In the fall of last year and through the holidays my office participated in a group food drive to benefit The Chester County Food Cupboard.  I dropped the food off just after the first of the year and got a lovely letter from the woman who runs this worthy charity.  There are many people who are struggling right now and seniors are a huge group.  Many are on fixed incomes and the cost of their medication often exceeds that income.  This leaves little or no money for food.   In addition to seniors there are many struggling families who simply can not put food on the table for their children. Please keep the Chester County Food Cupboard in your thoughts.  They accept food donations and have a great website where you can also make monetary donations.  Click here to go to their website.   I... 01/24/2011

Simon Pearce is in the process of closing their doors along the Brandywine near West Chester PA. Simon Pearce has been a popular stop for the last decade from it's ideal location along the Brandywine in Pocopson Township just west of West Chester.  Offering fine dining along with its signature glass blowing workshop and retail outlet, it was always an inviting trip for locals and those visiting our area attractions such as Longwood Gardens or Winterthur. Sadly those days are close to an end.  The workshop and restaurant closed on January 12th while the retail shop is scheduled to close on Sunday February 13. For the next few weeks, the Simon Pearce shop is continuing to sell their original glass works and are having a 30% Off Sale on all their seconds.  This is a great chance to stock u... 01/24/2011

Because  realtors are the first link to newcomers to an area, and  they are key communicators in a community, the West Chester Area School District,  is calling  for a REALTORS SUMMIT. Superintendent Jim Scanlon will provide  up-to-date information and askf ro  feedback from realtors on perceptions of the West Chester schools. There will be a review of  key educational achievement, budget, and tax information  Bayard Rustin is located at 1100 Shiloh Road in Westtown Township. Due to Limited Seating, please send your RSVP to Carol Shillingford, Secretary to the Superintendent at cshillingford@wcasd.net. Click here for more information.  jroosevelt@kw.com  The session will take place on Wednesday, February 2, 2011, from 3:30-5:00pm in the main library of Bayard Rustin High School. 01/24/2011

We woke up to more of the pretty white stuff here in West Chester, PA.  My township, East Goshen, does a terrific job with snow removal and the county certainly has it's act together when it comes to helping people get around in bad weather.  West Chester area school district called a two hour delay instead of a snow day, and the collective groans of thousands of kids could be heard above the yippees of parents everywhere!    It was only a few inches and it looks pretty and the clean up was easy.  Another snowfall behind us and looking forward to a great weekend.   I forgot to write a Thankful Thursday post yesterday... every now and then it happens.  Yesterday was a pretty good day too!  I delivered Meals on Wheels and one of my recipients told me I was "a good looking gal", so the day... 01/21/2011

I love West Chester and now I have one more reason!  There's a new deal in town all day on Tuesdays!  Some area restaurants are offering one shared appetizer, two meals and one shared dessert for $20!!  Click here to see which restaurants are participating.   Remember, as always, parking is free at meters after 5 and on weekends and holidays. Parking is also free at these times at the Justice Center Parking lot, owned by Chester County and located across from the new Justice Center on Market Street.  The tree is still alight at the courthouse and I love the extension of the season!  This was taken with my phone so the quality isn't great, but the tree is beautiful at night!   01/18/2011

Let's talk Real Estate! Can you imagine, interest rates are below 5%, and just two weeks ago were under 4%, both historically low for 30 year fixed mortgages. Currently for new construction condos, there is a mortgage available at 3.75% with 0 points fixed for 30 years. And WOW! sales are still sluggish and not where they should be, even with this financing available. The selection of inventory is fantastic in almost every area, this includes low, mid and high priced homes. That includes both properties offered for sale and rentals. So, why are sales not what many of the top realtors believe they should be? In my opinion, with the loss of equity in our area homes and across the country, many buyers are still concerned. They are thinking "Are we at the bottom?" But nothing is for certain... 01/12/2011

  There are some changes to our trash and reclycling in East Goshen Township and a rather long letter was sent to our homes.  Thankfully, the days will not change this year and recycling will still be picked up the first collection of the week.  I had gotten so tired of my husband asking me if tomorrow was trash day, that I acutally wrote a note and left it at the back door telling him when it was!   Here's a simplified version, taken from the East Goshen Township Website.  Whoever does their site is excellent as I find it to be one of the best township sites around.   I'm going to start with Christmas Tree Pickup, because if I leave it till the bottom, you may not see it.  There are two days for pickup, both Wednesdays.  1/12 and 1/19.  If you have your tree in a plastic bag, it will n... 01/03/2011

Upcoming Pennsylvania Electric Generation Power Supplier Switch for PECO Eenergy Service in the West Chester & surrounding areas! Selecting a electric supplier choice for your home or rental investment units. As a former energy engineer for Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO), I would like to provide you with some information that may help you with selecting your new electric generation supplier starting January 1, 2011. See below information. If you are looking to shop for your electric generation supplier with the upcoming Electric Deregulation there is 2 types of electric rates for residential supply. The first is the RS - Regular Residential Service Rate and the second is RH - Residential Heating Service Rate if you have electric heat or heat pump. Check your bill to see which serv... 12/29/2010

West Chester Homes | Large Active Lifestyle Community West Chester: Are you looking for community information on West Chester such as the local school districts, events and local restaurants? /p> You've come to the right place! West Chester is a borough located in Chester County. It has a population of 17,861 people living within the borough limits. West Chester homes are located close to many great shopping centers, local restaurants, school districts and great community events such as movies in the park or festivals. This active lifestyle as well as great location to many great surrounding cities makes West Chester homes a perfect housing location for any new home buyer. Want to Find out West Chester Homes prices and marketing trends? Have you considered one of the many West Chester h... 12/14/2010

A lovely young couple purchased a home from me in February.  They have an adorable daughter and just this month had their second child, a boy.  A little while back, I started giving dated ornaments the first year people are in their homes and I always buy a baby's first ornament for friends and clients when they have a child.  I also had a small gift for their daughter, a 2011 calendar, and a Christmas card.  They live about 45 minutes from here and with the holiday fast approaching and me not having shopped for a single gift yet, I thought it would be more prudent to mail the gifts and go see the baby after the new year.  But how to get all these little gifts to them without the hassle of waiting in line at the post office? The light bulb went off over my head as soon as I got in the c... 12/10/2010

It was a great night to be in West Chester last night!  This is one of my favorite events of the year! It was frigid but the cold only put me more into the spirit of Christmas!  This parade was nothing short of spectacular and I only wish my camera had cooperated and taken better photos. One of my favorite things was seeing The Lone Ranger on the tallest and most beautiful white horse (Silver) that I have ever seen!  It was truly something to see.   There were 8 high school marching bands, one better than the other and West Chester University Marching Band outdid themselves! There was dancing by very talented dancers and singing by John Castro, who has a lovely voice. There were Clydesdale horses that are such beautiful animals and giant dancing elves! Local and state officials were on ... 12/04/2010

West Chester PA Old Fashioned Christmas Parade - Friday, December 3, 2010 Tree Lighting: 6:15pm (before the start of the run)  Jingle Elf Run/Walk 6:30pm; Parade 7:30pm This is a wonderful Christmas Parade every year. Come out and enjoy an evening in West Chester PA starting off with Dinner with family & friends. If you want to exercise before the Parade take in the 2nd Annual Jingle Elf Run/Walk. Then enjoy the Parade. The parade route runs New Street to Gay Street, Gay Street to Matlack Street, Matlack Street to Market Street and back up Market Street past New Street (in the opposite direction of traffic). American Idol Jason Castro will perform all along the parade route. Santa is our honored guest of the evening and will appear last in the parade. Gay and Market Streets will start t... 12/03/2010

There is nothing like Christmas in West Chester!  The Chamber of Commerce of Greater West Chester presents Old Fashioned Christmas in a 4 day celebration that features more than 40 events!  Click here to see the list of great things to see and do!  Over the course of the 4 days you can see live music, crafts, dance productions, you name it.     On Friday, just before the parade, you can participate in the 2nd Annual Jingle Elf Run. Click here to register! The parade is not to be missed, especially the arrival of Santa in his sleigh and the lighting of the Christmas Tree!  Click here to see a list of parade participants that include 15 high school and university marching bands,  Jason Castro (American Idol finalist), The Lone Ranger and his horse Silver and once again, local cutie Adam J... 12/01/2010

Out of curiosity, I did a search of homes for sale in our school district.  I've asked this before and I'll ask it again; what are buyers waiting for?  The rates are wonderful and the choices are many!  Here's a quick peek at what's for sale in any given price range in West Chester Area School District.     $100,000 to $200,000 There are currently 64 homes for sale in this price range.  Investors, you should be scarfing these babies up.  So many great investment properties for sale in this price range.  Most of these are flats, townhouses and twins, but there is a single or two for sale in the borough of West Chester. $200,000 to $300,000 Wow.  There are a whopping 135 homes for sale in this category.  Lots of townhouses and twins with some singles popping up when you get closer to $300... 11/15/2010

While working at my home office, I heard my 14 year old exclaim at the beauty of the sky outside our front door.  Chester County is truly one of the most beautiful places, in every season.  Autumn is particularly beautiful and the sunsets in all seasons can take your breath away.   This photo is completely untouched.  This is just how beautiful it is in our neck of the woods.  Looking to relocate to Chester County?  I'd love to show you around. 11/10/2010

You heard it here!  Lidia Matticchio Bastianich is coming to Carlino's in West Chester, PA on 11/4/10 to sign her book!  Yes!  She will be here between 6:00 and 8:00 PM.  Copies of the author's 7 books will be available for purchase as well as some of her pastas, sauces, etc.   Carlino's is a first class Italian Specialty Store and we are so lucky to have them in West Chester.  The food is fabulous.  As an Italian-American, I can tell you that there food is as good as home-made!  They are located at 128 W. Market Street, West Chester, PA  19382.  You can park in the municipal lot for the event, where parking is free every night after 5:00 and on the weekends.  The parking garage is literally on the very next block!  Regular hours of operation are Monday to Saturday, 9 to 7, Sundays 9 t... 10/27/2010

  An event you do not want to miss is the West Chester Borough Halloween Parade happening on 10/28/10 at 7 PM.  I've brought my boys many years to this fun event.  Pictured below is my favorite State Representative, Barbara McIlvaine Smith who is always ready with a friendly smile and wave for her constituents!  There will be costumes, candy, fun and marching band and cheer leading performances by not only East High, Henderson High and Rustin High but also the West Chester University!!!! The parade will gather on Market Street, between Church and Darlington and continue down Market Street and up Gay Street.  There is also free parking at the Justice Center Garage, located at Market and New Street.   This is an event that I've always enjoyed.  There are usually antique cars and fire depa... 10/26/2010

I know this event is next month, but mark your calendars to help a neighbor!   East Goshen is inviting all able-bodied folks, families and groups to participate in a service day to help the seniors in the township with raking leaves! Preregistration is required by Wednesday, 11/10/10, so don't put this off.  Click here to download and complete the form.  You can fax, mail or drop it off at the Township Building to the attention of Frank Vattilano, the Recreation Director.   Any questions can be directed to Frank via email at recdirector@eastgoshen.org   10/26/2010

One of our family's all time favorite movies is Young Frankenstein by Mel Brooks!  We've seen it so many times that we laugh before the punch line and often recite the line along with the actors!  If you have never seen this movie, or haven't seen it in a while, you are in luck!  And you get to see it on the big screen! October 21, 2010  7:00 PM at the Chester County Historical Society Food and drink provided by Barnaby's all included in the ticket price of $12 per person Every third Thursday of the month brings a new movie series sponsored by the West Chester BID, The Chester County Historical Society, and the West Chester Film Festival. A new state of the art audio/visual system was installed at the CCHS along with a 21-foot screen. Adding to the experience will be "I'm in the Mood fo... 10/20/2010

The Pumpkin Festival 10/16/10 10 am to 1 pm Of all the things I miss from when my boys were little, I think The Pumpkin Festival at East Goshen Park is near the top of the list.  I especially remember taking Max with his best friend at the time, and they used to have a blast!  We would stop on the way home from their soccer game.   It's all free and it's done up right.  So don't miss it!  Here are the details: 10 to 12  Live folk music! Pumpkins for the Kids! Hayrides Face painting! A song by Amerikids Apple Cider Apples Hay amphitheater for kids to play in (this was the highlight for Max as a little boy!)   12 to 1 Giant Pumpkin Raffle Dancing Hula hoop and Bubble Gum Blowing Contest Games and more!!!     10/15/2010