Publisher’s Letter

It’s March, and soon—though not soon enough—it will be spring. At last! At County Lines we’re celebrating the end of winter, the start of spring and the spirit of giving. This is our fourth Charity Datebook.

The centerpiece of the March issue is introduced in “From the Guest Editors,” where Karen Simmons and Michael DeHaven of the Chester County Community Foundation remind us what we’ve learned from the pandemic and look forward to our return to in-person gatherings and live performances.

In “Food for Thought,” Timmy Nelson explains the vision of the Charity Datebook to be a philanthropic catalyst for positive change. He introduces eight local organizations focused on the arts, culture and historic preservation—Historic Sugartown, Historic Yellow Springs, Kennett Symphony, Oxford Arts Alliance, People’s Light, Revival Production, SALT Performing Arts, Uptown! Performing Arts Center, and West Chester Dance Works—in “Faces of Philanthropy.”

Read the “Charity Datebook Calendar” for events throughout the year, offering opportunities to do good and have fun. And check out photos in “Fun Fundraisers.” Perhaps you’ll spot your friends.

Malcolm Johnstone writes “The Lincoln Room: First Achievements,” in which he notes the location’s connection to several historic events, including publication of a future president’s first biography. You’re invited to visit the Lincoln Room, now home to the Cultural Alliance of Chester County.

Our Assistant Editor, Shannon Montgomery, recommends you “Support the Arts” and explores how you can volunteer at our area’s centers of arts, community, music, dance, theater, performing arts and museums. In “Learning that Lasts a Lifetime,” she describes the mission of Chester County Lifelong Learning (formerly Chester County Night School). Early April is the deadline to register for their 250 classes. Find one that interests you.

People’s Light has a solid lineup of performances this season, writes Alix Rosenfeld. The season began with A Christmas Carol, and follows with Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical, Hold These Truths and three more plays to round out the season. Read about them in “People’s Light 2021–22 Season Highlights.”

It’s only spring, but your kids—and probably you—are looking forward to summer. Marci Tomassone, our Associate Editor, highlights several good ones in “Summer Camps.”

Shelley Laurence of Main Point Books eagerly anticipates works by new authors. In her world, they’re a cause for celebration. In “Discover a Debut!” she recommends eight for your reading list.

Steve and Jenn Kurian loved to go fishing for Alaskan salmon. And then they took their catch back home and sold it. They expanded their fleet, and turned it into a successful business—Wild for Salmon. Alyssa Thayer of Brandywine Table tells their story and shares recipes in “Bringing Home the Salmon.”

And Jessica Roberts makes sure you properly select a glass of festive bubbles in “Raise a Glass!”— whether it’s Champagne, cava or prosecco.

Our Best Things to Do section is filled with things to do for you and your family.

Hopefully, you already have County Lines delivered to your mailbox. Save it for future reference. At CountyLinesMagazine.com, you can read the March issue online. At Issuu.com, you can read the digital issue. Or click How to 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

Raise a Glass!

When hosting an event, choosing a sparkling wine can be a challenge. Champagne is the main player, of course. What sets one bubbly option apart from another is the quality and care put into making it. A blend of yeasty flavor and soft aroma creates the perfect bottle. Modern sippers have discovered cava, less expensive than Champagne, and hailing from the Penedes region of Spain. It’s produced like Champagne, but its aging requirements are less strict. Prosecco is a third choice. Trendy, fermented and aged in a tank, rather than a bottle, it’s also very affordable. With any of the three, select for the degree of sweetness or dryness. And, of course, the size of your bottle.

Learning that Lasts a Lifetime

Chester County Lifelong Learning (formerly Chester County Night School) started in 1955 at a kitchen table. Initially it offered 15 classes, from shorthand to lampshade-making. Today, choose from 250 classes, for kids as well as adults and seniors, covering bee-keeping, Medicare choices, making websites and many other useful and interesting topics. Plus, there are events beyond the classroom: a musical in New York or a Phillies game. Learn something new!

Bringing Home the Salmon

When a Penn State graduate and his girlfriend (now wife) traveled to Alaska to go fishing, they initially had no intention of making a living at it. But, from one season to the next, their catch increased, it all sold at home in Pennsylvania, and they ultimately took a chance at running their own boat. Today, Wild for Salmon is a successful business, with products available at Kimberton Whole Foods. And, in Brandywine Table, you’ll get several delicious recipes to enjoy salmon.