Thursday, January 30 2025 10:33

Publisher’s Letter

Written by Edwin Malet

February 2025

February is County Lines’ Fine Home issue, and we feature two fabulous examples. Also, we look at three historic homes, offer a guide for home improvement, and asked several realtors to assess the market. We take stock of our schools, a local university, the birds and grasslands, and gently urge a measure of fitness. For good measure, we offer some advice on bread-making.

First, up a lane lined with evergreens and deciduous trees sits lovely “Fallow Field Cottage.” Ivy climbing past original shutters and a garden in bloom lend an air of enchantment. Carol Metzker takes you on a tour of a “forever home.”

Next, after two decades of dreaming, saving, planning and building, a couple created the home they’ve wanted since their wedding day. In “BYOB: Build Your Own Barn,” Shannon Montgomery tells their story. At long last, they have their own red barn.

Then we look at three historic homes — along with one repurposed iconic bank building and two significant patrons of local preservation — in our review of “West Chester’s 13th Preservation Awards.” Jane Dorchester, Founding Preservation Awards Committee Chair, tells us why these projects and people help make life in the Borough better.

Marci Tomassone provides a guide to finding everything for your home in “Fine Homes & Design Resource Guide.” And get inspired with “Dream Kitchens,” because a gorgeous kitchen will make you more likely to follow through on preparing delicious unprocessed meals. Marci also offers a “Guide to Private, Independent & Cyber Schools” to help with your education decisions. And, we talked with four local realtors who reflect on a sometimes turbulent 2024 market. Nevertheless, they believe “The Best Is Yet to Come.”

One of the keystones of Chester County’s history, according to this month’s Brandywine Stories, is its emphasis on education. An important building block is West Chester University. Learn more about WCU’s role in education history along with other tidbits in “Purple and Gold.”

Our school days may be behind us, but not for our kids. Critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity …. In “The 4Cs… Plus One More,” I’ll take a look inside the 21st-century classroom.

Nationwide, grassland birds are struggling. That’s why Natural Lands has joined with Willistown Conservation Trust on the Grassland Bird Collaboration. Kit Werner of Natural Lands looks at steps to protect the bobolinks, meadowlarks and sparrows in “Down But Not Out.”

“Step Up Your Fitness,” Shannon Montgomery writes. Lace up your dancing shoes and boogie on! Whether it’s for fitness, mood, social connections or simply for fun, there are plenty of reasons to get dancing.

Brandywine Table’s Courtney Diener-Stokes writes in “Baking Bread” about the ultimate comfort food. Making bread yourself takes the pleasure of eating and serving it to others to a whole new level. And there’s the added bonus of the aroma that wafts through your home while you bake.

And as always, we have plenty of Family Fun and the Best Local Events.

Perhaps you already have County Lines delivered to your mailbox. Save it for future reference. At CountyLinesMagazine.com, you can read the February 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 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!

We hope you enjoy this issue. Thank you for reading this month and all year long!

Ed Malet, Publisher

610-918-9300


Fallow Field Cottage

Photo: Jeffrey Totaro

Built in 1911, the original structure was the gardener’s house on the estate of the Ludingtons, a prominent local family that loved learning and libraries. Extensions in 1955 and 1995 gave the home a slightly larger footprint while retaining wonderful proportions and presence. One owner brought beautiful furniture. The other brought collections of some 3,000 books, old house keys and antique maps. Both brought art and heirloom furnishings. The house underwent a two-year transformation — renovated kitchen and bathrooms, and new additions including an atrium, library, gym and a cylindrical glass elevator. The resulting customized home is truly a forever home.

 

The 4Cs … Plus One More

In the 21st century, our schools have shifted their emphasis from the 3Rs to the 4Cs. Critical thinking is developed through problem-solving. Communication is enhanced through presentations, discussion and digital tools. Collaboration is fostered through group projects, project-based learning, STEM camps and career experiences. Creativity is nurtured by driving innovative solutions and permitting idea expression through various media. Beyond the 4Cs, schools also emphasize developing digital awareness, globalization and community. And on a fifth C — character.

 

Down But Not Out

Photo: Bill Moses/Natural Lands

For bird lovers, most folks look up … except when it comes to looking for bobolinks, eastern meadowlarks or grasshopper sparrows. To spot these tiny nests, you need to look down and be careful where you step. Grassland birds are struggling. One of the most vital land management practices to help preserve them is to delay mowing during the breeding period. Mowing before birds complete their nesting cycle removes available habitat. Implementing a “no-mow” period when there are babies and fledglings in a field allows young birds to develop in a safe environment before the nesting grounds are disturbed.


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