July 25, 2012 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Aerial yoga lands in Chadds Ford

Transend-Yoga — Aerial yoga lands in Chadds Ford

A new yoga studio has brought to Chadds Ford, what some consider, a better way of hanging around the gym.

Transcend Wellness and Yoga offers aerial yoga, a form of the practice where people stretch and exercise while suspended from, and in, a silky hammock-like device, a soft fabric trapeze that hangs from the ceiling like a swing or a large elongated U.

The yoga studio opened its doors in the Barn Shops of Chadds Ford on July 9. It’s where the Barn House coffee shop used to be, between Clipso Hair Salon and the Chadds Ford Gallery.

Studio owner Kelly Kuder — who’s been teaching yoga for 12 years — said using “the silk” for suspension makes it easier to get into yoga postures and eases apprehensions.

“It’s a great way for people to learn a lot of the more complicated yoga poses. It’s very supportive and very easy on the joints. It decompresses the joints so it’s very healing,” she said. “It makes it easier for people to get deeper into a pose…Being supported by the silk takes away the anxiety.”

Kuder said people also get stronger because of a strengthening aspect. It works particularly well for strengthening the upper body and abdomen, she said. Aerial yoga also helps with flexibility, as does all yoga. Kuder added that there’s another benefit.

“It’s also fun,” she said.

The practice is becoming more common in the U.S., Kuder said, but it’s still rare. Only a handful of studios in Pennsylvania have aerial yoga. The idea came from silk dancing and some of the work done by the Canadian-based circus, Cirque du Soleil.

Aerial yoga may not be for everyone. There are some conditions — such as pregnancy or high blood pressure — that preclude a person being upside down. Kuder said she reviews the situation with prospective students before they begin.

Transcend also conducts more traditional classes in “vinyasa”, or flow yoga. Instructor Janis Webb said flow yoga coordinates the breath with movements from pose to pose.

The studio also offers holistic wellness coaching and holistic health products and regimens.

For more information on programs, products and services, go to www.transcendwellnessandyoga.com, send an email to info@transcendwellnessandyoga.com, or phone 484-770-8058.

Photo caption: Kelly Kuder, of Transcend Wellness and Yoga, does a seated stretch while suspended in “the silk.” (Photo by Rich Schwartzman)

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.

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Sanderson board praises founding curator

Local News

Gene-and-Tommy — Sanderson board praises founding curator

The Chris Sanderson Museum Board of Directors celebrated the museum’s 45^th anniversary last week and members spent time praising Tommy Thompson, the museum’s founding curator.

The board held a members-only party on July 20 during which author Gene Pisasale presented Thompson with the book Pisasale wrote about him.

Sanderson (1882-1966), an eccentric Chadds Ford icon to some, was a schoolteacher, fiddler, dance caller, actor, poet and a collector of all things he thought significant.

Former board President Sally Jane Denk-Hoey praised Thompson for his efforts to get the museum in order after Sanderson died.

“Tommy Thompson is the Sanderson Museum and the Sanderson Museum is Tommy Thompson,” said Denk-Hoey. “Granted, if Chris Sanderson had not saved this collection, we wouldn’t have this collection, but if Chris had just died, everything would have been trashed, truly, because it looked like trash when he died. …Tommy saved everything. He read how to save collections and he scientifically categorized things. For someone who is not in museum science, he did a phenomenal job.”

Current board President Sue Minarchi agreed.

“It is [Tommy] we have to thank for this wonderful museum,” Minarchi said.

Sanderson was known for saving everything. Along with his mother, he lived, for a time, in the Ring House, Washington’s Headquarters during the Battle of the Brandywine. He began collecting artifacts from the property that later became Brandywine Battlefield Park. He and his mother later moved to the little house on Creek Road that has since become the museum. Sanderson continued to collect while living there.

His collections included artifacts from the War of Independence to the Civil War and up through the two world wars.

Sanderson also hoarded newspapers.

According to Minarchi, “If you had seen the museum [before it was cleaned up] you’d know what it was like when Chris died. He had a collection of things that were all over the place. So Tom, and his wife, Joyce, and the other founders sifted through all of the articles in Chris’ collection, and catalogued and indexed them and put them on display.”

Those founding board members include the late Andrew Wyeth and Richard Layton, an artist from Wilmington.

“You can’t imagine … the piles and piles of debris,” Layton. “Chris saved everything.”

Layton added that it took those early board members, with Thompson in the lead, “a good year and a half, and add on to that” to clean up the house.

He said Thompson’s efforts were key, calling him the “executive president” of getting people focused and organizing the work, leading to the current display.

Thompson was asked what it was like cleaning up after Sanderson died.

“It’s pretty hard to describe,” he said. “Newspapers on the floor, everywhere, canned food on the steps going upstairs. Upstairs, newspapers on the floor, in the hallway, on the bed, newspapers in the bathtub up to here,” Thompson said holding his hand high above his head.

He said he’s “very much satisfied” with the way the house, now museum, looks now.

“It’s a nice tribute to Chris,” he said.

He doesn’t want to see anything changed in the future, Thompson said, but does want to see it maintained.

Photo caption: Author Gene Pisasale, left, with Tommy Thompson, the founding curator of the Chris Sanderson Museum on Creek Road in Chadds Ford Township. Pisasale gave Thompson a copy of his book about Thompson’s efforts as the museum’s first curator. (Photo by Rich Schwartzman)

About Rich Schwartzman

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Police log July 26

Police

• State police are investigating a case of criminal mischief at Brandywine Battlefield Park. A police report said someone spray-painted the word “VAILE” on two dumpsters at the park sometime between 4 p.m. on July 14 and 8 p.m. on July 15.

• A motorcyclist reported minor injuries after a car/motorcycle accident on Ridge Road in Chadds Ford Township on July 22. Police said Drew Barnabei, reportedly of Chadds Ford, was the cyclist. Police identified the driver of the car as Mike Bullinger of Kennett Square.

• Graceann Diandrea, who police said is from Chadds Ford, was arrested for DUI after a traffic stop at routes 1 and 322 on July 18. A police report said Diandrea showed signs of alcohol impairment.

• State police recovered a stolen vehicle in Concord Township and reported the arrest of a 21-year-old from Wilmington. The vehicle, stolen from Hertz Rental Co., was recovered at Route 1 and Brinton Lake Road. Police charged Lenday Mathis with receiving stolen property.

• DUI charges were pending against a 40-year-old from Florida following a July 21 traffic stop at Route 1 and Brinton Lake Road. Police said Marc Joseph Wagner, of Boynton Beach, Fla. stopped for a traffic violation and subsequently determined to be under the influence of alcohol.

• No injuries were reported following a three-car accident at Route 1 near Route 202 on July 17, but one of the drivers was cited after rear-ending the car in front. The second car then hit a third. Nicole Garzia, 20, of Wilmington, was charged with failing to maintain proper speed. A total of five people were in the three vehicles.

• Someone broke into a car parked in the lot at the Texas Roadhouse and stole electronics and a purse. Police are investigating the July 20 incident.

• A 66-year-old motorcyclist from Wilmington was struck by a car on Dickinson Drive near Route 1 in Chadds Ford Township on July 12. The car driver, an 18-year-old from Glen Mills was cited for making an improper U-turn. A police report said the motorcyclist was uninjured, but received EMS transport anyway.

• Sometime between 8 p.m. on July 19 and 8 a.m. on July 20, five people had their cars broken into on Stockford Road in Pennsbury Township. A police report said the thief or thieves were looking for loose change. The total amount stolen was $3, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call the state police Avondale barracks at 610-268-2022.

• Pennsylvania State Police are reminding people to lock their car doors and to take or hide any valuables. According to an email from Chadds Ford Township Manager Joe Barakat, Lt. Anthony Sivo, barracks commander for Troop K, Media barracks, sent out a memo that car break-ins are on the rise nationwide and that the greater Chadds Ford area is not exempt.

About CFLive Staff

See Contributors Page https://chaddsfordlive.com/writers/

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Around Town July 26

Along the Ford

• Pagano’s changes hands
Pagano’s Villaggio Italiano is changing ownership. Chef Anthony Stella is taking over from the Pagano family, but the deli in Olde Ridge Village will keep the same name it’s had since opening in 2003. A press release said Stela plans to introduce new items, services and ideas.

• More Wyeth Tours
The Brandywine River Museum has added eight additional days for visitors to take the “Art of Andrew Wyeth” tour. All previously scheduled dates have sold out. On these special tours, visitors explore the art of Andrew Wyeth with a visit to his newly-opened studio, a docent-led tour featuring “Three Generations of Wyeth Art” in the Brandywine River Museum’s renowned collections, and a leisurely lunch in the Museum restaurant overlooking the scenic Brandywine. Tours take place every Tuesday From July 31 through Nov. 13.

• Job fair for vets
On Sept. 6, 2012, Radley Run Country Club will host a job fair for recent U.S. veterans. The job fair will be held in the Club’s main dining room from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Several national efforts are underway to hire our brave, returning veterans and Radley Run is proud and thrilled to bring it to our community.

If you are a recent unemployed or underemployed veteran or know a recent veteran please contact Radley Run at 610-793-1660 to register for the event. Employers can attend the job fair for free by calling Radley Run at 610-793-1660 located at 1100 Country Club Road, West Chester.

About CFLive Staff

See Contributors Page https://chaddsfordlive.com/writers/

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Photo of the Week July 26

Along the Ford, Photo of the Week

Hydromill-in-the-green55 — Photo of the Week July 26

The old hydroelectric mill in Pennsbury Township is nestled in deep summer foliage. The mill was built in 1919, but was obsolete by 1930. (Photo by Rich Schwartzman)

About Rich Schwartzman

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Adopt-a-Pet July 26

Along the Ford

Meet Arnie – the Chester County SPCA’s pig. Arnie came to the shelter because his owner was no longer able to care for him. Arnie is a very friendly and easy going pig. He is about 1 1/2 years old and likes to spend his time outside in day and back in the house in the evening. He is even crate trained. Arnie has a lot of spunk and would love to come home with you. He also gets along with dogs and children. If you are able to provide Arnie or any of our other animals here at the shelter a home, visit the Chester County SPCA at 1212 Phoenixville Pike in West Goshen or call 610-692-6113. Arnie’s registration number is 96809760. To meet some of our other adoptable animals, visit the shelter or log onto www.ccspca.org. Not quite ready to adopt? Consider becoming a CCSPCA foster parent. Additional information and applications are available online or at the shelter.

About CFLive Staff

See Contributors Page https://chaddsfordlive.com/writers/

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Victoria Wyeth gets splattered to support kid’s art

School & Education

Victoria Wyeth:CCArts — Victoria Wyeth gets splattered to support kid’s art

Victoria Wyeth, the only grandchild of iconic artist Andrew Wyeth got splattered at the Center for the Creative Arts (CCArts) last week in Yorklyn to raise money for arts education scholarships for children. Wyeth jumped into the action at CCArts with fourth-sixth graders to create splatter painted works in the style of Jackson Pollock. The art class, Mad Science, taught by artist Jennifer Domal, moved outside so kids, teen interns, parents and Victoria could freely throw, drip, comb or rake paint onto wood boards. Using interior house paints, works of art emerged from the chaos. The kids and Victoria were as covered with paint as the works themselves. These works will be used as table centerpieces for CCArts’s annual fund-raiser, Luck of the Draw.

For the past three years Wyeth has helped CCArts raise scholarship funds for kids to attend summer camp by emceeing their annual fund-raiser, the Luck of the Draw, which will be held again this year on Sept. 29. On the night of the event, guests enter to find the traditional mix of elegant food, wine, live music, and mingling. At the door, they choose a playing card (the “draw”) and get a chance to enjoy the works of art (many donated by local artists) that line the walls.

Then the fun starts. One by one, Victoria Wyeth chooses cards from a deck. When she announces the card, the person with the matching card gets one minute to choose any work of art on the walls. Because the works are of such high quality, even people whose cards get chosen near the end go home happy, especially since many of the works are worth well more than the ticket price of $85. And each ticket holder can bring a non-participating guest for just $15.

At a time when many schools have reduced art programs (despite the fact that studies have shown that children who are exposed to the arts are more likely to excel academically), CCArts scholarships provide a vital service, benefitting over 200 children since 2007. Luck of the Draw offers an enjoyable and easy way to support these efforts.

For more information on Luck of the Draw, call 302-239-2434, visit www.ccarts.org or stop in at 410 Upper Snuff Mill Row, Yorklyn. Reservations are required and space is limited.

Photo caption: Victoria Wyeth splatter paints in the style of Jackson Pollock with kids in the CCArts summer camp. (Courtesy image)

About Press Release

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Living History: Historic inns and taverns of Chester County

Along the Ford

“No man can be a patriot on an empty stomach.”–William Cowper Brann (1855- 1898)

Pennsylvania taverns hold an important place in the founding of our country, with establishments like Philadelphia’s City Tavern serving George Washington at a party before his inauguration. Chester County has a rich culinary heritage dating back to before the Revolutionary War. Colonial inns (places to spend the night) and taverns (for eat and drink) were havens where merchants discussed business and weary travelers rested after a long journey. As immigrants from Cheshire, England traveled along the “King’s Road” — today’s Route 30 — inns sprung up to meet their needs. The highest class was called a “stage stand”, where good food and clean linens could be found. The next tier was dubbed a “wagon stand”, where men driving teams of horses stopped for refreshment. “Drove stands” were next in quality, serving plain fare to men who mostly wanted forage for their cattle. Lowest in stature was the “tap house,” where less affluent travelers stopped for a boisterous evening of drink.

The Dilworthtown Inn

Opened in 1770, the Dilworthtown Inn was used temporarily as a prison for soldiers captured by the British after the Battle of the Brandywine. First called the Sign of the Country Farmer, its kitchen with the beehive oven was later converted into a private dining room, offering fine dining amidst colonial surroundings.

The Ship Inn

When a group of patriot soldiers sought refreshment after Brandywine, loyalist Thomas Park refused them service. Having been scorned, they shot thirteen bullets into the placard of the Ship Inn. Today the “Sign of the Ship” serves its guests in stately, old world elegance, offering excellent food and a rustic atmosphere with fireplaces in every room. The “25 M To P” carved on the stone tablet aside the oversized fireplace in the tavern indicates it was a 25 mile journey to Philadelphia.

The Eagle Tavern

Receiving a liquor license in 1727, the Eagle Tavern was once a hangout for the pre-Revolutionary War outlaws the Doan brothers. Located at the fork of two main thoroughfares, it’s been run by owner Lois Jones and her family since our Bicentennial in 1976. Lois can be seen today greeting guests and serving up hearty fare in the restaurant’s casual, friendly atmosphere.

The Inn At St. Peters Village

If you enjoy scenic views along the water, check out the deck at The Inn at St. Peters Village. The Fox Bar offers libations that you can sip while watching the waters of French Creek cascade over black granite boulders nearby. The Victorian-era inn dates back to 1881 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The rooms have been known to emit strange sounds, a local paranormal group claiming there are spirits other than those in bottles at the tavern.

The General Warren Inne

“Come view your patriot hero and friend… toast to freedom and to slavery’s end…” Patriots and loyalists have run the General Warren Inne since 1745, a role in hosting British troops before the Paoli Massacre its footnote in history. Originally named the Admiral Vernon Inn after a popular British naval officer, it was renamed the Warren Inn and offers both fine food and lodging.

The Vickers Tavern

The Vickers Tavern, once a Colonial farmhouse, was purchased by skilled pottery maker John Vickers in 1823. His grandfather was a prominent abolitionist and the tavern was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Four generations of the Vickers family operated the tavern in addition to producing distinctive pottery; Presidents and other notables like the Eisenhower family have dined there regularly.

The Duling-Kurtz House

The Duling-Kurtz House heritage goes back centuries. It was built in 1830 on property granted from William Penn; first owner James Nance built a nearby grist mill to produce flour. The Pennsylvania Railroad increased its business and several prominent families have been linked to its operation. Current owners Gertie and Michael Person (who also own The Ship Inn) utilize their training at Vienna restaurants serving high quality dishes in an elegant atmosphere, which includes live jazz on Friday nights.

Some local inns have taken on a more modern ambience, like the Chadds Ford Inn, which now serves guests as Brandywine Prime. The Marshalton Inn maintains its Colonial-style heritage, while others have been converted to private residences. Sadly, a few have faltered, like the Red Rose Inn, whose history dated back over 250 years. Despite the centuries, many of Chester County’s historic inns and taverns continue to offer the weary traveler a warm hearth, hearty food and friendly conversation.

For more information on the author of this article, visit his website at www.GenePisasale.com or e-mail him at Gene@GenePisasale.com

About Gene Pisasale

Gene Pisasale is an historian, author and lecturer based in Kennett Square, Pa. His eight books and historic lecture series focus on the history of the mid-Atlantic region. Gene’s latest book is Alexander Hamilton: Architect of the American Financial System, which delves into the life and many accomplishments of this important Founding Father who almost single-handedly transformed our nation from a bankrupt entity into the most successful country in the history of mankind. Gene’s books are available on www.Amazon.com. His website is www.GenePisasale.com; he can be reached at Gene@GenePisasale.com.

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Free Your Space: If I had a hammer

Home and Leisure

Oh, the number of projects promised to these summer months with a countless string of good intentions all loosely attached by a sticky note marked, “TO DO (as soon as I find my tools).”

We have been buoyed through the busy-ness of the school year, keeping pace with work, school and extra-curricular schedules, by the knowledge that summer will come. There will be a break when the little annoyances that plague our days can be dealt with once and for all: the leaky faucet, the missing piece of molding in the hallway, the cabinet whose hinge needs tightening, the towel bar awaiting installation.

It’s not that we mean to ignore these home projects. It’s that in spending the few hours we have set aside searching for the right tools for the job, a well-meaning attempt can quickly turn into a cool drink in the yard with a commiserating neighbor.

The reason these jobs gather dust might be that we haven’t first tackled the project that supports all others: our tools. When it comes to tackling around-the-house projects, nothing is quite as encouraging as having a handy, well-organized set of tools. Here are some tips for getting — and keeping — your tools organized:

Go on a treasure hunt. In order to know what you have to work with, you have to know where everything is. Start your tool-organizing endeavor by scouring the house for tools. You may have most of them in the garage or utility room, but are there any strays in the kitchen drawers? Under the bathroom sink? On the bedroom floor? Now’s the time to gather them all to one place.
Rate your findings. Do you have a hammer? Do you like the size and weight? Is the handle in good condition? Do you have more than one? More than three? A broad assortment of tools can be useful, but only if they work and offer good variety. Evaluate all your tools. Put them in size order. If you have doubles, decide which is better. Remove any tools that do not make the cut.
Complete your collection. Is there anything missing for the projects that you have lined up to do? Were you able to find both flat- and Phillips-head screwdrivers? Do you have or need a power drill? Make a list of exactly what’s missing and search the local fliers for summer sales.
Choose your storage. In order to provide proper storage for your tools, you need to know how large a storage container you need to have. Is a small toolbox sufficient or do you need to invest in something larger? There is also the option of hanging pegboard in a work area so that tools can be hung. And power tools will need their own shelf space.
Set up your space. Once you have decided on the tools and the type of tool storage, it is time to set it all up. Completely empty out the area and clean the space. Set up your toolbox, peg board and storage shelves. Keeping like items together, put all your tools away.

If tool accessibility has been holding you back from checking all those little fix-it tasks off your list, taking the time now to get your tools organized will pay off over and over again in the future. Rather than the frustration of knowing that there is yet another item to add to the list, you can feel the pride in being able to go directly to your toolbox and handling the job on the spot.

To contact Annette Reyman for organizing work, productivity support, gift certificates or speaking engagements in the Greater Philadelphia area call (610) 213-9559 or email her at annette@allrightorganizing.com. Reyman is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO®) and Board Member of its Greater Philadelphia Chapter. Visit her website at www.allrightorganizing.com or follow All Right Organizing on Facebook.

About Annette Reyman

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