We may have just emerged from a couple of spring-like days, complete with temperatures in the mid-60s, but as today's re-chilling of the air reminds us, it's still winter. Perhaps not quite as bad as some recent years we've had, but it's still winter.

And if most will agree that winter, um, stinks, one thing we thing we'd also agree on is that Winter Farmers Markets most definitely do not. Luckily, our next Winter Market is a mere nine days away, and with any luck will arrive without the snowy, icy mess that welcomed our debut market on January 21.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, the February 11 market will again run from 9 to 11 am in the usual market location. Our even-bigger roster of vendors is promising plenty of chocolate, cheese, bread, pastries, wine, flowers, and more - so make the market your one-stop shop for your Valentine's Day needs. Here's a quick vendor rundown, but check the Lansdowne Farmers Market website for the most current list of vendors and their goods:

February 11 Winter Market Vendors:

• Bonnie's Wondergardens: Tons of Valentine's Day flowers, from large to small, Bonnie has your (flower) love.
• Cupcakeology: An array of cupcake choices unlike any other including some special ones just for Valentine's Day.
• Great Harvest Bread: Sweet and savory, over a dozen varieties of bread, including Cinnamon Chip in Hearts and White Chocolate Cherry Chip!
• Green Aisle Grocery: Unique meats & treats, including vegetarian/vegan options
• John's Mini Treats: Chili, soup and more. Get there early - John sold out at the last market!
• John & Kira's Chocolates (NEW VENDOR): Just in time for Valentine's Day
• The Lansdowne Table: Veggie sides, farmers plates, soups, hummus, drunken raisins
• My House Cookies: The usual plus two new quiche varieties!
• Oley Valley Mushroom (NEW VENDOR): Oyster, White Trumpet, Crimini, Portabella and and Shiitake mushrooms from Berks County.
• Paradocx Vineyard: Featuring T, Paradocx's tea-infused wine (try it warm). Don't forget to bring back your paint cans for a $2 credit with purchase.
• Regency Cafe: plenty of hot coffee, tea and treats to warm you up.
• Spotted Hill Farm: Handmade soaps and body products
• Yellow Springs Farm: More cheeses and sauces than you can imagine!

Celebration Theater Auditions
Do you crave the bright lights? Our own Celebration Theater is casting for its May production of Cinderella! Cinderella! Throw out your fairy-tale ideas of a Cinderella with dainty glass slippers and hideous stepsisters -- this hilarious adaptation has a new twist! Auditions will be held February 15 and 16 at Art Space Lansdowne. See more details, a synopsis, and a list of available roles.

Empty Bowls at First Friday
Tomorrow night from 6 to 9 pm, Art Space Lansdowne hosts a unique First Friday featuring hand-crafted bowls created by Lansdowne Friends School students. Sales of the colorful and creative collection of bowls will benefit the Empty Bowl Project, an international grassroots effort to raise both money and awareness in the fight to end hunger. The exhibit will feature approximately 70 bowls - all available for purchase -- which symbolize the many empty bowls around the world.

Art Takes Over at the Library
The Lansdowne-Yeadon Elm Street Program will transform the Bany Community Room of the Lansdowne Public Library into an art studio on Wednesday, February 8th from 3:30 to 5:30 PM and Saturday, February 11th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Elm Street Manager Imogen Wirth-Granlund and local librarians will be on hand to let you know how students (grades K-12) can enter local and national art contests for a chance to win prizes. Read more at the Elm Street Program website.

Retail Opportunities in Lansdowne
The LEDC is very excited to announce the release of our Retail Opportunities Guide. This 16-page, full color booklet provides an overview of market data and resident survey analysis, highlighting the numerous assets and retail business opportunities available in the Borough. Do you know someone who is looking to grow their retail business? Then have them check out the guide at the LEDC website, or pick up a free hard copy at the LEDC office, 23 South Lansdowne Avenue.

Still Loving Those Pets
Animal Friends of Lansdowne continues its Love Your Pets Month with the first of two movies this month at the Lansdowne Library on Friday, February 10, Head to the library at 4:00 pm for a free showing of Beethoven. The movie tells the story of a family and their beloved Saint Bernard who has a big heart, big appetite and is big trouble! Refreshments will be served.

Valentine's Tea and Sweets
If you appreciate the finer things in life, you'll surely love the full, English-style tea, luscious tea sandwiches, scones, and other delectable sweets at Simpson Gardens' February 11 Valentine's Tea. Held from 1 to 3 pm, the event costs $15 per adult ($10 kids 10 & under), and reservations and payment required. Call 610-623-1514 to reserve or email connect@thegardenchurch.org

Eat a P.E.A.C.H.
Philadelphia's The Food Trust will be holding a series of free, weekly cooking classes for adults beginning Saturday, February 18 at the Lansdowne Baptist Church. The P.E.A.C.H (People Eating and Cooking Healthy) classes will include low-cost cooking Ideas, nutrition tips, tastings and giveaways! Classes are held from 1 to 3 pm at the church, located at 17 E. LaCrosse Avenue. To sign up please contact Jamese Kwele at jkwele@thefoodtrust.org
or 215-459-5851.

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

Movies at Cinema 16:9
Call or go online for films, times, and tickets
35 N. Lansdowne Avenue

First Friday at Art Space Lansdowne
Featuring the Lansdowne Friends School's Empty Bowls Exhibit
Friday, February 3, 6:00 - 9:00 pm; Free
25 S. Lansdowne Avenue

Open Studio Art Contests at the Lansdowne Public Library
Wednesday, February 8, 3:30 - 5:30 pm
Saturday, February 11, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Lansdowne Public Library, 55 S. Lansdowne Avenue

Animal Friends of Lansdowne's Movie at the Library: Beethoven
Friday, February 10, 4:00 pm, Free
Lansdowne Public Library, 55 S. Lansdowne Avenue

Lansdowne Farmers Market
Winter Market #2
Saturday, February 11, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
30 N. Lansdowne Avenue

Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra Valentine's Day Concert
Sunday, February 12, 3:00 pm; $5 to $15
Upper Darby Performing Arts Center
601 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill, PA

The debut of the Winter Market may have been a mess, but it was a hit with the many who attended.