Stop the presses! People are dialing back their Thanksgiving plans this year! I know, that’s pretty obvious, but we thought it would be interesting to get a more precise sense of what Swarthmoreans are doing, hence our latest Unscientific Survey.
A Week of Weed Wackiness and Wonder (for the Wealthy)
On Election Day, New Jersey voters legalized the use of marijuana for recreational purposes. The next day, Delaware County Council unanimously approved making the possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana a public health violation that could result in a $50 fine. The day after that, a group of guys in Chester were arrested, having been caught with a few pounds of weed (and some guns).
Key Esherick Pieces to Stay in Rose Valley
The Rose Valley Museum at Thunderbird Lodge was on both sides of the gavel last month, hosting one auction to raise funds to purchase pieces by renowned American artist and furniture maker Wharton Esherick, then using those funds to bid on his works at another.
Working to Overcome Challenges, Schools Stay Open (for Now)
Schools in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District will stay open for in-person instruction — at least for now — and district teachers are working extremely hard. These were the two main take-aways from Monday’s school board meeting.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood for Wesley AME
On a crystal clear morning last Saturday, with the early sun casting a dramatic spotlight on the gold and red leaves of the autumn trees, a band of volunteers descended upon Wesley AME Church and immediately got to work disrupting the hushed stillness of Swarthmore’s Bowdoin Avenue. It was all part of the Garden Community Work Party hosted jointly by Wesley AME Church members and the Swarthmore Horticultural Society, aimed at improving and beautifying the church grounds.
A Year of Unknowns
When we started doing virtual learning in the spring, it felt like a dream to not have to go to school. Time went on though, and I began to miss events and activities. Now, with the school year starting up, what was once a dream of not having school for a couple weeks has turned into a nightmare of never-ending disappointments.
Lost Mojo
When we started doing virtual learning in the spring, it felt like a dream to not have to go to school. Time went on though, and I began to miss events and activities. Now, with the school year starting up, what was once a dream of not having school for a couple weeks has turned into a nightmare of never-ending disappointments.
Calls for More Opening Amid COVID Uptick
COVID-19 cases are rising in Delaware County. That uncomfortable fact hung over every part of the October 26 Wallingford-Swarthmore School Board meeting. Five cases of COVID-19 were recorded in district schools and buses during the week of October 19. One case was in Strath Haven High School, one was in Strath Haven Middle School, and three were on school buses.
Uncertainty
The stakes of this election feel immense. Whatever the outcome, many people will doubtless be furious and despairing. And COVID-19 will continue to stalk us. And Black men and women will continue to be killed in disproportionate numbers by the pandemic and the police alike. Whatever deliverance we’re waiting for, we’re unlikely to find it in the election results. It will take a tremendous amount of work to unravel the patterns of animosity and fear surrounding us.
Council Weighs 2021 Tax Hike
Swarthmore residents may see a 2.25%, 2.5%, or 2.75% tax increase next year – or they may see no increase at all. Various budget plans were discussed at Monday’s Swarthmore Borough Council work session, with a final decision scheduled for the November 9 legislative session.
Invasive Plants
A couple weeks ago, several of us toured Little Crum Creek Park. A large portion of the tour focused on invasive plants and how they are impacting the natural areas of the park. As a gardener, I think it is valuable to have a working knowledge of invasive plants. With knowledge, our actions can help remedy their damage; conversely, in ignorance, we can inadvertently contribute to the problem.
Children’s Art Brightens Fall Gardens
Colorful works of art are popping up in Swarthmore’s public gardens. These totems, scarecrows, and other folk-art pieces are the work of the young children at Swarthmore Friends Nursery School. Adjusting to changes required by COVID-19, the school launched an outdoor-only program for the fall.
Making the Best of the School Situation
Whether enrolled in the hybrid instructional model where students attend in-person school two days a week, or in the completely virtual Online Academy, district children and their families are struggling this year.
Boo-est in Show
Congratulations to the winners of the 2020 Best-Decorated Halloween House Contests in Nether Providence and Swarthmore
Recycle Election Signs Until November 13
Now that the election is over, it is time to take down all those lawn signs. To reduce some of the waste produced during the election season, A Few Steps is organizing a collection for the metal wickets at the Swarthmore Recycling Center until November 13.
Something to Read: ‘The Indoor Water Gardener’s How-To Handbook’
As the weather turns cold, and many outdoor plants settle into hibernation, it seems natural to put off thoughts of growing anything until the spring. But the change in season doesn’t mean we must stop gardening.