In his introduction to singer/songwriter Francis Dunnery on Friday, Kennett Flash manager Andrew Miller talked about what's new at the performance venue, located on Sycamore Alley behind La Verona in downtown Kennett.
He said he was pleased to announce that the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts has committed to provide some funding for shows for the next five years. Andrew is the only full-time employee, and he emphasized that donations and volunteers are very welcome as the income from ticket sales doesn't cover all of their expenses. He also said they're starting a music-related film series and trying to do more outreach to community groups.
Sunday, December 30, 2018
NOTTINGHAM: Nature and history
On Saturday we enjoyed a winter walk through the 651-acre Nottingham County Park in the far southwest part of the county.
We parked at McPherson Lake just as another couple was getting out of their car next to us.
"You're gonna need your coat," I said to the Dearest Partner. The woman in the next car thought I was talking to her and replied, "Oh, I know; it's in the trunk!"
We took the wet Feldspar Trail to the "Mystery Hole" and another smaller abandoned quarry, then followed the Buck Trail downhill to the ruins of a chromite ore processing plant along Black Run that was built during World War I. All that's left of the plant are some concrete foundation piers and an overgrown pile of tailings (with "no horseback riding" signs prominently placed on the pile).
We noticed a lot of cut-down trees in a few places in the park and learned that there's a tree harvest going on.
On the way to the park we took a meandering route and went through the Linton Stevens Covered Bridge over the picturesque Big Elk Creek. The 102-foot-long bridge was built in 1886. We couldn't help noticing how many roads down that way are named after the Elk Creek, either the Big one or the Small one.
We parked at McPherson Lake just as another couple was getting out of their car next to us.
"You're gonna need your coat," I said to the Dearest Partner. The woman in the next car thought I was talking to her and replied, "Oh, I know; it's in the trunk!"
We took the wet Feldspar Trail to the "Mystery Hole" and another smaller abandoned quarry, then followed the Buck Trail downhill to the ruins of a chromite ore processing plant along Black Run that was built during World War I. All that's left of the plant are some concrete foundation piers and an overgrown pile of tailings (with "no horseback riding" signs prominently placed on the pile).
We noticed a lot of cut-down trees in a few places in the park and learned that there's a tree harvest going on.
On the way to the park we took a meandering route and went through the Linton Stevens Covered Bridge over the picturesque Big Elk Creek. The 102-foot-long bridge was built in 1886. We couldn't help noticing how many roads down that way are named after the Elk Creek, either the Big one or the Small one.
Friday, December 28, 2018
CVS: New hours
Starting Jan. 13, the CVS drugstore on Baltimore Pike at Bayard Road will no longer be a 24/7 operation. The store hours will be 7 a.m. to midnight every day (which I guess means 17/7). The pharmacy hours will remain the same: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
POLITICS: Not under my roof
Our hostess for Christmas Eve dinner is a laid-back, mellow woman, but all that changed when, as she was boxing up leftovers in the kitchen, she heard bits and snatches of the after-dinner grown-up conversation in the living room: words like "Congress" and "tax cuts" and "interest rates."
"THERE WILL BE NO POLITICS IN THIS HOUSE!" she announced.
Conversation came to a halt. One of us feebly protested that we just talking about the stock market, but wisely we moved on to safer topics, like what cookies to leave out for Santa that evening.
"THERE WILL BE NO POLITICS IN THIS HOUSE!" she announced.
Conversation came to a halt. One of us feebly protested that we just talking about the stock market, but wisely we moved on to safer topics, like what cookies to leave out for Santa that evening.
MAYORS: A new house
At a Christmas Eve party we had a chance to catch up with Biff and Brenda McNeil, who recently moved from downtown West Grove to downtown Parkesburg. Biff's father, Robert, served as West Grove's mayor in the 1960s and 1970s, so it seemed like fate when the couple discovered that that their new house was formerly owned by J. William Stroup, who served five terms as Parkesburg's mayor during the same era.
"They probably knew each other!" Biff said.
"They probably knew each other!" Biff said.
CHRISTMAS: Batteries included
At one point on Christmas Day, I was watching a six-year-old maneuver a remote-controlled racecar through a set of Zoomtubes (like the old Habitrail hamster tubes). In front of the track was a battery-operated vortex (like the old Lava Lamps) that changed color every few seconds. Three battery-operated Christmas figurines would start shimmying and singing every time the little car passed them: I am not sure how many times I heard "Ice Ice Baby" in the space of a few hours.
Meanwhile, the racecar driver's little sister, dressed in a pink tutu, was holding her talking Fancy Nancy doll and pirouetting to a Nutcracker tune played on a music box inside a ceramic gingerbread house. The lights on the roof blinked in time. You guessed it: doll and music box were battery-operated.
Jokingly, I asked the parents if they have a dedicated storage drawer for batteries. As it turns out, they do, and it also contains little screwdrivers.
"Pretty much everything in our house runs on batteries," acknowledged the dad. He shops for the best price on Amazon and buys them in bulk.
"We're talking multiple times a year," added the mom.
The merry cacaphony reminded another family member of his parents' house. They are clock collectors and deliberately stagger the times so that the chimes sound consecutively throughout the house.
"It goes on for like 20 minutes," he said. "Drives me crazy!"
Meanwhile, the racecar driver's little sister, dressed in a pink tutu, was holding her talking Fancy Nancy doll and pirouetting to a Nutcracker tune played on a music box inside a ceramic gingerbread house. The lights on the roof blinked in time. You guessed it: doll and music box were battery-operated.
Jokingly, I asked the parents if they have a dedicated storage drawer for batteries. As it turns out, they do, and it also contains little screwdrivers.
"Pretty much everything in our house runs on batteries," acknowledged the dad. He shops for the best price on Amazon and buys them in bulk.
"We're talking multiple times a year," added the mom.
The merry cacaphony reminded another family member of his parents' house. They are clock collectors and deliberately stagger the times so that the chimes sound consecutively throughout the house.
"It goes on for like 20 minutes," he said. "Drives me crazy!"
Tuesday, December 25, 2018
EAST MARLBOROUGH: Speed limits
At a Christmas party I had a chance to talk to some folks who are upset about motorists along West Locust Lane in East Marlborough who do well over the 25-m.p.h. limit. They went to the township supervisors and learned that slowing traffic isn't as simple as just erecting a stop sign, installing speed bumps or having the police write tickets. The first two options would involve expensive traffic studies and traffic engineers to protect the township from potential lawsuits. And township police are hamstrung by the fact that state law forbids them from using radar; they can only use the older VASCAR system, which means motorists would be more likely to contest their tickets in district court (meaning court time for police officers).
The neighbors aren't sure what their next step should be.
"I just want to ride bikes with the kids," said one mom, "and you can't do that."
The neighbors aren't sure what their next step should be.
"I just want to ride bikes with the kids," said one mom, "and you can't do that."
Monday, December 24, 2018
CAROLS: Cognitive dissonance
I know, I'm a stick-in-the-mud when it comes to Christmas songs, but some musicians are seriously misguided when they mess with the classics. On the radio I just heard a depressing version of "Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays" done in a minor key. Earlier in the week I heard a lugubrious "Joy to the World" and a presto rendition of the usually peaceful "Silent Night." Why?
GIANT: Busy shopping day
When I volunteered to bring roasted vegetables to our Christmas dinner, it didn't occur to me that, for freshness' sake, this would entail grocery shopping on one of the busiest days of the year. The Giant parking lot was jammed, and the produce section could have used someone directing traffic, but all in all my fellow shoppers seemed either festive or only slightly frazzled.
It was fun to see types of people I don't normally see in the grocery store, like a Lucius Malfoy lookalike purchasing a ham (oh, please! Lucius would doubtless send his House Elf) and a man with a gruesome neck tattoo of a skull and a dagger pondering whether to buy cream cheese or the lower-fat variant, Neufchatel.
While I was weighing the tahini options, a man with a store nametag came up to me and asked if I was finding everything OK. I told him I was and complimented him on how smoothly everything seemed to be running: all the cash registers were open and workers were busy throughout the store restocking the shelves. He thanked me and explained that he was the district manager paying a visit. Just then the store manager, wearing a headset, came rushing up and beamed when I told him I'd been saying nice things about his store to his boss. He in turn praised his hard-working associates and shared his hard-earned wisdom: the key to managing a hectic shopping day, he said, is having enough workers and enough product on hand.
It was fun to see types of people I don't normally see in the grocery store, like a Lucius Malfoy lookalike purchasing a ham (oh, please! Lucius would doubtless send his House Elf) and a man with a gruesome neck tattoo of a skull and a dagger pondering whether to buy cream cheese or the lower-fat variant, Neufchatel.
While I was weighing the tahini options, a man with a store nametag came up to me and asked if I was finding everything OK. I told him I was and complimented him on how smoothly everything seemed to be running: all the cash registers were open and workers were busy throughout the store restocking the shelves. He thanked me and explained that he was the district manager paying a visit. Just then the store manager, wearing a headset, came rushing up and beamed when I told him I'd been saying nice things about his store to his boss. He in turn praised his hard-working associates and shared his hard-earned wisdom: the key to managing a hectic shopping day, he said, is having enough workers and enough product on hand.
Thursday, December 20, 2018
KENNETT TOWNSHIP: Bridge out
The state Department of Transportation reports that plans are proceeding to demolish and then rebuild the heavily used bridge on Route 82 at Clifton Mill, which has been closed due to structural problems since June. In their lingo:
"PennDOT is finalizing the engineering plans for the rehabilitation of the Route 82 bridge. The general contractor, who will repair the bridge, is investigating lead times for the fabrication of the new, galvanized steel beams and steel grating for the deck. The timeline for the fabrication and delivery of the steel beams and steel grating will be the critical path, schedule-wise, on this project."
Demolition is expected to start this winter, depending on how soon the beams and decking can be obtained. As demolition approaches, the department says they'll provide firmer dates for the project.
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"PennDOT is finalizing the engineering plans for the rehabilitation of the Route 82 bridge. The general contractor, who will repair the bridge, is investigating lead times for the fabrication of the new, galvanized steel beams and steel grating for the deck. The timeline for the fabrication and delivery of the steel beams and steel grating will be the critical path, schedule-wise, on this project."
Demolition is expected to start this winter, depending on how soon the beams and decking can be obtained. As demolition approaches, the department says they'll provide firmer dates for the project.
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KENNETT SQUARE: The falling fungus
The other day someone on Facebook, obviously a newcomer, was asking whether there were any local New Year's Eve festivities. Folks were quick to point out that Kennett Square has a unique way of ringing in the New Year: the Mushroom Drop!
The sixth annual "Midnight on the Square" celebration in the middle of town starts at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, with a laser light show. At 6:30 The Garage Youth Center on South Union Street opens for children's entertainment with Dan & Galla (you know them from the Unionville Community Fair). Performances by dancers and musicians on the street also start at 6:30, and the lighted mushroom is raised via crane at 8:45 p.m. The Funsters will perform from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on South Union Street. And the fungus, of course, descends at the stroke of midnight.
Remote parking with shuttle buses (from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.) is available at Exelon and at Kennett High School.
The sixth annual "Midnight on the Square" celebration in the middle of town starts at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, with a laser light show. At 6:30 The Garage Youth Center on South Union Street opens for children's entertainment with Dan & Galla (you know them from the Unionville Community Fair). Performances by dancers and musicians on the street also start at 6:30, and the lighted mushroom is raised via crane at 8:45 p.m. The Funsters will perform from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on South Union Street. And the fungus, of course, descends at the stroke of midnight.
Remote parking with shuttle buses (from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.) is available at Exelon and at Kennett High School.
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
CAP WEIL: A life well lived
Services are set for Saturday, Jan. 12, for Carlos "Cap" Weil, Jr., who died on Dec. 1 at age 78.
Cap was an enthusiastic and gregarious advocate for whatever group he was involved with. He was active with the Chadds Ford Historical Society and Tick-Tock Early Learning Center, and I had the pleasure of working with him on the Bayard Taylor Memorial Library board for a few years. At one point a couple of trustees weren't on board with one of his ideas (I forget what), and he was determined to bring them round to his point of view.
"What we're gonna do is have a come-to-Jesus meeting!" he declared, excited at the prospect
My condolences to his dear wife, Sally, and his family. He will be missed.
Cap's memorial service will be held at Unionville Presbyterian Church at 11:30 a.m., with time to greet the family beforehand starting at 11 a.m.
Cap was an enthusiastic and gregarious advocate for whatever group he was involved with. He was active with the Chadds Ford Historical Society and Tick-Tock Early Learning Center, and I had the pleasure of working with him on the Bayard Taylor Memorial Library board for a few years. At one point a couple of trustees weren't on board with one of his ideas (I forget what), and he was determined to bring them round to his point of view.
"What we're gonna do is have a come-to-Jesus meeting!" he declared, excited at the prospect
My condolences to his dear wife, Sally, and his family. He will be missed.
Cap's memorial service will be held at Unionville Presbyterian Church at 11:30 a.m., with time to greet the family beforehand starting at 11 a.m.
WiLMINGTON: Dinner at Ubon
On Saturday four of us got together for dinner at Ubon, a Thai restaurant along the waterfront in Wilmington. Our dinner companions, a delightful young couple, live within walking distance but decided to drive because it was raining. Unfortunately they hit a pothole, blew a tire, put on the spare and arrived at the restaurant a little late.
We had fun catching up and hearing about their recent day trip to a dozen trendy art galleries in the Chelsea section of Manhattan (the female half of the couple is a graphic artist). One piece that stuck in their heads was a statue of a man, toppled over and broken, with human beard hair Scotch-taped to it in appropriate places. Price tags were routinely in the high five figures.
"I can't figure out their business model," said the male partner of the couple (he is in the IT field). "The employees are sitting there, immaculately dressed, and I felt like going up to them and saying, `How do you pay the rent?!"
After dinner, they checked on their puppy via a monitoring app: "Aww! He's listening to David Bowie!" We followed them back to their apartment to make sure their car was okay and nothing else had been damaged.
Dearest Partner checked the dinner receipt the next day and was amused to find that Ubon indicated our requested "heat levels" as Peppercorn (1 on a 1-to-5 scale), Tabasco (2), and Jalapeno (3). "One wonders what 4 and 5 are called," he mused. "Cinders and ashes?"
We had fun catching up and hearing about their recent day trip to a dozen trendy art galleries in the Chelsea section of Manhattan (the female half of the couple is a graphic artist). One piece that stuck in their heads was a statue of a man, toppled over and broken, with human beard hair Scotch-taped to it in appropriate places. Price tags were routinely in the high five figures.
"I can't figure out their business model," said the male partner of the couple (he is in the IT field). "The employees are sitting there, immaculately dressed, and I felt like going up to them and saying, `How do you pay the rent?!"
After dinner, they checked on their puppy via a monitoring app: "Aww! He's listening to David Bowie!" We followed them back to their apartment to make sure their car was okay and nothing else had been damaged.
Dearest Partner checked the dinner receipt the next day and was amused to find that Ubon indicated our requested "heat levels" as Peppercorn (1 on a 1-to-5 scale), Tabasco (2), and Jalapeno (3). "One wonders what 4 and 5 are called," he mused. "Cinders and ashes?"
2019: Calendars and Friends
Winter officially started on Friday, Dec. 21, the Winter Solstice. Putting a positive spin on that news, the hours of daylight have already started expanding, if only by a few minutes a day.
As a guide at a historical house in West Marlborough built by a prominent early Quaker, I'm sometimes asked why Friends traditionally used numbers instead of names for the months of the year and days of the week.
The Tract Association of Friends, which publishes a calendar each year, provides a good explanation. Names like March and Friday were derived from "non-Christian sources" (for example, March from the Roman god Mars; Friday from Frigg, Saxon queen of the gods). Thus, using them is "inconsistent with the tenets of the Christian faith."
"Although general custom can, in the long run, determine the correctness of language and vocabulary," the group declares solemnly, "it cannot pass upon right and wrong."
As a guide at a historical house in West Marlborough built by a prominent early Quaker, I'm sometimes asked why Friends traditionally used numbers instead of names for the months of the year and days of the week.
The Tract Association of Friends, which publishes a calendar each year, provides a good explanation. Names like March and Friday were derived from "non-Christian sources" (for example, March from the Roman god Mars; Friday from Frigg, Saxon queen of the gods). Thus, using them is "inconsistent with the tenets of the Christian faith."
"Although general custom can, in the long run, determine the correctness of language and vocabulary," the group declares solemnly, "it cannot pass upon right and wrong."
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| What January 2019 looks like on the 2019 Friends' Calendar. |
HOCKESSIN: New hours
Customers of Harvest Market Natural Foods in Hockessin will be pleased to learn that the health-food store is now open on Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. That's in addition to its Monday through Saturday hours, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Founder and owner Bob Kleszics always has new products in the store to try, including many from local farms, and friends who follow vegan or gluten-free diets love the selection.
Saturday, December 15, 2018
EAST MARLBOROUGH: Carol sing
Just a reminder that Marlborough Friends Meeting's annual carol sing will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23. The meetinghouse is at 361 Marlborough Road, Kennett Square.
This simple and peaceful event is a highlight of our Yuletide season. The description that the Meeting sent out rings absolutely true: "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. Candlelight creates an authentic holiday atmosphere as children shake sleigh bells and sing Rudolph’s story."
This simple and peaceful event is a highlight of our Yuletide season. The description that the Meeting sent out rings absolutely true: "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. Candlelight creates an authentic holiday atmosphere as children shake sleigh bells and sing Rudolph’s story."
VETERINARIAN: Clarence on the mend
Thank you to the good folks at Brandywine Valley Veterinary Hospital, who took such good care of our beloved rescue cat Clarence when he had surgery recently. They did everything they could to make sure he was happy and comfortable throughout. They even had a heated cushion all ready for him when I brought him in.
Dr. Carol Schaefer phoned me with the good news as soon as the operation was over, and both she and Dr. Toni-Ann Vidal kept me updated when his lab results came in. I've received two follow-up phone calls from the practice since, just checking on him. I was delighted to tell them that our elderly purr-boy has been returning to his normal self, eating more, jumping into the bathtub, and gaining weight. It does my heart good to see him snuggled up on his cozy fleece blanket.
Dr. Carol Schaefer phoned me with the good news as soon as the operation was over, and both she and Dr. Toni-Ann Vidal kept me updated when his lab results came in. I've received two follow-up phone calls from the practice since, just checking on him. I was delighted to tell them that our elderly purr-boy has been returning to his normal self, eating more, jumping into the bathtub, and gaining weight. It does my heart good to see him snuggled up on his cozy fleece blanket.
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| Clarence living the good life. |
STAPLES: Winding down
As I've written before, the Staples store in the Longwood shopping center is closing on Jan. 4. They're having a clearance sale (so there's less inventory to pack up and move), and the place looks distinctly woebegone. A sign on the door point out that other Staples stores will remain open, like the ones in Glen Mills, Wilmington (on Concord Pike), and West Goshen. Nonetheless, Tilda, who has been a good Staples customer at this location for years, is not happy.
Meanwhile, next to Staples, work continues on the former SuperFresh supermarket, which is being divided into Oshkosh B'Gosh, Ross Dress for Less, and Ulta Beauty. They're expected to open in spring 2019, along with a state liquor store.
Meanwhile, next to Staples, work continues on the former SuperFresh supermarket, which is being divided into Oshkosh B'Gosh, Ross Dress for Less, and Ulta Beauty. They're expected to open in spring 2019, along with a state liquor store.
EAST MARLBOROUGH: Tree removal
Some people who live near Green Valley Road are unhappy with what they consider to be overly aggressive tree removal by PECO. In the past month or so the electric company's contractor has cut down many trees and sawed off branches along both sides of the winding rural road, from the Plantation Field driveway south to Route 82, near the Cheshire kennels. The tree-removal company left many branches and logs sitting alongside the road (which, I'm told, residents were allowed to collect for firewood). I drove through that stretch of road the other morning, and the change is certainly dramatic. I also noticed some wire rings and paper blobs still stuck in tree branches from the "Lights Festival" lantern launches at Plantation Field.
KENNETT: A walk in the park
To clear our muddled heads, Dearest Partner suggested a walk in Anson B. Nixon Park. Even though it was cloudy and freezing, we had a pleasant time -- as long as we kept up a brisk pace rather than a leisurely stroll.
The park wasn't entirely empty. We saw folks walking their dogs, kids playing on the playground equipment, and a young couple who I assumed were on a date -- she was holding a bouquet wrapped in plastic. The only critters we saw, other than the dogs on leashes, were geese and one stock-still squirrel. Ice was starting to form on the ponds.
As we walked past the amphitheater, we couldn't help but notice how different the wintertime park is from the Wednesday evenings in the summer, when the park hosts free concerts: there were no little kids dancing in front of the stage, no musicians taking a break out back, no merch table.
The park wasn't entirely empty. We saw folks walking their dogs, kids playing on the playground equipment, and a young couple who I assumed were on a date -- she was holding a bouquet wrapped in plastic. The only critters we saw, other than the dogs on leashes, were geese and one stock-still squirrel. Ice was starting to form on the ponds.
As we walked past the amphitheater, we couldn't help but notice how different the wintertime park is from the Wednesday evenings in the summer, when the park hosts free concerts: there were no little kids dancing in front of the stage, no musicians taking a break out back, no merch table.
Sunday, December 9, 2018
KENNETT SQUARE: Irish tenor
Being a celebrated Irish tenor isn't all Guinness and Jameson's, Mark Forrest told us during his Dec. 8 concert at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Kennett Square. Sure, he has a degree in musical theater, another in liturgical music and a third in international marketing, but nobody really cares, he said: "All they want to know is, 'Do you sing "Danny Boy"?' "
Mr. Forrest's voice was wonderful -- yes, he did "Danny Boy," as well as other traditional Irish songs, songs of Christian faith, and Christmas carols. He asked veterans in the audience to stand and be recognized and in their honor sang Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA." He did a thrilling duet of "Ave Maria" with young St. Pat's parishioner Leah Owens, who has a stunning future in vocal performance ahead of her.
Mr. Forrest also spoke about his deep belief in the sanctity of life and told the audience about his eight children, one who died as an infant of a heart defect and two others who have a severe metabolic disorder. His experience led him and his wife, Muriel, to found the Faith and Family Foundation. It supports Wheatland Farm in Purcellville, Virginia, which provides equestrian programs for special needs children.
The concert, sponsored by the church's Knights of Columbus, was funny, moving and magical, all at once, and was a memorable prelude to what will be the parish's 150th anniversary in 2019.
Mr. Forrest's voice was wonderful -- yes, he did "Danny Boy," as well as other traditional Irish songs, songs of Christian faith, and Christmas carols. He asked veterans in the audience to stand and be recognized and in their honor sang Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA." He did a thrilling duet of "Ave Maria" with young St. Pat's parishioner Leah Owens, who has a stunning future in vocal performance ahead of her.
Mr. Forrest also spoke about his deep belief in the sanctity of life and told the audience about his eight children, one who died as an infant of a heart defect and two others who have a severe metabolic disorder. His experience led him and his wife, Muriel, to found the Faith and Family Foundation. It supports Wheatland Farm in Purcellville, Virginia, which provides equestrian programs for special needs children.
The concert, sponsored by the church's Knights of Columbus, was funny, moving and magical, all at once, and was a memorable prelude to what will be the parish's 150th anniversary in 2019.
Saturday, December 8, 2018
HARRISBURG: Good service
The bureaucracy in Harrisburg often gets a bad rap, so I was amazed at the good service I received the other day from the Department of State.
The Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations had sent me a stern letter accusing me of sending in an unsigned registration document -- followed by two ominous paragraphs about applicable fines and deadlines.
Well, I knew that I had gotten the document signed and had returned well within the deadline. In fact, I had made a special trip to get it signed because the signer in question was about to fly off to Europe on vacation.
So, full of righteous indignation, I phoned Harrisburg.
My first pleasant surprise was the Miles Davis jazz as hold music. A clerk got on the line after not too long of a wait, pulled up my account and informed me, with some measure of surprise, that "Oh. Yes. There IS a signature."
She apologized, told me that she had approved our account and told me she'd send out the confirmation letter that very afternoon.
And then she apologized again.
The Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations had sent me a stern letter accusing me of sending in an unsigned registration document -- followed by two ominous paragraphs about applicable fines and deadlines.
Well, I knew that I had gotten the document signed and had returned well within the deadline. In fact, I had made a special trip to get it signed because the signer in question was about to fly off to Europe on vacation.
So, full of righteous indignation, I phoned Harrisburg.
My first pleasant surprise was the Miles Davis jazz as hold music. A clerk got on the line after not too long of a wait, pulled up my account and informed me, with some measure of surprise, that "Oh. Yes. There IS a signature."
She apologized, told me that she had approved our account and told me she'd send out the confirmation letter that very afternoon.
And then she apologized again.
Thursday, December 6, 2018
HARD NEWS: Rocks by Lars
Kennett Square friend Lars Farmer has turned a hobby -- painting and hiding rocks around town -- into an avocation -- decorating, shellacking and selling custom rocks. On his Facebook page, I saw one of his creations, an oval rock painted with the lighted mushroom that is dropped every New Year's Eve in the middle of town. I thought it would be a perfect gift for an overseas friend (I try to send him something Kennett-related every Christmas). I contacted Lars, and he told me he could print a label with a personalized message and paste it on the back.
When I picked up the completed rock at his house the next day, Lars gave me a tour of his basement studio. Outside the door were two boxes of flat, smooth river stones that he had just collected. Inside on tables were rocks of various sizes, painted with everything from flowers to Kennett scenes to a fully loaded shish kebab. He's been doing a lot of seasonal designs like wreaths and pine cones; one page of his tablet was full of poinsettia sketches.
You can contact Lars through Facebook (LarsRocks) or by phone (302-299-2111). My personalized rock cost $25.
When I picked up the completed rock at his house the next day, Lars gave me a tour of his basement studio. Outside the door were two boxes of flat, smooth river stones that he had just collected. Inside on tables were rocks of various sizes, painted with everything from flowers to Kennett scenes to a fully loaded shish kebab. He's been doing a lot of seasonal designs like wreaths and pine cones; one page of his tablet was full of poinsettia sketches.
You can contact Lars through Facebook (LarsRocks) or by phone (302-299-2111). My personalized rock cost $25.
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| This is the rock that Lars made. Fork for scale. |
WEST MARLBOROUGH: Raise for employees
West Marlborough Township residents will see no tax increase, either in the real estate tax or the earned income tax, under the proposed 2019 budget, which the supervisors discussed at their Dec. 4 meeting.
Supervisors' chairman Bill Wylie said that the proposed budget is "very much like last year's budget," although the supervisors are keeping a close watch on two items that could affect expenditures in the future. The first is possible increases in financial support for the fire and ambulance companies that serve the township. The second would be part of the supervisors' ongoing efforts to discourage speeding and through traffic, which, as Mr. Wylie put it, "could involve some expense."
A vote on the 2019 budget will be taken on Thursday, Dec. 27, at 7 p.m. at the township office.
Township employees will get a 3 percent raise in 2019, prompting an amusing exchange between the board and longtime township secretary-treasurer Shirley Walton. She told the board that rather than a raise, she'd rather replace the township's aging Quicken software with QuickBooks.
Mr. Wylie, chuckling, said he was sorry, but she had to take the raise.
"Can I still get the software package?" Mrs. Walton quickly asked. He agreed.
Supervisor Hugh Lofting Sr. looked out at the audience in wonder.
"Only in West Marlborough," he said.
The township's annual reorganization meeting will be on Wednesday, Jan. 2, at 7 p.m. (not the usual Tuesday night, which is New Year's Day).
Supervisors' chairman Bill Wylie said that the proposed budget is "very much like last year's budget," although the supervisors are keeping a close watch on two items that could affect expenditures in the future. The first is possible increases in financial support for the fire and ambulance companies that serve the township. The second would be part of the supervisors' ongoing efforts to discourage speeding and through traffic, which, as Mr. Wylie put it, "could involve some expense."
A vote on the 2019 budget will be taken on Thursday, Dec. 27, at 7 p.m. at the township office.
Township employees will get a 3 percent raise in 2019, prompting an amusing exchange between the board and longtime township secretary-treasurer Shirley Walton. She told the board that rather than a raise, she'd rather replace the township's aging Quicken software with QuickBooks.
Mr. Wylie, chuckling, said he was sorry, but she had to take the raise.
"Can I still get the software package?" Mrs. Walton quickly asked. He agreed.
Supervisor Hugh Lofting Sr. looked out at the audience in wonder.
"Only in West Marlborough," he said.
The township's annual reorganization meeting will be on Wednesday, Jan. 2, at 7 p.m. (not the usual Tuesday night, which is New Year's Day).
GROCERIES: Postprandial chore
After having a tasty dinner at Mi Cocina Mexicana in Jennersville (chicken fajitas and pork quesadillas), we walked over to the Giant supermarket -- and spotted four other diners who had done exactly the same thing.
"Wait, I recognize you!" I said to one of them in front of the milk case.
He laughed. "It's never a good idea to go to the grocery store hungry," he said.
"Wait, I recognize you!" I said to one of them in front of the milk case.
He laughed. "It's never a good idea to go to the grocery store hungry," he said.
RADIO: 1980s marathon
WXPN, the Philadelphia radio station, has spent the past 2 weeks playing songs from the 1980s, in alphabetical order. As I'm typing they are up to the letter "S." Rockwell's "Somebody's Watching Me," which I heard this morning, seemed prescient with its lyrics "People call me on the phone I'm trying to avoid. Well, can the people on TV see me, or am I just paranoid?": after all, in the 1980s we didn't have cell phones, Facebook, or much of the technology we take for granted now.
I shared the playlist with a buddy in Havering, England, and he texted me that he was listening to it at that very moment, via Alexa and TuneIn Radio. Pretty amazing, considering the FM station on my car radio went all fuzzy as I drove through downtown Kennett.
I shared the playlist with a buddy in Havering, England, and he texted me that he was listening to it at that very moment, via Alexa and TuneIn Radio. Pretty amazing, considering the FM station on my car radio went all fuzzy as I drove through downtown Kennett.
Friday, November 30, 2018
HEAT: You're getting warmer
During a discussion about the autumnal increase in electric bills we've all experienced, the Young Relative noted that he jacks up the thermostat in his room in hopes of warming it up as quickly as possible. I added that I do the same thing as soon as I get into my car.
The Y.R.'s father (and, I should add, the payer of the electric bill) sighed and started channeling his undergraduate engineering textbooks.
"The RATE of increase in temperature is a constant," he lectured us. "You can't speed it up!" I wouldn't have been surprised had he started scrawling equations on the napkin.
Dearest Partner, who works with thermostats daily and is all too familiar with this crank-it-up fallacy, said he thinks appliance manufacturers should add a screen saying, "Heating as quickly as possible," just to keep customers happy.
The Y.R.'s father (and, I should add, the payer of the electric bill) sighed and started channeling his undergraduate engineering textbooks.
"The RATE of increase in temperature is a constant," he lectured us. "You can't speed it up!" I wouldn't have been surprised had he started scrawling equations on the napkin.
Dearest Partner, who works with thermostats daily and is all too familiar with this crank-it-up fallacy, said he thinks appliance manufacturers should add a screen saying, "Heating as quickly as possible," just to keep customers happy.
HOSPITAL: Better than medicine
A friend couldn't wait to tell me about his recent stay at Chester County Hospital's new Lasko Tower. The nursing staff, he said, made up a comfortable bed so his wife could stay with him -- and even provided turn-down service. And the nurses, remembering from a previous visit how fond he is of coffee, had a hot cup waiting for him when he returned to his room after surgery. (A retired Navy cook, he IS a very memorable fellow.)
"I couldn't believe it!" he raved. "They were amazing!"
"I couldn't believe it!" he raved. "They were amazing!"
KENNETT: McFarlan Road lot
A reader asked if I know whether anything's going to be built on the long-vacant, paved lot at McFarlan Road and East Baltimore Pike in Kennett Township, opposite the medical office buildings. I think it used to be a car dealership. I searched online but couldn't find anything. Can you help me out, readers?
THE CLAUSES: Coming soon!
As they have since 2014, the Po-Mar-Lin Fire Co. will be escorting Santa and Mrs. Claus through the fire company's service area this Christmas season. They'll be visiting neighborhoods in Pocopson and Newlin townships on Sunday, Dec. 16, and in East and West Marlborough on Sunday, Dec. 23. You can follow their progress live on PoMarLin's Instagram or Facebook page.
Friday, November 23, 2018
RAILROAD: Delays in Pocopson
The traffic delays at the railroad crossing on Route 926 in Pocopson are a perennial source of frustration for commuters and neighbors alike.
At Thanksgiving dinner a Kennett resident told me she thinks the situation has gotten much worse in recent months.
On her way home from work the other evening, she was delayed for 45 minutes while the trains were being shuttled back and forth across the road, and traffic regularly backs up across the Brandywine Creek all the way to the Birmingham Township building.
She said she called the East Penn railroad company to find out when the train activity occurs, but to no avail: there doesn't seem to be a fixed schedule.
"People say to me, `Why don't you go another way?" she said. "But you don't know it's going to be backed up until you get there!"
"You need to write an article about this!" she said, gesturing with a serving fork to emphasize her annoyance.
At Thanksgiving dinner a Kennett resident told me she thinks the situation has gotten much worse in recent months.
On her way home from work the other evening, she was delayed for 45 minutes while the trains were being shuttled back and forth across the road, and traffic regularly backs up across the Brandywine Creek all the way to the Birmingham Township building.
She said she called the East Penn railroad company to find out when the train activity occurs, but to no avail: there doesn't seem to be a fixed schedule.
"People say to me, `Why don't you go another way?" she said. "But you don't know it's going to be backed up until you get there!"
"You need to write an article about this!" she said, gesturing with a serving fork to emphasize her annoyance.
CHRISTMAS: Carol sing in Marlborough Village
I know it's only the end of November, but December gets so busy that I wanted to share this wonderful Christmas event with you well ahead of schedule.
Marlborough Friends Meeting's annual carol sing will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23. The meetinghouse is at 361 Marlborough Road, Kennett Square.
We've attended this simple and peaceful event for many years, and the description that the Meeting sent out rings absolutely true: "This event has become an annual Christmas experience for many families. 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. Candlelight creates an authentic holiday atmosphere as children shake sleigh bells and sing Rudolph’s story."
Marlborough Friends Meeting's annual carol sing will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23. The meetinghouse is at 361 Marlborough Road, Kennett Square.
We've attended this simple and peaceful event for many years, and the description that the Meeting sent out rings absolutely true: "This event has become an annual Christmas experience for many families. 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. Candlelight creates an authentic holiday atmosphere as children shake sleigh bells and sing Rudolph’s story."
DINNER: Time with family
We spent Thanksgiving with about 20 of Dearest Partner's relatives in Perkasie, Bucks County.
Thanksgiving dinner there is always a laid-back event, with no politics or family minefields. Two well-behaved dogs, a yellow Lab and a black pit bull, wandered around enjoying the attention.
The hosts have a wonderful garden, so we enjoyed fresh carrots and Brussels sprouts. There's also a nearby dairy, Penn View Farm, that makes amazing chocolate milk (much like Baily's in Pocopson), bottled in old-fashioned glass containers.
Two of the guests this year were among the walking wounded. One man had his right arm in a sling after undergoing bicep tendon reattachment surgery, and his wife and kids were really quite solicitous, bringing him food, making sure his afflicted arm was properly positioned and cutting his turkey for him. (I did see him attempt to cut another slice of pumpkin pie for himself, with limited success.)
I had fun helping little Bella, who's in first grade, read a picture book about a monster called the Nibbler. Some of the writing was in cursive, but she did a fine job of deciphering it. She even sounded out tricky words like "gnaw" and "knock." I had a flashback to my own learning-to-read days when the word "cupboard" appeared. I vividly remember feeling irritated when the teacher corrected me and told me it's pronounced "cubberd": it's clearly "cup" and "board"!
Bella is a quick-witted child. We were carrying baskets of rolls from the kitchen into the dining room.
"Bella!" I asked her, looking to find some available space amidst the place settings, bowls, and casserole dishes. "Where shall we put the rolls?"
"On the table," she said, not missing a beat.
Thanksgiving dinner there is always a laid-back event, with no politics or family minefields. Two well-behaved dogs, a yellow Lab and a black pit bull, wandered around enjoying the attention.
The hosts have a wonderful garden, so we enjoyed fresh carrots and Brussels sprouts. There's also a nearby dairy, Penn View Farm, that makes amazing chocolate milk (much like Baily's in Pocopson), bottled in old-fashioned glass containers.
Two of the guests this year were among the walking wounded. One man had his right arm in a sling after undergoing bicep tendon reattachment surgery, and his wife and kids were really quite solicitous, bringing him food, making sure his afflicted arm was properly positioned and cutting his turkey for him. (I did see him attempt to cut another slice of pumpkin pie for himself, with limited success.)
I had fun helping little Bella, who's in first grade, read a picture book about a monster called the Nibbler. Some of the writing was in cursive, but she did a fine job of deciphering it. She even sounded out tricky words like "gnaw" and "knock." I had a flashback to my own learning-to-read days when the word "cupboard" appeared. I vividly remember feeling irritated when the teacher corrected me and told me it's pronounced "cubberd": it's clearly "cup" and "board"!
Bella is a quick-witted child. We were carrying baskets of rolls from the kitchen into the dining room.
"Bella!" I asked her, looking to find some available space amidst the place settings, bowls, and casserole dishes. "Where shall we put the rolls?"
"On the table," she said, not missing a beat.
MULTICULTURAL: Thanksgiving service
Filomena Elliott, adult literacy director at the Kennett Library, certainly had her work cut out for her at the interfaith Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, Nov. 18. For the Spanish-speaking members of the audience, she translated Rev. Annalie Korengel's sermon, "Created for Community," from English to Spanish. Then she switched gears and translated Rev. Martin Gaspar's message from Spanish to English, this time working ex tempore like a UN interpreter without a written copy of his remarks.
The churches participating in the community service were Unionville Presbyterian Church (Rev. Korengel), the First Baptist Church of Kennett Square (Rev. Daniel Nicewonger), the Episcopal Church of the Advent (Rev. Dr. Nancy Hoeschel), Monte Horeb (Rev. Gaspar), and St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church (Father Chris Rogers), which hosted the event. An offering was taken to benefit the winter coat drive at Family Promise.
The Kennett Community Chorus, directed by former Kennett mayor Leon Spencer, sang "Let Us Walk in Peace." The "Praise Team" from the Baptist Church performed "Who You Say I Am" and passed out song sheets so we could join in. The closing hymn was "America the Beautiful."
Refreshments and conversation followed downstairs in the social hall.
The churches participating in the community service were Unionville Presbyterian Church (Rev. Korengel), the First Baptist Church of Kennett Square (Rev. Daniel Nicewonger), the Episcopal Church of the Advent (Rev. Dr. Nancy Hoeschel), Monte Horeb (Rev. Gaspar), and St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church (Father Chris Rogers), which hosted the event. An offering was taken to benefit the winter coat drive at Family Promise.
The Kennett Community Chorus, directed by former Kennett mayor Leon Spencer, sang "Let Us Walk in Peace." The "Praise Team" from the Baptist Church performed "Who You Say I Am" and passed out song sheets so we could join in. The closing hymn was "America the Beautiful."
Refreshments and conversation followed downstairs in the social hall.
KATS: Where are the tarts?
This season's Kennett Amateur Theatrical Society pantomime, "Alice and the Stolen Tarts," is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 18, and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, January 19, in the Kennett High School auditorium.
We can't wait to attend this year's offering. Tickets ($10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under) go on sale in December (go to www.callkats.org).
Remember, audience participation, like hissing, booing, and singing, is encouraged!
We can't wait to attend this year's offering. Tickets ($10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under) go on sale in December (go to www.callkats.org).
Remember, audience participation, like hissing, booing, and singing, is encouraged!
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
HORTICULTURE 2: Can this marriage be saved?
This week's editing project is a book on novel therapies to help couples who aren't getting along. One of them is horticultural therapy, in which couples are assigned to plan, plant, and tend a garden. This is supposed to improve their communication and decision-making skills and make the partners feel like they're on the same team.
As an avid gardener with strong feelings about garden planning and maintenance, I was highly skeptical that this would improve a troubled relationship in any way, shape or form. Maybe the therapy might work if both partners are novice gardeners, but after you have a year or two under your belt, you have definite preferences every step of the way, starting with what seed catalogues to order from and ending with how to lift dahlia bulbs come autumn.
I shared this idea with my gardening friends, and hilarity and disbelief ensued -- even among those with some therapy training.
"Oh, someone would die," stated one, with absolute certainty. "There are sharp implements involved!"
Another assured me that if she and her husband (of 30 years) had to share garden planning, they'd be divorced before ground was broken.
A professional gardener said she relies on her husband to start the rototiller, and then she takes over.
I was left wondering if the author of this book is actually a gardener herself. One wonders what the next "experiential therapy" will be: wallpapering together? Or perhaps setting up a new computer?
As an avid gardener with strong feelings about garden planning and maintenance, I was highly skeptical that this would improve a troubled relationship in any way, shape or form. Maybe the therapy might work if both partners are novice gardeners, but after you have a year or two under your belt, you have definite preferences every step of the way, starting with what seed catalogues to order from and ending with how to lift dahlia bulbs come autumn.
I shared this idea with my gardening friends, and hilarity and disbelief ensued -- even among those with some therapy training.
"Oh, someone would die," stated one, with absolute certainty. "There are sharp implements involved!"
Another assured me that if she and her husband (of 30 years) had to share garden planning, they'd be divorced before ground was broken.
A professional gardener said she relies on her husband to start the rototiller, and then she takes over.
I was left wondering if the author of this book is actually a gardener herself. One wonders what the next "experiential therapy" will be: wallpapering together? Or perhaps setting up a new computer?
HORTICULTURE 1: A good read
A few months ago an old friend shared the sad news that he had lost both his wife and his brother-in-law in short order. Since then I've been making a point of keeping in touch with him.
Knowing of his interest in gardening, history and books, I recommended to him Elizabeth Gilbert's "The Signature of All Things," which I'd just started reading. It's a novel about the family of a horticulturalist in colonial Philadelphia.
The day after I sent my enthusiastic recommendation, the book took an abrupt and wholly unexpected turn: the daughter of the family discovers there is more to life than stamens and pistils.
So what do you think: should I warn my friend that there's more to this book than pampering exotic orchids and distilling quinine?
Knowing of his interest in gardening, history and books, I recommended to him Elizabeth Gilbert's "The Signature of All Things," which I'd just started reading. It's a novel about the family of a horticulturalist in colonial Philadelphia.
The day after I sent my enthusiastic recommendation, the book took an abrupt and wholly unexpected turn: the daughter of the family discovers there is more to life than stamens and pistils.
So what do you think: should I warn my friend that there's more to this book than pampering exotic orchids and distilling quinine?
Saturday, November 17, 2018
DINNER: Sometimes you wonder ...
We arrived at our favorite Indian restaurant the other night just as a woman and her son walked in, without a reservation, and asked for a table for 11. The two owners started moving tables and chairs around and setting places. The family group gradually straggled in -- men, women, young children and babes-in-arms -- and we discerned that it was a birthday party for the grandfather.
The "birthday boy" had clearly picked the restaurant even though the rest of the family knew nothing about Indian food. In his loud voice, he went through the menu and told everyone what they would and wouldn't like.
"You don't want the biryani," he declared. "It's a bunch of morsels of different stuff." (At the time, I was eating an absolutely scrumptious lamb biryani.)
He besieged the poor waiter with questions about what color the sauces were and what accompaniments came with each entrée. He pointed to the chicken tandoori on the menu and asked the waiter to explain how it was cooked. The waiter thought he was ordering it and started writing it on his pad.
It didn't help that the grandfather was intermittently taking phone calls and standing up and walking around the restaurant.
The waiter tried to set about taking people's orders in some organized fashion, but one guest said she'd already eaten and would share what others had ordered; another hadn't made up her mind and asked the waiter to come back to her later.
The two older woman at the end of the table were reading the menu with disapproval. "I'm not ordering anything Indian, that's for sure!" said one (I couldn't believe my ears). She ended up ordering chicken fingers. With rice. Without any sauce.
Before they finished ordering, with the waiter just standing there, the man started opening his birthday presents. One was a collection of religious essays.
I wish we could have stayed to witness this clan eating their dinner, but we had a concert to attend.
The "birthday boy" had clearly picked the restaurant even though the rest of the family knew nothing about Indian food. In his loud voice, he went through the menu and told everyone what they would and wouldn't like.
"You don't want the biryani," he declared. "It's a bunch of morsels of different stuff." (At the time, I was eating an absolutely scrumptious lamb biryani.)
He besieged the poor waiter with questions about what color the sauces were and what accompaniments came with each entrée. He pointed to the chicken tandoori on the menu and asked the waiter to explain how it was cooked. The waiter thought he was ordering it and started writing it on his pad.
It didn't help that the grandfather was intermittently taking phone calls and standing up and walking around the restaurant.
The waiter tried to set about taking people's orders in some organized fashion, but one guest said she'd already eaten and would share what others had ordered; another hadn't made up her mind and asked the waiter to come back to her later.
The two older woman at the end of the table were reading the menu with disapproval. "I'm not ordering anything Indian, that's for sure!" said one (I couldn't believe my ears). She ended up ordering chicken fingers. With rice. Without any sauce.
Before they finished ordering, with the waiter just standing there, the man started opening his birthday presents. One was a collection of religious essays.
I wish we could have stayed to witness this clan eating their dinner, but we had a concert to attend.
NEWLIN: Historical Society
A new group, the
Newlin Historical Society, is being formed. Its purpose is to research the township's history, including "early
indigenous residents including Indian Hannah; historic buildings; early
industrial development along the Brandywine including bridges, dams, railroads;
the Battle of the Brandywine; garnet, chromium, and corundum mining; Mason/Dixon;
Stargazer; the Poorhouse and Cemetery; the Hunt; the King Ranch; conservation
agencies such as the Brandywine Conservancy and the Natural Land Trust;
citizens past and present who have contributed to the betterment of Newlin
Township; and other notable local citizens recognized nationally."
The president is John O’Neal, vice president is Muriel George, secretary is RoseLynn Malarek, and treasurer is Sandy Reber. Anyone interested in joining should contact RoseLynn at roselynn831@gmail.com.
The president is John O’Neal, vice president is Muriel George, secretary is RoseLynn Malarek, and treasurer is Sandy Reber. Anyone interested in joining should contact RoseLynn at roselynn831@gmail.com.
Friday, November 16, 2018
THANKSGIVING: Always time for gratitude
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, may I take this opportunity to thank you for reading my column, sharing your news with me and supporting local journalism. I have a lot of fun writing "Unionville in the News," and from what you've told me you enjoy reading about the athletic and studious Young Relative (now taking a much-deserved rest until the next sports season), the long-suffering Dearest Partner (who just didn't know what he was getting into), the always colorful goings-on in the unique community that is Unionville, and all of the other small but vital moments that make up life but don't make it into the newspaper.
I started writing this column as a blog in 2010 in response to all the ill-informed, mean-spirited snarkiness and rudeness that I saw online and in public life. We can do better, I thought (and still do). Let it begin with me.
I started writing this column as a blog in 2010 in response to all the ill-informed, mean-spirited snarkiness and rudeness that I saw online and in public life. We can do better, I thought (and still do). Let it begin with me.
STAPLES: Closing in January
The Staples office-supply store in the Longwood shopping center will be closing Jan. 5, 2019, a clerk confirmed to me the other day. They were originally due to shut in October. I will miss the store, and the employees, terribly. I knew right where my #60 and #61 HP ink cartridges and my preferred copy paper were located, and I could be in and out of there and back to my office desk in no time. I'll be visiting that shopping center a lot less now.
RADIO: Tilda is getting old
I have become my parents.
I can remember writhing in the back seat of the car as Mum and Dad listened to WJBR ("Just Beautiful Radio"), which played corny, schmaltzy, strings-heavy elevator-style music. Despite our pleas, there was not a chance that we kids could persuade them to switch the station to rock and roll.
"You can't even understand the words!" Mum would say (she didn't like the way Mick Jagger sucked on the microphone, either).
"You know, they don't even play their own instruments," I recall Dad saying about my then-favorites, the Monkees.
Flash-forward to 2018, when there's a new radio station on the air that plays "relaxing favorites" like oldies by Stevie Wonder, Chicago and Billy Joel. It had been years since I had heard Juice Newton's "Angel of the Morning" and Faith Hill's "I Can Feel You Breathe."
You know what? I have to confess, I like it. The lyrics don't get me angry with their violence and misogyny. The music doesn't sound like a vital part has fallen off my car. There are no mile-a-minute DJs, no stupid contests, no vapid gossip about celebrities I've never heard of, no slick speed-talking ads about "some restrictions apply," "taxes and tags extra," and "not available in all areas."
I know . . . me, who once waited in line for Ramones tickets.
I can remember writhing in the back seat of the car as Mum and Dad listened to WJBR ("Just Beautiful Radio"), which played corny, schmaltzy, strings-heavy elevator-style music. Despite our pleas, there was not a chance that we kids could persuade them to switch the station to rock and roll.
"You can't even understand the words!" Mum would say (she didn't like the way Mick Jagger sucked on the microphone, either).
"You know, they don't even play their own instruments," I recall Dad saying about my then-favorites, the Monkees.
Flash-forward to 2018, when there's a new radio station on the air that plays "relaxing favorites" like oldies by Stevie Wonder, Chicago and Billy Joel. It had been years since I had heard Juice Newton's "Angel of the Morning" and Faith Hill's "I Can Feel You Breathe."
You know what? I have to confess, I like it. The lyrics don't get me angry with their violence and misogyny. The music doesn't sound like a vital part has fallen off my car. There are no mile-a-minute DJs, no stupid contests, no vapid gossip about celebrities I've never heard of, no slick speed-talking ads about "some restrictions apply," "taxes and tags extra," and "not available in all areas."
I know . . . me, who once waited in line for Ramones tickets.
THANKS: Great customer service
I want to thank two folks this week for making my life easier.
A clerk at Pet Supplies Plus in Avondale volunteered to carry a 35-lb tub of cat litter from the shelf, to the cash register, and then out to my car. And he did it with good cheer! I didn't get his name, but he had jet-black hair with a dyed streak on top, and a lot of earrings. He explained that he and his colleagues have to stock the shelves with those heavy buckets of litter, so he knows full well how unwieldy they can be.
And another shout-out to Lenna Pierson, the office manager at PJ Mullin's State Farm insurance agency. When I took my car in for inspection the other day at the Springdell Garage, I realized to my embarrassment that the insurance card in my wallet was expired. I called PJ's office, and within literally five minutes Lenna faxed a valid one to the garage. She told me not to apologize and said it's actually one of the most common requests they get.
A clerk at Pet Supplies Plus in Avondale volunteered to carry a 35-lb tub of cat litter from the shelf, to the cash register, and then out to my car. And he did it with good cheer! I didn't get his name, but he had jet-black hair with a dyed streak on top, and a lot of earrings. He explained that he and his colleagues have to stock the shelves with those heavy buckets of litter, so he knows full well how unwieldy they can be.
And another shout-out to Lenna Pierson, the office manager at PJ Mullin's State Farm insurance agency. When I took my car in for inspection the other day at the Springdell Garage, I realized to my embarrassment that the insurance card in my wallet was expired. I called PJ's office, and within literally five minutes Lenna faxed a valid one to the garage. She told me not to apologize and said it's actually one of the most common requests they get.
NATHAN SIMMS: He lived at Indian Deep
In last week's column I wrote about Nathan
Simms, who as a teenager was involved, inadvertently, in John Wilkes Booth's escape after shooting President Lincoln. Mr. Simms moved to Marshallton, where he worked as a laborer, and he is buried in Bradford Cemetery.
Susanna Davison, clerk of London Grove Friends Meeting, was good enough to share some fascinating information about him:
"According to my late mother Janet Roberts (who is also
buried in Bradford Cemetery), Nate was one of the tenants who lived in one of
the Indian Deep Farm tenant houses! That little house, known as
“Patches,” is located on Beagle Road near Northbrook and was improved by my
parents in the 1960s. My late husband Joe Davison and I were married in a
Quaker wedding held there in 1970. Patches is now occupied by my son
Jesse Davison and his family. Nate Simms would have crossed the
Brandywine on foot via the Northbrook bridge. It would have taken him
less than an hour to get to and from his work in Marshallton. I’m very
glad to know he was not laid to rest in the potters field!"
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
PANCAKES: At the Masonic Lodge
The Masons certainly know how to make pancakes! Last Saturday we headed to Masonic Lodge 475 in downtown Kennett for an excellent breakfast of flapjacks, sausage, coffee and orange juice. We always see retired East Marlborough supervisor Robert Weer and his wife, Barbara, at the breakfast. On Saturday they were there with their daughter, Blair Fleischmann, and her husband Charlie.
We also saw our dear friend Doug, who told us that his cousin had invited him to the event at the last minute.
"I haven't been here since I was 12," said Doug, gazing around the crowded social hall. (Doug, though he is as youthful as anyone I know, is now definitely a grown-up.)
Doug asked if we had gone back for more pancakes, but I explained that we were attending a fundraising spaghetti dinner in Maryland that evening and had to moderate our carbs intake.
We also saw our dear friend Doug, who told us that his cousin had invited him to the event at the last minute.
"I haven't been here since I was 12," said Doug, gazing around the crowded social hall. (Doug, though he is as youthful as anyone I know, is now definitely a grown-up.)
Doug asked if we had gone back for more pancakes, but I explained that we were attending a fundraising spaghetti dinner in Maryland that evening and had to moderate our carbs intake.
KENNETT TOWNSHIP: New stores coming
A friend said she'd heard that a new Pat's Pizza is going in and asked me to check it out. She's right. Pat's is the lead tenant of a 8,500-square-foot strip shopping center that's going to be built on a vacant 1.8-acre site in the 700 block of West Cypress Street, just west of J&G Automotive. The parking lot will have 67 spaces. Completion is expected next fall. The other three units in the building are for lease; Zommick McMahon Commercial Real Estate has the listing.
SHOPPING: Time-saving but isolating
Friends are raving about the time-saving grocery services that are springing up. You order online, and your groceries are either delivered to your door or you pick them up at the store.
Granted, I have more free time than many people do. But for me, going to the Giant is not only a shopping trip but a social occasion; I feel shortchanged if I don't run into somebody I know.
On Sunday, for instance, I saw three friends at the Kennett Giant. One told me her father's hometown, including a supermarket that had been in the family for three generations, was destroyed by the fires in California.
Another said tires had been slashed in a parking lot in downtown Oxford, and a police officer told her she was only one of many victims.
A third described how she broke her leg tripping over a stool. I told her she needs to come up with a better story, given that she's a serious athlete and does IronMan competitions. The guy next to us at the registers suggested that she should say she broke her leg halfway through a race but still finished!
Granted, I have more free time than many people do. But for me, going to the Giant is not only a shopping trip but a social occasion; I feel shortchanged if I don't run into somebody I know.
On Sunday, for instance, I saw three friends at the Kennett Giant. One told me her father's hometown, including a supermarket that had been in the family for three generations, was destroyed by the fires in California.
Another said tires had been slashed in a parking lot in downtown Oxford, and a police officer told her she was only one of many victims.
A third described how she broke her leg tripping over a stool. I told her she needs to come up with a better story, given that she's a serious athlete and does IronMan competitions. The guy next to us at the registers suggested that she should say she broke her leg halfway through a race but still finished!
LIBRARIES: Definitely not obsolete
Two friends of mine, a husband and wife, are doing something right in the child-rearing department. As they were leaving the Kennett Y the other evening, their young son asked if they could go to the library next. His father explained that he was sorry, but they couldn't, because (1) they hadn't brought any books to return and (2) it wasn't open. The boy wasn't happy. Apparently he is already a bookworm and reads all morning long, his Dad told me. Not to be outdone, the daughter said that she visits her elementary school library often.
Friday, November 9, 2018
MIDTERMS: Terrific turnout
Whether you're happy or sad with the results of the midterm elections, you have to be both (1) relieved that you're not getting any more political mailings and (2) impressed with the voter turnout. Usually midterms are a pretty slow affair, but turnout was well over 60% in all the local municipalities that I checked.
Newlin had 74%, Pocopson 70%, Londonderry 68%, Highland 68%, and my own township, West Marlborough, had 69%. Kennett Square's three precincts had turnouts in the low 60s. Kennett Township's four precincts were in the high 60s, with an amazing 79% in the third precinct (not coincidentally, home to the Kendal retirement community). East Marlborough's three precincts had 65%, 67%, and 73%.
Note to candidates: it's time to take down your signs.
Newlin had 74%, Pocopson 70%, Londonderry 68%, Highland 68%, and my own township, West Marlborough, had 69%. Kennett Square's three precincts had turnouts in the low 60s. Kennett Township's four precincts were in the high 60s, with an amazing 79% in the third precinct (not coincidentally, home to the Kendal retirement community). East Marlborough's three precincts had 65%, 67%, and 73%.
Note to candidates: it's time to take down your signs.
WEST MARLBOROUGH: A more rural mode
The November meeting of the West Marlborough Township supervisors was a brief one.
Supervisor Bill Wylie said the board met with PennDOT officials on Nov. 5 to talk about traffic conditions in the township. West Marlborough wants the state to reduce the maintenance level on some of its roads in an attempt to quell speeders and discourage drivers from taking back roads. Mr. Wylie said although no promises were made, "we're hopeful" that the roads in question "will be maintained in a more rural mode going forward."
Mr. Wylie and supervisor Hugh Lofting Sr. discussed Frank Lordi's plan to build a house on Byrd Road near Route 842. An electric line will have to be extended to the property, which sits on a narrow gravel road that forms the boundary with East Marlborough Township. The supervisors noted that part of the property is designated on the township's zoning map as a possible site of archaeological significance (as is much of the township); Mr. Lordi will have to get that resolved before breaking ground.
Mr. Lofting said that work on the bridge on Runnemede Road has started and completion is expected by Christmas.
Township secretary/treasurer Shirley Walton reported that, after she complained, the township's bank has stopped charging a monthly "lack of activity" fee but has not refunded the $45 in previous fees as promised.
Supervisor Bill Wylie said the board met with PennDOT officials on Nov. 5 to talk about traffic conditions in the township. West Marlborough wants the state to reduce the maintenance level on some of its roads in an attempt to quell speeders and discourage drivers from taking back roads. Mr. Wylie said although no promises were made, "we're hopeful" that the roads in question "will be maintained in a more rural mode going forward."
Mr. Wylie and supervisor Hugh Lofting Sr. discussed Frank Lordi's plan to build a house on Byrd Road near Route 842. An electric line will have to be extended to the property, which sits on a narrow gravel road that forms the boundary with East Marlborough Township. The supervisors noted that part of the property is designated on the township's zoning map as a possible site of archaeological significance (as is much of the township); Mr. Lordi will have to get that resolved before breaking ground.
Mr. Lofting said that work on the bridge on Runnemede Road has started and completion is expected by Christmas.
Township secretary/treasurer Shirley Walton reported that, after she complained, the township's bank has stopped charging a monthly "lack of activity" fee but has not refunded the $45 in previous fees as promised.
WEST CHESTER: Pizza Gallery returns
Who remembers Strato Moriello's Pizza Gallery on State Street in downtown Kennett? I loved his pizza and was a frequent customer in the 1990s before, sadly, it went out of business.
I was delighted to see that Strato is back: he has just opened Strato's Pizza Kitchen in the Parkway Shopping Center, 929 S. High St., in West Chester. We will be making a visit soon.
They're also looking for delivery drivers, cashiers and kitchen help; apply in person, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
I was delighted to see that Strato is back: he has just opened Strato's Pizza Kitchen in the Parkway Shopping Center, 929 S. High St., in West Chester. We will be making a visit soon.
They're also looking for delivery drivers, cashiers and kitchen help; apply in person, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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| Pizzas at Strato's Pizza Kitchen. |
Thursday, November 8, 2018
KENNETT: Christmas and axes
Kicking off the Christmas season is the annual Light Parade through downtown Kennett Square, which kicks off at 6:15 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 23 ("Black Friday"). You might want to get there early to snag for a good spot on the sidewalk. People around here really get into parades, and this one is especially fun, with folks decorating their fire trucks, tractors, hay buggies, and just about every kind of vehicle you can think of.
And yes, the very popular Kennett Square Holiday Village at the Creamery on Birch Street is a "go" for 2018. The dates are Dec. 1, 2, 8, and 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Like last year, there will be merchants, musicians, artists and food.
In other Creamery news, an axe-throwing range called The Chop Shop will soon be opening. Their website explains who exactly does axe throwing: "All the cool kids with closed-toe shoes!" They will offer coaches for the non-lumberjacks among us, and they plan to set up a competitive league starting in early 2019.ids with closed-toed shoes! Our expert coaches will train you in correct techniques and have you throwing bullseyes in no time! For more experienced throwers, Chop Shop KSQ is a fantastic place to hone, improve your throwing skills and compete regionally!
And yes, the very popular Kennett Square Holiday Village at the Creamery on Birch Street is a "go" for 2018. The dates are Dec. 1, 2, 8, and 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Like last year, there will be merchants, musicians, artists and food.
In other Creamery news, an axe-throwing range called The Chop Shop will soon be opening. Their website explains who exactly does axe throwing: "All the cool kids with closed-toe shoes!" They will offer coaches for the non-lumberjacks among us, and they plan to set up a competitive league starting in early 2019.ids with closed-toed shoes! Our expert coaches will train you in correct techniques and have you throwing bullseyes in no time! For more experienced throwers, Chop Shop KSQ is a fantastic place to hone, improve your throwing skills and compete regionally!
Monday, November 5, 2018
MARSHALLTON: A footnote to history
Social media can be a huge time-waster, but occasionally something fascinating pops up, like the fact that Nathan Simms (1851-1934) is buried at Bradford Cemetery in Marshallton.
According to the tombstone, Simms is "the slave boy who helped Booth escape the night of Lincoln's assassination, but told the Union soldiers the next day the direction Booth took, thus aiding in his capture."
I did some online research and found that there's a dispute over whether Simms was a slave or an indentured servant. Either way, on April 14, 1865, he was a 14-year-old stable worker at Surratt’s Tavern in Maryland (owned by Mary Surratt, a co-conspirator in the assassination plot) when John Wilkes Booth stopped during his escape to eat, pick up weapons and change horses. As Simms put it, Booth, despite his leg injury, "rode down the pike as if a whirlwind was pursuing him.”
When Union soldiers arrived at the tavern the next morning, Simms learned of the assassination and told them which way Booth had ridden off. He was not charged.
At age 19, Simms moved to Marshallton (history doesn't record why), where he worked as a laborer but died destitute in the county poorhouse in 1934. His headstone was installed by local Boy Scouts in 1960.
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| Nathan Simms' grave marker, Bradford Cemetery. |
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| Nathan Simms, 1931. |
HUNT CUP: Thanks, Kathee!
I suspect Kathee Rengert had something to do with the perfect weather -- warm and sunny -- that we spectators enjoyed for the 84th running of the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup on Sunday, Nov. 4. (Kathee, the longtime executive director, died on Oct. 6.)
But due to the heavy rain we received on Nov. 2, the carriage parade was cancelled--the ground was just too muddy for the heavy carriages--and for safety's sake two of the jumps in low-lying areas were eliminated from the race course.
No matter what the weather, the Hunt Cup is always great fun, as it attracts so many local folks who come out to watch the races, socialize, and eat and drink. Our table groaned with Royal Farms fried chicken, brownie cupcakes, veggies, chips and berry crumble. Dearest Partner's favorite parts of the afternoon are taking photographs and making friends with every canine he sees.
The talk among the foxhunters was about how Opening Day for every local club was cancelled due to the aforementioned downpours. As one friend in our party said mournfully, "I spent hours washing, and brushing, and polishing, and braiding, and getting everybody's finery together -- then I got the email."
"She burst out crying," added her husband. Both were quick to note, however, they realized it was a First World, even One Percent, problem.
The sidesaddle race (the Mrs. Ford Draper Side Saddle Invitational) was amazing to watch -- what incredible riders those women are, and they look stunning in their vintage black riding habits. For the race they wore modern body armor and helmets (I wonder if, for safety's sake, that rule shouldn't apply throughout the day). The winner was Julie Nafe on McCradys, owned and trained by Lauren Schock. After the race the riders and their horses posed in front of a bevy of photographers like it was a Hollywood premiere.
Usually we are so cold that we leave before the final race, the Athenian Idol (won by Robert Law-Eadie on In It to Win, owned by John E. Teas Jr. and trained by Michael W. Dickinson) but the weather was so glorious that we just hung out, ate and enjoyed each other's company.
The winners:
In the Lewis C. Ledyard Memorial Race, the winner in a very close finish was Hooded, with Darren Nagle up (owned by Irvin Naylor and trained by Cyril Murphy).
The Arthur O. Choate, Jr., Memorial Race was won by Riverdee Stable's Biedermeier, trained by Todd Wyatt, with Mark Beecher up.
And the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup winner was Frank Bonsal Jr.'s Stand Down, trained by Joseph Davies, with Eric Poretz up.
But due to the heavy rain we received on Nov. 2, the carriage parade was cancelled--the ground was just too muddy for the heavy carriages--and for safety's sake two of the jumps in low-lying areas were eliminated from the race course.
No matter what the weather, the Hunt Cup is always great fun, as it attracts so many local folks who come out to watch the races, socialize, and eat and drink. Our table groaned with Royal Farms fried chicken, brownie cupcakes, veggies, chips and berry crumble. Dearest Partner's favorite parts of the afternoon are taking photographs and making friends with every canine he sees.
The talk among the foxhunters was about how Opening Day for every local club was cancelled due to the aforementioned downpours. As one friend in our party said mournfully, "I spent hours washing, and brushing, and polishing, and braiding, and getting everybody's finery together -- then I got the email."
"She burst out crying," added her husband. Both were quick to note, however, they realized it was a First World, even One Percent, problem.
The sidesaddle race (the Mrs. Ford Draper Side Saddle Invitational) was amazing to watch -- what incredible riders those women are, and they look stunning in their vintage black riding habits. For the race they wore modern body armor and helmets (I wonder if, for safety's sake, that rule shouldn't apply throughout the day). The winner was Julie Nafe on McCradys, owned and trained by Lauren Schock. After the race the riders and their horses posed in front of a bevy of photographers like it was a Hollywood premiere.
Usually we are so cold that we leave before the final race, the Athenian Idol (won by Robert Law-Eadie on In It to Win, owned by John E. Teas Jr. and trained by Michael W. Dickinson) but the weather was so glorious that we just hung out, ate and enjoyed each other's company.
The winners:
In the Lewis C. Ledyard Memorial Race, the winner in a very close finish was Hooded, with Darren Nagle up (owned by Irvin Naylor and trained by Cyril Murphy).
The Arthur O. Choate, Jr., Memorial Race was won by Riverdee Stable's Biedermeier, trained by Todd Wyatt, with Mark Beecher up.
And the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup winner was Frank Bonsal Jr.'s Stand Down, trained by Joseph Davies, with Eric Poretz up.
CROSS-COUNTRY: They run this town!
Huge congratulations to the Unionville boys' and girls' cross-country teams, who both finished in sixth place in the Pennsylvania cross-country championships on Nov. 3 in Hershey.
Medalists (meaning they finished in the top 25 in the whole state) were junior Cole Walker and senior Cole Driver for the UHS boys and senior Madison McGovern and freshman Sarah Coates for the UHS girls. The team coach is Mark Lacianca.
No matter where they finished, I'm in awe of any athlete who finished this pain cave of a race. The course ends in a grueling hill, the footing was muddy and slippery due to the pouring rain the night before.
Coaches, parents, teachers, friends, and siblings of the athletes from dozens of schools were on hand on the windy, intermittently sunny day. We overheard one boy saying that it was easy to spot his team-mates in the crowd because they have distinctive orange uniforms. They'd be in trouble, added his friend, if they had blue uniforms.
We happened to be standing at the finish line with a philosophically minded group from La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor, who were discussing the life lessons, like endurance and hard work, that running cross-country teaches.
Medalists (meaning they finished in the top 25 in the whole state) were junior Cole Walker and senior Cole Driver for the UHS boys and senior Madison McGovern and freshman Sarah Coates for the UHS girls. The team coach is Mark Lacianca.
No matter where they finished, I'm in awe of any athlete who finished this pain cave of a race. The course ends in a grueling hill, the footing was muddy and slippery due to the pouring rain the night before.
Coaches, parents, teachers, friends, and siblings of the athletes from dozens of schools were on hand on the windy, intermittently sunny day. We overheard one boy saying that it was easy to spot his team-mates in the crowd because they have distinctive orange uniforms. They'd be in trouble, added his friend, if they had blue uniforms.
We happened to be standing at the finish line with a philosophically minded group from La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor, who were discussing the life lessons, like endurance and hard work, that running cross-country teaches.
WEST MARLBOROUGH: Indian Hannah
Dennis J. Coker, principal chief of the Lenape Tribe of Delaware, will speak about the life and death of Hannah Freeman ("Indian Hannah") at London Grove Friends Meeting after worship on Sunday, Nov. 18, from 11 a.m. to noon. The meetinghouse is at Newark Road and Route 926.
Thank you to Grace Pfeifer for sharing this information.
Thank you to Grace Pfeifer for sharing this information.
NEW GARDEN: Lyceum Hall program
New Garden historian Peggy Jones was good enough to alert me to an upcoming program about the township's Lyceum Hall. She writes:
"Five years ago the 166-year-old Lyceum Hall was moved from along Rt. 41 to the Township Park and the Historical Commission was given the responsibility and the funds to renovate the building for use as a park clubhouse. The exterior is finished and the interior will be completed this winter. This historic building, which has served not only as a lyceum hall, but also as a school, as a refuge for runaway slaves, as a Township building and polling place, is, to my knowledge, the only remaining lyceum hall in the County which was built exclusively for that purpose."
Speakers will discuss the hall's history, its restoration "and even the graffiti on the walls."
The program, sponsored by the township Historical Commission, will be held at the New Garden Township Building on Starr Road at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15.
Friday, November 2, 2018
ACCIDENTS: Deer vs. vehicle
While driving this time of year, I always keep a careful lookout for deer and other wildlife ready to dart out into the road. I'm especially watchful along Newark Road between Street Road and Upland Road, which seems to be a favorite place for deer to cross. And sure enough, the other evening there was a deer carcass already lying in the northbound lane. Fortunately I was going slowly enough to avoid it completely. (And maybe, just maybe, the guy tailgating me realized why I was driving below the speed limit.)
And remember that if you see one deer, there are probably others.
The other afternoon I was driving along one of our township's gravel roads and saw a young man in camouflage walking along carrying a crossbow. I stopped, said hello, and told him I'd seen a lot of deer around this autumn.
"Really?" he responded with surprise. He, it seems, had not.
And remember that if you see one deer, there are probably others.
The other afternoon I was driving along one of our township's gravel roads and saw a young man in camouflage walking along carrying a crossbow. I stopped, said hello, and told him I'd seen a lot of deer around this autumn.
"Really?" he responded with surprise. He, it seems, had not.
ART GALA: In its 43rd year
This year's Unionville Art Gala, a PTO benefit for programs at Unionville High School, will be held on Friday, Nov. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at UHS. There's always an interesting variety of works on sale at the show, from paintings, prints and photos to sculptures, fiber arts and jewelry (as I'm typing this, I have my feet on a footstool painted by Sarah Snyder-Dinsel that I bought at the Gala a few years back!) I especially enjoy seeing the works by UHS students.
SOARING: Thermals over Avondale
On a recent sunny day I saw a sailplane on tow, and another circling slowly over Avondale. The sight reminded me to mention that the Brandywine Soaring Association has returned to the New Garden Airport on Newark Road in Toughkenamon (the club temporarily moved its operations to an airfield in Delaware during airport construction).
The association, founded in 1955, describes itself as "a non-profit organization focused on providing a safe and cost-effective approach to flight-training and club-flying. Our well-maintained fleet of gliders offers a nice variety for those interested in the art of soaring." The club owns a towplane, two-place gliders for training, and a Schweizer 1-26 single-place glider.
As the relative of two glider pilots, one of whom competed on the U.S. National team, I want to put in a good word for this very family-friendly sport.
The association, founded in 1955, describes itself as "a non-profit organization focused on providing a safe and cost-effective approach to flight-training and club-flying. Our well-maintained fleet of gliders offers a nice variety for those interested in the art of soaring." The club owns a towplane, two-place gliders for training, and a Schweizer 1-26 single-place glider.
As the relative of two glider pilots, one of whom competed on the U.S. National team, I want to put in a good word for this very family-friendly sport.
GIANT: Beer and wine for sale
A big change has come to the New Garden Giant: in the section of the produce aisle where there used to be potatoes, onions, garlic and shallots, there are now refrigerated cases of beer and wine for sale. Next to the salad bar, they've installed a counter with stools where shoppers can take a break to eat and drink.
"Ron, please report to the Beer Garden," I heard on the P.A. system as I was shopping late on Friday morning.
Two women were reviewing the beer selection and I overheard one of them say, "It's not like I want to get drunk, exactly …."
As I'm sure you read in last week's paper, the New Garden Giant is one of the 59 Giants in the state with a liquor license. (The Acme in Avondale has been selling beer and wine for some time.)
A friend of mine who works at the Longwood Giant and very much enjoys the occasional tipple says she's tempted to apply for a transfer to the Kennett store.
"Ron, please report to the Beer Garden," I heard on the P.A. system as I was shopping late on Friday morning.
Two women were reviewing the beer selection and I overheard one of them say, "It's not like I want to get drunk, exactly …."
As I'm sure you read in last week's paper, the New Garden Giant is one of the 59 Giants in the state with a liquor license. (The Acme in Avondale has been selling beer and wine for some time.)
A friend of mine who works at the Longwood Giant and very much enjoys the occasional tipple says she's tempted to apply for a transfer to the Kennett store.
Thursday, November 1, 2018
HALLOWEEN: A good kid
A resident of the Penn's Manor neighborhood shared this Halloween story that is definitely a "treat."
Because her husband had to work on Halloween night, she took her two kids out trick-or-treating and left a bucket of candy on her front porch with a note, “We are out trick or treating but please take a piece of candy.”
When she and her kids returned home, a group of young teenagers were approaching the porch where the now-empty bucket was sitting.
"The last of the teenage boys grabbed a few handfuls of his candy from his own bag and filled up our bucket and said to his friends, 'Now the next few kids that come to this house will be able to have some candy.' I of course let them know this was my house, returned the candy to the young man that filled up the bucket and gave all the teens in the group candy.
"I wish I got the teenager's name so I could let his family know they were raising an amazing man! In a world that can be full of so much hate, it’s beautiful when you can witness the good."
Because her husband had to work on Halloween night, she took her two kids out trick-or-treating and left a bucket of candy on her front porch with a note, “We are out trick or treating but please take a piece of candy.”
When she and her kids returned home, a group of young teenagers were approaching the porch where the now-empty bucket was sitting.
"The last of the teenage boys grabbed a few handfuls of his candy from his own bag and filled up our bucket and said to his friends, 'Now the next few kids that come to this house will be able to have some candy.' I of course let them know this was my house, returned the candy to the young man that filled up the bucket and gave all the teens in the group candy.
"I wish I got the teenager's name so I could let his family know they were raising an amazing man! In a world that can be full of so much hate, it’s beautiful when you can witness the good."
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
JENNERSVILLE: Road improvements
I've been following with interest the plan to improve the busy, sometimes frustrating Red Rose Inn crossroads (Route 796 and Baltimore Pike). According to newspaper stories, Penn Township has received the go-ahead from PennDOT to solicit bids, with construction to start as early as next spring.
But I've always wondered: exactly how are they going to reconfigure the tricky intersection? Here's what I found out:
1. Southbound 796 will be widened to create a left-turn lane, a through lane, and a right-turn lane at the crossroads. (In and of itself this should be a major improvement, as cars now back up behind left-turners, sometimes all the way to the Route 1 interchange.)
2. The alignment of Route 796 north and south of the intersection will be improved.
3. "Turning radius improvements" will be made at the corners of the crossroads.
4. The left-turn lane along westbound Baltimore Pike approaching the crossroads will be reconfigured.
5. A new traffic light will have "updated signal phasing." (From what I can gather, this means tweaking the timing of the turn arrows.)
But I've always wondered: exactly how are they going to reconfigure the tricky intersection? Here's what I found out:
1. Southbound 796 will be widened to create a left-turn lane, a through lane, and a right-turn lane at the crossroads. (In and of itself this should be a major improvement, as cars now back up behind left-turners, sometimes all the way to the Route 1 interchange.)
2. The alignment of Route 796 north and south of the intersection will be improved.
3. "Turning radius improvements" will be made at the corners of the crossroads.
4. The left-turn lane along westbound Baltimore Pike approaching the crossroads will be reconfigured.
5. A new traffic light will have "updated signal phasing." (From what I can gather, this means tweaking the timing of the turn arrows.)
•
KUBRICK: Never only a dream
Last week I was editing a fascinating book about Stanley Kubrick's last film, "Eyes Wide Shut." It discussed the extensive planning of the movie, the arduous process of writing a screenplay that "satisficed" the director, the lengthy, no-expenses-spared shooting (New York taxicabs and newspaper honor boxes were shipped to the London studio for verisimilitude), and the film's impact on popular culture.
In short, it was one of my rare work projects that I would actually read for pleasure (please don't tell my employer).
As part of my task, I had to keep a running list of where the footnotes appeared, so I printed out the list of notes and jotted down the page numbers as they appeared.
Call it frugality or what you will, I never recycle a piece of office paper without using both sides. So today I was preparing my quarterly financial report for an organization I belong to and printed it out, reusing my pages of notes. My fellow board members are going to get a surprise when they see on the back of the profit-and-loss statement details about fin-de-siècle wallpaper, 16-foot-tall Christmas trees, the precise measurements of Tom Cruise's face, the many alternatives considered for Nicole Kidman's famous line "if you men only knew," and how (conspiracy theorists believe) Kubrick was murdered for revealing the secrets of the Illuminati as part of the masked ball.
In short, it was one of my rare work projects that I would actually read for pleasure (please don't tell my employer).
As part of my task, I had to keep a running list of where the footnotes appeared, so I printed out the list of notes and jotted down the page numbers as they appeared.
Call it frugality or what you will, I never recycle a piece of office paper without using both sides. So today I was preparing my quarterly financial report for an organization I belong to and printed it out, reusing my pages of notes. My fellow board members are going to get a surprise when they see on the back of the profit-and-loss statement details about fin-de-siècle wallpaper, 16-foot-tall Christmas trees, the precise measurements of Tom Cruise's face, the many alternatives considered for Nicole Kidman's famous line "if you men only knew," and how (conspiracy theorists believe) Kubrick was murdered for revealing the secrets of the Illuminati as part of the masked ball.
BLOOD: A skewed sample?
This morning I went to one of those blood-drawing places (sorry, specimen collection centers) for some routine bloodwork. The pleasant man drawing my blood was accurate and efficient, and I complimented him on his skill.
I'm sure it was just coincidence that he immediately gave me a photocopied sheet with his name on it and instructions on how to give feedback to his employer.
"We want to hear from you," the form read, "positive patient feedback."
One wonders whether all patients are asked to provide feedback.
I'm sure it was just coincidence that he immediately gave me a photocopied sheet with his name on it and instructions on how to give feedback to his employer.
"We want to hear from you," the form read, "positive patient feedback."
One wonders whether all patients are asked to provide feedback.
Saturday, October 27, 2018
WEST MARLBOROUGH: Road closed
Not that it will affect too many people, but the lightly traveled Runnemede Road in West Marlborough is closed until the township finishes repairing a crumbling bridge just west of the former railroad trestle. Township road crew chief Hugh Lofting, who has ample experience dealing with fickle motorists, posted on social media, "Please don’t drive past the three 'road closed' signs."
LUIGI'S: Pizza and pasta
If you're in Hockessin and have a hankering for Italian food, try Luigi's Café on Route 41 in Hockessin. It's a casual family place, in the same strip mall as Five Fat Guys and Okura, sandwiched between a liquor store and a sports bar.
Luigi himself, a young, energetic, friendly fellow, was our waiter (and a very busy guy: he was also slicing pizza and organizing to-go orders). I ordered capellini with garlic and broccoli and Dearest Partner had tortellini with mushrooms and crabmeat; both dishes were very tasty. Though we were both hungry, neither one of us could finish the more-than-ample portions. Salads and delicious fresh rolls with sesame seeds came along with dinner.
And how great was it to hear Frank Sinatra as background music!
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Luigi himself, a young, energetic, friendly fellow, was our waiter (and a very busy guy: he was also slicing pizza and organizing to-go orders). I ordered capellini with garlic and broccoli and Dearest Partner had tortellini with mushrooms and crabmeat; both dishes were very tasty. Though we were both hungry, neither one of us could finish the more-than-ample portions. Salads and delicious fresh rolls with sesame seeds came along with dinner.
And how great was it to hear Frank Sinatra as background music!
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