Relocation Time for Regency
So you've survived the bitter cold and howling winds that greeted the arrival of 2009 here in Lansdowne, packed up all of those holiday decorations once again, and are just getting back into your daily routine, when it hits you: "Where did my favorite local coffee shop go?"

Don't worry, you're not alone. Plenty of local folks have missed their Regency Cafe fix since the holidays began, and there is a simple explanation for the store's absence that bodes well for those who need their java and joviality served with some of the finest baked goods around. Owners Chris and Marcy Allen have kept the dreaded "NOPE" sign in the window since December 21 in preparation for the opening of their new, improved store at 29 North Lansdowne Avenue, in the historic Lansdowne Theater.

The bigger, better, and just-as-caffeinated version of Regency Cafe will open its doors again on Saturday, January 17, with new menu items to entice even more locals and not-so-locals into the bake shop for their irresistible array of treats both sweet and savory. (This date is a slight delay from their original plan of January 10, but just consider it an extra week of treadmill time to make room for scones.) Regency v.2 will be open Mondays and, starting in the spring, will have extended evening hours. There will be no music for the first month, but come February 13, musicians will be occupying the new window stage on Friday nights. And how `bout those awnings?! Regency Cafe and Bake Shop, 29 N. Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne; reopening January 17, open Monday through Friday 6:30 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Mission: Mondays
Meanwhile, the fine folks at Mission Burrito are doing their part to reduce the number of dazed and hungry folks milling about Lansdowne on Mondays. Owners Jackie and Javier Bendana will once again open their doors on that notoriously difficult-to-get-through first day of the work week. Stop by during the day to take advantage of their daily $5 lunch specials, or cope with the loss of Monday Night Football by enjoying some of Mission's fun and fabulous dinner options. Plus, Mission will now be open until 9 pm on Monday through Saturday nights!

Remembrance and Service
Together with the Yeadon NAACP, Penn Wood High School will be commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, Monday, January 19, with a ceremony featuring guest speaker Congressman Joe Sestak followed by service activities. The celebration begins at 9:00 am and will include United States Naval Sea Cadets flag ceremony, student and teacher performances, and a talk by Congressman Sestak. Immediately after the ceremony, attendees will be given the opportunity to volunteer in and around Penn Wood High School, with participants receiving a free T-shirt donated by the NAACP as well as a free lunch provided by the Penn Wood High School Home and School Association and Aramark Dining Services. The entire William Penn School district and their family and friends are invited. For further information, contact Event Coordinator Beverly Julal at 484-620-4411 or bjulal@wpsd.k12.pa.us.

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

Bill Staines with guest Sean Hoots at the Lansdowne Folk Club
Thursday, January 22, 7:30 pm, $15
84 S. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne; 610-622-7250

Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra Baroque Concert
Sunday, February 8, 3:00 pm, $5 to $15
Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, Upper Darby High School

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!