While strolling past the amphitheater on a visit to Longwood Gardens this past damp weekend, we wondered what productions were scheduled for the venue this summer. I did a quick online search and learned that The Savoy Company of Philadelphia will present Gilbert & Sullivan's "Iolanthe; or, The Peer and the Peri" on June 8 and 9. And the Brandywiners Ltd. will put on the classic musical "The Music Man" on July 26, 27, and 28 and August 2, 3, and 4.
Speaking of Longwood, don't miss the Orchid Extravaganza, which runs through March 25. And remember to look up: the spectacular hanging baskets in the conservatory resemble Orchid Planets.
Monday, February 26, 2018
UHS: Kids these days!
Jean Twenge has written a book called "iGen" about today's teenagers and how their online existence has made them into a distinctive population. The subtitle reads: "Why today's super-connected kids are growing up less rebellious, more tolerant, less happy, and completely unprepared for adulthood, and what that means for the rest of us."
The Wellness Committee of the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District thinks the topic is so relevant that they're hosting a community book discussion about it at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, in the UHS cafeteria. The author herself, a psychology professor at San Diego State University, will give a presentation at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 12, in the UHS auditorium.
A previous book of hers covers similar ground: "Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled -- and More Miserable Than Ever Before."
The Wellness Committee of the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District thinks the topic is so relevant that they're hosting a community book discussion about it at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, in the UHS cafeteria. The author herself, a psychology professor at San Diego State University, will give a presentation at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 12, in the UHS auditorium.
A previous book of hers covers similar ground: "Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled -- and More Miserable Than Ever Before."
Sunday, February 25, 2018
EMPTY BOWLS: A signature fundraiser
The Empty Bowls fundraiser for Kennett Area Community Service, this year held on Feb. 22, has become a fixture on the winter calendar for lots of folks. The event is so popular that they hold both a luncheon and a dinner on the same day.
At the luncheon, the packed Red Clay Room was abuzz with conversations among friends and networking chats among business acquaintances. I stopped by the Kennett Library table and got to catch up with new library director Megan Walters, Jeff and Carol Yetter (Jeff serves on the board of both KACS and the library), Milly Caez (technical services and development assistant), Filomena Elliott (adult literacy program director) and Lupe Ruiz (literacy program assistant). I spotted Tom Swett, who heads the library's board of trustees, but didn't get a chance to chat him; he was busy working the room as only he can.
The emcee had an awful time trying to get people to quiet down so he could start the program. Finally, when the softer-spoken Barbara Larsen, president of the KACS Board of Directors, took the microphone, guests belatedly realized that something was going on and settled down. She explained the significance of the handmade bowls that guests got to take home: she said she hoped they would remind us that hunger does exist even in the midst of our prosperous area.Pastor Doug Stirling offered up a prayer, we ate a simple lunch (soup, a salad, a roll and cookies), and then executive director Melanie Weiler gave a talk about the KACS programs. She explained how the Kennett Square area's popularity has led to gentrification and soaring housing costs, which pinches families who live on moderate or fixed incomes. Some families they see are paying 50% to 70% of their income for housing, she said. Homelessness in our area has increased drastically, so much so that for a period of time KACS had a waiting list for its services. Food insecurity, she said, is a symptom of this underlying problem.
Melanie showed a video about the KACS Christmas basket program and, without missing a beat, demonstrated that she has the flexibility needed for a social services professional: the laptop wasn't connecting to the speakers, so she simply held the live microphone next to the computer. Worked perfectly.
At the luncheon, the packed Red Clay Room was abuzz with conversations among friends and networking chats among business acquaintances. I stopped by the Kennett Library table and got to catch up with new library director Megan Walters, Jeff and Carol Yetter (Jeff serves on the board of both KACS and the library), Milly Caez (technical services and development assistant), Filomena Elliott (adult literacy program director) and Lupe Ruiz (literacy program assistant). I spotted Tom Swett, who heads the library's board of trustees, but didn't get a chance to chat him; he was busy working the room as only he can.
The emcee had an awful time trying to get people to quiet down so he could start the program. Finally, when the softer-spoken Barbara Larsen, president of the KACS Board of Directors, took the microphone, guests belatedly realized that something was going on and settled down. She explained the significance of the handmade bowls that guests got to take home: she said she hoped they would remind us that hunger does exist even in the midst of our prosperous area.Pastor Doug Stirling offered up a prayer, we ate a simple lunch (soup, a salad, a roll and cookies), and then executive director Melanie Weiler gave a talk about the KACS programs. She explained how the Kennett Square area's popularity has led to gentrification and soaring housing costs, which pinches families who live on moderate or fixed incomes. Some families they see are paying 50% to 70% of their income for housing, she said. Homelessness in our area has increased drastically, so much so that for a period of time KACS had a waiting list for its services. Food insecurity, she said, is a symptom of this underlying problem.
Melanie showed a video about the KACS Christmas basket program and, without missing a beat, demonstrated that she has the flexibility needed for a social services professional: the laptop wasn't connecting to the speakers, so she simply held the live microphone next to the computer. Worked perfectly.
JOSEPH A. BANK: A functional wardrobe
My dear partner has gradually come to the realization that his decades-old weddings-and-funerals suit just doesn't cut it anymore, so on Saturday afternoon we headed to Joseph A. Bank, the men's clothing store on Route 1.
He is a reluctant shopper, to put it mildly, far more comfortable in jeans, sneakers and a sweatshirt, and just wanted to get it over with.
Albert Bove, the patient, kind and low-key salesman, clearly had long experience with men of his type and knew exactly how to handle him. Al did a great job finding him not only a perfect dark-blue suit but also two shirts, two ties and even (this was completely unexpected) a very handsome pair of shoes. Al marked up the suit for tailoring and went to extra effort ordering the correctly fitting shoes.
We were out of there in an hour and a half.
I so wish there were a women's clothing store like Joseph A. Bank, where you can buy your entire wardrobe all at once. They sell everything from socks, shoes and pocket squares, to polo shirts, jeans, and shorts, all the way up to courtroom-worthy business suits.
He is a reluctant shopper, to put it mildly, far more comfortable in jeans, sneakers and a sweatshirt, and just wanted to get it over with.
Albert Bove, the patient, kind and low-key salesman, clearly had long experience with men of his type and knew exactly how to handle him. Al did a great job finding him not only a perfect dark-blue suit but also two shirts, two ties and even (this was completely unexpected) a very handsome pair of shoes. Al marked up the suit for tailoring and went to extra effort ordering the correctly fitting shoes.
We were out of there in an hour and a half.
I so wish there were a women's clothing store like Joseph A. Bank, where you can buy your entire wardrobe all at once. They sell everything from socks, shoes and pocket squares, to polo shirts, jeans, and shorts, all the way up to courtroom-worthy business suits.
SPRING: A break from winter
The one day of warm weather -- it was pushing 70 degrees on Feb. 21 -- gave us such a wonderful taste of spring. I heard pond peepers for the first time!
My snowdrops are in bloom and my hellebores are showing signs of imminent flowering. A Unionville friend tells me her aconites are in bloom. There are no signs of daffodils yet in my garden, but the daylilies on the sun-warmed bank just up the road are already about two inches high. The willow and forsythia branches are showing just the barest hint of yellow, an unmistakeable sign that spring is on its way.
While inspecting the garden on that gloriously warm Wednesday I was tempted to do some cleanup, but decided the bulbs probably would benefit from the blanket of leaves and pine needles for another few weeks.
My snowdrops are in bloom and my hellebores are showing signs of imminent flowering. A Unionville friend tells me her aconites are in bloom. There are no signs of daffodils yet in my garden, but the daylilies on the sun-warmed bank just up the road are already about two inches high. The willow and forsythia branches are showing just the barest hint of yellow, an unmistakeable sign that spring is on its way.
While inspecting the garden on that gloriously warm Wednesday I was tempted to do some cleanup, but decided the bulbs probably would benefit from the blanket of leaves and pine needles for another few weeks.
KENNETT: Multimedia at Liberty Place
What a lively time we had on Saturday night at the Market at Liberty Place! We went to have dinner at the food court and to hear the local trio "Green Eggs and Jam."
Lots of other people had the same idea, including a bunch of young families. While the adorable kids ran around -- there was plenty of room for them to do so -- the parents kept an eye on them and got to socialize over glasses of beer or wine from Paradocx Vineyards. We had a tasty dinner at Kaboburritos, the Mexican/Mediterranean place, and then ice cream from Dylan's Desserts.
While all this was going on, the Olympic Games were being shown on TV with the sound muted, and it was the Sweden-versus-Korea women's curling competition. I had never seen the sport of curling before. It's like a giant version of marbles, played on ice. I was fascinated and peppered my patient companion with questions: What is the person who launches the curling stone called? How heavy is the stone? Do the sweepers wear skates?
Lots of other people had the same idea, including a bunch of young families. While the adorable kids ran around -- there was plenty of room for them to do so -- the parents kept an eye on them and got to socialize over glasses of beer or wine from Paradocx Vineyards. We had a tasty dinner at Kaboburritos, the Mexican/Mediterranean place, and then ice cream from Dylan's Desserts.
While all this was going on, the Olympic Games were being shown on TV with the sound muted, and it was the Sweden-versus-Korea women's curling competition. I had never seen the sport of curling before. It's like a giant version of marbles, played on ice. I was fascinated and peppered my patient companion with questions: What is the person who launches the curling stone called? How heavy is the stone? Do the sweepers wear skates?
UHS: The book sale
Each year when I go to the used book sale at UHS, I try to find the most unusual book to highlight here in this column. This year it was an easy choice: an atlas of "Nephrons and Kidneys" that was the size of a coffee-table book. It was previously owned by a Havertown man, based on the name and address inside the front cover.
This year, in a very helpful strategy, the volunteers (the sale is run by the PTO) grouped the bestsellers so you could either browse through them or avoid them: there was a sea of paperbacks by Jodi Picoult, Nora Roberts and John Grisham and about a dozen copies of "Eat, Pray, Love," "The Kite Runner" and "Memoirs of a Geisha."
There was also a table of "popular culture" books. Browsing through a book of Beatles lyrics I learned that I've been wrong for decades about "Across the Universe": it's "nothing's gonna change my world," not "chain my world."
I'm not sure who donated all the pre-press review copies of fiction books, but there seemed to be tons of them this year.
I overheard a worried-looking mother and her son looking through the SAT prep books; the mother was concerned that a 2010 book might not still be useful.
For $20, I went home with a bag full of not only books but DVDs, including "The Sound of Music." At the same time as the book sale, a used sports equipment sale was going on in the smaller gymnasium, so people were walking around carrying helmets and baseball bats. One older woman bought a vintage wooden Davis tennis racquet, still in its original press.
This year, in a very helpful strategy, the volunteers (the sale is run by the PTO) grouped the bestsellers so you could either browse through them or avoid them: there was a sea of paperbacks by Jodi Picoult, Nora Roberts and John Grisham and about a dozen copies of "Eat, Pray, Love," "The Kite Runner" and "Memoirs of a Geisha."
There was also a table of "popular culture" books. Browsing through a book of Beatles lyrics I learned that I've been wrong for decades about "Across the Universe": it's "nothing's gonna change my world," not "chain my world."
I'm not sure who donated all the pre-press review copies of fiction books, but there seemed to be tons of them this year.
I overheard a worried-looking mother and her son looking through the SAT prep books; the mother was concerned that a 2010 book might not still be useful.
For $20, I went home with a bag full of not only books but DVDs, including "The Sound of Music." At the same time as the book sale, a used sports equipment sale was going on in the smaller gymnasium, so people were walking around carrying helmets and baseball bats. One older woman bought a vintage wooden Davis tennis racquet, still in its original press.
UNIONVILLE: A rehab project
You've probably noticed that the ranch-style house at the Unionville roundabout is being extensively rehabbed. They've also cleaned up the long-neglected yard and taken down lots of bamboo. There's still a dumpster sitting in the driveway. A "for sale" sign went up this week. I looked online to find out details about the place but it is not yet listed.
Sunday, February 18, 2018
CRUSTULAE: Tenues menthae
On Saturday morning I received the following text from my dear Valentine, who was out running errands: "Girl Scouts at Walmart. Want cookies?"
I had a flashback to Latin class, where we learned about the word "num" and the suffix "ne," which you use when phrasing a question to show you expect a negative or a positive response.
"Want cookies?" obviously would qualify for the "-ne." Really, who in the history of the universe has ever answered "no" to this one?
I had a flashback to Latin class, where we learned about the word "num" and the suffix "ne," which you use when phrasing a question to show you expect a negative or a positive response.
"Want cookies?" obviously would qualify for the "-ne." Really, who in the history of the universe has ever answered "no" to this one?
JOBS: Rural delivery
Perhaps you got the same "help wanted" postcard that I did in the mail the other day. The U.S. Postal Service, it seems, is looking for part-time "assistant rural carriers" to deliver mail on Sundays and holidays in the 189, 190, 193 and 194 Zip codes, and they pay $17.40 an hour. You can apply online at www.usps.com/employment.
Saturday, February 17, 2018
ROADS: More tips for young drivers
A few weeks ago I wrote about the fact that the Young Relative is learning to drive. I asked readers to share their advice suitable for a novice driver, and I keep getting great ideas. Here are the latest:
1. Always keep two hands on the wheel.
2. Use your turn signals. (This should be a no-brainer but it's not.)
3. Keep your car clean and shiny to improve visibility.
4. One friend shared her sister's timeless words of wisdom: "She was trying to emphasize the importance of paying attention and being careful. She said, 'The tree always wins. It was here before you and it will be here long after you are gone.'"
5. Allow enough time to get where you're going, and don't speed or drive recklessly if you're running late -- even if it's to school or practice. It's not worth it!
6. Don't gun it just as the light turns green; look both ways first! Too many people run red lights. In fact, reader Carol McL says, "At my most frequently used intersection (route 1 and McFarlan) it appears that stopping for a red light has become optional."
7. Here's one I hadn't thought of, from reader Frederick S.: "Watch out for the gravel that builds up near stop signs after snow storms. Young drivers try to stop at the last minute and slid past the sign and into cross traffic."
8. Speaking of bad weather, Jenna S. reminded me how important it is for learners to practice driving in the rain and snow.
9. My father taught me to drive, and I am frequently reminded of his tip for what to do when an oncoming driver fails to dim his high beams: keep your eyes on the white line on the edge of the road rather than being blinded by the headlights.
1. Always keep two hands on the wheel.
2. Use your turn signals. (This should be a no-brainer but it's not.)
3. Keep your car clean and shiny to improve visibility.
4. One friend shared her sister's timeless words of wisdom: "She was trying to emphasize the importance of paying attention and being careful. She said, 'The tree always wins. It was here before you and it will be here long after you are gone.'"
5. Allow enough time to get where you're going, and don't speed or drive recklessly if you're running late -- even if it's to school or practice. It's not worth it!
6. Don't gun it just as the light turns green; look both ways first! Too many people run red lights. In fact, reader Carol McL says, "At my most frequently used intersection (route 1 and McFarlan) it appears that stopping for a red light has become optional."
7. Here's one I hadn't thought of, from reader Frederick S.: "Watch out for the gravel that builds up near stop signs after snow storms. Young drivers try to stop at the last minute and slid past the sign and into cross traffic."
8. Speaking of bad weather, Jenna S. reminded me how important it is for learners to practice driving in the rain and snow.
9. My father taught me to drive, and I am frequently reminded of his tip for what to do when an oncoming driver fails to dim his high beams: keep your eyes on the white line on the edge of the road rather than being blinded by the headlights.
PROTECTED: Conservancy buys more land
The Brandywine Conservancy's Board of Trustees has agreed to buy Roberta "Bobbi" Odell's Skirmish Hill Farm in Birmingham Township, adding 13 acres to the more than 500 acres of preserved land where the Battle of the Brandywine took place on Sept. 11, 1777.
A Feb. 13 press release from the Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art said that Mrs. Odell's farm was "the final piece of the Brandywine's 25-year endeavor" to preserve the battlefield area and protect it from development.
A Feb. 13 press release from the Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art said that Mrs. Odell's farm was "the final piece of the Brandywine's 25-year endeavor" to preserve the battlefield area and protect it from development.
HOLLYWOOD: Catania in the credits
There's a local connection in "The Greatest Showman," the new movie about P.T. Barnum that stars Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams and Zac Efron: Kennett Square's own Andrew Catania is credited as an "assistant production coordinator: additional photography."
Andrew started out making short films while still in school (he graduated from Kennett High School in 2008), went on to study filmmaking at Drexel, and is now based in Los Angeles.
In 2012 he started the production company "Wooder Works" with producer T.J. Bryson. (The name comes from the Philadelphian pronunciation of water.)
Andrew started out making short films while still in school (he graduated from Kennett High School in 2008), went on to study filmmaking at Drexel, and is now based in Los Angeles.
In 2012 he started the production company "Wooder Works" with producer T.J. Bryson. (The name comes from the Philadelphian pronunciation of water.)
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| Andrew Catania |
THEATER: "Getting to Know You"
This year's UHS spring musical is Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The King and I." Performances will be Thursday, March 15; Friday, March 16; and Saturday, March 17, all at 7 p.m. at the high school auditorium. Tickets go on sale Feb. 26. Email uhstickets@gmail.com for more information.I have written many times about the near-professional quality of the UHS musicals, and we are very much looking forward to seeing this one.
NORTH STAR: Underground Railroad meeting
The Kennett Underground Railroad Center is holding an open house at Kennett Friends Meeting from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday March 4. "Hear about the projects we’re working on; listen to intriguing stories about the local Underground Railroad network; learn about current volunteer opportunities."
There will also be refreshment and kids' activities. RSVP by March 1 to info@kennettundergroundrr.org.
Kennett Friends Meeting is at 125 West Sickle Street in Kennett Square.
The Underground Railroad Center directors are a dedicated and hard-working group whose mission is "to preserve the heritage and engage the public about the abolitionists and freedom-seekers of this area and beyond."
There will also be refreshment and kids' activities. RSVP by March 1 to info@kennettundergroundrr.org.
Kennett Friends Meeting is at 125 West Sickle Street in Kennett Square.
The Underground Railroad Center directors are a dedicated and hard-working group whose mission is "to preserve the heritage and engage the public about the abolitionists and freedom-seekers of this area and beyond."
Thursday, February 15, 2018
KENNETT: New VFW sign
Have you seen the handsome new sign for the VFW POST 5467 on West Cypress Street? I spotted it on the way to our Valentine's Day dinner at La Pena Mexicana and immediately asked my friend Lars Farmer (a proud US Navy veteran) for the story. Here's what he told me:
"Thank you, Kennett residents, from
the Officers of the VFW, for our new sign.
Members of VFW POST 5467 have
wanted a new sign for a years, but when the Township installed a new sidewalk
along W. Cypress Street, the old sign would need to be removed and the
opportunity for a new sign arose.
Kennett Township quickly stepped in to help
when Michael Obrien sent out a Township-wide email to residents asking for
donations for a new VFW sign. Residents quickly responded with funds and a new
sign was designed and ordered.
The new sign, in its patriotic colors and LED
illumination, now shines as a beacon for the Kennett VFW site. The sign was
installed on Valentine’s Day at cost of approximately $6,500, and with its 500
letters, Kennett Square will be on notice for BINGO (every other Wednesday),
Karaoke and other “open to the public” events at the POST.
Very Respectfully,
Lars Farmer, POST VFW ADJUTANT
(In case you were wondering, Lars notes that the tradition of the
Kennett VFW has been to always capitalize the word “POST.”) |
| The VFW's new sign. Photo by Lars Farmer. |
Monday, February 12, 2018
FACEBOOK: A great local history site
Anyone interested in local history will want to join Donald McKay's Facebook group, "Rediscovering Rural Unionville-Chadds Ford." It's full of old photos and stories about our area. Sometimes someone will post a "mystery photo" and ask readers to identify it -- a recent one showed the railroad buildings along the Brandywine at the Route 842 bridge, where only a few crumbling walls remain. I enjoyed seeing photos and reading stories about Dunleigh Castle, the recently restored mansion on Street Road across from New Bolton Center, and any post about the rides at Lenape Park elicits fond memories of my childhood.
The site's mission statement: "This group is about asking questions, discovery, education, and sharing of the rich history of the Birmingham, Chadds Ford, East Marlborough, Newlin, Pennsbury, Pocopson, and West Marlborough Townships comprising the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District."
The site's mission statement: "This group is about asking questions, discovery, education, and sharing of the rich history of the Birmingham, Chadds Ford, East Marlborough, Newlin, Pennsbury, Pocopson, and West Marlborough Townships comprising the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District."
Sunday, February 11, 2018
NEWLIN: ChesLen Preserve gets bigger
A 20-acre tract became part of the ChesLen Preserve on Feb. 6 when the preserve's owner, Natural Lands, bought the property from an undisclosed neighbor.
The preserve, which is open to the public (and is a favorite running spot for the Young Relative and his father), now comprises 1,282 acres. There are parking areas for visitors on the east side of Route 162, north of Unionville, and on Cannery Road at the park headquarters.
According to the press release, the new acquisition "is part of a rare ecosystem known as the Unionville Serpentine Barrens, which supports a number of threatened plant and animal species."
The preserve, which is open to the public (and is a favorite running spot for the Young Relative and his father), now comprises 1,282 acres. There are parking areas for visitors on the east side of Route 162, north of Unionville, and on Cannery Road at the park headquarters.
According to the press release, the new acquisition "is part of a rare ecosystem known as the Unionville Serpentine Barrens, which supports a number of threatened plant and animal species."
PENN'S WOODS: A long wait
I'm editing a wonderful new biography of William Penn, and while reading one passage I pondered, as I often do, how the Internet has changed Everything.
It seems that Penn and the proprietor of Maryland had a long-running and vitriolic dispute over their colonies' boundary lines, and Penn returned to London to try to persuade the king that the matter should be resolved in Pennsylvania's favor. Upon reaching England two months later, though, he found that his secretary had failed to pack the relevant documents!
These days, of course, we'd just send an e-mail and the papers would show up in PDF form within no more than hours. But back then, as a waggish friend said, "they had to use e-sail." Sending for the papers meant a delay of months (if you were lucky and the ship didn't sink or wasn't hijacked by pirates).
And because Penn, while waiting for the legal papers, had to spend more time away from Philadelphia than he wanted, he couldn't keep an eye on things and had to rely on secondhand, self-serving accounts of what was really going on.
It's a fascinating and well-written book that was a pleasure to work on. Chester County is even mentioned a few times.
It seems that Penn and the proprietor of Maryland had a long-running and vitriolic dispute over their colonies' boundary lines, and Penn returned to London to try to persuade the king that the matter should be resolved in Pennsylvania's favor. Upon reaching England two months later, though, he found that his secretary had failed to pack the relevant documents!
These days, of course, we'd just send an e-mail and the papers would show up in PDF form within no more than hours. But back then, as a waggish friend said, "they had to use e-sail." Sending for the papers meant a delay of months (if you were lucky and the ship didn't sink or wasn't hijacked by pirates).
And because Penn, while waiting for the legal papers, had to spend more time away from Philadelphia than he wanted, he couldn't keep an eye on things and had to rely on secondhand, self-serving accounts of what was really going on.
It's a fascinating and well-written book that was a pleasure to work on. Chester County is even mentioned a few times.
ANDRE HARVEY: An American realist sculptor
Local bronze sculptor Andre Harvey, a marvelous artist, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 6. A few years ago I had the pleasure of touring his gallery, housed in the top floor of Breck's Mill in Hockessin on the banks of the Brandywine. I loved his lifelike, beautifully detailed sculptures of turtles, penguins, birds, frogs, goats and leaves.
Probably his most famous sculpture is the life-sized bronze pig, Helen, who sits outside the Brandywine River Museum. According to his obituary, he said that when he was creating the original clay sculpture, "this sow became the friendliest of the six pigs in the pen. I would jump the fence, set up my portable sculpting table, and give her a call. Of all the pigs, she was the only one that would come to me without being bribed by a fistful of corn. She would amble up to within a few feet of me, and then assume a sitting position—almost as if she had planned to sit for a portrait.”
Probably his most famous sculpture is the life-sized bronze pig, Helen, who sits outside the Brandywine River Museum. According to his obituary, he said that when he was creating the original clay sculpture, "this sow became the friendliest of the six pigs in the pen. I would jump the fence, set up my portable sculpting table, and give her a call. Of all the pigs, she was the only one that would come to me without being bribed by a fistful of corn. She would amble up to within a few feet of me, and then assume a sitting position—almost as if she had planned to sit for a portrait.”
SENIOR YEAR: Adulthood looms
Overheard at the Kennett Y on Thursday:
High-school girl: "Sometimes I sorta wish we had more time before college..."
Her friend (in disbelief): "WHAT?! Why would anyone EVER say that?!"
Food for thought, indeed. I remember enjoying my senior year in high school very much, but I was definitely in girl #2's camp.
High-school girl: "Sometimes I sorta wish we had more time before college..."
Her friend (in disbelief): "WHAT?! Why would anyone EVER say that?!"
Food for thought, indeed. I remember enjoying my senior year in high school very much, but I was definitely in girl #2's camp.
AVONDALE: Bridge awareness
My item last week about the wide-ranging traffic headaches produced by the State Street bridge closure in Avondale evoked a funny response from reader Rosemary Schirm. She writes that despite the inconvenience, good-natured residents "have been having tons of fun with this," posting amusing memes and photos on Facebook like a picture of Gov. Chris Christie sitting in his iconic beach chair on the bridge, and "the 'Blue Cooler' that sits on the site constantly (a video trailer was made of the spooky non-bridge, with BlueCooler Productions as the film company). Several hope to have a champagne christening when the bridge opens!"
In what he calls an effort to promote Bridge Awareness, Brent Schirm has even designed and made T-shirts commemorating the bridge closure (with the date listed as "2017 - ????"). If there's enough interest, he'll order more. Contact me and I'll put you in touch.
In what he calls an effort to promote Bridge Awareness, Brent Schirm has even designed and made T-shirts commemorating the bridge closure (with the date listed as "2017 - ????"). If there's enough interest, he'll order more. Contact me and I'll put you in touch.
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| Brent Schirm's Bridge Awareness T-shirt. |
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
WEST MARLBOROUGH: Roadwork and violations
The February meeting of the West Marlborough Township Board of Supervisors was a brief one.
Roadmaster Hugh Lofting Sr. reported that the township road crew had salted the roads several times. He said the long-delayed project to shore up the bank of Buck Run along Rokeby Road was "well underway" and the engineering work had been completed for the project to fix a small bridge on lightly traveled Runnemede Road.
Supervisor Bill Wylie reported that on Jan. 30 the township sent a letter to the owner of the properties at 429 and 431 West Street Road, telling him that he was violating the zoning code for the Village Residential Zone because he was "running a commercial business, estate salvage, sales and scrapping out of the property. Exterior storage. Business being run outside of dwelling. Non-compliance for No-Impact home based business." The letter said that to comply with the zoning regulations he would have to shut down his business, remove all items from outside the buildings, and stop burning trash except for yard waste. The board gave him until March 1 to comply.
The township Planning Commission did not meet because they had nothing on their agenda.
Roadmaster Hugh Lofting Sr. reported that the township road crew had salted the roads several times. He said the long-delayed project to shore up the bank of Buck Run along Rokeby Road was "well underway" and the engineering work had been completed for the project to fix a small bridge on lightly traveled Runnemede Road.
Supervisor Bill Wylie reported that on Jan. 30 the township sent a letter to the owner of the properties at 429 and 431 West Street Road, telling him that he was violating the zoning code for the Village Residential Zone because he was "running a commercial business, estate salvage, sales and scrapping out of the property. Exterior storage. Business being run outside of dwelling. Non-compliance for No-Impact home based business." The letter said that to comply with the zoning regulations he would have to shut down his business, remove all items from outside the buildings, and stop burning trash except for yard waste. The board gave him until March 1 to comply.
The township Planning Commission did not meet because they had nothing on their agenda.
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
NANNY STATE: Tilda got carded
It's been decades since I've been carded, and never before has it been for trying to buy a box of matches. Yet the other day at the Giant I slid a three-pack of wooden kitchen matches across the scanner and up popped a message on the screen asking me to show my ID to the clerk.
I looked at her, baffled.
"Yeah, you're OK," she said, with a chuckle.
It seems that sales of matches to minors are restricted by law because they are considered "smoking aids."
I looked at her, baffled.
"Yeah, you're OK," she said, with a chuckle.
It seems that sales of matches to minors are restricted by law because they are considered "smoking aids."
NEW GARDEN: Brown Derby for sale
Considering the restaurant has been shut for a few months, it was no surprise to see a "for sale" sign go up in front of the Brown Derby at 1470 West Baltimore Pike in Toughkenamon. Asking price is $1.125 million. The liquor license alone is selling for $425,000. Berkshire Hathaway has the listing.
Monday, February 5, 2018
UHS: Get your donations in
A reminder that the PTO's big annual used book sale in the UHS gymnasium is coming up on Feb. 23 and 24, and donations of books, audio books, music CDs, DVDs and videogames are being accepted at all the Unionville Chadds Ford School District schools until
Friday, February 16. One of the volunteers told me that "we have a great selection of unusual books, kids' books and every
genre of books for adults from SAT prep and text books to travel, art, mystery
and fiction."
The sale will be held Friday, Feb. 23, from 4 to 9 p.m. , and Saturday, Feb. 24, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (with the "bag sale" to follow from 3 to 5 p.m.).
The sale will be held Friday, Feb. 23, from 4 to 9 p.m. , and Saturday, Feb. 24, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (with the "bag sale" to follow from 3 to 5 p.m.).
Saturday, February 3, 2018
DISCORD: Dinner and a show
The scene was embarrassing and riveting at the same time: at dinner on Jan. 31, the middle-aged, prosperous-looking couple two tables away from us were having a vicious argument. The woman did most of the talking, saying things like "You're the most annoying person I've ever met." And not in a teasing way, either: she was serious. When the man would try to respond, she'd cut him off by saying, "No! No!" or "That's none of your business!" in a loud, petulant voice.
Not that it's an excuse, but perhaps she'd had too much to drink? I noticed they were splitting a bottle of Shiraz.
Try as I might, I could pick up no clue what they were arguing about, although I did hear her mention Thanksgiving. And at one point she told him, ominously, "Everyone has their price."
Not that it's an excuse, but perhaps she'd had too much to drink? I noticed they were splitting a bottle of Shiraz.
Try as I might, I could pick up no clue what they were arguing about, although I did hear her mention Thanksgiving. And at one point she told him, ominously, "Everyone has their price."
AVONDALE: Ripple effects
The State Street bridge over Indian Run in Avondale is a minor one, but its closure has had a far-reaching impact. Motorists who would take State Road or Clay Creek Road to get to the southern part of London Grove Township, the site of many schools and housing developments, now need to take either the Route 1 bypass or Old Baltimore Pike to West Grove.
The result is that every rush hour, a traffic jam forms where Chatham Road (Route 841) and Evergreen Avenue meet in the middle of West Grove. I've sat in traffic on Chatham Road stretching from the bypass exit all the way to the stop sign at Evergreen Avenue, and it's only by the kindness of yielding Evergreen Avenue motorists that drivers can pull out. And all that additional traffic, of course, jams up both Oakland Avenue and Prospect Avenue.
The bridge was shut down in July for replacement, and the project became even more complicated when on Aug. 10 a bridge beam collapsed under the weight of an excavator.
According to a Jan. 3 project update from Chester County, "Much of the remaining work such as concrete placement and paving requires mild temperatures to meet PennDOT specifications. Nonetheless, the contractor will continue to work through the winter as weather and work operations permit. The bridge is anticipated to be completed by late spring 2018."
The result is that every rush hour, a traffic jam forms where Chatham Road (Route 841) and Evergreen Avenue meet in the middle of West Grove. I've sat in traffic on Chatham Road stretching from the bypass exit all the way to the stop sign at Evergreen Avenue, and it's only by the kindness of yielding Evergreen Avenue motorists that drivers can pull out. And all that additional traffic, of course, jams up both Oakland Avenue and Prospect Avenue.
The bridge was shut down in July for replacement, and the project became even more complicated when on Aug. 10 a bridge beam collapsed under the weight of an excavator.
According to a Jan. 3 project update from Chester County, "Much of the remaining work such as concrete placement and paving requires mild temperatures to meet PennDOT specifications. Nonetheless, the contractor will continue to work through the winter as weather and work operations permit. The bridge is anticipated to be completed by late spring 2018."
ECLIPSE: No dark side of the moon
I set the alarm for 5:50 a.m. Jan. 31 so I could watch the lunar eclipse. I have a clear view to the west, so I didn't even need to go outside: I just watched the moon through my binoculars, waiting for one side to start getting dark. Occasionally I'd go to the east window and watch the sky gradually getting light.
The problem was, by the time the eclipse was supposed to start, the moon had dipped below the treeline and the sun was completely up.
Oh well: the cats were delighted to get an early breakfast, and spending an hour marveling at the heavens is not a bad way for us humans to start the day, either.
The problem was, by the time the eclipse was supposed to start, the moon had dipped below the treeline and the sun was completely up.
Oh well: the cats were delighted to get an early breakfast, and spending an hour marveling at the heavens is not a bad way for us humans to start the day, either.
Friday, February 2, 2018
HOUSE TOUR: June 2 is the date
Looking ahead: I know how busy a time early June is, with college and high school graduations, so I wanted to let you know ASAP that the annual Bayard Taylor Library Home and Garden Day will be Saturday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year's tour will focus on the Greenville, Del., area, the aptly named "Chateaux Country."
UNIONVILLE: Used sporting goods sale
Unionville High School is having its annual Used Sporting Goods Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, in the UHS auxiliary gym. Proceeds benefit the baseball team. If you want to donate used sports equipment -- for any and all sports -- you can drop them off from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 17, or from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, both at the auxiliary gym. There will also be a collection at the sale of dry or canned items for the Kennett Food Cupboard.
DRIVING: Teenager behind the wheel
Just yesterday, it seems, the Young Relative was trying to convince me that OF COURSE he could handle an impossibly complicated Lego Star Wars project, even though it was recommended for ages 8 and up. Now the kid is a UHS sophomore and just got his learner's permit. I can't even, as the saying goes.
When I was his age, learning to drive was a lot more casual. If you could demonstrate a reasonable three-point turn, identify traffic signs and pass an eye test, you could get your "real" license the day you turned 16 and then could celebrate by loading all your pals in the station wagon and heading to Friendly's for a Fribble.
Now, novice drivers need to keep track of their hours behind the wheel (there's probably an app for it) and are supposed to practice in different weather conditions and at different times of day.
I've been asking around for what advice to give the Young Relative, and here's what I've heard:
1. Drive defensively. Always think ahead: what if a deer runs out from the woods? what if there's a pack of bicyclists around the sharp bend? what if that guy runs the red light?
2. Don't speed.
3. Don't tailgate, and allow ample following distance. (Just because professional NASCAR drivers zoom around the track millimeters behind their competitors doesn't mean you should.)
4. Use your turn signals. But remember: even if a car has its turn signals flashing, the driver might not actually turn.
5. Turn off your cell phone. Better yet, stash it in the back seat.
6. Be very careful on Route 1 at the Starbucks/Staples shopping center, which gets my vote for the most dangerous crossroads around. It seems like there's always broken glass on the roadway from yet another fender-bender.
Facebook friend Barbara B. put it perfectly:
"Always anticipate that other drivers around you will behave stupidly! I'm never disappointed. For instance, in your head you will say, 'they will NOT pull right out in front of me,' but you react as if they will. Believe me, more times than not, my reaction is the right answer!"
The Y.R. reports that he's been honked at by impatient motorists behind him, which I suppose is actually a good introduction to the sky-high level of insanity out there in the motoring public. And I'm hoping that he is talking to -- and listening to -- older friends who have some miles under their belt.
Having a student driver in the family serves as a good reminder for us adults to stay vigilant, too. On a simple trip to the Y last night, for instance, an oncoming driver barely missed a deer on Upland Road in front of the Stone Barn; an incautious driver pulled out from Wollaston Road in front of me on Street Road; and a man getting out of his car on State Street in Kennett Square opened his door right into traffic.
When I was his age, learning to drive was a lot more casual. If you could demonstrate a reasonable three-point turn, identify traffic signs and pass an eye test, you could get your "real" license the day you turned 16 and then could celebrate by loading all your pals in the station wagon and heading to Friendly's for a Fribble.
Now, novice drivers need to keep track of their hours behind the wheel (there's probably an app for it) and are supposed to practice in different weather conditions and at different times of day.
I've been asking around for what advice to give the Young Relative, and here's what I've heard:
1. Drive defensively. Always think ahead: what if a deer runs out from the woods? what if there's a pack of bicyclists around the sharp bend? what if that guy runs the red light?
2. Don't speed.
3. Don't tailgate, and allow ample following distance. (Just because professional NASCAR drivers zoom around the track millimeters behind their competitors doesn't mean you should.)
4. Use your turn signals. But remember: even if a car has its turn signals flashing, the driver might not actually turn.
5. Turn off your cell phone. Better yet, stash it in the back seat.
6. Be very careful on Route 1 at the Starbucks/Staples shopping center, which gets my vote for the most dangerous crossroads around. It seems like there's always broken glass on the roadway from yet another fender-bender.
Facebook friend Barbara B. put it perfectly:
"Always anticipate that other drivers around you will behave stupidly! I'm never disappointed. For instance, in your head you will say, 'they will NOT pull right out in front of me,' but you react as if they will. Believe me, more times than not, my reaction is the right answer!"
The Y.R. reports that he's been honked at by impatient motorists behind him, which I suppose is actually a good introduction to the sky-high level of insanity out there in the motoring public. And I'm hoping that he is talking to -- and listening to -- older friends who have some miles under their belt.
Having a student driver in the family serves as a good reminder for us adults to stay vigilant, too. On a simple trip to the Y last night, for instance, an oncoming driver barely missed a deer on Upland Road in front of the Stone Barn; an incautious driver pulled out from Wollaston Road in front of me on Street Road; and a man getting out of his car on State Street in Kennett Square opened his door right into traffic.
WEST MARLBOROUGH: Driveway issues
Olympic gold medalist Phillip Dutton is permitted to put in a third driveway at his Hood Road horse farm, the West Marlborough Zoning Hearing Board decided at its Jan. 28 meeting. The driveway will lead to a 10- to 12-stall barn he plans to build just east of his current facility, his builder, Bob McComsey, explained to the board. Mr. Dutton had to apply for permission from the board because the township zoning rules allow only two driveways per property.
All four members of the board who were present voted to approve the driveway: Joseph Huston, Elizabeth "Baz" Powell, Tom Best and Clayton Bright.
During the discussion, another potential problem arose: the placement of the barn. Mr. McComsey said that putting the barn back as far from Hood Road as the zoning rules require (at least 300 feet) would impinge on an existing paddock. The zoning board said that was a separate issue from the driveway problem and would need to be handled at separate hearing.
Also on the board's agenda was another driveway situation. George Hannum, representing the estate of Georgie Stapleton, asked permission to build a driveway that would lead from a landlocked property in Newlin Township out to Apple Grove Road, across from where Tapeworm Road meets Apple Grove. Permission was needed from the board because the proposed driveway would be steeper than the zoning rules permit. At Mr. Hannum's request, that hearing was postponed and will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 1.
All four members of the board who were present voted to approve the driveway: Joseph Huston, Elizabeth "Baz" Powell, Tom Best and Clayton Bright.
During the discussion, another potential problem arose: the placement of the barn. Mr. McComsey said that putting the barn back as far from Hood Road as the zoning rules require (at least 300 feet) would impinge on an existing paddock. The zoning board said that was a separate issue from the driveway problem and would need to be handled at separate hearing.
Also on the board's agenda was another driveway situation. George Hannum, representing the estate of Georgie Stapleton, asked permission to build a driveway that would lead from a landlocked property in Newlin Township out to Apple Grove Road, across from where Tapeworm Road meets Apple Grove. Permission was needed from the board because the proposed driveway would be steeper than the zoning rules permit. At Mr. Hannum's request, that hearing was postponed and will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 1.
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