Louise Coffin submitted a photograph of a dreadful infestation of spotted lanternflies which she reported was “One swarm of many noted on a maple tree on Dartmouth Avenue.” If you see the flies (actually tree hoppers that can fly short distances) and/or their egg masses, try to bring yourself to smash them. Info on these invasive pests and the damage they do.
Wallingford-Swarthmore School Board Report
Students and families in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District are heartbroken with the recent passing of Strath Haven High School junior Hallie Jackson. On Monday, during SHHS’s fourth block, around 1 p.m., all teachers received an email to read to their classes. The email stated that a student, Hallie Jackson, had passed away and that guidance counselors would be available to anyone who needed to talk.
In a message to the community which she read at Monday’s WSSD school board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Lisa Palmer said, “Our thoughts and sympathies are with [Hallie’s] family and her friends.” She said that the school district has established support centers in the middle and high school. These centers have been staffed with guidance counselors, school psychologists, and members of the crisis intervention team and will be made available to all students. Dr. Palmer encourages those whose students need additional support to contact the school office, principal, or guidance counselors. A resource guide for those that need help will be made available to the community through the district website. Dr. Palmer encouraged the community to keep Hallie and her family in their prayers.
Sunday’s Makers Market Brings a Buzz to Swarthmore
The Fall 2019 Swarthmore Makers Market unfurls on Park Avenue and S. Chester Road in front of the Inn at Swarthmore on Sunday, November 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Twice per year since 2015, the Makers Market gathers together local artisans and their handmade creations in an effort to promote shopping locally and supporting local artists, many of whom live right here in Swarthmore.
Celebrating George Crumb at Swarthmore and Haverford
Born 90 years ago this fall, George Crumb has long been recognized as one of America’s greatest composers. This fall, Crumb is being celebrated at several venues in the Philadelphia area, where he has spent much of his career as a composer and a teacher. Two local Crumb-centered concerts, this weekend and next, invite music lovers to explore and celebrate the long career and compositions of this towering figure.
Playing with Brushes?
Paul Downie, executive director of the Community Arts Center in Wallingford, is also a professional musician who has played drums and sung in the Philadelphia area for 20 years. Coincident with that anniversary is the release of Paul’s new album, In the Moment.
Two New Shows Open at List
Opening next Thursday at the List Gallery of Swarthmore College will be two exhibitions running concurrently through December 15: “Jan Baltzell: Drawings” and “Sue Hettmansperger: Iterations: Painting and Collage.” Both artists will lecture about their work and engage in discussion on Thursday, November 7, at 4:30 p.m. in the Lang Performing Arts Center Cinema. A List Gallery reception will follow: 5:30–7:00 p.m. These events are free and open to the public.
Are You Collecting, or Hoarding?
Senior Community Services’ Chester Senior Center, in partnership with Merakey, will host a hoarding education presentation on Thursday, November 7, at 11:15 a.m., at 721 Hayes Street in Chester. The session will be facilitated by mental health professional Sharon White, MSS, LCSW, Program Director of Merakey.
Get the Dope on Medical Marijuana
Dozens of medical conditions are known to be remedied by medical marijuana, now legal in the state of Pennsylvania. On Thursday, November 14, at 12:30 p.m., Dr. Kimberlee Park will discuss the benefits of medical marijuana and identify the 23 illnesses and conditions which can be legally treated by prescriptions for medical marijuana in Pennsylvania.
Phil Weinstein Probes ‘Soul-Error’
“Soul-error” is the essayist Montaigne’s memorable term for the mind’s altering relation to objects and others in time and space. The concept will be at the heart of an extensive talk by Philip Weinstein, Swarthmore College Professor Emeritus of English Literature on Thursday, November 7, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Dr. Joni Carley Speaks Truth about Power
Media resident Dr. Joni Carley recently published The Alchemy of Power, a book which combines foundational research and universal wisdom to develop strategies for leaders. Carley‘s work explores the metaphysical principles used by visionary and “alchemical” leaders to produce results that exceed norms and expectations and organizations and groups.
Q&A: Candidates for Judge of Common Pleas
On November 5th in Delaware County, three seats on county council, six judgeships, and the District Attorney’s office are on the countywide ballot. The Court of Common Pleas has the authority to hear all varieties of cases within Delaware County. Judicial terms run for ten years. We asked both Democratic and Republican candidates what they see their roles as, and what makes them equipped to do the job.
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Paper Trail Catches Fire
Who says people don’t get excited about newspapers anymore? Some Swarthmore residents are paying particular attention to papers delivered to their doorsteps recently without their say-so. On several blocks in the borough, subscribers to the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Delaware County Daily Times reported finding copies of News Corp papers — the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post — bagged in orange sleeves with printed inserts assailing the Democratic Party as a socialist and racist institution. Some are not happy to have the extra reading material.
Irish Peacemaker Pádraig Ó Tuama Offers Poetry & Prayer
On Monday, October 28, Pendle Hill will host Irish poet and peacemaker Pádraig Ó Tuama as he explores poems that deepen the language of the heart in troubled times, in a free evening talk, open to the public.
It’s Drag Queen Story Time at Trinity Church
Balena Canto will be presenting a Drag Queen Story Time on Sunday, November 3, at 3:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. The stories will be tailored to young children, but everyone is invited, and welcome to come in costume if they’d like!
D.A. Q&A
The Swarthmorean asked five questions of the major party candidates for District Attorney in the November 5 general election. Here are the responses from the Republican incumbent Katayoun Copeland.
Smokin’ Good: Save November 17 for Barbecue Cook-Off
Circle the afternoon of Sunday, November 17, on your Fall festival calendar. That’s the date when The Swarthmorean presents its first barbecue cook-off in the alley next to waR3house3, 100 Park Avenue, Suite WH3. Between 3 and 8 p.m., there will be beef, pork, and who knows what other forms of meaty goodness on the grills of ten local amateur BBQ masters as they compete for Swarthmore’s highest grilling honor. If you want to be one of them, act quickly! The cost to enter is $50.
DCYO and YMO Set Fall Youth Concerts
The Delaware County Youth Orchestra and the Young Musicians Orchestra have announced the Fall concerts of their 2019-2020 season.
Commanding Performances for Young Pianists
All over the state, young musicians who study with members of the Pennsylvania Music Teachers’ Association have auditioned this month for the honor of being presented in a Showcase Recital at Penn State University. All of the students of Swarthmore piano teacher Donna Kay Jones who were in the area on October 13 entered the audition, and all were selected to play at Penn State University on November 23, 2019.
Police Department Adds Officer and Technology
In its two October meetings, Swarthmore Borough Council approved several measures which should make the borough less attractive to speeders, and safer for all residents. Council members voted to approve the conditional offer of employment to Folcroft resident George Dunn as a patrol officer, gave the go-ahead to purchase two solar-powered radar speed signs, and adopted standards for hardscaping in the borough zoning code.
Make Tracks to Panther Pajama Run
The Foundation for Wallingford-Swarthmore Schools invites all local runners and walkers to enter its 2019 Panther Pajama Run on Saturday, November 9. This year‘s event raises funds for the Foundation’s newest initiative: Reading for Education, Acceptance, and Diversity — READ — which aims to upgrade and increase diversity in WSSD schools’ library collections.