Saturday night we donned comfortable shoes and headed off to a fundraising event that promised a "Dance Through the Decades." The DJ was in his 20s and started out with what for him must have been music from the Dawn of Time: Chubby Checker's "The Twist" and the Beatles' "Twist and Shout." We were on the dance floor immediately.
As he segued to the 1970s, he started spinning Earth Wind & Fire, Donna Summer and "Saturday Night Fever," conjuring up happy memories of my college years. It was a hoot, and good exercise as well.
Then something odd happened: two guests in gigantic inflatable dinosaur suits showed up as the DJ was playing the BeeGees' "Stayin' Alive" (more than coincidence?). People just laughed -- this was an extremely laidback, accepting crowd -- and made extra room for them. They lumbered around for a couple of songs (one was "Jungle Boogie") until one of the costumes showed definite signs of deflation.
What? Why? Where did they come from? I fear it will remain an unsolved mystery.
We stayed until about 10, then headed home; I'm sure the energetic young people were still dancing as Saturday turned into Sunday.
Sunday, April 29, 2018
SPRING: Signs of the season
If you haven't yet put out your hummingbird feeders, it's time! I saw the first hummer at my backyard feeder on Thursday, and another thirsty little guy showed up this afternoon. Other welcome signs that "spring has sprung" are the fuzzy goslings at the Stone Barn pond and the Angus and Belted Galloway calves up the road. And the scent from a blooming daphne shrub along West State Street in Kennett Square was heavenly.
And on April 25 we made our first visit of the season to La Michoacana Ice Cream on East State Street. My pick was their Coffee Oreo ice cream; so delicious!
And on April 25 we made our first visit of the season to La Michoacana Ice Cream on East State Street. My pick was their Coffee Oreo ice cream; so delicious!
KENNETT: An alternative work space
On Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square (211 S. Broad St.) is providing a quiet space where folks can work, compete with tables, chairs, coffee, tea and WiFi access.
At lunchtime on April 23 I packed up my paper-and-pencil proofreading project (it's about space travel) and headed over there. It's a very comfortable, distraction-free venue, and almost every table was taken with people and their laptops. One woman brought along her infant, who slept the whole time in a car seat. Somebody had brought Indian food for lunch and it smelled delicious.
I plugged in my headphones (yoga music and proofreading are a good mix), settled in, and spotted a lot of typos.
At lunchtime on April 23 I packed up my paper-and-pencil proofreading project (it's about space travel) and headed over there. It's a very comfortable, distraction-free venue, and almost every table was taken with people and their laptops. One woman brought along her infant, who slept the whole time in a car seat. Somebody had brought Indian food for lunch and it smelled delicious.
I plugged in my headphones (yoga music and proofreading are a good mix), settled in, and spotted a lot of typos.
UNIONVILLE: Remembering a scholar-athlete
This was the 15th year for the Unionville Track & Field Invitational, held April 28 at UHS, but it marked the very first Christine Smith 3200m Run. Christine, nicknamed "Mighty Mite" for her 5-foot stature, ran cross-country and track for UHS from 2004 to 2008, won statewide honors her freshman, junior and senior years, and went on to earn a degree in chemical engineering at Cornell University.
"Christine was raising puppies, bodysurfing and working at Boeing in South Carolina when she was tragically killed in a car accident this winter. She was and will always be remembered as one of the great athletes of Unionville's running history," according to the event's program.
Winners of the inaugural event on Saturday were Brooke Hutton of Coatesville and Joshua Lewin of West Chester East.
"Christine was raising puppies, bodysurfing and working at Boeing in South Carolina when she was tragically killed in a car accident this winter. She was and will always be remembered as one of the great athletes of Unionville's running history," according to the event's program.
Winners of the inaugural event on Saturday were Brooke Hutton of Coatesville and Joshua Lewin of West Chester East.
HISTORY: Two lectures
I want to let you know about two history lectures that are coming up this month.
On Wednesday, May 16, at Primitive Hall in West Marlborough, three clock experts, including Hall board member Wendy Cooper, will tell the saga of Joseph Pennock's spectacular eighteenth-century tall clock, which has just returned to its original home at the Hall. The clock's movement was made by George Crow of Wilmington and its walnut case was crafted locally. Reception is at 6 p.m., with the lecture to follow at 7; tickets are $35. Email primitivehalltours@gmail.com for more information. (Full disclosure: I'm on the Primitive Hall Foundation's board of trustees.)
On Tuesday, May 22, the Kennett Township Historical Commission will present its annual history lecture, this year entitled "That's a Fine Horse, I Think I'll Take Him." Quaker historian Christopher Densmore will discuss how local Friends suffered because of their religious beliefs during the Revolutionary War. The free public lecture will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, at the Kennett Township building, 801 Burrows Run Road, Chadds Ford.
On Wednesday, May 16, at Primitive Hall in West Marlborough, three clock experts, including Hall board member Wendy Cooper, will tell the saga of Joseph Pennock's spectacular eighteenth-century tall clock, which has just returned to its original home at the Hall. The clock's movement was made by George Crow of Wilmington and its walnut case was crafted locally. Reception is at 6 p.m., with the lecture to follow at 7; tickets are $35. Email primitivehalltours@gmail.com for more information. (Full disclosure: I'm on the Primitive Hall Foundation's board of trustees.)
On Tuesday, May 22, the Kennett Township Historical Commission will present its annual history lecture, this year entitled "That's a Fine Horse, I Think I'll Take Him." Quaker historian Christopher Densmore will discuss how local Friends suffered because of their religious beliefs during the Revolutionary War. The free public lecture will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, at the Kennett Township building, 801 Burrows Run Road, Chadds Ford.
KENNETT: Family Promise gala
Annalie Korengel, the pastor of Unionville Presbyterian Church, is also the Board president of Family Promise of Southern Chester County, a social service agency that provides temporary housing and support services to help homeless families regain their self-sufficiency. She told me that more than 300 people attended the group's first fundraiser, "An Evening of Promise," on April 21 at the Kennett Square Country Club.
"It’s wonderful to see the church congregations who partner with Family Promise and the community come together to help support housing needs in our community," said Annalie. Susan Minarchi is the group's executive director.
"It’s wonderful to see the church congregations who partner with Family Promise and the community come together to help support housing needs in our community," said Annalie. Susan Minarchi is the group's executive director.
KENNETT: Astronomy program
This spring's Sky Tour will be held starting at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at the Tino Leto Athletic Fields on North Walnut Street. Members of the Chester
County Astronomical Society will bring their
telescopes and stargazing gadgets to share.
Here's the plan, according to the group's press release: "As the sun fades the first thing we’ll see is bright Venus shining in the west. Next we’ll find Jupiter, the king of the planets, rising in the east. Overhead the Big Dipper will be high in the sky accompanied by Leo the lion, Hercules the strong man and Draco the dragon. As the sky becomes fully dark, we’ll find star clusters, galaxies and nebulas."
Stargazers are asked to bring a small flashlight.
This sounds like a great way to introduce astronomy to young people.
Here's the plan, according to the group's press release: "As the sun fades the first thing we’ll see is bright Venus shining in the west. Next we’ll find Jupiter, the king of the planets, rising in the east. Overhead the Big Dipper will be high in the sky accompanied by Leo the lion, Hercules the strong man and Draco the dragon. As the sky becomes fully dark, we’ll find star clusters, galaxies and nebulas."
Stargazers are asked to bring a small flashlight.
This sounds like a great way to introduce astronomy to young people.
NEW GARDEN: Tractor Supply coming soon?
Fans of Tractor Supply Co. are wondering if some clearing and demolition work that's being done along Newark Road at Route 41 heralds the start of construction for the long-awaited store. It will be located north of the Sunoco gas station, with entrances onto both roads. Until it's built, the closest Tractor Supply stores to us will remain Parkesburg and Oxford.
KENNETT SQUARE: Concerts in the park
This year's summer concert series at Anson B. Nixon Park will kick off on June 20 with folk singer/songwriter Jake Armerding, sponsored by the Hadley Fund. The eight concerts, which always draw a big crowd, are held every Wednesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. in the park's amphitheater. I'm eagerly awaiting the announcement of the rest of the schedule, as we are regulars at the shows.
Sunday, April 22, 2018
SPRING: A welcome change
Maybe it's just because Old Man Winter overstayed his welcome (all those curtain calls!), but hasn't this spring been especially delightful? My spirit has been warmed by the blooming forsythia, spirea, maples, and redbud; the daffodils, grape hyacinths, bleeding heart, bloodroot, and trout lily; and the cheerful songs of the birds and the pond peepers. The goldfinches at my backyard feeder are already in breeding plumage, the bunnies are frolicking, the Weaver's Mulch trucks are much in evidence, and the garden centers are full of folks getting their properties in shape.
KENNETT: Plant sale
The 52nd annual
Kennett Beautification Plant Sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 28, along the Genesis Walkway in downtown Kennett Square. You can park in the parking garage for
free. On sale will be plants to attract bees and butterflies, annuals and
perennials for sun and shade, herbs, vegetables, hanging baskets, unusual specimens, and plants grown and dug by garden club members and
friends from the community. The sale
will also feature a local grower of dahlias. Proceeds benefit those beautiful barrel plantings along State Street that help make the town look so attractive.
KENNETT: Check your medicine cabinet
Most of the items in my little column are, as you've doubtless noticed, pretty light fare. This one is not. It's about the prescription drug takeback program that Kennett Township and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency are holding. On Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can drop off pills or patches, no questions asked, at the Kennett Township Building at 801 Burrows Run Road.
All you need to do is read the obituaries to see what a scourge drug abuse has become even here in Chester County. People get hooked on pain medications and then move on to heroin because it's less expensive. At least once a week I see an obit of a youth in his 20s, with his whole life ahead of him, and I can't imagine the pain his family and friends have gone through -- and are still going through. Sometimes I'll visit the youth's Facebook page and see that he has written about his multiple attempts to beat his addiction, sometimes even recording his "clean time." We had breakfast the other day with a Landenberg woman who lost her son to addiction; she's now focusing her energy on publicizing the problem, lobbying lawmakers, and helping other youths to stay sober.
The press release for the April 28 takeback program reports that "Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards."
All you need to do is read the obituaries to see what a scourge drug abuse has become even here in Chester County. People get hooked on pain medications and then move on to heroin because it's less expensive. At least once a week I see an obit of a youth in his 20s, with his whole life ahead of him, and I can't imagine the pain his family and friends have gone through -- and are still going through. Sometimes I'll visit the youth's Facebook page and see that he has written about his multiple attempts to beat his addiction, sometimes even recording his "clean time." We had breakfast the other day with a Landenberg woman who lost her son to addiction; she's now focusing her energy on publicizing the problem, lobbying lawmakers, and helping other youths to stay sober.
The press release for the April 28 takeback program reports that "Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards."
KENNETT: Bella notte
The social hall at Kennett Friends Meetinghouse was transformed into an Italian restaurant on Saturday for Boy Scout Troop 24's spaghetti dinner, complete with red-and-white checked tablecloths and even an accordion-player to serenade us (he's a Scout dad). The tomato sauce, meatballs and mushrooms were delicious as always, and the uniformed Scouts were prompt and polite waiters and bussers. We said hi to Scout mom Sally Warren, who was setting out the array of desserts. Our decadent choice was chocolate cake topped with chocolate icing and chocolate chips.
PENNSBURY: Pocopson Road to be closed
Starting at the end of April, Pocopson Road is going to be closed from Route 926 to Parkersville Road so that PennDOT can rebuild the "structurally deficient" bridge over Pocopson Creek. The project is expected to last until September. PennDOT says that 1,685 vehicles cross the 89-year-old bridge each day.
TIME TRAVEL: A book report
If you're looking for a great read, get a copy of Stephen King's novel "11/22/63." I finished it last night and enjoyed it more than I have any book in a long time. In the 2011 novel, schoolteacher Jake Epping goes back in time to 1958 (through a portal tucked away in a diner) to try to prevent President Kennedy's assassination and a few other tragedies along the way.
I loved the way that Jake noticed and tried to adapt to the 1950s and early 1960s in terms of cars, clothes, language, music and morals; one time he forgot himself and belted out "Honky-Tonk Woman," raising his girlfriend Sadie's suspicions. He doesn't miss computers or the internet at all -- though his cell phone certainly could have come in handy.
I hadn't read any Stephen King books since "Salem's Lot," many years ago, and had my doubts when a dear friend started raving about "11/22/63." I was quickly drawn in.
Although the book is 850 pages long, you'll have no trouble keeping the characters or the plot straight. It's a terrific, suspenseful page-turner and kept me enthralled throughout.
I loved the way that Jake noticed and tried to adapt to the 1950s and early 1960s in terms of cars, clothes, language, music and morals; one time he forgot himself and belted out "Honky-Tonk Woman," raising his girlfriend Sadie's suspicions. He doesn't miss computers or the internet at all -- though his cell phone certainly could have come in handy.
I hadn't read any Stephen King books since "Salem's Lot," many years ago, and had my doubts when a dear friend started raving about "11/22/63." I was quickly drawn in.
Although the book is 850 pages long, you'll have no trouble keeping the characters or the plot straight. It's a terrific, suspenseful page-turner and kept me enthralled throughout.
CHADDS FORD: A new challenge
A group of us were chatting the other evening about the changing of seasons, and our friend who is a recent transplant from Manhattan to Chadds Ford is realizing that he is going to have to mow his lawn -- a new challenge for the former urbanite.
Let the yard dry out a little, a friend advised; you don't want the tractor making ruts.
I suggested that he hire a lawn service, but he rejected that idea forcefully: he is bound and determined to become a suburbanite.
Another friend looked over at me skeptically.
"Right," he said. "Let's see what he says in a few months."
Let the yard dry out a little, a friend advised; you don't want the tractor making ruts.
I suggested that he hire a lawn service, but he rejected that idea forcefully: he is bound and determined to become a suburbanite.
Another friend looked over at me skeptically.
"Right," he said. "Let's see what he says in a few months."
Friday, April 20, 2018
MINDFULNESS: Mantras and meows
This week I was editing an interesting book on how "mindfulness" activities like yoga and meditation have become hugely popular in America but in the process have been ruthlessly stripped of their traditional Buddhist underpinnings so that they'd be more palatable to U.S. consumers.
The author, a sociologist and a very good writer (the two don't always go together), described how a network of highly educated, wealthy and well-intentioned "contemplatives" have adapted these practices and brought them into businesses like Google and -- yes -- Monsanto, schools, health care offices, and even the military. The author did her best to translate some of their free-flowing, jargon-laden and not strictly grammatical explanations.
My point in mentioning this that one practical suggestion for maintaining mindfulness during the day is to pause regularly and pet your cat. Judging by the amount of Clarence and Tina hair on my keyboard, I think I have that one covered!
The author, a sociologist and a very good writer (the two don't always go together), described how a network of highly educated, wealthy and well-intentioned "contemplatives" have adapted these practices and brought them into businesses like Google and -- yes -- Monsanto, schools, health care offices, and even the military. The author did her best to translate some of their free-flowing, jargon-laden and not strictly grammatical explanations.
My point in mentioning this that one practical suggestion for maintaining mindfulness during the day is to pause regularly and pet your cat. Judging by the amount of Clarence and Tina hair on my keyboard, I think I have that one covered!
EAST FALLOWFIELD: Your state tax dollars at work
A few times a year business takes me into Conshohocken, and on my way home on Thursday along Route 82, between Coatesville and Ercildoun, I saw a new sign: "Plant Enterance."
I simply had to snap a photo of the misspelling, so I pulled over and walked back to the sign.
Right next to it, lying on the ground, was the sign it had replaced.
It read "Plant Entrance."
PennDOT, you had ONE JOB . . .
I simply had to snap a photo of the misspelling, so I pulled over and walked back to the sign.
Right next to it, lying on the ground, was the sign it had replaced.
It read "Plant Entrance."
PennDOT, you had ONE JOB . . .
 |
| The new sign. |
 |
| The sign it replaced. |
Thursday, April 19, 2018
KENNETT SQUARE: Tea on the move
More intra-borough shuffling around: Mrs. Robinson's Tea Shop, now on North State Street, will be moving around the corner into the former Torelli's men's store at 129 East State Street as of April 22.
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
KIDS THESE DAYS: Some positive news
Of course I've been attending the Young Relative's high-school track meets this spring, and here are a few things I've noticed.
I've seen kids sacrificing for the good of the team (OK, maybe not happily; but honestly, who among us ever does?). I've seen athletes supporting each other and going out of their way to congratulate their opponents.
I've seen tough young men and women competing in 80-degree weather, 35-degree weather, and even snow flurries with fortitude and grace (and mittens). Perhaps those mornings of sitting at the bus stop in Mom's heated minivan didn't turn them into spoiled mollycoddles after all!
Perhaps most movingly, I watched a mentally disabled athlete compete in a race, thanks to her teammates who ran beside her. As she crossed the finish line with a smile, the crowd burst into applause and cheers.
Following the news can cause us to despair about the future. Don't. Go to a track meet instead.
I've seen kids sacrificing for the good of the team (OK, maybe not happily; but honestly, who among us ever does?). I've seen athletes supporting each other and going out of their way to congratulate their opponents.
I've seen tough young men and women competing in 80-degree weather, 35-degree weather, and even snow flurries with fortitude and grace (and mittens). Perhaps those mornings of sitting at the bus stop in Mom's heated minivan didn't turn them into spoiled mollycoddles after all!
Perhaps most movingly, I watched a mentally disabled athlete compete in a race, thanks to her teammates who ran beside her. As she crossed the finish line with a smile, the crowd burst into applause and cheers.
Following the news can cause us to despair about the future. Don't. Go to a track meet instead.
Sunday, April 15, 2018
OXFORD: A wee bit loud
Trust me on this: bagpipes should not be played indoors. On Saturday evening we went to a concert by the Celtic band the Rogues at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Oxford. There's a reason why bagpipes were traditionally used as a "shock-and-awe" tactic in battle back in the olden days: they can be overwhelmingly loud.
As soon as the two pipers and two drummers started playing, two little girls in the audience dashed down the side aisle of the church, covering their ears. The din was deafening. We tried to get our money's worth, but after 20 minutes the desire to preserve our hearing won out. Even so, my ears were ringing the rest of the evening.
As soon as the two pipers and two drummers started playing, two little girls in the audience dashed down the side aisle of the church, covering their ears. The din was deafening. We tried to get our money's worth, but after 20 minutes the desire to preserve our hearing won out. Even so, my ears were ringing the rest of the evening.
WASHINGTON, DC: Emancipation Day
Why did we get an extra two days to file our taxes? Because April 15 was a Sunday and April 16 was Emancipation Day, a Washington, D.C., holiday that commemorates President Lincoln's April 16, 1862, signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act. The act freed some 3,100 slaves in D.C. nine months before the better-known Emancipation Proclamation. Emancipation Day has been a D.C. holiday since 2005, and the federal government also observes it.
Saturday, April 14, 2018
EAST MARLBOROUGH: In the middle of everything
$430,000 is the asking price for that ranch-style house at the Unionville roundabout. As you've probably noticed, the 1950 house is in the process of being completely renovated, down to the studs, and will have three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It sits on 0.88 acres.
UNIONVILLE: Calling all pinochle players
Friday, April 13, 2018
KENNETT SQUARE: Au revoir
The Kennett Square branch of the cosmetics boutique Houppette, at the corner of State and Union Streets, will be closing at the end of April. The sister Houppette store in Powder Mill Square in Greenville will remain open but will be moving this summer to a larger space in the Greenville Crossing shopping center, just across Kennett Pike.
Thursday, April 12, 2018
YMCA: Up, up and away
On April 7 the Kennett YMCA celebrated the 100th release of one of its exercise programs, "Body Attack," by hosting a grand all-morning-long fitness fest in the gymnasium. For weeks the excited instructors talked of little else. From being told so often, we participants knew by heart that the event would start at 8 a.m., that there would be cake, and that we could stay for as many classes as we wanted.
When the big day finally arrived, one instructor inflated three large gold balloons (in the shape of a 1 and two 0s) with helium and brought them into the gym. Alas! One escaped from its anchor. They instructors looked on in horror as it rose inexorably toward the very high ceiling.
But gym teachers, who have to cope routinely with malfunctioning stereos and dead microphone batteries, are a flexible lot in more ways than one. One of them had the bright idea of trying to reach it with the long-handled pool skimmer. One of the pool attendants brought it over, attached a hook to the end, snagged the errant digit and brought it back down to earth.
Where it was quickly secured, just in time for the 8 a.m. Body Attack launch.
When the big day finally arrived, one instructor inflated three large gold balloons (in the shape of a 1 and two 0s) with helium and brought them into the gym. Alas! One escaped from its anchor. They instructors looked on in horror as it rose inexorably toward the very high ceiling.
But gym teachers, who have to cope routinely with malfunctioning stereos and dead microphone batteries, are a flexible lot in more ways than one. One of them had the bright idea of trying to reach it with the long-handled pool skimmer. One of the pool attendants brought it over, attached a hook to the end, snagged the errant digit and brought it back down to earth.
Where it was quickly secured, just in time for the 8 a.m. Body Attack launch.
FRIENDS: Two Quaker events
I have a couple of local Quaker events to mention, both on Saturday, May 12.
Quaker historian Christopher Densmore will deliver a talk entitled "They Being Dead Yet Speaketh: Marlborough Friends Meeting, Slavery, and the Progressive Friends" at 3 p.m. at Marlborough Friends Meetinghouse, 361 Marlborough Road. Chris recently retired from his position as head of the Friends Historical Library at Swarthmore College.
And at London Grove Friends Meeting, the annual plant sale will be held from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 12. Annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, window box flowers, and hanging baskets are on sale; there's also coffee and baked goods. "The plant sale" has been a highlight of the spring season for me for many years.
Quaker historian Christopher Densmore will deliver a talk entitled "They Being Dead Yet Speaketh: Marlborough Friends Meeting, Slavery, and the Progressive Friends" at 3 p.m. at Marlborough Friends Meetinghouse, 361 Marlborough Road. Chris recently retired from his position as head of the Friends Historical Library at Swarthmore College.
And at London Grove Friends Meeting, the annual plant sale will be held from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 12. Annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, window box flowers, and hanging baskets are on sale; there's also coffee and baked goods. "The plant sale" has been a highlight of the spring season for me for many years.
KENNETT: Spaghetti dinner
One of the mothers from Boy Scout Troop 24 asked me to mention the troop's upcoming spaghetti dinner from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 21, in the social room at Kennett Friends Meeting, 125 West Sickle Street, Kennett Square. The cost is $9 for adults, $5 for kids ages 4 to 12, and free for kids under 3. You will not find a better value anywhere: the home-made spaghetti sauce and the sautéed mushrooms are top-notch and the portions are ample. We always enjoy hearing about the Scouts' activities as well.
CHATHAM: Route 41 work continues
I wondered why those orange-and-white barrels were sitting in the middle of Route 41.
According to PennDOT, workers will be widening Route 41 between Mosquito Lane and Penwyck Lane, near the village of Chatham, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday, April 16, through Friday, April 27. One lane at a time will be closed.
Per the PennDOT press release: "The work is part of a project to improve travel and safety along Route 41 (Gap Newport Pike) on the approach to the Route 841 (Chatham Road) Intersection by constructing a gateway at the north and south ends of the Village of Chatham. The project is scheduled to be completed in late December. ... Under this improvement project, PennDOT is widening pavement to provide a curbed median that will serve as a gateway to the village; updating signing, pavement markings and drainage; and installing new guide rail."
According to PennDOT, workers will be widening Route 41 between Mosquito Lane and Penwyck Lane, near the village of Chatham, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday, April 16, through Friday, April 27. One lane at a time will be closed.
Per the PennDOT press release: "The work is part of a project to improve travel and safety along Route 41 (Gap Newport Pike) on the approach to the Route 841 (Chatham Road) Intersection by constructing a gateway at the north and south ends of the Village of Chatham. The project is scheduled to be completed in late December. ... Under this improvement project, PennDOT is widening pavement to provide a curbed median that will serve as a gateway to the village; updating signing, pavement markings and drainage; and installing new guide rail."
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
PERKINS: Female of the species
So we were having breakfast-for-dinner tonight at a local casual eatery, and in a nearby booth a woman was telling her three companions about her daughter, who is training to be a nurse and is doing her clinical rotation at a Philadelphia hospital before taking her boards. She was talking about the daughter's crazy schedule, and then our food arrived and for a while I devoted all my attention to my pancakes and bacon.
Then I heard her say, "Her pregnancy was confirmed on Monday, and she's due May 21."
Wow, I thought; didn't she realize she was pregnant before that?
It quickly got even stranger.
"Last time she had three, and the time before, four, but one was stillborn," the woman said, matter-of-factly. "So we're not sure what to expect this time."
What? WHAT??
To my relief, in the next sentence the woman cleared things up by remarking how attractive the expectant mother is -- "she's that really pretty kind of light yellow Lab."
The Dearest Partner missed this confusing conversation, so I shared it with him while we were standing in line waiting to pay. The man in front of us was listening (how fitting!) and didn't even try to hide his amusement.
"Just another night in Avondale," he said to us, laughing.
Then I heard her say, "Her pregnancy was confirmed on Monday, and she's due May 21."
Wow, I thought; didn't she realize she was pregnant before that?
It quickly got even stranger.
"Last time she had three, and the time before, four, but one was stillborn," the woman said, matter-of-factly. "So we're not sure what to expect this time."
What? WHAT??
To my relief, in the next sentence the woman cleared things up by remarking how attractive the expectant mother is -- "she's that really pretty kind of light yellow Lab."
The Dearest Partner missed this confusing conversation, so I shared it with him while we were standing in line waiting to pay. The man in front of us was listening (how fitting!) and didn't even try to hide his amusement.
"Just another night in Avondale," he said to us, laughing.
Sunday, April 8, 2018
GARDEN CLUBS: Memories of Helen Reed
Two Garden Club friends of Helen Reed, who passed away March 28 at the age of 92, were kind enough to share their memories of her.
Sue Soraruf of the Spade and Trowel Garden Club writes, "When my husband and I moved to Kennett 40 years ago, Helen Reed welcomed us with a gift of several unusual plants. 40 years later, these plants still bloom in our home and I have given “babies” to other people. ... I remember Helen as most interested in encouraging gardening with young people. She was instrumental in initiating the category of junior gardener competition at the Longwood Flower Show and was active at the state level in junior gardening. It was her idea and effort that created a butterfly garden at the Anson Nixon Park. She was a past director of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania, District 1, and a long-time member of the Four Seasons Garden Club of Kennett."
Jane Bazzano of the Four Seasons Garden Club of Kennett Square described Helen as her mentor and recalled her "youthful outlook and giving disposition." She writes, "Helen was a horticulturalist and Master Gardener, encouraging planting and the various avenues of nature to both young and old." Helen "helped a former Junior Gardener, Kathryn Cunningham Hall develop “Power Up Gambia,” which provides solar energy power a hospital in Gambia, Africa."
Sue Soraruf of the Spade and Trowel Garden Club writes, "When my husband and I moved to Kennett 40 years ago, Helen Reed welcomed us with a gift of several unusual plants. 40 years later, these plants still bloom in our home and I have given “babies” to other people. ... I remember Helen as most interested in encouraging gardening with young people. She was instrumental in initiating the category of junior gardener competition at the Longwood Flower Show and was active at the state level in junior gardening. It was her idea and effort that created a butterfly garden at the Anson Nixon Park. She was a past director of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania, District 1, and a long-time member of the Four Seasons Garden Club of Kennett."
Jane Bazzano of the Four Seasons Garden Club of Kennett Square described Helen as her mentor and recalled her "youthful outlook and giving disposition." She writes, "Helen was a horticulturalist and Master Gardener, encouraging planting and the various avenues of nature to both young and old." Helen "helped a former Junior Gardener, Kathryn Cunningham Hall develop “Power Up Gambia,” which provides solar energy power a hospital in Gambia, Africa."
KENNETT SQUARE: Community gardens
Even if you don't have a yard, you can still enjoy the pleasures of growing your own vegetables and herbs thanks to the Community Gardens program at the Anson B. Nixon Park in Kennett Square. There are still some garden plots (3- by 10-foot raised beds) available for this coming season. Contact information is Steve.denno1@verizon.net. The plots cost $25 each, and gardeners must supply planting materials including seeds, plants, organic fertilizer and herbicides, and tools.
Friday, April 6, 2018
ELECTIONS: Another party heard from
I have no affection for either political party at the moment, but one of them continues to send me supposedly urgent begging letters. It's completely my fault; I purchased a T-shirt from their website for a friend during the previous election campaign and now I'm on their mailing list.
The letter I received today was particularly entertaining. On the front of the envelope it said, in fake handwriting, "Please respond by April 15th!" The "April 15th" was crossed out and "Extended to May 15th!" was written in, in capital letters.
Right. Like a political party would ever turn down any check that arrives in their mailbox.
The letter I received today was particularly entertaining. On the front of the envelope it said, in fake handwriting, "Please respond by April 15th!" The "April 15th" was crossed out and "Extended to May 15th!" was written in, in capital letters.
Right. Like a political party would ever turn down any check that arrives in their mailbox.
MARTIN GUITARS: An enthralling lecture
On April 5 at Kennett Friends Meeting, Dick Boak gave a fascinating, standing-room-only Hadley Fund lecture about legendary Martin Guitars, the musicians who play them, and why they sound so good.
Mr. Boak recently retired from Martin (based in Nazareth, Pa.) after working there for 41 years and told wonderful anecdotes about his encounters with Martin clients like Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Paul Simon, Steve Miller, Jimmy Buffett, Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, and many, many others. (I tend to feel out of touch with modern popular music, so it was heartening to recognize all the artists he talked about.)
Have you ever wondered about "went down to Nazareth," the lyric in The Band's song "The Weight"? According to Mr. Boak, the songwriter, Robbie Robertson, needed a town name and couldn't come up with one that fit the meter until he happened to see "Nazareth" on the guitar label.
And the Martin guitar that's named after Mark Knopfler features a drawing of the dinosaur Masiakasaurus knopfleri, so named because the paleontologists who discovered the creature had their best success at unearthing its bones when Dire Straits songs were playing on their boomboxes. The dinosaur drawing is deliberately hidden inside the guitar, so that the owner has to search for it just like the paleontologists did.
Mr. Boak recently retired from Martin (based in Nazareth, Pa.) after working there for 41 years and told wonderful anecdotes about his encounters with Martin clients like Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Paul Simon, Steve Miller, Jimmy Buffett, Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, and many, many others. (I tend to feel out of touch with modern popular music, so it was heartening to recognize all the artists he talked about.)
Have you ever wondered about "went down to Nazareth," the lyric in The Band's song "The Weight"? According to Mr. Boak, the songwriter, Robbie Robertson, needed a town name and couldn't come up with one that fit the meter until he happened to see "Nazareth" on the guitar label.
And the Martin guitar that's named after Mark Knopfler features a drawing of the dinosaur Masiakasaurus knopfleri, so named because the paleontologists who discovered the creature had their best success at unearthing its bones when Dire Straits songs were playing on their boomboxes. The dinosaur drawing is deliberately hidden inside the guitar, so that the owner has to search for it just like the paleontologists did.
CHEYNEY: Spy thriller in the works
This past week, the World War II spy thriller "Miss Atkins' War" was being shot at the Newlin Grist Mill in Cheyney. Vera Atkins, who died at age 92 in 2000, was a British intelligence officer who recruited spies for Winston Churchill and was in charge of the agents who parachuted into France to sabotage the Nazis. She is supposedly the model for "Miss Moneypenny" of the James Bond series.
Lou Mandich of Last Chance Garage in Unionville took one of his period cars, a 1938 Hudson, to the set to add some authenticity. He told me that the film production moved to New York State but will return to our area later this month.
Lou Mandich of Last Chance Garage in Unionville took one of his period cars, a 1938 Hudson, to the set to add some authenticity. He told me that the film production moved to New York State but will return to our area later this month.
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| Vera Atkins |
WEST GROVE: A catty tale
Kittens: so cute, so cuddly. Except when they try to kill you.
A West Grove friend reports that his kitten barricaded herself in a bedroom by bunching the carpet under the door. He had to force the door open by butting it with his hindquarters. The door gave way, sending him sprawling into the room and crashing into a dresser. Operation Rescue Kitty ended with a trip to the local urgent-care center, where he was diagnosed with a cracked rib.
"It only hurts," he said, "when I cough. Or sneeze."
To my surprise, his sunny, indulgent grin when speaking of the kitten is not the least bit diminished.
"We love that kitten!" he said.
A West Grove friend reports that his kitten barricaded herself in a bedroom by bunching the carpet under the door. He had to force the door open by butting it with his hindquarters. The door gave way, sending him sprawling into the room and crashing into a dresser. Operation Rescue Kitty ended with a trip to the local urgent-care center, where he was diagnosed with a cracked rib.
"It only hurts," he said, "when I cough. Or sneeze."
To my surprise, his sunny, indulgent grin when speaking of the kitten is not the least bit diminished.
"We love that kitten!" he said.
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
NEW GARDEN: Lyceum Hall comes back to life
Just like it did in the 19th century, New Garden Township's Lyceum Hall is once again hosting programs for the public: my friend Hilary Fox is teaching an all-levels community yoga class there from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays.
A neighbor and I attended a class a few weeks ago -- Hilary is a terrific, inspiring teacher -- and I was curious enough about the building to do some research.
Lynn Sinclair, a member of New Garden Township's Historical Commission, told me that the Hall was built in 1852 on Route 41 near New Garden Road (right across from the Hilltop Inn) and served as a meeting place, school and township building (and possibly a hiding place for slaves on the Underground Railroad).
The frame building's condition was deteriorating, and the township supervisors voted to move it to the township park so it could be preserved. A documentary of the 2012 move shows the building, shrouded in a blue tarp and sitting sideways on a flatbed, moving slowly up Route 41; it barely fits through the park gates.
The Historical Commission has plans to rebuild the windows and fix and paint the exterior of the building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
If you're interested in Hilary's Lyceum yoga class, she charges $12 for one class, with reduced prices if you take multiple classes. Her Ellicott Road yoga studio is called The Growing Room.
A neighbor and I attended a class a few weeks ago -- Hilary is a terrific, inspiring teacher -- and I was curious enough about the building to do some research.
Lynn Sinclair, a member of New Garden Township's Historical Commission, told me that the Hall was built in 1852 on Route 41 near New Garden Road (right across from the Hilltop Inn) and served as a meeting place, school and township building (and possibly a hiding place for slaves on the Underground Railroad).
The frame building's condition was deteriorating, and the township supervisors voted to move it to the township park so it could be preserved. A documentary of the 2012 move shows the building, shrouded in a blue tarp and sitting sideways on a flatbed, moving slowly up Route 41; it barely fits through the park gates.
The Historical Commission has plans to rebuild the windows and fix and paint the exterior of the building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
If you're interested in Hilary's Lyceum yoga class, she charges $12 for one class, with reduced prices if you take multiple classes. Her Ellicott Road yoga studio is called The Growing Room.
WEST MARLBOROUGH: OK for True Prospect project
At their April meeting, the West Marlborough supervisors gave Olympic equestrian Phillip Dutton permission to build another stable and a driveway off Hood Road. The township's zoning hearing board had already given him permission to put in the driveway, which will be the third one on his True Prospect Farm (he needed the zoning board's permission because township rules limit the number to two driveways per property).
Also at the meeting, supervisor Hugh Lofting Sr. gave an update on the Rokeby Road project, reporting that the final grading and seeding will be done as soon as the weather permits. The project involved stabilizing a steep road bank that was steadily crumbling into Buck Run, jeopardizing Rokeby Road.
Mr. Lofting also said the township is waiting to receive engineering sketches for a project to shore up a tiny bridge over a tributary to Doe Run along little-traveled, narrow Runnymede Road. Supervisor Bill Wylie assured residents that the roadwork, which will include a guardrail, "will not change the feel of the road."
Township secretary-treasurer Shirley Walton reported that the township's tax bills have just been sent out. (Every time I write my check to Deborah van Renterghem, I wonder how many other townships have a world-traveling opera singer as their tax collector!)
Also at the meeting, supervisor Hugh Lofting Sr. gave an update on the Rokeby Road project, reporting that the final grading and seeding will be done as soon as the weather permits. The project involved stabilizing a steep road bank that was steadily crumbling into Buck Run, jeopardizing Rokeby Road.
Mr. Lofting also said the township is waiting to receive engineering sketches for a project to shore up a tiny bridge over a tributary to Doe Run along little-traveled, narrow Runnymede Road. Supervisor Bill Wylie assured residents that the roadwork, which will include a guardrail, "will not change the feel of the road."
Township secretary-treasurer Shirley Walton reported that the township's tax bills have just been sent out. (Every time I write my check to Deborah van Renterghem, I wonder how many other townships have a world-traveling opera singer as their tax collector!)
STOTTSVILLE INN: An old favorite is reopening
On Saturday morning we drove past the long-closed Stottsville Inn, 3512 Strasburg Road, and were amazed at the transformation. The front porch has been enclosed, the gazebo is gone and there's is an entirely new entranceway on the Timacula Road side -- the steep flight of slippery Astroturf-covered steps is no more. Judging from the photographs on the historic inn's website, the dark, well-worn interior has undergone an equally dramatic update.
Father-and-son team Michael and Jake Quinn have bought the place and are shooting for an opening later in April. Hours for the neighborhood restaurant and bar will be 4 p.m. to midnight, Wednesday through Sunday. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, pizza, "large plates," desserts, and "for the table" snacks. Craft and domestic beers will be on tap, as well as wine by the glass and a full bar.
We can't wait to go back and say "hi" to the resident ghost, whom we hope has not been too put out by all of these updates.
Father-and-son team Michael and Jake Quinn have bought the place and are shooting for an opening later in April. Hours for the neighborhood restaurant and bar will be 4 p.m. to midnight, Wednesday through Sunday. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, pizza, "large plates," desserts, and "for the table" snacks. Craft and domestic beers will be on tap, as well as wine by the glass and a full bar.
We can't wait to go back and say "hi" to the resident ghost, whom we hope has not been too put out by all of these updates.
EAST MARLBOROUGH: Time = money
A loyal and observant reader shared this curious story after a visit to the CVS on Route 1 at Bayard Road. It seems that for the past year, on the first day of every month, an older couple comes into the drugstore and sorts through all of the
candy, gum, nutritional bars, and so forth, looking for expired items.
"Seems CVS policy pays people cash money for any item that is past its expiration date. . . . They don't appear homeless, just looking to cash in. On Easter Sunday, after spending about an hour at the store, they left with a wad of cash."
"Seems CVS policy pays people cash money for any item that is past its expiration date. . . . They don't appear homeless, just looking to cash in. On Easter Sunday, after spending about an hour at the store, they left with a wad of cash."
Sunday, April 1, 2018
MASONS: Pancake breakfast
This coming Saturday, April 7, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., the brothers of the Kennett Masonic Lodge will be holding a pancake breakfast in their hall at 121 Center Street in downtown Kennett Square. I try my best never to miss this event; I love good pancakes and they've got the recipe down pat. After all, as their advertisement proclaims, "Serving pancakes and sausage to the Wonderful Community of Kennett Square for over 40 years!" The cost is $8 a person, $4 for kids under 12.
CONNECTED: Out of touch
We've become so dependent on our cellphones that misplacing them can be the source of great distress. A gym friend said he found himself using the flashlight function on his phone to search under furniture for ... his supposedly missing phone.
That's totally something I would do. My first thought is, oh, let me try calling my phone so I can hear it ringing.
The more experienced Dearest Partner says he looks for his phone using the Bluetooth function in his work truck: if it connects, as he says, "I know it's in there somewhere." (Last time, he found it upside-down in the well next to the accelerator pedal.)
That's totally something I would do. My first thought is, oh, let me try calling my phone so I can hear it ringing.
The more experienced Dearest Partner says he looks for his phone using the Bluetooth function in his work truck: if it connects, as he says, "I know it's in there somewhere." (Last time, he found it upside-down in the well next to the accelerator pedal.)
MUSHROOMS: In the grid
One of the answers in this past Friday's Wall Street Journal Puzzle Contest crossword was a "gimme" for those of us who live in and around the self-described Mushroom Capital of the World. "Shiitake kin" read the clue; the answer? "Enoki."
POCOPSON: Day at the races
We went to the Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point on Easter Sunday and had a really nice time being outside in the sun (mostly) at the lovely Brandywine Red Clay Alliance. As far as tailgating goes, frankly we were a little rusty: we remembered the food, bowls and cutlery but forgot the folding chairs.
Some of the races went down to the wire; others involved a substantial margin of victory. As always we enjoyed watching the photographers at work, and we were amused every time the race announcer declared the horses were "headed out to the country" -- right, as if they were leaving an urban center.
Mostly we just hung out with our friends who had a great parking spot right on the finish line, so we didn't do a lot of wandering around and socializing. One fellow stopped by our spot with his adorable eight-month-old "Pomski" (a Pomeranian/Husky mix) named Havoc.
Some of the races went down to the wire; others involved a substantial margin of victory. As always we enjoyed watching the photographers at work, and we were amused every time the race announcer declared the horses were "headed out to the country" -- right, as if they were leaving an urban center.
Mostly we just hung out with our friends who had a great parking spot right on the finish line, so we didn't do a lot of wandering around and socializing. One fellow stopped by our spot with his adorable eight-month-old "Pomski" (a Pomeranian/Husky mix) named Havoc.
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