September 23, 2014 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Official says no confirmed Enterovirus in Chester County

A Chester County health investigator said Monday, Sept. 22, that there are no confirmed cases of the Enterovirus D68 despite word there is such a case involving a student at Unionville High school.

Last week, Unionville High School sent a message to parents saying there had been a case of the virus at UHS. However, Chester County Health Department Communicable Disease Investigator Jan Achenbach said there has been no confirmation of EV-D68 in the county.

According to U-CFSD’s Dave Listman, the district confirmed the case at UHS on Sept. 15 and contacted the health department.

“The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District confirms that one of its high school students has the EV-D68 virus. The student will not return to school until cleared to return,” Listman said in an e-mail.

In a follow-up-email, he said, “We have a student in the hospital and so we wanted to alert our community to take prudent precautions based on the alert the health department had put out previously. I’ve had a few conversations with Jan [Achenbach] and I understand that they can’t report a confirmed case until the CDC confirms the case with a lab test.”

In the interim, the school has implemented measures to minimize risks to students.

Achenbach said that precautions against EV-D68 are the same as for other viruses, that basic hygiene and sanitation practices are needed to control the spread.

While stressing there are no confirmed cases of EV-D68 in the county, Achenbach said, “This is a virus and viruses are very common and I know there are people being tested and evaluated for all kinds of viruses.”

EV-D68 was first identified in California 1962, she said. It’s one of many viruses and is not very common, but “does have its cycles. This is apparently its time when it’s spreading.”

Achenbach added that the beginning of the school year is a common time for an increased in viral illnesses because children are, again, sharing close spaces.

“As always, the most important thing is to not cough or sneeze on other people, wash your hands,” she said. “Don’t let anyone cough or sneeze on you. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. And realize this virus can live on surfaces for a very short period of time. So cleaning, environmental cleaning is another prevention measure.”

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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Art Watch: Margaret Matuszewski ‘s Chester County florals

Arts & Entertainment

When you think of painted flowers and lush fields of poppies, you first think of the Impressionists, and then you might think of local delightful painter Margaret Matuszewski. I first saw her work at the Unionville Art Gala where she is a longtime favorite, with her feathery brushstrokes and abundance of color, Margaret’s painting are lush with natural bounty.

This Thursday Margaret will be doing a one day pop up show at Galer Estate Winery from 4-8 pm, where you can meet the artist and choose from some of her modestly priced painted originals. A portion of the proceeds benefit Tick Tock Early Learning Center which is currently raising funds for a kitchen expansion.

Brilliant plein air painter Heather Davis with be exhibiting in her paintings in her first solo show opening Wednesday September 24th from 6-7:30 pm at Penn State Great Valley Main Building (2nd Floor Gallery).

Heather won this solo show after winning first prize in the Chester County Art Association’s Member competition back in the Spring, and she has been painting non-stop to prepare for this not-to-be-missed first solo show.

After leaving the art world for many years while she owned her own construction firm, Heather has come back to the Chester County art scene with complete dedication and determination. Winning first prize at the esteemed Children’s Beach House Plein Air competition last year established her as a stellar plein air painter in the Brandywine Tradition. I can’t wait to see her show this Wednesday and cheer her on!

The big Chester County Art Association & The Hickman’s “Art of Caring” two day event is finally here this weekend in downtown West Chester. The Art celebration and fundraiser begins at the Hickman on Friday Night with a Galer Estate Winery wine-tasting and food pairing, amidst a background of wonderful Hickman artworks of former Art of Caring celebrations. The event is held at The Hickman’s beautiful historical building at 400 North Walnut Street in West Chester and will go from 5-8 pm.

The Art of Caring event continues then at the Chester County Art Association which will present the Exhibition “Place” which will have awards and prizes, as well as music, food and drink. For tickets you can go to online or call 610.696.5600 x13, or just show up and pay at the door. Great causes, great art and just a great evening all around for this Friday night. The Hickman/CCAA partnership continues on Saturday for a first ever outdoor Art Festival located in front of the Hickman from 10am to 4pm. Should be good fun for the whole family.

If you are going to walk through town and go to the fabulous Saturday West Chester open market, you might stop by Starbucks and check out the latest works by award winning pastel artist Denise Vitollo.

There is also a new show at the Church Street Gallery featuring the beautiful paintings of Beth Clark . The Clark show is titled “Explorations” because the artist explored the many possible viewpoints of a small number of Chester County woodlands. These locations include the now vanished Paxson Woods, currently the new Dean St. extension. These very special paintings of the Paxson Woods are a beautiful reminder of our borough’s more recent history. Also included are the artists many “viewpoints” of the Stroud Preserve, one of Chester Counties finest unspoiled landscapes. The opening is Friday night from 5-9 pm! A busy Friday for art lovers.

http://mrgtm.com

www.galerestate.com

www.ticktock.kennett.net

www.chestercountyarts.org

www.thehickman.org

https://paintedcountyryviews.eventbrite.com

www.denisevittolo.com

www.churchstreetgallerywc.com

About Lele Galer

Lele Galer is an artist who has chaired numerous art shows, taught art history and studio art, public art and has chaired, written and taught the Art in Action Art Appreciation series for the UCFD schools for the past 12 years. She worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and wrote for the Associated Press in Rome. She has been dedicated to Art History and art education for most of her adult life. Lele and her husband Brad own Galer Estate Winery in Kennett Square.

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The Empowered Parent: The best gift you can give

School & Education

When I chose to have my son at home, I did a lot of research. I researched the safety aspects. I learned about all the potential risks. I interviewed OBs and midwives and chose the provider that was the best fit for me and my growing family. I was blessed to have a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy.

Nevertheless, I mapped out the routes and times to the closest hospitals in case there was an emergency. I planned for the best, but prepared for the worst. I made sure my partner was authorized to talk to doctors in case we had to go to the hospital, and my wishes for my care were documented so he wouldn’t have to guess.

I truly believe the way a woman chooses to give birth is her first decision as a parent. That plan may not always play out the way she envisioned, but there is power in making the decisions involved in pregnancy and labor.

Another of my firm beliefs is one of the most loving and protective things a person can do for their family is have a health care emergency plan in place.

In my last column I discussed the advantage of officially naming guardians for your child in the event of an emergency. You can round out your planning by documenting your wishes for who has access to your health information, who can make decisions for you, and what guidance you give when you are unable to voice it yourself.

You’ve probably heard of a Living Will (even if you didn’t know its name). It’s the document that gets the most press because when people don’t have one we end up reading about families arguing over end of life care for someone they love. They are ordinary people in extraordinary — but not impossible — situations. Making a Living Will is an opportunity to let your family and doctors know what your wishes are, and to save your family the stress and grief of having to decide on their own.

More frequently though, is a short-term emergency. It’s important to name an agent for decision-making and access to your health information in case you are temporarily incapacitated. If you are in an unmarried long-term partnership, this is especially important for your family.

Getting your plan in order is a great way to empower your family and alleviate stress they may have if you have an emergency. It’s a gift you can give them right now. Even if it’s never needed, there is peace of mind from creating a plan now rather than reacting if a situation arises.

Now, I know, these are not topics anyone other than a lawyer wants to talk about. That is exactly why I urge people to talk about it now, before it’s needed. Make decisions before you’re under pressure. Document them. Make sure your family knows. Use this column to break the ice next time you sit down with your family–”Hey Hon, I read an article by a woman who had her son at home, and she made some good points about making plans. It got me wondering-What are your thoughts in case I have to make decisions for you?” Start the conversation.

For further information about health emergency planning, check out Crozer Keystone Staff’s recent article What’s Your Game Plan in An Emergency?

Come out to the Upper Chichester Health and Safety Fair on Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Municipal Building on Furey Road to talk to Valerie Borek, Esq. in person.

About Valerie Borek

Valerie Borek, Esq. is a Delaware County native with a passion for empowering people. She believes a strong family is a building block to strong communities. She founded her law firm to serve families with a focus on parenting and family rights. As a mother herself, she knows that parents face tough choices and need support. Valerie is grateful to be in a profession where she can guide people through life’s circumstance so they can focus on the things in life that matter most. Valerie finds her greatest motivation in helping families strengthen their health and wealth. These two foundational areas of life resonate through the day-to-day and when we feel comfortable and secure in these spheres, we are free and enabled to create and nurture the lives we desire. Visit her at www.vboreklaw.com

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Dead guy, deadline help filmmakers deliver

Local News

Adam Carl (left) and Alan Dembek learned last week that their entry in the Philadelphia 48 Hour Film Project won several awards.

The dramatic challenge: Create a character named Victor or Virginia Chesterfield, introduce a floral prop, involve a hedge-fund manager, and employ the line: “That looks like fun.”

Such a task might not qualify as fun for many, but it definitely appealed to a group of former Unionville High friends. They answered the call for applicants issued by the Philadelphia 48 Hour Film Project, which is billed as the world’s largest timed filmmaking competition. In the process, they won multiple honors for their entry, “Before the Darkness Claims Us.”

Designed to advance the art of filmmaking, the 48 Hour Film Project requires competitors to complete all writing, shooting, editing and scoring of a four- to seven-minute film within a two-day time frame. “Before the Darkness Claims Us” won best film last week for CDAV Productions, a company started a few years ago by 2013 Unionville High graduates Adam Carl, 20, and Alan Dembek, 19; best acting for Abu Akki, a Unionville High junior; and best writing for Connor McShane, a 2012 Unionville graduate who attends Ohio State University.

Shot in East Marlborough and Pocopson Townships in late August, “Before the Darkness Claims Us” focuses on the strained relationship between Akki and his stepbrother, played by McShane, as they grapple with their father’s death. As Akki wrestles with his conflicted emotions through therapy, McShane confronts his demons at an AA meeting.

The film utilized local scenes and talent. The cast features a number of past and former Unionville students as well as Carl’s father, Bill Carl, who plays a recovering alcoholic, and his mother, Ruthie Kranz-Carl, who supplies the voice of a therapist. Dembek’s younger brother, Jonathan, appears in the film’s funeral scene, and his father, Scott Dembek, portrays the face of the deceased hedge-fund manager.

Dembek said he and his fellow filmmakers didn’t even know what a hedge-fund manager was when they got the film’s requirements so they immediately killed him off.

“It qualifies in the rules because there is no mention that your given character has to be a major character; he just needs to be on screen,” said Dembek, explaining the importance of the shot featuring a photo of Dembek’s father, who doubles as the decedent.

Carl, an aspiring sound engineer, and Dembek, who is studying cinematography, went in different directions to college – Dembek to DePaul University in Chicago and Carl to Ithaca College in New York. Despite the distance, they continued to collaborate on film projects, a geographic challenge that was eliminated when Carl transferred to DePaul after his freshman year.

Both Carl and Dembek credited their families with helping them pursue their cinematic dreams and expressed gratitude to the multitude of people who assisted them on the set with production chores or moral support. “This film was very tough to accomplish in just two days,” said Carl.

Elaborating on the deadline-driven production, Dembek added: “Normal set procedure was for the most part thrown out the window. We had to focus more on finishing the film than upholding the standard of quality that a regular production would bring.”

“Before the Darkness Claims Us” will go on to compete against the winning entries from more than 60 U.S. cities and 30 countries. All “Best of City” films will compete for the international title of Best Film of the 2014 48 Hour Film Project. Ten of the best films of the 2014 Tour will be screened at the Cannes Film Festival’s Short Film Corner in 2015.

Carl and Dembek’s partnership has received previous recognition. In 2013, “Chances of,” a nearly five-minute short they created, took second place statewide in the digital movie category of the Pennsylvania High School Computer Fair at Dickinson College. The film, which also starred Akki, depicted his awkward and often humorous efforts to take a girl he liked to a high school dance.

To watch “Before the Darkness Claims Us,” go to http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=20NapeieK3w.

About CFLive Staff

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

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A savory Sunday at the West Chester Restaurant Festival

Along the Ford

Restaurant-Festival2 — A savory Sunday at the West Chester Restaurant Festival

Visitors relished local cuisine at the Chester County Restaurant Festival in Downtown West Chester on Sunday, Sept. 21. Under a sunny sky, crowds poured into the streets and vendors offered a taste of a little bit of everything.

Chef Tom of West Chester Carlino’s has been working the festival for seven years. Every year, he said, there is something new. Dishes this year were gluten-free Panini’s as well as two salads that they will be debuting for fall. One was roasted butternut squash and wild rice salad with mild lemon oil and pineapple white vinegar; the other was a roasted corn and barley salad with cranberry balsamic vinegar.

For Joey and Kathleen of Cupcakes Gourmet out of Wayne and Paoli, they were excited to serve up the Oktoberfest beer cupcake for the first time, a vanilla cake with a beer frosting. “Red velvet is the most popular,” Joey said. This time of year, pumpkin spice is usually a close second. Having been attending the festival for six years, they affirmed that it does boost business.

MoJo’s Pop Co., a mother-daughter operation run by Maureen Namiotka, sold favorites such as Maureen’s Original Almond popcorn. A frequent vender at the Artisan Exchange in West Chester, this was another way to get their product out to customers.

For Popcorn Obsession, which opened earlier this year in Painter’s Crossing shopping center, this was their first year. According to Benjamin, the zebra caramel popcorn was “the top seller by expediential amounts.” It’s a recipe where popcorn is layered with caramel, white chocolate and sea salt. Spicy buffalo was another favorite.

Mãs Margarita, the only rooftop restaurant in West Chester, was on hand dishing up tacos, chips and sauces. Some of their signature sauces for sale were the Mole Sauce and the Salsa Roja.

Other booths had their own favorite dishes. Dave Wenerd, executive chef at The Gables at Chadds Ford said that the shrimp and grits plate was among them. Though not new to the menu, it is set to be a consistent item. The festival also afforded The Gables the opportunity to present the pretzel baguette.

Focus was not limited to just pleasing people, but pets as well. Boutiques such as Junior’s Favorite Dog Treats were on hand to serve such treats as dog cake pops made with peanut butter. Customers were also favoring mix bags. With mixed bags, they mixed-and-matched dog cookies made out of such ingredients as oatmeal along with a peanut butter and bacon combo cookie. They could also select mini muffins that came in such flavors as banana bread.

Restaurants and food sellers weren’t the only ones with booths. Entrepreneur Abby Zimmerman of Pink Accents Jewelry, who works out of her home, was selling handmade earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Her big sellers were Halloween-themed earrings, bracelets with charms of the Philadelphia Eagles and charms for wine glasses. She said that she got the idea for being an independent business woman one day while merely looking at a chain of brown pearls and thinking “it would be really cool to just string up a bunch of colors, throw it all together and see what happens.” The result was a new, personal franchise.

Most vendors hit the streets around 8 and 9 a.m. to set up shop and get ready for a day of music, food and fun. If there was any singular theme to the day, it was all about promoting local business and supporting the community.

About Erin Moonyeen Haley

After graduating from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia with a degree in Writing for Film and Television, Erin made the cross-country road trip to Los Angeles where she worked nights at Disneyland before landing assistant gigs at agencies and various production companies. After five years, she decided on a career change and returned to the East Coast, enrolling in West Chester University to earn a Masters in English. Now, she is going on to earn her teaching certificate to teach English in the high school classroom. Throughout all of these years, she's been able to keep her resume eclectic, interning at the Cannes Film Festival, studying art history in Florence, Italy, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and writing freelance articles for such websites as EHow.com, garden guides.com and suite101.com. In the end, writing, traveling, and teaching remain her ultimate passions.

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