Publisher’s Letter

Summer’s winding down, but there’s still time to find some fun. We at County Lines suggest a day trip to Delaware County. Or try your luck in a local trout stream! Maybe stay home, learn something new in the kitchen and whip up something spicy.

Delco is calling. Jason Kelce, Mark Ruffalo and Taylor Swift have recently been spotted there. Very cool! But “Do It Better in Delco,” writes Shannon Montgomery. She points to Media’s dining scene, the Union’s stars (it’s the Major League Soccer team), local golf courses’ upcoming tournaments, art centers and performance venues, as well as being home to Tina Fey, Joan Jett, Andrew Wyeth and others.

Before summer is done, Courtney H. Diener-Stokes suggests you “Add Some Spice to Your Summer Menu.” A Moroccan spice rub for meats and vegetables, a salsa verde to toss with potatoes, or a roasted garlic dressing to add pizazz to salads — check out easy recipes that can be enhanced simply by adding spices and sauces.

The biggest help in acclimating to a senior community may be the neighbors. Carol Metzker, in “New Neighbors: Independent Senior Living,” looks at several communities and finds several have great ways — moving coordinators, meal and chef meetings, group walks, fitness centers, community gardens, museum visits — of facilitating transitions for newcomers. In “Guide to 55+ Retirement Communities and Services,” Marci Tomassone offers an overview of local communities.

At last, the worst of the pandemic is behind us! But kids’ health is still a concern. We turn to local experts. Priya Patel, MD, of the University of Pennsylvania discusses “Childhood Asthma.” Lori Handy, MD, MSCE, of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia says “Measles is Back.” And Jennifer Vodzak, MD, of Nemours Children’s Health writes about “Protecting Kids from Whooping Cough.”

In his last speech before his death, 78-year-old Frederick Douglass visited West Chester University (then the West Chester State School) and spoke in support of a law that would make lynching a federal crime. It was not until the turn of the 21st century that the law was passed. In “The Final Words of Frederick Douglas,” Malcolm Johnstone tells the story. Also noteworthy: there’s a Frederick Douglass Institute at each campus of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

Many of us choose cats and dogs as pets. Others think outside the box, choosing donkeys, goats, camels, chickens, pigs and horses. In “Farm Animal Fun,” Courtney H. Diener-Stokes considers the care and rewards of owning such eccentric pets. For comparison, see our “Cutest Pet Contest,” which is mostly cats and dogs. And vote on Facebook!

Pennsylvania is an excellent place for trout fishing, but the southeastern part of the state presents challenges, especially in the heat of summer. During my research, I found several creeks are worthwhile, for this summer and beyond. “Trout Fishing in Chester County” will guide you.

Finally, Marci Tomassone is looking forward to the fall with its many fun events. Read “Mark Your Calendar” and don’t miss a moment!

Hopefully, you already have County Lines delivered to your mailbox. Save it for future reference. At CountyLinesMagazine.com, you can read the July issue online. At Issuu.com, you can read the digital issue. Or click Get A Copy on our website to find locations to pick up a print copy.

We hope you’d like to subscribe to County Lines. Do it on our website or call 610-918-9300. For single issues, try Wellington Square Bookshop, Main Point Books, or Reads & Co. Bookstore. Visiting an advertiser is also a great—and free—way to find copies!

Ed Malet, Publisher

610-918-9300

The Final Words of Frederick Douglass

Near the end of his life, Frederick Douglass visited West Chester University and spoke to its students and area residents in what would be his last speech. Lynching, he proposed, should be a federal crime. It was not until 2022 that the U.S. Congress finally enacted a law prohibiting lynching and several other hate crimes. Today, Douglass is remembered and honored at the Frederick Douglass Institutes, located at the 14 campuses of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

Do It Better in Delco

Delaware County has long been considered gritty and blue-collar. But it’s changing. Restaurants, theaters, museums, outdoor concerts and festivals, and professional sports teams and events have combined to make it a very attractive, very happening, very cool place to visit and to live. Make space on your calendar!

New Neighbors: Independent Senior Living

Staff and residents of senior living communities say the biggest help in acclimating is your neighbors. Some look for new place — attending yoga classes, meetings at cafes, classes, suppers or concerts, for instance. Others choose their favorite familiar place, where everyone knows your name. In any case, the communities facilitate the adjustment by offering tours, classes, fitness centers, community activities, concerts, trips to museums and gardens. It’s sort of like your first year of college!