Staff Blogs

21 AND OLDERby Courtney ConigliaroI 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 ...

There are many people who have had an impact on West Chester. Along these people comes countless stories that are factual and then there are some "Big Fish" tales. This is a true story about a man who was bigger than the "Big Fish" stories that preceded him.A giant once roamed the streets of West Chester. The Howard Stern Radio Show dubbed him ...

Rufus, the notorious stink bug, has returned! West Chester residents unite to exterminate the little buggers! ...

If you grew up like I did, a week at the Jersey Shore was the epitome of summer. I counted the days on the massive, office-turned-family calendar that hung in the hall above the muddy cleats and abandoned water bottles. I carefully marked X on each day until we reached the long, black line that stretched from Saturday to Saturday and read in bold, ...

I absolutely LOVE West Chester in the fall! I live very close to the Gordon Nature Preserve (http://www.gordonarea.org/) and one of my all-time favorite autumn activities is taking long walks along the trails with my dog, Lady, and my step-daughter. We indulge in hot chocolate as we discuss the new school year - friends, teachers, cafeteria gossip, ...

It's been a weeks since the tragic accident that took the lives of Ryan & Zach. I have found some clarity in my thoughts, finally, to write an amusing anecdote and about my personal friendship. I don't want to mention, just yet, anything about drinking and driving. That's another post unto itself. Two people dies because of the enjoyment of spe ...

Tis the season to be booked up every weekend. Best Friend Betty is having a soirée which will undoubtedly be filled with cheap beers, forever friends and censored Facebook pics. Next weekend your Auntie Alice is hosting a family gathering with delicious home made hor d'oeuvres, the cutest little cousins around, and the predictable meltdown between ...

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 ...

Mini Skirts.  Yes, it’s November and I said “Mini Skirts”.  They are in for Fall in a big way.  But alas, how do you wear them without having goose bumps 18 hrs a day (I’m assuming you don’t fall asleep in your day clothes, but if you do, I’m not judging). Sport that mini with tights!  It’s the hottest look right now and I sugg ...

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 ...

Welcome to the "What to Wear" blog where we give you tips and tricks to looking your best, how to wear trends, and how to feel confident about what you wear! These days, people are pinching their pennies and trying to make the most of their paychecks. But it doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice your choices in fashion. You can look unbelievable ...

It’s raining, it’s pouring, and Starbucks is roaring!!! Anytime I step foot into the Starbucks on campus, there is always a line of at least three people in front of me. In between classes is the worst time to go to Starbucks because the line is out the door and it takes about 15-20 minutes to get your morning, afternoon, or nighttime coffee. Being ...

The other day I met some really awesome people at the most random place ever. I went to a break dance club meeting, which is not like me at all. However, I had a blast. The music was loud and the people were extremely nice and welcoming. Everyone was breaking (the term break dancers use to describe their dancing) and laughing, having such a great t ...

Can you smell the snow tonight? Oh yes I can! Although some people fret about the winter and get nervous about driving in the snow, I am always excited about this change of season. I enjoy being out in the snow, watching it fall from my warm, cozy couch with Swiss Miss hot chocolate in hand. I enjoy wearing my UGG boots, with a warm sweater and a j ...

Is it just me, or does it seem like everyone feels obligated to have every moment of their day filled? Society tells us we need to be busy, because if we aren’t busy then we just simply aren’t living. I think it’s a lie. That’s right, I’m questioning the status quo about how busy I actually have to be before they say that I’m too busy. I’ve talked ...

My mom ias right about 99.99% of the time. Remembering this reminds me of a time when I was in 1st grade and was as invincible as Tommy Pickles from Rugrats who always got away with everything and never got hurt! I think we all feel invincible until we grow up and realize we aren’t, which symbolizes the end of our Rugrats days. So, back to my stor ...

I came across this poem and it suck in my head and made me think, hard. I am concerned about the literacy of our young. What is, or has become, acceptable in our verbal form of communication? It's about education; it's always been about education, which starts in the home. I know as a Parent, the buck stop here, and the finger is pointed at me, or ...

When I was younger I thought a Veteran was someone like my Grandfather, an older man with gray hair, pale wrinkled skin, and tons of stories lingering in his head. Now that I’m older I view a Veteran as a completely different kind of person. To have the bravery to put your life in jeopardy for this country just because you want to – is an honorable ...

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 st ...

I was a partner in a bar in Media some years back. We had Karaoke every Sunday(JohnnyFamous). Marvis and Joe Frazier would show up from time to time. Joe would sing his version of "My Way" every time.  Marvis got everyone at the bar together and said, "When my Father starts singing, we need everyone to run out of the Bar" This was a take off o ...

I like his last name so I followed his career. He was the next generation geek who gets himself in with the hot girl, makes her angry, and then in Hollywood fashion, he gets the girl. Then geeks around the world rejoice because they think that "art" imitates life. But in this case, kids are cruel and it doesn't.  Years go by, in my mind in Hol ...

I have been enlisted to write some articles from the male perspective.  This could be for many reasons, I am a male, men read this site, they have too many female writers and not enough male writers or the simplest explanation, the site was my idea in the first place!  No matter the reason, I am excited to spew my useless knowledge on to ...

 Several weeks ago I told you that I would be celebrating American Education Week by participating as a guest reader in a third grade classroom at Bancroft Elementary School in the Kennett Consolidated School District.  Here’s an update:  Prior to the date of the event, I asked my colleague and friend, Dr. Dan Darigan, if he would s ...

I usually remind my patients at this time of year not to forget your dynamicsof life…in other words: Self, Family, Spirit, Work and Community. We tend torun around with our heads chopped off this time of year, doing too much andreally for what! If we lead with our divine will and pay attention to whatreally is important, self, family and spirit, we ...

We are smack in the middle of American Education Week, an annual observance created 90 years ago in part by the National Education Association (NEA).  According to NEA (nea.org), the observance, honors students' hard work to learn, recognizes the professionalism and dedication of teachers, support staff and other educators, thanks parents and ...

I am sitting in front of my computer drafting this post because I had lunch with my friend Meghan Kelly a few weeks ago.  We spent nearly three hours at the Sidebar Restaurant on Gay Street catching up.  At one point during our (really delicious) meal, she asked me to consider blogging for WestChester-pa.com on topics related to education ...

I wanted to let you all know quickly to get out to the Ram's Head to hear an amazing guitar player, Steve Sottung. He has a great voice and has been entertaining for "ever". I love him and I wanted to remind you all that he is playing in town tomorrow nite, Friday March 23rd. Ram's Head, Market and Walnut Streets West Chester March 23, 7pm ...

Remember to tune in to my radio show every Tuesday at 4:30 on WCHE 1520am. The "Wellness 411 Show" is all about discussing hot healthcare topics. My purpose with this show to give my community and the public at large live on the web, information so that they build stronger and have healthier families. I am currently in the middle of a series ...

 New Year brings on a “fresh start” feel to our lives that should come from the heart.  This may have different meanings for all of us.  There is no “one right way” to set up your New Year’s goals or resolutions.  So many of us get caught up in the hype of the media pushing us to think that their ideas are what we should do.&nbs ...

Yesterday on “The Wellness 411 Show” I had in the studio with me certified personal trainer and fitness expert, Tanya Stroh. I have had Tanya on my show many times, but yesterday was especially exciting because she as has launched her exclusive “6 Week Shape Up Challenge.” Tanya’s philosophy, one that we share, is that a fit and healthy lifestyle ...