Trinity Episcopal Church invites the community to a special event on Wednesday, September 25, at 6:30 p.m.: its Celebration of a New Ministry, when the Reverend Dr. Edward E. B. Thompson will be formally installed as rector.
Delco Master Gardeners Plan Fall Fest
Garden lovers, unite — and come to the 16th annual fall fest put on by the Delaware County Master Gardeners at Smedley Park at Baltimore Pike and the Blue Route. September 28 is a full day, during which you can learn about your garden and the green world around you, pick up practical horticultural techniques, and enjoy shopping for plants, tools, and home-baked goods.
Wildlife Sightings This Week: September 13-19, 2019
I was hoping to build on last week’s warbler report, but my only warbler observation this week was one American redstart in my yard. I also saw red-eyed vireos in both the Crum Woods meadow and the Saul Wildlife Preserve in Rose Valley, and the northern water snake basking in the stream bank rocks in the Saul Wildlife Preserve (photo online). Also in the Saul Wildlife Preserve, Chris Bourke saw a common garter snake on September 8.
Play More, Sleep Right, Learn Better
The Wallingford-Swarthmore administration has extended an invitation for interested parents to join the task force that will explore the issue of adolescent sleep and the consequences of sleep deprivation and the possibility of delaying school start times. Meanwhile, in a move likely to be celebrated by 3rd graders throughout the district, the School Board voted 8-0 at its September 9 meeting to eliminate loss of recess as a penalty for student misconduct.
The Hunt For a Vacation Home
The idea of a second home — at the shore, on a lake, or in the mountains — has a certain appeal. But my husband Greg Brown and I have studiously avoided purchasing such a place, thinking that once we do, we’ll be stuck going to that same place over and over again instead of travelling. However, that doesn’t keep us from checking out the real estate in fun places we visit! This summer we made a car trip to western North Carolina where we did look at some homes, in case we ever change our minds.
Swarthmorean Summer Travel Series
By Linton Stables
Jewish and Muslim Leaders Talk Peace-Building in the Middle East
Instead of being used to justify injustice and violence, how can our religious traditions be used to promote inclusive justice and genuine reconciliation? Imam Yahya Hendi and Dr. Yehezkel Landau offer their practical insights based on decades of experience as religious peacebuilders in the Middle East and North America.
Swarthmore Is Ready for 100
Swarthmore Borough Council Update
Swarthmore Borough Council acted on several matters that promise to make the borough a healthier place to live. With several members of the Sierra Club‘s team in attendance, Council adopted Resolution 2019 -05 - Sierra Club Ready for 100. This resolution commits Swarthmore to join hundreds of other U.S. municipalities in resolving to attain 100% renewable electricity use in all homes, businesses, and government buildings within the borough (not just municipal government) by 2030.
Stress Balls, Indeed!
On Monday, Jack Stollsteimer, Democratic party candidate for Delaware County District Attorney, called for an investigation into District Attorney Kat Copeland, saying: “DA Copeland has spent more than $75,000 in county funds on giveaway items branded with her name that have no legitimate law enforcement use. Fly-swatters, backscratchers, stress balls and nail files are traditionally used as giveaway items for political campaigns.”
Express Yourself at SPL
Swarthmore Public Library welcomes you to its writers’ workshop group and hosts a free open painting session with watercolors.
Save the Date for Fall Fair at SPC
Saturday, October 5, is the date of the much anticipated Swarthmore Presbyterian Church Fall Fair. Come find treasures of all sorts including housewares, books, linens and collectibles and antiques. The array of food is eclectic and delicious.
School Board Reporter Wanted
Want to be a regular contributor to the Swarthmorean? We need a new school board reporter. You’ll report on WSSD board meetings, usually about an hour long; usually two Mondays each month — write up what you hear, and send it in the next day. We pay, though modestly, and you get the byline.
Shutterbugs Arise!
Swarthmore Friends of the Arts invites all photographers age 18 and older and living in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District to participate in the “Celebrate Local Photographers” group exhibition to be held at Swarthmore Borough Hall.
Helen Kate Furness Free Library Programs Focus on Nature
The Helen Kate Furness Free Library will offer several nature-focused programs in the coming week.
Wildlife Sightings This Week: August 30 - September 12, 2019
Hey-ho, fellow nature enthusiasts, the fall warbler migration is finally upon us! Warblers are this correspondent’s favorite birding quarry. Of the roughly two dozen common Eastern United States species, only a few nest in our community. But come spring and fall, a steady stream of specimens pass through on their migratory routes.
First Amendment on the Agenda for Constitution Day Talk
In its October 2019 term, the Supreme Court will consider whether language in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (“because of . . . sex”) encompasses discrimination based on sexual orientation. Daniel Korobkin of the Swarthmore College class of 2002 will speak at Swarthmore on Monday, September 16 about these issues for Constitution Day (officially recognized on September 17).
Families Running aHEAD of Cancer
The McGowan and Greto families have been dealt a card that no one wants in their hands: a cancer diagnosis. The two Delaware County families will be participating in the HEADstrong Foundation’s Running aHEAD of Cancer 5k in Swarthmore on Sunday, September 22. Each has its own personal ties to the foundation and reason for making a team.
Living a Rock and Roll Dream
Swarthmorean (and Swarthmorean co-publisher) Greg Hoy traveled up to the Catskills of New York to participate in a rock and roll dream — the “Three of a Perfect Pair” music camp hosted by members of legendary progressive rock group King Crimson. Bonus slideshows and videos included.
Swarthmorean Summer Travel Series
By Greg Hoy
Order Street Trees Now for Fall Planting
A variety of street trees is now available from Swarthmore’s Street Tree Committee to borough residents who wish to add beauty and value to their properties this year. The ordering deadline is Tuesday, September 24, for a limited number of trees, all available at the bargain price of $125, including planting and mulching.
Players Club of Swarthmore Season Opens with Mamma Mia
For its opening show of the 2019-2020 season, The Players Club of Swarthmore presents Mamma Mia, a feel-good musical comedy woven around many of ABBA’s greatest hits, featuring music and lyrics by Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus and book by Catherine Johnson. Mamma Mia runs from Friday, September 13, through Saturday, September 28.
Friday Night Game to Honor Haven’s First Championship Team
Twenty years ago, Strath Haven High School won the first of two consecutive class AAA state football championships, riding the crest of an incredible wave of success that also included 94 straight District One victories, and Central League and District One championships every year from 1996 through 2003. Both past and future football glories are on the minds of the founders of the Haven Gridiron Club, which was recently formed by alumni and parents of current team members, not just to celebrate the glory days, but also to contribute to future successes.