Community Calendar

Landscape for Life™
Develop an environmentally-friendly landscape plan for your yard

Date:  Wednesday evenings, March 5 to April 9
Time:  5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Cost:  $100
Instructors:  Eileen Boyle & Margaret Shillingford, Mt. Cuba Center

This educational six-week series instructs homeowners on how to create and maintain healthy and beautiful landscapes by working with nature. The good news is that even one home garden can begin to repair the web of life. It is possible to create a great–looking garden that’s healthier for you, your family, pets, and the environment - and that saves you time and money.

Based on the principles of the Sustainable Sites Initiative, these classes explore the role of soils, water, vegetation, and materials in a sustainable landscape. Be prepared to take the basic measurements of your suburban lot or bring your site plan to the first session. These measurements and plans will be used in an exercise applying these principles to your own landscape.

The Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) is an interdisciplinary effort by the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and the United States Botanic Garden to create voluntary national guidelines and performance benchmarks for sustainable land design, construction, and maintenance practices (similar to LEED certification in buildings). This class adds Mt. Cuba Center’s perspective to the Landscape for Life series helping you to cultivate the best landscape practices for the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Eileen Boyle is the director of education and research at Mt. Cuba Center. Previously she was the director of horticulture at the Philadelphia Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden. She has also worked as a horticulture professor, an administrator for the New York City’s parks, and for the USDA.

Margaret Shillingford is the education coordinator at Mt. Cuba Center. During her 20 plus year career in agricultural research, Margaret was also  a docent at Mt. Cuba Center and pursued a Masters in Education.

"Native Plants of the Brandywine Region and their Liaisons" Lecture

Wednesday, April 2 at 7 p.m.
How does a New England Aster connect with a Tufted Titmouse? Why is Purple Top grass important to Red Tailed Hawks? Do all female Great Spangled Fritillary butterflies seek Violets? The interconnectedness of nature is a recurring theme in Aldo Leopold's book, A Sand County Almanac. Come learn about many common but frequently underappreciated connections between native plants and the wildlife in our region from Mark Gormel, horticultural coordinator. He will present a beautifully illustrated and engaging look at understanding, enabling and sustaining these plants and the relationships that go with them, all with an eye on reducing the amount of time and materials required to reap the rewards of being a good steward on your piece of the earth. The presentation is free for members and included in museum admission. The museum and galleries will open at 6 p.m.

Raise a Glass for Conservation with The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County (TLC) and guest bartenders for this fun evening of great food and great atmosphere.  Tips raised throughout the evening will benefit the mission of TLC and are matched by local businesses: Clay Creek Equine Veterinary Services, Dansko, East of Maui Surf Shop, J Conn Scott Fine Furniture, and Period Architecture, LTD.  Other ways to participate include dining at BBC on April 3 and writing on the check and bidding on the stellar silent auction items.  The guest bartender who raises the most money for TLC wins an incentive prize, so be sure to tip your favorite one.  A list of all silent auction items and the guest bartenders is available at: http://tlcforscc.org/raise-a-glass-for-conservation/

Located in the Genesis Healthcare Building (101 East State Street), this art show and sale featuring local and regional artists was created to increase public awareness of the arts and provide a venue for working artists. Live music, local wine and beer and a sampling of foods from local restaurants will be offered throughout the evening. All proceeds from the Evening of the Arts benefit Historic Kennett Square. Donations at the door. Please come join us!

Participating Artists:

Bill Basciani      Ann Bellenger      Barbara Bugliani      Diane Cannon

Neilson Carlin     Francine Dailey     Doris Davis-Glackin      Karen Delany
Favi Dubo    Dave Eldreth    Rhoda Kahler    Monique Kendikian-Sarkessian
Wanda Kevis     Carol Lesher     Mitch Lyons       Jeremy McGirl

Charlie Metzger     Victor Mordasov      Susan Myers      Carla Pastore

Mimi Peterson       Matthew Reinert      Francis Roosevelt      Jeff Schaller

Sandra Severson      Sandra Sigley       Stan Smokler      Sally Van Orden

Tim Vaughan       Deb Watson       Emily Wilkins

Healthy Kids Running Series (HKRS) dates/times for this spring.  HKRS is a non-profit 5 week running program for boys and girls Pre-K through Middle school.  They run age appropriate races each week and accumulate points based on where they finish.  We have a Series in West Chester and Concord Township – see attached flyers and information below:

Concord Twp – Smithbridge Park

Dates – April 4, 11, 25 & May 2, 9

Start Time: 5:30pm

West Chester – Rustin High School

Dates – April 6, 13, 27 & May 4, 11

Start Time: 5:30pm

Our mission is to offer a running program that will motivate kids to be healthy and active and provide a fun environment to improve their self-esteem.  HKRS provides kids with a positive, educational, and fun experience in the world of running while combating the increasing rates of child obesity in America.

Kennett Square, PA, March 31, 2014 – This Friday night, Unionville High School’s beautiful 1200-seat auditorium will be filled with the sounds of booming brass, toe-tapping percussion and sultry solos when eight outstanding high school jazz bands gather to perform a variety of styles from soul to swing to samba.

“It’s a fun evening for the audience,” said G. Scott Litzenberg, director of the Unionville High School jazz band.  “Some amazingly talented kids will be performing.  It’s always exciting to hear the improve solos they come up with.”

This year’s Cavalcade of Bands adjudicated event includes Methacton, Ridley, Central Bucks South, Hempfield, Wissahickon 1, Wissahickon Lab and Strath Haven. The evening concludes with an exhibition by the Unionville High School jazz band followed by an award ceremony.

WHEN AND WHERE:  Friday, April 4, 2014, 7 p.m., Unionville High School, 750 Unionville Rd. (PA Route 82), Kennett Square, PA, 19348

TICKETS:  $8 adults, $6 students and seniors, free for ages 5 and under.  Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

More information is available at the Cavalcade of Bands website, www.cavalcadeofbands.com.  Contact:  G. Scott Litzenberg, [email protected]

The DuPont Theatre in Wilmington, Delaware presents Rhythm in the Night: The Irish Dance Spectacular on Friday, April 4, 2014 at 7:30pm for one (1) performance only.  Tickets start at $40.

Produced by Justin Boros, Rhythm in the Night is an epic journey derived from a tale of good versus evil where deception reigns and temptation rivals the strongest of wills. The story unfolds during the dark ages when the land was ruled by the wicked seductress Azura, whose spell has trapped the legendary hero Balor under her control to command her legion of relentless henchmen.  Unable to free himself, hope remains lost for all those in the kingdom...until now.

In a final attempt to rescue their leader, the people have called upon Balor's loving companion Aisling along with his younger brother Solas and their knights to release him from Azura's spell and restore peace to the divided kingdom. As the storm rolls in and the lightning crashes, redemption will rise from the shadows in the legend that has come to be known as Rhythm in the Night.

Adding to the drama and excitement of the production, Rhythm in the Night features an original soundtrack that delivers an orchestral atmosphere of epic proportions. The battle scenes transcend the struggle of dark versus light as lightning fast rhythms and a thunderous dance troupe display Irish dance like never before seen. Enjoy Rhythm in the Night as it turns an age-old art form into the most exciting Irish dance spectacular ever to be experienced!

To purchase tickets or for more information about group rates, call the DuPont Theatre Box Office at 302-656-4401 or 800-338-0881 or on the internet, DuPont Theatre site: www.duponttheatre.com.

A $48 prix fixe menu will be available before the performance and the Lobby Lounge will be available as well.   For information on dining before or after performances at the DuPont Theatre, please call the Hotel du Pont at 302-594-3154 or 800-338-3404.  Open Table dining reservations can be made direct from the DuPont Theatre dining page or the Hotel du Pont Green Room dining page.

For press information, interview requests and photography, contact Carolyn Grubb at 302-594-3162 or visit the press room at the DuPont Theatre website at duponttheatre.com.

Located at the DuPont Building in Wilmington, DE, the DuPont theatre is a 1,252-seat theatre that has been presenting professional Broadway productions since 1913.  It also boasts a variety of entertainers, businesses, charitable groups and private parties.  DuPont is a science company.  Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people’s lives better, safer and easier.  Operating in more than 90 countries and regions, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications and transportation.

Swing Into Spring Zip Fest

Date(s): 04/05/2014
Times: 9AM - 3PM
Location: Lums Pond State Park
Contact Email: [email protected]
Address: 1068 Howell School Rd.
Bear, DE 19701
Phone: 302-286-1399
General Admission Adult: $55
General Admission Child: $35
Accessibility:
Visit Website

‘Zip’ to support Yes U Can USA, Paralympic Sport – Delaware

Register for our treetop zip-lining adventure with Go Ape! on April 5^th.

Sign Up Now – Space is Limited.

Don’t feel like zipping?  Join us anyhow for BBQ, Music, Water Ice and Java Puppy!  You’re sure to have a good time.
This event supports Yes U Can USA Paralympic Sport – Delaware a 501(c)(3), partner of the USA Olympic Committee.  Programs support wounded warriors and people with disabilities and visual impairments.
Vickie George

Co-Founder, President, CEO

YES U CAN USA, Center For Adapted Sports, Fitness & Recreation

Non-Profit Dedicated to Creating Assisted Activities for
People with Limited Mobility and Disabilities

www.yesucanusa.org

Facebook: YesUcanUSA

Twitter: YesUcanUSA

(302) 286-1399

Each spring the Kennett Symphony of Chester County hosts an annual vocal competition that allows talented young artists to display their gifts as part of the Symphony’s mission to provide opportunities for emerging musicians.  Organized by Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Merluzzi, the 2014 Voice Competition will be held on Saturday April 5, 2014 beginning at 1:00pm in the auditorium of Kendal at Longwood, Kennett Square, PA.  The competition is open to the public, free of charge, and offers a wonderful opportunity to hear and encourage these gifted young singers.

The competition is limited to sixteen singers, age 18-26 as of January 1, 2014.  Competitors must perform three operatic, oratorio, or concert arias from the 18^th to the 21^st centuries, with at least one in English.  Judges will award prizes to first, second, and third place winners ranging from one hundred to five hundred dollars, and the first place finalist will be invited to perform at a Kennett Symphony concert.  Applications are available on the Kennett Symphony website www.kennettsymphony.org or by sending an email message to [email protected] .

In addition to providing a wide range of symphonic music at affordable prices with its winter and summer series, the Kennett Symphony maintains a strong commitment to education and outreach programs that include three Young Artist competitions, Children’s Concerts with Instrument Petting Zoo, and its affiliation with the Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus.  The Young Artist Competitions provide an invaluable performance experience for aspiring musicians who have achieved a high level of proficiency. 

The Kennett Symphony’s Voice and Instrumental Competitions are underwritten in part by The Mushroom Festival and the Kennett Run Charities.  More information about all of the Kennett Symphony Programs is available at www.kennettsymphony.org.

American baritone, Jason Buckwalter, will present a recital on Saturday, April 5, 7:30 p.m., at the Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church on Route 52 across from Winterthur Museum. All Hadley programs are free and open to the public.  The church is handicapped accessible.  For more information please contact : www.Hadleyfund.org, or 610-444-1855.

Jason, a native of Landenberg, Pennsylvania, is known for his “super-sized characters” (The Sybaritic Singer) and “theatrical fire” (Baltimore City Paper). Jason now lives in Baltimore and performs throughout Maryland, Virginia, DC, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Equally comfortable in opera, musical theater, oratorio, and song repertoire, he has performed with a wide variety of companies including the Washington National Opera, Baltimore Concert Opera, Annapolis Chorale, Young Victorian Theatre Company, and The Figaro Project.

Jason graduated magna cum laude from Susquehanna University and earned his Master of Music degree and Graduate Performance Diploma from the Peabody Conservatory. He was awarded the George Woodhead Prize in Voice and the George Castelle Memorial Award in Voice for his work at Peabody. He is also a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and the Pi Kappa Lambda honor society.

Taiwanese-American pianist Jolie Lin will accompany Mr. Buckwalter.  She has performed throughout the United States, Europe, and South America and has performed in Portugal as a scholar on Latin American piano music and as the orchestral pianist for the Orchestra of the Americas on their South American tour.  Dr. Lin has also performed in Europe with such festivals as Rencontres musicales en Lorraine (France), Sommerklavierkurs in Fellbach (Germany), and the International Chamber Music Course in Positano (Italy).  Other solo engagements with orchestra include the Los Angeles Bach Festival Orchestra, the University Symphony in Berkeley, California, and the Lviv Chamber Orchestra of Ukraine.

Dr. Lin holds degrees from the University of California in Berkeley, Indiana University in Bloomington, and Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Maryland. She now resides in Silver Spring.

MUSEUM of ART 

"Creative Cat-ventures" Family Program 

Sunday, April 6, 10 a.m. - noon

Take an imaginative journey as local artist Karl J. Kuerner reads from his series of children's books about Ike, an adventurous cat who enjoys exploring the Brandywine Valley and beyond. After, Kuerner will sign copies of his books Ike at Night, Ike Takes Flight, and the newly released Ike at Sea, all available in the museum shop. In honor of Ike, make your own creative cat-themed art project.

April 6th 2014 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM in the board room of the clubhouse at Concord Country Club

Mathnasium of Glen Mills will have an information booth.  Furthermore, Vipul Bhatt, Center Director, has will be offering a complimentary ($50 value), mini-assessment of any child's (2^nd – 12^th) math aptitude (test time is approximately 15 minutes) . That same day, Vipul will review your child's assessment results with you and discuss options for scheduling the more comprehensive assessment (60-90 minutes).  Please use the link here to submit your information to Vipul in advance of April 6th so he can be sure he brings enough testing materials with him to the clubhouse: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PE1A_YSM61BrOugTWOQ-DCYto3BkLmzHsNXdfO0y1iQ/viewform

Mathnasium is a state-of-the-art mathematics training facility, operated by certified mathematicians who work one-on-one with children of all ages to improve their math skills and general understanding of math concepts.  Mathnasium uses a two-part diagnostic assessment to identify strengths and weaknesses according to grade-level material.  Based on the assessment, a customized learning plan is developed for your child's unique needs.

At Mathnasium, there are no set appointment times; students simply visit the center according to their schedule. Just like going to the gym for a workout, Mathnasium students drop into the center (on average 2-3 times per week) for 1 (2^nd – 8^th grade) to 1.5 (9^th -12^th grade) hour-long math-learning sessions, completely at their convenience.  At the Glen Mills center, current students have seen a 17-30% increase in their cognitive math abilities every 6 - 8 weeks, and more importantly they are "learning to have fun with math" along the way.

Dates: Sundays April 6th, 13th, 27th and May 4th and 11th

Time: 5:30-6:30pm

*Please arrive 45 minutes early if you have not pre-registered or if you have not picked up your race bag at Race bag Pick-up Night. We will do our best to start on-time and walk-up registrations need to be wrapped up by 5:30PM for that to happen. Thank you!

Race Bag Pick-Up:

Wednesday, April 2nd  5:00-6:30pm

Boomers Family Fun Center
1056 Gap Newport Pike (Rt. 41)
Avondale, PA 19311

Boomers Family Fun Center
1056 Gap Newport Pike (Rt. 41)
Avondale, PA 19311

our Healthy Kids Running Series (HKRS) dates/times for this spring.  HKRS is a non-profit 5 week running program for boys and girls Pre-K through Middle school.  They run age appropriate races each week and accumulate points based on where they finish.  We have a Series in West Chester and Concord Township – see attached flyers and information below:

Concord Twp – Smithbridge Park

Dates – April 4, 11, 25 & May 2, 9

Start Time: 5:30pm

West Chester – Rustin High School

Dates – April 6, 13, 27 & May 4, 11

Start Time: 5:30pm

Our mission is to offer a running program that will motivate kids to be healthy and active and provide a fun environment to improve their self-esteem.  HKRS provides kids with a positive, educational, and fun experience in the world of running while combating the increasing rates of child obesity in America.

Landscape for Life™
Develop an environmentally-friendly landscape plan for your yard

Date:  Wednesday evenings, March 5 to April 9
Time:  5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Cost:  $100
Instructors:  Eileen Boyle & Margaret Shillingford, Mt. Cuba Center

This educational six-week series instructs homeowners on how to create and maintain healthy and beautiful landscapes by working with nature. The good news is that even one home garden can begin to repair the web of life. It is possible to create a great–looking garden that’s healthier for you, your family, pets, and the environment - and that saves you time and money.

Based on the principles of the Sustainable Sites Initiative, these classes explore the role of soils, water, vegetation, and materials in a sustainable landscape. Be prepared to take the basic measurements of your suburban lot or bring your site plan to the first session. These measurements and plans will be used in an exercise applying these principles to your own landscape.

The Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) is an interdisciplinary effort by the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and the United States Botanic Garden to create voluntary national guidelines and performance benchmarks for sustainable land design, construction, and maintenance practices (similar to LEED certification in buildings). This class adds Mt. Cuba Center’s perspective to the Landscape for Life series helping you to cultivate the best landscape practices for the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Eileen Boyle is the director of education and research at Mt. Cuba Center. Previously she was the director of horticulture at the Philadelphia Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden. She has also worked as a horticulture professor, an administrator for the New York City’s parks, and for the USDA.

Margaret Shillingford is the education coordinator at Mt. Cuba Center. During her 20 plus year career in agricultural research, Margaret was also  a docent at Mt. Cuba Center and pursued a Masters in Education.

BVA will be hosting a Ladies Night on April 10 from 5-8 p.m.

Gather up your girlfriends and enjoy an after-hours shopping extravaganza! Fun times and special surprises are in store. Please RSVP by April 8 to Lauren at [email protected].

Jacalyn Beam "Waiting"

"White Roses"

New and recent works   -   Exhibition opens Friday, April 11, 2014   -   5 to 8

Nancy Tankersley

p.m.

Exhibit continues through April 27

Healthy Kids Running Series (HKRS) dates/times for this spring.  HKRS is a non-profit 5 week running program for boys and girls Pre-K through Middle school.  They run age appropriate races each week and accumulate points based on where they finish.  We have a Series in West Chester and Concord Township – see attached flyers and information below:

Concord Twp – Smithbridge Park

Dates – April 4, 11, 25 & May 2, 9

Start Time: 5:30pm

West Chester – Rustin High School

Dates – April 6, 13, 27 & May 4, 11

Start Time: 5:30pm

Our mission is to offer a running program that will motivate kids to be healthy and active and provide a fun environment to improve their self-esteem.  HKRS provides kids with a positive, educational, and fun experience in the world of running while combating the increasing rates of child obesity in America.

Jazz on the Brandywine 

The Sermon!

Friday, April 11, 7 p.m.  Galleries open at 6 p.m.

The Sermon! returns to the museum with an evening of classic soul, funk, jazz and more. Last year's concert by this dynamic group was a blast, and you won't want to  miss this one! Presented by World Cafe Live at the Grand.

Cash bar and small plate offerings available for purchase.

Cost is $25 or $20 for members and students. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 610.388.8326.

Saturday, April 12, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Join the Young Friends of the Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art and pitch in for the yearly cleanup of the Brandywine River. To volunteer for this family-friendly event or for more information, please contact Kathy Freney Smith at 610.388.8315 or [email protected].

Free and open to the public.

This program is part of the Community Read Project.

Saturday, April 12

Join art-lovers worldwide on this day as we look at art s-l-o-w-l-y.

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.  View five works of art in galleries

1 p.m.  Participate in a discussion group in the museum café, where lunch is available for purchase.

To participate, register at www.slowartday.com and select Chadds Ford as your location.

Saturday, April 12 & 19, 2014

12 - 3 PM 

Auburn Heights Preserve

3000 Creek Road

Yorklyn DE 19736

Join us for the 4th Annual Auburn Heights Easter Egg Hunt for two days only in April. Visitors are encouraged to bring an Easter basket and join in the hunt for more than 2,500 eggs scattered around the grounds of the Auburn Heights mansion. Each hunt is limited to 200 kids to ensure that there are plenty of eggs for all, and since participants are divided into appropriate age groups, rest assured that each child will have a great time and leave with a pile of eggs. The hunt kicks off at 1:00 pm for ages 12 and under. In addition to the egg hunt, visitors can enjoy train rides, free popcorn, special holiday-themed crafts, and admission to the Marshall Steam Museum.

Tickets go on sale March 15. Admission is $8 for adults and kids 1 & up (infants free).

Remember to purchase your tickets early; last year this event sold out in only two weeks! Members receive free tickets, but must pre-register.

Please visit AuburnHeights.org to learn more and purchase tickets.

Buckner’s engaging choreography and Prokofiev’s enchanting score, the production will feature spectacular new costumes designed and created in Russia.

Cinderella show times are April 12 at 7:00 p.m. and April 13 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now—adults $28.00 to $48.00, students 18 and under 50–percent off and seniors, groups and military $5.00 off. Call 1-800-37-GRAND or order online at www.ticketsatthegrand.org. Discounts are not available online.

Dates: Sundays April 6th, 13th, 27th and May 4th and 11th

Time: 5:30-6:30pm

*Please arrive 45 minutes early if you have not pre-registered or if you have not picked up your race bag at Race bag Pick-up Night. We will do our best to start on-time and walk-up registrations need to be wrapped up by 5:30PM for that to happen. Thank you!

Race Bag Pick-Up:

Wednesday, April 2nd  5:00-6:30pm

Boomers Family Fun Center
1056 Gap Newport Pike (Rt. 41)
Avondale, PA 19311

Boomers Family Fun Center
1056 Gap Newport Pike (Rt. 41)
Avondale, PA 19311