A selection of movies to watch this Valentine’s Day weekend, ranging from an animated family movie to a sci-fi romantic comedy.
Divided Community Seeks to Influence School Board on Reopening
Multiple competing petitions and social media posts reflect the deep divisions in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District about when and how schools should reopen for more in-person instruction. We talk to hard-hit parents and worried teachers about their hopes and fears.
How They Met: 2021 Edition
Members of the Swarthmorean community share their love stories for our annual Valentine's Day issue.
Street Tree Sale, Spring 2021
Young trees are now available from the Swarthmore Borough’s Tree Committee for residents who wish to plant a new street tree this spring, or to replace one that has been lost. Only a limited number of trees are available.
Love of My Life
Associate Editor Satya Nelms recalls how she first met her husband, and talks about the Valentine’s Day traditions they now share with their children.
Wildlife Observations: 2020 Roundup (Plus a Rare Hawk)
Swarthmorean contributor Robert Scott lists every species mentioned in this column in 2020, and reports on sightings of a special red-tailed hawk.
Nature Nooks
On Christmas Eve, a large bough fell from a hemlock tree in Swarthmore’s Umoja Park. Several park neighbors wrote in to describe how children have been using the branches as natural play spaces. We asked Swarthmorean readers to write and tell us about other small natural spaces around town that you or your friends or relatives have played in. A few of you did.
Who Cares About Hank Aaron?
Henry Aaron died last month at the age of 86. He played his last game 45 years ago. There’s nothing named after him to keep his memory at the top of our minds. Why should anyone care about Hank Aaron?
Year of the Ox
February 12 marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year celebration. With big celebrations off the table because of COVID, families in our community are celebrating in smaller ways.
Wallingford Developer Buys Borough Properties for $4.41 Mil
Jason Kilpatrick has purchased three major downtown Swarthmore properties from the Pastuszek Company for $4.41 million. The Wallingford resident and entrepreneur talks about how he got into real estate, why he loves Swarthmore, and his vision of the future.
Didn’t We Just Have Black History Month?
Columnist Stefan Roots reflects on how much Black history was made in 2020 and recommends finding your own Black History Month icons.
Unscientific Survey: Presidential Priorities
We asked you which of the many pressing matters facing President Joe Biden is most important. Here’s what you said.
Something to Read: ‘Caste’
Isabel Wilkerson’s award-winning first book, “The Warmth of Other Suns,” has long been on my “to be read” list. But I’ll be honest: I was intimidated by its heft.
‘HOME’ Exhibition Opening Reception
The Community Arts Center presents “HOME,” a juried exhibition featuring two- and three-dimensional work by over 70 local artists who have interpreted the theme in a variety of ways.
Super Bowl Eats
Several Swarthmore restaurants are preparing Super Bowl specials. Here are a few options for takeout.
New Town Center Coordinator and Gun Safety at Council
Swarthmore Town Center announced that Sarah Matthews is the nonprofit’s new coordinator. One of Matthews’ first tasks will be creating guidelines for the parklets, which are currently authorized to run through March 31. Also, many local police departments store firearms for people concerned that they are a danger to themselves. Swarthmore also provides this service.
Lee Awbrey’s Winding Road to Delco PD’s Office
Lee Awbrey of Rutledge became second in command in the Delaware County public defender’s office last fall. This article takes a look at the circuitous path that led her there, and what she’s hoping to accomplish.
There Is Only Us: Re-entry in Delaware County
In a new monthly column about criminal justice in Delaware County, county public defender Chris Welsh discusses the reentry into society of people who have previously been incarcerated in Delco.
Board Tables Calendar Discussion, Eyes Elementary Reopening
At the January 25 meeting of the Wallingford-Swarthmore School Board, members discussed when school should open next fall, and whether to add an asynchronous day to the calendar. They took a first look at the 2021-22 budget, and reversed their policy of keeping athletes out of in-person school. A special February 1 meeting will be held to consider bringing elementary school students back into buildings full time.
Evergreen Magnolias (Part 1): The Southern Magnolia
Swarthmore is perfectly positioned to grow many of the deciduous magnolias that enjoy hot summers and cold winters. But our winters are also generally warm enough to grow some evergreen magnolias as well. This is the first of several articles on the incredible diversity of magnolias we can grow in our region.