Hi Neighbor!

Recently, a friend and I were kvetching about people who don’t smile or say hello on the Radnor Trail. We both agreed that all it takes is a nod, a quick wave, or a smile in passing. But is this a fair complaint? At the risk of sounding “nasty,” do we always have to be present and in the moment?

For some, the Radnor Trail is a place for solitude and reflection. Running and walking clears the mind. It gives a person a chance to think through tough situations, release stress, or unwind after a rough day at work or with the kids. For others, the Radnor Trail is a place for physical endurance. Runners use it for race training which requires concentration and determination. I’m an avid runner, and when I’m zoned out and training, I could pass by a fire without noticing!

My friend and I were too quick to judge. The Radnor Trail is a chance for “alone time” as much as it is a chance to be social, catch up with friends and wave to strangers.

So, I hereby apologize if I don’t wave or say hello the next time I’m running!

Happy Trails!
Beth

PUT ON YOUR WINTER WOOLIES

Night Hike and Campfire
Saturday, December 10th
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Riverbend Environmental Education Center
1950 Spring Mill Road, Gladwyne
Hike trails at night and explore flying squirrels, bats, moths, and other local nocturnal animals. Warm up by the campfire and roast marshmallows. Fun for all ages.
riverbendeec.org

Zoo Noel
Saturday, December 10th – Sunday, December 11th
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W. Gerard Avenue, Philadelphia
Meet Santa at Zoo Noel, Philadelphia Zoo’s winter wonderland. Bring a holiday card for your favorite animal and Santa’s helpers will hand-deliver your greeting that day. Warm your heart at the holiday chocolate bar and experience zoo animals during the festive winter season.
Details and Santa Meet and Greet Times

Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 10th
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse
3500 Reservoir Drive, East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia
Holiday lights, messy arts, ice carving, gingerbread houses, s’mores, and live music. Great for children 10 years and younger as well as their caregivers.
Tickets

Annual March of the Continental Army Commemoration at Valley Forge
Monday, December 19th
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Valley Forge National Park Visitors Center
1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia
Celebrate the anniversary of December 19, 1777, when General George Washington and his Continental Army set up their winter quarters at Valley Forge and began their difficult six-month encampment. The event features a recreation of the camp, 18th-century music, refreshments and a visit from George Washington.
Details

HOLIDAY ON ICE

Fun on the Ice Events
Philadelphia Skating Club & Humane Society
220 Holland Ave, Ardmore PA 19003
Nutcracker on Ice
Saturday, December 10th, 5:00 PM
Celebrate the season with scenes from the Nutcracker performed by members of the Philadelphia Skating Club & Humane Society.
Skate with Santa
Sunday, December 18th, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Join us for winter family fun and skating! Enjoy holiday themed music and skate with Santa and his elves.  
Holiday Skating
Monday, December 26th – Thursday, December 29th
4:15 PM – 6:15 PM
Family and public skating during the holidays.
pschs.org

Rothman Rink and Dilworth Park Wintergarden
Dilworth Park Center City District
660 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
Details

WINTER SPORTS

Rudolph Run!
Saturday, December 10th
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Canal View Park
4430 Main Street, Manayunk
The Manayunk Development Corporation will be handling out red noses and jingle bells to everyone during the third annual run along the Manayunk Canal. The three-ish mile fun run is followed by hot chocolate and runners are encouraged to wear holiday attire – lights, reindeer antlers, ugly Christmas sweaters, etc. Canned good donations will be collected.
philadelphiarunner.com

Jack Daniel’s Hot Toddy 5K
Saturday, December 17th
10:30 PM
Start and Finish at XFINITY LIVE!
1100 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia
Join the hottest new race in town bringing all the fun. Loop around Citizens Bank Park and the Wells Fargo Center and finish with your favorite brand of whiskey, live music, and lots of swag.
Register Here

Challenger Basketball Program
Wednesdays, January 4th – March 15th
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (grades K to 5)
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (grades 6-12)
Radnor Elementary School
20 Matsonford Road, Wayne
This is a new basketball program for boys and girls with special needs. Through a structured environment, the program emphasizes teamwork, social skills as well as basketball. No pressure, low competition.
radnor.com or call the Recreation Department 610-688-5600 

CREATIVE OUTLETS

Pastel Portrait Workshop
Sunday, December 11th
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Kaiserman JCC
45 Haverford Road, Wynnewood
Experience the immediacy of working with pastels. Watch a demonstration then sketch a portrait of our model during the time allotted.
Details and Sign Up

12th Annual Charlotte Miller Simon Poetry Contest
Entry Deadline: January 20th
Ardmore Library
108 Ardmore Avenue, Ardmore
Entries must be original, unpublished poetry, no more than one page in length. Cash prizes, award ceremony March 12th. Winners notified the week of February 13th.
Details

Sweet Sounds of Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 11th
4:00 PM
Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church
625 Montgomery Avenue, Bryn Mawr
The concert will feature the church’s Sanctuary Choir, Youth Chorale, Children’s Choir, hand bell choir, Bryn Mawr Chant Society, and Singing for Life group. The Philadelphia Brass will accompany the choirs. This concert will offer an array of carols, anthems and hymns, including several beloved carols for congregation, choir, organ, and brass. Three premieres – by composers Andrew Senn, Bruce Neswick, and Michael Stairs – will enrich the season’s repertoire. At the center of the concert is Daniel Pinkham’s iconic Christmas Cantata, performed by choir, brass, and organ. Carillonneur Lisa Lonie will begin a festive carillon prelude at 3:30 p.m. A free-will offering will be collected to help defray program expenses.
For information, visit bmpc.org or call 610-525-2821.

Handel’s Messiah
Complete and uncut
Sunday, December 18th, 4:00 PM
Saint Katharine of Siena Church
104 S. Aberdeen Avenue, Wayne
Information and tickets: voxamadeus.org

Holiday Concerts at the Colonial
227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville
City Rhythm Orchestra: Holiday Style
Sunday, December 11th, 7:00 PM
Rich with classic tunes from Frank to Ella and Ray to the Beatles, this swinging seasonal revue returns to deliver its annual holiday joy. Groove with the 15-piece bigband and vocalists Steve Ritrovato, Vicki Woodlyn, and Rich Cox.
Charlie Brown Jazz: An Evening with the Eric Mintel Quartet
Thursday, December 15th, 7:30 PM
The beloved compositions of jazz legend Vince Guaraldi are practically the
soundtrack for Christmas. This concert by the acclaimed Eric Mintel Quartet is a Colonial holiday staple for the entire family.
thecolonialtheatre.com

Our 14th Annual Latkepalooza
Sunday, December 18th
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The Gershman Y
401 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia
Celebrate the magic of the latke with outstanding area restaurants interpreting the Hanukkah classic! Shredded and mashed potatoes, a pinch of kosher salt, eggs, and… the rest is up to our chefs. Circles Thai, Estia, Frankford Hall, Jones, Kanella, Local 44, Mission Taqueria, Sabrina’s Cafe, and Tria Taproom – thousands of latkes will be served! Savor sufganiyot (Hanukkah donuts) by Federal Donuts and enjoy beverages by Canada Dry Delaware Valley Bottling Company, as acclaimed Philadelphia kids band, The Plants, performs, while Hanukkah crafts and balloon artistry delight children of all ages. Get your tickets HERE

Cocktails and Candles
Thursday, December 22th
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Join the Young Friends of NMAJH for a pre-Hanukkah celebration full of lights, latkes, and libations!
nmajh.org/youngfriends

Festival of Lights
Friday, December 23rd
5:00 PM – 8:45 PM
Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
Enjoy an evening of Balkan beats and Klezmer groove during the museum’s Art after Five program. Music by the West Philadelphia Orchestra. Free with museum admission.
philamuseum.org/artafter5

Hazon Jewish Food Festival
Sunday, December 11th
10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Congregation Rodeph Shalom
615 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia
Learn about different elements of food, cooking, Jewish life, social justice, sustainability, and community at this 4th annual food festival. Welcoming to people of all ages, levels of cooking experience, and religious denominations and affiliations.
Details and Registration

Chanukah Bowl
Saturday, December 12th
7:00 - 10:00 PM
Wynnewood Lanes
chabadmainlineorg.

Being At "____" Christmas
Sunday, December 25th
American Jewish History Museum
Snowy. Jewish. Happy. Caring. Buddhist. Generous. Family. Creative. Friendly. Sparkly.
Fill in your own blank and join us for our annual day of family fun.
nmajh.org/dec25

Christmas Light Finder

ChristmasLightFinder.com was created in 2005 to give those who love to see Christmas lights a way to easily find light displays in their area. This unique database gives decorators - both home and commercial - a way to direct people to their displays and lets those of us who get into the spirit of Christmas by driving around looking at displays the ability to search for displays by zip code or by country.
christmaslightfinder.com

Historic Grange Estate Tour
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 23, 26, 30 and
January 1, 7, 8
143 Myrtle Avenue, Havertown
Tour the beautifully decorated mansion and visit our delightful Gift Shoppe stocked with unique seasonal gifts. Visit our Model Train Display in the Carriage House. Admission to the Mansion is $5.00 for adults, $1.00 for children, students.
Admission is free to the Model Train Display.
thegrangeestate.org

HOLIDAY RAILWAY FUN!

Santa at the Train Station
Sunday, December 11th
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Station Circle, Narberth
Greet Santa as he arrives in Narberth on the train. Free cookies, candy canes, caroling, and hot chocolate.
narberthonline.com

Reading Terminal Holiday Railroad
Now through December 31st
Starts 10:00 AM Daily
This magical interactive model railroad display, featuring 17 trains on a 1/3 of a mile track, will delight children of all ages…including adults!
readingterminalmarket.org

Friday Night Lights
Fridays, December 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th
4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Enjoy the Holiday Garden Rail lit up and decked out for the season. Pick up some hot cocoa or coffee to warm you up as you walk. Apple fritters and snacks are available, too.
business-services.upenn.edu

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

Parade of Lights at the Independent Seaport Museum
Saturday, December 10th
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Independence Seaport Museum
211 S. Columbus Boulevard
Head to the Delaware River waterfront for the annual Parade of Lights. This boat parade features both pleasure boats and working vessels decked out in fabulous decorations and lights. Holiday festivities held at the museum. Best view is from the museum’s second-floor balcony.
phillyseaport.org/lights

Cinema Classics Seminar: Divorce Italian Style
Thursday, December 15th
6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Bryn Mawr Film Institute
824 W. Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr
Join fellow cinephiles for a screening and discussion of Pietro Germis’ diabolical comedy of uxoricide. Infidelity. Divorce. Murder: all elements for a comedy? Yes! Divorce Italian Style is a satire directed by Italian screen legend Marcello Mastroianni which portrays Fefe, a faded aristocrat fixated on his teenaged cousin and henpecked by his wife, who plots an unconventional way around Italy’s then-prohibition of divorce.
Register: brynmawrfilm.org

The Velveteen Rabbit
Friday, December 9th 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 10th 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 11th 3:00 PM
Wolf Performing Arts Center
1240 Montrose Avenue, Bryn Mawr
This beloved tale centers on a very important toy rabbit and teaches what it truly means to love. Audiences are swept away on a journey of comedy, adventure, pathos and the message that love makes things real.
Tickets: wolfperformingartscenter.org

Whoosh is in Radnor!

Whoosh allows you to pay for your parking sessions remotely  through your mobile or tablet using GPS locations to automatically identify where you are parked. No need to enter money into a meter! Just download the app and park!

There is a convenience fee of $.31 added to each parking transaction for use of the app, however for the month of December there will be no convenience fee.