+ homemade sweets and treats + dance classes + donations + more

Summer takes us all in different directions, so weekly updates may be a little lighter as we spend time traveling, lounging by the pool, indulging in summer reading, and doing all the things a slightly slower time of year allows.

Please let me know if you have any interesting news to share with the community. 🫶🏼

👉🏼 Don’t forget to check upcoming events toward the end of the newsletter. The Concord Pie Contest sounds delicious!

Have you been to Chadds Ford Coffee House?

Looking for a place to meet up with neighbors for casual conversations or business meetings? Check out Chadds Ford Coffee House if you haven’t peeked inside. They have lots of tables to work, chat with friends, or meet a new neighbor. You can also rent the space for private events after hours, like the community conversation with Elizabeth Moro a few weeks ago.

Public spaces, such as coffee shops, restaurants, and libraries (bonus: the libraries are free!), serve as the backbone of building community. We need to have places where we can connect with our neighbors, hear new viewpoints, and engage in uncomfortable conversations. It’s worth a visit if you haven’t stopped in yet. The vegan banana bread is delicious!

Sweet treats without the heat

If your sweet tooth is kicking or you need some treats for an event but don’t want to turn on your oven (in this heat!), Mama Made Magic might be your answer. Local Chadds Ford neighbor Tiffany makes homemade scones, cookies, muffins, and more, and delivers them directly to your door (Chadds Ford only).

I tried the lemon blueberry muffins, and they were 💯. Drop into her Instagram DMs and say hello to learn more about what she offers and support a local small business. 🫶🏼

https://instagram.com/p/DLDgVkrtftt/

Dance their little hearts out 💃🏼

A.S.K. Studios is hosting free Bollywood dance classes for 4th – 9th graders every Wednesday at the Rachel Kohl Library. My dancing skills leave something to be desired. 🫣 But if your pre-teens and teens want to shake their hips, definitely check this out! Here is the form to sign up.

Got old prescription glasses?

Girl Scout Troop 5225 is collecting old glasses to be donated to those in need. There’s a pink plastic box at the library, just inside the main entrance, where you can drop your old glasses so they can help someone else see clearly. What a wonderful gift to share with someone else! The collection continues through September 7.

Help kids prepare for the upcoming school year 🎒

The Delaware County Health Department collects new backpacks and school supplies for students who may not be able to afford them on their own. Drop off some school supplies at the same time you drop off those old glasses. 😉 This collection box is located right next to the glasses bin at the library.

Please note that the collection will end soon, allowing them to prepare all the donations for distribution in mid-August. You can learn more on the DCHD website.

⚖️ Remember Due Process?

Remember when I talked about how we should all care about due process, even if we’re citizens and innocent of crimes? It’s that “justice for all” part. Here’s a reminder if you missed it.

It still applies. It may be even more relevant, as the latest government bill adds over $170 billion to law enforcement to transform ICE into the largest federal law enforcement agency in the nation’s history.

I thought you might appreciate this concise summary of why due process matters to you, me, and all our neighbors, regardless of the paperwork each of us carries.

https://instagram.com/p/DLS3IituAA7/

Sidebar: I wonder how far $170 billion would go toward humanely fixing the immigration system instead of just hurting people without solving any root cause issues? We all agree it’s wildly broken.

The Dignity, Humanity, and Compassion cards have been removed from the deck currently being played by our cruel administration. Maybe you and I can help the man who miraculously found a way to bankrupt casinos multiple times (doesn’t the house always win?! 🤯) round up the missing cards in the deck. Just spitballing here… but seriously, getting the train back on track is up to us. I hope you’re here for it. 💛

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.

Knitting and Crochet Club | Thurs. at 10 am at Rachel Kohl Library
Museum Explorers: Family Program | Thurs. in July 10, 17, 24, 31 from 10 am – 12 pm at Brandywine Museum of Art
Mlanjeni Magical Theater | Thur. July 10 at 11 am at Rachel Kohl Library
🐕 Patriotic Pet Parade and Ice Cream Social | Thurs. July 10 at 6 pm at Concord Township Park (details in flyer here)
Concert in the Park – Rose Tree Pops Jazz | Thurs. July 10 at 7 pm at Concord Township Park
🦎 Safari Party | Fri. July 11 from 1 – 2 pm at the Rachel Kohl Community Library
Live Music on the Lawn | Fri. July 11 from 5 – 7:30 pm at Penns Wood Winery (several other dates as well throughout the summer, check the link for details)
Ms. Brooke’s Music Class (children’s music performance) | Sat. July 12, July 19 at 10 am at Concord Township Park
Chalk the Walk | Sat. July 12 from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm at Rachel Kohl Community Library
Solar Astronomy | Sat. July 12 from 11 am – 1 pm at Rachel Kohl Community Library
🍑 Concord Township Farmers’ Market | Sun. July 13 from 9 am – noon at Concord Township Park (every Sunday through August 31)
🥧 Pie Baking Contest | Sun. July 13 at 1 pm at the Concord Senior Center, 817 Concord Rd (details in flyer here)
Summer Yoga Series | Tuesdays at 9:30 am (July 15 – Aug 19) at the Rachel Kohl Library (all abilities)
Mah Jong Club | Tues. from 1 – 3 pm at Rachel Kohl Library
Storytime (Township x RK Library) | Weds at 9 am through August 20 at Turner’s Mill Park Pavilion (10 Ring Rd)
Children’s Yoga | Wed. July 16 at 11 am (ages 2-6) and 11:30 am (ages 7 – 12) at Rachel Kohl Community Library
Yoga in the Park | Wed. July 16 at 6 pm at Concord Township Park
Tequila Dinner | Wed. July 16 from 6:30 – 9:30 pm at Harvest Seasonal Grill
Outside Music with Lolly! | Thurs. July 17 from 11 am – 12 pm at Rachel Kohl Library
Lunch BINGO | Thur. July 17 at noon at the Concord Senior Center, 817 Concord Rd
Family Movie Viewing | Thurs. July 17 from 1 – 2:30 pm at Rachel Kohl Community Library
Concert in the Courtyard: Parlour Noir | Fri. July 18, starting at 6 pm at the Brandywine Museum of Art
Wheels and Wine Vintage Car Show | Sat. July 19 from 12 – 4 pm at Penns Wood Winery
Stretch & Sip | Sun. July 20 from 9:30 – 11 am at Chaddsford Winery
Children’s Yoga | Wed. July 23 at 11 am (ages 2-6) and 11:30 am (ages 7 – 12) at Rachel Kohl Community Library
Artz Connect (dementia support x art conversation) | Wed. July 23 from 11 am – 12 pm (online via Brandywine Museum of Art)
Build a Cosmic Claw | Thurs. July 24 from 11 am – 12 pm at Rachel Kohl Community Library
Salsa Lessons in the Courtyard | Thurs. July 24 at 6 pm at Brandywine Museum of Art
Lafayette Day | Sat. July 26 at 10 am at Thornbury Farm
Exploring Habitats | Tues. July 29 from 11 am – 12 pm at Rachel Kohl Community Library
Pig Roast | Thurs, July 31 from 6 – 8 pm at St. Cornelius Catholic Church (BBQ, balloon artist, face painting, moon bounce)
Paint and Sip Couples Night | Fri, Aug 8 from 5 – 7 pm at Penns Wood Winery
Battle of the Bands | Sat. Aug 9 at 3 pm at Concord Township Park
Movie in the Park: Ratatouille | Fri. Aug 15 at 7 pm at Concord Township Park