Hi Neighbor!

“Hello Darling! This is the first of February and I must be first to ask you, will you be my Valentine?”

This is the start of a handwritten love letter from 1949, when my Mom and Dad were dating. I found it a few years ago in my mom’s room at her assisted living facility, the letter paper faded but the sentiment timeless.

When one billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent worldwide, electronic cards released with just a few clicks and social media messages of love reduced to an emoji of a panda with hearts for eyes, we might wonder if the tradition of love letters is long gone.

Ask a neighbor or two if they write love letters and you will probably receive an awkward stare. But I would like to start a new hand written love letter movement in honor of this year’s Valentine’s Day. Love letters are a pleasant shift in focus from today’s intense news. Writing them by hand preserves a piece of your personality, and the words portray deep emotions to your loved ones – your spouse, your children, your parents, your friends – in a thoughtful, coherent form that can be saved, reread and cherished for years.

People loved each other in 1949. People will still love each other in 2049. Love is timeless and deserves to be preserved.

Love Always,
Beth

WELCOME TO THE
MainLineNeighbor-hood!
**Cherry Blow Dry Bar**

 Cherry Blow Dry Bar offers beautiful blowouts, hair extensions, make-up services, and treatments.
Our team of highly trained, talented stylists work with all lengths and types of hair to give you the best blowout & glam services at affordable prices!  Memberships are available.

Visit cherryblowdrybar.com to see a full list of styling and beauty service. You can book an appointment online or call 484-329-7799 
Follow us on Facebook for hair tips, specials,
and contest giveaways! 

Wine and Chocolate Pairings
Each Weekend in February: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
February 14th: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Penns Woods Winery
124 Beaver Valley Rd., Chadds Ford
Enjoy chocolate, wine and romance this month including delicious chocolate creations from Lock & Key Confectionery. Taste five wines carefully paired with local chocolates.
Reservations: pennswoodsevents.com

Chocolate and Wine February
Saturday, February 11th and Sunday, February 12th
Saturday 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Stone Barn Cellars
3050 Pottstown Pike, Spring City
Enjoy the sweetest weekend ever! Two days of pairing fabulous wines of Chester and Berks county regions with chocolates and other sweet confections—everything homemade and gluten free. You won’t know the difference! Come try the homemade triple chocolate mousse cake paired with their 2015 Reserve Merlot. No reservations needed and the event is FREE. Bring someone special or round up a group and create a Valentine adventure with your own self-guided tour of 11 wineries, each serving up wonderful desserts paired with their award winning wines. This is a free event. For more info call 484-985-8077
stonebarncellars.com

SPORTY VALENTINE'S DAY   

Feel the Love 5K
Saturday, February 11th
3:30 PM
The Navy Yard
4747 S. Broad St., Philadelphia
Each couple will run the race in opposite directions, making this a unique and motivational race. See how your partner is doing as you pass them again and again throughout the race. Sponsored by Bryn Mawr Running Company.
Details and Registration

Cupid’s Undie Run
Saturday, February 18th
Noon – 4:00 PM
XFINITY LIVE
1100 Pattison Ave., Philadelphia
This February, be part of something great. Cupid’s is a “brief” fun-run that takes place in the middle of a BIG party. That’s right: party, run (a mile-ish, and at your own pace), party—all in benefit of Children’s Tumor Foundation to help end Neurofibromatosis (NF).
They encourage undies, but they get that it’s not for everyone – so whether you start a team for your friends, join a team or run solo, just come out, have a blast and raise some money for NF research!
cupidsundierun.org

FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS!

Bow WOW Bingo!
To Benefit Pals For Life
Saturday, March 4th
6:00 PM Doors Open - 7:00 PM Bingo Starts
Waynesborough Country Club
440 Darby Paoli Rd., (Rt. 252), Paoli
Admission is $50.00 in advance, $60.00 at the door
** Reserve a table of 10 for $480.00!  Each person receives 5 FREE Chinese Raffle tickets. One check or credit card payment for the entire table is required. **
Please RSVP by February 25th
Dress code: No jeans, please
Bingo!  Buffet dinner!  Fabulous Prizes!  Show off your pet in our Parade of Pals at intermission. Register and pay on-line at www.palsforlife.org 

Love Changes Everything Adoption Event
Saturday, February 11th
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
King of Prussia Mall, Macy’s Court, Lower Level
160 N. Gulph Rd., King of Prussia
Help homeless pets find love in time for Valentine’s Day. “Big hearted” canines, kittens and puppies looking for homes.
providenceac.org

THE MAGIC OF ROMANCE 

Valentine Tour of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Tuesday, February 14th
2 Tours: 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM
1020 South St., Philadelphia
Fall in love all over again for Valentine’s Day this year at Magic Gardens with a special candlelit tour focusing on the of their glittering mosaic galleries and labyrinth. Isaiah Zagars’s nonprofit, nontraditional art museum is a fantastical display of colorful glass, hand-made tiles, found objects, bicycle wheels and thousands of glittering mirrors that will make you feel like you’ve truly fallen down the proverbial rabbit hole! Most of the tour takes place indoors, but the outdoor sculpture will be open, weather permitting. Enjoy wine and escape to one of the most romantic places in the city.
Tickets

HEART DAY FUN FOR THE KIDS
 

Family Culinary Workshop: Valentine Brownie Hearts
Saturday, February 11th
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Wayne Art Center
413 Maplewood Ave., Wayne
Bring your little one and create delicious heart-shaped brownies and personalize them with little words and sayings celebrating Valentine’s Day.
Register 

Kids Night Out!
Saturday, February 11th
5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Elmwood Park Zoo
1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown
Hey Parents! Take the night off to celebrate Valentine's Day and give your children their own evening of fun! Drop them off at the zoo for an exclusive, after-hours tour of the zoo, animal bingo, Valentine's crafts, a live animal show, snacks, movie and pizza dinner! Our qualified zoo staff and volunteers will be on hand to make sure everyone has a great time. Early pick-up is available. This event is open to children ages 6 to 10.
Members: $15.95/child and $7.95/additional sibling
Non-Members: $25.95/child and $15.95/additional sibling. Space is limited! More info or to make reservations by phone: 610.277.3825 x 222. 

Logan’s 18th Birthday Celebration!
Presented by St. Katherine of Siena School
Scholarship Fundraiser in honor of Logan Schweiter
Saturday, February 11th
Adult Party: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM in the Parish Center
Youth Party: 6:00 – 8:00 PM in the cafeteria
St. Katherine of Siena
104 S Aberdeen Avenue, Wayne
Join us to celebrate Logan’s 18th birthday and establish an endowment for SKS students. Youth party hosted by St. Katherine of Siena Class of 2013. Youth admission is free. Adult party includes beef and beer. Tickets to the adult party are $75. Featuring live entertainment by The Lucky Stiffs.
Tickets

Amadeus Under the Stars
Friday, February 17th
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Eastern University
1300 Eagle Rd., Wayne
The music and astronomy departments will be presenting a night of beauty and exploration, featuring cosmic stars from among the music faculty and the heavens, experienced in both the McInnis Auditorium and the Julia Fowler Planetarium. The concert will feature Eastern’s music department faculty and the Planetarium show, “Live Sky Tonight”, will feature a close look at the planets, stars and constellations visible in February.
Tickets

HomeGrown:
Michael Bacon, 21st Century Music Man
Friday, February 24
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wayne Art Center, 413 Maplewood Ave., Wayne
As one of the many famous Philadelphia Bacons, Michael Bacon has had a rich and rewarding career as a singer-songwriter, musician, and film score composer. Michael was one of the six children of Edmund Bacon, the famous Philadelphia urban planner and Ruth Bacon an activist and child advocate. And he’s less than “six degrees of separation” from his younger brother, Kevin, the actor. A successful singer-songwriter and composer for film and television, with numerous awards to his credit, Michael is also an accomplished guitarist, keyboardist, and cellist. He’s written many scores for a wide variety of shows on PBS and HBO. One of his most recent projects is Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Michael won an Emmy for his original score for The Kennedys. Michael will provide us with an lively evening of storytelling, music and insight into the worlds of entertainment and composing.
Tickets and Information 

Free screening, introductory hour of the documentary series The Raising of America
Followed by a panel discussion
February 15th
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
at The Delaware Valley Friends School
19 E. Central Ave., Paoli
Admission is free, but tickets are required. Go to childsworldamerica.org

Cocktails, Art Appreciation & Film Lecture
Friday, February 10th
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Phoenix Village Apartment’s Theater
131 Bridge St., Phoenixville
Guest lecturer, Neil Dreibelbis, presents the third in his series of film as a visual expression. In this presentation, he will cover Post Impressionism and Toulouse-Lautrec. In a crippled body there lived a natural talent that began to show itself in delicate and expressive drawings in early childhood.  Toulouse-Lautrec's illness and his ability to place himself in another person's shoes seems to be somehow connected.  We will find out how! Come and check out a new way of watching and appreciating film! Snow Date is February 24th.
phoenixvillageartcenter.org

S.M.Art Kids: STEM Lab
Wednesday, February 22nd
4:00 PM
Radnor United Methodist Church
930 Conestoga Rd., Bryn Mawr
STEM is a monthly series of wild and crazy science experiments, including playing with your food, tech toys, games, and more for kids in grades 1-4.
Register 

Secret Life of Bees
Saturday, February 25th
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Jenkins Arboretum and Gardens
631 Berwyn Baptist Rd., Devon
Learn about the four seasons of the hive and the lifecycle of the honeybee through an introductory workshop on beekeeping. Perfect start for anyone interested in the hobby of beekeeping. Lecture and demonstration ends with a tasting of honey from the Jenkins Apiary.
Register

The Matchmaker
Wednesday, February 15th – Sunday, March 12th
People’s Light
39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern
Thorton Wilder’s play is an old-fashioned farce about a complex conspiracy to bring young lovers together. This classic is a wild mix of outrageous behavior, mistaken identity and spontaneous romance.
Times and Tickets 

Grand Concourse
Now through February 26th
Theater Horizon
401 DeKalb St., Norristown
This tragicomedy navigates the limits of forgiveness and the pursuit of joy set in a church’s soup kitchen in the Bronx. In conjunction with the production of Grand Concourse, there is a photographic exhibit in the theater lobby which focuses on issues related to food insecurity and hunger prevention.
Tickets

Seussical the Musical, Jr.
Friday, February 17th – Sunday, February 26th
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM, Sunday Matinees 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Salt Performing Arts
The Theatre at Yellow Springs
1645 Art School Rd., Chester Springs
Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in a fantastical musical extravaganza from Tony-winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.
Tickets

Philly Home and Garden Show
Friday, February 17th – Sunday, February 19th
Friday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sun: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
100 Station Ave., Oaks
One of the largest home and garden shows in PA, this show features landscapers, contractors, vendors, celebrity designers find everything you need to update and beautify your home and gardens. Walk through more than 7500 sq.ft. of inspirational gardens showcasing new gardening techniques, ideas and must-have products for 2017. Complimented by wine and beer tastings and live music. Hilary Farr, of the TV show, “Love It or List It!” will be appearing Saturday and Jeff Lewis of Bravo TV’s, “Flipping Out” will be appearing Sunday.
They’re so sure you’ll enjoy the show, that they’ll refund your money for admission if you don’t!
phillyhomeandgarden.com

Philadelphia Flower Show
March 11th – March 19th
Convention Center, Philadelphia
Less than 75 days until you can tiptoe through the tulips! This year’s Philadelphia Flower Show’s theme is Holland—Flowering the World, and if you purchase a Family Super Saver Pass in advance, you’ll receive two free admission tickets for Butterflies Live!
Get tickets here

The Carol H. Axelrod Memorial Blood Drive
Friday, February 24th
9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
The Shipley School
Yarnall Gymnasium
814 Yarrow St., Bryn Mawr
This memorial blood drive was created as a way to “give back” to the blood-donor community that made it possible for Carol to receive blood and platelet transfusions she needed during cancer treatment. The mission to to help others spend more time with their loved ones by ensureing that blood products are always available for those in need. There are several donations slots every fifteen minutes. To make an appointment email info@chablooddrive.org

PRESIDENTS' DAY ACTIVITIES

Washington’s Birthday at Valley Forge Park
Monday, February 20th
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Celebrate his Excellency’s 285th birthday. Cupcakes and samples of Martha Washington’s “Great Cake” recipe will be baked and served by the students of The Culinary Institute of Montgomery County Community College. Crafts and games in the Meeting Room and Theater from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Brithday activities in the Visitor’s Center from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Sing Happy Birthday to the General in the Visitor’s Center at 12:00 PM. Children will learn drill foundation and marching like a Continental Soldier.
Details

Year Round Exploration Camp
Monday, February 20th
9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Riverbend Environmental Education Center
1950 Spring Mill Rd., Gladwyne
Be a Red Barn Animal Keeper for the day! Learn what it’s like care for the animals that live in the red barn. Join the experts to learn how to feed, groom and exercise Riverbend’s special residents.
Register

Citizen’s Police Academy
March 1st, first of eight classes
Radnor Township Police Department
301 Iven Ave., Wayne
Registration is now open for The Citizen’s Police Academy, a program designed to provide participants with a working knowledge of Radnor Township’s Police Department. This free program includes eight instructional sessions in the classroom and in the field. This program allows residents to take a personal role in their community and enjoy a safer and closer relationship with neighbors and local government.
Interested? Contact citizenspoliceacademy@radnor.org

Catalyst SAT Bootcamp
March 4th and 5th
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Cabrini College
$175 for both days
Come learn everything you need to know to outsmart the Redesigned SAT with Catalyst's Weekend Bootcamp. Catalyst's SAT Bootcamp is a confidence-boosting weekend seminar that teaches students strategies for every type of question they're guaranteed to encounter on the SAT. Selected topics include how to:
Shortcut math questions that stump more than 90% of test-takers; Spot hidden clues that reveal the main idea in lengthy SAT Reading passages; Avoid the three sneaky ways the SAT's Writing & Language test tries to trick students; Use a proven template to earn perfect scores in reading, analysis, and writing on the SAT Essay.
Catalyst's SAT Bootcamp is not a mock test or an infomercial for our services. Students learn proven strategies from experts who earned perfect scores on the new SAT. Participants receive 8 hours of instruction, Catalyst's 368-page SAT Bootcamp book, bonus online instruction, and personalized feedback. To enroll visit www.catalystprep.com and click on Boot Camp Sign-up. For more information, email info@CatalystPrep.com or call 800-235-0056.
This Event Is Sponsored By The Conestoga High School Class Of 2018 Parent Organization!

Kindergarten Readiness Workshop
Wednesday, February 15th
6:30 PM
Ithan Elementary School Multipurpose Room
695 Clyde Rd., Bryn Mawr
How do I register my child for Kindergarten? How do I know if my child is ready? What is the best learning environment for my child? Parents and teachers are invited to an information presentation on registration requirements, curriculum and ideas to aid in your child’s development. Led by the Radnor Township School District.
Registration

Stand Up Comedy Class
Saturdays February 18th – March 18th
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Act II Playhouse
56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler
Ever wonder how Louis CK, Jerry Seinfeld, or Chris Rock come up with their original jokes? Ever wonder how you could do the same for yourself?  Take this class to find out!  We’ll study and learn from the masters of comedy, and put on a final performance for friends and family! Final performance date is March 25th, 4:00 PM Questions: Email Education Director Bill D'Agostino at bill@act2.org
More Info

Second Saturday
Saturday, February 11th
6:30 PM  
Tredyffrin Library
582 Upper Gulph Rd, Strafford
A fun night for middle-schoolers to play games, including improv games, which leads to laughing which leads to making friends. Contact Laurie Doan: at 610.688.7092 x200 or Ldoan@ccls.org to sign up.