Counties such as Berks, Chester, Montgomery and Delaware were some of the hardest hit in terms of positive COVID-19 cases. The higher rate of cases resulted in these areas having extended stay-at-home orders and remaining in the red phase of the governor’s three-part reopening plan for a longer period.
For his birthday last month, all my friend Elliot wanted was an apricot tree. Yep, just a tree, nothing else. That’s not really too remarkable, for someone to ask for one single, big, lasting thing. For myself, as I get “on in years” I find that there’s little that I want in terms of tangible presents. I’m at an age where health and financial security, along with family and friends, feel like the best gifts. With those in place, I don’t feel the need for much more—though I’ll never say no to something for the yard or garden!
PLYMOUTH MEETING -- They might be running low on beef, but there’s no shortage of seasonal vegetables, herbs and -- starting about now -- strawberries at Maple Acres Farm. Yes, farmer Gary McKeown acknowledges, his restaurant clients have been largely missing during the COVID-19 pandemic. But, he says, area residents looking to avoid “standing in long lines at the grocery store” -- both countless regulars and newcomers -- have been turning to the farm market on Narcissa Road as an alternative.
“What we need is a sleep expert,” a friend said, and today, I have one for you.
Despite school winding down for the year and summer on the verge of ramping up, one thing that will remain constant, now that summer camps are canceled due to COVID-19 and the opening of public swimming pools is in question, is that children will likely be more homebound this summer.
Early on in the stay-at-home period, I heard that due to the pandemic, lots of people were turning to growing vegetables, many of them for the first time. “That’s great!” I thought. But there was a dark side to the good news. When I went online to buy seeds, I quickly discovered that wherever I turned, the varieties I wanted were out of stock. Even ones I DIDN’T want weren’t available. Feeling a bit like I’d been locked out of my own house, I put my name on several waiting lists, settled for a packet each of lettuce and spinach seeds I found at the grocery store, and had some tomato, pepper, and basil plants — the bare essentials — delivered from a nursery.
POTTSTOWN -- Growing up in Pottstown in the 1940s David Shaner spent most of his spare time shoveling coal or working with concrete in his father’s businesses. During that time it never occurred to him that he would spend the rest of his life working with his hands, setting aside the shovel and the trowel for the potter’s wheel and the kiln, and that he would become one the most highly-regarded clay artists in America.
May is National Bike Month and like many other annual events, the celebration has transitioned from in-person programs to virtual activities. The League of American Bicyclists promotes the cycling holiday which began in 1956. The month-long observance is meant to inform the public about the benefits of biking and to encourage people to try the healthy activity. This year, the league is focusing on how cycling has both physical and mental benefits. People are encouraged to enjoy the activity through solo rides or rides with other household members. Below are ways regional organizations are celebrating National Bike Month with events, challenges and contests.
LOWER PROVIDENCE — It was fitting that the Lower Providence Optimist Club chose EMS Week (May 17-23) to honor not only EMS workers but the Officer of the Year.
The saying goes “not all heroes wear capes,” but some do wear costumes.
Like many of you, this extra time at home is sending me on a sentimental journey down memory lane as I sift through boxes piled up in the basement, garage, high up on shelves that I’d fairly well forgotten about, hadn’t the faintest idea I still had.
In 2008 at the age of 27, Emily Gable was pregnant with her second child when she had an ischemic stroke, marking the beginning of an unexpected journey to wellness.
Patrons walk through a previous Ambler Farmers' Market. The seasonal event will open from 9 a.m. to noon on June 8, and continue every Saturday through November.
AMBLER — With a little more than one month until the borough’s annual farmers market opens for the season, organizers are taking extra precautions as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
People and families throughout the region are continuing to adjust to a new normal of physical distancing guidelines, stay-at-home orders and other developments of the coronavirus pandemic. Since the global health crisis can cause added stress, some people are finding comfort in the companionship of their pets.
On Monday, as I watched the evening weather report on TV6, I could practically hear a collective jaw-drop around the Delaware Valley, when Adam Joseph announced the possibility of overnight temperatures near 30 degrees this coming Friday and Saturday. Isn’t it spring yet?
BLUE BELL — As the COVID-19 pandemic spread around the globe during the past few months, the stock market plummeted to new lows creating havoc for investors and financial planners. During this unprecedented time, a team of students at Montgomery County Community College competed with more than 100 college teams on an international stage in an investment competition. MCCC’s team achieved fourth place for its portfolio’s performance and third place for its risk adjustment performance.
Arthritis has name recognition, even among people who are not suffering from it. But despite that recognition, arthritis is not as well understood as one might think.
Despite all of the potential hazards around a house from electrical issues to fire hazards to carbon monoxide, the National Home Security Alliance says that falls are the leading cause of death due to home accidents.
By Terry Alburger
RSVP, headquartered at 901 E. 8th Ave., King of Prussia, announced the receipt of a $46,600 grant from The PHL COVID-19 Fund, a partnership between the Philadelphia Foundation and United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.
RSVP, headquartered at 901 E. 8th Ave., King of Prussia. announced the receipt of a $3,000 grant from The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. to support their COVID-19 Emergency Response.
Staying physically active is a key component of leading a longer and healthier life. Studies show older adults who work on their physical wellness can reduce the risk of disease and decrease instances of injuries and falls. Plus physical activity helps combat feelings of depression and isolation — and improves general quality of life.
Two years ago, brothers Rich, 70, and John Stanislaw, 71, had a shared thought after traveling to Lyons from their homes in Exeter Township and Kenhorst, respectively, to play on the Lyons Senior Softball Team.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law. One-time checks in the amount of $1,200 will go to individuals ($2,400 for couples who file joint taxes) who earned less than $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers) on their most recent tax returns, either the 2018 or 2019 return, whichever is latest. Individuals earning up to $99,000 ($198,000 for joint filers) will receive smaller checks. Additionally, families with dependent children under age 17 years are entitled to $500 per child in the household. The first wave of direct deposits went out beginning April 11th.
April 22 marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and the environmental awareness celebration went completely digital for the first time in history.
Lu: Since we as Medicare recipients have never experienced a pandemic in our lifetime, how will our Medicare cover the costs associated with extra testing and treatment that we may experience?
Pampering Plus is an Innovative Home care company that has been caring for the community since 2004. The mission of Pampering Plus Inc. is to foster and maintain the independence of our home care clients, while ensuring their safety and well-being in their homes. Our company prides itself on being proactive in handling the delicate balance between safety and independence for our home care clientele.
King of Prussia, PA - RSVP improves the lives of vulnerable populations in the community with programs focusing on education and wellness all of which utilize a dedicated corps of 1,200 volunteers.
By Terry Alburger
For county and community emergency services responding to the coronavirus pandemic, RSVP has become a vital volunteer screening and recruitment hub.
Growers got business and residents got smiles. A win win!
Movement in your body creates movement in your life, according to integrative mental health therapist Camilla Coakley.
NORRISTOWN — Whether you’re brandishing a fancy digital camera or last year’s iPhone, chances are you love to take pictures with it.
I have a gardening tip for you this week, and an invitation.
“It’s for the birds,” is something my Dad used to say. “Who needs it,” he would grunt, flicking his hand like swatting a fly.
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the day to day life of people across the globe. All counties in Pennsylvania are currently under a Stay at Home Order, requiring all residents to stay at home when not doing essential activities. These changes have resulted in added nervousness, stress and anxiety.
A couple of centuries ago when social media was new -- we all started looking for people we hadn’t talked to since high school.
While the stay-at-home mandates have many of us feeling as though we are in a standstill since we aren’t guaranteed as to what the future holds, one thing that is for certain right now is that summer is just around the corner from spring.
LANSDALE — For residents of Elm Terrace Gardens, who have been sequestered during the COVID-19 outbreak, having the chance to see their family members last week was a marvelous moment.
“Stay home. Eat chocolate.” That’s the new motto at Éclat Chocolate in West Chester as employees work separately, making and shipping Easter favorites.
There’s something I learned a few days ago that I want to share here, because I imagine it will hit close to home for a number of you. I learned that independent, family-owned, retail garden centers in Pennsylvania did not make it onto the list of essential businesses and are now closed. This, at the exact time that people are planning/starting their vegetable gardens. This, at a time when, stuck at home, so many people who’ve never grown food before are planning to give it a try. This, at a time when planting a modern-day version of a Victory Garden is being widely recommended – as both an alternative to the grocery store, and as a much-needed outdoor activity.
MANAYUNK — A Manayunk resident who won the Illustrators of the Future Contest will have his work released on Saturday, April 7th.
CHESTER SPRINGS — As part of SALT’s weekly Cooped Up Cabaret, Phoenixville Mayor Peter Urscheler joins 11 other talented SALT stars at the Thursday, April 2, Cabaret.
WHITEMARSH -- Among the numerous casualties of the coronavirus pandemic – weddings. These days, the need for “social distancing” and all the other adjustments triggered by COVID-19 are huge concerns for prospective brides and grooms. But dealing with disrupted marriage plans during tough times is nothing new for some of us.
Mass gatherings and events may be cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic but gardening in nature is very much allowed.
LANSDALE — About 200 residents of Elm Terrace Gardens senior living facility received floral bouquets over the weekend as a gesture of kindness from a local floral designer.
In this age of caution, many of us are finally taking long-held wisdom about staying healthy to heart. Especially if our hearts don’t pump as pink and peppy as they used to.
With mandated shutdowns impacting some businesses, such as gyms, you might be in a bit of a tizzy figuring out the best way to keep up your workout routine since you no longer have access to the fitness equipment and accessories you’re used to.
“When the going gets tough, the tough get baking!” as they say. So, grab an apron, turn off the TV and turn on the oven. Baking’s not canceled. In fact, it may be just what we need.
