Chester County schedules tree seedling giveaway

 COVID-19 may have forced the cancelation of Earth Day celebrations back in April, but taking care of the environment and preserving the planet is a year-round goal in Chester County. As a result, Earth Day celebrations are continuing into the fall, as the Chester County Conservation District and Chester County Parks & Preservation give away seedling trees to County residents.

Tree giveaways on Friday, October 16, 2020 will take place simultaneously from 12:00 noon to 5:00pm at Willowdale Veterinary Center in Kennett Square (property adjacent to East Marlborough Township building) and at Warwick County Park near Pottstown.  A second tree giveaway will be held on Saturday, October 17^th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Exton Park.

"Chester County’s recognition of Earth Day 2020 earlier this year was planned to be bigger than ever before, with events and volunteer opportunities happening throughout the region,” said Chris Strohmaier, Director of the Chester County Conservation District.  “But the COVID-19 pandemic and the stay at home orders in April prevented all public events from taking place. So, rather than cancel, Chester County reorganized and rescheduled some of the celebrations, including this tree giveaway.”

A variety of trees will be available including a mix of maples, birches, redbuds, poplars, sycamores and oaks. The trees are available while supplies last with a limit of one tree per family.

Friday, October 16^th

Willowdale Veterinary Center

717 Unionville Road, Kennett Square 19348

Noon - 5 p.m.

Warwick County Park

191 County Park Road, Pottstown, 19465

Noon - 5 p.m.

Saturday, October 17^th

Exton Park

132 Church Farm Lane, Exton 19341

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Join us to hear what it’s like to be turkey farmer Nathan Howe as he and his family raise several thousand birds using all natural methods at their Howe Turkey Farm operation in Downingtown. What makes for the tastiest birds? Is it breed, feed or tricks of the trade passed down from prior generations? Andy Hirneisen, Penn State Extension Food Safety Educator, will also be sharing his top tips for preparing the juiciest birds (besides buying local!), which will get us all on the right track for the holidays. Make sure to bring your questions for this month's edition of our free local food series: Chester County Farm and Table Tales.

Join hundreds of Philadelphia-area leaders and decision makers as they convene to celebrate and acknowledge Champions of Board Diversity, measure women’s leadership progress, and discuss pathways to increase diversity and the number of women in leadership roles throughout the region at The Forum of Executive Women Leadership Breakfast, a virtual event on Wednesday, October 21, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

The inspiring program kicks off with Keynote Speaker Anne Robinson, Managing Director & General Counsel, Vanguard.

The event will include the much-anticipated unveiling of the Women in Leadership 2020 report on the top 100 public companies in the Philadelphia region and the announcement of The Forum’s "Champions of Board Diversity"—companies that have 30% or more women on their boards.

For more information and to register, visit https://www.foewevents.com/leadership-breakfast. The cost for the Breakfast is $55.

About The Forum of Executive Women

Founded in 1977, The Forum of Executive Women is the region's premier women's organization, actively working to increase the number of women in leadership roles, expand their impact and influence, and position them to drive positive change in the Greater Philadelphia region. Visit www.foew.com.

An annual Chadds Ford tradition, the three day event highlights over 70 giant pumpkins carved into spooktacular creations. Carvers work through the early evening on Thursday and then illuminate their masterpieces by candlelight. Guests can view the carvers at work Thursday and the finished products Friday and Saturday. In addition to the pumpkin patch, there is a giant 'kid friendly' Haunted Trail, hayrides and live music. Food and Fall treats are offered by area eateries along with local craft beer and wine.

An annual Chadds Ford tradition, the three day event highlights over 70 giant pumpkins carved into spooktacular creations. Carvers work through the early evening on Thursday and then illuminate their masterpieces by candlelight. Guests can view the carvers at work Thursday and the finished products Friday and Saturday. In addition to the pumpkin patch, there is a giant 'kid friendly' Haunted Trail, hayrides and live music. Food and Fall treats are offered by area eateries along with local craft beer and wine.

An annual Chadds Ford tradition, the three day event highlights over 70 giant pumpkins carved into spooktacular creations. Carvers work through the early evening on Thursday and then illuminate their masterpieces by candlelight. Guests can view the carvers at work Thursday and the finished products Friday and Saturday. In addition to the pumpkin patch, there is a giant 'kid friendly' Haunted Trail, hayrides and live music. Food and Fall treats are offered by area eateries along with local craft beer and wine.

Enjoy a homemade Italian dinner and support the Phoenixville Area Time Bank on Saturday, October 24th by participating in our seventh annual Italian Pasta Party!

Safety is our goal for this year’s spaghetti dinner. We offer contactless pickup and delivery of food. Eat your dinner in the safety and comfort of your own home.

Purchase Your Tickets Today

What's for dinner?

• The take-out dinner features Nick Castellano's traditional Italian gravy (meatballs and sausage or a veggie sauce).
• Gluten-free pasta and spaghetti squash are alternatives for pasta.
• Dinner also includes Parmesan cheese, bread sticks, salad, ginger root beer, dessert, and 1 basket raffle ticket!

How's it work?

• Order your meal and pickup on Oct 24th from St John's Lutheran Church, 355 St John's Circle, Phoenixville PA from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
• Delivery is available for $5.00 per address within 12 miles of Phoenixville.​
• Tickets must be purchased by 5 pm on Thursday, October 22 from here OR if you prefer to place your order offline, call Margo Ketchum at 610-608-9281.

What else should I know?

• New this year, we are partnering with Good Samaritan Services in Phoenixville to include an option to purchase a meal that is donated to residents at the organization's homeless shelter for men. We encourage everyone who can to chip in and buy an extra meal for them!
• All dinners come with one raffle ticket for our enticing and themed baskets.
• Additional raffle tickets are available online for $2 each or 6 for $10. ​
• Our basket themes are: Relaxation, Fiesta, Gardening, Oktoberfest, Fall/Thanksgiving, and Holiday (pictures below!).

Who's sponsoring this event?

• Thrivent Financial
• Kimberton Whole Foods
• Wegmans
• ACME
• Piccolo Mondo Restaurant
• Costco

Other questions?

• Call Margo Ketchum at 610-608-9281 or email [email protected].

Purchase Your Tickets Today

All aboard the spooky train! The Brandywine Railroad opens early on Halloween this year for some extra "Holiday Magic at Brandywine" for the whole family to enjoy. You can also join us for our upcoming seasonal events (including virtual and socially distant options); discover new favorites from our renowned collection while visiting our galleries; and take a stroll along our beautiful campus trails. Not ready to leave the house? Continue to keep up with our latest posts on Brandywine at Home.

HALLOWEEN AT HAGLEY

Daylight Saving Time 2020 ends on Sunday, November 1 at 2 a.m. Before you go to bed on Halloween night, which is Saturday, October 31, remember to set your clocks backward one hour!

https://www.pa.gov/guides/voting-and-elections/

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

Drexel University is offering a virtual presentation tonight for their Fall Distinguished Psychology Alumni Lecture Series on Wednesday, November 11, from 5:30pm-6:30pm, to be delivered by Deni Carise, Ph.D.

Dr. Carise is a Double Dragon, having earned her bachelor’s degree and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Drexel/ Hahnemann University. She currently holds the title of Chief Science Officer at Recovery Centers of America. https://recoverycentersofamerica.com/about/leadership/deni-carise/

Her talk is titled: The New “Triple Threat”: Methamphetamine, Opioids and Covid-19

Summary: Lethality, availability and use of stimulants have greatly increased in the US in past years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that overdose deaths have more than tripled for cocaine and increased nearly five-fold for methamphetamine since 2012. With more than 100 deaths every day in this country attributed to opioid overdose, there is understandable – and much appreciated – attention to this issue. A significant increase in overdose death rates from synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and its analogues make it very clear that we must continue to address the threat from the opioids in this country. These two major drug problems, and our field, are now impacted by an unprecedented 3rd threat in this country, that of the Covid-19 pandemic. At the time of this writing, more than 8 million Americans have tested positive for Covid-19 and over 220,000 people have dies of this disease.  Individuals struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) or those in recovery may find COVID-19 and the non-medical impacts of COVID-19 more difficult than the general population.  Individuals with SUD are more vulnerable to getting COVID-19 and more likely to have severe cases when they do get it.  There has been an increase in substance use for those with a period of remission, particularly those with 3-12 months in recovery.  Social isolation has led to increases in depression, anxiety, domestic violence, and other mental health disorders.  With this “triple threat” of opioids, stimulants, and Covid-19, we need to rethink how we assess, support, and deliver treatment to those with SUD.  This is particularly true for cocaine and amphetamines as there is no “gold standard” of treatment and no effect medications available.

After three successful educational sessions this year, Worship Summit Live is back in time for houses of worship to acquire critical technical training for a busy upcoming holiday worship season. On Wed, Nov. 18, 2020, the Worship Summit Live 4 virtual event will host church production and technology experts who will demonstrate the best methods to safely produce engaging worship celebrations for virtual congregations. Attendees can view technical sessions at Worship Summit Live for free, as well as access a separate networking and collaboration meeting via Zoom for only $5.

Since earlier this year when the COVID-19 pandemic forced millions to socially distance, houses of worship have sought ways to meet the spiritual needs of their congregations. This extremely popular event will provide worship leaders, musicians, volunteers, and administrators with practical tools they need to create high-quality live productions or video recordings of spiritual services. Based on survey results from July’s Worship Summit Live, the half-day event format will focus intently on technical topics, including deep dives into two popular video production platforms: OBS and vMix. Attendees will also see worship streaming tips from well-known worship pastor Jake Gosselin, as well as tours of technology setups currently working in several houses of worship. Skills taught during Worship Summit Live 4 should continue to guide technology leaders whether worship gatherings are remote, in-person, or exist in a hybrid format.

PTZOptics, a manufacturer of robotic pan, tilt, zoom camera solutions for a variety of broadcast and live streaming applications, is hosting Worship Summit Live 4. The half-day schedule is available at: worshipsummit.live. The live stream is free, and anyone interested in networking within the collaborative Zoom meeting can purchase a pass at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/worship-summit-live-4-technical-training-event-tickets-121037567623. PTZOptics is the sister-company to HuddleCamHD, manufacturers of professional video conferencing cameras.

About Worship Summit Live

Worship Summit Live is now a quarterly event and is the only professional development event specifically aimed to educate House of Worship (HoW) professionals on church production and livestream services to their congregations. Developed by PTZOptics, the livestreamed all-virtual event is for worship and communication leaders looking to leverage the latest communications tools and technology to communicate with worshipers. Seasoned HoW professionals and those just dipping their toes into online worship will gain advice, tips, tricks, and thoughtful guidance on how to safely address and engage their congregations in today’s world. Learn more at worshipsummit.live

Support local farms, food producers + artisans selling direct to the community through ALL seasons at KSQ Farmers Market! Throughout late fall + winter, we continue to have a seasonal variety of produce from local growers. Also, plenty of meats & poultry, cheese, milk, yogurt, baked goods, sourdough breads & bagels, honey, maple syrup, olive oil, soaps, and more! Plus a selection of prepared foods for easy meals at home.

CURRENT SEASONAL HOURS

(3-3:30pm) reserved for seniors & high-risk customers

(3:30-5pm) open to all

Shop responsibly! Masks are required, and we have plenty of space to practice safe distancing. Hand sanitizer is also provided at entry & exit.

The lineup of vendors varies some each market, so sign up for our newsletter on our website @ ksqfarmersmarket.com and follow us on Facebook & Instagram for the latest updates.

PREORDERS ARE WELCOMED by many vendors for easy pickup at market! Details & order deadlines are provided in the weekly newsletter. ALL vendors offer walk-up sales.

Cross the line before you dine, even during COVID-19! In order to keep this fantastic Thanksgiving 5k tradition alive, we're moving the Turkey Trot 5K this year to VIRTUAL! But don't worry, we've got a couple of fun tricks up our sleeve to keep the community feels.  Support our beneficiary this year of Safe Harbor of Chester County by registering or donating toward the race.  We will be broadcasting live on Facebook from the Pavilion at the Concord Township Park (Rachel Kohl Library) from 730am-10am for anyone who wants to run by and cheer. While congregating won't be permitted on the day of the race, we're excited about the opportunity to share the morning together to keep the Turkey Trot tradition alive!

Join us for a Thanksgiving 5K, music, cheers, and a community celebration on race morning, or perform your run at a location of your choosing. Either way, post your results online and join the fun!

Thanksgiving 5K Details

Did we mention a fun swag? This year we're pumped to give out Turkey Trot Running Gaiters! Also available for purchase is the infamous Turkey Trot Winter Knit Hat for only $10! Visit our website to learn more or sign up for the race!

Newlin Grist Mill and Wild Birds Unlimited-Concordville are teaming up to explore the wonderful world of bird life. Join us for monthly naturalist-led walks through the 160-acre park at Newlin Grist Mill. We will meet year-round residents, visit exciting migrants, and learn the basics of bird identification and biology.

Families and beginners are welcome!

Support local farms, food producers + artisans selling direct to the community through ALL seasons at KSQ Farmers Market! Throughout late fall + winter, we continue to have a seasonal variety of produce from local growers. Also, plenty of meats & poultry, cheese, milk, yogurt, baked goods, sourdough breads & bagels, honey, maple syrup, olive oil, soaps, and more! Plus a selection of prepared foods for easy meals at home.

CURRENT SEASONAL HOURS

(3-3:30pm) reserved for seniors & high-risk customers

(3:30-5pm) open to all

Shop responsibly! Masks are required, and we have plenty of space to practice safe distancing. Hand sanitizer is also provided at entry & exit.

The lineup of vendors varies some each market, so sign up for our newsletter on our website @ ksqfarmersmarket.com and follow us on Facebook & Instagram for the latest updates.

PREORDERS ARE WELCOMED by many vendors for easy pickup at market! Details & order deadlines are provided in the weekly newsletter. ALL vendors offer walk-up sales.

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