Publisher’s Letter

August is upon us at County Lines Magazine. It may be our last chance to get to the beach. On the other hand, we can still have plenty of fun in and around Chester County.

As you travel around Chester County, an old building may capture your eye. You find yourself wondering “What Style Is It?” Jane E. Dorchester helps answer your questions with a short guide to early architectural styles.

Cara Corridoni is traveling, but not very far. She’ll spend a “Weekend in Media” and find its bustling, walkable downtown State Street “full of delicious restaurants, quaint stops and easy diversions.” Then she takes a short drive to enjoy wildflowers, cool waters of Crum Creek, and the live bands playing in Rose Tree Park.

Welcoming a rescue pet into your home is rewarding, joyful decision. Not only will you be giving your new pet a second chance, but you’ll gain a loving, loyal companion. But it’s also a major responsibility. Shannon Montgomery spells out the process and decision in “A New Leash on Life.”

Also, take a look at our pet finalists’ photos and help choose the winner in our “Cutest Pet Contest.” Vote on Facebook.

White-tailed deer may be attractive, but in Pennsylvania they’re an attractive nuisance, causing hundreds of injuries and too many deaths every year, ruining crops, damaging timber harvests and changing forest composition. Once the deer were part of an ecological balance. Today, there are 10 times more than the forests can handle. Kit Werner of Natural Lands describes the problem and what’s being done in “Damage Control.”

Aging is hard, not only for seniors, but for family and friends who may have to make difficult decisions. Independent living, personal care, skilled care … In “Transitions,” Carol Metzker explores the issues, ways to resolve them, and how senior communities try to help. In our “Guide to 55+ and Retirement Communities & Services,” edited by Marci Tomassone, you’ll get additional guidance.

We love the warmth of summer, but it also brings problems, especially for kids. To learn more, read “Kids Health Update,” offering three articles by local physicians. In “Kids and Heat,” Pia B. Fenimore, MD, of Lancaster Pediatrics shares ideas on avoiding heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

In “Summer Means Ticks,” Ericka Hayes, MD, at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) focuses on the tick-borne diseases.

Finally, though not a summer problem, in Laura Eisel, PA-C, MMS, at Nemours Children’s Health offers a “A Parent’s Guide to Tongue-Tie.”

In Brandywine Table, Victoria Rose says it’s a great time for seafood — tuna, oysters, bass. She offers recipes from West Chester Seafood Kitchen in “Summer Seafood Feasts.”

Alas, as August wanes, we look toward September, October and beyond. In “Mark Your Fall Calendar,” Marci Tomassone has a preview of upcoming events.

Perhaps you already have County Lines delivered to your mailbox. Save it for future reference. At CountyLinesMagazine.com, you can read the August 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 your own print copy.

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

We hope you enjoy this issue.

Thank you for reading.

Ed Malet, Publisher

610-918-9300

What Style Is It?

Chester County is blessed with examples of a wide variety of architectural styles. The vernacular or folk style is typical of farmhouses built from 1690 to 1850. The Georgian style, built from 1700 to 1780, has a look or feel of massiveness or monumentality. The Federal style grew out of the Georgian and is mainly distinguishable by when it was built: after 1780. Finally, there’s Greek Revival style, built from 1820 to 1850, which is based on classical architecture, some of which resemble Greek temples.

Weekend in Media

The Borough of Media is charming weekend escape, walkable, easily reachable by car or train, and buzzing with restaurants, shops and entertaining diversions. Enjoy Happy Hour at Off the Rail. Dining options include Spasso’s, Brick & Brew, the Garden Café, Azie, Peking Media Restaurant and other eateries. Slightly out of town, visit Hildacy Preserve, Tyler Arboretum or Rose Tree Park. Until August 10, Rose Tree has free concerts, Wednesday through Sunday nights.

A New Leash on Life

Why adopt a rescue animal? First, it saves lives. Second, you can get to know your pet before bringing them home. Third, a shelter pet is often an adult, which tends to be calmer than younger pets. Finally, adopting a pet is generally less expensive than buying one from a breeder. But recognize that you’ll take on a big, yearslong responsibility when adopting. Consider your lifestyle, cost, your housing situation and the reputation of the shelter or rescue organization. Also, consider fostering before adopting. Welcoming a rescue animal into your home is a life-changing decision, offering joy, purpose and connection.