Hi Neighbor!

My mother-in-law periodically gives me tidbits of advice that she thinks will be "life altering".  She always starts with "You just won't be able to stop thanking me for this!...."  Then followed by some nutty, usually "newly learned", tidbit of knowledge.   I've written about these periodic jewels of wisdom in past newsletters.  Let's see ... I believe you may remember her bit on how to shop at Trader Joes.  You simply pick someone that looks interesting from the parking lot and then follow them through the store, putting everything they buy in your cart and then unpack your surprises when you get home!  Or maybe you remember her bit on chewing Super Elastic Bubble Plastic?   Or possibly her bit on making snow angels every morning as a good wake up exercise -- just be careful not to get all twisted in the sheets!!

Well, although I LOVE to tease her about her bits of wisdom, this week she outdid herself!!  This week was a true "I will never stop thanking her!" piece of advice!  The easiest, most efficient way to clean my windows!  (I happen to have a couple large dogs ... so my windows are a mess constantly and I am forever cleaning them!)  She brought over a package of Microfiber Towels.  She told me to take one towel and run it under hot water, wring it out, wash the window off, and then follow with a dry microfiber towel.  I did this in DIRECT SUNLIGHT too!!  No smears, no smudges!!  No windex!  No paper towels!  Nothing but the microfiber towels and some warm water!  It was fantastic!!

Btw -- you can buy these towels as their brand name "Nano Towel" for $25 bucks OR you can just buy some  microfiber towels for a third of the price!

ENJOY and KEEP THOSE WINDOWS CLEAN! 
Laura

Q: How do I find the perfect summer camp for my child?

A: Step 1: Choose your location
Today, there are over 12,000 camps in the United States alone, so you’ll never be short of location choices! When deciding a location here are a few things to think about:
•    How far does your child feel comfortable traveling? This will affect if the child spends the night or attends as a day student.
•    If your child does prefer to be a residential camper, what type of housing is offered at the summer camp? Will your child be staying in a large cabin with bunk beds or will they stay in a college campus dorm with a roommate?
•    Is air-conditioned housing a must for your child in the summer?
•    Is there WiFi available? What is the summer camp’s electronics policy?
•    Use this Comparison Guide to compare up to three different summer camp options.

Step 2: Choose the type of program
Is your child an athlete, artist, or a future-CEO...

The Stunt Dog Experience
Friday, May 5th
7:30 PM
Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall
West Chester University, West Chester
Chris Perondi’s famous stunt dogs are out of this world! On a mission to promote animal rescue and pet adoption, Chris showcases dogs that have been rescued from pounds and shelters around the country. With amazing air tricks, big air stunts, comedy antics dancing dogs, it is the most entertaining show of it’s kind! For tickets: 610-436-2266 or wcupatix.com/wcu-live

Airplane Rides
Saturday, May 6th
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Heritage Field Airport
3310 W. Ridge Pike, Pottstown
Everyone is welcome at this annual community event ! Come take an airplane ride for just 20 cents a pound of your own weight. (minimum $10, maximum $30)
Proceeds support aviation education & scholarships for the International Organization of Women Pilots Eastern PA Chapter of the Ninety Nines.
More Info

Trail of the Jaguar Exhibit
Opening May 5th
Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Elmwood Zoo
1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown
Remember those adorable Jaguar cubs that were born back in January who needed names? Thousands of name suggestions from the public came pouring in and the winning names are Diego and Luna. At about 15 and 13 lbs. you can see how they’ve grown as they play in this video: https://youtu.be/Ak4H8yizZoY and soon you can visit them in person! Designed by the same architects that helped create Disney’s Animal Kingdom, this trail is Elmwood’s most elaborate animal exhibit to date! elmwoodparkzoo.com  

Are you planning a yard sale?  Know of a yard sale? Do you enjoy perusing yard sales?  Well, it seems it's that time of year on the Main Line!

MainLineNeighbors has received quite a few requests for information on local yard sales, as well as a few requests to post yard sale information.  Since it appears that many of our neighbors would like to hear about yard/garage/spring cleaning sales... we'd certainly like to help SPREAD THE WORD!

Please let us know about your yard sale by emailing us at info@mainlineneighbors.com!  We look forward to hearing from you!

Art From the Heart!
Saturday, May 6th
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Franklin Commons
400 Franklin Ave., Phoenixville
Come and be part of a fun and unusual evening where all Patron ticket holders will go home with an original piece of art of their choosing (valued at $50 or more) when they play “Game of Choice.” Enjoy live music by ray Adkins, delicious bites from Wooden Spoon and cocktails add to the fun. Free parking. To see the gallery or purchase tickets: artfromheartgala.org

44th Annual Yellow Springs Art Show
Through Sunday, May 14th
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
1685 Art School Rd. Chester Springs
Representing over 200 of the region’s finest artists, with 23 new artists this year! This juried show is free and open to the public! A fan favorite!
yellowsprings.org

"Nasty Women Express Themselves Through Art" Show
Through May 30th
Main Line Unitarian Church
816 South Valley Forge Rd., Devon
Empowering artistic creations by local artists! A portion of proceeds benefits Planned Parenthood. With more than 50 artists presenting, you don't want to miss this!  More Info

Spring Fever Craft Market
Saturday, May 6th
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Main Line Art Center
Introducing a new, one day shopping opportunity featuring talented artists in our community! Celebrate Spring and shop for mom or the special women in your life at this indoor, outdoor, open studio market featuring food trucks and music.   Refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the evening, while Spring Fever Craft Market artists will sell and informally display their handmade work throughout the art studios. The event will be held rain or shine! Spring Fever Craft Market is FREE and open to the public. During the Craft Market, be sure to check out our Accessible Art Exhibition on view in the Welcome gallery featuring the inspiring work created by participants in our Accessible Art programs for children, teens, adults with disabilities, and at-risk youth.
Visit mainlineart.org for more info.

Delaware Valley Art League Art Show
Friday, May 5th - Sunday, May 7th
Friday- 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM,
Reception 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday - 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday - 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The show is free and the public is welcome. There will be refreshments, music and technique demonstrations by various artists. There is ample parking!
Click Here for more info and featured artists. 

May Day Festival of the Arts
Sunday, May 7th
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Everhart Park
100 S. Brandywine St., West Chester
Browse and stroll through the 45-60 Booths selling high quality art and crafts are yours to browse through while enjoying fresh food from local vendors, strolling magicians, mimes, jugglers, live music and local dance academy performances. Presented by West Chester Parks & Recreation. West-Chester.com 

43rd Annual Shipley Secret Gardens Tour
Wednesday, May 17th
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Each year, the Secret Gardens Committee selects between seven and ten unique, private gardens to take part in this one-day, self-guided tour and luncheon. Tour gorgeous pre-selected gardens in the Gladwyne, Bryn Mawr, and Haverford neighborhoods and enjoy a lovely luncheon and Secret Gardens boutique at Merion Cricket Club.
shipleyschool.org/secretgardens

VFARS Rhododendron and Azalea Flower Show
Sunday, May 14th
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Jenkins Arboretum
Do not miss your chance to see this gorgeous flower show highlighting many of the rhododendron and azalea species and varieties that can be grown in Southeastern Pennsylvania.  Members of the Valley Forge and Greater Philadelphia Chapters of the American Rhododendron Society will submit hundreds of rhododendron flowers (trusses) and azalea blossoms (sprays) for this competitive show, making for a stunningly beautiful and highly educational display in the John J. Willaman Education Center at Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens. For more information, visit the Valley Forge Chapter of the  American Rhododendron Society online at vfars.org.

National Public Gardens Day
Friday, May 12th 
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tyler Arboretum 
515 Painter Rd., Media
Celebrating public gardens nationwide, National Public Gardens Day recognizes the importance of gardening, environmental stewardship, and education in communities. Come and enjoy a day in Tyler’s beautiful gardens, meadows, and woodlands. FREE admission to everyone on National Public Gardens Day! Special craft activities for kids from 10:00 AM – noon and a Rhododendron stroll led by gardener Jerry O’Dell from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.  tylerarboretum.org
  
If Chanticleer has been on your must-see list, now is the time to check it out. The garden is home to blooms in every color and brand-new tree foliage. With 5,000 plants, more than 35 acres and over a dozen gardeners on staff, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to bring to your very own garden.

Learn To Grow Blueberries
Wednesday, May 17th
Easttown Library
7:00 PM
Harold Sweetman, Executive Director of Jenkins Arboretum, will present a  slide show lecture, “Blueberries: The Most Delicious Ericaceous Ornamental Edible.” Participants will become enchanted by the flowers, fruit and fall foliage of this ornamental edible. They will also learn about blueberry culture, varieties, nutritional benefits and why every landscape has room for this wonderful native shrub. Registration is required; visit easttownlibrary.org to register online.

Jenkins Arboretum Public Plant Sale
Saturday, May 6th
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Jenkins Arboretum
631 Berwyn Baptist Rd., Devon
A not-to-be-missed annual event, this is one of the largest public plant sales in the area. Offered will plants ideally suited for area gardens, including rhododendrons, azaleas, and companion plants not readily available elsewhere. Thousands of perennials, native wildflowers, ferns and slow growing conifers, as well as donated plants from Society members’ gardens will be for sale.  We offer great prices, terrific plant selections AND your gardening questions will be answered by our knowledgeable horticultural staff and expert gardeners.
For more information on the sale, or to request specific plants, call Chris Smetana at 610-688-5249.
jenkinsarboretum.org

Philaderby
Saturday, May 6th
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Pagano’s
Commerce Square, 2001 Market St.
Philadelphia
Dress to impress and enjoy the spirit of the Kentucky Derby without leaving Philadelphia. Live music, outdoor games, “Best Dressed” prizes in Center City’s best outdoor venue. Proceeds benefit For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation. 
Use the MainLineNeighbors promo code "BIGHATS" for $10.00 off your ticket online! philaderby.com
 
25th Anniversary of Running of the Willowdale Steeplechase
Sunday, May 14th
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
101 E. Street Rd., Kennett Square
Terrier Races, Silver Tailgate competition, Pony Races, this has always been one of the area’s favorite Mother’s Day traditions, rain or shine! New this year: the $100,000 Steeplechase Challenge and Ladies Side Saddle Race over the fences. Children under 12 are admitted free.  For more information: willowdale.org

87th Radnor Hunt Races
826 Providence Rd., Malvern
Saturday, May 20th
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission sold only in advance; purchase passes and parking spots by May 12th.
Join the springtime tradition of tailgating and tent parties at the 87th Radnor Hunt Races in Malvern. One of the nation’s top-rated meets, the Radnor Hunt Races draw the best horses, riders, and trainers in the country, along with 20,000 spectators enjoying a day in the countryside. For details, visit radnorhuntraces.org or call 610.388.8383.

Overbrook Farms House Tour & Tea
Sunday, May 7th
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Overbrook Train Station, City Ave. & Drexel Rd.
Tour the first planned neighborhood along the Main Line. Enjoy gracious homes built around 1895 for the region's leading industrialists and enjoy full afternoon tea. 
overbrookfarmsclub.org

"Brewgrass" Jam
Thursday, May 18
7 pm to 8:30 pm
Main Line School Night
Creutzburg Center
260 Gulph Creek Roa, Radnor
Sip beer, munch small bites and listen to the music of Paul McGhee's bluegrass jammers. Taste some innovative craft beers, compliments of the award winning Conshohocken Brewing Company.
To register, visit mainlineschoolnight.org or call 610-687-0460

Berwyn-Devon Mayfest
Sunday, May 21st
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Intersection of Rt. 30 and Old Lancaster Rd.
Berwyn
Come join us for a fun filled day benefitting local organizations in the Berwyn-Devon area as well as provide college scholarships for local students.  These groups include: T & E Care, T-E Dental Program, Daemion Counseling Center, Berwyn Veterans Association, Easttown Library, 4 Scholarships to local high school students.
There will be live music from the Main Line School of Rock students, amazing food from local restaurants and caterers, festival games for all ages, a rock wall, mechanical rides, bounce house, and numerous local businesses and vendors from the Berwyn-Devon area. We invite you to bring your family and enjoy yourself!
bdmayfest.com

Bike Safety Rodeo
Saturday, May 6th
10:00 AM - Noon
Wilson Farm Park
Does your child know the rules of the road when riding their bike? Does their bike helmet fit them properly? Is their bike in good working order? Have your child participate in the Wilson Park Bike Rodeo program and leave with new safety tips, skills to master and their own bike license!  For ages 3–13. Attendees must bring their own bikes and helmets. We will have some helmets available (first come first serve) for those children whose helmet needs replacement.
In nice weather, we will meet by the basketball courts. If it rains, we will meet at the indoor facility available at rear of 1400 Morris Drive.  Registration is highly encouraged.  More Info

The Carol H. Axelrod Memorial Blood Drive
Tuesday, May 9th
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Radnor Township Municipal Building
Join your friends and neighbors in saving lives by donating blood! This memorial blood drive, created by Radnor residents in memory of a family member, aims to help other patients and their families by ensuring that blood products are always available for those who need them. Plus, for every unit of blood collected, Carol's family will make donations to Radnor Fire Company and Radnor Memorial Library; if the blood drive collection surpasses last year's total of 138 units, these donations will be doubled. Blood donors will receive a gift bag, free entry into prize drawings, and a special meal courtesy of the Cabot Creamery Co-operative’s Farmers’ Gratitude Grille food truck.
chablooddrive.org