Hi Neighbor,
Remember the snowstorm predicted for January 6? If you don’t, it’s because it never occurred. It waited until earlier this week to approach being fulfilled. Nevertheless, the forecast called for snow. Area grocery stores were jammed, school was cancelled, streets were salted and everyone planned for a snow day. A real snow day with, you know, lots of snow. We got about an inch, hardly enough to substantiate days of advance snow-themed hype and the resulting grocery store alarm. READ MORE
Winter wondering,
Jane
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Friends' Central School • Baldwin School • Valley Forge Educational Services • Malvern Prep • Wolf Performing Arts Center • Berwyn Lawnmower • Sacred Heart Academy • Luisa Ramondo • Birdwatch • Paoli Beverage
Join us at VFES’ Neurodiverse Resource Fair & Summer Camp Expo on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM! This free event is open to all—no RSVP is required!
This is your chance to explore a wealth of local resources available to neurodiverse children and adults. Connect with 40+ organizations offering everything from employment support, summer camp and residential services to continuing education, family advocacy, benefits counseling, and specialized recreational programs— all in one convenient location!
For more details, visit vfes.net/resourcefair.
Treat yo self to a sweet mango treat, need a last-minute babysitter, and some brand new retail (or red light?) therapy on King Street, plus lots more!
READ JANUARY'S LOCAL BUZZ!
FROZEN FAMILY FUN
Outdoor Skating
Newtown Square
Kennett Square
Cooper River Park
Spring Mountain
Winter Wonderland Farm Festival
Dresher, PA
Weekends
Snuggle with baby animals, create your very own candle with customized aroma using essential oils, and create a succulent planter. Enjoy hot organic tea, coffee and coco in the Kitten Kafe. Details
Founders Philly Freeze-Out
Saturday, February 1
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Main Street, Manayunk
Bundle up and catch live ice carving demonstrations, incredible ice sculptures, food and drink specials, giveaways, the Founders Winter Market, and more! Details
Ice on State
January 25-26
Media
Visitors will experience the frozen magic as the world-famous Ice Sculpture Philly squad will be creating custom, sparkling art in the bustling State Street District. Ice sculptures and music. Details
Kennett Winterfest
February 22
Bundle up and enjoy winter brews from 60+ unique craft breweries, live music and delectable fare. Ticket price includes unlimited tastings of delicious craft beer. Details
TEENS & TWEENS
Teen Slime Time
Wednesday, January 29
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Paoli Library
Today’s a no-school day for Tredyffrin Eastown students. It’s an opportunity to visit the library and make your own slime. For teens grades 5-12. Details
Children’s Workshop with Dogs
Monday, March 24 – Friday, March 28
Paws & Affection
Working within a group of 12 kids 11-18 who love dogs, this week-long workshop offers dog behavior, basic training, reading dog body language, role of service dogs and more. Register online. Paws and Affection is a nonprofit 501c3 training and placing service, facility, and companion dogs with young people with disabilities in the Philadelphia area and to educate the public about service dogs and their role in the community. Details
Little Tykes go on Hikes
Saturday, February 15
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Everhart Park, West Chester
During this 45-minute course, guides will be on the trail with little ones and their guardians to tackle some of the most asked questions surrounding taking kids into the woods. Through fun games and hands-on activities, they cover safety, choosing the right trail, packing considerations, and much more! Details
Intro to Backpacking
Thursday, February 6
7:00 – 8:00 PM
Radnor Township Bldg.
Free class for Radnor Township residents 12+, both youth and adults are provided with tips and gear suggestions from skilled instructors. Details
Mad Science when School’s Out
Friday, February 14, Monday February 17
9:00 AM – 12:00, 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Bryn Mawr Community Center
When school’s out, these half and full-day science-based programs offer fascinating introductions to all aspects of science. Explore the website for dates, times and programs available. Presented by Lower Merion Parks and Rec but open to everyone ages 6 – 12. Details
HELPING OUT
Read Cursive? National Archives Needs You!
Dates, Times to fit your schedule
National Archives Citizen Archives
Sign up to be a citizen archivist from home. Transcribe original documents written in cursive and type what you see as best and accurately as you can to create an online database of records. Choose from Revolutionary War Pension Files, Women in World War I, US Submarine War Patrol Reports 1941-1945 and many more. Tutorials online. Free. Details
Donating to Local Food Pantries and Food Banks
Area food pantries continue to see increased needs. Please consider donating to a food pantry near you!
Find more pantries here
At Malvern Prep, our innovative approach to teaching and learning engages and inspires Middle School-aged boys by fostering inquisitive thinking, character development, and lifelong friendships.
Our challenging Middle School curriculum prepares boys for the rigorous studies they’ll encounter in Upper School and beyond. They learn to think at a deeper level as we encourage them to ask important questions, think creatively, and apply their knowledge for the common good.
Our students are entrusted with responsibility from an early age, emphasizing that at Malvern, we’re all problem-solvers and creators, and we're all in this together.
Learning to trust their inner teacher builds self-confidence in their abilities. Discovering the values and strengths of others in the community grows their compassion. Exploring their power to impact the world ignites their imagination.
The result: young men who lead boldly and serve humbly wherever they go.
Contact Malvern Prep today to explore all Malvern has to offer your son.
MalvernPrep.org/Visit
YEAR OF THE WOOD SNAKE!
Lunar New Year Celebration
Saturday, January 25
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Main Line Art Center
Usher in the year of the Snake with hands-on art activities for all ages and an outdoor performance of the iconic Lion Dance by the Philadelphia Suns. Free! Details
CultureFest! Lunar New Year
Saturday, January 25
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Penn Museum
A full day of festivities—including storytelling, art making, live music and dance performances—that ends with a traditional Lion Dance. Details
Lunar New Year Celebration
Saturday, February 1
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
State Street, Media
Catch a live performance of the Lion Dance on State Street.
Details
DRYISH JANUARY
Chill Botanica: A Dry-ish Pop-Up Experience
Saturday, January 25
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Downtown Phoenixville
Cocktails & mocktails at a Dry-ish Pop-Up Bar, where creativity meets calm. Explore a menu of masterfully crafted mocktails and cocktails, featuring unique kava-infused mocktails designed to help you unwind. Details
Wine, Cheese & Honey
Saturdays & Sundays in January
Penns Woods Winery
Spend a cozy winter weekend afternoon sampling four wines paired with local cheeses and honeys. Details
Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey
Saturday, January 25
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
Enjoy chocolate in all its sweet and gooey splendor, from hand-rolled truffles to rich and silky fondue. Quench your thirst with Champagne, Prosecco, premium wines and fine whiskies. Details
Winter Unwined
Music is 6:30 to 9:30 PM
Shadybrook Farm
Every Fri & Sat night thru March 8
Come out of the cold and into the Greenhouse for live music by local artists. Music, drinks, food and fun! Details
Ambler Restaurant Week
Through January 27
Ambler area restaurants will be offering wonderful specials and prix-fix menus. Details
AFTER DARK
Quizzo 2025
Saturday, February 1
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Narberth Borough Hall
The Narberth Quizzo Championship benefits the Library. Details
Trivia Night at the Museum
Tuesday, January 28
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Michener Art Museum, Doylestown
Join Young Friends of the Museum (Ages 21-45) testing your knowledge of art, local history and pop culture. Drinks, snacks and admission included. Details
Discovery in the Dark
Saturday, January 25
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Chester County History Center
This family evening event will show children what life was like in the past before electricity. Learn about all the different sources of light--and even make your own candle! Experience what bedtime was like. Walk through the darkened museum by flashlight and learn the stories of the men, women, and children of the past, and complete a scavenger hunt for special prizes. Details
Open Studio Night
Friday, February 7
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
Take a look behind the scenes of new artists both undergrad and graduate. Have a chance to discuss their work, providing an up-close look at works in progress. Also, a printmaking lecture will be held at 5:30 PM. Free. Details
Drawing What You Love
Monday, February 17 – March 17
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Online
Uncover techniques for drawing things you love at this virtual Main Line School Night class. First class focuses on people followed by mammals and birds in the week ahead. Details
DREAMING OF SPRING
Winter Wonders
Through March 23
Longwood Gardens
Leave winter behind and step into the conservatories and gardens featuring tropical plants at the peak of flowering. Details
Gardening from the Ground Up
Thursday, February 6
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM, Online
The root of any good garden is the soil! Learn how to maintain soil health from Mark Highland, the Organic Mechanic. Details
