By AML Publisher
Photos courtesy of Courtney Apple

Otto’s BMW general manager Michael Vadasz with his guest Ashleigh Wilson. Otto’s was the corporate sponsor of Be Mine on the Main Line II.

Be Mine on the Main Line II, AML’s second annual winter fundraiser which aims to raise funds and awareness for a local animal charity brought out over 200 partygoers for a fantastic night of fundraising for Philadoptables. The festive night, on Thursday February 4th, hosted by the popular bar and nightclub Spamps in Conshohocken, was sponsored by AroundMainLine.com client Otto’s BMW. “Be Mine on the Main Line was a very successful event with great food, drinks, and conversation. Otto’s BMW is proud to have been part of such a great event that supports such a wonderful cause – Philadoptables,” said Otto’s general manager Michael Vadasz.

Spamps, Conshohocken’s most popular nightclub, was transformed into a festive and fun Valentine’s-themed space thanks to major Be Mine sponsors Beautiful Blooms boutique and Eclatante Event Design—both of Northern Liberties. In addition, Blue Bell’s Secrets Limousine provided transportation for the AroundMainLine.com staff and family in the form of an elegant Asanti Charger limo.

The friendly and talented staff at Spamps made Be Mine a great success for all the partygoers!

The most important focus of the night was for the chosen local animal charity, Philadoptables. Profits raised at Be Mine will support this new local nonprofit, which was formed to assist in alleviating the overwhelming needs of Philadelphia Animal Control. Also known as ACCT, the West Philadelphia headquarters sees over 34,000 animals a year-from stray and abandoned animals to ones that have been surrendered by their owners for personal or financial reasons.

Formed in January of 2010, Philadoptables is an independent non-profit corporation that promotes and provides support for adoption, welfare, and outreach programs that benefit the 30,000+ animals received each year by the Philadelphia animal control shelter, the Delaware Valley Region’s largest open-door municipal animal shelter. By working with volunteers, animal welfare groups, organizations outside the animal network, and communities throughout the Delaware Valley Region, Philadoptables’ goal is to save lives and to build a better community for people and animals alike by increasing the number of adoptions, fosters, and rescues from the Philadelphia animal control shelter; improving conditions at the shelter by supporting essential services not funded by the city’s animal control budget; and educating the public and generating community involvement with the shelter and the animals in its care.

Special thanks to our premium sponsors below who generously contributed to the success of Be Mine on the Main Line II.

Beautiful Blooms boutique
www.beautifulblooms.com
Beautiful Blooms is a full service floral and décor design company based in Northern Liberties. Donna O’Brien and her team at Beautiful Blooms create events ranging from dream weddings, stylish large scale corporate events, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, corporate décor, intimate dinner parties and more. Beautiful Blooms accented the focal point of the restaurant, the main bar at Spamps, with two beautiful, dramatic centerpieces.

Maryellen Bowers, West Chester’s renowned cupcake queen, and official ‘rock star’ of every AML event, wowed the guests again with her delicious display of over 600 mini gourmet cupcakes.

Cakes and Candies by Maryellen
www.cakesandcandiesbymaryellen.com
West Chester chocolatier and baker Maryellen Bowers wowed our guests once again with her delicious, gourmet mini cupcakes.

Eclatante Event Design
www.eclatantedesign.com
Eclatante Event Design is an event design and coordination firm dedicated to providing highly personalized service with matchless grace and panache. Owner Kendall Brown has been involved in creating some of the Philadelphia region’s most renowned social events.

Secrets Limousine
www.secretslimo.com
Secrets Limousine company is the official limo company of AroundMainLine.com. Look for the fantastic limos and staff at our upcoming parties and events across the Main Line and beyond.

Two Paperdolls
www.twopaperdolls.com
Wayne’s Two Paperdolls designed the fantastic logo for Be Mine on the Main Line and assisted with postcard and poster promotions around the region. Two Paperdolls, founded by owner Vanessa Kreckel, has a booming letterpress, stationery and design business catering to the region’s most discriminating brides and local businesses.

Verdi Spumante Champagne
www.chibrands.com/verdi_spumante.php
The fine folks and awesome AML friends from Verdi Spumante provided delicious sparkling beverages for Be Mine on the Main Line II. In keeping with the Valentine-themed annual event, guests were served fun cocktails with the brand’s Raspberry Sparkletini. As one of America’s most recognized names in the champagne industry, Verdi Spumante is the official sparkling beverage brand of AroundMainLine.com.

Weyerbacher Brewery
www.weyerbacherbrewery.com
Weyerbacher Brewery is the official craft brewery of AroundMainLine.com. Attendees of Be Mine on the Main Line II at Spamps were treated to $2 bottles of Merry Monks’ and Hops Infusion. Weyerbacher, based out of Easton, PA, has worked with AML from our inception-helping us serve delicious craft beer to our loyal fans.

AML would like to offer a very special thank you to Philadoptables board member Kim Wolf for her awesome friendship and tireless efforts on behalf of the region’s most deserving furry friends. Kim has been an instrumental part of Be Mine’s success the past two years. Thank you Kim Wolf!

The Big Deal Casino Night-Unmask the Possibilities is the Philadelphia Junior League’s fourth annual gala.

When you think of Philadelphia’s most esteemed service organizations, undoubtedly the Junior League comes to mind. For almost a century, the Junior League has been making a positive impact in the Greater Philadelphia area. Over 950 volunteers have contributed more than 75,000 service hours annually.

To celebrate this female organization’s commitment to promoting voluntarism, the League is gearing up for its fourth annual winter gala. This year’s theme is The Big Deal Casino Night—Unmask the Possibilities. The evening is black tie optional, and the hundreds of anticipated party-goers are encouraged to accessorize in keeping with the Mardi Gras theme.

The Casino Night Committee has been hard at work planning an evening of excitement that includes a fabulous cocktail hour and gourmet dinner buffet, Las Vegas-style gambling, live and silent auctions, as well as plenty of drinks and fun to go around. Kerri Neil Storm, a committee co-chair, is carrying on a family legacy as her grandmother, Carolyn Sumner, was an original founder of a league chapter located outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. “Upholding the tradition of being a part of such a great organization, that does so much for women, is truly an honor. Our community outreach is so important to us and the gala really allows us to celebrate all the work of our volunteers and really have a wonderful, meaningful night. And, the Mardi-Gras theme is really fun to play up with the attire and masks and the swag bags,” enthused Storm.

The Junior League of Philadelphia is one of the leading community service organizations in the Greater Philadelphia area, with a diverse membership contributing a range of personal and professional experiences.

The night will include an impressive assortment of silent and live auction items and prizes for the lucky casino winners, including restaurant gift certificates, personal training sessions, wine tasting classes, overnight trips, and much more. Fellow co-chair Jackie Strzepek has organized the exciting live auction items, which will be auctioned off with the help of emcee (and former Philadelphia Eagle) Ike Reese. The larger ticket items include a piece of Judith Ripka jewelry, a golf vacation at Pinecrest Golf Club in North Carolina, an ABC news experience with WPVI’S Ali Gorman, and more. “I love the Mardi Gras theme, we really want everyone to embrace the attire and set the tone for one incredible night. From the craps and roulette table to the dining and dance floor, we are really excited for our guests to have an incredible time this year,” said Strzepek.

Big Deal Casino Night 2010: Unmask the Possibilities

What: The fourth annual gala for the Junior League of Philadelphia

When: Saturday, February 20th, 7 p.m.

Where: The Sheraton Society Hill Hotel, Philadelphia 1 Dock Street (2nd and Walnut Streets)

Special Rates: The Sheraton Society Hill is offering a special for gala attendees for only $129 for the night. Be sure to mention JLP when making your reservations.

Cost: Tickets are $125 and $175 (VIP)/available online and at the door

Attire: Black-tie optional, Mardi Gras-themed attire is strongly encouraged.

Emcee: Former Philadelphia Eagle and 610 WIP radio host Ike Reese

Event Details: Casino Night 2010 will feature live and silent auctions, a buffet dinner and dancing. The cocktail hour will run from 7-8 p.m.

Proceeds: A portion of the proceeds of the event will benefit the Junior League of Philadelphia’s Project Green: Using Nature to Nurture community projects, which focus on environmental health and wellness including: Campus Community Gardens, Green Volunteer Corps, and RESPECT Nature Club.

The Junior League of Philadelphia is one of the leading community service organizations in the Greater Philadelphia area, with a diverse membership contributing a range of personal and professional experiences. It offers tested and groundbreaking programs that focus on the intersection of wellness and the natural environment. Programs are developed to have maximum impact, using experts in the field and innovative partnerships.For more information, visit their website at www.jlphiladelphia.org

Lovely ladies from 6ABC dressed the part for the Red Ball last year. L to R: producers Mara Webb and Kristie Gonzalez, health reporter Ali Gorman and anchor Monica Malpass.

Main Liners can eat, drink, and be charitable at the Red Cross’ annual red-tie celebration featuring dozens of Philly’s top chefs! The American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) Chapter will host the 11th Annual Red Ball on Saturday, March 6, 2010 from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight at the Please Touch Museum at Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park. One of Philadelphia’s most popular winter galas is in its second year at the children’s museum, which makes for a lively setting. Julie Appolloni, Red Cross senior director of financial development, oversees every aspect of the event each year with her organization’s team. “It is like no other event in the city. The Please Touch is such a perfect backdrop too. It keeps the event light and festive and gives everyone the chance to dictate their night since it is not a structured party. And, undoubtedly, we always attract Philadelphia’s finest so expect the gala to sell out again—which it inevitably does each year,” enthused Appolloni.

VIP ticket holders will enjoy one amazing all-access evening, beginning at 8 p.m. in the exclusive VIP Lounge, featuring renowned caterer Max & Me Catering. Other amenities include VIP express entry, private top-shelf open bar, cigar bar, separate coat check and a special VIP gift.

Up to forty restaurants from across the Delaware Valley will be sampling their fine faire for the hundreds of guests to enjoy.

But, hands down The Red Ball’s biggest draw is the amazing sampling of culinary delights prepared by Philadelphia’s hottest chefs assembled through out the main museum hall. Each attendee will have a chance this year to vote for their favorite cuisine, a new, fun twist on the event. “We are bringing in some local celebrities, like sports radio personality Mike Missanelli, to be part of a celebrity panel of judges for the restaurant contest. The chefs take the gala very seriously too, so expect Philly’s top restaurants to pull out all the stops to make quite an impression on the guests,” explained Appolloni.

Red Cross volunteers with their emergency vehicles are positioned outside the steps of the museum to greet the attendees and drive home the purpose of the night’s festivities. At the culmination of the night’s festivities, the attendees are served hot chocolate as they descend the museum steps to emulate the services the Red Cross offers in their relief missions.

AML is proud to be a presenting sponsor of The Red Ball 2010. The Red Cross hopes to raise $250,000 from the eleventh annual gala.

Guests at this red-tie event will sample culinary delights prepared by Philadelphia’s hottest chefs, dance the night away with entertainment provided by CTO World Entertainment Productions, enjoy access to the museum’s exhibits, mingle with Philadelphia’s social and business leaders, test their luck in the raffle and learn more about the mission of the organization and the everyday work of its volunteers. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free of charge and made possible thanks to the generosity of people throughout the Philadelphia region who donate their time, money and blood. The CEO of the Philadelphia Red Cross, Tom Foley, addressed that mission and the important goals of the Red Cross’s relief efforts. “We pulled the data on the average stay (of the people in Philadelphia) that ended up in a homeless shelter after a disaster, like a house fire, and it was more than six months. When the Red Cross is involved, that disaster recovery timeline is three weeks. And, that is not a criticism of the city’s shelter system. It is just an example that the Red Cross is set up to assist families with those comprehensive needs they experience during a disaster—get the kids back to school as soon as possible, help the parents return to work in a timely fashion. These are the challenges that our organization can handle and that is really what the Red Ball is all about. We all have a great time that night but know that the proceeds of the night are making an enormous difference for our neighbors across Philadelphia,” said Foley.

The Please Touch Museum makes for a fun setting for guests to explore the museum’s exhibits while partying the night away!

The Red Ball 2010

When: Saturday, March 6, 2010 8 p.m. to 12 p.m.

Where: The Please Touch Museum

Cost: VIP Tickets are $275, Main Event Tickets are $175

VIP Room Exclusive Sponsor: Max and Me Catering

Details: Silent auction, carousel rides and more

Fundraising Goals: $250,000

Proceeds: All proceeds from The Red Ball benefit the Red Cross House, a one-of-a-kind short-term housing facility in West Philadelphia where hundreds of local families every year begin their recovery from fires, floods, and other disasters affecting their lives.

Music: Live band courtesy of CTO World Entertainment Productions

Entertainment and Amenities: Roving magicians, tarot card reader, red carpet photos, black and white photo booth, makeup station, fresh-rolled cigars

Attire: “Red-tie”

Chef Contest: Attendees are encouraged to visit as many of the chefs’ tables as possible as they will be voting on their favorite restaurant of the night as they tour the party. The winning restaurant will be announced around 11 p.m.

Celebrity Attendees Expected: Local television personalities and anchors, 97.5’s Mike Missanelli, Katie Cavuto from The Food Network, Philadelphia athletes and others. The celebrities will be judging the chefs as well—voting with their ‘celebrity chips.’

AroundMainLine.com: AML is proud to be a presenting sponsor of The Red Ball 2010.

Online Access: Attendees will be able to access Twitter and Facebook from a special area at the ball, via provided computers, to discuss the event live with their Facebook friends and Twitter followers!

Liquor Sponsor: Tommy Bahama Rum

Wine Sponsor: Barefoot Wine

Beer Sponsors: Blue Moon, Guinness

Some of the Participating Restaurants: Alfa American Tavern, Bistro St. Troupes, Bourbon Blue, Café Spice, Cantina Doe Segundos, Desserts by Dana, Devon Seafood Grill, Doug’s Cakes, Eatible Delights, Joseph Poon Kitchen, Mercato Restaurant and BYOB, Mission Grill, Night Kitchen Bakery, Ortliebs Jazzhaus, Peace a Pizza, Prestige Chocolates, Philadelphia OIC, Resurrection Ale House, Ristorante Panorama, Roy’s Restaurant, R2L, Rum Bar, Sang Kee Peking Duck House, Terra Restaurant

The Red Ball is one of Philadelphia’s hottest events and sells out every year. The Red Ball tickets are on sale now. Main even tickets are $175 and VIP tickets are $275. For more information about The Red Ball or to purchase tickets, visit www.theredball.org or call 215-299-5491. Sponsorships, restaurants and auction items are also still being accepted. If interested, please email redball@redcross-philly.org.

Special thanks to official Red Ball photographer Paul Loftland. Interested in hiring Paul for your upcoming community event? Contact Paul at 856-229-5380 or email paul@paulloftland.com. Visit his website at paulloftland.com.

By AML Publisher
Photos courtesy of Courtney Apple Photography

Be Mine on the Main Line is Thursday, Feb 4th at Spamps Restaurant in Conshohocken. RSVP is highly recommended so we can plan accordingly.

Be Mine on the Main Line, AroundMainLine.com’s annual winter fundraiser, is back! In its second year, Be Mine focuses on bringing hundreds of Main Liners and animal lovers together from across the Delaware Valley to raise money and awareness for a local animal charity. On Thursday, February 4th, Conshohocken’s hottest restaurant Spamps will play host to hundreds of locals for a festive and sophisticated Valentine’s-themed party. AML will have the entire spacious restaurant dedicated to Be Mine—to welcome the Main Line and region’s finest for an important night of awareness and fundraising.

This year’s beneficiary of the proceeds of Be Mine on the Main Line II is Philadoptables (philadoptables.org). A brand new nonprofit that was formed over the past few months to address the overwhelming needs of Philadelphia Animal Control, also known as ACCT, Philadoptables’ goal is to bring awareness and funding for the 34,000 animals a year who are brought through the doors of ACCT. A visit to Philadelphia’s animal control a few weeks ago with Philadoptables board of directors’ member Kim Wolf really drove home the overwhelming need of what Wolf describes as “Philadelphia’s best and worst kept secret.” Cage after cage of hundreds of fabulous faces and furry friends were staring back at us as we walked the aisles—a shelter that is clearly overwhelmed with the city’s stray animals, abused dogs, and pets that owners have surrendered to ACCT due to personal or financial hardships.

Over 34,000 animals a year come through the doors of Philadelphia’s animal control.

Be Mine on the Main Line II is proud to be working with Otto’s BMW, the official corporate sponsor of this year’s party. Michael Vadasz, General Sales Manager of Otto’s, is part of one of the region’s most successful family businesses with locations in West Chester and Exton. Otto’s reputation for quality customer service spans over 40 years. “Otto’s, since the beginning, has always been known as the ‘place to go’ for all automotive enthusiasts. We have a knowledgeable staff that shares the same passion for these vehicles as our customers. Being a family-owned business, our atmosphere lends itself to be a more comfortable environment to purchase and service your car. We pride ourselves on having a customer-focused relationship not only during the sale but mainly the service experience after the sale,” explained Vadasz.

Otto’s chose to support AML’s annual fundraiser because animal causes and community awareness is an important part of their mission, said Vadasz. “Otto’s is and always has been a pet-friendly facility. When we were growing up, my parents would bring their German Shepherd to work every day. My parents always believed in giving back to the community in which we operate and part of that giving has included helping animals since they really don’t have a voice of their own.”

Be Mine on the Main Line II Event Details

What: AroundMainLine.com’s Annual Winter Fundraiser

Beneficiary: Philadoptables (philadoptables.org) is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare and adoption of the 30,000+ animals that arrive each year at the Philadelphia animal control shelter, the region’s largest open-admission, high volume, public facility. They are the only charitable organization whose mission is dedicated solely to these animals and to serving as an independent resource for the community at large. A portion of the proceeds of Be Mine on the Main Line II will benefit Philadoptables.

Corporate Sponsor: Otto’s BMW (ottosbmw.com)

When: Thursday, February 4th, 2010 6p.m. to 10p.m.

Where: Spamps Restaurant, Conshohocken, 16 East First Avenue (spampsrestaurant.com)

Music: One of Delaware Valley’s best known DJ companies, Lansdowne’s Ryan Rhythm, will be rocking out the evening with great dance music!

Courtney Apple, a Philadelphia-based photographer who has generously donated her time and photos to AML, is one of the official sponsors of Be Mine.

Drink Specials: Weyerbacher Brewery is the official craft beer sponsor of Be Mine. Spamps will be offering specials on bottles of Merry Monks’ and Hops Infusion, two of Weyerbacher’s most popular ales. In addition, fun and delicious champagne cocktails will be served with Verdi Spumante sparkling champagne, a major event sponsor.

Faire: Spamps will be offering a special discounted menu for all attendees. A complimentary gourmet cupcake table courtesy of Cakes and Candies by Maryellen will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth!

RSVP: RSVP is highly recommended but not required. Please RSVP via our rsvp@aroundmainline.com

Facebook: Check out our event listing on Facebook and forward to your friends!

‘Fly Away’ Early Birds: Doors will open promptly at 6 p.m. AML will be working with Eclatante Event Design and Beautiful Blooms, Northern Liberties dynamic event duo, to decorate the restaurant and prepare for the party. Please do not arrive before 6 p.m. so our teams can have sufficient time and space for event setup. Thank You!

Northern Liberties’ dynamic event duo of Eclatante Event Design and Beautiful Blooms Boutique will be transforming Spamps into a festive, Valentine’s-themed atmosphere you do not want to miss! Photo courtesy of Marie Labbancz

Attire: It is a sophisticated party atmosphere! Show your ‘Valentine colors’ by sporting red or pink attire. Our motto for Be Mine is: Dress to Impress, Donate to Make a Difference^TM

Cover: $10 cover, Cash Only. Additional contributions over the cover charge at the door will support the fundraising efforts of Be Mine for Philadoptables.

Restrictions: This event is strictly 21 and over, no children or pets permitted.

Door Prize: Bring your business cards! One attendee who provides a business card complete with email address will win dinner for two courtesy of Spamps. Winner will be chosen Friday Feb 5th and announced on AML’s Facebook Fan Page.

Supporting Sponsors: Eclatante Event Design, Beautiful Blooms, Two Paperdolls, Courtney Apple Photography, Cakes and Candies by Maryellen, Secrets Limousine, Weyerbacher Brewery, Verdi Spumante, Elite Training Sports, Kiss and Makeup Boutique

AML goes one-on-one with Kim Wolf, a board member of Philadoptables, to learn about the incredible needs and realities of the tens of thousands of animals at ACCT.

AroundMainLine.com: Let’s talk about your mission at Philadoptables.

Kim Wolf: There are a number of amazing groups out there that advocate on behalf of a specific shelter or rescue group, but one of the biggest gaps we found was that there was no way to assist the animals coming through animal control. That is how, and why, we formed Philadoptables.

AML: We talked about the numbers, which are simply mind-boggling to me. Where do the 34,000 plus animals that are part of animal control come from?

KW: These are the stray animals that you see roaming around the city. These are the animals that an owner drops off because they no longer want the dog or cat, or they are moving away, they were evicted from their house, or they can’t afford them anymore. These are also animals that may have been abused or neglected and many times there’s no way to trace the owner. It’s a mix of all very sad circumstances.

AML is encouraging all our Facebook fans to forward our event listing on Facebook to their friends to make Be Mine II a fantastic success.

AML: Kim, when we toured Animal Control a few weeks ago, I was really taken aback. I don’t know if you can put into words, for those who have not been there, the emotion that runs through the shelter. I was particularly moved by the positive, smiling volunteers. Talk about a group of very special people!

KW: I can’t stress enough that the volunteers are the lifeblood of a shelter. They are the ones that champion for the animals and work with them to give them the best chance of being adopted—who walk the dogs, who help market them to the public via a blog. That is why it is so important.

AML: I am very thankful to be working with you, Kim and up until about a month ago I had never even heard of ACCT. So, I hope that Be Mine really brings the work of the volunteers, the mission of Philadoptables, to many people.It’s a very sad situation, which most people will deduce from our conversation, but there is great hope for these animals now thanks to your board and the vision of Philadoptables!

KW: This is Philadelphia’s ‘best’ and ‘worst’ kept secret. ‘Best’ in the sense for whatever reason people just do not know about it. But, it is the ‘worst’ kept secret because they should know about it. This is the where the majority of adoptable animals across the Philadelphia region come. It truly is a treasure chest of awesome dogs and cats who would make amazing pets for thousands of families.

The ACCT shelter is located at 111 W. Hunting Park Avenue in Philadelphia, PA, 19140. They are open for adoptions 7 days a week! Adoption hours are: Monday through Thursday, 4 to 7 pm; Friday, 12 to 7 pm; and Saturday & Sunday, 12 to 5 pm. Visit philadoptables.blogspot.com for more info.

The Camphill Special School nurtures the minds, bodies and spirits of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities through education and therapy in an extended family living environment.

Driving down an excluded remote road in picturesque Chester County horse country, you may pass by the small, garnet sign with gold lettering without much pause. It is the entrance to the Camphill Special School. The nondescript wooded drive that leads to the school’s campus wouldn’t necessarily catch your eye. But, the incredible work and environment of this community of children and on campus caretakers and professionals is most noteworthy. Camphill is reshaping the lives of families across the Delaware Valley, and the country, who have challenged children.

Dr. Karl Koenig, an Austrian pediatrician who fled the Nazis and settled in Scotland in 1939, founded what is known across the world today as the “Camphill Movement.” Camphill is based on the principles of anthroposophy, the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner that seeks to integrate spirit, body, and soul. Steiner formulated the concept of curative education, which includes the arts as healing and educational forces, and his influence is felt in Camphill Special School’s adapted Waldorf curriculum.

Camphill is a nonprofit Pennsylvania private school (and Waldorf school) that offers day and residential programs for children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, mental retardation, and other afflictions associated with intellectual disability. The school’s students are in classes from kindergarten through twelfth grade. There is also a Transition Program for eighteen-to twenty-one-year olds.

The board of the Camphill Challenge consists of parents whose children are current students or have graduated from the school. L to R: Ted Boinske, Toni Bowersox, Melissa Epps, Rick Moseley.

Toni Bowersox’s daughter Taylor was a resident of Camphill for five years before moving on to another program and spoke to the experience the school offered her family. “I would watch my daughter’s interactions with her teacher and house mother, Tunde, and just the love I would see between them…it was how I loved Taylor. It’s so hard to put into words. As a mother with a special needs child, it is very difficult to let them go, leave your home and trust them to another being. And, when you make that decision it is intimate and important and very difficult. Camphill offered my daughter something my family was not able to provide,” explained Bowersox.

Bowersox serves on the board for this weekend’s Camphill Challenge. Sunday October 18th is the third annual ride, one of the school’s important fundraisers and a biking event that will be held for the first time in Chester County. The previous two years the Challenge started in Conshohocken, but the board decided to keep the fundraiser closer to the school to attract more local participants. “I think so many people just within Chester County don’t even know the school exists. I refer to it, myself, sometimes as Shangri La,” explained Ted Boinske. Boinske’s son Jackson was a day student at Camphill for several years before becoming a full-time resident. “It is such a special place and with The (Camphill) Challenge it is really an opportunity for people within the community to become familiar with the school, and learn about how special of a place it is.”

“This place is very unique and special, it’s almost like the Peace Corps,” explained Camphill parent Rick Moseley. “There is no shift care here. The children are with their house parents constantly and so it’s spiritually a deeper and stronger experience for the kids.”

Camphill Special School’s mission is to create wholeness for children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities through education and therapy in extended family living so that they may be better understood and their disabilities moderated, that they may more fully unfold their potential, and that they more fully and meaningfully participate in life.“When I first came here, I likened it to an old hippie commune. It is just so idyllic, the houses and the people who live here and work with the children embrace Camphill as a way of life rather than a job. And, for anyone who comes here, you can sense that and the children sense it too. This is their home,” explained Camphill parent Melissa Epps.

The school’s students included children and youth ages four to twenty-one who come from fifteen states across the country and Bermuda. All around the world, more than one hundred Camphill communities in over twenty countries take different forms. But, the Camphill Special School is the only Camphill community in North America that specifically serves children and the only Waldorf school that exclusively serves children with special needs.

Rick Moseley, a Philadelphia resident and parent of a Camphill Special School fifth grader, initiated the ride three years ago as a way to have friends from the city visit his daughter’s extraordinary environment. “As a parent with a challenged child, it is hard to come to grasp with the fact that your child is not going to be the best that they can be in your own home, in your own care. It’s a different scenario to deal with. Here at Camphill the children are challenged to live independently. By living together, this life sharing model at Camphill, the kids figure it out because there is this great continuity between house life, home life and work. It’s all woven together and they are able to achieve much more than they would had they stayed at home,” explained Moseley.

This year’s ride, which begins and ends at the school located in Glenmoore, offers a moderately challenging thirty-five mile course and an easier ten mile route suitable for families and beginner riders. Cyclists will wend their ways through Chester County during peak autumn foliage with astounding views of horse farms, historic homes, and covered bridges. A gourmet picnic and live music will round out the day.

Proceeds of the Camphill Challenge benefit Camphill Special School. To register to ride or to sponsor the 2009 Camphill Challenge, contact Courtney Coffman at 610.469.9236 x132 or ccoffman@beaverrun.org. For additional information on Camphill Special School or to register on-line for the 2009 Camphill Challenge visit www.camphillspecialschool.org or call 610.469.9236 x132.

The Camphill Challenge

AroundMainLine.com is a proud sponsor of this year’s Camphill Challenge, the school’s annual fundraising event which offers cyclists a fantastic ride, during peak autumn foliage, through historic Chester County.

When: Sunday October 18, Rain or Shine

Where: The Camphill Special School; Ride starts and ends at the school — 1784 Fairview Road, Glenmoore, PA

Route Details:

• Moderately challenging thirty-five (35) mile route suitable for most ability levels
• Family Ride featuring a ten (10) mile route suitable for children and beginner riders (anyone under eighteen must be accompanied by adult)
• Picturesque views of rolling Chester County hillsides, horse farms, and historic homes
• Marked course with crossing guards at major intersections
• Pedal through Camphill Special School’s Children’s Village at Beaver Run and Transition Program at Beaver Hill and Beaver Farm; Camphill Village Kimberton Hills; and Camphill Soltane

Registration Fees – Children under 10 are free

• Riders age 16 and over by October 1 – $25
• Riders under age 16 by October 1 – $15
• Riders age 16 and over after October 1 – $30
• Riders under age 16 after October 1 – $20

Rider Amenities

• Water stations stocked with beverages and snacks
• T-shirt with paid registration
• Complimentary gourmet picnic
• Musical entertainment

Schedule
8:30 am Registration opens
9 to 9:30 am Thirty-five mile ride departs
11 to 11:30 am Family Ride departs
12:00 to 3:00 pm Gourmet picnic and music

Bicyclist requirements

• All participants must wear helmets
• All participants must sign a waiver
• All bicyclists under the age of eighteen (18) must be accompanied by an adult
• All bicyclists must follow proper road etiquette to ensure their own safety and the safety of other riders

Emma Shapiro, 12, founder of The Halloween Helpers.

Every mother asks their child to clean up their room. But, not every child who takes to the task comes up with an entrepreneurial, charitable vision in the process. Not the case with Wynnewood’s Emma Shapiro. Last fall the 12-year-old, a seventh grader at Bala Cynwyd Middle School, was cleaning out her closest and came across ten old Halloween costumes which she had outgrown-Cinderella, Hannah Montana, a witch costume, and more. Emma asked her mother, Ilyse, what she should do because she felt throwing out her once-worn outfits seemed wasteful. Ilyse challenged her daughter to think of an idea. And, thus, The Halloween Helpers was born.

This year will be the first run at a collection for The Halloween Helpers and the Shapiros are counting on community support across the Philadelphia region to reach their goals. The concept is simple, yet the impact is life-changing: Recycle once-worn costumes to pass along to a neighborhood in need where families do not have the financial means or resources to purchase their own Halloween costumes.

After some research about local communities in need, the Shapiros connected with the Greater Norristown Police Athletic League, also known as PAL. On October 19th and 20th, The Halloween Helpers, along with a team of over two dozen volunteers and the staff of PAL, is hoping to distribute 1,000 costumes to children in Norristown through their inaugural weekend event at the community headquarters. “It makes me feel helpful, it’s just a great feeling that I get out of working on this idea. And, I know the kids we are helping are honored and excited to have a chance to pick out a complete Halloween costume. They may have had some sort of Halloween experience before, just not what they deserve so now we can make them feel like every other child trick or treating,” explained Emma.

The Halloween Helpers relies on the local community to spread the word for their collection campaign. The comparisons to America’s most successful grassroots charity are inevitable. “People keep telling us ‘You are going to be the next Alex’s Lemonade!’ We can only hope to have such success-it is a huge compliment to what Emma has created with her vision,” explained Ilyse Shapiro.

Once the children have picked out their Halloween costume at PAL with their personal shopper, The Halloween Helpers is also assisting in providing information about where they can go to celebrate the holiday safely in their own neighborhood. “It’s great to provide the children with a costume, but we also want to make sure that the parents or guardians know of events in churches or local parades where the kids can proudly wear their new costume. In future years, we hope to build that into the program-have a costume parade that day, gain sponsors for treats and expand on the idea of distributing the costumes to make it a full event for the children,” explained Mrs. Shapiro.

Of course, comparisons to America’s most successful grassroots charity, Alex’s Lemonade, are inevitable-with a beautiful, young Philadelphia girl spearheading a movement centered on a childhood memory. And the family is most familiar with the chatter. “Kids are so altruistic these days. They are a participant in the community. So when Emma came up with this idea, it was like, ‘Out of the mouth of babes.’ We hear it often. Everyone says to Emma, ‘This is the next Alex’s Lemonade, this is such a great idea.’ The thing is, Halloween is like Christmas-everyone expects all families to have this Currier & Ives image of Christmas with the tree and presents. And Halloween is akin that to-except nothing could be further from the truth. Many children do not even get one Halloween in their lifetime. Our goal with The Halloween Helpers is to spread that joy around and make sure every child can enjoy this holiday,” explained Ilyse.

Sunday October 4th The Halloween Helpers will be on a Cape Making Crusade at Narberth’s The Handwork Studio. Visit their website thehalloweenhelpers.com for full details.

The Halloween Helpers is collecting costumes from schools, churches, banks, scout troops and any business or individual. Their goal is to have 1,000 costumes ready for distribution by October 8th so they can be cleaned, sorted, bagged and tagged. And, they make the donation process easy-they provide collection boxes and posters to anyone who is organizing their own costume drive.

It’s a time consuming process for the Shapiros, as Ilyse explained, but they have had the support of dozens of volunteers including Emma’s friends. “For us, this just takes time to get all of our ducks in a row when these costumes come in. But for the people who are donating, or considering donating, there is no cost to what we are asking them to do. It is as simple as going to look at what is in your closet! The great thing about this idea (that Emma had) that we want everyone to realize-this does not cost any money. It’s just a matter of taking a few minutes to clean out your attic, sort through your kid’s closets and find the Halloween costumes that were going to be headed to the trash, most likely. It’s been so rewarding for Emma. She has been to PAL many times and it has been such a connection for her. The children at PAL are our neighbors; they are nine miles down the road from us. This is about helping your neighbor-we are a community and we are all in this together.”

Interested in starting your own collection drive for Halloween Helpers? Email the Shapiros at halloweenhelpers@gmail.com.

Collection sites for The Halloween Helpers are listed on their website. New sites are being added daily so check with thehalloweenhelpers.com for updated dates and locations across the Delaware Valley.

Jen McGowan of Wayne’s Jackie’s Hat Box models one of her elegant creations. McGowan is spearheading the 2009 Ladies’ Day Hat Contest at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

It’s one of the great traditions of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair—and now show organizers, with the assistance of AroundMainLine.com, are bringing the annual Ladies’ Day at Devon Hat Contest to another level!Lovely ladies (young, old and every age in between) can show off their fun, personable and eclectic style at the Main Line hat event of the year on Wednesday May 27th from 1-3pm on the Horse Show grounds. From Center City fashionistas (SJP fan alert!) to ‘rad’ Radnor Hunt fans, fashion forward Main Line moms and their teenage daughters, and everyone in between-all are encouraged to sashay out to Devon for some serious hat fashion competition.

Jen McGowan, CEO of Jackie’s Hat Box and PR director of this year’s hat contest, recommends bringing the ‘hat courage’ to all the ladies who will be showcasing their best. “Ladies’ Day at Devon is just great; I absolutely love this event and always thought it brought out part of the great intrigue and culture that just makes Devon so very special. Carson Kressley will be a judge, Dawn Timmeney from NBC10 and Caroline O’ Halloran from Main Line Suburban News. We’ve had the hat competition for over five years and I was so excited to spearhead it this year because I really feel it’s due time to take it up a notch,” enthused McGowan.

AroundMainLine.com is the online media sponsor of the contest-which promises a fabulous afternoon for the gorgeous and gregarious gals of the Main Line. Pictured is Natasha Bolis of Berwyn, modeling a hat courtesy of Jackie’s Hat Box.

The Hat Contest at Devon attracts some of the most fascinating fashion combinations as well as some of the most creative homemade and handmade chapeaux! While fierce competitors spend weeks and months designing their masterpieces, all Devon beauties– young and not so young — are encouraged to wear something little (or big) to accent their outfit. This year’s three categories are: “Best Botanical” which covers all things flowers, “Most Creative” which is usually something crafted at home and in keeping with the equestrian theme and “Most Glamorous from Hat to Toe”-a category covering color combinations and thoughtful matching of hat to outfit.

Janet Heaton, Senior Chair of Promotions for the Devon Country Fair, is anticipating an animated competition and a fun afternoon with the irrepressible Kressley as a first-time judge. Heaton says the tradition of Devon and Ladies’ Day makes for a creative and visually appealing event. “The Ladies’ Day was always in conjunction with the ladies side saddle competition. All of the women came beautifully dressed from head to toe, hence the idea came about for the contest. There have been many elaborate home-made styles in the past including turf, moving parts, little horse figurines, live flowers and much more! Gorgeous hats purchased locally and across the country have made their debut at the annual hat contest as well. We love to see all of the different styles and creativity. It’s a real crowd pleaser.”

It’s going to be the most competitive fashion competition for hat lovers of all ages at Devon ever -The Ladies’ Day Hat Contest 2009! Photography courtesy of Bryn Mawr’s Bernadette Uzcategui, BUP Photography

The three lucky winners of the Ladies’ Day Hat Contest will be treated to a private Cartier Champagne reception in the grandstands with the three judges, at 2 p.m. When participants arrive at the grounds, there will be several lovely hatted ladies waiting just within the gates, ready to lead contestants to the pavilion where the contest will be held. AroundMainLine.com, online media sponsor of the event, will have a sign and staffers as well directing the attendees to the competition area. Registration begins at 1 p.m. sharp and judging will start at 1:30. Judges Kressley, O’Halloran and Se will be circulating and chatting up all the contestants, so those competing should be ready to show off their marvelous millinery! The winners of each category will be announced at 2pm.

Ladies’ Day Hat Contest 2009 Details

When: Wednesday May 27th 1-3pm. *JUDGING BEGINS AT 1:30pm*Winners will be announced at 2pm.

Where: Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Grounds, Lancaster Avenue, Devon, PA (www.thedevonhorseshow.org)

Categories: “Best Botanical”, “Most Creative”, and “Most Glamorous from Hat to Toe”

Judges: Carson Kressley of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and QVC, Caroline O’Halloran of Main Line Media News, Ralph Lauren’s Cristiane Sa

Winners Perks: A luxe Cartier Champagne private party with the judges immediately following in the grandstands.

Why Participate: To Flaunt Your Fashionable Self at Ladies’ Day at Devon 2009!

All ages and styles are welcome–and do not be shy about wowing the crowd and judges! Event organizers encourage all ladies participating to bring your most magnificent millinery, sass and sensational creativity for the judges and horse show fans to enjoy.

For more information on the 2009 Ladies’ Day Hat contest, please contact Jen McGowan at jenmcgowan@msn.com or 610.254.0220. For a full feature on McGowan’s custom millinery business, Jackie’s Hat Box, click here.

The pattern dubbed ‘Quiet Birds Homecoming’ is Scherzer’s best selling collar.

Burberry meets houndstooth, a row of powder pink owls pair up with a robin’s egg blue background, comical turtles with silly expressions dance on a crisp white fabric. Sounds like a sampling from a chic Main Line baby boutique-but in actuality its part of the preppy, fashion forward selection of dog collars from Big Doggy Bling. A Medford, New Jersey based online company, Pam Scherzer’s dog leashes are catching on as one the hottest pet products on the East Coast-and throughout the country. “I received a tweet the other day from a producer from the Oprah Winfrey show; she ordered some collars from me. That was pretty cool! I love my patterns and selection and I work really hard with the line so it was very exciting for me. Of course, when I shipped out the order I put a few extra collars in the mix for Oprah to check out. So, we shall see,” enthused Scherzer.

A very exciting ‘tweet’ considering Big Doggy Bling (www.bigdoggybling.com) has been hand sewing super sophisticated dog leashes, collars and harnesses for just over two years. In an extremely competitive industry of pet products, Scherzer decided to start offering collars for bigger dogs because of a void in the market. “I’m a crafty person naturally and I just decided to make custom collars for my own dogs because I could not find anything I really liked. And, what was out there was way too cutesy and they all fit the tiny, lap dogs. There are plenty of companies producing for those breeds but not too many catering to Bulldogs and the larger guys and gals,” explained Scherzer.

Bad to The Bone
Miss Chloe Ziegler steps out with attitude-but in sensational style thanks to Big Doggy Bling.

Scherzer, a Haddon Township native, offers harnesses and collars for all dogs, any size or shape. Her individually chosen patterns are preppy, pretty and functional. Big Doggy Bling carries martingale collars among their product line, which are “limited slip” collars that are especially useful for dogs whose neck and head are about the same width, like Bulldogs or Greyhounds. Pam’s newest style of leash is called a quick grab-designed with a separate loop (16-20 inches from the dog’s neck) attached to bring your dog back to you or out of danger. Scherzer says they are replacing the cumbersome retractable leashes and offer a more owner-friendly design than wrapping a leash around your wrist.

BigDoggyBling.com is an Etsy-based site. A phenomenally successful online marketplace model for handmade good and vintage clothes since their inception in 2005, Etsy has assisted over 100,000 sellers across the globe to open online shops. Scherzer says the Etsy model has been instrumental to the success of her web-based, custom business. “It’s awesome. Etsy has workshops online to help you when you just get started; I interact with other owners via their chat rooms. Etsy is like a friendly neighborhood, they have member driven discussions broken into categories! It’s a real community of artistic, entrepreneurial people growing their business online together,” said Scherzer.

Scherzer is the original founder of the Mid-Atlantic Bullyfest (recently highlighted on AroundMainLine.com) and is very active with New Jersey’s HeavenSent Bulldog Rescue. Twenty percent of her proceeds go directly to HeavenSent’s ongoing efforts to foster and place bulldogs across the country. “Foster dogs need to look good too! And, with bulldogs, having a properly fitted harness is very important to handling, training and owning these animals, explained Scherzer.

Mention AroundMainLine.com in an email to Pam Scherzer by May 27th and you will receive 10% off your purchase of Big Doggy Bling products. Pam can be reached at: pam@bigdoggybling.com

The company’s collars start at $16.99 and the harnesses price at $30 and up. Scherzer prides herself on individual consultations with her customers to find out exactly what leash style fits their dog and their needs. She will then sketch out the custom design and present it to the owner. One misconception Scherzer wants to dispel among dog owners is that a large dog does not mean bigger, long leash, in fact it’s the opposite equation. “When you have a large, strong dog you actually should be purchasing a shorter leash so you can have control of the dog. People with tiny, frou-frou dogs should have longer leashes because they are lower to the ground,” explained Scherzer.

Pam spends hours each week perusing the aisles of craft stores near her Medford, NJ home looking for specific patterns that fit a certain style. “I started my online shop because was looking for fashion forward, sophisticated collars and there was nothing out there. I have a certain look that I want to achieve and a pattern I eye up-so my brand can be easily recognized,” explained Scherzer.

Scherzer also recently paired up with AroundMainLine.com photographer April Ziegler to run a very successful promotion of her products through Ziegler’s popular photography blog, aprilziegler.com. “We had an unbelievable response. April encouraged her visitors and fans, who are for the most part animal lovers, to check out my site, choose a style and post a comment about why their favorite pooch should win a custom made color from Big Doggy Bling. The response was unprecedented, and April is very talented and giving. Her pictures of my products are just simply amazing! So, I know April and I will be working again together soon with another fun and interactive promotion,” enthused Scherzer.

Scherzer’s clever titles for her dozens of patterns are tongue-in-cheek—like her collar pattern dubbed ‘hOOters,’ which is a powder blue background with cute bubblegum pink owls. The monkey pattern (Monkey See, Monkey Do) and polka dot combos (High Tech Polka Dots) are also top sellers. Scherzer usually names her styles after the song she hears playing on the radio while she is sewing her custom products. “I like to keep things interesting and fun, my business is a lot of work but it’s something I thoroughly enjoy doing. This week I just designed a new collar called ‘More Than Words’ and of course everyone loves the palm tree leash-that’s a nod to Parrot Heads so we called it ‘Cheeseburger in Paradise.’ I have fun with what I’m creating; it’s a cool pastime and a rewarding business. Plus, there are dogs walking around sporting my collars and I know they look good and so do their proud owners,” said Scherzer.

Mention AroundMainLine.com in an email to Pam Scherzer by May 27th and receive ten percent off your purchase. Pam can be reached at: pam@bigdoggybling.com. Twenty percent of all sales from Big Doggy Bling products will be donated to HeavenSent Bulldog Rescue. To view a complete selection of Big Doggy Bling’s boutique leash selections visit: www.bigdoggybling.com

The brains and beauty behind a brilliant business model are Main Line moms and Tymel co-principals Melissa Parker (left) and Tyra Hodges (right).

If there are two idioms that ring true when describing a successful entrepreneurial business model in 2009 it is the following: 1) Necessity is the mother of invention. 2) Timing is everything. With so many Americans astutely aware of reducing their carbon footprint, the green industry is thriving with creative concepts that speak to the nation’s environmentally-cautious consumer. Despite a down economy, all signs point positively towards a growing demand for socially responsible business models.

In the case of Main Line entrepreneurs Tyra Hodges, 45, and Melissa Parker, 40, their invention-fashion forward reusable bags made from recycled materials-was inspired by some timely conversations they had with their children. Hodges was unpacking her groceries one evening in her kitchen last spring when her (then 11-year-old) daughter, Natalie, commented on the amount of plastic and paper she was wasting. Parker had received similar feedback from one of her daughters a few weeks earlier after she completed a school project on the importance of recycling.

Eco-friendly, chic and functional, Tymel’s designs are destined to become the ‘Vera Bradley’ of high-style, reusable bags.

Fast forward a month later when the pair (best friends since 2000 when they met through a social organization) met up for lunch and, in a matter of minutes, a business was born. “There was this very palpable ‘aha’ moment for us for sure that afternoon. We have creative backgrounds and there was this synergy that happened in our conversation. It was almost as if our children had been giving us this innovative idea and it took a lunch date to talk it through. We are both very driven and after that, we were off and running,” explained Hodges.

So Hodges and Parker started ironing out the details of their business model-searching for eco-friendly, fashionable fabrics to use to design a line of hip, preppy reusable bags. And, thus, Tymel Style (a kitschy take on their first names) came to life in August of 2008. “Since ‘green’ does not always mean fashion forward, there were not a lot of attractive fabrics constructed from recycled materials available to make our handbags. It took us quite some time to find a fabric we could work with. But, it was important for us to start there before we ventured into making Tymel bags chic,” said Parker.

Before their roles as co-principals with Tymel Style, LLC, the duo boasted strong corporate backgrounds. Parker, a Duke grad, Manhattan native and mother of three to John William Parker II, 12, nine-year-old Avery and six-year-old Peyton, spearheaded a successful interior design business. While Hodges, originally from St. Louis, holds an accounting degree and an interior design certificate from Temple. The mother of three to 14-year old Danielle and twelve-year-old twins Natalie and Grant, Hodges previously worked as a top pharmaceutical sales rep and ran a prosperous custom invitation company out her home.

According to the EPA, 3.8 million tons of plastic bags and wrap and 720,000 tons of paper bags ended up as waste in 2007.

Tymel’s stylish reusable bags are environmentally friendly, durable, water-resistant and machine washable. “With our design experience, we appreciate texture, color and fabric. These bags offer Main Liners a way to ‘go green’ without sacrificing taste and budget which we carefully constructed based on our research,” explained Parker.

Part of that research included a number of female focus groups invited to their respective homes for an introduction to the line this fall. The participants, who were friendly acquaintances but not close friends, were asked to be frank about their feedback and first impressions. “That was a key part of our business and what we learned from those groups, among many things, is that they expected the size and style of our bags to mimic an actual grocery bag. Having that one-on-one feedback was essential to starting off on the right foot,” explained Hodges.

“Besides growing our business, we want to give back to the community. We feel very blessed for this opportunity,” said Tyra Hodges. Hodges currently serves on the board of Horsham’s Cradles to Crayons.

There are two divisions of Tymel Style—the designer line which will be sold in Main Line boutiques and specialty shops as ideal gifts for baby showers, fashion forward shopping bags or a reusable, pretty tailgating tote. And then there is the exciting corporate side of the business—which will focus on (wedding) hotel guests, fundraisers, trade shows, law firms, pharmaceutical companies and supermarkets. “We will continue to expand our designs and collection with seasonal designs. Children’s lunch bags are an area of growth we will be focusing on and feel that we can develop and really run with,” explained Parker.

Their designs (including a brown and green bamboo graphic and a bright paisley print) are fun, bold and fashionable-think Lilly Pulitzer meets Vera Bradley. And, Tymel’s custom, high quality and stylish reusable bags can carry up to fifty pounds of groceries or shopping items. “We constructed the main design to mimic an actual paper shopping bag-it made sense. So, it’s lean and easy to transport. We’ve put a tremendous amount of time and research into our business because it can’t just be a good-looking product, it has to do the job and hold up,” explained Hodges.

Hodges serves on the board of Cradles to Crayons, a nonprofit based in Boston, with a local chapter in Horsham. The charity’s mission is to connect communities in need by providing basic essentials to disadvantaged children from birth to twelve years of age, filtered through social service agencies (shelters, hospitals). “We connected with Tyra last November with our fundraiser on National Family Philanthropy Day. We were looking to have in-kind donations for the 500 guests and Tyra and Melissa worked together for a generous donation. They are very giving with their time and resources–all donated items were packaged in beautiful Tymel bags,” Kelly Clarke, executive director of Cradles to Crayons, explained. Civic responsibility is a part of Tymel Style that both Parker and Hodges believe very strongly in. “This business is bigger than us and its very important for us to give back. So, a portion of the proceeds of each and every bag benefits Cradles to Crayons,” explained Hodges.

Tymel is in negotiations with a number of the country’s top grocery chains to carry their fashion-forward shopping bags that retail for $8. Pictured is Melissa Parker, a Duke University grad and former interior designer.

The duo has been busy networking not only with Philadelphia-based businesses and charities but also major environmental movers and shakers. Hodges and Parker attended the 2009 Good Jobs, Green Jobs Conference in Washington, D.C. in February, where they met with New York Times best selling author Van Jones. Jones is best known for his book “The Green Collar Economy.” An activist and think tank fellow, Jones joined the Obama administration in March as a special adviser on green jobs. And, Tymel Style was recently accepted into the Green For All Business Protégé Program-an incubation program focused on mentoring start-up, minority owned businesses.

Close to nine months into their business venture and with a wave of socially conscious consumerism backing up their concept, Hodges and Parker are looking towards a greener future, in more ways than one. “There are so many creative, meaningful concepts Tymel Style can offer, especially within the supermarket industry. Reusable bags are not new, but what we are offering is an entire model based around a marketing philosophy. We can work with the grocery stores on individual campaigns in which, when they carry our bags, we will give back to a charity or cause of their choice. We’re a small company, so everything is customized to work with each project and goal that is suitable for Tymel and our business partners. And last but not least, in addition to reducing your carbon footprint, we are making ‘green’ stylish! Our prints are fashion-forward and attractive so you can certainly be proud to shop on the Main Line with a beautiful Tymel bag over your shoulder,” enthused Parker.

Tymel Style LLC is based in Villanova, PA. The company can be reached via email: info@tymelstyle.com; for order and product inquiries call: 215-653-7339. Check out their website at: www.tymelstyle.com.

My Fair Lady
Owner and Milliner Jen McGowan of Jackie’s Hat Box

In the American classic Gone with The Wind, Scarlett O’Hara briskly tied the green ribbon of her oversized Parisian bonnet as she scurried off to the big summer picnic at the Wilkes plantation, Twelve Oaks, for her chance meeting with a dashing Rhett Butler. Former first lady and international style icon Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis made the pillbox hat one of the most fashionable style trends of the ‘60s. And, most recently, singer Aretha Franklin created a flurry of media attention when she wowed the nation with a customized grey felt hat, complete with Swarovski crystals, at the Obama inauguration. The running count on the Facebook fan page for Franklin’s hat is now over 100,000.

From first ladies to classic movie scenes to royal weddings, hats have been a key part of women’s fashion for hundreds of years. Now, a Main Line milliner is making a name for her stylish, custom-made hats. Jackie’s Hat Box is giving everyday social butterflies an opportunity to make a dramatic grand entrance at an upcoming cocktail party, spring fundraiser or, most importantly, the upcoming Devon Horse Show.

AroundMainLine.com is the official media sponsor of the 2009 Devon Horse Show’s Ladies Day Hat Contest—which will be emceed by popular television personality and Horse Show veteran Carson Kressley. The contest is Wednesday, May 27th from 1-2 p.m.

Jen McGowan, 30, is the owner and creative genius behind Jackie’s Hat Box, which has become a thriving, Main Line custom millinery business. “The first hat I made when I was only five years old and I remember it so well! It was a Styrofoam plate with a dove on it and some millinery fruit. I grew up across the street from the (Devon) Horse Show and we would always go there to volunteer every May. My mom bought me my first Devon hat, which was a straw hat, and that started my love of hats,” explained McGowan.

Those memories fed a creative process that has led to a booming business for this stay-at-home-mom of Jackie, almost two and for whom the business is named, and Shelby, six months. “It’s a true labor of love. I put my heart and soul into my hats and it’s something I am very proud of. As a mother of two young children, this is my sanity check to come into my workshop and escape into my creative world! This is where I get my down time and get to craft my hats for my great customers,” said McGowan.

An active, enthusiastic member of Devon’s PR committee, McGowan works out of her Wayne home, with a converted garage set up as her design studio for her elegant, one-of-a-kind creations. Clients bring their outfits as a starting point for the creative process. “I like to build the hat around the outfit and the context of the event. If they are going to a wedding, it is one approach—a hat for summer cocktail parties is probably less formal, more practical in its design,” explained McGowan.

In her third season of designing beautiful hats for Main Line brides, social events and the region’s equestrian culture, Jackie’s Hat Box is catching on. McGowan’s beautiful creations have been worn by Jane Pepper, President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, board members of the Devon Horse Show and a lucky woman who custom ordered a hat for the 2008 Kentucky Derby. “I called the hat for the Derby last year ‘The Run for The Roses.’ It was a stunning oversized black hat and I incorporated gorgeous red roses around the brim. My customer bet on the trifecta and, would you believe it, walked away with $90,000! That’s what I call a lucky hat!” The customer quickly returned to get the roses replaced with sunflowers for The Preakness, but didn’t have the same string of luck. At least that’s what McGowan surmised after not hearing back from her.

Natasha Bolis of Berwyn beautifully models one of McGowan’s one-of-a-kind custom hats. Bolis is a loyal client of Jackie’s Hat Box.

McGowan did not take any classes to train for her millinery business. The Archbishop Carroll grad studied horticulture at Cornell and found that experience and her love of flowers (and experience in landscape design) led to a natural transition into her booming millinery business. Naturally crafty, she read hat-making books cover to cover, researched on the internet and ordered a few how-to guides. Yet, like every artist, McGowan has designs that don’t always come to fruition. “I have a pile of failure hats, sometimes things don’t always work out exactly how I envision them being constructed. It’s all part of the creative process,” she explains.

McGowan begins the structure of a hat based on the planned wardrobe combined with the width of her client’s shoulders. She uses various components to structure and design her hats-including Sinamay, a very malleable, natural fiber which allows for proper construction and interesting angles. Horsehair and Milan straw are also integrated into her creations. McGowan’s hats are affordably priced, starting at $125, with custom orders beginning at $200. “My motivation for keeping the cost reasonable is that I want my clients to build a hat wardrobe with me and have a hat for every occasion and every outfit, within reason. I want to develop a special relationship with each of my clients and work with them on building a fashion-forward, beautiful hat wardrobe they can be proud to sport,” said McGowan.

“I would love for Jackie’s Hat Box to become the milliner that outfits the Main Line. It’s part of my vision and goal with my company,” enthused McGowan.

Jackie’s Hat Box’s best sellers are her straw hats, which are constructed with beautiful imported millinery Petersham ribbon around the brim and bow, and finished off with exquisitely braided Italian straw. “Those are winners because they are very versatile. You can put a great straw hat on with a plain black sheath and look finished and polished for church or a cocktail party or a garden wedding,” explained McGowan. “It’s the style of hat anyone can wear, and if you are new to the hat world, definitely a great starting point to begin your hat wardrobe. I call them the perfect straw hat because they look good on everyone! They are so versatile.”

Among the company’s current prestigious clientele is a pair of Main Line women who will be attending the 27th annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon in New York’s Central Park on May 6th. It is one of the country’s renowned garden parties and a must-attend for the east coast’s social elite. The famous hat luncheon has over 1,200 attendees, with approximately 80% donning their head-topping finest – which is simply required to make a sensational fashion statement. Past attendees include some of New York’s most philanthropic women including Blaine Trump, Katie Couric, Joan Rivers, B. Smith, Martha Stewart and Erin Lauder. The millinery concoctions of the partygoers span descriptors – breathtaking, innovative, grandiose, chic, quirky, and so on.

6ABC will be featuring Jackie's Hat Box on their new Saturday night show, FYI Philly this weekend, May 2nd at 7pm. The team at FYI Philly is working closely with AroundMainLine.com to bring our unique, online features to life with coordinating television segments celebrating the great people and places published by AML.

The local duo attended last year and felt as if their hats didn’t measure up to those of other attendees. It is quite a coup as a young hat maker for McGowan’s hats to be making their debut at America’s most famous millinery affair. “I am so excited to have two of Jackie’s Hat Box creations at FLO, I can hardly believe it! They told me they didn’t feel like they brought their A game last year, and believe me, that party is fiercely competitive with ladies and their hats! They sent me an email through my website and said they were focused on stepping up their outfits this year and wanted to know if I could create them two hats that really make their entrance memorable. They commissioned Jackie’s Hat Box to step in to help them make a statement at this year’s event. It’s a great opportunity because everyone there wants to know where the other woman got her hat” enthused McGowan.

One myth McGowan wants to dispel is that not everyone can wear a hat. “So many people come to me and say, ‘I’m not really a hat person.’ That’s simply because they have not been fitted for a hat or properly advised on what shape and style will flatter their face and proportions. With my clients, once I meet them and we discuss the style, I’m able to cater the hat for them. If I feel they are very outgoing and edgy, I’ll take a stronger design and approach to the hat knowing they can pull it off.”

Hat courage, or chutzpah, is most definitely key to walking into a party with a hat and a sense of confidence. McGowan emphasizes that it’s an important part of wearing a hat well. “I also advise my clients who are first time hat ladies – grab a little glass of champagne, put your shoulders back, and hold your head high. With that attitude, anyone can walk into a party with one of my hats and wow their friends and family this season. You can really ‘bring it’ when you wear a hat–be someone else when you have a hat on, try on a new identity for an afternoon. When my clientele feels comfortable with the hat they are wearing, even if they are not a hat person from the start, at that moment they are a hat person,” said McGowan.

Natasha Bolis of Berwyn is one of McGowan’s most loyal customers and has dozens of her creations, proudly sporting them at Main Line events and the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. “I always think when I come over for a consultation with Jen that I will be picking something out very plain. But, I inevitably always end up with something that’s a statement piece! Last year at (CHOP’s) Daisy Days, I had this fantastic hat that was black with a beige bow. She has such a great eye for design—her styles are fun and feminine and once you start working with her, you want to make that statement when you walk into any party or wedding. When I wear one of Jen’s hats, I feel like a lady and I know I have a special, beautiful hat,” explained Bolis. McGowan adds that Bolis’s 2008 Daisy Day hat was eventually shipped off to be worn by a European customer for an English wedding.

McGowan is spearheading this year’s Ladies Day Hat Contest at Devon, sponsored by AroundMainLine.com. It’s an annual tradition at the Horse Show that the entrepreneur feels can be marketed to a whole new audience by leveraging AML, reaching an online audience that may not be aware of a great Main Line tradition. “I really want to step up the awareness and celebration of the Hat Contest. I’ve been involved with this event for almost five years, and this year it’s officially my assignment to branch out in the way we market Devon. We want to get the word out to the younger gals on the Main Line and with Carson Kressley as our emcee and AroundMainLine.com as our marketing partner, it should be a very successful event,” said McGowan.

Hat Worthy Occasions Coming Up This Spring Around the Main Line and Philadelphia Region

Kentucky Derby, Saturday May 2nd

Point to Point, Sunday May 3rd

Azalea Garden Party, Thursday May 7th

Saturday Club Spring Luncheon, Thursday May 14th

Radnor Hunt Races, Saturday May 16th

The Devon Horse Show, May 21st through May 30th

AroundMainLine.com Sponsors: Ladies Day Hat Contest at Devon, Wednesday May 27th 1-2p.m. Emceed by Carson Kressley

Interested in ordering a custom hat from Jackie’s Hat Box for your next party, fundraiser or wedding? Owner and milliner Jen McGowan can be reached via email at: jenmcgowan@msn.com. For more hats and seasonal styles, visit www.jackieshatbox.com.