through our program. We also helped when Hurricane Ida hit.”

When an individual or family moves into an apartment, not only do they find furniture, but also shelf-stable food from the Chester County Food Bank. Glenda says, “We use a moving company to pick up the furniture and move it to the client’s apartment, as well as volunteers who have trucks since most people don’t have a way to transport furniture.”

The executive director says she's especially enthused about a new project with West Chester University. “The director of off-campus housing has arranged for 60 graduating students, moving out of their housing, to donate their used furniture to the CWP."

For those interested in donating furniture, kitchenware, and household small appliances, items can be dropped off Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and every third Saturday of each month. Items must be clean and in good working order. A detailed list of accepted items can be found online.

The group also accepts financial donations and has an Amazon wish list.

484.473.4360

CommunityWarehouseProject.com

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

ALEPH Kallah

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY | 11:30 AM

Organizers indicate the ALEPH (Alliance for Jewish Renewal Kallah) is the largest Jewish Renewal gathering in the world, bringing together hundreds of participants from across the globe for a week of learning, singing, and dancing. Seekers of all ages and levels of Jewish experience will join for immersion in learning, prayer, art, dance, yoga, meditation, social justice, and Earth-based programs.

Swing Dance Lessons

WEST CHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY | 2:00 PM

Join participants at the West Chester Public Library courtyard for some dancing fun. There will be an introductory swing dance lesson taught by Ashley and Christian of the Rittenhop team, followed by DJ’d music until 4 p.m. This event is open to all, however, rain cancels it. The gathering is free, but donations to the teachers are encouraged. See Rittenhop.com .

Concerts In The Park

EVERHART PARK | 6:30 PM

Join others in West Chester's second oldest park in the borough for a free Summer Concert Series with bands, food and activities for the whole family. The activities will conclude at 8:30 p.m. The park offers playground equipment. For questions, phone 610.436.9010 or email parksandrecreation@west-chester.com.

World Of Wildlife Summer NatureArt Camp

UPLAND FARM PARK/CHESTER SPRINGS | 9:00 AM

Campers will explore what classifies wildlife in different categories, as well as take deep dives into understanding how the anatomy of different species impact how that animal functions within its ecosystem. They also shall participate in bioindicator species conservation strategies, how humans can positively impact wildlife, and how to mitigate habitat loss in their own community. Email mjacobs@theartofecology.com or visit TheArtOfEcology.com .

Gay Street Open-Air Market 2023

DOWNTOWN WEST CHESTER | 11:00 AM

Four blocks of Gay Street (from Matlack Street to Darlington Street) are closed to vehicles so everyone can partake in al fresco dining and shopping. Restaurants extend into the street. This Open-Air Market was created during the COVID-19 pandemic to give residents and visitors more space to shop, eat and explore the town. Now, it's an area popular event.

West Chester Growers Market

CORNER OF NORTH CHURCH/WEST CHESTNUT STREETS IN DOWNTOWN | 9:00 AM

This is Chester County's original producer-only market, which requires that the fruits, vegetables, herbs, plants, beef, pork, eggs, and flowers offered be farmed by the producers at the market and that the cheeses, salsas, sauces, pies, jams, pasta, honey, and bread sold are made by local artisans. This market launched in July 1995 with just 10 farmers.

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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA