"Yappy Hour," the fundraiser and open house at La Mancha Animal Rescue, was great fun and drew a nice crowd on a warm Friday afternoon. The main attraction was the animals, of course: not only dogs and cats but horses, chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys and a pot-bellied pig (who is apparently a very tolerant fellow: he allowed one of the roosters to perch on his back). Volunteers were holding a meet-and-greet between the animals and potential "forever homes." There were all kinds of animal-related crafts and products on sale, as well as refreshments. I especially enjoyed meeting the farm's "signature" dogs, the large, white, very furry Great Pyrenees.
As I was driving in I saw a friend leaving: "I have to get out of here before I adopt something!" she said (understandably; she shares her farm with many critters already).
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Thursday, June 18, 2015
ICE CREAM: La Michoacana scored a triple with these visitors
I was in downtown Kennett on Tuesday and saw a man and woman eating ice-cream cones and getting into a car with Massachusetts plates.
"You came all the way from New England for La Michoacana ice cream?!" I asked, jokingly.
The man said they were indeed tourists visiting the Kennett area for a few days and had been told that the Mexican ice-cream parlor was a must-visit. He was glad they did.
"THIS," he said, finishing up his cone, "is the real deal."
I asked him if they'd tried the popular "corn" flavor, and he said it was sold out on their earlier visit.
"Wait," I said. "So you went to La Michoacana TWICE today?"
He smiled.
"Three times."
"You came all the way from New England for La Michoacana ice cream?!" I asked, jokingly.
The man said they were indeed tourists visiting the Kennett area for a few days and had been told that the Mexican ice-cream parlor was a must-visit. He was glad they did.
"THIS," he said, finishing up his cone, "is the real deal."
I asked him if they'd tried the popular "corn" flavor, and he said it was sold out on their earlier visit.
"Wait," I said. "So you went to La Michoacana TWICE today?"
He smiled.
"Three times."
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
OOPS: Possibly too much information from the Library board
Did no one but me notice that private emails among library board members were being displayed on the meeting room screen throughout the June 16 meeting? The board president, Susan Mackey-Kallis, had her Outlook inbox up on the screen for all to see.
In one email that was circulated in preparation for the board meeting, the board members were pondering whether a certain topic should be discussed in public or in private: "I'm inclined to do it all in the open. We aren't making any decision, just having a discussion and possibly a straw poll vote. We don't have enough board members to have a binding vote. So, open. But let's reserve the option when we see the lay of the land tomorrow night," the message read.
In another library-related email -- the context was unclear -- a board member wrote, "None. But he can [expletive] off. I'm not writing a white paper."
In one email that was circulated in preparation for the board meeting, the board members were pondering whether a certain topic should be discussed in public or in private: "I'm inclined to do it all in the open. We aren't making any decision, just having a discussion and possibly a straw poll vote. We don't have enough board members to have a binding vote. So, open. But let's reserve the option when we see the lay of the land tomorrow night," the message read.
In another library-related email -- the context was unclear -- a board member wrote, "None. But he can [expletive] off. I'm not writing a white paper."
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR QUESTION: How much money will the board be able to raise?
Will you be one of the people contacted for the Bayard Taylor Library's study to determine whether the board can raise enough money to build a new library?
The board has hired MacIntyre Associates of Kennett Square to interview a "broad cross-section of the community," library development director Maureen Snook reported to the board at their June 16 meeting. MacIntyre, now owned by Bonny Anderson, will be contacting 80 people and hope to obtain 40 interviews (I know two couples who have already been interviewed). The results are expected in late July.
Where will the new library be? The board has said it intends to move to Baltimore Pike at Ways Lane in Kennett Township, but at the end of the June meeting the board went into executive session to discuss "potential offers of new locations for Library in Kennett Borough. If we have a new offer, we will discuss, leading to a future vote." (That's the way it was phrased on the agenda.)
After the much-discussed resignations of three board members in recent weeks, the board addressed the need to replenish its numbers. It now comprises Susan Mackey-Kallis, Geoff Birkett, Joan Weber, Karen Ammon, Henry Brown, Carolyn Mohr, Rosa Quintana, and Douglas Thompson. They filled one at-large seat by appointing Marguerite Garai (who was not in attendance) and said they have told Kennett and East Marlborough townships that they have the right to appoint board members.
In other business, after discussing the detailed financial reports that the Kennett Township supervisors requested from them, the board debated what kind of information they should send to the supporting municipalities on a regular basis.
"How much detail do we want to give them?" asked treasurer Joan Weber.
"I think people need to trust us," said vice president Geoff Birkett, noting that the board members are volunteers and don't have the time to field extensive questions about the library's finances.
The board has hired MacIntyre Associates of Kennett Square to interview a "broad cross-section of the community," library development director Maureen Snook reported to the board at their June 16 meeting. MacIntyre, now owned by Bonny Anderson, will be contacting 80 people and hope to obtain 40 interviews (I know two couples who have already been interviewed). The results are expected in late July.
Where will the new library be? The board has said it intends to move to Baltimore Pike at Ways Lane in Kennett Township, but at the end of the June meeting the board went into executive session to discuss "potential offers of new locations for Library in Kennett Borough. If we have a new offer, we will discuss, leading to a future vote." (That's the way it was phrased on the agenda.)
After the much-discussed resignations of three board members in recent weeks, the board addressed the need to replenish its numbers. It now comprises Susan Mackey-Kallis, Geoff Birkett, Joan Weber, Karen Ammon, Henry Brown, Carolyn Mohr, Rosa Quintana, and Douglas Thompson. They filled one at-large seat by appointing Marguerite Garai (who was not in attendance) and said they have told Kennett and East Marlborough townships that they have the right to appoint board members.
In other business, after discussing the detailed financial reports that the Kennett Township supervisors requested from them, the board debated what kind of information they should send to the supporting municipalities on a regular basis.
"How much detail do we want to give them?" asked treasurer Joan Weber.
"I think people need to trust us," said vice president Geoff Birkett, noting that the board members are volunteers and don't have the time to field extensive questions about the library's finances.
A MEMORIAL: Mrs. Schiller's tree next to the library will be replaced
The tree in memory of longtime Bayard Taylor Memorial Library patron Nancy B. Schiller will be replaced, library director Donna Murray said at the library board's June meeting. Donna said the tree, which stood on the west side of the library, had to be cut down because it died. She said she wasn't sure when a new tree would be planted.
A plaque in front of the stump reads, "In loving memory of Nancy B. Schiller, whose passion was reading. Given by her children & grandchildren, 1998." Mrs. Schiller, who would visit the library several times a week, died unexpectedly in 1998.
A plaque in front of the stump reads, "In loving memory of Nancy B. Schiller, whose passion was reading. Given by her children & grandchildren, 1998." Mrs. Schiller, who would visit the library several times a week, died unexpectedly in 1998.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
PURLS OF WISDOM: Gauging the interest in this age-old hobby
Saturday, it seems, was World Wide Knit in Public Day. I am an avid knitter, both in public (especially at township meetings) and at home, but the idea of having a lapful of wool on a hot June day was not an appealing one. Bringing attention to an excellent hobby is certainly a laudable idea, but I suggest they move the event to a cooler time of year.
CONVERTIBLE: Driving with the top down gives me a breezy attitude
This weekend was hot and sunny -- a great opportunity to drive with the top down.
But I've learned that those photos of glamorous Fifties starlets at the wheel of a gleaming convertible are not entirely realistic (gasp!). For one, the actresses always seem to be wearing a perfectly knotted Hermès headscarf and oversized sunglasses. OK, I've got the big sunglasses, but the similarity ends there. In the passenger seat, I'm usually clutching at my hat and my (non-Hermès) scarf to keep them from blowing away and/or whipping the poor driver in the face.
Today I was accessorizing with a bulky air filter, which was so lightweight that it was ready to take flight and sail out of the vehicle the minute we left the Sears Hardware parking lot. I had to hold it in my lap all the way home.
This evening, after dinner at La Pena Mexicana and grocery shopping at the Giant (and socializing with three friends we ran into), an alert about a pop-up thunderstorm popped up on my phone and, sure enough, the sky to the north looked distinctly threatening. So, in the parking lot of the Giant, we took a few minutes to pull the roof back into place and zip the windows in. Just as well: we drove through a brief storm on the way home. As the driver pointed out, there is a big difference between water-resistant and waterproof.
But I've learned that those photos of glamorous Fifties starlets at the wheel of a gleaming convertible are not entirely realistic (gasp!). For one, the actresses always seem to be wearing a perfectly knotted Hermès headscarf and oversized sunglasses. OK, I've got the big sunglasses, but the similarity ends there. In the passenger seat, I'm usually clutching at my hat and my (non-Hermès) scarf to keep them from blowing away and/or whipping the poor driver in the face.
Today I was accessorizing with a bulky air filter, which was so lightweight that it was ready to take flight and sail out of the vehicle the minute we left the Sears Hardware parking lot. I had to hold it in my lap all the way home.
This evening, after dinner at La Pena Mexicana and grocery shopping at the Giant (and socializing with three friends we ran into), an alert about a pop-up thunderstorm popped up on my phone and, sure enough, the sky to the north looked distinctly threatening. So, in the parking lot of the Giant, we took a few minutes to pull the roof back into place and zip the windows in. Just as well: we drove through a brief storm on the way home. As the driver pointed out, there is a big difference between water-resistant and waterproof.
KENNETT SQUARE: A history tour called "Freedmen, Fugitives and Friends"
Downtown Kennett Square will be a hopping place the evening of Thursday, June 18. The borough's historical commission is sponsoring a tour called "Freedmen, Fugitives and Friends" as part of Chester County's annual Town Tours & Village Walks program.
Volunteer guides (including yours truly) will escort visitors through the downtown area "to see the houses and hear the stories of Kennett Square Quakers and African Americans who co-existed peacefully before and after the Civil War." The tours will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and will start at the parking lot at Willow and State Streets.
That same evening is the borough's monthly "Third Thursday" celebration, so State Street will be closed to traffic from Broad to Center Streets. The event will include outdoor dining, a beer garden, live music, a magician and kids' activities. There will be free parking in the parking garage after 5 p.m.
IN THE ORCHARD: A Lancaster County concert series at Hans Herr
Saturday night marked the start of the outdoor concert season for me. We headed west to the 1719 Hans Herr House south of Lancaster, which sponsors a wonderful, low-key "Music in the Orchard" series each summer. You bring your own picnic, set up your chairs amidst the apple trees (the robins were outraged; who are all these invaders?) and listen to good music as the sun goes down (the shows start at 6). Last night's concert included Sopa Sol (fiddle, guitar and hang drum) and Donna Nomick, playing the hammered dulcimer.
We also enjoyed watching the two little boys in front of us, who were there with their parents. They were climbing the trees, blowing bubbles, eating roasted peanuts and Pepperidge Farm goldfish and collecting fallen apples.
Java Junction is on hand to sell food, drinks and very, very tasty ice cream.
Admission is $8 for adults, free for kids. Here's the upcoming schedule:
June 27, Marty Shaughnessy & The Stars are Spies, with Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart; July 11, Jake Lewis & The Clergy, with Canyon; Aug. 1, Easy Grass, with Emily Long; and Aug. 15, Silver City Radio, with Justin Angelo & The Experience.
Just a heads up that the Route 741 bridge over the Pequea Creek is being replaced, so plan an alternate route out to Willow Street -- possibly west on Route 372 through Atglen to north on Route 222.
We also enjoyed watching the two little boys in front of us, who were there with their parents. They were climbing the trees, blowing bubbles, eating roasted peanuts and Pepperidge Farm goldfish and collecting fallen apples.
Java Junction is on hand to sell food, drinks and very, very tasty ice cream.
Admission is $8 for adults, free for kids. Here's the upcoming schedule:
June 27, Marty Shaughnessy & The Stars are Spies, with Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart; July 11, Jake Lewis & The Clergy, with Canyon; Aug. 1, Easy Grass, with Emily Long; and Aug. 15, Silver City Radio, with Justin Angelo & The Experience.
Just a heads up that the Route 741 bridge over the Pequea Creek is being replaced, so plan an alternate route out to Willow Street -- possibly west on Route 372 through Atglen to north on Route 222.
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