Out with the Old, In with the Fresh
This time two weeks from now, instead of Discover Lansdowne in your in-box, you'll be getting Fresh Picks, the official (well, as official as we get anyway) e-newsletter of the Lansdowne Farmers Market, which starts in a mere 15 days. In addition to lightly covering events around town, that missive will give you a weekly rundown on what to look for at that Saturday's Market, will cue you in on discounts and specials you might not hear about otherwise, and will often give you a way to earn a free Market Buck. Until then, check out the website's Vendor Schedule to see who to expect each week (nearly everyone is coming on May 28!), as well as the Special Events Schedule so you can plan to be around for those extra-interesting days. Note that the season's first Community Day is June 25; applications will become via e-newsletter and the website on June 2 and at the Market on June 4.

This Saturday, Part One: Town-Wide Yard Sale
It's reassuring to know that even in the era of Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook postings, you can still throw on a pair of comfortable walking shoes and spend the day picking through the unwanted belongings of your neighbors as you hunt for good deals. That day occurs here in Lansdowne each May as the annual Lansdowne Town-Wide Yard Sale. Now in its tenth year, the Town-Wide Yard Sale, taking place this Saturday, should offer at least an opportunity or two per block to find that treadmill, chess set, or end table that you've been looking for for years. (see complete list or view Google map) Even if you're not the yard sale type, there may be no better opportunity to tour our fine borough on foot and meet so many friends and neighbors (well, at least until the Farmers Market starts in two weeks). The weather is expected to be close to perfect, so head outside, pick a direction, and browse, browse, browse to your heart's content.

One stop you ought not to miss is the yard sale at 33 East Greenwood Avenue, where Animal Friends of Lansdowne will host a benefit yard sale to assist the organization in its cause. There's two ways you can support AFL: show up on Saturday and buy something; or contribute donations for the yard sale prior to Friday evening by leaving items (no clothes please) on the porch at 33 E. Greenwood.

This Saturday, Part Two: May Fair and Movie Night
There's plenty of other stuff to do this Saturday even if you don't feel like digging through boxes of old VHS tapes and floppy disks. If you stop by Lansdowne Friends School at some point, you may end up getting sucked in to the many exciting happenings as part of the school's annual May Fair, which takes place from 10 am to 3 pm. This day of family fun is a celebration of spring that features great food, live music from Lansdowne's own Mansfield Brass, vendors, face painting, games, crafts, a moonbounce, and plenty of other activities for children of all ages. Lansdowne Friends School is at Lansdowne and Stewart Avenues.

Might as well catch a short nap during the late afternoon, because once evening approaches, it's time to head down to Hoffman Park baseball field on Scottdale Road for the Lansdowne Parks and Recreation Department's Movie Night, featuring the animated Disney film The Princess and The Frog. Admission is free, and refreshments will be available for purchase. Set up your chair or blanket at 7:30 pm, the movie starts around 8 pm.

Student Art Show and Reception
Arts fairs, art shows, arts festivals - can there be such a thing as too much art in one town? We think not, and are thrilled that next Thursday, May 19, the Penn Wood High School Art Department will flex its artistic muscle with a reception for its annual art show, which feature student works on display at Penn Wood High School from May 18 - May 31 during normal school hours. Next Thursday's reception takes place from 6 to 8 pm, and will include an Awards Ceremony, including live music and student art demonstrations. Some student work and refreshments will be for sale. The Awards Ceremony will begin at 7 pm; all events take place at PWHS Green Avenue Campus, 100 Green Avenue.

Focus on Farming
Tuesday, May 17, our friends at the Oakmont Farmers Market in nearby Havertown will hold a screening of the celebrated film The Real Dirt on Farmer John, followed by a moderated discussion. The film, the epic tale of a maverick Midwestern farmer who transforms his farm amidst a failing economy, begins at 7 pm at the Haverford Township Free Library, 1601 Darby Road. Refreshments from local Havertown businesses and from Oakmont Farmers Market producers will be provided.

Chicken, Ribs, and Firefighting
Supporting a worthwhile cause is one thing, but contributing to the Lansdowne Fire Company while enjoying delicious barbecued chicken and ribs at the same time is a can't miss combo. Next Thursday evening, relieve yourself of kitchen duties and pick up dinner at the Lansdowne Fire Company's Chicken and Ribs BBQ Fundraiser. Presented by the fire company's Ladies Auxiliary along with Nelson's Barbecue, the fundraiser features $7 chicken dinners and $12 rib dinners, both which include roll, butter, side dish and soda. Call 215-990-8415 or 610-485-4526 for ordering information.

Gathering Time at the Folk Club
Hailing from Long Island, NY, Gathering Time is an acoustic folk trio that blends precise, three-part vocal harmonies with acoustic, electric and bass guitar in a rich mix of original songs and classic covers. Next Thursday, May 19, the band takes the Lansdowne Folk Club stage at the Twentieth Century Club for a 7:30 pm performance. Opening the show will be Josh Komorowski, a West Chaster-based singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. Doors open at 6:45.

Dinner (for) Theater
On Tuesday, May 24, a fundraising dinner will be held at Lansdowne's critically-acclaimed Sycamore restaurant to support the effort to restore and reopen the Lansdowne
Theater. The evening features a five-course meal with five flights of wine included and costs $75 per person. The menu theme is " Food and Wine from the Great Wine Regions of the
World." Following dessert, the Historic Lansdowne Theater Corporation will present an update on the restoration project. To make a reservation, visit the Sycamore website or call the restaurant at 484-461-2867.

Memorial Day Weekend Outlook
You know about the return of the Farmers Market, but have we mentioned everything else that's going on Memorial Day weekend? Folks, it is most definitely NOT a weekend to head to the shore, the mountains, or whatever tradition you think is appropriate for a holiday weekend. Stay close to home so that you don't miss:

• The Farmers Market: Did we mention that the Lansdowne Farmers Market kicks off its fifth season on May 28?
• The Memorial Day 5K: Also in its fifth year, the 5K starts at 8:30 am across from the Lansdowne Theater (yes, in front of the Farmers Market lot). Don't forget - sign up by May 16 for special registration rates and to guarantee a t-shirt.
• Memorial Day Parade: Immediately following the conclusion of the 5K, the parade begins at Lansdowne and LaCrosse avenues and makes its way to the Penn Wood High School field for a ceremony honoring our veterans. Please come out to the parade and be sure not to miss the ceremony - show our veterans the support they deserve.
  
• Pancake Breakfast: Refuel after your run (or your parade-watching) at the Lansdowne Baptist Church's All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast, taking place from 9:30 am to noon at the church (Lansdowne & LaCrosse). Proceeds benefit the Aaron Royal Scholarship Fund awarded to William Penn School District Students. Ages 13 and up: $6; kids 5-12: $4; under 5 eat free. Family maximum: $20
  

Own a Convertible? Be a Part of the Memorial Day Parade!
If you own a convertible car and would be willing to drive an elderly veteran or two during the Memorial Day parade route, please contact Parade Coordinator Fran Wayne at beforeourtime@comcast.net

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

Movies at Cinema 16:9
Rubber, Bill Cunningham New York, The Bang Bang Club, Queen of the Sun.
Call or go online for times and tickets
35 N. Lansdowne Avenue

Town-Wide Yard Sale
Saturday, May 14
Throughout Lansdowne; various locations

Lansdowne Friends School Annual May Fair
Saturday, May 14, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm; Free
110 N. Lansdowne Avenue

Primary Election Day
Tuesday, May 17
polls open 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
locations vary by precinct

Lansdowne Fire Company BBQ Fundraiser
Thursday, May 19, 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Featuring Nelson's Chicken and Ribs
26 N. Highland Avenue

Penn Wood High School Art Show Reception
May 19, 6:00 to 8:00 pm; award ceremony 7:00 pm; Free
100 Green Avenue, Auditorium

Lansdowne Folk Club presents Gathering Time with Josh Komorowski
Thursday, May 19, 7:30 pm; $15 in advance; $18 at door
Twentieth Century Club, 84. S. Lansdowne Avenue

GLFL Community Plant Exchange
Saturday, May 21, 10:00 am - Noon
Municipal Lot at 30 N. Lansdowne Avenue

You, Your Business, and the Web
Seminar presented by the LEDC
and Hoff Communications
Wednesday, May 25, 6:30 pm, $10/$15
Cinema 16:9, 35 N. Lansdowne Avenue

Lansdowne Farmers Market Opening Day
Saturday, May 28, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Municipal lot at 30 N. Lansdowne Avenue

Lansdowne Memorial Day 5K
Sponsored by the LEDC
Monday, May 30, race at 8:30 am;
$10 to $15 early registration rates through May 16
Lansdowne Avenue parking lot

Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 30, 10:00 am
Lansdowne and LaCrosse Avenues

All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast
benefits the Aaron Royal Scholarship Fund Monday, May 30, 9:30 am - Noon; $6
Lansdowne Baptist Church
Lansdowne and LaCrosse Avenues

Lansdowne Folk Club presents John Wort Hannam with John Flynn
Thursday, June 2, 7:30 pm; $15 in advance; $18 at door
Twentieth Century Club, 84. S. Lansdowne Avenue

Spring Yard Sale at The Garden Church
Saturday, June 4, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm; Free
Lansdowne and Stratford Avenues

In Full Bloom
Flowers atop the Lansdowne Avenue railroad bridge brighten up the street scene.
Send your Scene in Lansdowne photos to feedback@lansdownesfuture.org
photo by John Kelly Green