West Chester, PA August 2023

Pets and Kids Edition

This annual edition is always one of my favorites. I suppose because of the immense joy that children bring to their families and the significant impact they make on their communities.

Children are not merely the hope for a brighter tomorrow; they're the foundation upon which our society stands. Their innocence, curiosity, and boundless potential have the power to shape the world in ways we can only imagine.

Secondarily, who could forget pets? The special kind of companionship can be a transformative experience for children and adults alike. Pets provide us with unconditional love, the opportunity to learn, grow and develop essential life skills in a nurturing environment. And who could ignore the bond between kids and their furry or feathery friends? The bond is often deep and meaningful, fostering qualities such as empathy, responsibility and companionship.

I know I all the time celebrate my cats, Rexie and Reacher (shown here), and my dog, Toki. My third cat, Murphy, can be seen in the feature on page 14, which highlights the services of Lucie's Barkingham Palace.

What children and pets share in common is that they need us. Our care, attention and intention shapes how they are raised and who they become. We hope this edition inspires you to pour a little extra into the children and pets in your life this month.

Regards,

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Douglas McDermott douglas.mcdermott@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jeff Robinson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Dorothy Kern, Nadine Bubeck

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Julie Brown Patton, Blake Emmanuel

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

Learn

Proverbs 3:5-6

Partnering for positive impact

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.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Contoured Team Supports Charitable Event

The team at Contoured medical spa recently supported the 13th annual Fashion for the Cure event, with all proceeds benefiting "The Cathy Miller Cancer Fund" and "The AstraZeneca HOPE Lodge." The event was held at Penn Oaks Golf Club with collaborator Penns Woods Winery. Contoured owner Amy Litz shares that the spa team provides body sculpting, cosmetic treatments, derma fillers and customized facial treatments. For personal consultations, call 610.787.9154 or go to GetContoured.com

Engage With Youth Civic Engagement Program

The Fund for Women and Girls representatives launched CivicG+ (formerly GirlGov Chester County), an advocacy program for young women and gender expansive youth, grades 10-12. This civic engagement leadership program runs from September through April, and focuses on education, empowerment and advocacy. Participants engage with peers, women in leadership, elected officials, and government employees through various activities throughout the year during monthly meetings and events. To learn more about the West Chester-based program, visit TheFundCC.org/ Girls-Programming

New Wildflower Meadow Added To Chester County

Chester County Department of Parks and Preservation staffers added a new, 5-acre native wildflower/ warm-season grass meadow at Hibernia County Park to the county’s sustainable ecosystems that include Nottingham County Park, Springton Manor Farm Park and Warwick County Park. Wildflower and warm-season grass meadows provide natural beauty, incorporate food and cover for a variety of wildlife species, reduce stormwater runoff, and attract pollinators. This addition brings total meadow acreage in Chester County parks to 155 acres.

Grab A Fresh Guide

Seen the borough's new 2023 downtown guides? The pamphlets offer everything to know about Downtown West Chester, including local dining and shopping, things to do, parking and more. Guides can be secured at the Downtown Chester office at 137 N. High St., during Mondays through Fridays between 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Participating downtown businesses also will have a supply of these guides.

Happy 20th To Local Vintage Boutique

Malena's Vintage Boutique's celebrated the business's 20-year anniversary via their sustainable showroom next door to 101 W. Gay St. Customers had access to exclusive discounts on thousands of pieces of vintage clothing, accessories and jewelry. The shop offers high-end designer options, as well as made-by-mom wearable vintage apparel and items from estate sales. Owner Malena Martinez cheered "to 77 tons saved from landfills, amazing people, and getting to do what she loves for 20 years."

Porchfest: West Chester Was The Place To Be

West Chester Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste says the second annual West Chester Porchfest was a resounding success. With record crowds, perfect weather, a wide and wonderful choice of musical acts and seven delicious food trucks, she also expressed gratitude for assistance from the West Chester Green Team, all the sponsors, Borough of West Chester, West Chester police and all local musicians who worked collaborated to make it a great community event.

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Beware: mer maids have been known to distr act people from their wor k

Gi ve i n t o t h e l u r e o f e x c e p t i o n a l o u t d o o r l i v i n g . I n d u l g e i n a c u s t o m - d e s i g n e d , i m p e c c a bly i n s t a l l e d m a s t e r p i e c e , w i t h u n fo r g e t t a bl e w a t e r fe a t u r e s , m a g n i fi c e n t l i g h t i n g a n d o n e - o f - a - k i n d t i l e A l l t h i s , a n d m e t i c u l o u s s e r v i c e a n d m a i n t e n a n c e t h r o u g h o u t t h e s e a s o n M a g n i fi c e n t r e s t o r a t i o n s , t o o M a ke i t a l l yo u r s

C a l l u s fo r a c o m p li m e n t a r y c o n s u l t a t i o n i n yo u r h o m e

Lucie's Barkingham Palace:

Based on 60-plus years of combined grooming expertise among the groomers at Lucie's Barkingham Palace, located at 2463 Yellow Springs Road in Malvern, pups go home fresh and pampered at a best-in-show level. “We gently pamper your pets while making them look great,” assures Lucie Greco, co-owner of the Barkingham Palace.

While the facility is a full-service pet grooming salon, it also provides doggie daycare and luxury kennels for boarding pets. Formerly known as Lucie's Pet Grooming Shop in Devon, Pennsylvania, they've been in business since 2005 in the Main Line Area.

Lucie earned a City & Guilds degree from The London Academy of Pet Grooming in London, England. During the next 23 years, she held grooming positions in several English shoppes and opened her first operation in the United Kingdom in 1994. After relocating to the United States in 2000, she operated for five years as an independent contractor responsible for all grooming operations at the Brooks Bed & Biscuit in Hilton Head, SC.

In 2005, Lucie and her husband, Jeff Greco, opened the Devon shop, which relocated in April 2011 to their 5,000-square-foot facility in Malvern.

Jeff graduated from the Episcopal Academy and attended Villanova University. He is a certified behavioral dog trainer from the Animal Behavioral College in Los Angeles, California.

Lucie says she and the groomers perform scissoring, clipping, hand stripping, nail clipping, bathing and drying, dematting, flea dips, anal gland expression, ear cleaning, teeth spray/brushing, de-shedding treatments, deskunking options and medicated baths.

Their groomers and bathers include Lucie, along with Nicole Budzilowitz, Judi Dixon, Dakota Walters, Morgan Rhodes, Marissa Johnson and K.C. Reid. When customers call the Palace, they will speak to the reception team: Elsa Keller, Molly Ryan, Cassie Taylor and Amanda Stephens, as well as General Manager Jillian Golda and Daycare/Kennel Manager Nick Zehren.

Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Saturday hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays are 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., primarily for pickups and dropoffs.

Lucie’s Barkingham Palace dog guests have access to both indoor and outdoor daycare facilities and play or exercise equipment. Palace daycare club packages can be secured for five, 10 or 20 days.

The team is happy to board and groom cats, as well.

“We offer a pleasant environment and friendly atmosphere that your pet is sure to enjoy,” assures Lucie.

The Barkingham Palace team also sponsors community events, such as SPCA Walk 4 Paws, and offers free nail trims from their company's booths at such fundraisers. They also collaborate with All 4 Paws Rescue in Chester Springs and Braxton's pet supply store in Wayne.

610.240.0190

LuciesBarkinghamPalace.com

Arts Holding Hands And Hearts, Inc.:

TRANSFORMING YOUTH, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES THROUGH MINDFULNESS, LITERACY AND THE ARTS FOR EQUITY AND JUSTICE

AH-HAH moments are alive and well! At Arts Holding Hands And Hearts, Inc., supporters take a trauma-sensitive approach to education, socially rooted adjustments and emotional healing regarding adverse childhood experiences. The organization's founder/executive director and West Chester resident, Jan Michener, says for the mind to heal, the body must be engaged fully in the process.

"Trauma isn't something foreign that only touches another person; it's something that each and every one of us, and each and every one of our students, have come in contact with in some form throughout their lives, no matter the setting we teach in," Jan explains about their initiatives based from West Chester.

"It's important to have a foundation of trauma-sensitive facilitation techniques so we may hold the space for our students to come into contact with their own highest capacities for healing and being in a safe, or 'safe enough' and supportive space," she adds.

AHHAH's current programs include:

• P.U.L.L. (PULL), which stands for "Pop-Up Lending Library," manifested as lending spots from which children can borrow books to improve their reading levels.

• Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program is available to all children, from birth to age 5, living in Chester County. Children enrolled in this initiative receive a free book in the mail once a month. Those interested can choose from among five tiers of sponsorship opportunities, ranging from $30 to $2,500, for individuals and organizations to help support the Chester County Imagination Library. Jan says to date, 5,600 children are enrolled and benefiting from this outreach. "In one of our locations, we now have formed a monthly book club for 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds," she exclaims.

• Tips For Tots provides ideas regarding how to physically interact with books, or to develop story-inspired art activities, sound effects and imagination-driven crafts.

• Restorative Justice, through which AHHAH partners with a number of area organizations to provide programs that use trauma-sensitive frameworks to offer creative arts and mindfulness workshops to Chester County area incarcerated youth.

• Community programs, such as Jan teaching a Yoga QiGong class in West Goshen Park for the Maternal and Child Health Consortium Center staff. She also hosts a Yoga QiGong class every Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. at the Kennett Library

and Resource Center. Additionally, as part of their ongoing programming with Chester County Youth Center, they've developed an agricultural workshop that focuses on connecting youth to their cultural roots through food and various spice blends. They're currently compiling the spice blends that youth develop, along with the poetry they've written to publish their third book, Cultivating Change: Voices of Restorative Justice.

Jan is a professional actress (SAG/AFTRA) and teaching artist who has worked with all ages in various types of theatre education for many years. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from The State University of New York in 1978. She received her master's of education from Widener University in 2000, and was awarded the Outstanding Student Teacher of the year award. She also was selected by the Philadelphia Theatre Alliance to participate in the Roundabout Theatre 2011 Summer Teaching Artist Initiative in New York City.

The Chester County Youth Center which houses a shelter for homeless and abused girls and the detention center for both boys and girls was where Jan first started her outreach efforts in 2013.

"We now take our programs to other organizations focusing on marginalized children and families in West Chester, Coatesville and Kennett. I like to say, 'We don't make the crayons, we're the additive that makes the crayons brighter,'" she says.

She says they've found it's extremely helpful for families to engage through literacy, mindfulness and express arts. "Some of our students are coming from living in poverty, illiteracy, community challenges, discrimination or low expectations. They just seek someone to accept them unconditionally and help them find the right tools to achieve their highest capacity."

AHHAH teachers and volunteers go by the approach of  5 Cs = T, or Compassion plus Creativity plus Connection plus Courage plus  Commitment = Transformation.

Team members hold titles such as program director, director of cultivating change, cultivating change facilitator, art therapist and teaching artists. One of the staff's interns, Emily Capolupo, is a student at West Chester University, majoring in communication sciences and disorders to become a speech-language pathologist. The other intern, Kayla Harris, is a senior at West Chester University majoring in criminal justice.

AHHAH's board of directors consists of nine professionals who have careers within finance, entertainment arts, social work, banking, instructions/curriculum development, religion, real estate, networking and volunteerism. Likewise, its community advisory board reflects people with experience in pediatrics, children's multimedia work, telecommunications, health care, agriculture, missionary efforts, books and financial services.

A quick way to assist AHHAH's book-based efforts is to donate what Jan calls "gently loved" books. She says donation stations are located throughout the county, with more than 200,000 books collected, 100 PULL stations installed, and 100-plus volunteers engaged with maintaining all the PULL stations. A detailed list of donation stations can be found on the group's website.

AHHAH is a 501(c)(3) organization. Jan says the group accepts individual monetary donations, planned giving and corporate sponsorships.

484.883.2367

AHHAH.org

West Chester’s Best Local Fish & Produce Market

Our seafood and produce selection features the best and freshest products from the sea and from local farms. You will find a great selection of fresh seafood and produce. We offer fillets, whole fish, crabs, lobsters, salmons and more! Also, stop by to see our fresh vegetables and produce.

484.266.0381

443 Hannum Ave, West Chester, PA 19380

IF YOU ARE READING THIS... SO IS YOUR BEST CLIENT.

2 OUT OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

Make Perfect Pupcake

Recipe For Homemade, Peanut Butter Dog Cake Is Paw-some For Birthdays, Special Milestones

Dorothy Kern is a math teacher turned professional food blogger for 12-plus years. She says she’s a super picky eater who somehow became a food blogger, but that she never met a dessert she didn’t like. Find more recipes for humans alike from her online at  CrazyForCrust.com She covers cakes, pies, dips, savory dishes, breads, breakfast choices, no-bake options, snacks, candies and healthy-specific alternatives. She’s authored the cookbook:  Crazy for Cookies, Brownies, and Bars: Super-Fast, Made-from-Scratch Sweets, Treats, and Desserts.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3/4 cup flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons peanut butter

• 2 tablespoons oil

• 1/4 cup applesauce unsweetened

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

• 2 tablespoons honey

DIRECTIONS:

01. Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Line a 6-inch round cake pan (or a 9×5-inch bread pan) with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

02. Stir flour, baking soda, baking powder, peanut butter, oil, applesauce, egg and honey. Pour into pans. Bake 20 to 30 minutes, until browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

03. To make frosting, beat heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.

04. Frost cake as desired. One can double the frosting recipe and torte the cake (cut the cake in half horizontally) to make it a two-layer cake.

05. Store covered in refrigerator for up to three days.

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

• Perennials

• Trees & Shrubs

• Garden Accents

• Pottery

• Mulch, Soil, & Stone

Three UltraUnique Getaways for Families

A TRIO OF FUN-FILLED ESCAPES THAT WILL LEAVE YOUR FAMILY BEGGING FOR MORE

Introducing Vermejo...

“At the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy and your eyes sparkling.”

Bienvenidos to Raton, New Mexico, home to Vermejo Ted Turner Reserves. Flaunting over 550,000 acres of picturesque terrain, Vermejo will welcome your family to a crown jewel of natural beauty.

This destination invites you to custom plan a swoon-worthy experience; choose between kid-friendly fishing expeditions, hiking tours, horseback rides, archery, and more. Indulge in your choice of luxe accommodations and take your taste pallet on a culinary adventure thanks to delectable dining options.

Notably, the property values conservation efforts including the protection of wildlife like bison and wolves.

Rates inclusive of meals and two daily activities.

Introducing Glenwood Springs...

“The greatest legacy we can leave our children is happy memories.”

Happy memories await in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Known for its hot springs, the Rocky Mountain resort city is rich with wildlife and sheer beauty. Offering an array of family-friendly activities, the area is home to the esteemed Glenwood Springs Adventure Park, a must-do with amusement rides and subterranean caverns—a magical geological excursion.

Surely, you’ll want to take a dip in the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool. Invigorating and rejuvenating for adults and super fun for kids, there’s a vast splash zone, water slide, diving board, and lap lanes.

Glenwood Springs is primed with pristine river spots; the white water is mild and ideal for guided rafting adventures. You can also rent duckies (inflatable kayaks) or paddleboards.

If you’re going to check one hike off your list, opt for the Doc Holliday memorial, and for older kids, explore mountain biking paths for every skill on the paved Rio Grande Trail. In addition, Bair Ranch, located in Glenwood Canyon, offers several activities like horseback riding, ATV & Jeep tours, and sport clay shooting.

Family accommodations include Hotel Glenwood Springs, located at the Glenwood Gondola base that goes to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The property also flaunts a small indoor water facility. For included admission to the hot springs pool, families can also book the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge. The exciting city has over 80 restaurant choices as well.

Introducing Snow Mountain Ranch...

“Never underestimate the importance of having fun.”

Consider Snow Mountain Ranch a fun hub for families; a camp-like atmosphere for those seeking a genuine back-tothe-basics escape. Located in Grand Country Colorado, the YMCA of the Rockies destination is what vacation is meant to be... packed with frivolous play. Awake to breathtaking mountain views and the sound of songbirds, and after an actionpacked day, witness a dreamy sunset from your personal porch.

Accommodations vary; choose between private cabins, spacious lodge rooms, scenic campgrounds, or yurts. Cabins can sleep up to 12, and are equipped with full kitchens, a fireplace, and a deck. You’ll likely spot some deer outside your front door.

Included in all stays: roller skating, swimming, mini-golf, sports, hiking/biking trails, nature walks, and more. But

what makes Snow Mountain extra special are the entertaining “extras.” To make the most out of your stay, partake in archery, axe throwing, horseback riding, arts/crafting, knot-tying, geocaching, and beyond. Plus, there are tons of educational programs that teach guests about local wildlife like bears and wolves. And here’s a tip; if you’re craving some adult-only time, choose to register your child (ages 3+) for summer day camp. Grown-ups can do some adventuring of their own while the kids get a taste of what summer’s supposed to be. And as for food, there’s an array of on-site dining options available.

Everyone will feel like a kid at Snow Mountain Ranch, and the secret’s out; cabins book far in advance, so be sure to secure your spot well ahead of time.

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

Adult/Youth Pickleball Guidance

OSCAR LASKO YMCA AND CHILDCARE CENTER

Adults and children can experience and learn the sport of pickleball together. Instructors will teach the basics of the game and rules of pickleball in the gymnasium . Youths aged 6 to 9 years old are encouraged to attend. These co-ed sessions occur each Thursday from 5-5:45 p.m. Registration starts at $69.98.

AUGUST 8TH

Ray Didinger: Looking Back And Looking Ahead

UPTOWN KNAUER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | 7:00 PM

Legendary sports broadcaster and author Ray Didinger returns to West Chester. Ray will talk about his newly released paperback One Last Read, an anthology of his writings over the years, and also discuss the 2023 football season and the Eagles bid to repeat as NFC champions. VIP package includes pre-show meet-andgreet, photo opportunities, plus a signed copy of the book.

AUGUST 9TH

Summer Storytime At The Park

BARCLAY PARK | 10:30 AM

Enjoy stories, rhymes and songs with Miss Suzanne in-person at Barclay Park until 11 a.m. Take a blanket or a towel to sit on. This gathering is geared toward toddlers who are 3 years old or older. No registration required to attend. In case of rain, storytimes will be held inside, with limited space due to room capacity.

AUGUST 10TH

Levante Brewing Yappy Hours

LEVANTE BREWING | 4:30 PM

Dog Days of Summer: Join other pet enthusiasts to hang out with them and their four-legged friends at pet friendly Levante, a craft brewery and taproom. Off the Leash Truck will have treats for the doggos. Previously, donations have gone to Angel's Retreat, whose representatives were on-site with adoptable dogs. This gathering ends at 7 p.m.

Free Music At Marshall Concert

MARSHALL SQUARE PARK | 5:00 PM

The Friends of Marshall Square Park offer “Music at Marshall Square Park” with the performing band being Chico’s Vibe. Their musical stylings span all decades/genres (Etta James, Beatles, Billy Joel, Black Eyed Peas). This concert will have food trucks beginning at 5 p.m., music starting at 6:30 p.m., and face painting from 6:15-8:15 p.m. This event concludes 8:30 p.m.

Look Around Music and Arts Festival 2023

THE MOOSE LODGE #908 | 12:00 PM

Organizers of this music/arts festival seek to bolster West Chester with all-day music, vendors, food trucks, live painting, photo wall, networking, corn hole. There will be ab on-site ATM and air-conditioned cash bar, with close parking; free re-entry with wristband. One band scheduled is to perform is Tea Head, a rock band based out of West Chester/Philadelphia. Email: info@lookaroundfestival.com.

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