Art Stroll Kennett Square

https://historickennettsquare.com/

Art Loop Wilmington

http://artloopwilmington.org/

First Friday West Chester

http://www.downtownwestchester.com/view_program.php?id=468

Curtis Symphony Orchestra to perform at Longwood Gardens May 12

The upcoming 7 pm Curtis Symphony Orchestra performance on May 12 at Longwood Gardens marks the first time the full orchestra will perform at Longwood, and the only chance to experience the orchestra in the region before they embark on their Curtis On Tour West Coast engagements.

With Longwood’s Meadow Garden as a backdrop, the May 12 program includes performances of Bartók, Tchaikovsky, and the world premiere of Curtis alumna Dai Wei’s Curtis-commissioned Awakening Lion. Combining traditional Cantonese Lion Dance elements with Western orchestral music, Awakening Lion features the use of unpitched percussion instruments such as Chinese bass drums, which are commonly heard in the accompanying music of the Cantonese Lion Dance.

Tickets are on sale now at longwoodgardens.org for the May 12 Curtis Symphony Orchestra performance. Ticket includes all-day Gardens Admission.

In celebration of Mother’s Day and the upcoming Ann Lowe: American Couturier exhibition, this special concert features works by women composers of the 20th century.

Enjoy chamber music performed by Kennett Symphony musicians, interspersed with insightful commentary by Michael Hall, music director. Selections include Amy Beach’s String Quartet, Op. 89, and Florence B. Price’s Piano Quintet in A Minor. $25; $20 for Members. $10 for students. 

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/make-your-own-glass-flower-1726499

The Unionville High School Art Department will host a Student Art Show and Coffeehouse on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Unionville High School. Visitors will enjoy an evening of live music and light refreshments, and will experience the amazing work of UHS student artists from grades 9-12. Admission is free.

The UHS Student Art Show Committee is pleased to announce that Elissa Stoop has been selected as the 2022-2023 Featured Senior Artist for the show. Local artist and Student Art Show Committee Member Sarah Snyder-Dinsel says “I am constantly amazed at the caliber of art work created by UHS students. It is a pleasure to view their work, and our decision is never an easy one.”

The community is encouraged to attend the Art Show and Coffeehouse on May 24. For more information, please visit the Unionville Art Gala website at https://www.unionvilleartgala.com/student-artists.

OPEN MEMORIAL DAY

Monday, May 29 | 12-6pm

Galer Estate will be open on Memorial Day!

Pack a picnic and celebrate with a glass of Galer Estate wine.

Veterans and Active Military can enjoy a free tasting and 15% discount on wine.

Live music by Adam McCue, 1-3pm.

Share the joy of reading while cultivating children’s interest in and appreciation for nature. Kids ages 3–6 sit among the Story Stones to hear nature-based stories.
Included with admission. Free for children under 2. Members free. Story Time starts promptly at scheduled time and takes place the first and third Thursdays of the month, April–October.

June 1—The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

June 15—Zora’s Zucchini by Katherine Pryor

Art Stroll Kennett Square

https://historickennettsquare.com/

Art Loop Wilmington

http://artloopwilmington.org/

First Friday West Chester

http://www.downtownwestchester.com/view_program.php?id=468

8th Annual Inspirational Breakfast

Inspirational Breakfast

Brace yourselves for the ultimate celebration of beer, music, and good vibes as Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company (Neshaminy Creek) gears up to unleash an unforgettable 11th Anniversary Party at its Croydon Brewery & Taproom on Saturday, June 10, featuring live music, a beer release, food trucks, local artisan vendors, and loads of dog and family-friendly activities.

The Creek brewing team will commemorate more than a decade of creativity with a new double dry-hopped, hazy DIPA that goes beyond the pale, Cosmic Bull Shark. In addition to stalwarts like Simcoe and Nelson Sauvin, this 8.5% ABV beast is brewed with Phantasm, a powder compound derived from New Zealand Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc grapes that are rich in thiol precursors known for their extraordinary aromas of citrus, guava, and passionfruit. Cosmic Punch Ale yeast was specifically selected for enhancing those thiols and boosting the beer’s vibrant tropical flavors and bouquet. All of that combined creates a beer that is so dank and fruity, it might as well be from another planet. Following the release on June 10, Cosmic Bull Shark will be available at all three Neshaminy Creek taprooms with limited distribution throughout PA, NJ, and MD to follow.

Pairing great beer with music and entertainment, the anniversary party’s live music lineup features some of the brewery’s favorite bands, including Tigers Jaw, A Wilhelm Scream, The Homeless Gospel Choir, and Town Liar. In addition, several food trucks will be on-site to satisfy hungry appetites, including the brand-new Federal Donuts food truck, El Sabor Del Bajio, Lobster Rolls & More, Clean Plate Club, and Mr. Big Stuff Cookies, plus local vendors, including Yardley Tattoo, Fuzzrocious Pedals, Mermaid Spirits, Inspiring Synergy Jewelry, Dad’s Cartoons and Tapes from the Crypt as well as glitter tattoos, a kid’s corner with games and activities and photo booth.

Explore the estate on a leisurely guided stroll guided by one of our expert staff, who will share information about Winterthur’s history, garden design, and plants. Linger at a scenic tailgate spot for hors d’oeuvres along with a selection of hard and soft beverages. Registration required. $35; $30 for Members.

Register now.

Join us for a Walk Through Winterthur’s Waterways Tailgate Tour, August 10

Share the joy of reading while cultivating children’s interest in and appreciation for nature. Kids ages 3–6 sit among the Story Stones to hear nature-based stories.
Included with admission. Free for children under 2. Members free. Story Time starts promptly at scheduled time and takes place the first and third Thursdays of the month, April–October.

June 1—The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

June 15—Zora’s Zucchini by Katherine Pryor

Help support healthy waterways in our community with the “Race for the Watershed: 5K Trail Run & Duck Race,” taking place on Saturday, June 17^th at Newlin Grist Mill.

Held in partnership with Concord Township, this new event will be a fundraiser to raise money for restoring and preserving the watershed in the park. Funds raised at this year’s event will go toward the purchase and installation of water quality monitoring equipment along the waterways that run through Newlin Grist Mill.

The day will kick off at 8:30am with a 5K race on the trails, followed by duck races in the creek from 10am to 2pm. Hand-forged medals will be awarded to the top three finishers, and top finishers in each age group will receive gift cards for local businesses. Prizes for Duck Race will be cash prizes of up to $100 per heat, with the top finishers of each heat being entering into the championship heat with a first place prize of $1000.

In addition, there will be a balloon artist, face painting, and themed games for kids throughout the day. Local organizations, including Stroud Water Research Center, the DEP, Delaware County Conservation District, Bike Delco, Watershed Stewards, the EPA, and Wild Birds Unlimited (Glen Mills), will have displays and activities. Food and beverage vendors will also be onsite – visitors can purchase from Mr. Softee, Deer Creek Malthouse, Fast Eddie’s, Penn’s Woods Winery, Nick’s Roast Beef, and The Cow & the Curd.

There is a $35 per runner entry fee for the 5K (includes a race t-shirt). Racing ducks can be purchased for $20 per duck or $50 for 3 duck. Each purchase includes entry into 3 heats per duck. Register for the 5K at https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/GlenMills/RacefortheWatershed. Purchase ducks and additional t-shirts at https://newlingristmill.org/race-for-the-watershed/.

This event is sponsored by Opdenaker Trash & Recycling Services with additional support from Amerihealth Caritas, Brinker Simpson, MOR Construction, and Pescatore’s Restaurant.

Storytellers, musicians, and dancers will fill Enchanted Woods with performances enriched by and deeply rooted in African American arts and culture. The day will also include a World Marketplace. Included with general admission.

Don’t miss the Whitney Project’s “A Celebration of Black Joy” by the Wilmington Ballet’s musical director Jonathan Whitney. Performances take place at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. There is a separate fee for the performance. 

We are hosting our first-ever brew fest event on June 17th, from 5-8 PM. Come enjoy samples from various breweries, food, and live music.

At the Brandywine Battlefield Park's Brews at the Battlefield, you’ll get to taste different beers from local and regional breweries. Brews at the Battlefield is hosted by and benefits the non-profit Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates. Every dollar collected helps us educate the public and promote the historic events that took place in Chadds Ford during the 1777 Philadelphia campaign.

For our first-ever brew fest, this isn’t your typical parking lot brewfest—instead, you’ll enjoy a beautiful outdoor setting at our historic Gideon Gilpin Homestead, listening to music, enjoying beer, and eating food from Burgers by Wildwich.

For breweries, we have Sly Fox Brewing Co., Braeloch Brewing, Artillery Brewing Co., Tired Hands Brewing Co,. Four Fingers Brewing Co., Fat Lady Brewing, and Wilmington Brew Works

Thornbury Farm Market hosts Thursday’s Town Tours & Village Walks -
Family fun and healthy food available all year

“This year’s topic for the free summer strolls is Our Agricultural Heritage,” said Randell
Spackman of Thornbury Farm Market. “Our farm is an example of the long-standing agricultural
contributions to the community. Thornbury Farm Market is an excellent family destination all
times of the year.”

Historic Thornbury Farm was established in 1709. This farm has a rich history and
provides opportunities for community education. Visitors see what past and current efforts make
this family farm still viable today. The farm was central in the Revolutionary War Battle of
Brandywine and the family strives to continue to protect these resources.”
On Thursday, June 22 the Town Tours & Village Walks event begins at 5:30 p.m. with
the last tour taking place at 7:00 p.m. Thornbury Farm Market is located at 1256 Thornbury
Road, West Chester. The sponsor is the Thornbury Township Historic Preservation Commission.
The program is administered by the Chester County Planning Commission.

The tour features:
 Thornbury Farm Market and CSA
 1709 main farmhouse and c. 1740 barn
 Horse Angels equine rescue
 Historic pipe organ
 General Stephen's Stand historical marker beside Thornbury Rd.
 Blacksmithing demonstration
 Native plants display
 Refreshments and light music

Thornbury Farms offers a great selection of delicious fresh produce, fruits, specialty items,
breakfast foods, jellies, condiments, sauces, treats, and other goodies. We also have meats that
are 100% free from any added hormones or antibiotics, a super extra virgin olive oil that won a
gold medal in Europe for quality, local cheeses, honey, jellies, and, of course, superior veggies
and fruits. Ice cream is served.

For the family, Daisy the donkey, Rue the mini pony, the goats, plus Clover the pet pig are
on the grounds.  The farm can also be rented for weddings, business gatherings and other events. “The farm
has a beautiful setting,” Spackman said. “We’ve hosted a variety of events at the farm. Our
garden area is lovely for dinners, weddings, baby showers and other events. We feature a large
wooden pergola with roof with a very large stone Bee-Hive oven, walk in cooler, wash and prep
area, tours of the gardens, night time lighting effects and ample parking. We also work with
several local restaurants to help make your evening in our gardens perfect.”
The farm has ample parking for guests.

Thornbury Farm is a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm where members receive
fresh fruit and vegetables. Thornbury’s fresh vegetables and herbs are grown using natural
practices without the use of harmful substances such as pesticides and herbicides. No chemical
sprays, synthetic fertilizers, or genetically engineered seed are used.
Also, local breads and baked goods are available along with Swarmbusin’ Honey and Golden
Valley Coffee.

Thornbury Farm is in the process of restoring a 1926 Mudler Hunter pipe organ. The organ
contains 2,300 pipes with a Haskell Swell Division and a Mollier Choir Division. The main
blower is more than 100 years old and weighs in excess of 2,000 pounds. The farm is raising
money for replacement parts, new leather seals and to update the electrical work.
Spackman said, “It is the hope of Thornbury Farm to host several concerts and lectures each
year to serve the community. Our goal is to preserve an instrument of great music but also
educate others on history and art.”

Thornbury Farm was founded in 1709 with a stone house. The “main house” is the first
quarried home in Pennsylvania and was built using the property’s own quarry. On this location,
there stood a log cabin that was built in the 1600’s. The original owner was a blacksmith who
used the abundant lime stone to make flux in an old lime kiln.

The house has been added to approximately every 80 years. The serpentine addition with its
main stair case was used as the first public library in Chester County. In the mid-1800’s, a
kitchen was added with a beehive oven. The oven doors still exist and this room eventually
became a dining room. Finally, a modern kitchen was added in the 1940’s.
Over the years, other buildings were added including a large stone spring house, a bank barn
in 1740 and another farm house in 1812. The 1812 house and the main house were later used as
stops on the Underground Railroad.

The farm was the site of the final troop engagement of the Battle of Brandywine, the largest
land battle of the American Revolution. It was during this battle that our flag was displayed and
fired upon by the British for the first time.
During the battle, soldiers from the Continental Army ran up the farm’s stream to avoid a
crushing pincer movement by the German Hessian soldiers. Instead, the Americans became
trapped between the Hessians on South New Street and the English on the other side of the
stream. So many Americans were shot and bayoneted, it was said the blood flowed over two
miles to the Brandywine.

The barn and large deep spring house were used to hold prisoners and the main house was
used as a hospital. During the gruesome surgery practices of that time, limbs of hurt soldiers
were thrown out the window. Two mass burial sites on the property were used to dispose of the
dead.

There is so much unrest on the property that Duke University performed para-psychological
research in the early 1980’s. Duke used EVP readings and multiple mediums that were spaced 2
hours apart over a 24-hour time period. The mediums did not have any contact with each other
and their notes were compared. During their investigation, they learned of 9 separate identities –
8 in the house and one in the spring house. The barn was reviewed and found a little girl looking
for her doll near one of the covered wells; a young boy solider atop of the hay mow overlooking
the battle, as he had left his post and was afraid.

The house has the ghost of the original owner who hung himself over a now covered hand dug
well in the basement. There is also a ghost of a man who froze to death in what was a window
well of the earlier building. A soldier blocks the back stair case next to a coffin style door. Also
found were a ghost in the master bedroom and a young girl crying in the next room. One old
grumpy man was found to haunt the spring house.

In 2009, the farm was investigated by members of The Atlantic Paranormal Society.
TAPS had similar findings and the episode aired on the SyFy Channel.

Happy hour is even happier at Winterthur! Experience the estate in a whole new way with a seasonally inspired cocktail, small bites, live music, and a surprise setting. Enjoy a tram tour on your way to the secret location, which is sure to be a splash. $25 (includes one featured cocktail, live music, and general admission); $15 designated driver and student (includes one non-alcoholic beverage, live music, and garden access); $10 admission only (includes access to the event and garden only, does not include any food or beverage). Additional food and drink available for purchase. Register by June 19. Rain date, June 24. 

West Chester, PA – The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center (AHMEC) offers a day of fun during its FamilyFest on Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The annual event loaded with activities galore aims to delight visitors of all ages.

Highlighting FamilyFest will be a presentation and demonstration by Torque, a Belgian Malinois who holds the world’s record as “The Dog with the Most Flights in a Huey Helicopter.” The hour-long talk by Torque’s personal assistant will begin at noon and include the history of dogs in helicopters, information about K-9 Torque, Torque’s world-record achievement, the training and equipment involved, and a book reading and signing of her new children’s book. Paul Kahan, AHMEC’s Executive Director, will present Torque with a plaque honoring her accomplishments.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this extraordinary animal to our museum. She flies with the Huey Vets in the San Francisco Bay Area and works with various charitable organizations, including the Tug McGraw Foundation,” explained Kahan. “Additionally, she is a highly regarded crime fighter, so come and meet Torque and hear her incredible story.”

FamilyFest will also feature food trucks like Mobile Mess Hall and Shimpy’s BBQ, desserts by Kona Ice and Sinfully Delicious, and adult beverages from Locust Lane Brewery and Grace Winery. Vendors will include Craft Kate’s Creations, Chester County Beekeepers Association, Operation Homefront, K9 Partners for Life, Paws for People Therapy Dogs, Chester County Seeing Eye Puppies, Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue, the Goshen Fire Company, and many more will. Music will be provided by Mark Shepperd Productions, and Kirk’s Martial Arts will demonstrate their skills at 1 p.m. And, of course, AHMEC will host its annual classic car and motorcycle show.

Helicopter rides will be available and cost an additional $100.00 per person for non-museum members and $85.00 for museum members. Rides will be first-come, first-served beginning at 12:30 until 3 p.m. Visitors must be on site and checked in by 2:45 p.m. to guarantee a flight.

“There will be so much here to see and do that you won’t know where to start!” Kahan continued. “We truly have something for everyone.”

Admission is $20.00 per person. Children under age five and museum members are free.

AHMEC wishes to thank its FamilyFest sponsors: A Storage Depot, Brandywine Aviation and Maintenance, Brandywine Regional Airport, Brandywine Valley Heating and Air Conditioning, First Bank, First Resource Bank, Fastener Systems, Inc., Greg A. Vietri, Inc., MBA Advisors, Metro Aviation, Pillar Real Estate Advisors, Team Toyota, and the Vertical Flight Society.

Contact AHMEC at 610-436-9600 or see the website at www.americanhelicopter.museum for more information.

The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center, located at 1220 American Boulevard, West Chester, is the nation’s premier aviation museum devoted exclusively to helicopters. Established in 1996, the nonprofit organization collects, restores, and displays rotary-wing aircraft, including over 35 civilian and military helicopters, autogyros, and convertiplanes.