Who trims the trees overhanging the road?

ByJen Panaro Updated on

+ books 📚 and chill 🍦 + something for the runners 🏃🏼‍♀️ + 🩸 donation + more

A few weeks ago, there was a discussion on Facebook about trees obstructing an intersection in Chadds Ford. I’d call it a little kerfuffle, but isn’t there always at least one commenter in any lively Facebook group chat looking to ruffle some feathers? Ugh… 😵‍💫

My hot take: A neighbor made a good-faith inquiry about a relevant topic in our community, most people responded with constructive comments, and the issue was fixed within about 24 hours. It felt like a little community win.

In response, the township released guidance on the matter for future reference. Essentially, if the vegetation that hangs over the road or impedes sightlines is on your property, it’s your job to keep it tidy.

One neighbor noted that PennDOT has a customer care portal and is generally quite responsive to at least look at the issues, determine responsibility, and care for what is in their purview.

The more you know…

Good books and chill

Got a kid who loves ice cream? 🍦 I know… is that even a real question? Stop by the End of Summer Ice Cream Party at the Rachel Kohl Community Library this Friday, August 15, from 1 – 3 pm in the Community Room. You can roll in any time during the two-hour window to grab a cool treat with the kiddos and chill.

If I were a runner 🏃🏼‍♀️

I ‘retired’ from running a few years ago (not that I was ever very good at it). But if you enjoy a jog with neighbors, consider joining the Concord Run Club. They run together on Monday and Wednesday mornings at 6 am and meet at the Concord Township Dog Park (725 Smithbridge Rd in Glen Mills). 💪🏼

If running gets your endorphins flowing, go find some common ground with neighbors while your feet hit the ground running. Email Abigail Bogovich at [email protected] for more information.

You also might be interested in the Delco 10 Miler run, a new event this year that hopes to become a local tradition. Think Broad Street Run, but in Delco. They already have over 800 participants and 115 open spots (as of today). Race proceeds will benefit Delco Arts, the Delaware County Parks & Recreation Department, and the HEADstrong Foundation.

P.S. The race still needs volunteers to help execute the significant event if you’re interested.

woman donating blood

Give a little, save a life 🩸

In your best Hugh Grant voice, what a bloody nice way to help a neighbor. The American Red Cross has long been short on blood donations. There are two upcoming opportunities to donate blood in our community. Sign up for one of them if you’re able!

  • St John’s Episcopal Church | Tuesday, August 26 from 2 pm – 7 pm in the Parish Hall (details here)

  • Chadds Ford Elementary | Saturday, September 6 from 9 am – 2 pm (sign up here)

🔥 Concordville Fire Department seeks volunteers

If you dreamed as a kid of being a firefighter, now’s your chance! The Concordville Fire and Protective Association seeks volunteers to join the company. Chadds Ford doesn’t have its own fire department, so the Concordville team handles fire calls in our community. Check out their site for more details.

🥂 Cheerio to the library 📚

Come one, come all! Bring your friends. Register to attend the annual fundraising dinner for the Rachel Kohl Community Library. All the details are in the post below. Sign up soon before tickets sell out. I’ll be there and hope to see you!

🐎 From oars to mallets for a good cause

This events puts the “fun” in a Friday night fundraiser. Bring a picnic and your lawn chairs for some sunset polo on Friday, September 12 to support the Unionville Rowing Club. They even have a prize for the best tailgate! Order tickets here.

Have you seen the Underground Railroad?

You probably learned about the Underground Railroad in history class. But did you know that this “train” travelled right through our community? Pop into Barnard Station on August 17 between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm to get a peek at the former Underground Railroad station.

Particularly when our federal government seeks to hide and eliminate stories of American history that do not “celebrate American exceptionalism,” are “divisive,” or are not “uplifting,” (and slavery certainly doesn’t fit their narrative) we should commit to preserving the complex and varied history in our communities that tells the whole story about our country’s past. There’s much to be learned from what made us exceptional and the mistakes we ought never to repeat.

Here are a few more details about our community’s connection to the Underground Railroad in a recent post.

Know a high school student who needs volunteer hours?

Chadds Ford Township is seeking high school volunteers this August to help organize and prepare approximately 60 boxes of historical and commercial property paper documents for scanning and archiving.

If you’re a student in the Township or the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District and need volunteer hours, this is an excellent opportunity to get involved and support your community! Contact the township for more details.

🥇 This garage won the gold this year

Chadds Ford Township Resident’s Association recognized Leader Sunoco as their 2025 Business of the Year. Congrats to the group!! CFTRA took the opportunity to dote on Leader Sunoco and brag about Leader’s community accomplishments at an event at the township building on July 30. Here’s what CFTRA had to say. 😍

“Established in 1987, Leader Sunoco, under the careful stewardship of its owners, the Leader family, long ago established itself as far more than a gas station within Chadds Ford Village. Located at 1634 Baltimore Pike (across Rt. 1 from Hank’s Place), they warmly welcomed residents to an annual Christmas Eve open house for 38 years prior to the pandemic. Offering food, friendship, and a true spirit of togetherness, this became a beloved township event and created a true sense of community.

Their longstanding involvement in the Chadds Ford Business Association reflects their dedication to supporting fellow local businesses, often promoting others through flyers and signage at the station.

Their community spirit extends even further through volunteer efforts. The Leaders host a night teaching new drivers about the general maintenance of their vehicles. They also allow Girl Scouts to earn their Car Care badge, empowering the next generation with valuable life skills. Leader Sunoco is also proud to offer mentorship to young technicians working their way through tech school, fostering a love for the trade in young adults.

Their community spirit goes beyond the garage. Whether helping a stranded driver with a flat tire or picking up a resident’s car from a retirement community, the Leader family consistently offers a helping hand whenever it’s needed.”

Help a local Girl Up Club help local women

The Garnet Valley High School Girl Up Club is hosting a donation drive for the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County. They are looking for items like clothing (new and gently used), new underwear, body wash, menstrual products, diapers, and more. Stop by the Rachel Kohl Community Library to drop off donations. The box is just inside the front doors in the lobby and is available through August 25. Thanks in advance!

Looking ahead

Here are a few other events you might want to add to your calendar. Several require registration in advance. Double-check dates and times in case they’ve changed since I shared.

Other events to add?

In the comments, feel free to share any other events happening in and around Chadds Ford that you think our neighbors will enjoy!

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