Now for Something New
Deep winter, when the days are short and outdoor activities are limited, has always seemed like a good time to try something new -- take a class for fun, join a club, start a project. Given the lengthening screenwriters’ strike, deep winter 2008 seems especially auspicious in this regard.

Fortunately, there’s no lack of new things to try in Lansdowne! The Recreation Department is sponsoring a number of programs that begin in late January or early February that are a perfect opportunity to pick up a skill you lack. Classes range from playing marbles or the piano, drawing, ballet, and tap dancing for the younger set, to crocheting, hat trimming, yoga, pilates, and tai chi for their elders. All take place at the Twentieth Century Club and require registration and a modest fee.

Right across the street, the Lansdowne Public Library continues to quietly and consistently offer loads of enjoyable and novel options (get it?). If you’re 10 or older, how cool is the Graphic Novel Reading Group that begins on Monday, January 28, going to be? (Supercool, so register soon because enrollment is limited.) Three different book groups (mystery, women writers, and whatever) each meet once a month for lively discussion and welcome all comers. There’s also a monthly History Forum that’s been going on for 21 years (it’s historic itself!), plus occasional author readings and Q&A sessions. For book lovers in the making, most weeks offer three storytimes for babies and preschoolers and two afterschool programs for older kids. The third Friday of each month is Family Movie Night, with enjoyable films for all ages. And all this stuff is free! Add in computers for monitored internet access, books for sale in the back room, and even tax forms – not to mention all those books and DVDs free for the borrowing (the ultimate in recycling!) - and the Lansdowne Public Library is more than ready to help you try something new, whether that’s tackling a different literary genre, picking up a book on an untried hobby, letting someone else read to your child, or just getting your taxes done on time. For more information or to sign up for any of the groups, programs, events, or movies (the Library typically needs a headcount in advance), call 610-623-0239. See the Library’s calendar here.

On the third Thursday of every month something great happens: a disparate bunch of locals band together, get involved, and - as “The People of Lansdowne” - take a bite out of hunger. On that day, the combined contributions of some two dozen borough residents feed anywhere from 150 to 225 meals to homeless and needy families and individuals at the Life Center on Cobbs Creek Parkway at Market Street. Incredibly, this has been going on for about 20 years in various locations. Some volunteers prepare homemade food, some put together cheese sandwiches, some send coffee and drink mixes or boxes of fruits or salad greens, some donate paper goods, and some give money to buy prepared food. Local bakeries and markets donate leftover baked goods, and a team of volunteers runs all over town picking these contributions up and bringing them to the Life Center. There, still others serve the hungry men, women, and children who have learned that the third Thursday meal is a good one – fried chicken, rice and pasta dishes, a variety of hot vegetables, green salad, rolls, dessert, and fruit and sandwiches to take away for later. It’s quite a production, all choreographed by Marcella Melot, and everyone is proud of their part in the process, plus a little surprised by how easy it is. If you can spare two hours most third Thursdays (6:30 to 8:30 from leaving to returning home) to help serve, or would like to participate by regularly sending a food item or donating a product or money to the cause, call Bertha Phillips at 610-623-4058. The next one is February 21.

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.

Terry Garland with The Super Humble Country Band at Lansdowne Folk Club
Thursday, January 24, 7:30 pm; Twentieth Century Club, 84 S. Lansdowne Avenue; $15-18
Terry Garland is widely known internationally as a master slide and acoustic guitarist. His foot-stomping, gut-wrenching perfomances are enjoyed throughout the US, Europe, and Japan. The Super Humble Country Band is a Philadelphia-based supergroup (featuring Lansdowne's own Bob Beach on harmonica and vocals) that plays classics that everyone knows and loves.

Nate Graham & Dave Applegate
Thursday, January 24, 7:00 pm; Regency Cafe, 14 S. Lansdowne Avenue; Free
Local singer-songwriters Nate Graham and Dave Applegate perform at this week's free music night at Regency Cafe.

Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra Valentine's Day Concert
Sunday, February 10, 3:00 pm; Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N. Lansdowne Avenue, Drexel Hill; $15 General admission, $12 seniors, $5 students
Featuring Soprano Cassandra Lambros, this concert will include performances of romance-themed works by Ravel, Handel, Puccini, Verdi and Brahms.
For more information visit http://www.lansdowneso.org

Celebration Theater presents Fools
March 7-22, 2008; Twentieth Century Club, 84 S. Lansdowne Avenue; $12-$17
A cast of lovable Neil Simon characters and Mel Brooks-style humor (heavy on the puns) combine to tell this tale with warmth and a gentle message. This "comic fable" takes place a long time ago in a remote Ukrainian village.
For tickets and times visit http://www.celebrationtheater.com

View the complete listing of local events

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

Off-Season News
Of course you're missing the Farmers Market this time of year, but there's still plenty of stuff going on with the various Market vendors, including: