See for Yourself
There’s always a casual plug for the listing of events at the LEDC website in the right column of this newsletter, but it bears mention here — at the top of the left side — that the events calendar at LansdownesFuture.org is packed with stuff. We can highlight here only a few of the many activities taking place locally, so be sure to check the calendar regularly for updates on pancake breakfasts, spaghetti dinners, readings, concerts, art openings, cow chip bingo, and what have you. (Yes, the future of Lansdowne includes cow chips.)

If great stuff at great prices for a great cause sounds, well, great to you, the Lansdowne Friends School’s silent and live auction is the place to be on Saturday night. The theme of this year’s fundraiser is Under the Sea, but it could as well be Over the Moon for all the marvelous merchandise being offered for bid, including original artwork, photographs, and jewelry; gift certificates for restaurants, museums, sporting events, stores, and personal indulgences; furniture, antiques, and gift baskets; and dozens of other items for a total of more than 100 lots. The $25 ticket (adults only, please) also gets you hors d’oeuvres, dessert, beverages, and live entertainment, not to mention the guilty pleasure of sneaking in the high bid at the last second and walking off with the lot. Saturday, April 12, 7:30 to 10:00 pm at the Twentieth Century Club, 84 S. Lansdowne Avenue.

Tonight and tomorrow evening, April 10 and 11, is the opening of the Delaware County Camera Club Exhibition at the Art Galley @ Noel Schmidt Furniture. More than 30 of Delaware County's best photographers will be participating and competing for bragging rights in this juried show. Come to the reception either night (or both!) to meet them, enjoy their work, and have some refreshments. The opening reception is 4:00 to 8:00 pm Thursday and Friday evening, but the show itself runs through May 23, so if you can’t make the opening, be sure to stop in and see the photographs any time the store is open. The Art Gallery @ Noel Schmidt, 32 E. Baltimore Avenue; info@noelschmidtfurniture.com or 610-623-0105.

If you’re more into endings than beginnings, put the closing reception of the Penn Wood High School Annual Student Art Show on your calendar. It’s Thursday, April 24, from 4:00 to 7:30, with an awards ceremony at 6:00 pm to honor works selected by a panel of independent judges. The school’s chapter of the National Art Honor Society and art teachers Kay Lord and Alyce Grunt put together this show, which represents the work of over 300 students. Drawings, painting, and ceramics from all art department courses are featured, some of which will be available for purchase. The public is invited to attend this free event and enjoy live music and refreshments. Penn Wood High School, 100 Green Lane, Lansdowne.

Taste for Yourself
Enjoying a glass of wine is undoubtedly one of the finer pleasures of adulthood, and two upcoming events are aimed at enhancing your appreciation and understanding of the aged grape.

Friendship Circle Senior Center is sponsoring a wine tasting on Wednesday, April 23, 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Six to eight delicious wines from Chaddsford Winery will be offered during this educational and enjoyable evening. Remember -- April 23 is Administrative Professionals Day, and this event is a great way to thank a hardworking assistant. Admission is $15, and reservations are required by Wednesday, April 16.  Call Christine Helmandollar or Donna Schumacher at 610-237-6222. Friendship Circle Senior Center is located on the Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital campus, Lansdowne Avenue and Baily Road, Darby. 

A bit farther off on the horizon is the annual LBPA-sponsored Community Wine Tasting and Dinner. It’s Friday, May 23, the evening before the Farmers Market opens, and it’s a splendid way to learn what to serve with all the great stuff that will be available there. Bob Kieft, Lansdowne resident and wine enthusiast, will introduce aperitif, dinner, and dessert wines and explore basic parameters for tasting and appreciating wines. Tickets are $39, reservations are required (484-716-4982), and it’s at the Twentieth Century Club.


Troop Leaders Needed
Ever help a Scout earn a merit badge or two? It’s a really rewarding feeling. Ever eaten a Thin Mint cookie? Also a terrific feeling, different from the merit badge sensation, for sure, but still noteworthy. In either case, there’s good news: the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania is looking for troop leaders! Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. With your leadership once or twice a month, girls will learn about the world around them and develop skills to be responsible adults. No leadership or previous scouting experience is necessary, and training is free and fun. All you need is enthusiasm! To inquire about being a leader for the next school year (September to May), contact Jennifer Humphreys at jhumphreys@gsep.org or 610-328-3100 x1305 during workday hours.

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 Jonny Forbin
Jonny Forbin brings his acoustic new age sounds to the Regency Cafe this week.
Thursday, April 10, 7:00 pm; Regency Cafe, 14 S. Lansdowne Avenue; Free

Concerts at the Beach House: Michael Young
Kate, Debra, and Bob Beach present an evening with fingerstyle guitarist Michael Young.
$15 donation to the artist is requested. Read more.
Thursday, April 10, 7:00 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!

MARKET COUNTDOWN:
The Lansdowne Farmers market returns in 43 days!
See you there on Saturday, May 24, 2008!

Food Vendors Wanted
Because they’re busy as abejas at the restaurant, Mission Burrito won’t be returning to the Farmer’s Market this year. They’ll be missed, but it presents an opportunity for someone else. The FM committee is entertaining proposals for a new business for the Market that will fill that gap by offering “walking around” food, stuff you can buy and eat as you shop. If you have a kitchen certified for food preparation and just lack the store front, this is a great opportunity. Contact us with your ideas.

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.