Hi Neighbor!

We are busy. Busy driving children, busy avoiding road closures, busy running errands and busy keeping customers, families, and friends happy.  Busy, busy, busy. But when asked, "What did you do today?", our response is often a blank stare. We never seem to slow down, breath, and enjoy any accomplishments, however minor, because we're always onto the next thing.

Today I stripped the sheets from our bed, washed them, brought them to the kitchen table, and set about to fold them. The flat sheets and pillow cases are obviously a piece of cake, but then I was faced with the dreaded fitted sheet. For reasons that elude sanity, I've always wanted to learn how to fold the thing properly. Not the "bunched up-looks okay-oh forget about it" folded I routinely do, but folded so the laundry manager at the Ritz Carlton couldn't distinguish flat from fitted.  

I picked up the sheet and, with my mind already on the next item on my to-do list, I paid no attention to what my hands were doing. When I shook the sheet out, laid it on the table to finish and saw four perfectly fitted corner pockets, I literally squealed. Three carefully executed folds later, there it was: a flat, perfect rectangle. Okay, a minor accomplishment, but one I could point to (and did!) when asked about my day. So, find that small moment, whether it's an organized drawer, a weeded garden, or a perfectly folded fitted sheet, to enjoy and savor. Tomorrow comes soon enough.

Enjoy (the little things),
Beth

Movies in the Park
Saturday, August 13th
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Normandy Park
2922 Normandy Rd., Ardmore
Wizard of Oz – Outdoor movie family fun! Snacks for sale, make it a picnic and bring a chair.
sabanews.org

Secret Cinema
Friday, September 9th
8:00 PM
Eastern State Penitentiary
2027 Fairmont Ave., Philadelphia
The Secret Cinema returns for its 16th film screening at Eastern State. This year, for the first time, the program will not be based around a prison-themed feature film. THE INSIDE VIEW: SHORT FILMS ABOUT PRISON will instead be a collection of rare documentaries, television drama, and even a cartoon, all about life behind bars, with none longer than 30 minutes. The films will be shown using real 16mm film (not video) projected on a giant screen. Seats are limited. Tickets are available online or at the door, subject to availability. General Admission: $10.
Secret Cinema

Country Fest at Elmwood Park Zoo
Saturday, August 20th
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown
Come on down for an afternoon of country-themed fund as 92.5 XTU’s Andie Summers hosts a live broadcast from the zoo. Guest will also enjoy special games, crafts, raffles, and live performances from Amanda Nolan, Lenny Martelli, and Zodiak Jack.
Country Fest

55th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival
Thursday, August 18th – Sunday, August 21st
1323 Salford Station Rd., Harleysville
Each year, Philadelphia Folksong Society transforms an 80-acre working farm into a magical, musical sound park presenting 4 days of superstars and rising stars. This event is the longest continuously-running outdoor festival of its kind in North America.
Information and Tickets

Sounds of Summer Concert Series
Friday, August 26th
7:30 PM
Haverford Township Free Library
1601 Darby Rd., Havertown
This Friday enjoy Charlie Graci, a Rock ‘n Roll pioneer and Bandstand icon who wows audiences in the US and Europe with hits such as “Butterfly,” Fabulous,” “Wandering Eyes” and more!
Sounds of Summer 

Downingtown Summer Jam Series
Friday, August 26th
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Kerr Park Concert Gazebo
1 Park Lane, Downingtown
Summer Jam Series

Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts Series
Bryn Mawr Gazebo
9 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr
Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts

Carillon Concerts
Wednesdays through August 31st
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Washington Memorial Chapel at Valley Forge Park
RR 23, Valley Forge
If you’ve never heard what a Carillon sounds like, you’re missing out! Learn about it here, then bring a chair and come and enjoy the mesmerizing sounds of the free Carillon Concerts performed every Wednesday night through August 31st.
WM Chapel

Festival of People
Sunday, August 28th
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Upper Merion Township Park
75 West Valley Forge Rd., King of Prussia
A community celebration for all ages designed to be an educational and inclusive social event to promote learning about diverse traditions. Children will enjoy splashing around on the water slide in the Kid Zone while seniors can sit and relax in the Oasis Tent and enjoy the Big Band sounds of years past. Local vendors and businesses will be on hand to provide information on their services. Both professional and amateur musicians will perform throughout the day. The event is sponsored by TRM (True Reflection Ministries), the Living Ground, and Upper Merion Township to raise funds for area charities and promote community. 
Festival of People

MDP Community Carnival
Tuesday, August 16th - Saturday, August 20th
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
333 Allendale Rd., King of Prussia
There will be live music, plenty of food, games, and rides for the entire family. Beer garden open every night. Indoor bingo and a 3 on 3 youth basketball tournament for kids in grades 5-12th.
MDP Carnival

Bead Fest Summer
Friday, August 19th – Sunday, August 21st
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
100 Station Ave., Oaks
Celebrate your love of jewelry making with us as we celebrate Bead Fest Summer’s 15th Anniversary. Whether you are new to jewelry making or it’s a lifelong passion, you’ll enjoy premium education in a creative, energizing setting. It’s also your chance to shop the Expo, a one-stop jewelry-maker’s wonderland stocked with beads, gems, tools, and finished jewelry. 
Dates & times

Moonlight 5K Run/Walk
Thursday, August 18th
7:45 PM
Rustin High School
1100 S. Shiloh Rd., West Chester
Moonlight madness here we go! Bring on the neon and bring on the glow! Join us for the 2nd Cure4Cam Moonlight 5K Run/2K Walk of the summer!
Register

Midsummer Night 5K Series
Thursday, August 11th
South Ardmore Park
1498 South Sussex Rd., Wynnewood
The last race of the summer series will take place in the quiet and safe neighborhood surrounding South Ardmore Park. The course will consist of 3 circuits on a slightly rolling course called the Ardmore Loop. Race proceeds will benefit Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Lower Merion Parks and Recreation.
Register

Run Inspired 10K at Winterthur
Sunday, October 23rd
8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
5105 Kennett Pike
Winterthur, DE
Start training now! Operation Warm Coats for Kids Foundation is proud to announce the creation of our very first charity race on the grounds of the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. Course designed by renowned Boston Marathon race director Dave McGillvray. Uncover Winterthur's gardens, enchanted woods, rolling hills, streams, meadows, forests, and one of the largest mansions in the country. With your registration, you will receive race entry, a collection of goodies/apparel, as well as access to our post-race Finishers Party and Inspiration Tent. Every registration will also allow Operation Warm to provide a brand new coat for a child in need, not only inspiring you to run, but to inspire a child to get to school with confidence and play outside on cold winter days.
Register

Harriton Hills and Heat 5K
Thursday, August 18th
6:45 PM
Harriton High School
600 N Ithan Ave., Bryn Mawr
Come out and support a great cause, Students Run Philly, a unique program that uses a simple approach to fostering resilience in Philadelphia youth: a pair of sneakers and a caring adult. Hosted by Harriton High School student and cross country athlete, Jacob Harris. The run loops through the beautiful neighborhoods of Bryn Mawr.
Register

2nd Annual Ambler Bike Race
Saturday, August 13th
7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The Lucky Well/Ambler Theater
111 E Butler Ave., Ambler
This race features streaming music, vendors, kids’ races and terrific bike racing of all levels from amateur to professional. The course is a fast, flat, 5-corner loop (1.1 miles) through downtown Ambler.
Race Schedule/Registration

Iron Hill Twilight Race Series
Saturday, August 20th
4:00 – 9:00 pm
Market St., West Chester
National Pro Cycling Championships come to West Chester! The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce presents an evening of professional and amateur cycling. See top national professional bike racers push themselves to the max to become the Champion of the 2016 series. The streets of downtown West Chester will explode with excitement as riders navigate a challenging circuit at speeds in excess of 35mph. Cheer on these top cyclists as they push themselves to the very limit in their quest for fame and glory. The race series also includes amateur and kids’ races, team trike races, a community festival, and a block party.
Details and Race Registration

OUTDOOR SPORT

C.A.S.E./FLITE Golf Outing
Sunday, September 25th
Downingtown Country Club, Downingtown
For the 9th consecutive year, C.A.S.E invites you to continue the tradition of “Moving forward, by giving back” to T/E Schools. Have fun and contribute to the success of current students in the District. Without the help of FLITE-funded programs, hundreds of students in our school district would be without the basic academic tools and support they need. Each student has access to a top-notch education, but it’s hard to take full advantage of it if your family cannot afford things like home internet, a computer or after school homework support. Join the effort to help ensure that no child falls through the cracks and fails to live up to his or her potential due to a financial struggle at home or lack of resources at school.
Seeking golfers and sponsors

Life is Good Kids Triathlon
Saturday, August 27th
8:00 AM
The Penllyn Club
525 Gwynedd Ave., Penllyn
The purpose of this event is to promote multisport participation in kids and families as well as to encourage physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
Details and registration

Radnor Boys Crew Club FREE Learn to Row Camp
Monday, August 15th- Friday, August 20th
Monday-Friday: 7th & 8th graders - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, 9th graders - 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: 7th–9th graders - 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
601 Washington Ave, Conshohocken
The Radnor High School Crew team, currently ranked the #1 public high school rowing program in the Philadelphia area, will hold a FREE Learn to Row Camp August 15-20th in Conshohocken. The camp is open to rising 7th, 8th and 9th grade boys who attend Radnor Middle and Radnor High School. 
Radnor Crew

2016 US Open Tennis Championship Excursion
Friday, September 2nd
Bus Departure: 7:15 AM
Radnor Memorial Park
61 Matsonford Rd., Radnor
The Radnor Township Recreation and Community Programming Department takes its annual trip to Men’s 2nd Round and Women’s 3rd Round championships in Flushing Meadows, New York.
Registration

UNDER THE STARS

Riverbend Family Camp-Out
6:00 PM Saturday, August 13th – 9:00 AM Sunday, August 14th
Riverbend Environmental Education Center
1950 Spring Mill Rd., Gladwyne
Riverbend staff will help you set up your tent, build the campfire, provide the food, lead a night time program, and make this experience easy and fun for the whole family. Pre-Register

Eerie Limited
Monthly on the 2nd Friday through November 11th
6:30 PM
Colebrookdale Railroad
43 Chestnut Street, Boyertown
Learn the haunted secrets of The Secret Valley on a very special evening run. Two-hour round trip departing and arriving in Boyertown, Pennsylvania. 
Eerie Unlimited 

Nightscape - A Light and Sound Experience by Klip Collective
Through Saturday, October 29th
Longwood Gardens
1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
Just opened for the season, this is a nighttime adventure across a magical landscape transformed by light, movement, color, and original music. Experience Nightscape, remixed. 
Nightscape

DOING IS LEARNING

Milling Demonstration Days
Saturday, August 13th
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The Mill at Anselma
1730 Conestoga Rd., Chester Springs
Come visit and see a mill in action! Special technology tours will be available that focus on how different parts of the mill works. 
Anselma Mill

Touch a Truck
Sunday, August 14th
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Chester County Government Services Building Parking Lot
601 Westtown Road, West Chester
The event will feature a variety of life size trucks, tractors, fire trucks along with great food and the TCL Clowns.  
Touch a Truck

SPEAKING OF BOOKS

Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Speaks
Wednesday, September 28th
7:00 PM
The Agnes Irwin School, Main Gymnasium
275 Ithan Ave., Bryn Mawr
Goodwin is the author of six critically acclaimed and New York Times best-selling books, including her most recent, The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism.
Register for your seats today

Free Workshop for Writers by Writers
Saturday, August 20th
12:00 PM – 4:30 pm
Paoli Library Meeting Room
18 Darby Rd., Paoli
Join a workshop designed for proficient writers and authors to learn from one another in an experiential and peer-to-peer forum. 
Writers Workshop