Calling all Pennocks

Those of you who are descendents of Joseph Pennock might be interested in attending a family reunion -- an "informal picnic-style event, with a mix of history, genealogy and camaraderie" -- at the family homestead in West Marlborough, Primitive Hall, on July 14. For more information, e-mail PennockReunion@comcast.net or visit the Hall's website, www.PrimitiveHall.org.

Raptor

The other day I was driving through Jennersville and could hardly believe my eyes: I saw a bald eagle in flight! The huge, magnificent bird -- "unmistakeable," as my Audubon guidebook says -- was soaring gracefully over the Red Rose Inn and then headed north, circling over the Route 1 bypass intersection. I had seen bald eagles nesting just down river of the Conowingo Dam in Maryland, but I had never seen one this far north.

Speaking of the Conowingo Dam, it's well worth a family trip. It's a short drive down Route 1 into Maryland. My friend John's father helped construct the hydroelectric power plant back in the late 1920s, and the postcard is a souvenir from a visit that his parents made on Sunday, Feb. 12, 1950.

Check that box

If you're a post office boxholder like me, you probably received a renewal notice in your box this past week. For the first time, I paid the yearly fee online at the USPS website instead of dropping off a check. They make it very easy and quick to do, one of the more user-friendly sites I've dealt with recently.

Truckin'

Yesterday I borrowed my brother's gigantic King Ranch model (how appropriate!) Ford pickup to help a friend pick up some artwork and believe you me, I was very sad to return it to its rightful owner this afternoon. It was so much fun to drive! Clambering up into the cab was a bit of a stretch for this petite blogger, but once I was perched in the super-comfy heated leather seat, I could look down on even the Denalis and such. And pulling out from East Locust Lane onto Route 82, or from Lamborntown Road onto Route 842,  was a breeze because I could spot any oncoming traffic so easily. My friend's artwork stacked easily into the truck bed and didn't move a bit during the trip. In fact, we could have moved a whole lot more.
I was surprised how smooth the ride was and even more surprised when I managed to back it up perfectly between the white lines of a parking spot, on the first try.
One local gentleman who is still sad that I traded in my sports car for an SUV spotted me in it.
"Now THAT's what you should've bought, girl!" he said approvingly.

In compliance

West Marlborough's Zoning Hearing Board has decided that Linda Brown's personal-training business at her North Chatham Road home in Springdell can continue operating and now complies with the township's zoning.
The fact that Mrs. Brown was running a business out of her home was brought to the township's attention by K.C. Kulp, one of the owners of The Whip tavern in Springdell. (A bit of context: Linda and her husband Gus Brown are among those who have complained repeatedly that the Whip has been in violation of township zoning laws and is diminishing the quality of life in Springdell.) After receiving that information, the township zoning officer informed the Browns that they would need to apply for a special exception to continue running the business.
At a March 1 hearing, Gus Brown told the board that there was ample parking for his wife's clients, whom she sees one at a time; that she does not intend to hold group classes; and that there would not be a sign out front advertising the business.
Mr. Kulp showed the board photos of the lack of required screening between the Browns' home and their neighbors. He also pointed out that Cathy Huston, wife of zoning board member Joe Huston, is a client of Mrs. Brown's (the Hustons are also part of the group that has taken legal action against the Whip). Mr. Huston subsequently recused himself from the vote.
After voting 3-0 to approve the special exception, the zoning board instructed Mr. Brown to obtain within 30 days letters from his neighbors saying they didn't object to the lack of driveway screening between the Browns' home and theirs.

Ciao

This week two unexpected deaths made the headlines: Davy Jones, a pop star from my childhood, and Andrew Breitbart, a young man who lived atop the political blogosphere. But just as noteworthy around here was the death of my friend Bob Hennes. Bob was charming, amusing and well-informed, a wonderful storyteller and conversationalist, and a true gentleman. The tributes at his memorial service by Jon Olson and former Kennett Square Mayor Ed Fahey were both droll and sophisticated, just like the man himself. Rest in peace, Bob. We'll miss you.

Slow down!

A Facebook friend reports that she had a riding mishap on Lamborntown Road near Route 926. Her filly took a tumble, but it "was probably a blessing in disguise because it prevented her from bolting out in the road in front of the car that was tailing the massive truck that was driving down the road like it was I-95....We're both ok, but it's never good when a horse falls over on you... for the rider OR the horse."
Her advice? "Just wish people would slow down... Especially if they see horses along the roads."
Amen to that.

Good times

You think you're having a bad day? I just got an e-mail from a Unionville friend saying that a feral cat was wrapped around her ceiling fan. Oh, and her new car stopped running.

Something in the water

We live in an area where horses are so popular that even if you don't ride, you probably have friends who do, or you see folks wearing their muddy boots at the post office.
I got a reminder of how deeply we internalize the equestrian lifestyle last Saturday when I was helping a friend settle into his new apartment. After we made a list of kitchen items he needed, I looked at my watch and saw that it was close to lunchtime.
"Why don't we head to Bed Bath & Beyond before people get back from hunting," I suggested.
There was a pause.
"Tilda," he said patiently. "We're in Exton."
I shared this story with some avid foxhunting friends, who understood completely. When a horse belonging to one of them became lame, Saturday morning loomed like a terra incognita because for years, every Saturday in the winter had involved hunting.
(Speaking of Bed Bath & Beyond: Their coupons do not expire! My friend bought seven items and used seven 20%-off coupons, all but two well past their sell-by date.)

By the book

Gus Brown, you may recall, is one of the Springdell residents who has complained repeatedly about The Whip tavern, accusing its owners of violating the West Marlborough Township zoning regulations and damaging the town's quality of life.
In an interesting bit of irony, it turns out that Gus and his wife, Linda, have been running a personal training business out of their North Chatham Road home. The township zoning officer has determined that this violates the township's zoning rules and they will need a special exception to continue doing so. The Browns will present their case to the township's Zoning Hearing Board on Thursday, March 1, at 7 p.m. at the township building.
(Sorry for not letting you know sooner, but I just saw the notice. If you don't get there, rest assured I'll have a full report in next week's paper.)

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Reading

I spent Saturday morning at the Unionville High School PTO used book sale and, as always, had a great time. I immediately filled my bag with books for myself and family members (including "The Hobbit" and "Hound of the Baskervilles" for the junior Tally-ho), and was delighted to chat with several folks I hadn't seen in ages. I caught up with my gym friend Eileen, who updated me on her family. How time flies! I remember when her children were born, and now they're in high school. In fact, she was stocking up for their summer reading lists.
My newspaper colleague Michael, an avid nonfiction reader, was arriving at the sale just as I was leaving.
I'm always impressed with how well organized the book sale is. Everything is clearly marked, the volunteers are competent and pleasant and books are restocked promptly. Well done! Hope they made a lot of money for a good cause.