Summer Flower Arrangement from Red Earth Farm at West Chester Growers Market

This flower arrangement includes a great collection of sunflowers, ageratum, ameranth, zinnia, gladiolus and celosia.   There were several to choose from and each had its own special look.  The main web page for the farm is here, with a link to the page describing the flowers they offer at different times of the spring and summer.  Special occasion arrangements include flowers for weddings, including: bride’s bouquets, bridesmaid bouquets, table arrangements, altar bouquets and cake toppers.  Flowers are grown in season without chemicals!

The annual Iron Hill Twilight Criterium, West Chester, PA.  The Pro Men’s Race.  Amazing to see again these race speeds on the streets of West Chester.  For me it was the challenge of diminishing light for photography.  Loved it!

Check these other related posts:

Iron Hill Twilight Criterium – Pro Bike Race, West Chester, PA | Elite Women’s Race

Iron Hill Twilight Criterium – Pro Bike Race, West Chester, PA | Winners Gallery

Check these other related posts:
Iron Hill Twilight Criterium – Pro Bike Race, West Chester, PA | Pro Men’s Race

Iron Hill Twilight Criterium – Pro Bike Race, West Chester, PA | Winners Gallery
 

Check the Daily Local News … Schmalz wins Iron Hill Twilight Men’s Pro Criterium.  The articles also lists winners for all three races.

Here are the links to two other related posts with photos on my blog:

Iron Hill Twilight Criterium – Pro Bike Race, West Chester, PA | Elite Women’s Race
Iron Hill Twilight Criterium – Pro Bike Race, West Chester, PA | Pro Men’s Race

If you were a racer or a volunteer today, I would love to hear from you to publish some of your thoughts. Thanks in advance!

November 6, 2010.  It was a shimmering, clear night; the air charged with a vibrant liveliness….

Stars were shining over and inside this year’s venue for the spectacular SHINE event.  Mercedes Benz of West Chester, PA was the gracious host for this critical fundraiser transforming its showroom into a stunning 5-star venue.  It was apparent that all those who contributed to the evening did so from their hearts; beginning with the Mercedes Benz valets to the fabulous Philadelphia caterer, Perfect Setting Catering, the floor-shaking band “Mr. Greengenes”, to the local businesses and individuals who kindly donated items for the silent auction… and of course to the open pocketbooks of everyone who participated.   The proceeds from SHINE are used to directly benefit patients and their families by offsetting the costs of cancer care and support services offered by the Cancer Program of The Chester County Hospital – a member of the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Network.

The “Shining Star of the Evening”, Cathy Gabrielsen was recognized for her unique approach to helping those undergoing cancer treatment.  She knows the medical network all too well as she faced, endured and triumphed over her own cancer diagnosis several years ago.  At that time, her 2 toddlers and everyone in the family needed a hug.  But, those hugs were literally painful at times due to surgery, treatment, fatigue.  Cathy and her husband Scott vowed that once she was well, they would help other families and their children; ensuring that hugs and play was part of these family’s lives, no matter how ill the parent may feel.  Please see Cuddle My Kids for more information and maybe become a volunteer yourself.

On a personal note, I felt so honored to photograph this year’s SHINE event.  I was also asked and proud to donate a family portrait session.  My family has been directly impacted by this horrendous disease.  It is true that when one member of the family has cancer, the entire family experiences it.  We are extremely fortunate to have access to the services of The Chester County Hospital, The Cancer Program, and all the brilliant, caring staff who provide both medical expertise and a kind word, as needed!

SHINE started with a fundraiser in 1998 with Maria McCool, owner of The Calista Grand Salon and Day Spa, and her staff raising the first funds in this program.  Over years the event grow and the SHINE committee formed to manage all SHINE activities.

The 2010 SHINE Committee…

Watch in HD the video slideshow with silent auction and raffle items …

Click here to view the embedded video.

The “Shining Star of the Evening”, Cathy Gabrielsen …

Watch in HD the video slideshow with guests, gala honorees and dancing …

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click ‘ Continue Reading’  below for more (catering, band) …

For more SHINE event food photography, please click here.

On November 6th Perfect Setting Catering, Berwyn, PA, catered at the annual SHINE Gala benefiting The Cancer Program of The Chester County Hospital. To view the post with photography from the event, please click here.  The setting was very different here than at receptions and wedding venues that I am most familiar with.  The Mercedes-Benz dealership in West Chester is located in an elongated building that is different than most dealerships we see around.  It is very interesting architecturally and it was fun to photograph.  For the gala reception the dealership moved all the cars from the elongated showroom and the catering stations were setup on a series of tables along one side of the showroom with lots of room in between.  The order and presentation of everything was great, with many catering staff members available to serve everybody.

The ambient light was great for food photography.  One of my favorites, to photograph and to taste , was the Petit Filet of Beef, Sauteed-to-Order in Demi Glace.  One of the sides was a Chester County Mushroom Ragout.  Love our local Chester County Mushrooms!  Other side options included Gorgonzola Cheese, Creamed Leeks or Fried Shallots.