WEST MARLBOROUGH: Tax increases approved; West Marlborough will help fund new library

In 2020, West Marlborough Township taxpayers will see their property taxes increase from 1.7 mills to 2 mills and their earned income taxes increase from 0.5% to 0.75%. The money raised by the tax increases will go toward emergency services, construction of the proposed Kennett Library and creation of a $10,000 rainy-day fund. 

The supervisors unanimously approved the budget and the earned income tax increase at a standing-room-only meeting on Dec. 30. The board had approved the millage increase at a separate meeting earlier in December.

Residents packed the Dec. 30 meeting in the township garage -- after all the folding chairs were filled, some stood and others sat on the running board of the township truck. Everyone who spoke was in favor of funding emergency services, but the residents were split on whether township taxpayers should help pay for library construction. 

Supervisor Bill Wylie reminded residents that the vast majority of the tax money is going to fund emergency services: "EMS is why we're raising taxes," he said.

Dot Shaw said not many township residents use the library, and her husband Bill Shaw called the library's proposed building an unneeded "frill" and a "Taj Mahal." John Taylor urged the board to "keep our money in West Marlborough." Don Silknitter said funding the library "does not seem to be in the interest of the whole township." Christina Powell said she didn't agree with the way the library board expected the townships to pick up the tab. 

But Starr Bright called the library "an incredible resource" that "enhances the community." She visits frequently, not only to check out books and audiobooks but also to attend meetings. "If you don't use it, you don't know how much they offer," she said. Her husband Clayton Bright said supporting the library contributes to "an educated community."

Brett Dolente, another library user, said the library is "a public service we should all contribute to."

Tom Brosius said he found the library board's presentation to be moving and pointed out that the library provides "a lot of education," including citizenship classes and English tutoring. "It's a tiny amount of our money," he said.

Phoebe Fisher said that even people who don't use the library still benefit from having an educated community. 

Supervisor Jake Chalfin said he had originally been "on the fence" about funding the library "until they came and spoke. I was extremely impressed." He said the other municipalities in the library's service area all providing funds and "we'd look pretty silly if we didn't contribute." He said although a new library has been talked about on and off for decades, "I have a lot of confidence they're going to pull this off."

He said the modern, accessible library will have meeting rooms, classrooms, and programs for all segments of society and will actually be less expensive to operate. 

"An educated community," he said, "is a strong and prosperous community."

The budget calls for a $65,000 contribution to the emergency services that serve West Marlborough, or $79.85 per resident. The supervisors are proposing to contribute $15,000 a year for five years to fund the library construction, or $18.42 per year per resident. The township currently contributes $1,500 a year ($1.84 per resident) to fund library programs. The real estate tax will raise a total of $145,000 (a $25,000 increase) and the earned income tax will raise $195,000 total (a $65,000 increase).

Residents listen as former township supervisor Josh Taylor (back right, in knit cap) offers his opinion at the Dec. 30 West Marlborough Township meeting.

THE NEXT CHAPTER: A big decision for this UHS runner

The first time we started hearing comments from parents about "Hey, maybe he'll get a college scholarship," we laughed it off. Sure, the Young Relative showed some talent in the YMCA's Stride running program at Hillendale Elementary and on the track team at Patton Middle School. But really, how many kids continue the sport in college!
Then, at UHS, he kept working hard and got much, much faster, but we downplayed the whole college thing: we didn't want to pressure the kid any more than he did himself. 
Then college coaches started showing up at his big meets.
You know where this is going: A few weeks ago the Y.R. committed to run for a Division I school on the Main Line. We are beyond proud, not only because he's a terrific athlete but because he's a smart, funny, wonderful young man. Dearest Partner is already figuring out shortcuts to get to the university's athletic facilities so we can keep watching him run.

THE PANTO: Audience participation welcome!

We got a marvelous sneak peek of the upcoming pantomime, "Snow White and the Magic Mirror," when director Caroline Smith invited us to a rehearsal at St. Michael's Lutheran Church. 
This year's Dame ("Dame Flora") is played by Kevin Sheridan, who is new to the Kennett Amateur Theatrical Society (although we recognized him right away as an actor in the Haunted Kennett Square walking tour). Kris Gibbons once again plays an evil henchman -- this year he is "Mendicant." Beth Holladay, last year's marvelous Cheshire Cat, is the evil stepmother Queen Bergamot. Elea Feit is Momma Bear (Poppa Bear was in London that night). Also at the rehearsal were longtime KATS favorites like William Crampton (Father Time), Deborah Crampton, Peter Giangiulio (a dwarf), Shelley May Mincer, Lisa Teixeira (Queen Turmeric; "she's a little pushy"), Bing Carandang, and Nancy Goyda. 
Rounding out the cast are Kevin Pizzini is Digby the palace gardener, Stephen Ashby (last year's Queen of Hearts) is Sir George; Becky Galante is Bianca; Gillian Haldeman is Rosalind, Bianca’s friend; Jamie Gallop is Pastelle, and the Mirror is played by Chase Gibbons, Amelia Miller, Claire Suto. Angel Hicks and Zula Ali. And don't forget the always adorable children's chorus! Phil and Marilee Calabrese are co-music directors.
The show, the 19th "Annual Pantomime in the British Tradition," is written by KATS founder Gary Smith. Shows are at the Kennett High School auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids, and are available at www.callkats.com.

SOURCE REVEALED: "Do Your Best"

Small rectangular signs reading "Do Your Best" have appeared at numerous intersections around Willowdale. It's a bromide, sure, but I appreciate the reminder, especially when I'm tempted to cut corners to finish an editing project ("Oh, who will notice if I spell it Hanukah in one place and Hanukkah in another?"). 
The other day I noticed that there was some tiny lettering below the motto and pulled over to take a look: "Go Army. Beat Navy."
Mystery solved.

WEST MARLBOROUGH: Eternal return of the birds

It took a while, but the birds have finally returned to my back yard. The nuthatches, juncos and chickadees are eating out of my two feeders, the mourning doves are taking care of any spilled seed, and the downy woodpeckers and red-bellied woodpeckers are tap-tap-tapping at the suet cakes. 
We had to attach the suet feeder securely to the trunk of a white pine after some hungry creatures managed to defeat what I thought was a raccoon-proof setup involving a bungee cord wrapped around a tree limb. Overnight the bungee cord was dangling from the limb, the suet holder was on the ground and the suet had disappeared.
The squirrels are doing their best to extract seed from the little openings of the tube feeders. One guy was embracing the feeder with his whole body, clinging on to the little metal footholds while the feeder swayed violently. They may be tree rats, but they're pretty comical to watch. (In case they think they're being unfairly accused, I've noticed that the other feeder, the one with the squirrel guard, needs to be replenished MUCH less often!)

KENNETT: Lost in translation

A friend travels frequently to Germany for work and mentioned Kennett Square's Mushroom Drop to some of her colleagues. They were dumbfounded, first that Americans make such a big deal out of New Year's Eve and second that the celebration involved … a huge lighted fungus. She explained that other small towns host similar festivities, lowering items like pickles and chocolate kisses, but she said the Germans still didn't quite get the point.

CHILDREN: Raising the next generation

Parents of young kids, I am in awe of your stamina. I do some pretty tough exercise classes at the Y, but after spending only a few hours with two little ones on Christmas, we were exhausted. We didn't realize how quiet and serene our daily lives are.
The little boy was racing around with a newly empty cardboard box covering most of his body. It started out with no eye holes, but they were quickly added, then holes in the sides were cut out to accommodate his arms. Fortunately the Box Boy was intercepted before he could start whirling around in an office chair with wheels.
His sister was also unstoppable. She was striding around the house, intent on meeting her daily quota of steps (which she could track on her new smartwatch). Then she'd stop and say, "Let's play!" or tell me more details of her new "ginormous" doll house.
"Is it furnished?" I asked.
"Yes, there is furniture," she answered.
"Does it have a patio out back?" I asked.
Her eyes widened. "How did you KNOW?!"
Toward the end of the afternoon I turned to their father and asked, in wonder, "How do you do it?"  
He knew exactly what I meant. 
"I fake it," he replied. "I mean, I was pretty much asleep there on the sofa."
 

CHRISTMAS: It came without packages, boxes or bags!

Amid the feasting and celebration, a few non-material things stood out this Christmas. 
The first was an open house I attended where the guests represented a broad cross-section in terms of age, politics and backgrounds. And no one argued; they simply enjoyed each other's company! It was truly heartening -- even if the delicious and potent mixture of Champagne and cranberry juice may have helped things along a bit.
The second was a man who was sitting on a bench near the checkout lines at the Kennett Giant the day before Christmas Eve. He was holding something in his lap -- at first I thought it was a Chihuahua, but when I got closer I could see he was hugging two stuffed reindeer toys and stroking one, gazing down at it with the beaming, doting smile that I have when I'm cuddling my cats. My heart melted. He was probably the happiest, most content person in the store, which was full of harried shoppers worrying about things like whether the $75 rib roast would in fact serve 10 people.
Finally, my brother told me that the best present he received was the chance to spend time with the Young Relative running through the White Clay Creek Preserve on Christmas morning. I didn't spoil the moment by inquiring about times, distances or post-race discomfort.

KENNETT: Baseball Old Timers banquet

The Kennett Old Timers Baseball Association is holding its 40th annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony and banquet at 6 p.m. Jan. 18 in the Red Clay Room at the Kennett Fire Co. Tickets are $40 and, as always, are on sale at Burton's Barber Shop, 105 West State Street, in downtown Kennett. Eight local athletes will be inducted into the Hall of Fame (Corey Anderson, Curtis Glasco, Robert Gottschall, Todd Haines, Steve Hands, Scott Hoffman, Steven Lam, and Mark Unruh), and a Special Recognition Award will be given to Prissy Roberts, who has been instrumental in organizing the banquet for 22 years. Special guest will be Dickie Noles, the former Phillie who pitched in the 1980 World Series when the Phillies beat Kansas City 4-2 for the title.

KENNETT SQUARE: Ringing in the new decade

Once again, the New Year's Eve Mushroom Drop will take place at Broad and Union Streets in the middle of Kennett Square. The laser light show starts at 6 p.m., the lighted mushroom will be hoisted up by crane at 8:45 p.m. (as long as it's not too windy), and the band "The Funsters" will be playing out on South Union Street from 9 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. We've been to five of the six Mushroom Drops (we wimped out the year the wind-chill was in the single digits) and it's a really fun, family-friendly event.

 

SUSHI: A new Asian restaurant

Word has apparently gotten out that Wasabi 3 has opened in the Longwood Village shopping center. When we stopped in for dinner on a Wednesday evening at 7, nearly every table at the new Asian restaurant was full. There were a lot of family groups, and the place was doing a bustling takeout business as well.
The menu contains plenty of sushi offerings ("raw" is indicated by a fish icon) as well as Chinese and Thai favorites like General Tso's Chicken and Pad Thai. Dearest Partner ordered a chicken and broccoli dish with brown rice, and I had a TNT roll (crab, avocado, and lobster salad).
You never know what to expect at a restaurant that has just opened, but our food arrived almost immediately and was just what we ordered. My sushi roll was beautifully presented in an almost architectural configuration with two lettuce leaves and a purple orchid.
After we were finished, the waitress brought us a pretty cut-up orange and fortune cookies for dessert. 
The bill was a pleasant surprise: they gave us a 15% discount, I suppose as an opening promotion.

WEST MARLBOROUGH: An important budget meeting

West Marlborough Township taxpayers will want to attend an important budget meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30. The supervisors will be voting on a budget that includes a $65,000 contribution to the fire and ambulance companies that serve the township ($79.85 per resident) and a $15,000 contribution toward building the proposed Kennett Library ($18.42 per resident).
To pay for those two projects, and to establish a $10,000 rainy-day fund, the supervisors on Dec. 13 raised the property tax from 1.7 mills to 2 mills, and on Dec. 30 they will vote on a proposal to raise the earned income tax from 0.50% to 0.75%.
At the unusually contentious Dec. 13 meeting, residents told the supervisors that although they support funding emergency services, they don't think West Marlborough should help to fund construction of a new library. The supervisors said they need to balance those objections against the support for the library project that they've heard from many other residents.

QUAKERS: Misadventures during the War of Independence

University of Kansas historian Richard Godbeer has just released "World of Trouble," an account of the adventures of Philadelphia Quakers Henry and Elizabeth Drinker during the American Revolution. Because they refused to take sides during the War of Independence, Quakers were not popular with either the colonists or the British. Nor did it help that Henry was an agent for England's East India Company. He and 29 other pacifists were arrested by Pennsylvania's government and imprisoned. Those who refused to swear an oath of allegiance and were exiled to Virginia for eight months. And after the British surrendered at Yorktown, the Drinkers' house was vandalized because they refused to display celebratory candles. 
The "Wall Street Journal" reviewer, Robert Landers, called the book "well-written and fascinating . . . a tale not only of resilience in the face of hardship but of the perils of exercising freedom of conscience -- even when the cause that threatens it can be rightly seen as a fight for freedom itself." 
I've already ordered my copy. It'll be great reading during a snowstorm.

UNIONVILLE: A fashion show at the River Museum

How exciting! Unionville fashion designer David Ferron just announced that he's going to have his very first runway show, and it will be this coming March at the Brandywine River Museum of Art. David, a Unionville native, opened his dressmaking and tailor shop in the former saddle shop in the middle of Unionville in 2018. As he wrote on his Facebook page: "I believe that by leaving big cities like NYC designers like myself can rediscover why they started making in the first place, create a long-lasting impact on smaller communities that are craving the arts, and inspire the local youth to think outside of the box when it comes to the definition of happiness. This is the mission for my show in March and I can’t thank the Brandywine River Museum enough for their support!"

WEST GROVE: Fun with the speed monitor

Dearest Partner was driving along Rosehill Road outside of West Grove the other day when he saw a jogger suddenly break into a sprint. Then the man pulled up, walked back to his starting point -- and did the same thing again.
At that point D.P. realized what was going on. Alongside the road was a speed monitor, the kind that tells you how fast you're going, and the jogger was having some fun with it. He registered 8 miles per hour, or a 7:30 mile.

UNIONVILLE: The rain gauge is half full

Monday was a dreary day, dark, cold and rainy. But a fellow customer at the Unionville post office had a different outlook.
"I'm glad it's raining," he said, cheerfully.
The women behind the counter didn't know what to make of this.
"What, you don't like the sun?!" asked one of them.
"Nope," he said. "It could be snowing."

WILLOWDALE: Goodbye to Sue

Susan Durnall died on Dec. 5 at age 68. I never knew her last name; I only knew her as Sue, the friendly, dark-haired woman who worked behind the deli counter at the Landhope store in Willowdale. After making tuna subs for me for at least 20 years, she didn't even need to check the printout to know what I'd order. I will miss her, and I'm really glad I had a nice chat with her the last time I saw her. One of her coworkers told me that Sue was a huge Rolling Stones fan and was very happy that she got to see the band one last time back this past summer.

AVONDALE: Taco Bell will open on Route 41

A Taco Bell franchise is being built on Route 41 just across from the Wawa convenience store in Avondale. One wonders how a Taco Bell could turn a profit in an area that has so many authentic Mexican taquerias, but I'm sure the marketing folks and the franchisee have run the numbers.

WEST MARLBOROUGH: Tax increase for emergency services and library

West Marlborough Township taxpayers will see their property taxes increase from 1.7 mills to 2 mills in 2020 to help pay for emergency services and for construction of the proposed Kennett Library. The supervisors unanimously approved the tax increase at a contentious meeting the morning of Dec. 13.
The half-dozen residents who attended told the supervisors loud and clear that although they support funding emergency services, they don't think West Marlborough should help to fund construction of a new library. The supervisors are proposing to contribute $15,000 a year for five years to fund the library construction, or $18.42 per resident. The township currently contributes $1,500 a year ($1.84 per resident) to fund library programs.
In comparison, the budget calls for a $65,000 contribution to the emergency services that serve West Marlborough, or $79.85 per resident.
The supervisors responded that they heard what the angry residents were saying, but they need to balance those objections against the support for the library project that they've heard from many other residents.
The supervisors are also proposing to raise the township's earned income tax from 0.50% to 0.75%. They will vote on that increase and on the overall budget at a meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30.
The property tax and earned income tax increases will also allow the township to start a $10,000 rainy-day fund.
 

KENNETT TOWNSHIP: Pork and sauerkraut to welcome 2020

Wow, here's a hearty way to welcome the new decade! 
The Hamorton United Methodist Church will be serving a traditional pork and sauerkraut dinner -- pulled pork, home-made sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, and home-made desserts -- from noon until 5 p.m. on New Year's Day. You can eat it there or take it home; the cost is $12.
Hamorton United Methodist is on Route 1 at Route 52 South; the driveway is on the northbound side of Route 1.
Thank you to church member and "Unionville in the News" reader Linda Young for letting me know about this tradition!

 

NEW GARDEN: Peebles becomes Gordmans

Back in August I wrote that the Peebles department store in the New Garden shopping center is closing but will re-open under a different name. It's now official: as of Feb. 18, 2020, it's going to be a Gordmans. Slogan: "Brands you expect. Prices you don't." Like Peebles, Gordmans is owned by Stage Stores, based in Houston.

WEST MARLBOROUGH: An Irish soldier visits Primitive hall

Usually the history lectures at Primitive Hall are pretty tame: a slide show about colonial botanist Humphrey Marshall; an illustrated lecture about Philadelphia silhouettes; an analysis of the Pennock family's connections with London Grove Friends Meeting.
Not so on Thursday, Dec. 5.
The evening started out normally, as the guests gathered in the candlelit center hall of the 1738 house museum. Matthew Skic, an associate curator at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, gave a lecture about Richard St. George, an Irish soldier and artist who is the subject of the museum's new exhibit, "The Cost of Revolution."
Then things got exciting.
Actor Seth Reichgott, dressed as St. George, swept into the center hall from a side parlour, shouting at the "ruffians" who were threatening him (the peasants in the Irish Rebellion). He then told us about his military adventures and the uprisings that were occurring around the world. He talked about being shot in the head at the Battle of Germantown in the American Revolution and how he suffered physical after-effects ever since, as well as what we would today call PTSD.
Seth's amazing performance, sometimes delivered while he was standing atop a Windsor chair, was electrifying. We hung on every word of the monologue, written by Philadelphia playwright Chris Braak.
If you missed the lecture, Seth and another actor perform it twice a day at the museum, which is at 101 South Third Street. "The Cost of Revolution" exhibit is open through March 17, 2020.

GIANT: It was jammed -- until it wasn't

On Sunday morning we were at the Jennersville Giant, and it was jam-packed. You had to watch where you were going before leaving an aisle so as not to crash into another cart. The pet food aisle was partly blocked by a restocker, so I entered from the other end.
But once we had navigated the store, picked out our groceries (except for molasses, which they were out of) and selected a BBQ chicken for supper, we were the only shoppers in the check-out area. We commented on this disparity to the self-service clerk, who was enjoying some idle time.
"Oh," she said knowingly, "they'll all show up at once. Happens every time."

WAWA: There's a secret menu

We had dinner the other evening at Mikimoto's in Wilmington with a delightful young couple. They are big sushi fans, as am I, and Dearest Partner was very happy with his (cooked) scallops.
The female half of this couple is employed by an ad agency that does work for Wawa (she contributes to the Hoagiefest promotion each year). She told us that there's a "secret menu" on Wawa's touchscreens, which you can access by pressing on the goose when it's animated (she said its wings flap).
What's on the menu? Birthday-cake-flavored milkshakes and smoothies!

KENNETT TOWNSHIP: That's a lot of taxpayers' money

It was the lead story on the Philadelphia TV news programs. It was on KYW Newsradio every 20 minutes. It seems everyone is talking about former Kennett Township manager Lisa Moore and how she managed to embezzle $3.2 million of taxpayers' money from under the noses of the township supervisors over a six-year period. And that was on top of her six-figure yearly salary!
The investigation has been going on since April, but Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan and the Kennett Township supervisors just released the full story this past week. Money earmarked for employee benefits, the police department, land preservation and other township services was diverted to "extravagant personal expenses such as clothes from Gucci and Chanel, jewelry, and travel" to places like Italy, Las Vegas and France," according to Hogan's press release. "Part of her scheme even involved pretending to be married" so that the fraudulent spouse could obtain medical benefits.
I'm the treasurer for a nonprofit organization, and early in my tenure I attended a county seminar about preventing and spotting fraud. The major "tell," they explained to us, was someone who was living beyond his or her means. In our wealthy community, though, that's not always easy to spot.
A friend asked if I was going to write anything in this column about the sad situation, and I said I didn't think I had a lot to add. I liked what he said, though: he wonders if someone in Hollywood has gotten wind of this story and is bidding for the movie rights. There are certainly several juicy roles!

THE WAITING ROOM: Three-by-five cards

Apparently you no longer just "wait" for your car to be serviced. I was at a dealership this morning and was asked, "Will you be hanging with us today?"
Yes, thank you, I would be. I had brought a hardcopy proofreading project with me, so I took a seat in the "hanging" room, inserted my earbuds and got to work while the mechanics replaced my faulty Takata airbags.
After a while, I noticed that the man sitting next to me was poring over a stack of index cards, jotting occasional numbers in pen.
I grew so curious that I formulated a neutral opening remark: "Looks like this corner of the room is a paper-and-pencil zone," I said brightly. If he was doing something sinister, I figured, he'd simply glare at me.
In fact, he was eager to chat. It seems that he works for a medical device company and uses the index cards to keep track of each surgeon's preferences and what spinal implants he or she will need to have on hand for upcoming cases. His explained that his coworkers input all their data into their computers or phones, but he prefers to keep his notes the old-fashioned way.

TOWN HALL: Meet with Rep. Sappey

State Rep. Christina Sappey will be holding a "town hall" meeting to discuss local and state issues from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, January 16, at the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District office, on the south side of the high school. To register: email repsappey@pahouse.net or call 484-200-8264.

TOGETHERNESS: A loving couple

At a meeting the other evening I sat down next to a friend, and presently his wife of many years joined us. I realized I was sitting between them and offered to move so they could enjoy being next to each other.
"Oh, no," they said instantly. "We're fine. Don't get up! No, no."
I laughed and pointed out how strongly they seemed to share the same opinion.
"It's the first thing we've agreed on all day," commented the husband with a wry smile.

WASHINGTON DC: Rep. Houlahan's district director visits

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan's district director, Sue Walker, visited the West Marlborough Township supervisors' meeting on Dec. 3 to introduce herself and talk about what services the congresswoman can offer. Ms. Walker said the newly drawn Sixth Congressional District encompasses all of Chester County and the southern part of Berks County, and Rep. Houlahan has offices in Reading and in West Chester (709 East Gay Street). Ms. Walker said the staff members focus on casework and outreach and can help constituents with federal matters like veterans' services, federal taxes, Medicare, Social Security, green cards, visas and passports. She said they are also able to help municipalities apply for federal grants.

KENNETT SQUARE: 200 apartments on West State Street

A developer is proposing to build 200 apartments, plus a pocket park, in the 600 block of West State Street, Kennett Square. The tract is near the Mill Road intersection. Tenants of the four apartment buildings, to be called "The Lofts of State Street," would park next to and underneath the buildings.
The borough's zoning hearing board will review the project at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, in the meeting room at the Kennett Fire Co. on Dalmatian Street.
The project is being proposed by StanAb LP, a West Chester-based development company owned by Tony Stancato and Vic Abdala.

WEST MARLBOROUGH: Tax increases on the horizon

The West Marlborough supervisors have been warning for months that a tax increase is likely, and the proposed budget for 2020 reflects just that. 
The earned income tax would go from 0.50% to 0.75% and the property tax would go from 1.7 mills to 2 mills. These increases would generate an additional $65,000 to fund emergency services (fire companies and ambulance service) and Kennett Library construction. There would be no increase in the police services provided by the East Marlborough police, for which the township pays $12,000 a year.
There seems to be general support for funding emergency services, but residents seem unsure whether West Marlborough taxpayers should contribute to building the proposed new Kennett Library. Residents have also been wondering whether the supervisors could help to fund these causes using the windfall in real-estate transfer taxes that resulted from the sale of several estates in the township.
The proposed 2020 budget will be discussed in a public meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. Ordinances would need to be advertised and passed before any tax increase could be imposed.

MARLBORO: The annual carol sing

Marlborough Friends Meeting's annual candlelight Carol Sing will be at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, with refreshments to follow. "The Spirit of Christmas never fails to visit as the Marlborough community gathers for a time of song and fellowship. Harp and guitar music blend easily into centuries-old woodwork." This event is an old-fashioned and meaningful Christmas tradition we never miss. The tiny Marlborough meetinghouse is at the corner of Marlboro Road and Marlborough Spring Road. All are welcome.

AT THE MOVIES: Right theater, right time, wrong movie

We thought we'd purchased tickets to see the Mr. Rogers movie with Tom Hanks. It even said so on the tickets we printed out. But the first scene of the movie was anything but warm and fuzzy: it showed two German shepherds on the prowl in front of gloomy-looking mansion.
"I don't think this is the right movie," I whispered to Dearest Partner.
Sure enough, it was not "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" but "Knives Out," a brand-new murder-mystery starring Jamie Lee Curtis, Christopher Plummer, Daniel Craig, and Don Johnson. It turned out to be hilarious, great fun, and thoroughly entertaining. Serendipity is sometimes our friend.
When we go back to see the Mr. Rogers movie, I'll remember to bring my earplugs. The volume of the previews was so painfully loud that I had to keep my fingers in my ears. I was wincing, but nobody else seemed bothered. I believe hearing aids are going to be a growth industry for this next generation.

BLACK FRIDAY: The stores get ready

A friend was sharing her pre-Black Friday adventures at her local Megalomart. She was not there to score a big-screen TV or any other popular item; she just wanted to buy her weekly groceries. Unfortunately for her, to handle the expected rush of shoppers, store employees had taped off certain vital areas. "It was like a crime scene," she said. And yellow arrows pointed the way to the checkout area; she said it reminded her of the yellow brick road in the "Wizard of Oz."
I was at Lowe's on Thanksgiving Eve to buy tiki torches, of all things, and saw piles of items shrouded in black plastic, their identities to be revealed on Black Friday. The mystery piles were decorated with question marks.
"What are they?" I asked an employee. He looked around to see if anyone in authority was watching and lifted up a corner of the plastic; it was a socket wrench set.
"But don't tell anybody!" he warned me, jokingly.