Hi Neighbor!
Let’s face it. January is the longest, coldest, gloomiest month of the year. But at this juncture, we are more than half-way through, so well done, us! We have survived a few days of tundra-like weather, we have dutifully dragged our Christmas trees to the curb, and we have sheepishly abandoned our New Year’s resolutions (it was bound to happen, so do not be too hard on yourself!).
So, now what? What could we possibly have to look forward to with a pandemic still looming in the shadows and a groundhog still waiting to make his prediction based on his shadow?
For me, it has always been my birthday. That insufferable day when we turn another year older. Mine just happens to land right in the middle of this long, cold, gloomy month. I cannot stop it from coming but I can control my outlook on its arrival, so for many years, I have decided to embrace it.
As a kid I enjoyed having a birthday right after Christmas; it provided a chance to ask for a gift Santa may have missed. Plus, I woke up thinking the whole world was excited that it was my birthday, expectantly waiting for something magical to happen. There was always a celebration with friends and party hats and old-fashioned party games (think Musical Chairs and Pin-the-Tail on the Donkey), topped off with an angel food cake baked by my grandmother.
Yes, birthdays were fun, and I thoroughly enjoyed being the center of my own attention up to and including my 21st birthday. After that, full adulthood took over and birthdays had less significance. I could no longer count on being with friends and family to celebrate, and the chance of being snowbound on this auspicious day made me dial back my enthusiasm. Cards and phone calls had to suffice.
Once you become a mom, however, birthdays truly become ‘just another day.’ Don’t get me wrong; I love being a mom more than anything, but as all moms know, everyone else comes first, even on your birthday. Which is why I ultimately decided to embrace the day by taking a moment for myself to mark the occasion.
Often it is lunch with my sister or getting my hair or nails done. Something that truly makes me happy and that is only for me. I do not want to be disappointed in anticipation of what could happen, so I set my expectations to ‘low’ and plan for myself. How could I possibly disappoint Me?
This year I am going to roll out the day slowly and cautiously because I am on the brink of facing a new decade. I want to approach this one delicately, so at the risk of being kind to myself and embracing the near end of a decade, there are TWO things I am doing for myself this year.
First, I am secretly hoping for a brisk day as I have booked myself a cozy, comforting massage. Aaahh. Yes, I cannot wait. The excitement is almost too much for me to contain myself as I anticipate the warm cocoon of a room where I will be reduced to mush as each and every bit of angst and stress carried with me into this new year is released. I do not indulge in a massage often, so I do feel this is a true treat just for me as I face – and bravely embrace – the day.
Second, I have my first assignment at my new writing gig, here at Main Line Neighbors, and it somehow seems appropriate that it fell on (you guessed it) my birthday. Since I have become an empty nester, I have discovered my passion for writing, for telling stories through the written word, and I feel so incredibly lucky to have this opportunity to share my thoughts here, right in my own neighborhood.
My point is, take the day, your day, no matter what month or season, and make some time for yourself doing something that makes you smile or feel good. Acknowledge that self-care is important and YOU are important to you. It really is that easy.
So, embrace the coming year. Start looking forward to your birthday and plan for the something extra you will do for yourself. Trust me. It will make your own mother happy, too.
Beating the Birthday Blues,
Jackie
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THANK YOU TO OUR ADVERTISERS!
We hope MainLine Neighbors keeps you connected to our community. 👋 Thanks to our local advertisers for sponsoring this week's newsletter. Please support our sponsors! Give them a click to learn more!
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The Middle School at Malvern Preparatory School takes an innovative approach to teaching and learning - engaging and inspiring boys at a pivotal age by fostering inquisitive thinking, character development, and lifelong friendships. Our challenging Middle School curriculum prepares boys for the rigorous studies they’ll encounter in Upper School and beyond. They learn to think at a deeper level as we encourage them to ask important questions, think creatively, and apply their knowledge for the common good.
Our students are entrusted with responsibility from an early age - emphasizing that at Malvern we’re all problem-solvers, we’re all creators, and we’re all in this together.
Learning to trust their inner teacher builds self-confidence in their abilities. Discovering the values and strengths of others in the community grows their compassion. Exploring their power to impact the world ignites their imagination.
The result: young men who lead boldly and serve humbly wherever they go.
Malvern Preparatory School's Admissions Department looks forward to hosting Middle School families for a Middle School Preview Morning this spring. Prospective families are invited to join us on campus to meet and hear from school leadership about Middle School academic programming, activities, and opportunities for your son.
Register today to join us on campus on Friday, March 11, 2022 beginning at 8:00 a.m.
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‘TIS THE SEASON TO LACE UP YOUR SKATES
Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink
Through February 27th
Open daily (hours vary)
Dilworth Park, Philadelphia
The popularity of this seasonal ice-skating excursion makes reservations necessary, but the activities do not end on the ice. Skaters can relax with food and drinks in a ski-chalet setting when they are finished with their spins and jumps on the ice.
Details
Blue Cross RiverRink
Through March 6th
Open daily (hours vary)
Philadelphia
Families can skate on the largest outdoor rink in Philadelphia right next to the Delaware River. Following your 90-minute excursion on the ice, warm up in a cozy cabin or by a fire pit. Make sure to make reservations in advance because this is THE place to be for skating this winter.
Details
Haverford Skatium
Open year-round, Open Daily (hours vary)
The legendary Skatium has been open for indoor ice-skating since 1974 and still provides year-round ice time for lessons, hockey games, and public skating sessions. Proudly, the Skatium is the home rink for several area high school hockey leagues. ‘Tis the season for skating, but the family can return again and again throughout the year for continuous skating fun.
Details
Ice Line Quad Rinks
Open year-round, Open daily (hours vary)
West Chester
Come for the skating, stay for the drinks! While the kids skate inside on this sprawling ice rink, parents can enjoy a light bite and adult beverage at the Goal Line Pub. Lessons, open skate, hockey tournaments, and rentals are all available at this year-round rink.
Details
Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society
Open year-round
Public Skating: Fridays 8:00 – 9:30 pm
Sundays 1:45 - 3:15 pm
Ardmore
Bragging rights go this magnificent indoor rink for being America’s first skating club! Lessons are available for all levels – even adults who want to learn to skate and for those who are interested in learning beyond the basics in figure skating. It is truly a family affair as this skating club focuses on fun for everyone.
Details
Oaks Center Ice
Open Year-round, Open daily (hours vary)
Oaks
Public skating sessions, lessons on how to skate or play hockey, hockey leagues for both kids and adults, and even a figure skating team. To round out the adventure, stop by the café for a much-earned post-skating snack. Details
Springfield Skating Rink
Open year-round
Open daily (hours vary)
Springfield
Lessons with a former Disney on Ice skater to hockey leagues for all levels. Additionally, the rink can be rented for private parties or events. So, lace up your skates and head over to the rink for affordable public skating on the weekends.
Details
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Chestnut Hill on Ice
Friday & Saturday, January 28th & 29th
Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill
Ice-themed attractions, including ice sculptures, an iceless skating rink, live music, a yurt village, restaurant and retail specials, meet & greet with the snow queens and more. Details
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LURKING AROUND AT THE LIBRARY
Groundhog Day Predictions
January 26th – February 1st
All Day Event
Penn Wynne Library, Wynnewood
Help Punxsutawney Phil make his prediction for either an early spring or for six more weeks of winter (ugh!). Stop by the Penn Wynne Library to participate in this raffle and a chance to win a prize. Place your prediction in the “burrow” and maybe you will be the lucky winner! Details
National Lego Celebration Day
Friday, January 28th
All Day Event
Belmont Hills Library, Bala Cynwyd
Who doesn’t enjoy building with Legos? This is your chance to show-off your mad building skills by submitting a photo of your Lego creation to ggatt@lmls.org on or before January 28. All photos will be posted to the Library’s Facebook page, and all ages and masterpieces are encouraged! Details
Teen Dungeons and Dragons Club
Wednesdays through February 23rd
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Ardmore Library, Ardmore
Learn how to play Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition as part of a dynamic Wednesday afternoon group at the Ardmore Library. Participants will be honing problem solving and math skills while playing a game – what a perfect combo! Registration is required and the club is open for teens ages 13 and up. Details
Ballroom Dance: Partner Dancing for Adults
Fridays, February 4th – March 18th
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Radnor Memorial Library
114 West Wayne Avenue, Wayne
Come try the Merengue, the Fox Trot and the Tango as you learn to swivel your hips and tap your toes to the beat. This is a spectacular way to beat the winter blues by getting up-tempo at the Radnor Library in the Winsor Room where an instructor from Dancing Classroom Philly will lead the group. Bring a partner or sign-up solo. Details
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THE ARTS FOR ALL AGES
Cinema Classics Seminar: Boogie Nights
Wednesday, January 26th
6:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Bryn Mawr Film Institute
The evening begins with a brief intro lecture about Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1997 cult classic Boogie Nights followed by a viewing of the film and a brief discussion at the conclusion. Participation can be in person or remote; register ahead of time for your attendance preference. Details
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition
Saturday, January 22nd – Sunday, February 22nd
Various Hours
Fashion District Mall, Philadelphia
Experience the fantastic work of genius Michelangelo as never imagined. In Center City’s Fashion District, attendees can witness his masterpieces up close and personal with life-size images viewed from a floor to ceiling perspective. Perfect for all ages and for a hands-free, socially distanced outing. Average time of a visit is 60-90 minutes. Details
Music of the Beatles for Kids + More
Saturday, February 13th
12:00 PM
Brooklyn Bowl, Philadelphia
If you have ever envisioned taking your kids to their first concert, this live event at the Brooklyn Bowl provides that opportunity. The Rock and Roll Playhouse band encourages kids to move and groove to the music as they enjoy an afternoon of discovery and a life-long love of music. Since little ears can be sensitive, the volume at the shows is turned down. Details
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| Be a part of the theatre magic at Wolf Performing Arts Center!
Registration is open for performances, classes, camp, lessons and more! Learn more and register today!
wolfperformingartscenter.org
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Whether it’s your first child or your third, at Main Line Health we’re committed to making your pregnancy and delivery the most positive experience possible.
Main Line Health
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A coeducational, college-preparatory, Quaker school offering an outstanding independent school education to students in Nursery through grade 12.
Friends' Central School
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All children deserve a school that they love.
The School in Rose Valley supports children’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning and play.
theschoolinrosevalley.org
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At Mathnasium we are changing lives through math!
All students were harmed by covid. We will help build their confidence in math and beyond.
Learning centers in Paoli, West Chester and Glen Mills
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Enhance your outdoor space using pathway lighting, accent and uplighting, patio and entertainment space outdoor lighting from Illuminate Landscape lighting.
illuminatelandscapelighting.com
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Looking to renew your space in 2022? Check out West Elm, The Shade Store, Simon Pearce & more for a fresh perspective on all things decor.
suburbansquare.com
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🙋 WHO WE ARE!
MainLine Neighbors, a women-owned company, has been delivering local information to the community for over 15 years.
We partner with the many community organizations and have been producing relevant content to meet the needs of our neighbors.
Do you want to advertise or sponsor MainLine Neighbors? Hit us up! Are you interested in producing stories for MainLine Neighbors? We’re into that too! Have any other questions? Send us an email at info@mainlineneighbors.com.
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