It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Historic Yellow Springs Inc gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Chester Springs, PA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Walnut Lane Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Limoncello Chester Springs or visit Natural Lands' Binky Lee Preserve, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Chester Springs, PA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Chester Springs, PA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Chester Springs, PA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
CHESTER SPRINGS, PA — The groundbreaking, Pulitzer Prize-winning concept musical, A Chorus Line, set a new standard for Broadway and still remains relevant, poignant, provocative, and explosively entertaining. Capturing the spirit and tension of a Broadway chorus audition, A Chorus Line explores the inner lives and bittersweet ambitions of professional Broadway performers, featuring memorable musical numbers including “What I Did for Love, “One,” “I Can Do That,” “At the Ballet,&rdqu...
CHESTER SPRINGS, PA — The groundbreaking, Pulitzer Prize-winning concept musical, A Chorus Line, set a new standard for Broadway and still remains relevant, poignant, provocative, and explosively entertaining. Capturing the spirit and tension of a Broadway chorus audition, A Chorus Line explores the inner lives and bittersweet ambitions of professional Broadway performers, featuring memorable musical numbers including “What I Did for Love, “One,” “I Can Do That,” “At the Ballet,” “The Music and the Mirror,” and “I Hope I Get It.” A brilliantly complex fusion of song, dance, and compellingly authentic drama, A Chorus Line was instantly recognized as a classic when it first came out. We are thrilled to produce it on the SALT stage with some of Chester County’s finest triple-threat performers.
“A Chorus Line showcases those whose stories we don’t often hear: the background players, the extras, the young hopefuls who put themselves on the line for the dream of performing on Broadway,” comments Lauren McComas, President and Artistic Director of SALT Performing Arts. “The audience squirms as they recognize the dancers’ humiliation as they first bare their souls for a self-indulgent director. In doing so, A Chorus Line gives audiences a vibrant portrait of the harsh reality of theatre beyond the glitz and glam. SALT is thrilled to present this show featuring some of the best of the best musical theatre talent in the Philly area.”
THE CAST Cassie: Barby Roche, Diana: Chelsea Delgado Merz, Judy: Genevieve Bruce, Val: Hannah Cohen, Bebe: Shannon Murray, Connie: Leyla Marusa, Kristine: Bailey Knipe, Maggie: Emily Sgroi, Sheila: Stacy Moscotti, Mark: Daniel Gorman, Mike: Schyler Marsh, Richie: Maximus Klevence, Al: Shane Roche, Paul: Tell Williams, Greg: Andy Patterson, Bobbie: Chelsea Barnett, Dawn: Katy Engelman, Zach: Jeff Rega, Laurey: Rebecca Futty, Butch/Backstage Singer: Jonathan Ruch, Lois/Backstage Singer: Heather Kalkiewicz, Tricia/Backstage Singer: Sam Aitkens, Vicki/Backstage Singer: Madison Ritter, Backstage Singer: Maggie Riker, Backstage Singer: Maggie Murtha, Backstage Singer: Michael Mann
THE CREW Director: Sandi Joy, Music Director: Nicholas Burbo, Choreographer: Chelsea Barnett, Assistant, Choreographer: Val Dixon, Producer/Casting Director: Lauren McComas, Stage Manager: Drew Kalkiewicz, Assistant Stage Manager: Kylie Murray, Junior Assistant Stage Manager: Crystal Hildebrandt, Master Carpenter: Paul Scansaroli & David Craig, Carpenter/Sound Op: David Craig & Luke Pullium, Costumer: Deb Young, Hair & Makeup Design: Lynne Murray. , Props Master: Laurey Zoladz,, Set/Lighting/Audio Design: Rob Merow, Marketing Director/House Manager: Judy Elliott, Photographer: Mike Styer
Details for A Chorus Line are as follows:
Show schedule:
The mission of SALT Performing Arts is to provide live community theatre productions, Playhouses for Preschoolers at Montgomery School, summer/year-round theatre camps for kids, dinner theatre, and more. With excellence as the standard, SALT, a non-profit organization, believes that the “community” is paramount in community theatre and strives to foster an all-inclusive atmosphere that promotes a positive, uplifting experience for each individual. SALT involves people of all ages from all walks of life. If you are interested in learning more about SALT Performing Arts, making a donation, or being a sponsor, please email us at info@saltpa.com.
SALT Performing Arts, 1645 Art School Road, Chester Springs, PA 19425 is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes with a non-profit 501(c)(3) status. For more information or to request interviews, contact Judy Elliott (jelliott@saltpa.com, 610-513-5839) or visit our website (saltpa.com).
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and Microsoft Start.
CHESTER SPRINGS, PA — Historic Yellow Springs announced the appointment of four new trustees over the past year. “We welcome these venerable community leaders to our board,” said Mark Ashton, Historic Yellow Springs Board President. “Their expertise and experiences will help us meet the mission and reach out to inspire our community with the focus on history, art, education and the environment.”The new trustees are notables from key community organizations and companies, including:...
CHESTER SPRINGS, PA — Historic Yellow Springs announced the appointment of four new trustees over the past year. “We welcome these venerable community leaders to our board,” said Mark Ashton, Historic Yellow Springs Board President. “Their expertise and experiences will help us meet the mission and reach out to inspire our community with the focus on history, art, education and the environment.”
The new trustees are notables from key community organizations and companies, including:
Lisa Fendrick is a native of Chester Springs with a lifelong attachment to Historic Yellow Springs. Whether participating in art classes and summer camps as a kid or attending the annual Art Show, Lisa shared that the village has always brought joy to her life. A graduate of Gettysburg College with a major in Organization and Management Studies and a minor degree in Business, Lisa has also been closely affiliated with the Montgomery School and is a longtime volunteer at the annual Yellow Springs Art Show. “I was thrilled to be considered as an HYS board member,” shared Lisa, “and made the decision to join so that I could play a role in preserving and advancing this landmark that has had such an impact on me.”
Roman Petyk, a child of World War II refugees, was born and raised in Philadelphia. He earned his B.A. degree in American Civilization from the University of Pennsylvania and later completed a JD at Northeastern University Law School in Boston. Mr. Petyk pursued a successful career as an attorney, specializing in real estate, construction contracting, and environmental matters including nearly 27 years as Associate General Counsel at the University of Pennsylvania He has grown to love his Chester Springs community since relocating to the area in 2006 and is a regular visitor to the annual Yellow Springs Art Show, the Jazz Festival, and other events. He looks froward to contributing to the work of Historic Yellow Springs. Mr. Petyk is proud of his Ukrainian heritage and retains a strong engagement with Philadelphia’s Ukrainian-American community, where he currently serves as Board Chair of Ukrainian Selfreliance Federal Credit Union.
Matthew Brady is an arts enthusiast and longtime volunteer at Historic Yellow Springs and is a Senior Vice President of Financial and Regulatory Reporting at Citco Fund Services (Malvern) Inc, focusing on financial industry regulatory compliance and technology development. Matt, a graduate of the University of Virginia, became associated with Yellow Springs through involvement with the organization’s many passionate staff members. By attending and volunteering at several events, Matt came to appreciate the village’s history, its artistic aspect, and its potential for social impact. He is excited to help the organization work towards more interactive programing, community involvement, and efficient use of its vast capabilities.
Andrew Holets is the Executive Director at the Lionville Community YMCA and is deeply committed to community building and helping others improve their quality of life through the Y movement. He worked previously in California, where his nonprofit work was geared toward community development, education, equity and inclusion, opportunities for youth, and healthy living. He has previously served at the Waldorf School of San Diego, the First Tee of San Diego, and YMCAs of Philadelphia and San Diego Couty where his roles have involved operations, fundraising, and community development. Andrew holds a bachelor’s degree from Albright College in Reading, PA, and holds an M.A. in nonprofit leadership and management from the University of San Diego’s School of Leadership and Educational Sciences, and served abroad in Kazakhstan in the Peace Corps. “I find the combination of creativity and history a powerful one,” shared Holets. “Historic Yellow Springs creates a sense of place and history, all while offering fun enrichment activities for children and families.”
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and Microsoft Start.
CHESTER SPRINGS, PA — Historic Yellow Springs announced the transition from the fundraising phase to the construction phase of its Wood-Fired Noborigama style pottery kiln. As home to one of the largest publicly accessible wood kilns in the region, Historic Yellow Springs has become a haven for passionate ceramic artists seeking the captivating surface effects of the wood and salt-fired ceramic process.Recognizing that the existing kiln had reached the end of its functional lifespan, dedicated supporters and pas...
CHESTER SPRINGS, PA — Historic Yellow Springs announced the transition from the fundraising phase to the construction phase of its Wood-Fired Noborigama style pottery kiln. As home to one of the largest publicly accessible wood kilns in the region, Historic Yellow Springs has become a haven for passionate ceramic artists seeking the captivating surface effects of the wood and salt-fired ceramic process.
Recognizing that the existing kiln had reached the end of its functional lifespan, dedicated supporters and passionate artisans jumped in to support the rebuilding costs of the massive kiln. For the final push, Historic Yellow Springs’ board of directors made the crucial decision to allocate the necessary funding to complete the project and initiate the rebuilding process.
Seeing the paramount importance of design and structural integrity for such a robust and vital piece of equipment, Historic Yellow Springs embarked on a quest to secure the expertise of top-notch talent to oversee the project. They turned to the highly acclaimed kiln builder, Ted Neal, renowned for his unparalleled skills within the ceramic community. With an impressive portfolio of constructing over 100 kilns nationwide, Ted Neal’s proven designs have graced renowned universities, private studios, and art centers alike.
The construction phase will be complemented by an immersive hands-on workshop, where participants will have the invaluable opportunity to delve into Kiln Design and Planning, Masonry and Bricklaying, Kiln Ventilation and Draft Management, as well as Kiln Insulation.
Wood-Kiln Building with Ted Neal Date: August 3 – 13, 2023 Time: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm each day Location: Chester Springs Studio, Ceramic Studio and Kiln Pavilion Register
“I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to rebuild our kiln.’ Shared Matt Wren, Historic Yellow Springs’ Ceramic Studio Supervisor. “It is an enormous project that would not be possible without the enthusiasm of everyone that participates in wood firings at Historic Yellow Springs, and the dedication of our ceramic students, studio assistants, and instructors. There will be many technical advantages to having a new kiln, but most importantly, it will allow us to continue to offer and expose people to the unique hands-on experience of firing the kiln and continue to share the love and passion for wood-fired ceramics across the region. ”
The existing kiln structure had withstood the test of time, enduring over 160 heating cycles. Each cycle involved a gradual ascent from room temperature to an intense 2,300° Fahrenheit over the span of 24 hours, followed by a slow cooling throughout the subsequent week. This meticulous procedure yields remarkable, one-of-a-kind creations.
During this extraordinary process, dedicated volunteers continuously add wood. As the temperature rises, the ash—much like the ash from an average bonfire at home—will reach its melting point, creating a stunning and distinctive surface on each pottery piece. Every creation emerging from this kiln becomes a truly remarkable testament to the time, place, and unwavering dedication required to produce pottery using this ancient method.
With the capacity to hold up to 500 pieces per firing, many of which are rented out by members and community partners, the kiln offers ample opportunities for learning and exploring various surface techniques. This valuable community asset has garnered the support of generous donors and passionate artisans, who have been contributing to the rebuilding project for the past year.
“As a ceramics instructor and frequent wood firing participant, I feel the wood firing experience is an important and valuable offering to students and potters,” shared Historic Yellow Springs wood kiln donor Suzanne Kent. “It is one of the many things that makes HYS unique and attracts many within the creative community.”
The ultimate test for any equipment lies in its inaugural journey, and a ceramics kiln is no exception. The eagerly anticipated first firing of the newly rebuilt kiln is scheduled to begin on August 19th and will be marked by a celebratory lighting event. We warmly invite members of the community to join us in the subsequent hours and days to witness the captivating process of finishing ceramics solely with the power of wood.
Historic Yellow Springs New Wood Kiln First Firing Date: August 18 – 20 and 25 Times: August 18: Glazing beginning at 9:30 am August 19: Loading 9:30 am – 2 pm August 19 – 20: Firing 2 pm – 2 pm August 25: Unloading 12 pm – 3 pm Location: Chester Springs Studio, Ceramic Studio and Kiln Pavilion
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My best friend Carolyn and I went antiquing in Chester Springs, Pa., over Memorial Day weekend, a pastime we have enjoyed for over 40 years. She recently moved into a different house, and her husband John insisted that she get rid of some of her own collectibles.We drove to a place called DishFunctional where dishware is stacked on a half-acre of shelving units in dozens of numbered aisles, all organized by color.“Look at this charming vase, Carolyn. It looks like something you would love.”She begins to laugh...
My best friend Carolyn and I went antiquing in Chester Springs, Pa., over Memorial Day weekend, a pastime we have enjoyed for over 40 years. She recently moved into a different house, and her husband John insisted that she get rid of some of her own collectibles.
We drove to a place called DishFunctional where dishware is stacked on a half-acre of shelving units in dozens of numbered aisles, all organized by color.
“Look at this charming vase, Carolyn. It looks like something you would love.”
She begins to laugh. “That’s because it was mine! Remember, I told you I found a place that would take a lot of my things. How much do they want for it?”
We are both at the stage of our lives where we need to only buy food, nothing else. But soon she is in aisle 14 admiring this cute set of Jack Russell salt and pepper shakers, and telling me, “They’re only $8!”
Today, everything in the store that has flowers on it is 25% off. She is helping me find salad plates. For some reason, I think I need a few more for when I have large dinner parties.
“You don’t host large dinner parties anymore,” she reminds me.
“This is irrelevant. They have flowers on them and they’re 25% off.”
Next we were on a hunt for champagne glasses. I used to have four flutes, but they all broke. I love champagne, don’t you? We find 11 glasses. Carloyn and I take them up to the counter.
“Look,” she says to the saleslady, “They have little etched flowers on them!” The cashier clears her throat and peers closer at the glasses. Each glass only costs $2, and she agrees to the discount.
Excited about our new purchases, we head home to make floral arrangements together. Our second great love! She has bought red roses and white daisies and blue asters in honor of Memorial Day. I have packed an old cracked crock I bought for $5 on a country farm in Odessa about eight years ago.
We bring in pachysandra and ferns from her backyard. We don’t speak and are lost in the creative process while listening to the rain ping on the window. As we finish, we each dare to look at what the other one created.
“Oh, it’s so beautiful,” I tell her.
“Yours is amazing, too. Thank you. This is exactly how I wanted to spend our time together.”
Carolyn gets tears in her eyes. “It’s Memorial Day and we have lost many important people in our lives. So many young men and women aren’t here any more.”
“I know,” I say. “And I’ve lost count of how many Memorial Day weekends we have spent together. And it seems half of them were rainy and cold, too.”
“What do you want to do now?” she asks.
“Let’s open the champagne or the 60-Minute IPA we bought for John and celebrate the life we get to live,” I say.
“Great idea! Do you realize we only paid $1.50 for each glass? You could have a big party!”
I’m ready to welcome summer parties. How about you?
Write to lgraff1979@gmail.com. Visit lisajgraff.com or like my page Our Senior Yearbook: Cape Gazette on Facebook.
IMPORTANT: You must only return your own mail-in ballotYou are prohibited from returning anyone else’s ballot, even if that person is your spouse, parent, child, other relative, neighbor or friend. Exception: Voters who have a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act can designate an agent. You must complete and submit the Authorized Designated Agent for Mail-In or Absentee Ballot form available in ...
You are prohibited from returning anyone else’s ballot, even if that person is your spouse, parent, child, other relative, neighbor or friend. Exception: Voters who have a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act can designate an agent. You must complete and submit the Authorized Designated Agent for Mail-In or Absentee Ballot form available in English and Spanish.
Put your completed ballot in the yellow secrecy envelope that says "Official Election Ballot" and seal it. Do not place any mark, text or symbol on the inner secrecy envelope. Put the secrecy envelope in the return envelope and seal it. Sign and date the back of the return envelope. If you do not follow these instructions, your ballot will be rejected.
| Location | Drop-off Hours |
|---|---|
| ALL Locations Open Election Day 7:00AM - 8:00 PM | |
| Chester County Government Services Center 601 Westtown Rd, West Chester | M, W, F 8:30AM - 6:00PMT, Th 8:30AM - 8:00PMSat & Sun 10:00AM - 2:00PM |
| Avon Grove Library 117 Rosehill Avenue, West Grove | M-F 9:00AM-6:00PMSat & Sun 10:00AM - 2:00PM |
| Chester County Library 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton | M, W, F 9:00AM-6:00PMT, Th 9:00AM - 8:00PMSat & Sun 10:00AM - 2:00PM |
| Coatesville Area Public Library 501 E Lincoln Highway, Coatesville | M-F 9:00AM-6:00PMSat & Sun 10:00AM - 2:00PM |
| Downingtown Library 122 Wallace Avenue, Downingtown | M-F 9:00AM-6:00PM Sat & Sun 10:00AM - 2:00PM |
| Easttown Library & Information Center 720 First Avenue, Berwyn | M-F 9:00AM-6:00PM Sat & Sun 10:00AM - 2:00PM |
| Henrietta Hankin Branch215 Windgate Dr, Chester Springs | M, W, F 9:00AM - 6:00PMT, Th 9:00AM - 8:00PMSat & Sun 10:00AM - 2:00PM |
| Honey Brook Community Library 687 Compass Rd, Honey Brook | M-F 9:00AM-6:00PM Sat & Sun 10:00AM - 2:00PM |
| Kennett Library 320 State Street, Kennett Square | M-F 9:00AM-6:00PM Sat & Sun 10:00AM - 2:00PM |
| Oxford Library Company48 S Second Street, Oxford | M-F 9:00AM-6:00PMSat & Sun 10:00AM - 2:00PM |
| Parkesburg Free Library 105 West Street, Parkesburg | M-F 9:00AM-6:00PM Sat & Sun 10:00AM - 2:00PM |
| Phoenixville Public Library 183 2nd Avenue, Phoenixville | M-F 9:00AM-6:00PM Sat & Sun 10:00AM - 2:00PM |
| Spring City Free Library 245 Broad St, Spring City | M-F 9:00AM-6:00PM Sat & Sun 10:00AM - 2:00PM |
610.456.9692
