Hello Neighbor!
Every weekday for the past month, I’ve taken my four-year-old to these intensive swim lessons at a local university. When the instructors come out of the pool area to gather the kids, several start to cry. The instructors gently but firmly peel them away from their parents and whisk them into the water. It’s not easy to watch, but the instructors encourage us to stick with it, even if our children are upset. The result—an independent swimmer—is worth the tears, they remind us.
The lessons are carefully choreographed affairs. The instructors start by teaching the kids to swim on their backs, which feels strange and disorienting, especially to a small child. But until they’ve mastered it, there’s no flipping over. My two older children went through the program, so I know to trust the process. By the end of two weeks, most kids are able to swim across the pool on their own.
The other day, while watching my daughter glide through the water on her back, furiously kicking her little legs, I thought about times in my own life when I tried to cut corners or skip a crucial first step. It never ended well. (This is especially true for IKEA furniture.)
When I graduated from college, my mom gave me a copy of “Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life,” by the wonderfully wise Annie Lamott. In it, Lamott shares a sweet memory of her older brother, who at age ten, sat down at the kitchen table to write a report on birds that he’d put off until the very last minute. Near tears and paralyzed by the enormous task ahead of him, Lamott’s father pulled up a chair, put his arm around his shoulders and said, "Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.”
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| THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!
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| HBD AMERICA
July 4th Parade
Thursday, July 4th
10:45 AM
Clem Macrone Park
810 Conestoga Rd., Bryn Mawr
A Garrett Hill tradition, featuring a parade, food, live music and other entertainment.
Details
July 4th Parade & Carnival
Thursday, July 4th
9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Penn Wynne Park
1214 Manoa Rd., Penn Wynne
Decorate your bikes or wagons and come on out for the Penn Wynne Civic Association's 76th Annual 4th July Parade and Carnival. After the parade enjoy food, drinks, games, activities and more in the park.
Details
July 4th Parade
Thursday, July 4th
Merwood Park
2498 Linden Dr., Ardmore
Celebrate America with family and friends at Merwood Park. After a parade from Oakmont School down to the park, enjoy field games, lunch and the ever-popular duck race.
Details
July 4th Parade & Carnival
Thursday, July 4th
9:30 AM
Bala Cynwyd Park
398 Trevor Ln., Bala Cynwyd
One of the oldest and most popular Independence Day events on the Main Line, the parade features neighborhood children riding decorated bicycles, marchers in costumes, clowns, jugglers, stilt walkers, floats, fire trucks, police, and public officials. The Carnival includes a brief patriotic program followed by games, rides, running races, and the ever-popular egg toss. A variety of food options available, including food tents from local restaurants. The parade begins at the Bala Cynwyd Fire House and ends at the park.
Details
July 4th Celebration and Fireworks
Thursday, July 4th
10:00 AM
Narberth Park
80 Windsor Ave., Narberth
From 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the park becomes a carnival of fun family activities, with food, parades, races, contests, carnival games, a dunking booth and much more. The fireworks finale attracts thousands of neighbors from communities in and around the Main Line.
Details
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| ON TAP
Trails on Tap
Select dates through Sunday, August 4th
Various locations along the Schuylkill River Trail
Trails on Tap brings a pop-up beer garden to different Montgomery County parks throughout the summer. Stop by and enjoy delicious food and Mainstay beer on tap (non-alcoholic beverages also available) while relaxing in the great outdoors with chairs and hammocks! Prepared foods are not permitted inside the beer garden, except small snacks/drinks for children. Dogs on leashes welcome. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Schuylkill River Greenways and efforts to expand the Schuylkill River Trail.
Details
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| Kidchella Music Festival
Fridays, July 12th & August 9th
4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse
3500 Reservoir Dr., Philadelphia
Performances by nationally acclaimed children’s music artists plus plenty of other fun activities for families.
Details
Witch of Edmonton: Presented by REV Theatre
Friday, July 12th & Saturday, July 13th
Friday, July 19th & Saturday, July 20th
7:00 PM
Laurel Hill Cemetery
3822 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia
Elizabeth Sawyer is persecuted by her Puritanical community because she is a poor and powerless woman. Sawyer, treated as a witch, takes revenge by enlisting the help of the devil in the guise of a black dog. Lust, bigamy, revenge, madness, suicide and murder are all unleashed as the devil hunts his prey through the town of Edmonton—and all with singing and dancing!
Gates open at 6:00 PM. BYO blankets, beach chairs, picnics and beverages.
Details
Tyler on Tap
Fridays through August 23rd
5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Rd., Media
Each Friday will feature food trucks and great beer from 2SP Brewing, along with science-related tables for kids and adults alike.
Details
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| BLOCKBUSTERS
Bastille Day Block Party
Sunday, July 14th
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Station Ave. (in front of the SEPTA station), Ardmore
Live entertainment for the entire family, including cancan dancers, live music, games, arts and crafts and plenty of food and drink specials! French wine garden sponsored by Veuve Clicquot for the adults too!
Details
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| 3rd Annual Havertown Pride Picnic
Sunday, June 30th
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Merwood Park
2498 Linden Dr., Ardmore
Celebrate pride with LGBTQ+ folks, families, friends and neighbors. All are welcome to this free, family-friendly, potluck-style event featuring music, food and fun. Pack a picnic plus snacks or desserts to share.
Details
Barnes on the Block
Sunday, July 14th
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Barnes Foundation
20th & Callowhill Sts., Philadelphia
Meet on the street for food trucks, a beer garden, live music and art, including glassblowing and sculpture.
Details
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| STREET FEATS
Stroll the Street
Thursdays through August 29th
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Downtown Manayunk
Every Thursday night throughout the summer, Manayunk hosts local food trucks, vendors, and live music as visitors and residents walk, shop, and eat. Select Manayunk restaurants will feature $6 cocktail and appetizer specials, while retailers will offer discounts, trunk shows, and other promotions.
Details
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| Conshohocken Annual Soap Box Derby
Thursday, July 4th
8:00 AM(ish)
Fayette St., Conshohocken
Watch kids ages 8 to 17 fly down Fayette Street in gravity-powered “cars” of their own creation. The winner advances to the world championships in Akron, Ohio.
Details
Downtown Car Show
Sunday, July 14th
(rain date: Sunday, July 21st)
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Downtown Media
Over 250 antique cars will grace the streets of Downtown Media.
Details
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| SOMETHING SWEET
Founders’ Summer Ice Cream Social
Thursday, July 11th
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Morris Arboretum
100 E Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia
Join Morris Arboretum in the garden for ice cream, music and merriment to celebrate the birthday of Arboretum founder, John Morris.
Details
Beekeeping and Honey Festival
Saturday, July 20th
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Harriton House
500 Harriton Rd., Bryn Mawr
Adults and children are invited to try on bee suits, visit the hives and help extract honey. Come and learn about the importance of the honeybee to our landscape and food supply. Free and open the public. Reservations required.
Details
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| Philly Ice Cream Scoop
Saturday, June 29th
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Reading Terminal Market
12th & Filbert Sts.
The largest ice cream festival in the country, featuring 14 of the region’s best ice cream artisans, including Sweet Charlies, Franklin Fountain, Weckerly’s Ice Cream and many more. Enjoy ice cream eating contests, games, activities, and demos throughout the day, along with live music and other entertainment! Free admission.
Details
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| CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY
Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia Golf Outing
Monday, July 8th
Philadelphia Cricket Club
Play on one of the PGA-approved golf courses at the renowned Philadelphia Cricket Club. Dating back to the 19th century, this private club has hosted numerous pro golf events, including the PGA Professional National Championship and U.S. Open National Championship.
Reserve your spot now for the golf opportunity of a lifetime while supporting local children and adults living with cancer.
Details or call Kathy at 267-218-3325
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Summer Art Camp is in
full swing at WAC!
Half-day and full-day camps available, 9am-3pm for all ages. Late afternoon classes for teens!
wayneart.org
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Since 1970 Benchmark School has been a leader in preparing bright children who learn differently to be self-advocates who take charge of their own learning and meet with success in public and independent high schools, college and beyond.
benchmarkschool.org
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Offering Day Camps and Sports Camps with lunch included. Before and after care also available.
malvernprep.org
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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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7 East Lancaster Avenue
Ardmore, PA 19003
610-589-0500
thebercy.com
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Tennis camps by
Level 7 Tennis Academy!
3 locations -
Malvern, West Chester, and Plymouth Meeting
Sign up today @Level7Tennis.com
484-580-9597
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Live Local, Shop Local with The Newtown Square Business Association.
Check out our website directory for local businesses that can help you right here in
Newtown Square!
nsbpa.com
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Two generations of sisters protect and defy the legacy of their foremothers in this riveting, funny, and ultimately hopeful comedy-drama set in West Chester, PA.
For tickets:
610.644.3500
peopleslight.org
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