21 and Older

It's that time of year again where you're surrounded by the hustle and bustle of decorating, shopping, baking, and of course visiting those you don't see very often. I'm talking about the holidays, which in addition to putting exorbitant amounts of purchases on your credit card, you also find yourself abiding by certain etiquette that you otherwise wouldn't follow at any other time of the year - like sending cards to distant relatives and clients or baking cookies for the church holiday bake sale.  Though some of the etiquette can be quite awkward for some people, there is one that must not be ignored: holiday work party etiquette.

Yes, there is alcohol and a more lenient dress code but don't let the party favors encourage a party foul.  Holiday work parties are wrapped within a social context but regardless of how laid back your company is, the event is still a BUSINESS function.  Often times, professionals of all ages make mistakes during professional/social gatherings that lead to dire consequences including termination of employment.  In other words, don't be THAT GUY or THAT GIRL known as the drunk, the flirt, the glutton, or even the party pooper.  Some may find it difficult to find the right balance between being a professional and a socialite in the same setting.  According to Peter Hess, the 30-year- old founder and president of YAPA, a free Internet-based membership organization for young professionals, the easiest way to road block your way to success is to mess up at a holiday work party.  

Hess and Lou Kennedy, a nationally known author on business etiquette have compiled a list of 10 "no-no's" to avoid this holiday season:
  

    - Mistake No. 1: The Blow-off. The biggest error is not going to an office party that is a  "must-attend" event. Says Hess - "If you do
that, you show disrespect for your company, your supervisors and your colleagues. That's a career-killer."

   - Mistake No. 2: Forgetting the Boss is Watching. Hess says senior managers pay attention to how people handle themselves at
corporate events. In his words - "They might not know your name, but they will remember your face."

   - Mistake No. 3: T-shirts and Sandals. Inappropriate dress at an office party draws attention, but the wrong kind. Says Kennedy -
"The goal is to display professional qualities, not show how funky or daring you are. Skip the plunging neckline and heavy cologne."

   - Mistake No. 4: The Business-talking Bore. Hess says - "Some young professionals let ambition drive them. They don't know how to enjoy conversation unless it is only about business. They become bores whom bosses avoid."

   - Mistake No. 5: Me, Me, Me. Kennedy says self-centered young professionals will have trouble working in teams with others...and
co-workers and bosses pick up on this.

   - Mistake No. 6: Who's the Boss? Says Hess - "It is amazing, but some young professionals do not introduce themselves to senior
managers at a company party. They are afraid of what a boss might think, or they don't realize the importance of a face- to-face
meeting. They should not be surprised when bosses ignore them when it comes time for advancement."

   - Mistake No. 7: About My Pay. Kennedy says an employee who raises pay or other personal issues at a company party "is marked as a person who does not understand what is and is not appropriate at social events. No employer wants that person in charge of others higher up on the corporate ladder."

   - Mistake No. 8: Hanky-panky. No longer is an office party an excuse for employees to become intimate. Says Hess - "Now it means sexual harassment charges and dismissal for one or both individuals."

   - Mistake No. 9: The College Bash. Says Kennedy - "Office parties are extensions of the workplace and not campus free-for-alls."
Using some of the speech and behavior allowed in college can show immaturity.

   - Mistake No. 10: Set 'em up, Joe. "Drinking to excess at a company party will kill a career instantly"...says Kennedy..."Don't have more than two alcoholic beverages and better yet, don't drink at all."

In addition to this advice, I suggest just three things when it comes to young, new, or aged professionals attending work holiday parties. First and foremost, dress for the occasion. This means taking into consideration the setting and mood of the party.  Is it business casual or black tie? Most importantly, it's dress to make a professional impression in a holiday light.  Second, if you can't handle your liquor or are afraid you might let your inner college days comes out, ask the bartender for a vodka-tonic minus the vodka, or a cranberry juice and lime. This averts attention away from your drink but also keeps you sober when the Vice President asks you what you do at the company.  And third, RELAX.  This is the time to really show the higher-ups who you are at the company and how you handle different situations than just sitting in a cubicle.  In fact, use the party to your ADVANTAGE.  Make them proud they made the right decision when hiring you and let them remember your face when it comes time for a promotion.  

And of course.....have fun!

Last Sunday, my boyfriend and I boarded the Fall Foliage Express on the West Chester Railroad.  After living in West Chester for 6 years, I'm a little embarrassed that I didn't know about it before.  To my surprise, it was the perfect afternoon date and we didn't have to go far (Market Street).  I bundled up in my orange scarf and started to get that giddy feeling a child would have about to ride a train for the first time.  The weather was absolutely breathtaking and the leaves were vibrant with oranges, reds, and yellows.  As I boarded the train, the conductor greeted me with a friendly hello and motioned to the snack bar that was located in the back street car.  Did he say snack bar?! (Hot chocolate and apple cider for me and of course my boyfriend gobbled down a hot dog.)   We took our seats and had a perfect view.  Inside the train there were decorative lights and glittered autumn leaves.   It was adorable and cozy and I felt my heart skip a beat as he took my hand.  Normally, I tend to get bored during touristy things like museums especially with monotone tour guides but the tour guide from the West Chester Railroad gave just the right amount of information as we passed things like Cheyney University and the tree farm that had quite the interesting story (I'll leave that one for you to find out).  We rode all the way to the Glenn Mills station and were able to get out at the historical society.  We stopped for a good 20 minutes with just enough time to snap photos by the train and fall scenery.  The ride back was calm and relaxing and everyone seemed to enjoy it as much as we did.  The best part about this is that the West Chester Railroad does this type of ride for Halloween and Christmas too. Slow train ride through the snow? You better believe we are going for another ride ;)

This ride is not just for couples.  In fact, the ride consisted mainly of families with their young children. But don't let that dissuade you either---there were no crying babies on this train! For all of you non-believers out there, I put together a top ten list of reasons why this is the perfect activity for all ages.  Just pack a camera and a very small amount of cash and you're set.  All aboard!

10. It's heated, has food and drink, and stops for a bathroom break.
9. It connects you to local history and tradition.
8. It lets you disconnect from the digital world, even if it's just for an hour.
7. You actually learn a thing or two.
6. You don't need a reservation (but could purchase tickets in advance if you'd like).
5. There are two times the train departs in case you're a late riser (12 PM and 2 PM).
4. There's free parking (Wait? in West Chester?!)
3. It's very kid friendly.
2. It's romantic (trust me..)
1. It's right in your backyard!

For more information, visit:  http://www.westchesterrr.com/

There’s something about living in a town where you can walk just about anywhere.  West Chester is definitely a walking town.  Sure there’s major roads and highways that are necessary to get you to certain places but the majority of needs can be met by putting on your walking shoes or yes--even heels!

I didn’t get my driver’s license until I was in my 20s.  This meant my life living in West Chester during college and for a short time after, I had to walk to get groceries, walk to work, and walk to the bars and restaurants.  Thankfully, the town of West Chester is welcoming to foot traffic.  On my way to work I could grab lunch, pick up my Friday night dress, and stop by a friend’s apartment--all within a mile.  

In the winter months, particularly in December, walking is still do-able.  Despite the cold and freezing temperatures, the town is decorated with wreaths, lights, and of course a big tree that makes my commute that much more enjoyable.  Sometimes, I felt like the scene  I saw as I walked was right out of a movie and I have to admit that I often pretended I was in one (maybe that’s what kept me warm).

And yes, the walking somehow is still an option even in heels.  Sure I complain a bit but I always make it to my destination and back in one piece. I’m kidding.  Walking in my high heels downtown was and is my favorite part about commuting by foot.  I’m sure people think if she can do that, she can do anything.  It's true.

West Chester also has so many accommodations for walkers.  From food trucks and hot dog stands to hot chocolate and even Philly pretzels, walkers can keep their stomachs full and their energy levels up. That's key for walking.

But of course I can’t go without mentioning the fact that walking everywhere meant I remained thin and healthy.  I also saved TONS of money on gas.  It was definitely a win-win.  So maybe the next time you go to get in your car, you’ll look down at your heels and say, I can do this.  I will walk.  And I promise you it will be worth it...

21 AND OLDER
by Courtney Conigliaro

I remember it like it was yesterday.  Seeing that sign on the door as if it was an entrance into a magical place far, far away. And it did seem far away at 20 years old. It was exclusive and for the elite--blocked off by velvet ropes and tall men checking off names on a short list letting only them get through.  And on my day entering that world there were balloons, crowns, party dresses, and white sparkling drinks in tall glasses.  As I walked up to that tall man, I felt proud yet intimidated.  It was my turn at last. I showed him my magical card and with a look and a swipe, I was in.   I entered that magical place.  I was officially a part of the 21 and older.

So what does that mean to me now at 24?  As a young professional living in West Chester, PA--it means the best part of adulthood.  That day brought on responsibility, maturity, and of course lots of fun.  Though the glamour of turning 21 has died down, the reality of it has made me into the person I am today. Sure, I made mistakes but I learned from them.  And becoming a young adult granted me access to a whole new world of opportunities--friendships, connections, careers, and experiences I never had.  

Now when I go to the bars on High and Gay street, those tall men don't seem so big and intimidating.  They know my name and give me the best seats and make sure I receive the best service. When I want to just chill and get away from the stress of work, I can travel to a special time called happy hour where I find that the majority of people are there for the same reason (which really paves the way for conversation.)  And when I get my hair and makeup done at the salon, I can sip champagne as I flip through fashion mags with the other women as we chat about the latest gossip in Hollywood. During the autumn season, I can go to pumpkin ale sampling and wear my new fall scarf and boots while meeting tons of new people and learning a thing or two. But it's not just about alcohol.  My best girlfriend and I love to get appetizers late night around 10 PM and we end up talking for hours at a place we feel welcome.  Or I can go to that Halloween costume contest hoping my Lady GaGa outfit wins me first prize.  It's these times in this place that bring the best of memories that I wouldn't have had anywhere else or at any other age.

I'm sure some would agree that it's cool to be 21 and older for all the wrong reasons.  
But I enjoy it for the right ones, the magical ones, and I love every minute