Hello Neighbor!
I’m finding that it takes as long to let go of stuff as it did to acquire it all!
In case you’re in my position where boxes of memories just piled up over the years and were stored in the attic, I’m writing more on the topic of letting things go. Hope it’s helpful. If you can still walk in your attic or basement, please consider this as a cautionary tale to begin de-cluttering sooner rather than later!
Learning to let things go is a process and I’m getting better at it. I wrote previously about that process and defined that the memories, not the stuff, keep me holding on.
I’ve recently found it helpful to imagine a new family discovering my attic treasures and incorporating them into their home. It’s also fun to be on the lookout for parents of younger children in the neighborhood who could enjoy the hula hoops, stilts and doll houses waiting patiently in the attic for kids to appreciate them. An added bonus in giving items away is that it’s good for the environment, keeping useable items out of landfills.
Area thrift stores are listed here. And area consignment stores listed here. Some new discoveries are shared below. All these places made good homes for my stuff that continue to be useful in someone else’s home.
It’s really getting easier. I’ve learned from Marie Kondo to ask if it sparks joy. What sparks joy now is saying thank you to the items and giving them to others. Learning to say good-bye feels lighter, freer and simultaneously finds me saying hello to the long-hidden attic walls.
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| CHECK OUT OUR LOCAL ADVERTISERS
We couldn't do it without them!
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| LET IT GO
Habitat for Humanity –
Montgomery and Delaware Counties
Residential pick-ups of household furniture, appliances, garden tools, shovels, rakes, shop tools and woodworking equipment. Pick-ups are scheduled 2-3 weeks ahead. Donated items are sold through the Habitat re-store. Proceeds support the mission of Habitat for Humanity.
Drop off Tuesday – Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM
habitat.org
Call 610-631-3149 or check the website for accepted items: habitatmontdelco.vonigo.com
ABC House – Ardmore
ABC is always looking for donations to help with day-to-day needs and weekend activities. School supplies, sporting equipment and Xbox one games are in consistent demand.
A Better Chance, Lower Merion was founded in 1973 providing a home away from home while attending Lower Merion High School for academically talented youth of color via access to rigorous and prestigious educational opportunities.
Contact: 610-658-2349 or 1bclmrd@gmail.com
abclowermerion.com
Doggie Style
701 Montgomery Avenue, Narberth
Instead of old towels and small blankets going to a landfill, drop them off at Doggie Style to make a "Saved Me Rescue’s" adoptable dog comfortable while they wait for their forever home. Laundry detergent and all cleaning supplies are welcome too!
doggiestylepets.com
Beethoven Foundation
Piano donations are accepted by this organization. It was created in 2008 to provide scholarships for musically talented young individuals who otherwise would not be able to follow their dreams by pianist and composer Ian Mulder who currently serves as Foundation President. Beethoven Foundation will find a happy new home for your piano. Free pick-up.
beethovenfoundation.com
Calliope Music
4 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore accepts and distributes sheet music and gently used instruments in the Main Line area and to the Philadelphia School District. 610-649-8842 or info@calliopemusicstore.com
calliopemusicstore.com
Settlement Music School
4910 Wynnefield Avenue, Philadelphia
To make a gift of instruments or sheet music to Settlement Music School’s Wynnefield Branch, please contact Alex Serio, Branch Director at alex.serio@settlementmusic.org or 215-320-2640.
To donate a piano, please fill out the online form: settlementmusic.org/give
settlementmusic.org
Local Libraries
Call ahead to drop off books in good condition during open hours at your local library. No textbooks please. (Penn Wynne doesn’t accept donations due to space limitations).
Large quantity book donations:
Bala Cynwyd
lmls.org
(610-664-1196)
Ludington
lmls.org
(610-525-1776)
Smaller quantity book donations:
Ardmore
lmls.org
(610-642-5187)
Belmont Hills
lmls.org
610-664-8427)
Gladwyne
lmls.org
(610-642-3957)
Narberth
nar.mclinc.org
(610-664-2878)
Green Drop – Narberth
Call 888-944-3767 for accepted items. 606 Montgomery Avenue, Narberth or check the website for additional locations.
gogreendrop.com
Fedex
Ship it to the grown up kids!
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| FESTIVALS
Bryn Mawr Day
Saturday, September 7th
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Bryn Mawr & Lancaster Avenues, Bryn Mawr
Entertainment includes face painting, fire truck rides, dance performances, circus shows and more. Historical tours sponsored by Bryn Mawr Rotary Club, offering timed tickets that can be picked up at their vendor booth. Tours are 45 minutes, 10, 11 and 12 noon. Buses provided by Bryn Mawr College.
Details
Obon Festival
Saturday, August 24th
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Shofuso
Horticultural & Lansdowne Drives, Philadelphia
Obon is a traditional Japanese celebration with festivities including regional dances, music contests, taiko drumming performances, arts & crafts, food and a tea ceremony. Hosted by the Japan America Society. This event is free and held outside of Shofuso Gardens. Gardens admission is $12. Rain date: Sunday, August 25th. More information: 215-878-5097
Details
Haverford Music Festival
Saturday, September 7th
12:00 PM – 9:30 PM
50 East Eagle Road, Havertown
The 9th Annual Haverford Music Festival is a WXPN Welcomes event featuring live music from over 30 national, regional and local performers. This family-oriented festival runs on four stages with area businesses and food vendors filling booths along Darby Road and Hathaway Lane. Featuring two beer gardens, moon bounce and playground for the kids and more. Admission is free; voluntary donations accepted at the gates.
Details
Sounds of Summer – Open Mic Night
Friday, August 23rd
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Haverford Free Library
1601 Darby Road, Havertown
Bring your lawn chair and the snacks and music are provided! Have a musical or comedic talent? Open to all ages, 5-minute time limit. Information: 610-446-3082
Details
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| BUGS AND BUTTERFLIES
Butterfly Festival
Saturday, August 24th
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Colonial Gardens
745 Schuylkill Road, Phoenixville
Celebrate with two releases at 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM of Monarch butterflies in the gardens. Enjoy food, local vendors, crafters, speakers and seminars. Event is free to attend. Information: 610-948-9755
Details
Bugs and Butterflies at Tyler Arboretum
Sunday, August 25th
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
515 Painter Rd., Media
Watch Monarch tagging demonstrations, see live invertebrates from the Academy of Natural Sciences, and get up close and personal with a real beehive.
Details
Insects After Dark
Saturday, August 31st
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Stoneleigh
1829 County Line Road, Villanova
Kids and their favorite adult search for insect life at night. Free event but registration required.
Details
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| GROWN UPS ONLY
Women’s Health & Wellness Book Club
Wednesday, September 18th
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Narberth Library
80 Windsor Avenue, Narberth
Led by local women’s nutrition and wellness coach, this club meets for lively discussions of books related to health and well-being. “Llewellyn’s Complete Book of Mindful Living: Awareness and Meditation Practices for Living in the Present Moment.”
Details
Philly Art Flea Market
Saturday, August 31st
4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Philly Art Collective
253 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia
Philly Art Collective Gallery is hosting an Art Flea Market! Come get art for your home at a super discounted rate! Custom Canvas Paintings, art posters, collage art, t-shirts, handmade jewelry.
Details
Join Lower Merion Community Watch and Dog Walker Watch
71 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore
The Lower Merion Community Watch Volunteer Program works in cooperation with Lower Merion Police to provide residents with an opportunity to assist in ongoing community-policing efforts.
Must be 18 years of age and attend a mandatory one-hour training class, then volunteer for a patrol shift in your neighborhood. More info: 610-649-7055 or hello@lmcommunitywatch.org
lmcommunitywatch.org
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| FOOD AND WINE
Bryn Mawr Farmers Market
Saturday, August 31st
9: 00 AM – 1:00 PM
54 North Bryn Mawr Avenue, Bryn Mawr
Details
Phoenixville VegFest
Saturday, August 24th
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Reeves Park
148 3rd Avenue, Phoenixville
Fourth annual street fair celebrating plant-based food and vegan lifestyle. Family friendly event will have live music, food trucks and bakery concoctions all plant based. Attended by 5,000 last year! Rain date: Sunday, August 25th)
Details
'Sideways' Taste-Along
Saturday, August 24th
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
WAID Studio
28 Summit Grove Avenue, Bryn Mawr
Talk about Santa Barbara wine while watching “Sideways”, enjoying some snacks and complimentary Santa Barbara County wines featured in the film. Seating is limited, as is wine. $45. Per person purchase on-line to confirm 21 years or older. Non-refundable. Information: 484-383-3259 or serena@whatamidrinking.com
Details
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| HANG IT UP
Playing with Fire: The Life and Work of Etta Winigrad
Opening reception Saturday, September 14th
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Main Line Art Center
746 Panmure Lane, Haverford
In this first retrospective of esteemed local ceramic sculptor, Etta Winigrad, the exhibition includes works and inspirations spanning over 50 years of her artistic practice.
This Philadelphia-based ceramic sculptor’s inspiration comes from extensive travels and resulting observations. Etta developed her view of the world as an organic being, and her belief that it exists for all to share equally and interact with, regardless of origin, identity or privilege. Questions: 610-525-0272
Details
Our Town: A Retrospective of Edith Neff
Opening September 21st
Woodmere Art Museum
9201 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia
A leading local realist painter, Edith Neff (1943-1995) was praised for her dynamic compositions, sophisticated use of color and ability to portray everyday drama in life. “Our Town” will be the first large-scale exhibition of Neff’s work in over two decades. Neff is represented in numerous public collections including Woodmere, which holds the largest number of her works, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, PAFA, the Delaware Art Museum and the Minnesota Museum of Art.
Details
Ferns & Feathers Art Show
Wednesday – Sunday
Through August 31st
Black Moth Gallery
18 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore
Invited artist’s works on display at this local art gallery. Throughout this year, a portion of the proceeds are donated to the World Wildlife Fund to support ecosystem conservation. The show is free and open to the public. The show focuses on flora and fauna from a group of talented artists, showcasing a range of styles and perspectives that venerate plants and creatures.
Details
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Julian Krinsky School of Tennis at the Gulph Mills & Narberth Tennis Clubs
610.265.3677
610.664.2696
narberthtennis.com
Clubs open Sept 9th for the season! JKST Tennis Clubs offer fun for the whole family including tennis programs for all ages & skill levels, Lessons, Leagues, 10 & Under Tennis, Clinics, Tournaments, Fundraisers & Socials Events.
For more info contact us at tennis@jkcp.com.
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Our mission is to create wholeness for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities through education, therapy, and a protective, socially and emotionally rich environment.
camphillschool.org
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We’ll be open soon — please stop in and see why we’ve been voted
Best Bank of Chester County
two years running!
firstresourcebank.com |
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One team and one call does it all. Scheduling and managing your property's needs has never been so easy.
We do it all and we do it well.
goallpros.com
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Now Playing
LUCE
WHERE’D YOU GO BERNADETTE
AFTER THE WEDDING
THE FAREWELL
brynmawrfilm.org
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Welcome to our 15th season! Performances, classes, lessons, workshops, and MORE for preschool - 12th grade students. Registration is open - sign up today!
wolfperformingartscenter.org
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Blood Sweat Cheer Festival is a free family event filled with fitness, live music, kids activities, food and drink, plus a variety of local vendors.
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No matter what you're looking for, you'll find it at Briggs Auction!
From fine home furnishings to tools; fine jewelry to real estate, we're your source.
See our website for up-to-the minute auction information and thousands of photos. And we're always accepting quality consignments.
Call or email to get started.
610.566.3138
info@briggsauction.com
BriggsAuction.com
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