Being a reporter is good training for many things in life, including enjoying a family reunion even when the family that's reunion-ing is not yours. I have no problem introducing myself to strangers. I can show -- and actually feel -- enthusiastic interest in just about any topic, including old family photographs and marriage certificates. I have vast experience sitting through business meetings in which "Roberts Rules of Order" are cited repeatedly.
And it's even easier when there's a picnic table nearby groaning with macaroni and cheese, devilled eggs, pasta salad, fresh fruit and whoopie pies made with mini chocolate chip cookies.
On Saturday I attended the 132nd annual reunion of a local family, and it marked the president's 36th and final year of service. After some debate (this is where parliamentary procedure came into play), a replacement was elected, and the outgoing president turned over his gavel -- but only his standard-issue one, mind you, not his special one made by an ancestor from a dead pine tree at the Brandywine Battlefield. There was a discussion about putting the reunion on Facebook to encourage the younger generation to attend.
I especially enjoyed deciphering the early-20th-century diploma of one family member from West Chester State Normal School, as West Chester University was known back in the day. She was considered qualified to teach a host of subjects, everything from American Literature to Zoology.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
A dirty business
On Saturday, August 16, there's going to be a competition at Unionville's Plantation Field involving just people, not people on horses. In "Mudderella," the competitors take on a challenging and, yes, very muddy five-mile cross-country obstacle course (think military basic training videos). This description of one obstacle says it better than I can: "Trampoline onto a cargo net, climb up a wall and shoot down a slippery slide into a muddy pool; it’s three obstacles in one that tests agility, strength and fearlessness."
It's not to everyone's taste, certainly, but I know a few hard-core athletes who formed a team and signed up enthusiastically as soon as they heard the national series was coming to our area. They are counting down the days.
It's not to everyone's taste, certainly, but I know a few hard-core athletes who formed a team and signed up enthusiastically as soon as they heard the national series was coming to our area. They are counting down the days.
Friday, August 1, 2014
Who will buy, follow-up
I got three responses to my friend's search for someone to buy her unwanted crystal and china.
The first suggested the Encore consignment shop at Routes 1 and 52, where she volunteers. Proceeds from Encore sales benefit the Chester County Hospital. She wrote, "If you check the Encore web site at www.encoreshop.org if will give you all the important information. . . . The BEST part is that the money is staying in the community and helping the hospital. Stop in to see the shop when we reopen after Labor Day. You will be impressed by the huge check on the wall that shows the amount given the hospital this past year by the Encore Shop of the Kennett Auxiliary. Over the years we have raised over $1,000,000!"
Another reader suggested checking the website replacements.com.
And a third, a quick-off-the-mark staffer for a local land preservation nonprofit, suggested that my friend could always donate the goodies to her group's upcoming silent auction.
The first suggested the Encore consignment shop at Routes 1 and 52, where she volunteers. Proceeds from Encore sales benefit the Chester County Hospital. She wrote, "If you check the Encore web site at www.encoreshop.org if will give you all the important information. . . . The BEST part is that the money is staying in the community and helping the hospital. Stop in to see the shop when we reopen after Labor Day. You will be impressed by the huge check on the wall that shows the amount given the hospital this past year by the Encore Shop of the Kennett Auxiliary. Over the years we have raised over $1,000,000!"
Another reader suggested checking the website replacements.com.
And a third, a quick-off-the-mark staffer for a local land preservation nonprofit, suggested that my friend could always donate the goodies to her group's upcoming silent auction.
Bins
What do you think of the new blue paper-recycling bins at the Unionville post office? They are the size of an office trash can, with a slot for paper in the locked top. Postmaster Bill explained to me that he replaced the former open bins because people were dumping coffee cups and other trash in them. The new, smaller bins are sturdier and easier for him to haul out to the Dumpster in the parking lot, and he said they are in standard use in post offices that offer recycling.
The circulars and catalogs I was tossing this afternoon didn't fit through the narrow slot, so I had to fold them up and try to cram them into the full can (somebody else's supermarket circulars were already bulging out from the top). I had to think I may just start carrying my junk mail out to the Dumpster myself (proceeds from the paper collected there go toward Unionville Elementary School).
Rolling Thunder
The Rolling Thunder Blues Revue played a wonderful show at Anson Nixon Park on July 30. I know two of the band members, Rob Mastrippolito and Biff McNeil, and it was a thrill to see these "regular working guys" up there on stage in front of the crowd, playing guitar and sax and singing up a storm. So talented! (I should mention the rest of the band, too: Paul Wilkinson on guitar and Tim Celfo on bass, joined for the evening by Glenn Ferricone on drums.)
We've been to every show in this summer's series of Wednesday concerts and we've come to know the regulars: the friendly guy who walks his two border collies; the group of cute little kids running around and dancing; the people who don't clap, ever; the husband and wife who sit front and center at every show; and the lively downtown Kennett contingent.
As I was leaving I struck up a conversation with the people in the car next to mine as they were loading their kids into the back seat. They said it was their first concert at the park, and they were delighted at how relaxed and family-friendly it was. They asked me what the next show was and said they were definitely coming back.
Despite the band's name, the weather was beautiful. I was telling my companion I remembered sitting at last summer's concerts sweltering in the heat and humidity.
We've been to every show in this summer's series of Wednesday concerts and we've come to know the regulars: the friendly guy who walks his two border collies; the group of cute little kids running around and dancing; the people who don't clap, ever; the husband and wife who sit front and center at every show; and the lively downtown Kennett contingent.
As I was leaving I struck up a conversation with the people in the car next to mine as they were loading their kids into the back seat. They said it was their first concert at the park, and they were delighted at how relaxed and family-friendly it was. They asked me what the next show was and said they were definitely coming back.
Despite the band's name, the weather was beautiful. I was telling my companion I remembered sitting at last summer's concerts sweltering in the heat and humidity.
"Annie"
Thanks to my kind neighbors, we went to see the Brandywiners' performance of the musical "Annie" at Longwood Gardens on July 31. I rarely give standing ovations, but this show was worth it: funny and well done, with terrific acting, singing and dancing and, of course, a well-trained dog. The scene where President Franklin Roosevelt orders his gloomy Cabinet to sing Annie's optimistic "Tomorrow" song had me doubled over with laughter. To top it off, Longwood's Open-Air Theatre is a great venue, with a pleasant and efficient staff of ushers and helpers, and we were fortunate enough to have a perfect evening for an outdoor event. Every seat was taken, and I was happy to see a lot of kids at the show, including an adorable little girl next to us in a party dress and a big bow in her hair.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Who will buy?
A Unionville friend and frequent Tilda contributor writes: "Could you ask your loyal readers to recommend a source who buys crystal, china and silver?" She said the inherited items are unneeded in her own household but just too nice to give away, including two boxes of Limoges. If you email me at uvilleblogger@gmail.com, I'll pass the word along.
Best of
A reader and avid Kennett booster sent me a list of Kennett (or nearby) businesses, stores, restaurants and professionals that have been nominated as part of the online "Philly 17 Hot List" contest run by a Philadelphia television station. Many of my favorites are on the list. If yours isn't, maybe you could encourage owner to self-nominate: It's good free advertising, and as my reader says, "I know several people who check out the list when they want to try something new." Online voting ends on Sunday, September 7.
Music at Hans Herr
In addition to the Anson B. Nixon concerts on Wednesday nights, my live-music-loving companion and I have been heading out to the historic Hans Herr House in Willow Street, Lancaster County, every other Saturday for their series of summer concerts. It has been interesting to watch the progress of nature throughout the season. During the first concert, it was chilly and windy and I remember being very glad I wore jeans.
At this past Saturday's show, the performers were talking about the "blazing sun" shining directly in their eyes (it's a west-facing stage), and apologized for wearing sunglasses and not being able to make eye contact with the crowd. One of them used his water bottle as an impromptu prop in a Scottish drinking song.
The concerts are held in the historic site's apple orchard, and the maturing fruit is pulling down the branches. A seat with a great view on one Saturday may be an "obstructed view" one at the next concert.
The tobacco in the Lancaster County fields is getting bigger, and the stands along Strasburg Road now offer freshly picked tomatoes, beets and flowers for sale.
The final concert of the summer is on Saturday, Aug. 9, starting at 6 p.m. For only $5 admission, it's a great deal.
At this past Saturday's show, the performers were talking about the "blazing sun" shining directly in their eyes (it's a west-facing stage), and apologized for wearing sunglasses and not being able to make eye contact with the crowd. One of them used his water bottle as an impromptu prop in a Scottish drinking song.
The concerts are held in the historic site's apple orchard, and the maturing fruit is pulling down the branches. A seat with a great view on one Saturday may be an "obstructed view" one at the next concert.
The tobacco in the Lancaster County fields is getting bigger, and the stands along Strasburg Road now offer freshly picked tomatoes, beets and flowers for sale.
The final concert of the summer is on Saturday, Aug. 9, starting at 6 p.m. For only $5 admission, it's a great deal.
Not the comfy chair!
I read with interest Kennett Square borough council's intentions to fine borough residents who use any "indoor" furniture on their porches, decks or yards; council believes that it is unsightly and could be a public safety hazard in terms of harboring lice, insects and other vermin.
I took a quick drive through the downtown area on Sunday afternoon peering at people's front porches and saw a few clear violators (big sofas); many pieces of furniture I assume would be in compliance (wicker sets, wooden benches, wooden rocking chairs, and plastic chairs); and some questionable cases: Are folding metal chairs acceptable? Card tables? What about those plastic chairs with metal legs found in spartan waiting rooms?
And I couldn't help but notice that the Wall Street Journal ran two somewhat applicable stories on the first page of its real-estate section on July 25. One, written by Amy Gamerman, was about the resurgence of porches and how they can strengthen neighborhood camaraderie: "The porch is making a comeback as an outdoor room for dining, lounging and connecting with neighbors." The accompanying photos showed all sorts of furniture, including wicker and wooden rocking chairs, sofas with wooden frames, Adirondack chairs, carpets, dining room tables and lounge chairs.
The other article, written by Alyssa Abkowitz, was about municipal rules in some Asian cities that restrict what kind and size of pets you can own, whether you can have a BBQ, and when you can play music. In one anecdote, a woman said an inspector came into her house searching for any standing water (a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes) and told her to pitch a vase of anniversary flowers.
I took a quick drive through the downtown area on Sunday afternoon peering at people's front porches and saw a few clear violators (big sofas); many pieces of furniture I assume would be in compliance (wicker sets, wooden benches, wooden rocking chairs, and plastic chairs); and some questionable cases: Are folding metal chairs acceptable? Card tables? What about those plastic chairs with metal legs found in spartan waiting rooms?
And I couldn't help but notice that the Wall Street Journal ran two somewhat applicable stories on the first page of its real-estate section on July 25. One, written by Amy Gamerman, was about the resurgence of porches and how they can strengthen neighborhood camaraderie: "The porch is making a comeback as an outdoor room for dining, lounging and connecting with neighbors." The accompanying photos showed all sorts of furniture, including wicker and wooden rocking chairs, sofas with wooden frames, Adirondack chairs, carpets, dining room tables and lounge chairs.
The other article, written by Alyssa Abkowitz, was about municipal rules in some Asian cities that restrict what kind and size of pets you can own, whether you can have a BBQ, and when you can play music. In one anecdote, a woman said an inspector came into her house searching for any standing water (a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes) and told her to pitch a vase of anniversary flowers.
Thru-traffic
How sad to hear there was another accident -- this one a fatal -- on Route 1 in front of the Shoppes at Longwood Village. I've written before how perilous that stretch of road is. I don't know the specifics of what caused that crash, but I refuse to make a right turn on red out of the shopping center, no matter how many honking people back up behind me.
I did learn something new about that stretch of road, however. In an earlier post I had griped about motorists heading toward Kennett or the Route 1 bypass who get into the "right-turn lane" all the way back by the Wawa and treat it as a passing lane.
A reader pointed out, in a well-reasoned and well-written critique, that in fact it's not really a right-turn lane at all: "that lane is not marked -- on the road surface, or on overhead signs, or with curbside signs -- to restrict its use in any way as a third lane of through traffic. Please do drive that stretch of highway again. Try to find anything restricting that lane to right turn only before you get to the Walmart intersection at Schoolhouse Lane. And then convince me that there is something illegal, immoral, or fattening about using that lane as the highway engineers pretty clearly intended it -- to help speed traffic along that highly congested area between Wawa and the Walmart intersection by adding an extra lane for through traffic between those two points."
I did as she suggested and checked it out this morning. I stand corrected! In fact, the lane is actually marked for both right turns AND through traffic until you pass Onix Lane, where it becomes a right-turn-only lane to get into the Walmart. And a friend who was on the regional planning commission when the Route 1 expansion was on the drawing board confirmed that the planners fully intended that lane to be a through-lane.
I did learn something new about that stretch of road, however. In an earlier post I had griped about motorists heading toward Kennett or the Route 1 bypass who get into the "right-turn lane" all the way back by the Wawa and treat it as a passing lane.
A reader pointed out, in a well-reasoned and well-written critique, that in fact it's not really a right-turn lane at all: "that lane is not marked -- on the road surface, or on overhead signs, or with curbside signs -- to restrict its use in any way as a third lane of through traffic. Please do drive that stretch of highway again. Try to find anything restricting that lane to right turn only before you get to the Walmart intersection at Schoolhouse Lane. And then convince me that there is something illegal, immoral, or fattening about using that lane as the highway engineers pretty clearly intended it -- to help speed traffic along that highly congested area between Wawa and the Walmart intersection by adding an extra lane for through traffic between those two points."
I did as she suggested and checked it out this morning. I stand corrected! In fact, the lane is actually marked for both right turns AND through traffic until you pass Onix Lane, where it becomes a right-turn-only lane to get into the Walmart. And a friend who was on the regional planning commission when the Route 1 expansion was on the drawing board confirmed that the planners fully intended that lane to be a through-lane.
Township in action
Here is my regular reminder about the monthly West Marlborough Township supervisors meeting: it will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at the township hall in Doe Run. The planning commission meets at 7 p.m., with the supervisors' meeting to follow. It's always entertaining and instructive.
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