The Chester County Hospital
Many things make Chester County Hospital distinctive. Having the same President and CEO for over 30 years is just one.
Coming from a family of physicians (father and grandfather were Dr. Pepper, no relation to the soda), Perry Pepper instead earned an MBA from the Wharton School’s first Health Care Economics program. It was the right background for managing a hospital during turbulent decades. Now a Chester County fixture, Perry had no idea where West Chester was — “must be out west,” he thought — when first offered the hospital job at age 34.
Chester County Hospital is also distinctive as the County’s only charitable hospital governed by a local board of directors and for what Perry calls “best of breed program” affiliations: U Penn for oncology, Children’s Hospital for pediatrics and neonatology, Cleveland Clinic for cardiovascular surgery.
“In an era of healthcare reform,” Perry suggests, “we should look to the original model of community-based hospitals with community dedication and service.” Like our own Chester County Hospital. 610-431-5000.
The Carriage House at Willowdale Crossings
Laurie Dougherty describes the style of the Carriage House at Willowdale Crossings as a “blend of urban chic with country charm.” An “evolved, up-scale country charm, that’s eclectic and functional,” she continues. Combine with personalized service, and you’ve got the “aha factor” that Laurie knows brings customers back for repeat visits (plus tickets for Chester County Day Home Tour).
And come back they do, because it’s a place to find the perfect gift — something unique, not available at every mall in America. Floral arrangements are customized (she’ll even come to your home to decorate!). Jewelry shines with distinctive stones (sodalite, jasper). It’s the kind of store where Laurie remembers “what you bought last visit, and knows what you’ll like this time.” And if she doesn’t have it, she’ll find it. And wrap it, and find the right card.
So, rather than going from store to store searching for the perfect gift, why not go to the perfect store? 610-444-6770.
Ball & Ball
We love businesses with a proud tradition. Few can match a family history going back to making armor for The Crown and silversmithing in Colonial Philadelphia — the roots of Ball & Ball’s 77 years in business.
It’s no wonder Bill Ball, general manager of a family-owned and operated antique hardware reproduction and restoration business, has great stories. From a showroom in an historic tollbooth on Route 30, Bill says he’s provided hardware to “Winterthur, Independence Hall, as well as the White House, U.S. Capitol and the Supreme Court.” Among his proudest projects, work in “countless classic Chester County homes.”
Using techniques that are historically accurate, Bill, Bob and staff can repair or recreate virtually any piece of hardware — for doors, windows, lighting, fireplaces. Bill recounts the work is “authentic enough to satisfy high-end preservationists.”
Despite the headline names on some projects, they’re gratified to put the luster back on those andirons you inherited, too. 610-363-7330.
Mostardi Nursery
Starting in the 1960s and now a full-service garden center, Mostardi Nursery has three generations working on site. Owner Steve Mostardi oversees his bookkeeper mother, store manager wife, and two multi-tasking sons. Trained at the Barnes Foundation Arboretum and Temple University, Steve traces his gardening roots back to “a grandfather who was an estate gardener on the Main Line.”
It’s this deep knowledge of the area that distinguishes Mostardi’s. Featuring Gold Medal Award plants, designated by the PA Horticultural Society, Mostardi’s offers unique, low-maintenance cultivars suited for our locale. Steve describes them as “excellent performers that are not well known and under-appreciated” and features them monthly on the website and e-newsletters.
As part of its full service, Mostardi's also broadens gardeners’ horizons by hosting special events. Steve recommends upcoming workshops for scarecrow-making and fall container gardening. So, whether it’s recycling plant pots, giving “green gardening”tips, or helping find the right plants, Mostardi’s is a true community gardening center. 610-356-8035.