A routine meeting of Swarthmore’s Zoning Hearing Board sparks an exploration of the history of zoning decisions in the rapidly gentrifying Historically Black Neighborhood of Swarthmore, and some questions about the borough’s future.
All tagged 2021/03
Close Call Provokes Discussion of New Fire Rules
A March 13 fire at the Village Vine wine bar and bistro at 6 Park Ave. in downtown Swarthmore prompted a conversation at Borough Council’s Public Safety Committee meeting about requiring that fire safety systems be monitored by a central station.
Unscientific Survey: The Walking Habit
Our latest Unscientific Survey jibes with what our eyes have seen: Over the past year, Swarthmoreans have taken to the streets. About 81% of readers reported walking more since the pandemic began.
Call It What It Is
In the wake of the brutal murders in Georgia on March 16, associate editor Satya Nelms on the importance of calling things what they are.
Become a Penn State Extension Master Gardener
Applications are now being accepted for the next class of master gardeners at Penn State Extension. The Extension’s master gardener program educates the community about research-based best gardening practices.
Helen Kate Furness Free Library Fundraisers
The Helen Kate Furness Free Library is hosting two fundraisers in the next few weeks: a raffle for cash to assist with home improvements, and family photo shoots.
COVID Brings Challenges and Opportunities for Disabled Community Members
The pandemic has been hard for many, but some disabled people have had unique challenges. The first of a series of articles about COVID and people living with disability, this piece looks at three local residents and how they have managed.
How Far We’ve Come
Editor Rachel Pastan looks back to a year ago, when COVID hit Swarthmore, and considers the future.
Talking Trash: Swarthmore Questions Chester Government’s Stance on Incinerator
Columnist Stefan Roots on attitudes about Chester’s Covanta waste incinerator.
Winter Flowers: The Witch Hazels
Garden columnist Andrew Bunting on his favorite varieties of the early-blooming witch hazel.
Something to Listen to: ‘Songs in the Key of Life’
We are definitely in a Stevie Wonder season.
Zero Waste and Environmental Justice
At the March 8 Swarthmore Borough Council legislative session, council voted to approve a zero-waste resolution. The resolution was supported by many local residents who spoke at the meeting.
Human Relations Commission Seeks Intern
The Swarthmore Human Relations Commission has a new internship opportunity. The intern will work alongside them as they seek to foster a community where all are empowered to stand up to hate and discrimination. Their mission is to raise awareness and inclusivity in our community through education and community engagement.
The 14th Annual Media Film Festival
The annual Media Film Festival returns this spring, presented by the Media Arts Council. It will take place Friday, April 9, through Sunday, April 18.
New Town Center Coordinator Planning for Spring
A profile of Sarah Matthews, the new Swarthmore Town Center coordinator, who started work as the nonprofit’s sole paid employee on February 1.
Snow Mountain
With winter’s first snow, plows clear the parking lot at Swarthmore Presbyterian Church by piling the snow in one spot. That spot becomes a magical landscape on the playground of Swarthmore Presbyterian Nursery Day School, lasting at least until spring.
Youngest Students to Lead Way Back Into Buildings Full Time
Many students in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District are headed back to full-time in-person school. Elementary school students will have this option starting Thursday, March 18, with middle and high school students to follow on Monday, April 12.
Swarthmorean Silence
Historian Laurie Bernstein notes a missed opportunity to discuss race and segregation in the Swarthmorean in 1931.
In the Cloud Kitchen: Bringing the Feast Home to Swarthmore
Former Blue Hill at Stone Barns chef Jane Brendlinger, who grew up in Swarthmore, returned to town last summer because of the pandemic. She is now cooking with her partner, Cem Teoman, in the kitchen of Vicky’s Place.
Swarthmore College’s Roadmap to Zero
A new $69 million Energy Master Plan, also known as Roadmap to Zero, will help Swarthmore College eliminate 98% of on-site and purchased-electricity greenhouse gas emissions. This is a major step toward the college’s goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2035.