Connect Chadds Ford is a civic-minded community newsletter, focused on Chadds Ford and the Brandywine Valley. Through values of transparency, accountability, connection, and delight, Connect Chadds Ford is about building the community we hope to share with our children and neighbors. Drop your email below to subscribe to the weekly newsletter!
π I manifested an indie bookshop in Chadds Ford!!
πππππ I did it! πππππRemember how I told you I wanted to manifest an indie bookshop in Chadds Ford. Chadds Friends, I did it! It's a pop-up indie bookshop run by a local Philadelphia author (whose books are the π£). If you're on Instagram, I shared some clues in Stories earlier this week. If you're not on Instagram, that's ok. I'll be coming at you with all the details next week. For now, mark Saturday, June 13, on your calendar, because she's coming in hot to Chadds Ford with her pop-up indie bookshop, and I'm stoked. I hope you are too. Save your book-buying budget for then, because her not-so-secret book sorcerer superpower is to help you find a new book you'll love. Also, Jeff Bezos does not need any more of our money. πΈ If we prove it's worth her while to make the trip out to Chadds Ford, maybe... just maybe... we can get her to come back more often! Modern-day Battle of the Brandywine?Last Saturday night, under an unparalleled spring sunset, I attended an event at Brinton Run Preserve to celebrate the dedication of a new replica Verbruggen Revolutionary War cannon gifted to the preserve. I got more than I bargained forβ¦ in the best way possible. Check out the full story of the respected general, well-known reenactor, and historian who each spoke at the event with passionate reminders about the sacrifices made to deliver us freedom and the continued work we owe to our ancestors and descendants to protect it.
Taking home the hardwareA few weeks ago, Delaware County honored some of our neighbors for their preservation and conservation efforts, and Chadds Friendsβ¦ our Chadds Ford neighbors showed up! π They did not leave empty-handed. Read on about several of our neighbors who have quietly dedicated their time to care for the character of our community so we can all benefit. So many spectacular stories to celebrate.
For real... the best trail you'll find this summer π₯Have you heard of this? Maybe it's just new to me, and I've been living under a rock. πͺ¨ But the Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport lets you visit 12 amazing places in the Brandywine Valley for an affordable price (including places like Longwood, Brandywine Museum of Art, Hagley Museum, and so many others)! It's good from May 23 to Oct 31, 2026. Check out all the details, and let me know if you end up getting it. I'd love to know how it works out for you! Speaking of trailsThe next Walking Club meet-up is on May 26 at 1 pm at Sandy Hollow Heritage Park. Details here. Put it on your calendar so you don't forget. After that, they'll be moving to 9:30 am as the weather gets warmer and eventually 7:30 am over the summer (before my kids are busy and need rides everywhere - it will also be blazing hot). βοΈ We'll take a break during late July and August when the heat peaks and vacations are aplenty. Then we'll put our walking shoes back on after Labor Day.
Celebrate Memorial Day in Chadds Ford β€οΈπ€πThe Brandywine Baptist Church is hosting an event to celebrate the holiday. All the details in the flyer below! π’ Not in Chadds Ford, thank goodness.Gotta give a shout-out to our supervisors, especially Timotha Trigg, who led the effort, for the data center ordinance that passed recently. Because here's an alternative. WT actual F?! This isn't in Chadds Ford, but it offers a compelling reminder that the actions of our local government leaders truly matter, and we should care deeply about who we elect to serve in those positions. Kevin O'Leary, Canadian billionaire a.k.a. Mr. Wonderful on Shark Tank (who's anything but wonderful) π€’, wants to put a massive data center in Utah. Thousands of people oppose it. So what does the local government do? Approve it anyway. π Then O'Leary makes up lies that protesters are paid operatives of the Chinese government (he went on Fox "News" to proclaim this π€‘), because what local residents would actually care enough about clean water, clean air, and energy to show up at a township meeting for FREE?! That would be crazy town?! And then... wait for it... they put public comments behind a paywall. You have to pay $15 to provide a public comment. π Who gets that money?! Kevin O'Leary? The local reps? What in the world is this world coming to?! Can you imagine having to slap a $20 bill on the dais every time you want to speak up at a township meeting or send them an email about your opinion on a public matter? So yeah... Thanks for the data center ordinance, seriously. Now, don't get any ideas about paywalling public comments. No need for any of that funny business in Chadds Ford or Pennsylvania. π° π Ponder ThisIn this section, I share book recommendations, articles, podcasts, and other links I think Chadds Ford neighbors might find interesting. Let me know what you think. π Currently reading Dopamine Kids by Machealeen Duoucleff. I LOVED her previous book, Hunt, Gather, Parent, and this one is super interesting too. π€ Will AI make us dumber? (minute 3:45) βπ» This historian reminds us that this country was founded on "civic religion," not a Christian religion (or any theology, for that matter). The specific separation of church and state was a super big deal (so everyone, including Christians, can practice whatever religion fills their soul). Seems like we need a collective reminder these days, especially when we're seeing giant religious symbols at America 250 events paid for by taxpayers' dollars.... ugh. π The best kind of data center. π Well...look at that! β¨ Loving Connect Chadds Ford β¨While I donβt have any secrets behind paywalls, did you know you can choose to become a paid subscriber if you value Connect Chadds Ford and itβs within your budget? No pressure, but if you feel compelled to upgrade to a paid subscription, I wonβt be mad. And if youβre already a paid subscriber, thank you so much! I really appreciate it.
Looking aheadHere are a few events you might want to add to your calendar. Several require registration in advance. Double-check dates and times in case theyβve changed since I shared. Mark Your CalendarsA few more exciting and important events to put on your calendar now so you donβt miss this!
Other events to add?In the comments, feel free to share any other events happening in and around Chadds Ford that you think our neighbors will enjoy! Got a question or a comment? Hit reply to this email. It comes right back to my inbox. ππ» Did you get this from a friend and want to sign up yourself? If so, you can get more information and sign up here! From your Chadds Ford Neighbor, Jen |
Jen Panaro | Connect Chadds Ford
Connect Chadds Ford is a civic-minded community newsletter, focused on Chadds Ford and the Brandywine Valley. Through values of transparency, accountability, connection, and delight, Connect Chadds Ford is about building the community we hope to share with our children and neighbors. Drop your email below to subscribe to the weekly newsletter!