This is the last Discover Lansdowne that you’ll get for a while. That’s because, starting May 22, the Lansdowne Farmers Market e-newsletter will replace it weekly in your in-box. In addition to what’s happening at the Farmers Market, we’ll try to direct you to other events of interest around town, so we hope you’ll continue to refer to it when planning your free time.

Remembering Mama
If you watch television, listen to the radio, or otherwise venture outside your own thoughts, it’s a little hard to miss that this coming Sunday, May 11, is the calendar-sanctioned day of recognition for moms, aka Mother’s Day. Now, we’re big believers in letting the mother figures in our lives know how dear they are to us quite a bit more than once a year, but if you’re lucky enough to still have your mom or someone who’s important to you in that way, don’t let Sunday pass without a serious outpouring of love and appreciation. Here are some ideas beyond a card and a box of chocolates from the drug store.

If you ever broke one of Mom’s beloved plates or knickknacks — and who didn’t? — here’s your chance to try replacing it by taking Mom browsing in a local antiques store. Peacock Collection Antiques is a sweet little shop comfortably stuffed with cleverly displayed items for the home that may have been around before you were. Mom will probably be able to tell you what some of the mystery kitchen gadgets in the back room were used for in their day, and she’ll get a kick out of that stop on memory lane. The beautiful merchandise over at Before Our Time Antiques is likely to get her reminiscing about the dish or tray or figurine her own mother or aunt had just like that one. Peacock Collection, 213 W. Baltimore Pike, is open Thursday and Friday 1:00 to 7:00, and Saturday noon to 6:00; stop in at Before Our Time, 53 W. Marshall Road, Wednesday to Friday 11:00 to 6:00 or Saturday 11:00 to 5:00.

Jasco Jems is bright and airy and filled with bargains that any stylish mom would appreciate, even if you don’t know her exact size. Think colorful scarves, pretty hats, and trendy handbags. And if you do know her size, owner Joann Small just got a new shipment of casual wear and suits that will get Mom from home to work to church and beyond. Jasco Jems, 26 N. Lansdowne Avenue, is open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 to 6:00. Mention you read about it here and get 20% off!

A flat of impatiens or begonias or petunias from Bonnie’s Wondergardens, plus the elbow grease to plant them, is a little different from the usual Mother’s day bouquet, not that she wouldn’t love a big bunch of cut flowers too. If Mom has a porch, a hanging basket of trailing posies is hard to beat. 233 Scottdale Road, 610-259-1733.

Mission Burrito has done a great job of being there for us on a holiday when eating out is desirable, like Mother’s Day (the most popular day for dining out all year!). They’re offering a special brunch this Sunday featuring a beverage and dessert buffet in addition to entrees like grilled asparagus and goat cheese omelet or crab and pancetta salad, for $17. Though reservations aren’t required, why make Mom wait for a table if you don’t have to? Give them a call now: 610-622-6900.

If you wait until the truly last minute, Lansdowne’s newest shop, Life More Abundant, is open on Sundays, so stop in there on the way to see Mom rather than hitting a chain store. The store specializes in foods that are good for you, and Mom is sure to appreciate that you were thinking of her health when you made your purchase. There’s also a wealth of inspirational literature to choose from. Anything you take away from Life More Abundant would be a healthful, thoughtful gift.

Finally, tickets for the Community Wine Tasting on Friday, May 23, for Mom and a companion of her choosing might be a big hit. For $39, she’ll get to sample five of six wines under the tutelage of wine enthusiast Bob Kieft, plus partake of a buffet dinner prepared by Mission Burrito’s Javier Bendana. Call it educational or call it fun, but just be sure to call 484-716-4982 for reservations.


Looking for Volunteers?
Does your community group need to connect with volunteers? The LEDC wants to help. Here's how: Fill out our Need Volunteers form to place your free call for volunteers. We'll list your specific volunteer needs in this space, giving you exposure to many local community-minded folks.

In addition to the many wonderful goings on listed in the column at left, don't miss these upcoming events:

Karen and Amy Jones at Regency Cafe
Karen and Amy Jones will bring harmony-driven acoustic rock to the stage at Regency Cafe this week.
Thursday, May 8, 7:00 pm; Regency Cafe, 14 S. Lansdowne Avenue; Free

Penn Wood High School Spring Concert
The Penn Wood High School Jazz Band, Concert Band and Choir will present an evening of music.
Thursday, May 15, 7:00 pm; Penn Wood High School, 100 Green Avenue; Free (however, donations are gratefully accepted)

Lansdowne Folk Club presents the Christine Havrilla Trio
Pop singer/songwriter Christine Havrilla performs her eclectic mix of songs to the Twentieth Century Club. For more info visit the Lansdowne Folk Club online
Thursday, May 22, 7:30 pm, Twentieth Century Club; $15-$18

View the complete listing of local events

Do you have an event to announce?
Send your upcoming events to events@lansdownesfuture.org to have them included in this space!

MARKET COUNTDOWN:
The Lansdowne Farmers market returns in 16 days!
See you there on Saturday, May 24, 2008!

Market Manager
If you see Rick Grocott enjoying his morning coffee at the Regency, be sure to congratulate him, for he’s just been named the new manager of the Farmers Market. Most everyone in Lansdowne knows Rick already, and if not, they soon will. Rick is already scouting around for more vendors and taking measurements for the shed that will hold Market materials on site.

Facade Grants: Grants are available to business owners in the central business district for facade improvement. This program can provide up to a 50% match for qualified businesses. For more information please contact Gary Chilutti by calling 484-461-7001 or sending an email to Gary@LansdownesFuture.org.

Fundraising: Help the LEDC make Lansdowne even better by making a tax-deductible contribution today. Funds are used to support projects such as the Lansdowne Farmers Market, Lansdowne Arts Festival, Lansdowne Loves Movies, and all sorts of great stuff (including this newsletter!). Gifts can be made online at www.LansdownesFuture.org/donate.

Volunteer: Yet another way to make Lansdowne a great town...volunteer for the LEDC. We have spots open in Facade Design, Organization, Promotions, and Economic Restructuring. To volunteer, please contact Gary Chilutti by calling 484-461-7001 or sending an email to Gary@LansdownesFuture.org.