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!
So how about that PECO bill? β‘
Are you ready to nerd out π€ about energy?Everyone is talking about our PECO bills these days. They've been a doozy. Energy markets are complicated; generating and moving electricity around the grid is more complex than one might imagine at first blush. There are lots of interconnected "toggles" in the physics and formulas (that ultimately power our lives) that move together but in different directions. When you change one variable, something else changes, whether you like it or not. That makes easy solutions hard to find and hard to understand. This week, I set out to make some sense of grid utilization, how efficiently we use the power generation and delivery system that we've collectively spent bagillions of dollars building over decades. Yes. Bagillions. I double-checked the math (and I was a financial auditor CPA for 15 years, so I'm technically a professional double-triple-checker). ππ» Our State House Rep. Craig Williams has been loud and clear about where he stands on a solution to our soaring PECO bills: build more polluting fossil fuel plants. Nothing more; nothing less. But given how many ways we can generate electrons, don't you think there might be some other options we could also consider? I do. Solar power isn't THE solution, but it's definitely PART of the solution, and Williams is no friend of "green ideas" (his words, not mine). Do you think he realizes that "green ideas" generated 90% of the new power in the US in 2025? They aren't just "ideas" anymore; they're real-life power producers. I've got more coming, but this week, we're going deep into grid utilization. I waxed poetic about solar power a few weeks ago. And soon, I'll be telling you why my solar panels are good for you, even if you don't have solar (Williams is no fan of this conversation either). Now go nerd out and learn a bit about grid utilization so you don't get hoodwinked by propaganda. π
Our Chadds Ford Garden of WynEdenAt an event in early June, a friend told me I needed to meet Wayne Guymon and ask about his garden. Ok. Cool. So I did. Holy hostas, Chadds Friends. πΏ Wayne's garden is not just any garden. My silly smartphone photos don't do this place justice. But check it out. It's unreal, and he's right here in Chadds Ford!! It's the first in a series I hope to grow on Gardens of Chadds Ford. Know someone with a gorgeous garden (big or small) who deserves a humble brag? Let me know!
Painter's Folly at the center of Chadds Ford's originsIf you aren't already a Chadds Ford history buff, let the Painter's Folly Preservation Alliance spark your curious soul. β¨ While the township has ultimate control of the future of Painter's Folly, the PFPA has been hard at work documenting the building and all the stories that surrounded its life at the epicenter of our town for centuries.
The Painter's Folly Preservation Alliance issues a monthly newsletter with fascinating and informative details about Painter's Folly and the work being done to ensure its historical story is not left untold. I highly recommend subscribing to the newsletter on their website if you haven't already. It's a delightful read each month!
Local Concord Farmers' Market reminderLeaving this here as a reminder to support our local food folks this summer. π In its second year, the Concord Farmers' Market continues to grow. They have several food and produce vendors, as well as flowers, honey, candles, coffee, baked goods, fresh bread, fun drinks, and more. The market runs every Sunday from 10 am - 1 pm at Concord Township Park through August 30. BYO Bag (if you want, not required) and meet your neighbors. These sandals are not made for walking π£Summer vacation for the Chadds Ford Walking Club. βοΈ We'll skip July and August as the heat peaks and vacations are aplenty. Then we'll put our walking shoes back on after Labor Day.
π Ponder ThisIn this section, I share book recommendations, articles, podcasts, quotes, and other links I think Chadds Ford neighbors might find interesting. Let me know what you think. βοΈ For the ladies, but the gents should know this too. π€ Did you see her speech at the opening of the Presidential Library? So good! π It's time to speak up. π³οΈ Can we please stop making it harder for eligible voters to vote?! π I've been reading a bunch of books lately! Two of my favorites were Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (have you read it?) and We Fed an Island: The True Story of Rebuilding Puerto Rico, One Meal at a Time by JosΓ© AndrΓ©s. They were both so great. We Fed an Island was incredibly insightful about how abysmal our federal government's response was to the hurricanes that destroyed Puerto Rico several years ago. Definitely worth a look. 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. Weekend Plans
Mark Your CalendarsA few more exciting and important events to add to your calendar now so you donβt miss this!
Just a few I listed here this week. I feel like most of us are traveling, at the beach, at the pool, or hanging with family and friends during this season. If you're looking for something to do, here are a few places around town that always have some great events on the calendar:
Take a peek at their event calendars for something fun. You can also sign up for the Along the Arc newsletter, which highlights several live music events in the area. Other events to add?Feel free to share any other events happening in and around Chadds Ford (just reply to this email) 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!