Wanted: A portable basketball hoop

Please contact the Bryans at 484-888-4377 if your children have outgrown a portable basketball net and you want to sell it.

Caroling!

Please join us this Thursday, 12/20/10 at 7:00 pm (weather permitting) at 2 Roberts Road. There will be hot cocoa and popcorn afterwards. 
If you are interested in joining us, please RSVP to Chris Brown (610) 578-9028 or chrisbrown20@comcast.net.

Thank you.

Keep DECA shining this holiday season

Hello DECA neighbors –

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving and is getting ready for the upcoming holidays. I am writing to inform you of an upcoming event…..

For over 30 years, DECA has been lit by Luminaries on December 24^th to celebrate the holidays and our sense of community. The luminaries are DECA’s most expensive undertaking of the year with our costs exceeding $900.00 last year.

Over the years, the luminaries have been provided to all of our neighbors, regardless of their contribution to the costs. DECA is dealing with the tough economy as well and there is a chance we will not be able to continue this tradition.

In an attempt to save the luminaries, we ask our neighbors that do not contribute to DECA to at least pay for their share of the luminaries - $10.00. In the past DECA has been supplementing non-contributing neighbors but that is not going to continue.  PLEASE don’t let this longstanding tradition burn out. DECA will need to order the luminary supplies in the coming days. If you have not already paid your dues or the cost of the luminaries, please do so by 12/1/2012. 

Note: The association attempts to update records as families move in and out. If you know of new neighbors that are unaware of DECA and this tradition, please inform them or let your area representative know of the new neighbors.

Our neighborhood is only what we make of it, so please get involved. I was very excited to see such an active community when we moved here over 9 years ago. We are all busy and many of us have children that have grown, but we all need to pitch in to keep this great community organization together. Over the last several years, many of your neighbors that have kept DECA functioning have moved on. The Kolesar’s and Beck’s have stepped up to help keep DECA running but we still need more help. Reps, please make sure people are aware.

We still need everyone to contribute:

• Please get your dues to your area representative by 12/1/2012. If you already have, we thank you.
• Volunteer to help plan an upcoming event.
• We need someone to help organize the Sunshine Club.

**** Reps - please get your collected dues to Patty (7 Hillside Drive) as soon as possible.

Thanks,

Karen Bevec
Down East Civic Association (DECA) President

Information about Halloween 2012 tonight

If your household is participating in trick-or-treating for Halloween, here is some information from the Malvern Patch website about tonight in the Borough and neighboring East Whiteland and Willistown Townships.

If you go out tonight, please do exercise caution and common sense as we all continue to recover and clean up from the storm.

[Link to MalvernPatch]

Fall Fest Update: We had a date, we now have a place.

You should see signs on Monday (only 25 minutes left for me to say "tomorrow") letting you know that Fall Fest is still this coming Saturday, October 13.

We now have a place thanks to 29 Winding Way at the home of our neighbors, the Cannella/King's, from 4 p.m. until dusk.

Remember to RSVP to Karen at either mcbevec@comcast.net or 610-651-5644.

Also, for those attending:
- last names between letters A-M, please bring a entree
- last names between letters N-Z, please bring a dessert and/or side dish

Fall Fest -- In search of 2 new DECA reps -- Annual dues

It's been a while and we've got a bit of catching up to do. First things first.

Fall Fest — it's time for our annual celebration of autumn's arrival
~ Next Saturday, Oct. 13, at 4 p.m. is the annual DECA Fall Fest. Only one problem, we're now in need of a front yard to hold the event. If you're willing to do so, you'd have a lot of grateful friends.

Once we have a location, more details will be forthcoming.

New DECA reps — two new reps are needed
~ It takes very little time and is a great contribution to our neighborhood. Call Karen Bevec or drop a comment below for details how you can help.

Annual DECA dues — to support the holiday luminary tradition
~ Look for the annual notification and envelopes from your representative.

Dues for Holiday Luminaries only will be changed to $10.00 this year to cover the increased cost of supplies necessary to light up the neighborhood on Christmas Eve. Expenses for this activity have been running at a deficit for years.

Please help to keep this longstanding DECA tradition going by getting your dues in on time as there will be no distribution of luminary supplies to those homes that have not paid for them by December 1st.

This is such a nice thing to do to show that we aren’t just a bunch of houses but a COMMUNITY full of light!

And of course it always looks so beautiful…

Zoning Board Meeting Results

Before an empty room in the East Whiteland Township building we presented our case to the board.  We were seeking a special exception to the zoning ordinance for residential neighborhoods for a home occupation.  After about an hour of answering questions our request was turned down.  Needless to say we are disappointed, but, it wasn't unexpected.  Everything seemed to focus around manufacturing in a residential area.

So, it seems our dream is put on hold for now.  A big thank you to those of you who wished us luck :-)  The silver lining, we can still make homebrewed beer.

Adam & Lisa Beck

226 Old Swedesford Rd.

Back to school Ice Cream Social this Sunday!

Ice cream social at 7 p.m. this coming Sunday, August 26th at the Brown's house — 2 Roberts Road.

Please RSVP by Saturday, August 25th to chrisbrown20@comcast.net

Letter from Lisa & Adam Beck regarding zoning notice.

Dear DECA Residents,

Adam and I are in the initial steps of gathering information regarding the possibility of making and selling beer out of the confines of our garage.  Perhaps some of you have seen the zoning notice sign on the edge of our property.  We would like to give you a better idea as to what this possible endeavor may involve, and assure you that it will not have an impact on our neighborhood.

If this small business does eventually come to life, it would not affect our neighborhood in any way. There would be no customer traffic, no parking, and no customers drinking beer on our property. There may be a few ingredient deliveries to our home, but no more than what would come to a typical family residence.  We would not put up a sign, and everything would take place inside of the garage. Our tentative plan would be to distribute our beer to a few local grocery stores, restaurants and bars. It can be compared to someone painting pictures in their garage, and then trying to sell their paintings at a local art show.  

This is all very new to us.  We are only in the "information-gathering" stages.  After some investigation, and reading the zoning section of the Code of the Township of East Whiteland, Pennsylvania, specifically sections related to residential usage, we are confident that our tentative plans do satisfy these requirements. (see below)

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We will do our best to answer them in any way that we can. We realize how fortunate we all are to be able to reside here in the Down East Community. It is a wonderful place to live, and we would never do anything to change this.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

Sincerely,

Lisa and Adam Beck
226 Old Swedesford Rd.
Malvern, PA 19355

adam.abeck@gmail.com

Home: 484 206-5184

Adam's cell:  484 612- 5018

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References

Zoning Hearing Notice (link)

East Whiteland Township Website (link)

Code of the Township of East Whiteland, Pennsylvania (link)

CHAPTER 200. ZONING (link)
ARTICLE V. Residential Districts (§ 200-18 — § 200-28) (link)

• § 200-14. Terms defined. (link)
• See section: NO-IMPACT HOME-BASED BUSINESS
•  § 200-28. Home occupations. (link)

Excerpts from the Code of the Township of East Whiteland, Pennsylvania (link) :

NO-IMPACT HOME-BASED BUSINESS

A business or commercial activity administered or conducted as an accessory use that is clearly secondary to the use as a residential dwelling and that involves no customer, client or patient traffic, whether vehicular or pedestrian, pickup, delivery or removal functions to or from the premises, in excess of those normally associated with residential use. The business or commercial activity must satisfy the following requirements:

A. The business activity shall be compatible with the residential use of the property and surrounding residential uses.

B. The business shall employ no employees other than family members residing in the dwelling.

C. There shall be no display or sale of retail goods and no stockpiling or inventory of a substantial nature.

D. There shall be no outside appearance of a business use, including, but not limited to, parking, signs or lights.

E. The business activity may not use any equipment or process which creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors or electrical or electronic interference, including interference with radio or television reception, that is detectable in the neighborhood.

F. The business activity may not generate any solid waste or sewage discharge, in volume or type, which is not normally associated with residential use in the neighborhood.

G. The business activity shall be conducted only within the dwelling and may not occupy more than 25% of the habitable floor area.

H. The business may not involve any illegal activity.

§ 200-28. Home occupations.

A. No-impact home-based businesses. No-impact home-based businesses, as defined in this chapter, are permitted by right in all residential districts and in dwellings in all mixed use districts.

B. Standards applicable to professional services home occupations and general home occupations. All home occupation uses not qualifying as no-impact home-based businesses, as defined in this chapter, are permitted by special exception, subject to the following conditions:

(1) Off-street parking shall be provided in accordance with Article XII.

(2) Persons engaged in the use shall comply with Township mercantile, occupational privilege, and business privilege tax regulations. Editor's Note: See Ch. 180, Taxation.

(3) No goods shall be publicly displayed.

(4) The use shall be carried on entirely within a dwelling unit or a building accessory thereto, and only one such home occupation use shall be permitted within one dwelling unit.

[Amended 11-14-2007 by Ord. No. 201-2007]

(5) No oversized vehicles shall be associated with the use.

(6) No sales of goods shall be made from the premises.

(7) The use shall not produce high levels of vehicular traffic, or noise, odors, air pollution, or glare.

(8) The residential character of the premises and the neighborhood shall be maintained.

(9) A maximum of two persons not permanent residents of the dwelling unit may be employed in the use.

[Added 11-14-2007 by Ord. No. 201-2007]

(10) No more than 25% of the gross floor area of the dwelling may be used for the use.

[Added 11-14-2007 by Ord. No. 201-2007]

(11) The use shall not alter or change the exterior character or appearance of the dwelling, except for signs as permitted by Article XIII.

DECA Summer Picnic

Due to the decreased response in the amount of people that are able to attend the Summer Picnic, we have decided to move it to a residence in DECA.  This will help to save DECA funds, as we do not need to rent a porta potty and the large grill.
Thank you.

Summer Picnic-Please RSVP by THIS Sunday, 8/5

Attention neighbors:   We have had minimal response regarding this year's summer picnic, which is scheduled for 8/11.  If we don't have more interest, unfortunately we will have to cancel.

All final RSVP's must be in by this Sunday, 8/5, no exceptions.

Thank you.

Lisa Beck and Karen Bevec

MCBEVEC@comcast.net

New Summer Picnic!

NEW SUMMER PICNIC!!  August 11th

Save the date of Saturday, August 11th for the DECA Summer Picnic.
Please let us know if you can attend.


We all have busy lives and it takes a lot to organize and prepare for the picnic. We are asking for your help to make this year's picnic a success. We have itemized the tasks that need to be accomplished. If everyone helps out with one or two items on the list, it will make the picnic go considerably smoother.

Take a look at the list and let me know what tasks that you can help with. Please email me at MCBEVEC@comcast.net.

1. Call the township and ask that the grass be cut, request garbage cans, picnic tables and that the gate be left open for the weekend.
2. Call and order the Porta Potty.
3. Meet the Porta Potty delivery driver on Friday the 10th.
4. Help set up. {We will need a number of people for this}
5. Help clean up. {We will need a number of people for this}
6. Make signs for the neighborhood.
7. Food shop.
8. Purchase and organize face painting.
9. Purchase and organize crafts.
10. Pick up beer and ice.  (The Becks)
11. Order and pick up / return the grill from Taylor Rental.
12. Lend, set up, and take down tables.
13. Lend, set up, and take down tents.
14. Lend, set up, take down volleyball net and organize a volleyball game.
15. Organize a kickball game.
16. Take care of the music for the picnic. (The Becks)
17. Help grill hot dogs / hamburgers.
18. Help organize the food.
19. Check out the park on Sunday to ensure that everything was cleaned up.

Please let me know if you have any other ideas for the picnic.

mailto:MCBEVEC@COMCAST.net if you are attending the party. We need to have an accurate count to ensure that we have enough interest to have the picnic. More details to follow.

Thanks,

Karen

Jean Bushnell, 1924-2012

Our neighbor and friend, Jean Bushnell, has passed on. She has been a DECA neighbor and friend to many of us for years. In past years, she has donated her electricity for the DECA picnic in the park. I've heard her referred to as a neighborhood icon; she will be missed.

"Take your sunshine with you" (from her obituary linked here)

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Butterfly Run this Saturday, April 7

As I know that many of you already are familiar with or participate in this wonderful annual Easter Weekend event, I though it a good idea to make sure that ALL are aware and take the time to contribute and/or participate.

Here's notice from the organizers of event registration for Saturday morning's 5-k at GVHS. The weather looks to be great!

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Runners & Walkers,

The 2012 Butterfly Run is this Saturday - April 7th.

Today (Wed., April 4th) is the last day to sign up online.

If you sign up online you'll be able to collect your Tee Shirt, Race Number & Timing Chip on Thursday night at Grand Slam in Malvern.

Sign up at Active.com:
http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=2016377

Visit our web site for more details: lbrun.org

Reminder: Mulch Order & Trading Post

MULCH: I'm looking to finalize our list of those interested in discounted and delivered mulch from Mulch & More in Malvern. I need to hear from you by the end of weekend if you'd like to participate. We'll then work out the details (estimates, payment, delivery date, etc.) over the next week or so. Check out Mulch & More's website (click here) to see a listing of all products.

TRADING POST: We're all starting our spring cleaning a bit earlier this year, aren't we? Have you found anything in the back of the shed, the garage, your closets that you want to sell, trade, or just give away? Send an email to decainfo@gmail.com and get these items listed on the DECA Trading Post.

Here's a link to the last installment of the Trading Post.

Easter Egg Hunt is CANCELLED for tomorrow :(

Due to lack of participation (only two children were coming), we have unfortunately decided to cancel the Easter egg hunt scheduled for tomorrow at 1:00.  Please let me know if there would be any interest in having an egg hunt the weekend after Easter, (April 14th and 15th).

Who knows, the Easter Bunny may just happen to have some left over candy this year!

Thanks,

Lisa

Last Chance for Mulch Savings! Reply by Sunday 4/1 to join in the savings.

Reply now to get in with your neighbors for savings from Mulch & More in Malvern.

Depending upon our total order, we can save $3/cubic yard on any mulch product and 50% on delivery charges. With a really big order, we could save more.

Plus, they'll make as many individual drops as we'd like. This is the only local delivery service that would commit to as many drops as we'd like.

Now I need serious commitment so that we can put together an order. If you've already replied, no need to do so again. I'll be in touch on a separate email distribution.

Check out their website for product selection, prices, and an estimate calculator. Let me know if you have any questions.

The power of a neighborhood coming together.

Come Join Us For The DECA Annual Easter Egg Hunt!

WHEN: March 31 at 1:00 P.M. No rain date.

WHERE: At the park

The only thing you may want to bring is something to collect your eggs in. DECA is providing the eggs/candy again this year.

Please RSVP: Lisa Beck (484) 206-5184 or email at lisasbeck@gmail.com
Hope to see you then!

Reminder: Deal of the Month and a bulk Mulch Order

Just a quick reminder here that the Deal of the Month with Hair Express runs out next Saturday, 3/31. Here's a quick link to the coupon that you'll need.

Also, this warm weather must have you think mulch by now, right? I'll be looking into getting a neighborhood discount from a local mulch/landscape company.

First, though, I need to have a rough count of how many of you might be interested. Drop a note back to me to let me know your interest.

Have a great weekend,
Bryan

The DECA Trading Post: updated 3/4/12

For Sale/Services:

From Jim Saia: Music Lessons At Home. Piano, Guitar, Percussion. All Band Instruments. Instructions in Your Home. Call 610-644-3328 or visit MusicLessonsAtHome.org

From Joe King: It's time to get your garden turned over. I have a rototiller and will do your garden for you. Contact at 610-764-5904

DECA's Deal of the Month:

March's offer comes from Hair Express and here's a link to the 50% off coupon

Looking to Buy: n/a

Looking to Trade: n/a

Free: n/a

Special Announcement/Question: If we could get a group discount on a mulch order in the month of April, would you be interested? Email to Bryan at DecaInfo@Gmail.com and more information will be forthcoming.

Remember the "Rules of the Trading Post"

An important neighborhood message about a former neighbor

Dear DECA neighbors,

I'm not sure if you all know Robin and Jeremy Fischer.

They lived in our neighborhood for about 15 years on Wood Lane. They moved to Kimberton to a beautiful house where they were able to have more land in the country. Unfortunately, Jeremy was diagnosed in the fall with pancreatic cancer and their lives have been turned upside down! Their family (Robin, Jeremy, and Alana) were a core part of our neighborhood and very much loved. I have had many people ask how they can help them with this difficult time.

With Jeremy having chemo now in Philly, it's very exhausting for him and Robin to do everyday normal things. One way to help would be to have dinners prepared for them. If you are interested in helping, I would be glad to either collect $$$ and buy them dinners each week or if you make a homemade dinner I would be glad to deliver it. I have been going on Wednesday mornings at 11:00 a.m. so when they come back from an exhausting day they at least don't have to worry about cooking.

If you want to contribute, let me know by email at annmbryan@comcast.net

Thank you,
AnnMarie Bryan

Ground rules for the DECA Trading Post

Send all details as you wish them to appear to DecaInfo@gmail.com. Postings will remain on the DECA Trading Post for no more than sixty days after the initial post. The item will be taken off the Trading Post when sixty days have passed or you have sent notification to the same email address that you wish your item to be removed.

Minimum required information includes:
- Name
- Contact number and/or email
- Description of item or service
- Price, if applicable

If you think a picture helps to sell your product/service, you may include no more than one picture with your email.

The Trading Post will be updated continously, but a new announcement and accompanying email will be generated from the website at each month-end to bring attention to any changes that readers may have been missed during the month.

All responsibility, including financial and delivery, for communicating and completing transactions will be the sole responsibility of the parties involved in the transaction.

DecaInfo.Blogspot.com and its administrators are merely acting as the host for all buy/sell/trade/giveaway announcements, which are posted without opinion or prejudice.

DECA Deal of the Month: March 2012

Living in DECA has benefits that extend beyond the borders of our awesome neighborhood. DECA is now working with local businesses to bring you special savings.

If you have suggestions for businesses to work with in the future, please feel free to drop them to Bryan Kolesar via this email link.

Here is the March 2012 deal ---

From March 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012 present the coupon from this link at Hair Express for 50% off any haircut service.

Limit one coupon redemption per person in March 2012. Offer expires March 31, 2012.

A belated thank-you

We seem belated in our thanks lately, but here is a no less heartfelt Thank You to Enissa and Rich for opening their home and hosting the annual Wine and Cheese party. We had a great turnout and everyone had fabulous time.

Summer Rental available near Bethany Beach

Let us know if you like this type of buy/sell/rent/trade/announcement idea and we might put together a "DECA Trading Post" of sorts.

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The Grahams (3 Wood Lane) are renting their shore house this summer near Bethany Beach, DE. Weeks in June, July, Aug. and Sept. are still available.

You can view the property by accessing the Resort Quest website or feel free to call Jim or Linda at 610-648-0538, if you have questions.

It is located in the golf community of Bear Trap Dunes 3 miles from the beach. A shuttle bus runs every half hour so you don't have parking hassles. Two great outdoor community pools , indoor pool and saunas, tennis courts.

Wine and Cheese party in two days; Please RSVP now

Please remember to RSVP for the Wine and Cheese to Karen Bevec (Mcbevec@comcast.net) by Thursday.

DECA will provide the wine and cheese, guests are to bring a Dessert or an Appetizer to share.

The following neighbors are available for babysitting:

April Gorman, 610-722-0724
Morgan Mattison, 610-640-1278
Casey Bryan, 484-888-4376
Christen and Lauren Hall, 610-296-0182
Molly Meehan, 610-647-7674

Date and location set: Wine & Cheese Party, February 4

Thanks to Enissa & Rich at 8 Beth Lane for opening their house for the annual Wine & Cheese gathering.

Date: Saturday, February 4

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Place: 8 Beth Lane

Sitter services: Do you have a teenager that provides child watching services that would be willing to do so, perhaps at reduced "neighborly" rates, for this one night?

RSVP: Please RSVP for both your attendance and any potential babysitting services to Karen Bevec at mcbevec@comcast.net

A question from a neighbor

Gonna try in 2012 to make this "blog" more active and interactive.

Here's one way via a question from our neighbor on Wood Lane. Please help her if you can.

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We found out that we need a new oil tank (above the ground) because our lines are clogged. The company will not go through the crawl space and so want to put it on my new stone patio.


I am not happy.

I know there are some houses in the neighborhood that have above ground tanks on the side of the house. I would love to hear from you and find out what company installed it for you so I can get some other opinions.


I just cannot face having a big oil tank on my stone patio.

Thanks for any help or suggestions.

Bev Smith at 29 Wood
bks1120@aol.com

A great big THANK YOU to everybody who chipped in with the trash pickup :-)

Over twenty volunteers of all ages showed up and collected bags full of garbage and lots of recyclables.  You should see a difference as you drive past Hillside, down Swedesford road, Old Swedesford Rd or down the 202 North on ramp.

Just because it's winter doesn't mean the farm is closed

Early last summer, we shared some of the best farmers' markets in the area.

Some have closed for the season. But many stay open throughout the winter. Be sure to remember that it's just as important in the winter to support our local farmers and craftspeople.

If you see any missing, feel free to share in the comments section below.

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Phoenixville Farmers' Market

Website: http://www.phoenixvillefarmersmarket.org

~ Open every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, January through April, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
~ under the Gay Street Bridge, accessed by Taylor Alley Phoenixville

The Phoenixville Farmers' Market is a producer/grower market committed to providing locally grown, fresh food; to preserving our agricultural heritage; and to building community.

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East Goshen Farmers' Market

Website: http://www.eastgoshenfarmersmarket.blogspot.com

~ Open every Thursday, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
~ located on Paoli Pike just east of Route 352
~ watch for signs directing you to the Veteran's Pavilion

The East Goshen Farmers' Market Committee has taken great care to select the finest vendors for our market. This is a "producer only" market, meaning that whatever is sold at our market must have been grown or produced by the seller. Every attempt has been made to offer organic options whenever possible.

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Bryn Mawr Farmers Market

Website: http://brynmawrfarmersmarket.blogspot.com

~ Open every Saturday, rain or shine, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
~ in Bryn Mawr's Municipal Lot 7, Lancaster Ave at Morris Ave between Ludington Library and the Bryn Mawr Train Station

Bringing farm-fresh local produce to Lower Merion...Taste the Difference!

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Oakmont Farmers Market

Website: http://oakmontfarmersmarket.org

~ Open every 2nd Wednesday, January through April 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
~ in the Oakmont Parking Lot
~ 2419 West Darby Road, Havertown

We are a producers-only market featuring locally-farmed vegetables, fruit, cheese, eggs and poultry, bison, beef, lamb, and flowers.

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Neighborhood Clean Up in Honor of MLK

In celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, we thought it would be a good idea to clean up our neighborhood. Not sure about the larger loop, but the entrance to the Hillside loop has accumulated way too much trash from the construction site.

The Beck's are planning on getting out there (with our gloves and trash bags) on Monday at 11:00am, unless it rains or snows.

Hope to see you out there!

The Becks

Annual Wine and Cheese (and other good food and drink, too!) Gathering

The date has been chosen, Saturday, February 4, and now all we need is a place.

As in the past, we're asking for a volunteer to open their house to their neighbors for a night of eats, drinks, and good times.

Drop an email to Karen Bevec.

Lost Cat: Buttons is found!

Great news! Please share with DECA that we found Buttons.  She showed up in our back yard at 8:30 tonight. She is scared and a bit skinny but otherwise fine. Before this adventure, she has spent a total of maybe 10 hours outside in her life. We have no idea where she was or how she survived but are ecstatic that she came back home. Please convey our heartfelt thanks to all who were keeping an eye out for her and contacted us with sightings of cats. 

Thank You!

Joe, Cathy, and Adam Zwaan