M*A*S*H fans flocked to the Cottage at Valley Forge Flowers to meet Loretta Swit, aka Hot Lips Houlihan.
The star: Actress, artist and animal rights activist, Swit, now 79, came to Wayne June 29 to sign copies of Switheart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit. Fetched from New York by a Valley Forge Flowers staffer, Swit was reportedly “lovely” and raved about the antiques and collectibles at the Cottage.
The book: Features 65 watercolors of animals painted by Swit, plus anecdotes and photos of the actress with various animals. The two-time Emmy-winning actress won her first art award at age 6.
The cause: Proceeds from sales of Switheart and its companion posters and greeting cards are being donated to organizations working to end animal suffering and cruelty. Click here to order a $55 signed copy.
Every little bit helps: Guests were charged $25 for photos with the star – the fee also went to animal causes.
Birds of a feather: VF Flowers owner Barb King serves on the board of Main Line Animal Rescue, so it’s not a huge surprise that Swit’s people would arrange for her to appear at Barb’s store.
Two Swit sayings: “Animals are my friends, not my food.” (She’s a devoted vegan.) “You don’t buy animals; you adopt them.”
A meeting of two actresses: Sara Schmidt of Berwyn and her mother, Julie, pose with Loretta Swit. When the M*A*S*H star learned that Sara Schmidt played the female lead in Jersey Boys for its entire Broadway run, the two talked shop. Swit confessed that she’d only seen the Jersey Boys movie and Sara told her she should see the show performed live. (Photo by Cat Sloat)
Three ladies you may have seen on QVC: Valley Forge Flowers owner Barbara King, Tova Borgnine of Malvern (fifth wife and widow of Ernest Borgnine and owner of Beauty by Tova) and makeup artist Nelda Corbett of Phoenixville. Fun fact: Ernest Borgnine was best man at Barbara’s wedding to Joe Paolino. (Photo by Cat Sloat)
Mary Nixon of Berwyn and Jan Kennedy of Gladwyne had two reasons to attend the book signing: “We love animals and we love M*A*S*H.” (Photo by Cat Sloat)
Lisa Pitney of Radnor and Margaret Welsh of Haverford. (Photo by Cat Sloat)
Home of the Sparrow’s Jazz night celebrates sights & sounds of Tuscany
The weather was humid and the jazz smooth as 375 Sparrow supporters gathered at Malvern’s Phelps School June 17 for the 22nd Jazz on the Main Line, “Amore – An Evening in Italy.”
The evening: Sparrow’s signature fundraiser featured a giant silent auction, a spirited live auction, dinner and dancing to City Rhythm, raising $161,000.
Most coveted auction prizes: Stays at a private Tuscan villa and a French Chateau, a trip to Deer Valley and tickets to Hamilton on Broadway. A trip to Iceland was raffled off, too.
Spreading its wings: New CEO Michelle Venema spoke about Home of the Sparrow’s ongoing efforts to expand partnerships with other agencies, businesses and county government.
The cause: Home of the Sparrow partners with Chester County women in crisis to prevent homelessness, find housing and empower brighter futures. The nonprofit provided supportive housing to a record 500 women and children in 2016.
Board member Stacy Sempier of Paoli, board member emeritus Lisa Schiel of Wayne, board member Lucas Virnig of Manayunk, Board chair Barbara Dougherty of Berwyn and board member Lisa Mitchell of West Chester.
Jeff and Suzie Small and Board member Valeri Boclair and her husband, Rich, all of Malvern.
Tom Weagley, CEO of presenting sponsor Malvern Federal, with Michelle Venema, CEO of Home of the Sparrow.
Decorating Committee member Jane Guelich and event co-chair Emily Interrante.
Susan Sabouni of Berwyn, Cindy Cornish of Chesterbrook, Kimberly Siejack of Berwyn and Donna Giancarlo of Chesterbrook.
Home of the Sparrow Board members Susie Sparkman of Exton, Martha Philpott of West Chester, Paula King of Downingtown, who is also the event co-chair, and Elise Mihranian of Chester Springs.
Home of the Sparrow Director of Programs Matrie Johnson of Devon, Case Manager Priscilla Cathers of Exton, and Volunteer Marie Pettinos of Malvern.
Sharon Ritrovato of Devon and Marilyn Parsons of Chesterbrook look at a painting, “Mill at Anselma” by local artist Don Shoffner in the silent auction.
Jeannie McGinn and Joan Walsh, both of West Chester.
Dick Guelich buys raffle tickets for a stack of 12 cases of beer from Board member Janet Zeis of Exton.
Decorating Committee member Eileen Vaughan of Villanova, and sisters-in-law Karen Esola of Eastontown, NJ, and Carol Caracand of Berwyn.
Supporters Holly and Mike Pollock of Phoenixville.
Tim and Lisa Walsh of Exton, Ken and Laura Hunt of Pottstown, and Kristen and Ryan Murray of Audubon.
Appleford friends celebrate Summer Solstice
Friends and neighbors of Appleford gathered on the lush grounds of the Villanova estate for a lovely summer garden party on June 22, one day after the longest day of the year.
The soirée: Each year Appleford’s catering, floral, party rental and valet partners donate their services to the alfresco affair.
The cause: Summer Solstice proceeds support the preservation and care of the historic estate and its 24 acres of grounds and gardens, which include an arboretum and bird sanctuary.
About Appleford: Owned by Lower Merion Township since 1973 and managed by the volunteer Appleford Committee with no government funding, Appleford is a popular wedding and special event venue. The original house – a quintessential Pa. fieldstone country estate – was built in 1728, part of a William Penn land grant. Famed architect R. Brognard Okie restored the home in 1927. The estate’s lush formal gardens and brick walkways were designed by acclaimed landscape architect Thomas Sears.
Appleford President Len Magargee of Newtown Square, Executive Director Laurie McGrath of Wayne and John Rice of Newtown Square.
John and Helene Heywood of St. Davids, Claire Hardon of Devon and Mary Kate Miller of Villanova, Appleford Committee Treasurer.
Appleford and Villanova neighbors Michele Spence and Anja Levitties check in guests.
Carroll Shields of Wynnewood, Sarah Walker of Downingtown, David Shields, Lee Manonian of Wayne, Sharon Holt of Kimberton, Harold Saylor of Limerick and Amanda Mucklé of Bryn Mawr.
Guests enjoy the gardens and grounds of Appleford.
Keely Shaw of Wayne and daughter Savannah arrive at the party.
May Vaira of Newtown Square, Dan and Patty Slack and Carol Kelly of Bryn Mawr, and Margot Sullivan of Gladwyne.
Mark Todaro of Wynnewood, Harriet Sullivan of Ardmore, Appleford Committee VP Bruce Long of Wynnewood, and Beth Hare of Villanova.
Vern Walker of Downingtown and Carreen Wright of Berwyn, a staff gardener at Appleford.
Demetrius Murray of Wilmington, DE, and Jess Sommerfield of Sommerfield Designs, a Malvern floral designer.
Kimberly and Peter Clement of Haverford.
Honey Gomy, owner of Honeybunches Floral Design, an Appleford vendor, with Jennifer Knoll.
Natural Lands ‘Stardust!’ savors stellar open-space win
The conservation group had extra cause for celebration at this year’s star-kissed soirée: 1,500 acres in northern Chester County won’t be carved up by housing developers.
The celebration: A sold-out crowd of 400 nature lovers partied among the wildflowers at Binky Lee Preserve June 9. Moore Brothers poured wine tastings, Jeffrey Miller Catering fired up the paella, and a local hot air balloon pilot (Barry diLibero) floated over the party.
Why so happy: Just days before the gala, Natural Lands acquired Bryn Coed Farms from the Dietrich family, aka the Luden’s cough drop heirs. The nonprofit will create a 500-acre nature preserve on the northern Chesco site and plans to sell Bryn Coed’s remaining acres in large tracts to private owners with conservation easements.
The campaign: Stardust’s $200,000 in proceeds, along with donations from 500 households and a $2 million grant from William Penn Foundation have raised $4.4 million (and counting) for Natural Lands’ Campaign for Bryn Coed.
On the Main Line: The oldest and largest conservation nonprofit in Greater Philly, Natural Lands is currently transforming the 42-acre Haas estate in Villanova into a free public garden. “Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden” is slated to open in spring of 2018.
Natural Lands President Molly Morrison (center) with Stardust co-chairs George and Christy Martin of Birchrunville and Eliza and Peter Zimmerman of Chester Springs. (Photo by Mae Axelrod, courtesy of Natural Lands)
Buck Riley of Valley Forge, Marcy and Rob Fenza of West Chester and Gay Davidson of Valley Forge. (Photo by Mae Axelrod, courtesy of Natural Lands)
Natural Lands President and CEO Molly Morrison speaks to guests about Bryn Coed, while George Martin, co-chair of the Capital Campaign for Bryn Coed Farms, and Richard Dietrich III listen. (Photos by Carla Zambelli)
Meg McGoldrick and Catherine Cosentino, owner of Yellow Springs Farm Native Plant Nursery & Artisanal Goat Cheese Farm in Chester Springs. (Photo by Carla Zambelli)
Suzanne Barton, manager of Planned Giving at Natural Lands, signs in guests. (Photo by Carla Zambelli)
James Overstreet and Chris Peeples of Chester Springs. (Photo by Carla Zambelli)
Pierce Archer of Villanova, Natural Lands Trustees Rob Friedman of Narberth and Susan Mucciarone, Dominique DuMouchel and Denise Murray Hayden of St. Davids. (Photo by Mae Axelrod, courtesy of Natural Lands)
DAR’s Jeptha Abbott Chapter rallies round the flag with Betsy Ross
More than 70 local members of Daughters of the American Revolution, spouses and prospective members saluted the Stars and Stripes at a Flag Day luncheon at Philadelphia Country Club June 14.
The colors: Guests donned hats and dressed in red, white and blue for the patriotic festivities.
Blast from the past: Guest speaker Betsy Ross, as portrayed by Kim Hanley, offered an engrossing account of the creation of Old Glory.
Star-spangled facts: The first version of the U.S. flag featured a British flag where stars are today and first flew at The Battle of Boston on New Year’s Day, 1776. The idea of the 13 stars (one for each colony) arranged in a circle came Philadelphia artist Charles Wilson Peale. Congress paid Betsy Ross roughly 12 pounds to create the American flag in 1777.
Carolyn Hoyler of Malvern, Marty Anderson of Villanova and Amanda Quinn of Paoli greet Jeptha Abbott DAR members at the Flag Day luncheon.
Dr. David Humphrey of Radnor and his wife, Gayla McCluskey, a Regent of the Jeptha Abbott Chapter.
Susan Kersch of Wayne and author Sandra Brown of Merion.
The luncheon's special guest, Kim Hanley, portraying Betsy Ross.
Janice Showler and husband, Tom, with Lanny Patten and his wife, Ann, a former Regent.
Toni Dougherty of King of Prussia, Carolyn Hoyler of Malvern, Sukie Johntz and Molly Schiller.
Honorary Regent Joan Greene and Chaplain Clare Edwards Myer.
Kathie Bushey of Berwyn, new DAR member MaryAnn Brink of Radnor, and Catherine Cooke of Berwyn.
Lynn Seegers and Connie Jones-Sparr of Coatesville.
Edwin and Leah Conroy and Pam Kolyer of Chester Springs.
Three generations of DAR members:, Caitlin Dalton, Pat Thomas of West Chester, and Diane Dalton.
Prospective member Karen Franks and Leif Zetterberg of Bryn Mawr.
Second Vice Regent Linda Howley of Wayne and Carolyn Hoyler of Malvern.
Prospective member Jacqui North of Wayne and Susan Revelle of Havertown.
Main Line School Night salutes Stephen Sondheim
The popular lifelong learning hub welcomed award-winning theatre director Terry Nolen, founder and artistic director of Philadelphia’s Arden Theatre, for “An Evening of Sondheim” at the Creutzburg Center in Radnor.
Stories of genius: At the June 13 members event, Nolen, a Berwyn resident, enchanted guests with his passion for bringing great stories to life. Accompanied by live performances, he explored the genius of Stephen Sondheim’s lyrical oeuvre including Gypsy, Sunday in the Park with George and West Side Story. Arden actress/singer Alex Keiper was accompanied on the piano by composer/music director Peter Hilliard.
The fun continued: A Broadway revue and reception followed the program. Guests sipped wine and enjoyed lite bites from Cuisine 365 and Broadway tunes by Sondheim and others. Stone Pine Financial of Media underwrote the festivities.
Twin records of success: A nonprofit founded 80 years ago, Main Line School Night offers more than 800 day, evening and weekend classes, trips and events each year at locations up and down the Main Line. The Arden Theatre has been entertaining Philly audiences for 30 years.
A local connection: Sondheim’s mentor was legendary lyricist Oscar Hammerstein who lived in Bucks County.
Terry Nolen of Berwyn, founder and artistic director of the Arden Theatre Company, shares his insights into Stephen Sondheim’s music and lyrics with a standing-room-only crowd. (Photo by Jim Roese Photography)
Main Line School Night Board members Bonnie Shuman and Carrie Frey, both of Bryn Mawr, and Judy DiFilippo of Devon. (Photo by Jim Roese Photography)
Jason Greenfield of West Chester, Main Line School Night Executive Director Wendy Greenfield of Villanova, Terry Nolen of Berwyn, and Albert and Erik Greenfield of Villanova. (Photo by Jim Roese Photography)
Jay Einspanier of Newtown Square, incoming Board Chair of Main Line School Night, with board member Carrie Frey of Bryn Mawr. (Photo by Jim Roese Photography)
MLSN Board member Michael Hino of Radnor, and his wife, Margaret. (Photo by Jim Roese Photography)
Composer and musical director Peter Hilliard of Glenside, Arden Theatre Company founder Terry Nolen of Berwyn, and Arden actress Alex Keiper of Philadelphia. (Photo by Jim Roese Photography)
Rosemary Browne of Newtown Square and her husband, Rick, a Main Line School Night Board member. (Photo by Jim Roese Photography)
Marshall and Gerry Fisher of Penn Valley. Gerry is a Main Line School Night Board member. (Photo by Jim Roese Photography)
Helene Cohen of Penn Valley, and her husband, Stephen, a Main Line School Night Board member, with actress Alex Keiper. (Photo by Jim Roese Photography)
Andrew Herron and Kevin Manning of Media with Terry Nolen (center). (Photo by Jim Roese Photography)
Paoli’s Purenergy Studio throws sweaty shindig in Wilson Park
The joint was jumpin’ and downward doggin’ at the kickoff party for Purenergy Studio’s Yoga Bootcamp series in Chesterbrook’s Wilson Farm Park.
The workout: More than 100 fitness buffs and yogis joined Suzanne Olson’s half-hour boot camp and Kate Goodyear’s one-hour yoga class at the Shire Pavilion June 14. Purenergy Studio hosts $10 boot camp/yoga classes in the park every Wednesday night at 6 through the summer – weather permitting.
The party: Toe-tappin’ tunes by the Whiskeyhickon Boys, refreshing libations and snacks, raffles and shopping at the Namaste Bus.
The adorable adoptables: The party’s beneficiary, All 4 Paws, brought along several furry friends. Based in Chester Springs, All 4 Paws is a no-kill animal rescue, rehab and adoption service. In just seven years, the organization has saved 6,500 animals from euthanasia through its network of volunteer foster homes and shelters.
Purenergy co-owners Chris Somers and Suzanne Olson (third from left) with fitness instructors Laney Vogt of Berwyn and Lisa Dreyer of Malvern.
Angelina Minger of Devon, Purenergy Massage Therapist Mary Edmonds and her daughter, Ruth Dobernz.
All 4 Paws Outreach Coordinator Dee Mahor with three foster moms: Anna Stone of Chester Springs, Elana Churchill of Malvern (holding Guiseppe, 10), and Jane Frantz of Chesterbrook (holding Reilly, 5). Jane tells SAVVY she’s fostered six dogs in the last six months for All 4 Paws.
Caroline Ellison of Berwyn, foster mom of a Catahula leopard mix puppy, with possible adopters Ferenc Tshibangu of Devon, his wife, Mandy, and daughter, Grace.
Deirdre Murray of Phoenixville and Dawn Murray of Audubon sold Live Your Life yoga gear from the “Namaste Bus,” a mobile boutique.
Carol O’Connor of Paoli with Kirven and Michael Talone of Berwyn.
About 125 yogis practice in the amphitheatre in Wilson Farm Park in Chesterbrook.
Allison Hayden of Wayne, Purenergy co-owner Debbie Small of Newtown Square and Lisa Curcio of West Chester.
Charlotte and Elizabeth Gieske of Paoli and Hannah Perzan of Chesterbrook head home after their workouts.
Angela Antonini of Phoenixville, Helen Ho of Chesterbrook and Lydia Halbert of Paoli relax after the yoga class.
City Year Philadelphia honors Idealist of the Year Karen Keating Mara
Some 600 corporate partners, community leaders and service champions attended City Year’s annual Idealist Dinner at the Crystal Tea Room May 24, raising nearly $600,000.
The Woman of the Hour: Co-chair of the City Year Philadelphia Advisory Board since 2012, Karen Keating Mara of Berwyn was named Idealist of the Year. The president of Keating Mara & Associates LLC of Wayne, she was introduced by her children, Jack and Caroline.
The cause: More than 200 City Year AmericCorps members spend a year working in 18 high-need Philly high schools as teachers, tutors and role models. The City Year program helps at-risk students stay in school and prepares them for college and career success.
Lindsay Andreuzzi of Paoli, honoree Karen Keating Mara of Berwyn, Kristen Kerns Mayock of Paoli and Dr. Mary McGonigle of Wayne. (Photo by Carina Giamerese)
Jack and Caroline Mara of Berwyn introduce their mother, honoree Karen Keating Mara, a cum laude graduate of Villanova University School of Law and Temple University. (Photo by Carina Giamerese)
Alicia Williams of Villanova, Li Xia of Havertown, Karen Keating Mara of Berwyn, Dr. Jun Huangpu of Havertown and Denean Williams of Villanova. (Photo by Carina Giamerese)
City Year Philadelphia Executive Director and Vice President Darryl Bundrige shares a few words about the 200 City Year AmeriCorps members who supported 12,000 students during the 2016-2017 school year. (Photo by Carina Giamerese)
Board member Brad Brubaker, a representative of City Year Philadelphia Team sponsor, SAP of Newtown Square, greets guests at the dinner. (Photo by Carina Giamerese)
Conan O’Brien delivers a tribute at the Idealist Dinner via video. (Photo by Carina Giamerese)
Dean Miller of Rosemont meets Marylissa Barbosa, who served as a City Year AmeriCorps member at William D. Kelley K-8 School. (Photo by Carina Giamerese)
Geneva Sloan, City Year Philadelphia AmeriCorps member, talks about her year of service at Frankford High School with Board member Bill Copeland of Villanova. (Photo by Carina Giamerese)
Juan Antonio Lopez of Wayne shares his reflections of a year of service at Alexander McClure Elementary in North Philadelphia. (Photo by Carina Giamerese)
Honoree Karen Keating Mara of Berwyn with former Philadelphia Eagles President Joe Banner of Gladwyne. (Photo by Carina Giamerese)
Shynirah Townes, third grader at Tanner Duckrey Elementary, runs through a “power greeting” line of City Year AmeriCorps Members at the dinner, similar to the morning greeting AmeriCorps members do in 18 school across the city of Philadelphia. (Photo by Carina Giamerese)
NoBA Launch Party previews revitalized Bala Village
See ya later, sleepy town center and empty storefronts. Cross Properties plans to rejuvenate Bala Cynwyd’s town center with new retail, restaurant and living spaces.
The pop-up party: Developer Cross Properties treated more than 100 guests to a taste of Small Town USA reimagined at 210 Bala Ave. The June 10 party christened NoBA’s temporary Art Space & Gallery and featured children’s art from Main Line Art Center, ice cream from Sweet Pea, beer samples from LaCabra Brewing, food trucks and music. The gallery offers free WiFi in a café-like setting and rotating art shows and special events.
The revitalization: The developer’s NoBA Rejuvenation plans include the construction of three mixed-use, high-end communities: 10 Union, 1 Cynwyd, and 202 Bala. Near Main Line BMW and a short distance from the Bala movie theater, NoBA plans to breathe new life into this main strip with new shops, restaurants and built in-foot traffic from its condos and apartments. Many stores and restaurants have gone dark in Bala Village in recent decades.
Sarah and Elsa Stanger made crafts supplied by the Main Line Art Center at the Launch Party for Cross Properties' new NoBA Art Space and Gallery at 210 Bala Ave., Bala Cynwyd.
The Cross Properties team: Jeff Gopshtein (front), Bobby Fijan, John Berger, Jackie Kluger, Gabriela Walker and Mike Merryman.
Tony Howard and Kim Cooper relax in the new NoBA Art Space and Gallery.
Jackie Kluger gets two scoops from Vince Marinelli of Sweet Pea Ice Cream.
Matt Stemler, Colin Harris, and Jamie, Debbie and Finnegan Grimble.
Grace Isabell admires artwork in the gallery.
Vern Burling and Michael Marinelli of Berwyn's La Cabra Brewing offer free samples to guests.
Adam Bush and Sam Grabus look over an arts and crafts project.
Matthew May, Samantha Mosca and Colleen Isabell discuss the new NoBA project.
Brandon Crumpton and Gordon Jennings.
Scores of artists show their work at Gladwyne Library League’s Arts and Crafts Show
For 63 years, Gladwyne Library has showcased the talents of friends and neighbors.
The preview: More than 75 library friends turned out for the show’s Opening Night Preview Party on May 1, putting the library’s new elevator to good use.
The contest: Five judges awarded 28 ribbons after sizing up 148 creations from 65 artists, including 12 young people. Children enjoyed an art scavenger hunt created by Eva Kay Noone.
The box office: Guest Book signers for the weeklong show jumped from 150 in 2016 to 236 this year.
The volunteers: Co-Chairs Anne Foote and Blanche Torphy received an able assist from 63 volunteers.
Art Show Co-Chairs Blanche Levitt Torphy of Bryn Mawr and Anne Foote of Gladwyne.
Children ready to embark on the Art Scavenger Hunt.
Photographers Diane Mattis of Havertown and Debbie Laverell of Villanova celebrate their blue ribbons.
Quilter Mickey Shumway of Gladwyne with her fabric arts entry.
Jessi Brown of Gladwyne shows off her award-winning entry in the Craft Paper Cutting category.
Alvin Gilens of Gladwyne and his Photography entry.
Junior artist Julia Kait of Gladwyne.
Jane Rix of Merion concentrates on the Art Scavenger Hunt.
Child artist Naomi Ku of Penn Valley.
Blanche Levitt Torphy of Bryn Mawr received an award for her favorite painting entry.
Gladwynites Michael Veloric, Herman DeJong and Hilarie Johnston enjoy the opening night festivities.
West Laurel Hill Cemetery stages nifty-50s murder mystery night
Friends of West Laurel Hill and Wayne Art Center gathered for a riotous malt-shop whodunnit June 10 to raise funds for the art center.
by Sharon Kozden
Rock around the clock: Cool-cat revelers enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, specialty cocktails, ’50s tunes, raffles, dinner and a rollicking, interactive show: Murder at the Malt Shop.
The threads: Cocktail attire or 50s looks: guys in bowling shirts, cuffed-jeans and leather jackets and gals in capris and poodle skirts.
Hors d’oeuvres and drinks to-die-for: Malt shop-inspired bites like cheeseburger sliders, franks en croute, cheese toast and French fries in cups washed down with spiked root beer floats and cherry phosphates.
Dinner and a murder in the conservatory: Without a Cue Productions has been performing murder mysteries since 2001. Their motto: “We Kill. You laugh.”
Beautiful Photos and coverage of wonderful events
Thanks, Ann. Appreciate the kind words!
Caroline
Savvy is a great newsletter I always look forward to receiving. Your articles are relevant and the photography is exceptional. Keep keeping us well informed. Linda Goldstein
Lindas Country Cleaners and Country Painting
Thanks, Linda. So glad you’re enjoying SAVVY Main Line!
enjoyed this issue. Thank you!
Great addition for Main Line Happenings!
Love reading!!! xo Linda Golden