Publisher’s Letter

At County Lines, we’re once again celebrating the joy of giving. This is our third edition of the Charity Datebook, in partnership with the Chester County Community Foundation.

In their guest editors’ letter, Karen Simmons and Michael DeHaven, President/CEO and Chairman of the Community Foundation, welcome you, thank you for your charity, and look forward to the many philanthropic events that are taking place in spite of COVID.

Our “Faces of Philanthropy” feature highlights several nonprofit organizations—along with special donors—that have made significant contributions to our community, while the “Charity Datebook Calendar” is full of fundraising events, some in-person and some virtual. Check out “Fun Fundraisers” if you have any doubts. And, if dressing for events poses a conundrum, better look at “What to Wear to the (Virtual) Gala.”

This time of year, fresh food may seem like a luxury, especially for those facing food insecurity. Read about what some are doing to change this in “Can We Make 2021 the Year of Local Food and Farmers?” Alyssa Thayer picks up on the theme—and shares some great recipes from the Chester County Food Bank—in her Brandywine Table column.

Think you want to get outside? Who doesn’t? In “The Solace of Nature,” Oliver Bass, President of Natural Lands, recommends three of his favorite places to visit, two in Chester County and one in Berks.

Ironically, the pandemic has made some visits to the doctor less difficult than before. In “Telemedicine: Its Promises and Limits,” we asked several area healthcare providers to weigh in on the advantages and disadvantages of telemedicine. We found it works well for kids and some rehab. But for a mammogram, an in-person visit is still needed.

Bored with your go-to wines? Jessica Roberts of Fine Wine and Good Spirits thinks it may be time for a change. In “A Whole New World of Wine,” she suggests exploring four lesser known varieties: Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc, Pinotage and Gruner Vetliner.

Summer is almost here, so check out our “Summer Camps” feature. Pretty soon, the kids will be moaning about “nothing to do.” Unless you plan now.

We hope you’ll subscribe to County Lines. You can do it online or call 610-918-9300. Or get an electronic copy at Issuu.com. For single issues, try Wellington Square Bookshop, Reads & Co. Books or Main Point Books. Visiting an advertiser is a great—and free—way to get one: click Get A Copy at our website, www.countylinesmagazine.com. You can also get our free on-line publishers letter and events newsletters by signing up on the website.

We hope you enjoy our March issue. And stay safe!

Ed Malet, Publisher

“Telemedicine: Its Promises and Limits”

The practice of medicine has changed dramatically since January of last year, accelerated by the pandemic, advances in treatment, and the wide use of telemedicine. Three local health care providers shared their thoughts. Dr. Bimal Desai of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia describes the changes for pediatric care. Deborah Bosley, a physical therapist at Bryn Mawr Rehab, explains how virtual health is making a difference in speech, occupational and physical therapy. And Dr. Eugene Glavin at Chester County Hospital reminds us that some procedures still demand in-person visits.

“The Solace of Nature”

In the context of COVID-19, more people than ever are turning to nature as a remedy for the challenges to their basic routines. Join the President of Natural Lands as he hikes three of the Preserves: Crow’s Nest in Elverson, Sadsbury Woods in Coatesville and Bear Creek in Berks County. You can get trail maps at NatLands.org.

“Whole New World of Wine”

If you want a wine to mix it up, here are new ones to try: Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc, Pinotage and Gruner Vetliner. Tempranillo is mainly from Spain and is hefty and bold. Cabernet Franc, from the Bordeaux region of France, is lighter with components of strawberry, bell pepper and crushed gravel. Pinotage is primarily from South Africa and Brazil and has big alcohol and full body. Gruner Veltliner is most commonly from Austria and eastern Europe and is noted for its bright acidity and crisp, flinty grape flavors such as apple, pear and white pepper.