Maybe it'll be on Groundhog Day

Fraudulent investment advisor Tony Young's sentencing date has been postponed yet again, this time until February 2011. It was set for Dec. 2, but his attorneys asked for and received a 60-day delay. In July Mr. Young pleaded guilty to money laundering and mail fraud after ripping off millions of dollars from Unionville residents to support his high-flying lifestyle.

3 E-Z ways to irritate Tilda

1. "Formally known as" instead of "formerly known as."
2. "Brutal murder."
3. "Free gift."

Foreign aid

Patrick Barron of West Chester, who writes an occasional economics column for "The Kennett Paper," had a letter to the editor published in a paper with a somewhat larger audience: the Dec. 4/5 edition of the "Wall Street Journal." In response to articles by Bill Gates and Matt Ridley about how best to encourage growth in Africa, Mr. Barron wrote in part:

"Africa needs capitalism. Mr. Gates can help most by building Microsoft plants and offices there, employing Africans in the digital economy and training them in the methods of successful business."

You can read more of Mr. Barron's thoughts on economics at his blog, http://patrickbarron.blogspot.com/

Xmas

Whenever I see this abbreviation I vividly remember my second-grade teacher, Miss Hale, who told us in a horrified tone that substituting "X" for "Christ" was disrespectful.
But as it turns out, X isn't some Grinch-y 20th-century abbreviation designed to "take Christ out of Christmas": it has actually been used for centuries as a perfectly acceptable symbol for Christ. Take a look at the Wikipedia entry on "Xmas."
The same Wikipedia article also tells us that "X" is used as shorthand among florists: they abbreviate "chrysanthemum" as "Xant." Now that Miss Hale would have approved of: I once asked her how to spell "chrysanthemum," and she had to go look it up. True story.

Mushroom Cap

In one quick visit to The Mushroom Cap, I just about wrapped up my Christmas shopping. This wonderful little store at 114 W. State St. in Kennett Square has great local stuff, and all very tasteful (and/or tasty)! I wish I could tell you more, but lots of the people on my gift list read this column and I don't want to ruin the surprise. See for yourself at: http://www.themushroomcap.com/

Springdell update

One skirmish between West Marlborough and billionaire Urban Outfitters founder Richard Hayne appears to be resolved to the township's satisfaction. You may recall that the township fined Mr. Hayne $500 a day for doing development work on his Springdell property without permits, and Mr. Hayne's attorney objected. The two parties worked out an agreement: Mr. Hayne will pay about $8,800 to cover the township's costs for the entire proceedings.
But fear not, this is just the first chapter in what promises to be a lengthy and entertaining saga. Mr. Hayne now wants to tear down Tony Young's mansion and replace it with a fitness center for himself and his wife, for which he will also need permission from the township. And a recent article in "The Hunt" magazine claims that Mr. Hayne eventually wants to open a farm market at the site. This is exactly what some skeptical neighbors have predicted all along: that the new cheese production facility and massive greenhouses could not possibly be for Mr. Hayne's personal use only.
The Hayne story is attracting attention even outside Unionville: a reporter from "The Philadelphia Inquirer" attended the December township meeting where this was discussed!

Mr. Truitt

I found out tonight that Hale Truitt of Doe Run died recently. An old-school gentleman, a WWII veteran and a cheerful presence at township meetings, he was known fondly as "The Mayor." My condolences to his family, and may he rest in peace.

Where?

Over the weekend I had to call 911 for an injured person, and I was impressed with how quickly the ambulance (Avondale) showed up. But I had to wonder about one question that the 911 operator asked me: What township was I in? I happened to know the answer, just because I'm pretty good about Chester County geography, and it was also close to my home. But I wonder what the percentage yield is on that question. I doubt that most people are aware of township boundaries, particularly in an emergency situation.

Maybe this time

Tilda's column would be incomplete without the mention of any local restaurant, so here goes. There's a new banner up at the long-vacant Kennett Cafe, 120 E. State St., announcing that a restaurant will be opening there next spring. The brains behind the venture is well-known local restaurateur Jack McFadden, who developed The Gables at Chadds Ford and the (late and lamented) Bar & Restaurant in West Chester. However, I've heard rumors of an "imminent" opening here for at least three years, so I suppose we'll have to wait and see.