In Stitches
One of the signs that Lansdowne is well on its way to becoming a haven for the arts is the abundance of arts and crafts events that have sprung up throughout the year. Some of these are sponsored by the LEDC, schools, or other established groups, but several of them are organized and put on by individuals who have a talent, a passion, and some goods that they want to share.

The newest entry in the “individual” category is the Hook, Needle & Yarn Extravaganza, hosted by Mia Smith and coming this weekend. (You may remember Mia from when she was Artist of the Week at the Farmers Market, where her crocheted bags sold briskly, so she knows what she’s doing when it comes to this stuff.) The Extravaganza is a celebration of the tried and true arts of sewing, knitting, crocheting, and quilting as well as of the rewarding creative and relaxing impact they make on a crafter’s life. In addition to yarn arts demonstrations and a fashion show of chic knitted and crocheted garments by designers from the Philadelphia and Delaware area, attendees can compete to see who’s the fastest with their crochet hooks and knitting needles (Mayor Jayne Young will even be on hand to present the winner’s award). Better yet, there will be shopping! Vendors will be offering yarn, needles, patterns, fabric, handmade pieces, and all the peripheral stuff that you could want if skeins and fat quarters are your bag. Refreshments will also be available. The Hook, Needle, & Yarn Extravaganza is Saturday, March 22, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (competition is at 11:30) in the Social Hall at the Garden Church, 82 N. Lansdowne Ave. Admission is $5 and children are free.

New Arts Opportunity
If you’ve been trying to get into the Lansdowne Arts Festival or the Farmers Market as an artist but were shut out because of space -- or even if you made it -- here’s your chance to participate in a brand new spring event. Sponsored by the LEDC, the Lansdowne Arts and Crafts Show will take place in the Lansdowne Avenue parking lot on Saturday, May 3, the same day as the Townwide Yard Sale and Lansdowne Friends School’s May Fair, two events that guarantee a good crowd will be coming into the borough. And if that’s not enough for you to be interested, how about this: The radio station B-101 is going to attend and broadcast from the Show for part of the day! If you’d like to be an artist-vendor, complete the application and get it in by April 1. Or, if you’d like to volunteer to help, let us know.

Well Versed
Not all burgs have poet laureates, but Lansdowne does, a distinction so great that it merited an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer a few years ago. To make this position work, a town has to have both a singular talent to fill it and a community willing to come out and support it. Next Sunday, Lansdowne poet laureate Dan Simpson, his twin brother Dave, and friend Ona Gritz -- published poets all -- will be reading from their own work in celebration of National Poetry Month. Their poetry is accessible, humorous, and moving, and we promise you won’t feel like you’re back in high school English class. Surprise yourself -- attend a poetry reading! Sunday, March 30, at 2:00 pm at the Twentieth Century Club. Admission is free, and refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Dan at (610) 622-3212 or dansimpson@comcast.net.

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 cultural events listed in the column at left, don't miss these upcoming events:

Regency Cafe presents Bob Beach Trio
The timeless folk and blues of the Bob Beach Trio is at Regency Cafe this week.
Thursday, March 20, 7:30 pm; Regency Cafe, 14 S. Lansdowne Avenue; Free

Penn Wood High School Jazzfest
The talented young performers of the Penn Wood High School Jazz Band present an evening of enjoyable music. The concert is free; donations are appreciated. For more info call 610-284-8076.
Thursday, March 27, 7:00 pm; Penn Wood High School

Jim Boggia at Lansdowne Folk Club
Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Jim Boggia returns from a series of perfomances at SXSW in Austin to present his own catchy, intelligent songs at the Lansdowne Folk Club. For more info visit the Lansdowne Folk Club online.
Thursday, March 27, 7:30 pm; Twentieth Century Club, 84 S. Lansdowne Avenue; $15-$18

Concerts at the Beach House: Ben Arnold
Kate, Debra, and Bob Beach present Philadelphia-based singer and songwriter Ben Arnold. $15 donation to the artist is requested. Read more.
Sunday, March 30, 5:00 pm. For reservations please email bob@bobbeach.net or call 610-626-0012.

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!

New Website
The Lansdowne Farmers Market has relaunched its website, complete with blog! What’s next -– a MySpace page? (Perhaps . . .)
Spend most of your summer Saturdays at the Farmers Market already? Want to get paid for it? Now’s your chance, as we have an opening for a Market Manager. The job description is available here. Combining community involvement and environmental responsibility with a good time, this position is a great part-time opportunity for the right person.
We are also seeking volunteers to help out with other Market tasks. We’re glad for any assistance offered, but we might also be able to help you. If you (or someone you know) is a student who needs to fulfill a requirement for community service, drop us a line.
Finally (for now), we’re on the lookout for groups and organizations interested in sponsoring events to take place in conjunction with the 2008 Market. Community groups, clubs, and other organizations are invited to visit our website and submit your proposal. We provide the space and there’s no fee; you just have to come up with an event and get the word out about it. Easy, huh?

Arts & Crafts Show: The LEDC is seeking artists and crafters to participate in the Lansdowne Arts & Crafts Show, to be held Saturday, May 3, in the municipal parking lot on North Lansdowne Avenue next to PNC bank (site of the Farmers Market). Tables are available for $25 per artists; for exhibitor information and further details please see this application form.

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.