Dangerous Philly Fugitive STILL On The Loose!

That cold blooded murderer is still on the loose in the Philly suburbs of Chester County, the scenic hilly terrain that is known the world over as "Andrew Wyeth Country." And this has been going on for over a week now. They can't seem to catch this guy despite a massive manhunt bu the authorities that has included numerous detours, road blocks and checkpoints in the area. In fact, it's now being reported that Danelo Cavalcante

stole a van from near famed Longwood Gardens where he was said to be hanging out. He's also been spotted on ring doorbell cameras (see photos). He is said to have commandeered a White Ford Transit Van PA Tag: ZST 8818 with damage to the left rear bumper with a refrigeration unit on the top. The van reportedly came from a nearby dairy. They say the van was seen at the intersection of PA-23 and PA-113 in Phoenixville yesterday at 10:00 p.m. Oh,wait -- there's more. Now they say he ditched the van and got away again!

🚨 LIVE UPDATE 🚨 #DaneloCavalcante got away again. Ditched the stolen van and may now be on foot. He is considered dangerous & local residents are urged to stay vigilant.

Police Presser happening now.

JOIN US 👇https://t.co/FrBK0Ae2ED pic.twitter.com/5RMVCehwOj

— JLR© (@JLRINVESTIGATES) September 10, 2023

Nabbed In West Chester Campus Apt? REALLY?

UPDATE: @USMarshalsHQ on @WCUofPA campus nab guy WANTED for shooting woman just because she accidentally bumped into him while shopping Wednesday morning 1/24/22 in Coatesville Market on Lincoln Highway. He was found in West Chester University student housing apt @FOX29philly pic.twitter.com/vESOdduKmg

— Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) February 4, 2022

Oh, My! These Colors Will Take Your Breath Away!

Spring is awash in spectacular color!

And this was never more apparent than during our recent visit to Longwood Gardens in suburban Philadelphia where the vivid colors of the season are so intense they will dazzle you at every turn.

On the eve of Mother's Day, we thought you might like this panoply of hues that we collected as we snapped away with our trusty iPhone. 

Enjoy!

Christmas Greetings From World's Cutest Dog!

 

If this doesn't warm your heart this Christmas, we don't know what will.
We have long identified Moose of nearby Chester County (PA) as the world's cutest dog. Moose got his name not because he's as big as a moose (he's actually diminutive) but because he was the largest and healthiest dog of the litter.
Moose is friendly, frisky  and very inquisitive. He's a Lancashire Heeler -- a herder dog.
A sturdy little dog with a short, weather-resistant coat of black and tan or liver and tan, Lancashire Heelers are affectionate with their owners, always happy, talkative and always ready for a walk. Their small size is what gives them their charm.

Moose has all the wonderful qualities of his breed but also remains unique -- a one-of-a-kind among equals. 

He's a real Christmas treat all through the year!

Back Again: Non-Stop Propulsive Entertainment!

Are you looking for non-stop, high-energy entertainment that NEVER quits?
Do you long for supercharged, propulsive live music with great singing and jumpin/jivin stage antics that surprise and delight?
Do you long for music that provides the best of jazz, rock, bebop and classic song-styling in a unique package that immerses iteself in the pure joy of entertainment?
Then you need to see Louis Prima Jr. and The Witnesses and you need to see them ASAP. 
We caught Prima Jr's show recently in West Chester and found ourselves cheering on Louis, his easy-on-the-eyes vocalist and his eight-piece band during a nearly two hour performance that started sky high and just kept climbing. And here's the good news: Prima Jr. & Co. will be back at the Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center again on May 31. Tickets here!
Yes, Prima does many of his father's classic numbers (like Angelina, Bei Mir Bist Du Schon, Jumpin 'n Jivin and Just A Gigilo) but he does them in his own updated style -- a style that pays homage to his daddy but also gives every classic a special newfangled twist. And Prima delivers many newer numbers and even a few country tunes in a mix that will have you laughing, clapping, swaying in your seats, stomping your feet and maybe even dancing. It's one of the liveliest evenings of entertainment we can ever remember.
Every single musician in Prima's band is top notch and each has a moment to shine as the evening's music keeps getting better and better and livelier and livelier. It fact, you're liable to literally gasp at the stellar performances you will witness -- including a jaw-dropping drum solo and a band member who plays two horn instruments at once! And after the show, Louis himself and the whole group will greet you.
Trust us -- this is pure entertainment the likes of which we haven't seen in decades! It's propulsive!
Click here to find out where Louis Prima Jr. and his pals will be performing.




Born in 1965, Louis Prima Jr. is the youngest child and only son of musician and entertainer Louis Prima. His mother Gia Maione began performing with his father in 1962. She taught Louis Jr. to play the drums at 5 years old. He grew up on the outskirts of Las Vegas, on his dad's golf course, Fairway to the Stars, and spent two weeks every summer at his grandparents' house in Toms River, New Jersey. His grandfather, Tom Maione, owned the Red Top Bar at Seaside Heights.
When the Prima family moved to New Orleans, he learned piano. His aunt, Sister Mary Ann, taught piano, and he quickly caught on. The family moved into the home that his father built for his mother on Pretty Acres Golf Course in Covington, Louisiana but soon realized the house might need to be razed due to a termite infestation. The family moved back to Las Vegas.
In school, Prima took band class and told his mother he wanted to play trumpet. He continued playing through high school, and cites his band directors Bruce Cullings and William "Mac" McMosley as major influences in his life. The high school bands were some of the top in the country, winning top honors in every competition. They competed in the Heavy Division of the Chaffey Jazz Festival, and they marched in the Fiesta Bowl and Sun Bowl.
After graduating from high school, Prima started college to enter the business world. He landed a good job, with what he believed a future, and dropped out of college after only one semester. Within a year, he found a band that was renamed Problem Child. Problem Child became popular in the local Vegas scene and at several venues in Hollywood. They opened for numerous acts in every genre, from Winger to Savatage.
In 1995, Problem Child disbanded, and Prima shifted his musical focus to his other love, the music and style of his father. Enlisting the talents of his sister Lena, who had long since quit the music business and established herself as a Las Vegas performer, Prima put together a band in his father's mold. With the aid of his father's keyboard player, Bruce Zarka, he assembled a band of some of the top musicians in Vegas. He left the music world and began a career in food and beverage management. He started a family and performed only casually with friends.
For several years Prima juggled the demands of a full-time job, part-time music career, and raising his children. In 2010 at age 44, he quit his lucrative day job. At a stage of life when some performers are hanging up their instruments in favor of more secure employment, Prima, a divorced father of two, gambled on a full-time career bringing his dad's musical style to new generations. "I may be good at management," he said, "but that's not what I was supposed to be doing."
Shortly after their breakout performance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (aka Jazz Fest) came one of the highlights of his musical odyssey and a proud moment in his life. On July 25, 2010, the year his father would have turned 100, Prima, Spiegel and the Witnesses were present when his father's posthumous star was put on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
On July 10, 2012 Prima and the Witnesses released their debut album, Return of the Wildest, on Warrior Records/Universal Music Distribution. Touring in support of Return of the Wildest, the band made their national television debut on Access Hollywood Live. Hosts Billy Bush and Kit Hoover had such a good time dancing along with the band that they were asked to return for the hit television show's Christmas special that had guest Henry Winkler jumping out of his seat to join in the mayhem. Their worldwide tour continued through October 2013, highlighted by their performance at the first BottleRock Napa Valley festival. sharing the bill with Macklemore, Black Keys, Zac Brown Band, and Kings of Leon.
Prima's second album, titled Blow, was recorded at Capitol Records in the same studio where his father and mother recorded.

'Little Explorers?' It's A REAL Success Story!

Saints Simon and Jude School in West Chester (Chester County) will celebrate the opening of its “Little Explorers” Preschool program with a blessing. Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald, who oversees Catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will preside over the blessing. 

In addition to pre-school students and teachers, special guests attending the blessing will include Father Michael J. Gerlach, Pastor; Sister Regina Elinich, I.H.M., Principal; administrators from the Office of Catholic Education (OCE); representation from the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (I.H.M.); donors, and school board members. 

Tuesday, September 12, 2017
10:00 a.m.
Saints Simon and Jude School
6 Cavanaugh Court
West Chester, PA 19382 (Chester County)

In the fall of 2016, Saints Simon and Jude School formed its first School Board of Limited Jurisdiction. Under this board’s guidance the “Little Explorers” program was developed. An event was held last school year and raised $84,000 to support the preschool startup costs. Mr. Peter Federico, Chair of the School Board and Mrs. Mary Kinka, preschool teacher, will be available to speak about the new program following the blessing. The new preschool program will welcome 37 students to its 3-year-old and 4-year-old classes for the fall 2017-2018 semester. 

Note: For more information on Saints Simon and Jude School, please visit https://school.simonandjude.org/. 

For information about Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit http://www.aopcatholicschools.org/.

Sharing Moments Of Innocence, Delight, Whimsy!

The Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania is a treasure trove of great illustration.

It's one of our favorite museums and it's currently showing an outstanding exhibition of art from children's books. We visited recently and we wanted to share some of this with you.

As grandparents we were thrilled with what we found. This is a delightful show for both children and adults -- for children of all ages, really.

This exhibition, entitled Get The Picture!, is organized by the Brandywine River Museum of Art and guest curated by H. Nichols B. Clark. It features an exciting selection of contemporary paintings and drawings created by eight of the most renowned artists currently working the field: Sophie Blackall, Bryan Collier, Raúl Colón, Marla Frazee, Jon Klassen, Melissa Sweet, David Wiesner and Mo Willems. 

If you have kids or grandkids you may recognize some of these images but the great fun is seeing the actual, original art work which produced the final product.

These works reveal the artists’ broad spectrum of working methods and subject matter, as well as the ever-increasing inclusiveness in the field of children’s book illustration. 

Get the Picture! Contemporary Children’s Book Illustration brings the museum’s long-standing commitment to the history and traditions of children’s illustration to the present day.

What we're showing you here is just a very brief portion of the show which runs through October 9.

Don't miss it!

Recommended Dining In Philly Burbs

For awhile we've been wanting to bring you up to date on our dining adventures and now we finally have a chance.

Here's a roundup of some of our recent visits and assessments:

We've paid a few return visits to the beautiful Seasons 52 restaurant in Cherry Hill and we found it to be every bit as hospitable (and the food every bit as good) as when it first opened. That's a real compliment since eateries often open top-notch and then begin to miss the mark.

In Cherry Hill Season's 52 continues to deftly oversee the operation with a great deal of attentiveness and personal charm. We love just about everything on the menu at Seasons 52 (a menu that changes with the seasons) and the staff is uniformly first-rate. And since our very first visit to Seasons 52 at the Cherry Hill Mall (shortly after it opened) the restaurant has opened at nearby King of Prussia Mall.

Another fine eatery that we recently discovered is the Four Dogs Tavern at the Marshalton Inn in the cozy village of Marshalton near West Chester, Pa. The Marshalton Inn is the bigger deal here -- the white tablecloth, finer dining restaurant -- while the Four Dogs is just what the name says it is: an informal, friendly cafe. The menu at Four Dogs features fresh ingredients from nearby farms and establishments and every dish is carefully detailed. We recommend outdoor dining at the Four Dogs this autumn, if the weather permits. The setting amidst the rolling hills of beautiful Chester County is relaxing and rejuvenating and the food is great with reasonable prices to match.

Down near the Jersey shore we enjoyed a wonderful meal at Gourmet Italian Cuisine in Galloway. Gourmet is a huge establishment (bar, cafe, restaurant, banquet and event rooms) but it actually feels surprisingly cozy inside since it's broken up into smaller areas and features rich woods, copper, innovating lighting, appealing art work, comfortable seating and lots of windows. The main bar is spacious and the drinks are great. The menu is varied and is by no means limited to Italian fare. And, there are many very reasonably priced specials as well as full course meals. We highly recommend Gourmet!

Returning to Cherry Hill, we recently entertained friends at Lamberti's Tutti Toscani and once again enjoyed superb meals in a relaxing informal setting at moderate prices with outstanding, personal service. Tutti Toscani is the first and longest running location in the Lamberti Family of Restaurants and it's still one of the best. We've been returning year after year and we've never had a bad meal at this warm and inviting bistro.

Also in Cherry Hill, we've been enjoying the fine lunches and happy hours at Brio at Garden State Park. The cold, crispy Caesar salads at Brio are extraordinary and the roasted chicken sandwich is fresh and luscious. The happy hour is a big draw with a variety of drinks and hors'douvres at very popular prices. And, we've also been to Brio for dinner several times and have always had a great time.

Finally, we recommend The Bistro at Haddonfield (formerly the Corner Bistro) on Kings Highway and Tanner St. in the historic town of Haddonfield. The Bistro is a cross between a corner restaurant and a dinner. This place serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week and almost everything that you order is going to be fresh and tasty. On a nice day we like to sit outdoors under The Bistro's bright blue awnings. And here's a special secret: You won't find a better (or more reasonably priced) weekday breakfast anywhere!

Remembering Henry - A Dog Who Loved Everyone

Toward the end of the year, one of the greats of the canine kingdom passed on. We're talking about Henry, Pennsylvania State Senator Any Dinniman's beloved pooch.
Henry was an integral part of the West Chester scene and was really a celebrity of sorts throughout Chester County. But he never acted like a celebrity. He wasn't a prissy or fussy dog. He was a real dog-dog who loved life and made friends with everyone he met.
And few knew this better than the Senator and his family. And their story is deeply touching and instructive. So, here's how Senator Dinniman himself explained it all in a recent Facebook post:

Friends, it has been a tough couple days.
On Wednesday night our poodle, Henry, passed away. As many of you know, Henry was a constant source of companionship and joy for our family. More importantly, in my travels as state Senator he had become a figure in his own right throughout Chester County and southeastern Pennsylvania. He was more than a sidekick; He was my best friend.
When we first brought Henry home, almost a decade ago, we could have never imagined the immeasurable impact he would have on our lives and those of so many other dog lovers. With our grown daughter living away, at first we simply thought it would be nice to have a dog around the house, to lighten things up, to encourage us to get more exercise and to make us laugh. Having lived our entire married lives without a pet, we truly had no idea we were “dog people.” Henry changed that in a big way.

At first, Henry was shy. In fact, he was the shyest dog in the litter. That was part of the reason we brought him home. When I decided to run for state Senator in 2006, I decided I’d take him with me wherever I could. The demanding schedule of events proved to be a perfect opportunity to help socialize him. Before long, he learned to trot at a steady pace in parades and sit quietly during stump speeches. To this day, wherever I go more people seem to know his name than mine!
When I was working in Harrisburg or any of the many other places this job has taken me, Henry and my wife, Margo, became very close. He was a steadfast and loyal friend as we faced the joys and challenges of daily life. When our family experienced a health crisis, he always managed to bring a smile to our faces, and I have no doubt that his love was great therapy.
Sharing our lives with Henry showed me just how important dogs are to so many individuals and families. As a result, I became deeply involved in humane legislation, helping pass the Pennsylvania Dog Law, cracking down on puppy mills and banning barbaric and cruel methods of pet euthanasia. I continue to work to that end and to ensure that all animals are treated humanely, that we tighten the penalties on animal cruelty, and that we promote the therapeutic value of dogs in healing, learning and recovery.
The fact is we are only on the cusp of understanding all dogs have to offer. Every day science tells us more and more about their minds and their potential. Every day, dogs contribute to society by helping keep us safe, assisting those with disabilities and simply bringing comfort and solace to those in need.
In sharing your journey with a dog, you come to better realize your own humanity. These animals are a blessing, and we were truly blessed to have Henry in our lives.
Thank you for letting me share Henry’s story with you, and thank you for being a part of his life.

The Face Of Tomorrow's GOP Congress

Ryan Costello is running for Congress in Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District with the goal of ending the partisan gridlock in Washington, finding sensible bi-partisan solutions to the challenges facing our nation, and getting our country back on track so that we can create a brighter future for local residents and future generations.

Here's what he has to say:

As I meet and talk with voters, it’s clear that the want someone who will be an independent voice in Washington. As a County Commissioner I have a record of balancing budgets, cutting spending and still investing in things like our library system and open space that make our community a great place to raise a family. Voters want a congressman who delivers results, who’s not afraid to put the interests of the country above partisan politics, and is willing to work in a bi-partisan manner to address the issues facing our nation.

Budweiser Clydesdales Arrive In West Chester

The Budweiser Clydesdales were first introduced to the public on April 7, 1933, to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition. August A. Busch, Jr. presented the hitch as a gift to his father, August Anheuser Busch, Sr., who was guided outside the brewery by the ruse of being told his son had purchased him a new car, but instead was greeted by the horses, pulling a red, white and gold beer wagon. The hitch proceeded to carry the first case of post-Prohibition beer from the St. Louis brewery in a special journey down Pestalozzi Street in St. Louis.

Tonight, just a short while ago, the Budweiser Clydesdales came to West Chester, Pennsylvania. A big crowd turned out for these majestic equines as they delivered commemorative cases of beer to select, certified downtown pubs and restaurants.

Costello Wins Support Of NFIB In Congressional Bid

Republican PA-6 nominee and Chester County Commissioner Ryan Costello won the support of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

“NFIB is a leading voice on behalf of the nation’s small businesses, which are one of the major drivers of our economic and job growth,” Costello stated. “I am honored to have the support of an organization that advocates for and champions small business. If elected, I will work to implement policies that promote job creation, reduce barriers to economic growth, and cut bureaucratic red tape that saps the resources of small businesses and inhibit their ability to expand and hire new workers.”

“When he was a Chester County Commissioner Ryan balanced budgets, cut government spending, and reduced the size of county government all while making investments in open space,” said NFIB Executive State Director Kevin Shivers. “It’s policies like that which make small businesses feel more confident about expanding and hiring. Government must live within its means and keeps tax rates low. We need that same mindset in Washington, D.C. where an out of control federal budget deficit has small businesses nervous about their economic future and potential for growth. That’s why we support Ryan Costello for Congress.”

The NFIB was founded in 1943 and represents 15,000 businesses in Pennsylvania. The endorsement was made by the organization’s Save America’s Free Enterprise (SAFE) Trust.

Costello is running to represent Pennsylvania’s 6th congressional district, which comprises parts of Berks, Chester, Lebanon and Montgomery Counties. The Democratic nominee is physician Manan Trivedi.

Photos: Vivid Colors Of Harvest Alive This Autumn!

The spectacular colors of the harvest are alive right now.
The vivid oranges, tans, yellows, reds and even greens are everywhere.
Just open your eyes and look around you. You'll see the colors of the season wherever you turn,
And we're not talking about the leaves.
We're talking about the pumpkins, mums, squash, apples and gourds.
We took a trip to Highland Orchards in beautiful Chester County (PA) and had a wonderful time tasting the freshest of fresh treats -- including fresh apple cider and incredible apple cider donuts.
Get out and enjoy everything that this delightful season has to offer.
And yes, soon -- in a week of two -- we'll even see the trees in our region burst into their grand finale.
All photos copyright 2012 by Dan Cirucci.

Photo Essay: Spring's Vivid Blooms At Terrain!

The weather was absolutely perfect in the Philadelphia region yesterday.
We ere treated to a glorious spring day.
And what better day than Mother's Day for a trip to Terrain at Styers in nearby Glen Mills?
If you think Terrain is just another garden center, you're sadly mistaken. The place is a wonderland of  vivid colors, blossoms and home and garden delights like you've never seen before.
And you can browse to your heart's content among Terrain's huge array of unusual plants, gifts and accessories. In fact, you can even dine at Terrain. The entire realm of Terrain is nothing less than magical as these photos demonstrate.
Photos copyright 2012 by Dan Cirucci.