Chester County’s Department of Drug & Alcohol Services is raising community awareness for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day taking place on Saturday, April 29^th. Organized nationwide by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), National Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides local sites for safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while educating the public about the potential for abuse of medications.

From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 29^nd, temporary prescription drug disposal sites will be set up throughout Chester County, in locations including Avondale, Berwyn, Coatesville, Downingtown, Kennett Square, Malvern, Phoenixville and West Grove. These temporary sites will join the 23 permanent drug disposal sites throughout the county.

“Prescription drug abuse is an ever-growing epidemic nationwide, and Chester County is not immune to the problem,” said Vince Brown, Executive Director of the Chester County Department of Drug & Alcohol Services.  “Current estimates are that nearly 35,000 people in Chester County are suffering from some sort of substance use disorder which occurs when a person uses a drug or alcohol substance and the use results in physical, behavioral, or social problems at school, work or home”.

Commonly abused prescription drugs fall into three different categories: opioids, which are pain relievers and have a similar chemical make up as heroin; sedatives, which are used to treat anxiety and depression; and stimulants, which increase attention, energy, blood pressure, heart rate and breathing rate.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the average age for the first use of prescription drugs in the United States is 13 years old. Prescription drugs are often mistaken by adolescents as a “safe” alternative to illegal street drugs, which leads to increasing use, and they are easily accessible in medicine cabinets.

“In order to decrease first time use of prescription drugs, it is imperative to begin with prevention efforts,” added Vince Brown.  “In addition to education and awareness, prescription drug abuse prevention includes locking up or monitoring prescription medications that are in the home and disposing of any unneeded or expired prescription medications at a medication collection box.”

Collection boxes for prescription drugs in Chester County are at 23 permanent locations, and for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 29^th, an additional 10 temporary locations will be established.  For a full list of permanent locations, go to www.chesco.org/DrugandAlcohol, and for temporary locations, go to www.DEA.gov.

Medication collection boxes are just one of the several prevention, education and awareness initiatives undertaken by Chester County to combat the opioid and heroin epidemic plaguing the region.

In 2015, the Chester County Overdose Task Force was created bringing together the Chester County Commissioners’ Office, the District Attorney’s Office, the Health Department, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Services and many other County and community partners to address the opioid epidemic by sharing education, awareness, and innovative ideas.

Last November, over 750 people of all ages participated in the first Color 5k Run/Walk which raised $25,000.  The funds were donated to Chester County’s five hospitals for their warm hand-off program, transitioning those who have been saved from an overdose into long-term treatment, while also educating and supporting the individual and their family.

The Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education (NOPE) Task Force, a project of Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems in partnership with the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, has presented to over 40,000 middle and high school students and over 1,000 parents and community members educating on the dangers of prescription drugs.

Good Fellowship Ambulance & EMS has trained 46 municipal police department in Chester County to carry Naloxone, a live saving opioid antidote that reverses an opioid overdose. In addition to training the police departments, Good Fellowship provided 300 kits of Naloxone to trained police officers from Chester County. Since the program’s inception in January 2015, there have been 165 administrations of Naloxone resulting in 156 saves, which is a 95 percent success rate.

Chester County’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Services wants to ensure that residents are aware of the drug and alcohol treatment services and resources available for both the insured and uninsured. Insurance holders, including Medicaid, should call the number listed on the back of the insurance card to receive information accessing drug and alcohol services. Uninsured individuals can call one of the following agencies for help: Gaudenzia Coatesville (Coatesville) - 610-383-9600; Mirmont Outpatient (Exton) - 484-565-1130; Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems (Kennett Square) - 610-388-9225; Creative Health Services (Phoenixville) - 610-933-1223; Gaudenzia West Chester (West Chester) - 610-429-1414.

For more information and resources, visit the Chester County Department of Drug & Alcohol Services website: www.chesco.org/DrugandAlcohol, or call the Chester County Information and Referral line at 866-286-3767.

Join us each month as we explore historic skills and trades with our "History at Work" demonstration series.

April 29: "Dairying"

May 20: "Potash & Soap Making"

June 24: "Woodturning"

July 29: "Coopering"

August 12: "Papermaking"

September 30: "Baking Ship Bread"

October 28: "Candlemaking"

All ages; FREE.

Saturday, April 29 from 11 AM - 7 PM

and Sunday, April 30 from 11 AM - 6 PM

BACON & WINE: Better Together.

Come experience an unrivaled bounty of wine & bacon!

This fan-favorite event is back by popular demand for the third year, and the epic festival is sure to make any bacon lover’s dreams come true.

Dig into an abundance of pork-centric culinary creations, prepared by some of the best food trucks in the bacon business, then quench your thirst with a variety of award-winning, flavorful Chaddsford wines.

Join Newlin's staff naturalist for an afternoon of exciting environmental activities. Look for the pop-up naturalist tent in different parts of the park and discover the plants and animals that call Newlin home. While specific activities will vary by theme, you can expect to find interactive demonstrations, live specimens, games and crafts, and fun for the whole family!

In 2017, our naturalist will pop-up from 1pm to 5pm on the following Saturdays:

April 29: Animal Tracks
May 27: Fabulous Forests
June 24: Pond Life
July 29: Reptiles & Amphibians
August 26: Water, Water, Everywhere
September 30: Bird Migrations
October 28: Camouflage

The Pop-Up Naturalist Program is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome.

For more information, please email [email protected] or call 610.459.2359.

The public is invited to: Meet the Author

Date: Saturday, April 29, 2017 Place: The Kennett Library

Time: 2:00 P.M.

Mrs. Tangerine Bell will read selections from her recently published book of poems “Tangerine: Poems at 94”. Mrs. Bell, a resident of Friends Home in Kennett, selected poems that are “witty observations on the human condition and tender meditations on the nature of love.”

Books will be on sale and will be graciously autographed by the Author.

For more information about this event or about Friends Home in Kennett please call Dot Folz 610-444-8785

2^nd Annual Superhero 5K Run and Walk Scheduled for April 30

 Event to benefit CASA Youth Advocates, support its mission to provide advocates for all children in Delaware and Chester Counties’ child welfare systems

On Sunday, April 30, at 9:00 a.m. at Ridley Creek State Park in Media, runners and walkers will gather in their second year for a great cause. Participants are encouraged to hit the trails dressed as their favorite superheroes to support CASA Youth Advocate’s mission of providing champions for children.

“With the success of last year’s race, we were eager to begin plans for this year’s,” said CASA Youth Advocates Executive Director, Anne Shenberger. “This year’s race will be a wonderful opportunity to not only get in shape, but do good in the community, too.”

CASA Youth Advocates recruits, trains, and supports volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates who work to ensure that abused and neglected children in Delaware and Chester Counties’ child welfare systems find a safe, permanent, and nurturing home.

According to research conducted through the National CASA Association, children with a Court Appointed Special Advocate move through the adoption process more quickly, are half as likely to re-enter foster care, receive more services while in the system, and perform better in school. Insuring these improved outcomes for all children in Delaware and Chester Counties’ child welfare systems becomes a matter of scale and resources, which is where fundraising events like the 2^nd Annual Superhero 5K Run and Walk play an important role.

At this year’s festivities, FOX 29 News Reporter Chris O’Connell will help kick-off the race with good wishes and encouragement and Delaware County District Attorney, Jack Whelan, will judge the superhero costume contest.

Each 5K registrant receives a t-shirt, refreshments, water stations, and prizes. The event includes awards for the top overall male and female race finishers, overall age group winners and top sponsors. Timing and logistics will be coordinated by Bryn Mawr Racing Company.

Event registration is $30 for adults and $15 for children 7-17 before April 23, 2017; $40 for adults and $20 for children 7-17 after April 23, 2017, including the day of the race. All children 6 and under are free.

For more information or to register for the 2^nd Annual Superhero 5K Run and Walk, visit http://delcocasa.org/news-events/2017-superhero-5k-runwalk-back or call 610-565-2208. See you there!

 EVENT INFORMATION

What               2^nd Annual Superhero 5K Run and Walk benefitting CASA Youth Advocates

When              Sunday, April 30, 2017, 8:00 a.m. registration; 9:00 a.m. race start

Where             Ridley Creek State Park (Pavilion 17)

1023 Sycamore Mills Rd.

Media, PA 19063

Awards           Top overall male/female race finishers, overall age group winners, and top 1-3 sponsors

Entry Fees       Before April 23, 2017: $30 for adults, $15 for children 7-17 (children 6 & under FREE)

After April 23, 2017 & Day of Race: $40 for adults, $20 for children 7-17 (children 6 & under                              FREE)

More Information: 610-565-2208 or http://delcocasa.org/news-events/2017-superhero-5k-runwalk-back

About CASA Youth Advocates

Since 1992, CASA Youth Advocates has worked to ensure each child in Delaware County’s child welfare system a safe, permanent and nurturing home. Delaware County CASA recruits and trains volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates to advise the courts on the best interests of an abused or neglected child, with support and guidance from CASA’s professional staff of social workers and attorneys. In 2015, CASA expanded services to Chester County Children.

Annual Meeting 

Chadds Ford Historical Society's Barn Visitors Center

Sunday, April 30th from 3 to 5 pm
Members and interested individuals are invited to join us at our Annual Meeting. We'll review what the Society has accomplished in the past year and present our exciting ventures for 2017!No RSVP required. Light refreshments will be served.

SCCCC WIB was launched  as a networking and educational breakfast program for professional women and offers thought-provoking presentations conducted by SCCCC members.

Meets first Wednesday of the month at 8:30 am at different member locations

Click here  for this month’s program and to register

Hope Explored course

• What: If you could ask God one question, what would it be? Everyone is looking for lasting hope in a chaotic world. Why does life often feel hopeless? What is hope and where is it found? You're invited to join an informal 7-week course called Hope Explored which offers you time to consider life's big questions and a forum to ask your own. A meal and childcare are provided each week.

• Where: Garnet Valley Elementary School (LGI Room)

• When: Wednesdays 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Starts April 26th and runs 7 weeks through June 7th.

• Why: In the age of social media, it often seems impossible to have a civil conversation. Hope Explored is a place where people from all backgrounds, religious and irreligious, can have real conversations about the big questions of life.
• How: The entire course is offered free as a gift to you and your family. All you need to do is register at http://explorehopechurch.org/hope-explored

• About us: Hope Presbyterian is a new gospel-centered church coming to the Garnet Valley/Chadds Ford area. Learn more at ExploreHopeChurch.org.

Pastor William C. Stern
Church Planter
Hope Presbyterian Church
explorehopechurch.org
Garnet Valley/Chadds Ford
(610) 715-7492

Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce to Host Annual Inspirational Breakfast May 4 at Hartefeld National Golf Club
Keynote Speaker is Award-winning Paralympic Athlete Amanda McGrory

Kennett Square, PA - The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Inspirational Breakfast Thursday, May 4, beginning at 7:30 am at Hartefeld National Golf Club. The keynote speaker is Amanda McGrory, award-winning wheelchair athlete who will present Go for the Gold: My Quest for Success, which shares her story and discovery of wheelchair athletics, and highlights from her award-winning athletic career that has taken her around the world.

The Inspirational Breakfast welcomes business and community leaders from across the region. The fee is $45 for Members and $55 for Non-Members. Visionary Tables are available for $375. To register, visit www.scccc.com.

The event includes a coffee reception at 7:30 am with Reception Sponsor, WSFS Bank, followed by a sit-down breakfast and program at 8:30 am. Special guests include Leon R. Spencer, the Chamber’s 2016 Outstanding Citizen of the Year, who will perform The National Anthem.

Southern Chester County native Amanda McGrory woke up one morning at the age of 5 and discovered she could no longer walk. After weeks of hospital visits and testing, doctors’ best diagnosis was Transverse Myelitis, with little hope of recovery. At age 7, McGrory attended a Variety Club of Philadelphia sleep away camp designed for kids with physical disabilities. That, combined with the later discovery of wheelchair sports, proved to be life-changing. McGrory graduated from Unionville High School with honors, and accepted an athletics scholarship to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as a dual sport athlete to play wheelchair basketball and race as a member of track and road racing team. Since graduating with a BS in Psychology, she has traveled the world, and won seven Paralympic medals and more than 25 marathons. Currently, she is pursuing a master degree in Library and Information Science, with a focus on Archival Work from the University of Illinois. In addition, Amanda competed in the London Marathon on Sunday, April 23^rd and she is in training for one final Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2020.

About Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce
The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce, the region's leading pro-business member organization, is dedicated to the growth and development of its members and the business community by providing opportunities to connect businesses and support sustainable economic development. Founded in 1929 in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, the Chamber’s nearly 500 member businesses consist of influential business leaders and professionals, not-for-profits, institutions, legislative leaders, and more. The Chamber hosts more than 70 events and programs each year in the Southern Chester County region. To join or learn more about the Chamber, visit www.scccc.com.

Next Meeting

Prepay click here

or

RSVP to [email protected]

The luncheon will begin at 12 p.m.  Following the event will be a private opening of the 2017 exhibit, Wyeth Unplugged.

Tickets are $40 each, advance sales only. Buy tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sanderson-museums-50th-anniversary-luncheon-tickets-32666816327.

The Celebration ticket includes lunch, refreshments and admission to Wyeth Unplugged, a private preview event (2PM – 4PM)

Featured Speaker Katherina M. Rosqueta

The Desmond Hotel and Conference Center

For more information

Grand Opening Oxford Arts Alliance

Art Annex and Open House
The Oxford Arts Alliance is expanding and is opening an Art Annex at 19 South Third Street in Oxford.  This new location will house the popular Paint Your Own Pottery as well as future art classes.

The Grand Opening is scheduled for May 5, First Friday from 5 to 8 p.m.  The ribbon cutting will be at 6 pm and throughout the evening, stop in for a drawing for Paint Your Own Pottery Party for 4 people and give aways.

The Art Annex will be open on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m..  The expanded summer hours Thursday, Friday and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to  4 p.m. will begin June 15.

Additionally on May 6^th  - The Oxford Arts Alliance will host an open house from 10 am to 2 pm.  Come meet our art and music instructors, tour the music studios, learn about the offerings for students of all ages.  The Oxford Arts Alliance is located at 38 South Third Street in Oxford, PA and the phone number is 610-457-0301.

For additional information, please contact Judy Petersen, Managing Director of the Oxford Arts Alliance or visit website http://www.oxfordart.org

Tyler Arboretum Annual Plant Sale

Tyler Members’ Preview, Friday, May 5, 11 am – 7 pm.

General public sale, Saturday May 6, and Sunday May 7 from 9 am  to 3 pm both days.

Attract birds and beneficial insects to your garden and ensure a great crop of fruits and vegetables with POLLINATOR PLANTS from this year’s Annual Plant Sale at Tyler Arboretum. Come and talk to a Plant Expert for practical advice while you shop!

Offering luscious plants to suit all gardens, soil types, growing conditions, gardening abilities, and pockets, this three-day sale provides inspiration for the garden, with showy annuals for containers, fabulous herbs and edibles, masses of flowering shrubs and trees, unusual vines, and rare and difficult to find plants. This year’s featured plant collection is dogwoods: a diverse family of gorgeous plants that bloom from April to July.

Garden Design Consultations are available to help you refresh your vision for the garden, with recommendations for plants that work for every spot in your landscape. Bring your photos, drawings, and sketches and meet one-on-one for a 30-minute session with a garden design expert. Contact Julia Lo Ehrhardt at [email protected] or 610-566-9134, ext. 305 to reserve your spot.

Tyler Arboretum

515 Painter Road, Media, PA 19063

Visit: tylerarboretum.org/PlantSale  or call 610-566-9134 to learn more.

Fundraiser to rebuild from storm damage to green house

On Saturday, March 25th volunteers to helped take down our damaged green house and prep for repairs.  This is the first step to rebuild the green house and ordering parts.

Damages are roughly $8000 and we have crops to be planted in the next three weeks. We are the last working farm around at over 308 years old. Our farm market is what keeps the farm working but we need your support to rebuild.

Spring Cleanup Day!

Chadds Ford Historical Society's Barn Visitors Center

Sunday, May 7th, 8 am - 12 pm

Calling all Weekend Warriors!

We need your help getting our grounds ready for Spring! It's time to sweep, pick up around the grounds, plant some annuals, pulls some weeds...you know, all the things you hate to do at home! So instead, you should come out, support the organization and help us do them here!

We'll organize volunteers into groups to work together at the Barns-Brinton House, the Chads House and around the Barn Visitors Center to get our sites into shape for the busy season.

If you have a small business or corporate group that is looking for a way to get involved in the community, this is a perfect one-day project!

Call us at 610-388-7376 or Sign Up Here to volunteer!

Hadley Presents

The Wilmington Drama League

Chrysalis Youth Theater Division Pillow Play

Egghead

 Sunday  May 7 at 2 pm


Kennett Friends Meeting

125 W. Sickle Street

Kennett Square, PA  19348



Pillow Plays are a series of shows by kids - for kids, produced by the Wilmington Drama League. This series is geared toward children 10 and under (but is secretly enjoyed by their parents too).  Bring a pillow to sit on!

Learn the latest secrets in dinosaur research at the Delaware Mineralogical Society's May 8 meeting, featuring Dr. Ken Lacovara of the Jean and Ric Edelman Fossil Park at Rowan University in Mantua Township, N.J. Dr. Lacovara will talk about Dreadnoughtus and other dinosaurs from Patagonia, and new developments at the fossil park. He spoke at the Museum last spring, and his return promises to bring fascinating new insights. Examples of his team's discoveries are currently on exhibit at DMNH.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the program begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

Hope Explored course

• What: If you could ask God one question, what would it be? Everyone is looking for lasting hope in a chaotic world. Why does life often feel hopeless? What is hope and where is it found? You're invited to join an informal 7-week course called Hope Explored which offers you time to consider life's big questions and a forum to ask your own. A meal and childcare are provided each week.

• Where: Garnet Valley Elementary School (LGI Room)

• When: Wednesdays 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Starts April 26th and runs 7 weeks through June 7th.

• Why: In the age of social media, it often seems impossible to have a civil conversation. Hope Explored is a place where people from all backgrounds, religious and irreligious, can have real conversations about the big questions of life.
• How: The entire course is offered free as a gift to you and your family. All you need to do is register at http://explorehopechurch.org/hope-explored

• About us: Hope Presbyterian is a new gospel-centered church coming to the Garnet Valley/Chadds Ford area. Learn more at ExploreHopeChurch.org.

Pastor William C. Stern
Church Planter
Hope Presbyterian Church
explorehopechurch.org
Garnet Valley/Chadds Ford
(610) 715-7492

Visit us after hours for this special program series where guests get to sample local beverages and have a chance to chat with the staff about what's happening at Newlin Grist Mill.

April 13: "Punches & Pizzas"

May 11: "Sea Shanty Singalong"

June 8: "Archaeology"

September 14: "Blacksmithing"

October 12: "Lighting & Libations"
Free; must be 21 or older to attend. No reservations necessary.

Southern Chester County residents – and especially Pocopson Township residents – can learn more about efforts to fight gerrymandering in Pennsylvania during a special meeting May 11.

The meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. at Unionville High School, is one of many by Fair Districts PA, a statewide group dedicated to reforming the redistricting process. Gerrymandering is a term used to describe how voting districts are redrawn to benefit those in a particular political party.

Read more

CFHS Fundraiser at Talbots, Glen Mills

Chadds Ford Historical Society's Barn Visitors Center

Friday, May 12th, 1-4 pm

Join us on Friday, May 12 for a shopping day at Talbots in Glen Mills! Talbots will donate 10% of pre-tax sales to the CFHS. All you have to do is pick out something you like and let them know you are there to support the Chadds Ford Historical Society! Our President, Kendal Reynolds, will be there to greet you in the store. Shop and support a great cause!

Float our Boat!3rd ANNUAL Unionville Crew Spring Fundraiser

Event to be held at the following time, date, and location:

Friday, May 12, 2017 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m,

Fall View Farm
The DeFilippo Family
151 Ridings Way (see below for directions)
Coatesville 19320

You are invited to the following event:
FLOAT OUR BOAT! 3RD ANNUAL UNIONVILLE CREW SPRING FUNDRAISER

Event to be held at the following time, date, and location:
Friday, May 12, 2017 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Fall View Farm
The DeFilippo Family
151 Ridings Way
Coatesville 19320

Float our Boat!
3rd Annual Unionville Crew's Spring Fundraiser

Please join us for an evening of fun with our rowing families and friends for good food and drink, silent auction, and 50/50 raffle.

Proceeds from the first two fundraisers have allowed us to purchase our first two boats and several sets of oars which have been painted with our Unionville colors. We are hoping to raise funds to purchase additional boats and other equipment needed for our athletes to be more competitive on the water. For more details please check out our website www.rowurc.org.