Swarthmore resident Helge Hartung shares his summer vacation story — a mobile safari with his family through Botswana’s Okavango Delta.
Reports and Public Comments in Short Session
The Swarthmore Borough Council met on Monday evening, August 9. Swarthmore resident Neil Young expressed his concern about disagreements at the previous meeting over the towing contract for emergency services, and said that he believed the disagreement poses a risk of harm to the integrity of the council.
Have We Really Changed?
We have a more diverse community than 20 years ago. When I look at what happened at the August 2 school board meeting I am still struggling to try to understand. What I do understand, is that I see a board that does not well represent the entire community.
Goals in Gardens
On Saturday, July 24, children and families of Chester Upland Youth Soccer (CUYS) spent three hours on the gorgeous Swarthmore College campus enjoying a garden tour, a nature craft, a pizza picnic, and high-energy soccer in a picturesque setting.
A-20 Havoc Crash in Erith
Nigel Staniforth details the account of a crash of an A-20 Havoc near London during WWII, claiming the lives three crewmen, including S/Sgt. Joseph Shields from Collingdale, Pennsylvania.
Board Approves Health and Safety Plan
On Monday, August 2, the WSSD school board and school superintendent convened a special meeting to discuss the health and safety plan for this coming school year. The plan was ultimately approved after a period of impassioned public comment.
Return to the Stage at the Players Club of Swarthmore
The Players Club of Swarthmore kicks off its post-pandemic schedule on Friday, August 13, with a comedic take on love and urban angst entitled Detroit, a Pulitzer-prize-nominated play by Lisa D’Amour, directed by George Mulford.
Mayor Marty’s Perspectives on the Pandemic
In a recent interview, Mayor Marty Spiegel of Swarthmore answered some questions and reflected on how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the town.
A Glimpse of Swarthmore’s History: Shirer Building Wrecked!
A glimpse into Swarthmore’s past about the Shirer Building, which suffered a fire in 1919. The building still stands alongside Chester Road in the Ville.
Summer Travels: Model-Airplane Royalty (For A Day)!
Robert Morbeck writes about their visit to an outdoor, self-powered free-flight competition hosted by the Academy of Model Aeronautics near Muncie, Indiana. The visit holds special significance for their family.
Unscientific Survey: How and What You Read
On the heels of publishing our annual summer reading list, we sent out a survey, because we thought it would be interesting to learn how you prefer to read during your leisure time: specifically, where you like to read, and what genres and reading formats you prefer.
Council Mulls ‘Smoke Free’ Swarthmore
Swarthmore Borough Council met on Monday evening, July 26, to discuss a towing contract, opposition to State House and Senate bills, a new parking meter policy, the possibility of a vape shop coming to Swarthmore, and a bill allowing cell phone companies to install 5G towers.
Artist Spotlight: Gretchen Elise
Swarthmore’s own Gretchen Walker (née Iversen), also known as Gretchen Elise, is an educator and musician on a mission. Over her more than 20-year career, she’s forged her own path through jazz, soul, and folk, to make music that is at once sophisticated and accessible to audiences of all ages.
Flying Solo: World War II Art at the Brandywine
During the pandemic, many museums have used the downtime to reconfigure their galleries and facilities; the Brandywine River Museum is among them. It has reopened with new exhibitions, and their most recently installed is Ralston Crawford: Air & Space & War, a worthy perspective on a World War II artist.
A Garden Vacation
This week, Andrew Bunting is in Chicago to attend meetings for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, but traveled there early and will stay through the weekend to try to see as much gardening as possible.
Nights by the Train Station
John Conboy is the organizer of this group of musicians that he calls Pickers Circle — a group of musicians who have been play, pick, and sing along at the SEPTA station on Thursday evenings.
Picking Your Friends
What is a pickers circle, you ask? Enthusiastic participants arrive with their instruments to play, pick, and sing along. They play original songs, covers of their favorite songs, and new tunes they create on the spot. Talking while the music is playing is strongly discouraged — and will earn you a visit from Sheriff John.
Tie Dye, Music, Family, and Friends — A Great Time at CAC
The Community Arts Center hosted its 9th Annual Tie Dye Music Festival — a family-friendly event with free admission. It was the biggest one yet.
New Superintendent Leads His First Meeting
Monday’s Wallingford-Swarthmore School District board meeting was the first to be led by the district’s new superintendent, Dr. Wagner Marseille. Marseille opened the meeting by described his administration’s goals in big-picture terms
Swarthmore Bank Branch to Close
In mid-June, the Bryn Mawr Bank Corporation (Bryn Mawr Trust) and the Wilmington-based WSFS Financial Corporation (WSFS Bank) announced that they plan to merge. As a result of the merger, the Swarthmore branch of Bryn Mawr Trust will close.