Publisher’s Letter

The days are shorter, the nights cooler. At County Lines, we’re learning about our ancestors and heroes as we get ready for Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and more. We’re also reminded that the holidays — and gift-giving — approach.

Noah Lewis first dressed as Edward “Ned” Hector, a free Black man who served in the Continental Army, for his daughter’s fourth-grade class. Since then, Lewis has become an educator-reenactor, using his portrayal of Hector to illuminate Black patriotism during the American Revolution. Kim Andrews tells the story of Hector and Lewis in “Forgotten Patriot.”

Among the courageous women who went off to World War II was 2nd Lieutenant Rebecca Louise George, a remarkable nurse from Coatesville. Sadly, however, she never returned. In 1944, on her way home, she died in a plane crash. In “From Coatesville to Florence,” John Dekhane writes that her life speaks to “the power of compassion, the strength of women in times of adversity, and the sacrifices made by all who served in World War II.” We remember her.

Shannon Montgomery writes about our 2025 pick for Local Heroes — this year at LCH Health & Community Services. LCH, founded by a group of Kennett Square residents and clergy serving the needs of the local Latino population, has grown to a network of area health centers providing primary, dental, pediatric and women’s health services. They do much-needed work in our area.

Shannon also writes about music. As autumn’s rhythm gives way to the holiday season, area musicians are tuning up for a season of memorable concerts. She finds perfect harmony this fall in “A Season of Sound.” Choose a concert or two to attend.

In “Southern Brandywine Valley —So Much to Celebrate!”, Carol Metzker explores its history, restaurants, gardens, horse races, vineyards, breweries and more. As she wrote, so much to celebrate!

In Pennsylvania, 12% of adults over the age of 65 are living with Alzheimer’s disease or similar symptoms. Carol Metzker watched her father become one of these. She shares what kinds of services local communities provide in “Thanks for the Memories.” Marci Tomassone follows up with a “Guide to 55+ and Retirement Communities & Services.”

“From Fiddleheads to Fronds,” by Shoshi Hornum of Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, tells the story of ferns. They’re living echoes of landscapes that existed hundreds of millions of years before us. Today, ferns provide a variety of benefits to modern ecosystems. We suggest you plant some.

Cara Corridoni advises, “The Best Gifts Don’t Need Two-Day Shipping.” The Brandywine Valley has countless charming shops, chic home goods stores, farmstands with award-winning wares and boutiques, plus fan favorites and hidden gems dotting our area. She suggests you create special themed gift baskets this year. For more ideas, check out our “Holiday Gift Guide.”

In our Worth Knowing feature, Patti Brennan of Key Financial writes that long-term care planning requires more than insurance. In “Long-Term Care Insurance and the Bigger Picture,” she suggests that planning should consider housing, family dynamics, finances and, most importantly, dignity.

Thanksgiving is about more than the turkey. It’s also about wine, cider and cranberries, among other treats. In “Wine & Cider Pairings for Thanksgiving,” we offer suggestion for how to match your drinks to each course. And since cranberries are one of the holiday’s most essential ingredients —not just for sauce — in our Brandywine Table feature, Liz Tarditi provides some delectable recipes in “Explore Cranberries for the Holidays.”

Finally, check out our Best Local Events section for more to discover in the Brandywine Valley this month, including plenty of family fun.

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

Southern Brandywine Valley—So Much to Celebrate!

Take a tour of Southern Brandywine Valley. Start at Artelo, a contactless hotel, and contemplate Underground Railroad history. Or choose the Bookhouse Hotel, a new-ish boutique hotel with four unique rooms providing a magical escape. Then taste the wines of Wayvine Winery or the beer of Brothers Kershner Brewing. On to Kennett Library to check out the mural, then a stop at Hank’s Place before a day at Longwood Gardens. On November 2, you should take in the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup, a four-mile, heart-thumping, 18-fence timber steeplechase.

From Fiddleheads to Fronds

Along shaded trails across southeastern Pennsylvania, ferns anchor the understory with their story of persistence. They have been part of the landscape for 350 million years. Survivors of mass extinction events, witnesses to evolution and architects of forested ecosystems, ferns invite us to walk among them and brush against deep time. Next time you find yourself wandering through your garden or forest, pause to appreciate the beauty of a delicate, yet resilient, fern frond.

Forgotten Patriot

Noah Lewis has become one of the nation’s most compelling historical reenactors, using his portrayal of Ned Hector to illuminate the little-known legacy of Black patriotism during the American Revolution. Hector was a free Black man who served in the Continental Army. When American forces were forced to retreat, Hector famously declared “I will save my horses or perish myself!” and drove his wagon loaded with guns, supplies and horses to safety. Telling Hector’s story means presenting a full view of American history. Lewis sees the Revolution as a fight for liberty that left unfinished business, making space for honest conversations about history and legacy.