We’re at the point in our lives where there aren’t a lot of birthday gift options. Due to an avalanche of gratefully received material items and unwilling to add to the mountain of stuff for my husband’s birthday, I had a new idea. I created and emailed a coupon for an at-home birthday back rub along with a contribution to his fav charity.
I’ll probably buy a gift certificate from Massage Envy for the real thing when the world comes back. But I have time for once. Having had massages on vacation, I figured I could improvise with an online tutorial. I educated myself with this massage technique video: and apparently I learned surprisingly well. Side note: I had a good time finding fun graphics for the e-card.
When he requested, I sprayed lavender scented essential oil around the room to create a relaxed atmosphere. According to the internet, lavender is supposed to be good for treating anxiety, stress and insomnia. Who knows? I just like the smell. If you happen to be looking for an at-home birthday back rub, lavender massage oil (and other scents) are available at Gladwyne Pharmacy, Mom’s Organic Market in Bryn Mawr and Whole Foods.
Then I dug a few tea candles out of a drawer in the den, lit and placed them around the room. I switched off the lights. It took about a half hour for my arm muscles to give out. But I learned from my internet research to have a towel available to keep his newly massaged muscles warm when done.
I can state without reservation that this gift idea was a hit. As a bonus, it was great exercise for my arms and my husband and I both felt calm and centered. Apparently, nothing says happy birthday like a massage. Well - almost nothing – but a back rub at home is a good start.
| |
Lavender-scented relaxing,
Jane
| |
|
| DATE NIGHT
Main Line Art Center Zoom Date Night
Friday, May 22nd
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Grab your roommate, significant other or quarantine buddy and join in for creativity and laughs. Supply list and registration online. $25 per couple.
Details
Laugh It Up with Better Than Bacon – “Threesome”
Thursday, May 21st
8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Facebook Live
Three members of this hilarious, interactive improvisational comedy troupe perform live on Facebook. Let them know if you want to be live on camera and get a free Better Than Bacon tee-shirt!
Details
Longwood Gardens Unwind
Kick back while taking a virtual garden stroll or watch an exclusive performance on the Longwood Organ or the 62-bell carillon in the Chimes Tower with it’s 6’ wide keyboard or watch interviews and music with the Grammy nominated Pine Leaf Boys’ exuberant take on Cajun music in the gardens!
Details
| |
|
Webinar: Financial Planning
During Volatile Times
Please join us for a brief, informative webinar on important fundamentals to revisit in your financial plan during this challenging environment.
• Financial Independence: Ensuring you do not outlive your nest egg.
• The Eroding Effects of Taxes: how to maximize tax efficiency.
• Risk Management: How to cost effectively analyze your insurance needs to minimize personal risk.
• Investment Outlook: Grow and protect your nest egg especially during difficult markets
June 2nd, 6:45 PM
| |
| VISITING DOWNTOWN VIRTUALLY
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
118 North Broad Street
If you’ve never visited the amazing building and collections of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, do it from home with this virtual tour. Stunning! Founded in 1805 by painter and scientist Charles Wilson Peale, sculptor William Rush and other artists, PAFA features masterpieces by Cecilia Beaux, Thomas Eakins, Winslow Homer, Alex Katz, Richard Diebenkorn, Philip Pearlstein and more. The building designed by American architects Frank Furness and George W. Hewitt is a National Historic Landmark.
Details
University of Pennsylvania Museum
3620 South Street, Philadelphia
This treasure house of archeological discoveries transforms understanding of our shared humanity through the study of objects made by humans along with the study of humans past and present. The Museum has playlists online that help you re-discover a sense of wonder with a few lectures covering a wide variety of topics.
Details
| |
| THINGS ARE LOOKING UP – AND AROUND!
Night Skies from Home
Thursday, May 21st
7:45 PM – 8:45 PM
No telescopes needed. Hosted by the Franklin Institute with Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts live! How to recognize a planet, an International Space Station? Why does the sky move? What stars can I see? Ask questions and learn from the best.
Details
| |
|
Quaran-TEEN Internet Scavenger Hunt
Register for Tredyffrin Library’s scavenger hunt exploring Southeastern PA and Philadelphia landmarks.
Details
| |
| CAMP IT UP!
Main Line Art Center Virtual Camp
Week-long online sessions ages 5-16
Virtual Summer Camp, June 15 – July 10!
Virtual Summer Camp for 5-9 year olds held from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM daily, Monday through Friday
Details
Autism Drama Program - Theatre Horizon Online
Saturdays, May 23rd – June 1st
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Ages 10 – 17+
Theatre Horizon offers a 4-week session on a sliding scale thanks to donor and foundation funding. Families pay what they can for participation in creative play and improv games. Students develop flexible thinking and social skills.
Details
Radnor Township Day Camp
Friday, May 29th
4:00 PM
Free sample sessions for all campers preview what a live, interactive version of Radnor Day Camp might look like. More information will be posted soon along with the registration link. Even if you believe live, virtual day camp is not for you, Radnor Twp. strongly suggests you participate as this will be a really fun evening and a great way to interact with other RDC campers and staff as everyone engages in some awesome interactive games!
Details
| |
| ARTS ONLINE
Wayne Art Center – Adult Classes Online
413 Maplewood Avenue Wayne
Classes begin May 26th – May 29th
Learn Pastel and Oil, Landscape Painting and more.
Details
Recycled new crayons
Collect all of the broken wax crayons and create colorful new ones baked in a muffin pan!
Details
Young Rembrandts
May and June
Weekly, one-hour recorded lessons for 4 years and up. Each lesson teaches basic to advanced drawing skills, techniques and vocabulary.
Details
Art Classes Online
Still Life Oil Painting
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
June 15th – June 21st
9:00 AM
Registration deadline: May 29th
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts alum Christine Lafuente teaches how to build an oil painting with an emphasis on color. Lectures, demonstrations and one-on-one sessions using the online learning platform Canvas as well as live chat on Zoom.
Details
| |
| IN OUR COMMUNITY
Write to Support a Delco Neighbor
The community is being asked to create cards, letters and signs for the staff and residents at long-term facilities across the county. The county will collect the items and distribute them to the dozens of long-term care facilities and personal care homes across the county to show support for the health care heroes and vulnerable residents who may be fearful and lonely.
The community can mail cards, letters and signs to:
IAE Foundation
2545 Market Street, Aston, PA 19014
Women’s Resource Center
Monday, Thursday and Friday
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Women's Resource Center, based in Wayne, serves five counties in southeastern Pennsylvania. Contact the Helpline to obtain local resources to assist with difficult circumstances. Women’s Resource Center continues low-cost Family Law legal consultations, now conducted by telephone. Visit the website to schedule a time or 701-314-HELP (4357).
womensresourcecenter.net
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Helping active students achieve, Woodlynde School has a comprehensive athletics program. The teamwork and important lessons learned through sports last a lifetime.
Call 610-293-6548 today!
Woodlynde School
|
|
 |
|
|
June 2 at 6:45 PM
Webinar:
Creating a Smart Financial Plan During Volatile Times: Key recovery strategies to consider post COVID-19.
|
|
|
|
|
The Baldwin School develops bright, talented girls into confident, accomplished women with vision, global understanding and the determination to make enduring contributions to the world.
Baldwin School
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wolf PAC’s Virtual Summer Theatre Camp programs explore active, on-your-feet, creative theatre opportunities with a final showcase at the end of each week!
|
|
|
|
|
We're unable to provide our beloved Benchmark Camp experience this summer. A Benchmark education, supporting students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences, matters now more than ever. Your child can experience the benefits of our educational camp experience during the school year! Inquire about school admission today.
admissions@benchmarkschool.org
benchmarkschool.org
|
|
|
|
|
LOCAL LAVENDAR!
After spending five years living in Belgium, Joanne and her husband, Jeff moved back to her family farm in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Wanting to bring a little piece of European life back to her home in the US, she began to turn her family's horse farm into fragrant fields of Lavender. Joanne is a member of the US Lavender Growers Association and loves learning about new benefits and uses for lavender.
Amy is the creative sister. Her attention to detail and artistic eye shine thorough in her beautiful flower arrangements, bouquets and all those extra touches that make our weddings and events so special. When not taking classes at Longwood Gardens or camping out in the greenhouse, she is tending her horses, dogs and cats. Her dream is to have a fully stocked petting zoo.
Parents, Dick and Nancy Saha bought Mt Airy Farm back in 1971 to pursue their dream of owning a small horse farm. They renovated the farmhouse and grounds into the beautiful estate it is today.
mtairylavender.com
|
|
|
|
|
Theater 5 is BMFI’s new online film hub.
We’re working to bring you the BMFI programs you love, including exclusive access to new release movies, film introductions and discussions with Film Studies Online, curated selections you can stream at home, and opportunities to connect with a community of film buffs from a safe physical distance.
Details
|
|
|
|
|
Paws and Affection Cocktails for Canines in QUARANTINE
Saturday, May 23, 5 PM
Virtual Event – enjoy from your living room!
Join Paws and Affection for a virtual BYO Everything happy hour! Settle in with your family, some food, and drinks for a playful and entertaining hour showcasing the P&A pups! See what they do, how they do it, and other silly dog themed fun. You can vote on our doggie tiktok contest and support our team throughout the hour! All proceeds go directly to the P&A team of pups-in-training who are placed with children in the greater Philadelphia area with a range of disabilities.
Details
|
|
|
|
|
COVID-19 is impacting student mental health. According to a recent study by Active Minds, 80% of college students report that Covid19 is negatively impacting their mental health, resulting in feelings of stress or anxiety, disappointment or sadness, and isolation or loneliness.
DMAX is here to help with its new monthly, interactive series: DMAX Students Speak! scheduled to be launched on May 28.
At these events, college students share their personal mental health journeys and talk about the importance and impact of COVID-19 as well as the ongoing mental health crisis on college campuses. When students speak freely about their personal stories, storytellers benefit by sharing how they are really doing with others and listeners realize they are not alone in their struggles. The program is open to the general public as well as students.
|
|
|
|
