The local business shuffle continues.
Mrs. Robinson's Tea Shop has moved into the former Torelli's men's store at 129 East State Street in downtown Kennett Square, and Clean Slate Goods ("accessories for you and your home") is renovating the former tea shop at 108 North Union Street.
Portabello's Restaurant is moving this summer from 115 West State Street, into the former Enzo's Pizza at 108-110 East State Street.
And demolition crews have started clearing out the former Superfresh supermarket on Baltimore Pike, where OshKosh B'Gosh, Ross Dress for Less, Ulta and a state liquor store will be moving in by the summer of 2019.
The inside of the former Kennett Pizza and Pasta on 420 West Cypress Street has been gutted. An antique glass "Highland Dairy" bottle, I assume rescued from the rubble, was sitting on a windowsill when we walked by the other evening. I'm not sure what's moving in.
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
HOCKESSIN: Seafood at the Crownery
On Saturday I had a hankering for Chinese food, which usually means a trip to China Kitchen in West Grove for their delicious take-out food. But we also wanted a sit-down meal, so we decided to try the Crownery Chinese Restaurant in Lantana Square.
Rather than ordering old standards like General Tso's Chicken and Happy Family, we deliberately chose their house specialties. Dearest Partner had the Chilean sea bass with scallions, ginger, beans and mushrooms, and I had scallops and sesame shrimp in an orange sauce with broccoli and walnuts. Even though the waitress (who wrote down our order in Chinese, I noticed) warned us that there might be a delay in getting our food, there wasn't.
Both of our dishes were delicious; in fact, the scallops were some of the best I've ever had.
Dinner for the two of us was $65 without drinks, and there were plenty of leftovers to take home.
Rather than ordering old standards like General Tso's Chicken and Happy Family, we deliberately chose their house specialties. Dearest Partner had the Chilean sea bass with scallions, ginger, beans and mushrooms, and I had scallops and sesame shrimp in an orange sauce with broccoli and walnuts. Even though the waitress (who wrote down our order in Chinese, I noticed) warned us that there might be a delay in getting our food, there wasn't.
Both of our dishes were delicious; in fact, the scallops were some of the best I've ever had.
Dinner for the two of us was $65 without drinks, and there were plenty of leftovers to take home.
MEMORY: Unforgettable ads
The other day at the Y there was a new woman in one of the gym classes that I take, and as is my wont I introduced myself and welcomed her. We shook hands and she said her name was Libby.
Immediately the old advertising jingle popped into my head, and I blurted out, "Oh! As in Libby's Libby's Libby's on the label label label!"
The poor woman winced and finished the verse: "You will like it like it like on the table table table." She explained that her family moved around a lot when she was growing up and kids greeted her with that ad at every single new school she attended.
I can remember and sing, verbatim, an advertising jingle from 1974, yet I often forget what I'm saying in the middle of a conversation. The brain is an amazing organ.
Immediately the old advertising jingle popped into my head, and I blurted out, "Oh! As in Libby's Libby's Libby's on the label label label!"
The poor woman winced and finished the verse: "You will like it like it like on the table table table." She explained that her family moved around a lot when she was growing up and kids greeted her with that ad at every single new school she attended.
I can remember and sing, verbatim, an advertising jingle from 1974, yet I often forget what I'm saying in the middle of a conversation. The brain is an amazing organ.
LAURELS: Conservation awards
Due to the rain and mud, the Buck & Doe Trust had to postpone its annual outdoor breakfast at the Brandywine Conservancy's Laurels Preserve until May 27.
Receiving "Pass the Buck" land-preservation awards at the breakfast were Dean and Laura Richardson (who eased their property), Cathie and Michael Ledyard (who also eased their property), and Janet Sidewater (who already had eased her property, and was also chosen for her work on behalf of the Newlin Open Space Committee, including educational seminars for residents).
Receiving "Pass the Buck" land-preservation awards at the breakfast were Dean and Laura Richardson (who eased their property), Cathie and Michael Ledyard (who also eased their property), and Janet Sidewater (who already had eased her property, and was also chosen for her work on behalf of the Newlin Open Space Committee, including educational seminars for residents).
According to Buck & Doe Trust chair Amy McKenna, the award “is in honor of Frolic Weymouth, fellow
supporters and eased landowners for their foresight and efforts into the land
conservation movement."
UNIONVILLE: Parade for rescued dogs
Kathleen Crompton reminded me that a Rescue Dog Parade will be held at Plantation Field at noon on Wednesday, June 20. The parade, which is open to all, is held each year in conjunction with a horse show, and all the entry fees go to local dog rescues. There will be prizes for the oldest dog, youngest dog, and the dog from farthest away.
"Last year there were 28 dogs," says Kathleen, "and I’m hoping for 50 this year."
I've attended the dog parade for several years now and it is always heartwarming.
Plantation Field is at 387 Green Valley Road in Unionville.
"Last year there were 28 dogs," says Kathleen, "and I’m hoping for 50 this year."
I've attended the dog parade for several years now and it is always heartwarming.
Plantation Field is at 387 Green Valley Road in Unionville.
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
AVONDALE: Another bridge opening delay
The reopening of the State Street bridge in Avondale has been pushed back from May 25 to June 20. According to a report posted on the London Grove Township website about a May 23 progress meeting, PECO Energy took longer than expected to complete its portion of the project. The remaining work includes drainage, paving, and installation of curbs, sidewalks, and guiderails. According to the London Grove report, "The County representatives were clear with the contractor that there will be no more extensions."
The strategically located bridge, owned by Chester County, has been closed for reconstruction since last summer. The project has created a major traffic headache that has plagued motorists not only in Avondale but also in London Grove, West Grove and Penn Townships.
The strategically located bridge, owned by Chester County, has been closed for reconstruction since last summer. The project has created a major traffic headache that has plagued motorists not only in Avondale but also in London Grove, West Grove and Penn Townships.
UNIONVILLE: Tough Mudder survivor
I had the chance to talk to a friend who survived the Tough Mudder extreme athletic competition at Unionville's Plantation Field. She had the good fortune to do the race -- her fourth and, she claims, final one -- on Sunday, May 20, when the sun appeared for the first time in many days. The masochists who competed the day before had had to deal with a steady driving rain and temperatures in the 50s.
Despite the sunshine, she said, the mud was a foot thick throughout the hilly course, which greatly slowed the going and left her ankles aching two days later. It took her and her husband four and a half hours to finish, and because of a longstanding shoulder problem she had to skip several of the obstacles that involved overhead swinging. And unlike previous years, she said, she did not carry her husband through the "carry your partner" sections of the course.
Her favorite obstacle, she said, was one where you are immersed in a pit full of filthy water and have to clamber over triangular, rotating metal barrels. (She actually grinned while describing this.)
Despite the sunshine, she said, the mud was a foot thick throughout the hilly course, which greatly slowed the going and left her ankles aching two days later. It took her and her husband four and a half hours to finish, and because of a longstanding shoulder problem she had to skip several of the obstacles that involved overhead swinging. And unlike previous years, she said, she did not carry her husband through the "carry your partner" sections of the course.
Her favorite obstacle, she said, was one where you are immersed in a pit full of filthy water and have to clamber over triangular, rotating metal barrels. (She actually grinned while describing this.)
WEST MARLBOROUGH: Road rally
On Sunday, June 10, the Stroud Water Research Center
is holding a road rally through the Chester County countryside. Cars of all ages are welcome. Tickets cost $150 per team (driver plus navigator) and include the after-party at an "undisclosed location" (a to-be-announced nature preserve). Tickets are
on sale at the Stroud Center's website.
Registration starts at 1 p.m. June 10; the first car leaves the center at 2:30 p.m.; and the after-party starts at 4:30.
Registration starts at 1 p.m. June 10; the first car leaves the center at 2:30 p.m.; and the after-party starts at 4:30.
JENNERSVILLE: Isn't it romantic?
A young friend who teaches at the Jennersville Y is getting married in August, and before class the other day her fiancé was helping her by wheeling in a cart full of workout mats.
"Wow," I said to him. "Is that part of your job description?"
"Life insurance," he said, with cheerful resignation.
She nodded sagely. I believe this will be a successful marriage.
"Wow," I said to him. "Is that part of your job description?"
"Life insurance," he said, with cheerful resignation.
She nodded sagely. I believe this will be a successful marriage.
WEST MARLBOROUGH: House renovation
Curious people like me are having fun watching the renovation work that's being done on the old stucco house on Newark Road across from Archie's restaurant.
Almost as soon as the "For Sale" sign came down, trucks and workers started showing up to begin the makeover. First old carpets were pulled out, rolled up and stacked on the front porch. There's a small backhoe in the yard. And this evening I saw an old-fashioned white tub and a white fridge sitting on the front porch; I'm assuming they were leaving rather than arriving.
Almost as soon as the "For Sale" sign came down, trucks and workers started showing up to begin the makeover. First old carpets were pulled out, rolled up and stacked on the front porch. There's a small backhoe in the yard. And this evening I saw an old-fashioned white tub and a white fridge sitting on the front porch; I'm assuming they were leaving rather than arriving.
KENNETT: Mary Pat's Provisions
On Tuesday I stopped for lunch at Mary Pat's Provisions, the newest addition to the Liberty Place Market (it's where Nourish used to be). The menu is written on a big blackboard behind the counter and includes all sorts of breakfast and lunch options. Fruit beverages and teas are displayed in big glass tanks at the counter.
My classic BLT came on multigrain bread with hearty slices of bacon and was served on a metal pie plate with potato chips and a pickle. The sandwich was delicious and so big that I took half home.
Sitting at the window at Liberty Place is great fun because you get to watch the passersby along busy State Street. I also got to overhear a worried home seller telling her companion that despite her agent's assurances that her house had plenty of "momentum," no offers were coming in.
My classic BLT came on multigrain bread with hearty slices of bacon and was served on a metal pie plate with potato chips and a pickle. The sandwich was delicious and so big that I took half home.
Sitting at the window at Liberty Place is great fun because you get to watch the passersby along busy State Street. I also got to overhear a worried home seller telling her companion that despite her agent's assurances that her house had plenty of "momentum," no offers were coming in.
EAST MARLBOROUGH: Quaker picnic
Marlborough Friends Meeting will be holding its annual picnic on Sunday, June 3. Meeting starts at 11 a.m., with the picnic to follow at 12:15 p.m. As always, visitors of all faiths are welcome to attend silent worship before the picnic, though you can come just for the picnic. The meetinghouse is at 361 Marlborough Road in the tiny village of Marlboro. Bring a dish to share! I can guarantee you will get a warm greeting; this is a very welcoming group of Quakers.
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
HOUSE TOUR: Hidden Gems
Last call to get your tickets for "Hidden Gems," this spring's Bayard Taylor Home and Garden Tour! This year's event (Saturday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) will include several amazing DuPont family mansions in the Greenville, Del., area, the aptly named "Chateaux Country."
I had the pleasure of writing the descriptions for the tour program, so I got a sneak peak at each one. A couple of the properties are even on the market and can be yours (if you've won the lottery, that is).
Tour tickets are $40 and can be bought at the Kennett Library.
I had the pleasure of writing the descriptions for the tour program, so I got a sneak peak at each one. A couple of the properties are even on the market and can be yours (if you've won the lottery, that is).
Tour tickets are $40 and can be bought at the Kennett Library.
UHS: The After-Prom
After-proms were not "a thing" back in my day; after my senior prom, as I recall, four of us left the Westover Country Club and drove around West Conshohocken searching for one friend's ancestral homestead. It would have helped had we known the address or had a map rather than just chanting, "West Conshohocken shall rise again!"
But nowadays parents pull out all the stops to provide a safe environment where their kids can hang out into the wee hours after the official party winds down.
The UHS PTO's After-Prom on Saturday was nothing short of astonishing. The theme was "The Amazing Race," and each "room" was set up as a separate geographical area, complete with wildly creative décor, food and entertainment.
The school was utterly unrecognizable.
In the UK, Union Jacks and pictures of the newlyweds Harry and Meghan hung on the walls. A Wimbledon table tennis tournament was set up, complete with an elaborate championship bracket (the finals were scheduled for 3:20 a.m.)
In Paris, in addition to a palm reader, a Tarot card reader, and a café (but of course!), there was a guessing game where you had to match photos of UHS employees to famous works of art (we were not very good at it).
Down a dark corridor lined with Egyptian pictographs was the dimly lit movie room (aka the crash room), with lots of comfortable-looking cushions spread out on the floor.
In Tahiti (on regular days known as the Auxiliary Gym), there was tropical foliage, a volleyball net, and a performance stage.
A full casino was set up in the Monte Carlo room, with roulette, poker, and craps tables.
There were plenty of full-sized arcade games, and we heard the unmistakeable fast-paced "click-click" of an air hockey game in vigorous use.
The main gym was full of gigantic inflatables to play on and in. For one you donned a Velcro coat and could hurl yourself at a "sticky" wall.
And the large golden Buddha in "India" -- didn't we recognize that from the set of the spring musical, "The King and I"?
But nowadays parents pull out all the stops to provide a safe environment where their kids can hang out into the wee hours after the official party winds down.
The UHS PTO's After-Prom on Saturday was nothing short of astonishing. The theme was "The Amazing Race," and each "room" was set up as a separate geographical area, complete with wildly creative décor, food and entertainment.
The school was utterly unrecognizable.
In the UK, Union Jacks and pictures of the newlyweds Harry and Meghan hung on the walls. A Wimbledon table tennis tournament was set up, complete with an elaborate championship bracket (the finals were scheduled for 3:20 a.m.)
In Paris, in addition to a palm reader, a Tarot card reader, and a café (but of course!), there was a guessing game where you had to match photos of UHS employees to famous works of art (we were not very good at it).
Down a dark corridor lined with Egyptian pictographs was the dimly lit movie room (aka the crash room), with lots of comfortable-looking cushions spread out on the floor.
In Tahiti (on regular days known as the Auxiliary Gym), there was tropical foliage, a volleyball net, and a performance stage.
A full casino was set up in the Monte Carlo room, with roulette, poker, and craps tables.
There were plenty of full-sized arcade games, and we heard the unmistakeable fast-paced "click-click" of an air hockey game in vigorous use.
The main gym was full of gigantic inflatables to play on and in. For one you donned a Velcro coat and could hurl yourself at a "sticky" wall.
And the large golden Buddha in "India" -- didn't we recognize that from the set of the spring musical, "The King and I"?
GROCERIES: First World problems
If you ever want or need to start a spirited conversation about something other than politics, raise the issue of supermarkets. It's a guaranteed ice-breaker.
Giant, Acme, Wegman's and Whole Foods all have their fans; shoppers are happy to specify, in great detail, why they patronize a particular store (the Kennett, the Jennersville, or the Longwood Giant, for instance).
For one thing, we're such creatures of habit when it comes to shopping.
The other day I decided to bake a batch of my ginger cookies and realized halfway through that I had no molasses in the pantry. For the sake of expediency I dashed out to the closest supermarket, even though it's not my regular one.
You'd think molasses would be in the baking aisle, wouldn't you? No, it was in the cereal aisle, and there was exactly one brand of molasses next to three full rows of maple syrup.
When I shared my irritation on social media, store regulars quickly rose to its defense, arguing that the employees there are great and the deli offers the freshest lunchmeat around.
Back at my own preferred supermarket a few days later, I was in line at the customer service desk to resolve a coupon issue and noticed that both a clerk and a manager were helping a customer fill out his (multiple) lottery tickets. They seemed to be holding a Socratic dialogue on the merits of each number. People started lining up behind me, and as the minutes passed, the guy behind me was getting more and more irritated at this broad definition of "customer service."
"Hey, I need my shoes tied," he muttered to me with heavy sarcasm.
Giant, Acme, Wegman's and Whole Foods all have their fans; shoppers are happy to specify, in great detail, why they patronize a particular store (the Kennett, the Jennersville, or the Longwood Giant, for instance).
For one thing, we're such creatures of habit when it comes to shopping.
The other day I decided to bake a batch of my ginger cookies and realized halfway through that I had no molasses in the pantry. For the sake of expediency I dashed out to the closest supermarket, even though it's not my regular one.
You'd think molasses would be in the baking aisle, wouldn't you? No, it was in the cereal aisle, and there was exactly one brand of molasses next to three full rows of maple syrup.
When I shared my irritation on social media, store regulars quickly rose to its defense, arguing that the employees there are great and the deli offers the freshest lunchmeat around.
Back at my own preferred supermarket a few days later, I was in line at the customer service desk to resolve a coupon issue and noticed that both a clerk and a manager were helping a customer fill out his (multiple) lottery tickets. They seemed to be holding a Socratic dialogue on the merits of each number. People started lining up behind me, and as the minutes passed, the guy behind me was getting more and more irritated at this broad definition of "customer service."
"Hey, I need my shoes tied," he muttered to me with heavy sarcasm.
Saturday, May 19, 2018
VOTING: A low turnout
Turnout figures for the primary election on May 15 was in the mid-teens for most of the local municipalities I checked. The only precinct that came even close to achieving a 50% turnout was Kennett Township's third precinct, home of Kendal at Longwood, the politically active Quaker retirement community. 42% of the residents there voted.
UNIONVILLE: Tough Mudder
Why were there so many school buses on Route 82 this past weekend? They were ferrying athletes from the staging area in Willowdale out to the two-day Tough Mudder obstacle course/endurance event at Cuyler Walker's Plantation Field.
I drove by the sodden course on Saturday morning, when it was raining and in the mid-50s, and the participants were soaking wet and covered with mud -- yet inexplicably smiling and full of energy as they jogged along or crawled through a mud pit.
During one part of the course you were instructed to carry your team-mates. I saw one man hefting his team-mate overhead, like he was pressing a barbell, and two others were carrying a colleague between them, chair-style.
Friends who have done Tough Mudder swear it's actually immense fun and a great team-building experience. I will take their word for it.
I drove by the sodden course on Saturday morning, when it was raining and in the mid-50s, and the participants were soaking wet and covered with mud -- yet inexplicably smiling and full of energy as they jogged along or crawled through a mud pit.
During one part of the course you were instructed to carry your team-mates. I saw one man hefting his team-mate overhead, like he was pressing a barbell, and two others were carrying a colleague between them, chair-style.
Friends who have done Tough Mudder swear it's actually immense fun and a great team-building experience. I will take their word for it.
MASTER'S: In Mandarin. no less
Peter and Clare Geleta of Unionville shared the happy news that their son Peter (UHS class of 2011) passed his oral thesis defense -- conducted in Mandarin Chinese -- to earn his master's degree in finance from the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. His 60-page master's thesis comprised about 31,000 Chinese characters.
Thursday, May 17, 2018
SKILL SETS: The icing on the cake
A local friend who is a professional cake decorator made the best of it when a contractor didn't finish the remodeling work he was supposed to do on her home. Spackling, she found, requires the same light, even touch as spreading frosting, and a pastry bag, it seems, is just the thing for filling nail holes.
CHATHAM: Traffic calming
The new "Village of Chatham" sign that PennDOT installed in the middle of Route 41 certainly didn't last long: within a matter of days only half of it remained ("Age Ham," it read). I suspect a wide or errant southbound vehicle took it out.
Wednesday morning, I saw workers removing the ill-fated sign from the island and planting pink dianthus instead.
The islands were recently installed at both ends of the village in an effort to slow traffic along busy Route 41.
Wednesday morning, I saw workers removing the ill-fated sign from the island and planting pink dianthus instead.
The islands were recently installed at both ends of the village in an effort to slow traffic along busy Route 41.
Monday, May 14, 2018
NEW JERSEY: A time to mourn
I was honored to attend a recent graveside service for a friend's mother in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. The rabbi who conducted the service translated the beautiful Hebrew prayers for us and explained all of the funeral customs.
At the end of the service, he invited us to participate in the traditional filling in of the grave, using a shovel that was passed from mourner to mourner. For the first shovelful of dirt, he used the back of the shovel. He explained that it was less efficient, symbolizing both our need to say goodbye to the deceased person -- and our reluctance to do so.
At the end of the service, he invited us to participate in the traditional filling in of the grave, using a shovel that was passed from mourner to mourner. For the first shovelful of dirt, he used the back of the shovel. He explained that it was less efficient, symbolizing both our need to say goodbye to the deceased person -- and our reluctance to do so.
CHADDS FORD: A new Indian restaurant
Rasa, the pleasant new Indian restaurant in the Painters Crossing shopping center in Chadds Ford, is well worth a visit. We stopped in for dinner and both ordered lamb (lamb biryani for me and lamb Rogan Josh for Dearest Partner) and split an order of garlic naan. The portions were large enough that I had leftovers for lunch for two days.
Word is out about how good the food is; we were there early on a Saturday evening and the place was really filling up, and customers were constantly coming in to pick up takeout orders. A friend who is married to an Indian man said she and her family are regulars and everything they've ordered has been delicious.
Rasa offers plenty of vegetarian, chicken, lamb and seafood appetizers and entrees, and they will adjust the spiciness to suit your palate (it was perfect for me).
Word is out about how good the food is; we were there early on a Saturday evening and the place was really filling up, and customers were constantly coming in to pick up takeout orders. A friend who is married to an Indian man said she and her family are regulars and everything they've ordered has been delicious.
Rasa offers plenty of vegetarian, chicken, lamb and seafood appetizers and entrees, and they will adjust the spiciness to suit your palate (it was perfect for me).
WILLOWDALE: It was Cheshire weather
The Willowdale Steeplechase was enjoyable if soggy this year. Judging by the many empty parking spots, lots of people decided to stay home, but I'm very glad we went.
The fashionistas who attended had to trade in their fancy hats, little summer dresses and heels for umbrellas, Barbour jackets and Dubarry boots, but there were still some lavish tailgate spreads to be seen -- albeit underneath waterproof canopies.
We said hello to lots of hardy friends, visited with politicians at their tent (and ate their food), chatted with Lou Mandich at the antique car display (and ate his food), made friends with lots of dogs and enjoyed watching kids playing in the little creek. The mud clearly didn't bother them a bit.
We arrived just as trumpet player (and West Marlborough resident) Tom Herman was playing the National Anthem.
It was a treat to watch Julie Nafe on Lauren Schock's McCrady's win the Miss Nancy Nicholas sidesaddle race for the second year in a row. The format was a bit different this year: the riders had to stay behind field master Ivan Dowling (Cheshire's huntsman) until the last fence, after which they took off and galloped to the finish. What amazing riders those women are!
The other winners of the day:
1. The Liam Magee amateur race: Brett Owings on Kristian Strangeway's I Am Not Here, trained by Todd Wyatt.
2. The Folly: Jack Doyle on Riverdee Stable's Ebullience, trained by Jonathan Shepherd.
3. The Rose Tree Cup: Graham Watters on Irv Naylor's Stormy Alex, trained by Cyril Murphy.
4. The Willowdale Steeplechase: Hadden Frost on Charlie Fenwick's Doc Cebu, trained by Jack Fisher (same as in 2017).
5. The Landhope Cup, first division: Mark Beecher on Thistledown Farm's Spirit of Shankly, trained by Mark Beecher.
6. The Landhope Cup, second division: Gerard Galligan on Merriebell Stable's Spoiler Alert, trained by William Meister.
7. The Marshall W. Jenney Memorial: Eric Poretz on Frank Bonsal's Stand Down, trained by Joseph Davies.
The fashionistas who attended had to trade in their fancy hats, little summer dresses and heels for umbrellas, Barbour jackets and Dubarry boots, but there were still some lavish tailgate spreads to be seen -- albeit underneath waterproof canopies.
We said hello to lots of hardy friends, visited with politicians at their tent (and ate their food), chatted with Lou Mandich at the antique car display (and ate his food), made friends with lots of dogs and enjoyed watching kids playing in the little creek. The mud clearly didn't bother them a bit.
We arrived just as trumpet player (and West Marlborough resident) Tom Herman was playing the National Anthem.
It was a treat to watch Julie Nafe on Lauren Schock's McCrady's win the Miss Nancy Nicholas sidesaddle race for the second year in a row. The format was a bit different this year: the riders had to stay behind field master Ivan Dowling (Cheshire's huntsman) until the last fence, after which they took off and galloped to the finish. What amazing riders those women are!
The other winners of the day:
1. The Liam Magee amateur race: Brett Owings on Kristian Strangeway's I Am Not Here, trained by Todd Wyatt.
2. The Folly: Jack Doyle on Riverdee Stable's Ebullience, trained by Jonathan Shepherd.
3. The Rose Tree Cup: Graham Watters on Irv Naylor's Stormy Alex, trained by Cyril Murphy.
4. The Willowdale Steeplechase: Hadden Frost on Charlie Fenwick's Doc Cebu, trained by Jack Fisher (same as in 2017).
5. The Landhope Cup, first division: Mark Beecher on Thistledown Farm's Spirit of Shankly, trained by Mark Beecher.
6. The Landhope Cup, second division: Gerard Galligan on Merriebell Stable's Spoiler Alert, trained by William Meister.
7. The Marshall W. Jenney Memorial: Eric Poretz on Frank Bonsal's Stand Down, trained by Joseph Davies.
Saturday, May 12, 2018
WEST MARLBOROUGH: Plants and people
We arrived at the neighborhood spring social (aka the London Grove Friends Meeting Plant Sale) not long after 7 a.m., the official opening time, but Mark and Anna Myers's field was already filled with cars and customers were already lined up at the cashier's station.
We caught up with lots of friends, ate breakfast sandwiches, and snagged some herbs and excellent Rocket Mix snapdragons. All the plants for sale looked very healthy.
Everyone seemed relieved that the morning was cool and overcast rather than either (a) sweltering or (b) pouring, both of which had been predicted.
We caught up with lots of friends, ate breakfast sandwiches, and snagged some herbs and excellent Rocket Mix snapdragons. All the plants for sale looked very healthy.
Everyone seemed relieved that the morning was cool and overcast rather than either (a) sweltering or (b) pouring, both of which had been predicted.
Thursday, May 10, 2018
KENNETT: Domestic enemies
Dearest Partner and I were taking a pleasant stroll through Kennett after dinner when we saw two notices tacked up on a utility pole. The first words that caught my eye on one of them were "Microwave Harassment."
"Why would anyone want to harass their microwave?" I asked in confusion (you can tell I've been spending a lot of time in the kitchen recently). "I mean, what would you say anyway, `You didn't defrost that very well, now, did you'?"
D.P. joined in, offering his own insults: "You call that a beep!" and "I've seen better popcorn poppers at the movie theater!"
He then explained that some conspiracy theorists (including, apparently, those who posted the notices) believe that spy agencies are transmitting microwave energy to gain control over our thoughts for their own world domination purposes.
He heard it on AM radio; it must be true.
"Why would anyone want to harass their microwave?" I asked in confusion (you can tell I've been spending a lot of time in the kitchen recently). "I mean, what would you say anyway, `You didn't defrost that very well, now, did you'?"
D.P. joined in, offering his own insults: "You call that a beep!" and "I've seen better popcorn poppers at the movie theater!"
He then explained that some conspiracy theorists (including, apparently, those who posted the notices) believe that spy agencies are transmitting microwave energy to gain control over our thoughts for their own world domination purposes.
He heard it on AM radio; it must be true.
AVONDALE: State Street bridge update
According to a report presented at the May 2 London Grove Township meeting, the State Street bridge project is on schedule to be finished on May 25. Reopening the strategically located bridge will relieve a major traffic bottleneck that has plagued commuters not only in Avondale but also in London Grove, West Grove and Penn Townships since last summer.
I drove by on May 10 and saw lots of heavy equipment and trucks and about a dozen workers, some standing on the new bridge deck and others digging a ditch.
According to the bridge report on the township's website, "Latest construction meeting was held 4/12/18, project is on schedule for 5/25/18 completion date. Diaphragms were placed 4/10/18 and the bridge deck was poured 04/23/18. The County, Avondale and London Grove continue to work with PECO to elevate any potential delays from the gas line cut-over."
The county's website is less specific, saying only that the bridge will be reopened in "late spring 2018."
I drove by on May 10 and saw lots of heavy equipment and trucks and about a dozen workers, some standing on the new bridge deck and others digging a ditch.
According to the bridge report on the township's website, "Latest construction meeting was held 4/12/18, project is on schedule for 5/25/18 completion date. Diaphragms were placed 4/10/18 and the bridge deck was poured 04/23/18. The County, Avondale and London Grove continue to work with PECO to elevate any potential delays from the gas line cut-over."
The county's website is less specific, saying only that the bridge will be reopened in "late spring 2018."
KENNETT: A dark chocolate fan
A little guy was shrieking his head off outside the Kennett Y this morning. His mom gave me an apologetic look as I walked by. "He's very, very angry with me," she said ruefully.
Why is that? I asked.
She explained that she had been feeding the child pieces of Peppermint Pattie and eventually . . . ran out and had to stop.
Who could blame the poor kid for protesting?
Why is that? I asked.
She explained that she had been feeding the child pieces of Peppermint Pattie and eventually . . . ran out and had to stop.
Who could blame the poor kid for protesting?
Sunday, May 6, 2018
SWARTHMORE: Music, politics and astrology
On May 5 we went to the WaR3House 3 in Swarthmore to see Francis Dunnery perform a solo show, just him and his acoustic guitar.
The day before the show was the first time I had heard of the British singer-songwriter, although I later found out that he played at the Kennett Flash as recently as last autumn. But the audience members around us knew all the words and sang along, and several begged for him to play their requests.
Between songs Dunnery talked about his interests in astrology, psychology and politics. A revolutionary time as world-shaking as the late 18th century is coming soon, he predicted. He said everyone suffers a major trauma between ages 3 and 6, and it sets the course for their lives (the man behind me grumbled, "I paid a lot of money to forget about that").
Dunnery's political advice, which basically amounted to "Don't fall for the polarizing hype," got a lukewarm reaction from the college-town audience. This amused him.
The singer also told some hilarious stories about his wild days as a rock star with a 1980s band called "It Bites." Apparently you don't know what hard drinking is until you've partied with the heavy metal band Motörhead. Dunnery said he knew he was in trouble when Steve Jones, a guitarist for the punk-rock band the Sex Pistols, showed up at his hotel-room door and literally dragged him to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. (At this anecdote Dearest Partner was laughing so hard he got a stitch in his side.)
I'd never been to the WaR3house 3 before, a tiny venue down an alley off Park Avenue. It's like walking into the prop closet of a community theater, full of bric-a-brac, fencing masks, 1960s lighting fixtures, license plates, old concert posters, framed portraits, bikes hanging from the ceiling, and old library card catalogs. There's room for maybe 30 people to sit on wooden folding chairs; everyone else has to stand.
The day before the show was the first time I had heard of the British singer-songwriter, although I later found out that he played at the Kennett Flash as recently as last autumn. But the audience members around us knew all the words and sang along, and several begged for him to play their requests.
Between songs Dunnery talked about his interests in astrology, psychology and politics. A revolutionary time as world-shaking as the late 18th century is coming soon, he predicted. He said everyone suffers a major trauma between ages 3 and 6, and it sets the course for their lives (the man behind me grumbled, "I paid a lot of money to forget about that").
Dunnery's political advice, which basically amounted to "Don't fall for the polarizing hype," got a lukewarm reaction from the college-town audience. This amused him.
The singer also told some hilarious stories about his wild days as a rock star with a 1980s band called "It Bites." Apparently you don't know what hard drinking is until you've partied with the heavy metal band Motörhead. Dunnery said he knew he was in trouble when Steve Jones, a guitarist for the punk-rock band the Sex Pistols, showed up at his hotel-room door and literally dragged him to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. (At this anecdote Dearest Partner was laughing so hard he got a stitch in his side.)
I'd never been to the WaR3house 3 before, a tiny venue down an alley off Park Avenue. It's like walking into the prop closet of a community theater, full of bric-a-brac, fencing masks, 1960s lighting fixtures, license plates, old concert posters, framed portraits, bikes hanging from the ceiling, and old library card catalogs. There's room for maybe 30 people to sit on wooden folding chairs; everyone else has to stand.
Friday, May 4, 2018
WEST MARLBOROUGH: The Plant Sale
"See you at the Plant Sale!" I said to two neighbors as I was leaving the township meeting the other night. They didn't need to ask what plant sale I meant; it was, of course, the one held every spring under the Penn Oak at London Grove Friends Meeting. It's one of my favorite days of the year because they have such great plants and I get to see so many friends and neighbors, either shopping or volunteering.
The sale runs from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12, rain or shine. London Grove Meeting is at the intersection of Newark Road and Route 926 (Street Road).
This year, the minute I arrive, even before I start socializing, I am going to the annuals tent to buy my Rocket snapdragons. They are the best and are available nowhere else that I've found. The Plant Sale also has beautiful hanging baskets, vegetables, herbs, geraniums, perennials and groundcovers, and in the social hall there are refreshments and a bake sale to benefit the kindergarten.
The sale runs from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12, rain or shine. London Grove Meeting is at the intersection of Newark Road and Route 926 (Street Road).
This year, the minute I arrive, even before I start socializing, I am going to the annuals tent to buy my Rocket snapdragons. They are the best and are available nowhere else that I've found. The Plant Sale also has beautiful hanging baskets, vegetables, herbs, geraniums, perennials and groundcovers, and in the social hall there are refreshments and a bake sale to benefit the kindergarten.
KENNETT SQUARE: Old and New Kennett
Two old friends and I met for coffee on Wednesday morning and spent pretty much the whole morning catching up (work deadlines? what are those?).
It helped that we chose such a pleasant and convenient spot for our rendezvous: Philter, the coffee shop on West State Street in downtown Kennett.
For a while we were reminiscing about Kennett back in the 1970s, when stores like Resnick's, Sheldon's and Newberry's were still around. And was there a pet store "uptown" at one time?
Philter is quite a bustling place: Claire Murray and Mary Hutchins of Historic Kennett Square were sitting outside; architect Dennis Melton was holding an informal meeting with three or four people; the man at the next table was reviewing the proofs of his book on the Jersey Shore; and other customers were just relaxing and reading the newspaper.
Even Philter's friendly owner, Chris Thompson, stopped by our table to say hi.
It helped that we chose such a pleasant and convenient spot for our rendezvous: Philter, the coffee shop on West State Street in downtown Kennett.
For a while we were reminiscing about Kennett back in the 1970s, when stores like Resnick's, Sheldon's and Newberry's were still around. And was there a pet store "uptown" at one time?
Philter is quite a bustling place: Claire Murray and Mary Hutchins of Historic Kennett Square were sitting outside; architect Dennis Melton was holding an informal meeting with three or four people; the man at the next table was reviewing the proofs of his book on the Jersey Shore; and other customers were just relaxing and reading the newspaper.
Even Philter's friendly owner, Chris Thompson, stopped by our table to say hi.
VOTING: Primary is coming up
Just a heads up that Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 15. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. You need to be a registered Republican or Democrat to vote in the primaries (unless there's a ballot initiative). Usually the turnout is light on primary day, although voting is always something of a social event here in West Marlborough, where we cast our votes in the township garage and it's not unheard of to have a voter stop by on horseback.
SMALL TOWN: Social capital
The healthy sense of community in our area got a nice shout-out in an April 25 "Washington Post" op-ed piece by John A. Burtka IV, who lives in downtown Kennett Square. He wrote:
"Not long ago in my town of Kennett Square, Pa., the owner of our local bookstore for more than 40 years, Thomas Macaluso, died at the age of 85. A sign on the door of his shop reads, “Loving Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, and Community Friend. Over the years Tom was a fixture in the town of Kennett,” and goes on to describe all the local charities and civic associations where he volunteered.
"In our living room, prints from his store are a daily reminder of Thomas’s presence. Shortly after his passing, we were dining at a local restaurant on bingo night, and the bingo caller raised a glass in honor of a life well lived. Everybody knew whom he was talking about. Ask yourself, do you know the owners of the stores where you shop? Would you mourn their absence?"
He continues: "If we want to strengthen our country, we must strengthen the fabric of civil society in our towns and neighborhoods . . . Limiting the size of the administrative state is certainly a necessary ingredient toward achieving this goal. However, when financially possible, people should also reinvest their dollars into locally owned institutions — vigorously defending community and cultural heritage against the stifling conformity of our national monoculture."
John is the executive editor of "American Conservative" magazine.
"Not long ago in my town of Kennett Square, Pa., the owner of our local bookstore for more than 40 years, Thomas Macaluso, died at the age of 85. A sign on the door of his shop reads, “Loving Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, and Community Friend. Over the years Tom was a fixture in the town of Kennett,” and goes on to describe all the local charities and civic associations where he volunteered.
"In our living room, prints from his store are a daily reminder of Thomas’s presence. Shortly after his passing, we were dining at a local restaurant on bingo night, and the bingo caller raised a glass in honor of a life well lived. Everybody knew whom he was talking about. Ask yourself, do you know the owners of the stores where you shop? Would you mourn their absence?"
He continues: "If we want to strengthen our country, we must strengthen the fabric of civil society in our towns and neighborhoods . . . Limiting the size of the administrative state is certainly a necessary ingredient toward achieving this goal. However, when financially possible, people should also reinvest their dollars into locally owned institutions — vigorously defending community and cultural heritage against the stifling conformity of our national monoculture."
John is the executive editor of "American Conservative" magazine.
KENNETT SQUARE: Dining in the street
The first "Third Thursday" open-air dining event of 2018 will be from 6 to 9 p.m. May 17. State Street will be closed for a few blocks in the center of Kennett Square so that Grain Craft Bar & Kitchen, Verbena, La Verona, Lily's, and Portabello's can set up tables outdoors and serve dinner in the middle of the street. This event always attracts a lot of folks, so you might want to call the restaurant for reservations (except for Grain, which will be first-come, first-served). Parking is free after 5 p.m. in the parking garage. "Third Thursday" will continue through September.
Thursday, May 3, 2018
WEST MARLBOROUGH: Slow down!
At 8 a.m. Wednesday, May 2, I was delighted to see a state trooper with a radar gun parked in a driveway along Newark Road between Street Road and Upland Road (Routes 926 and 842). Motorists along that stretch of road routinely ignore both the 40-mph speed limit and the "no passing" signs, as well as the stop signs at both intersections.
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
PARADES: Marking Memorial Day
Southern Chester County is marking the upcoming Memorial Day holiday with parades through town and services.
West Grove's Memorial Day parade, organized by John Ruffini, will kick off at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 26, at Avon-Grove High School. It proceeds north on Prospect Avenue and ends with a service at the Memorial Garden on East Evergreen Street near Brothers Pizza.
Marshallton's Memorial Day parade, sponsored by the Marshallton Conservation Trust, will begin at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 27, rain or shine. Participants should gather at the Goddard School parking lot at 12:45 p.m. Kids participating in the decorated bicycle contest should register there as well. The parade enters West Strasburg Road from the alley next to the "Merchant of Menace" store and heads east to the Marshallton United Methodist Church, where the Memorial Day ceremonies will be held.
And Kennett Square's Memorial Day parade, organized by Bill Taylor, is set for 10 a.m. to noon Monday, May 28. The parade starts at Kennett High School and proceeds to South Street, turns north toward the center of town on South Union Street and proceeds to East Cypress Street, goes a block east and turns onto South Broad Street, then turns west onto State Street, and finally turns north onto Union Street. (Our time-honored viewing spot is on North Union Street near the parking garage). The parade ends with a service at the Union Hill Cemetery on Route 82, north of town.
West Grove's Memorial Day parade, organized by John Ruffini, will kick off at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 26, at Avon-Grove High School. It proceeds north on Prospect Avenue and ends with a service at the Memorial Garden on East Evergreen Street near Brothers Pizza.
Marshallton's Memorial Day parade, sponsored by the Marshallton Conservation Trust, will begin at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 27, rain or shine. Participants should gather at the Goddard School parking lot at 12:45 p.m. Kids participating in the decorated bicycle contest should register there as well. The parade enters West Strasburg Road from the alley next to the "Merchant of Menace" store and heads east to the Marshallton United Methodist Church, where the Memorial Day ceremonies will be held.
And Kennett Square's Memorial Day parade, organized by Bill Taylor, is set for 10 a.m. to noon Monday, May 28. The parade starts at Kennett High School and proceeds to South Street, turns north toward the center of town on South Union Street and proceeds to East Cypress Street, goes a block east and turns onto South Broad Street, then turns west onto State Street, and finally turns north onto Union Street. (Our time-honored viewing spot is on North Union Street near the parking garage). The parade ends with a service at the Union Hill Cemetery on Route 82, north of town.
WEST MARLBOROUGH: A new committee
At their May meeting, the West Marlborough supervisors agreed to form a five-member advisory committee to explore how the township should fund local fire and ambulance services. The members will be charged with gathering data and making recommendations to the supervisors.
The township's engineer, Fran Greene, said that at a recent statewide conference he attended a roundtable discussion about the problems that small townships like West Marlborough are having in funding emergency services.
"It's an issue many municipalities face," he said.
The issue is a complicated one, because many local emergency services are facing rising costs, decreasing numbers of volunteers and dwindling donations from the public.
The township's engineer, Fran Greene, said that at a recent statewide conference he attended a roundtable discussion about the problems that small townships like West Marlborough are having in funding emergency services.
"It's an issue many municipalities face," he said.
The issue is a complicated one, because many local emergency services are facing rising costs, decreasing numbers of volunteers and dwindling donations from the public.
MAIN LINE: A hoppin' joint
The other day I was at a funeral at the Church of St. Monica in Berwyn (what a magnificent church!), waiting in line to greet the widow and her sons. The line was not moving, so the folks around me were making small talk.
They hit pay dirt when one fellow remarked that six weeks ago he had undergone knee-replacement surgery. Well, it turns out the man next to him had undergone the same procedure a year ago. They compared their experiences in detail: their pain level, their medications, their range of motion, their surgeons, where they had their procedures, where they did their physical therapy, whether their golf game had suffered.
The woman in front of me joined in: she recognized the name of one of the surgeons they mentioned and said her husband is considering going to him. Advice flowed forth.
In some circles, it seems, arthroplasty is replacing the weather as an ice-breaker.
They hit pay dirt when one fellow remarked that six weeks ago he had undergone knee-replacement surgery. Well, it turns out the man next to him had undergone the same procedure a year ago. They compared their experiences in detail: their pain level, their medications, their range of motion, their surgeons, where they had their procedures, where they did their physical therapy, whether their golf game had suffered.
The woman in front of me joined in: she recognized the name of one of the surgeons they mentioned and said her husband is considering going to him. Advice flowed forth.
In some circles, it seems, arthroplasty is replacing the weather as an ice-breaker.
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