By Nate Feldman
Saturday, August 31, 2019
Friday, August 30, 2019
Getting Ready for Fall
By Nate Feldman
With the cooling temperatures during the last week or so, autumn is definitely in the air. Knowing that, it is time to prepare for the season by thinking about where one can see the leaves changing colors. Fortunately, since I live in the northeast, I am surrounded by many wooded areas where the leaves turn a myriad of colors during the fall season. Here are some great places I have gone in recent years to enjoy the beautiful colors of fall:
1. Valley Forge National Historic Park, Valley Forge, PA. The best area here is next to the creek which runs between Mounts Misery and Joy beside route 252. The two mountains are densely wooded, so there are plenty of leaves to see there. Another part of the park which offers great scenery is along the Schuylkill River Trail near the Betzwood rest area.
2. Forest Park, Queens, New York, NY. I just discovered this place last year by accident. The woods get so deep in some parts that you forget you are in the middle of New York City. I came during the first week of November when the leaves' colors were at their peak. The colors were a magnificent maroon, orange, and yellow.
3. The streets of Berwyn, PA. My hometown is filled with wooded areas, so there are definitely a lot of places you can see beautiful colors if you just walk along the streets. Many of my best pictures of the fall foliage have come from my own backyard in recent years.
Thursday, August 29, 2019
By Nate Feldman
Today, the weather was clear with mild temperatures throughout most of the day, so it was wonderful to be outside. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to go for a jog in the afternoon. In the evening, I caught glimpse of a beautiful sunset that left a purple and pink hue in the sky. Hopefully, there will be more days like it to come soon.
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
West Chester Graduate Department of English has a get together
By Nate Feldman
Graduate students of West Chester University's English program met with faculty members in room 416 of Main Hall for a small get together to discuss the program. With the fall semester having just begun, the meeting gave students an opportunity to talk with one another over light refreshments as well as hear about the many opportunities the program has to offer. Among the faculty there were Dr. Barbara Shevlin, the Graduate Coordinator, along with professor's William B. Lalicker and Jason Vanfosson. Dr. Lalicker brought a class of his down and stressed the need for students to reach out to the faculty to find things that best suit them.
By Nate Feldman
Graduate students of West Chester University's English program met with faculty members in room 416 of Main Hall for a small get together to discuss the program. With the fall semester having just begun, the meeting gave students an opportunity to talk with one another over light refreshments as well as hear about the many opportunities the program has to offer. Among the faculty there were Dr. Barbara Shevlin, the Graduate Coordinator, along with professor's William B. Lalicker and Jason Vanfosson. Dr. Lalicker brought a class of his down and stressed the need for students to reach out to the faculty to find things that best suit them.
Monday, August 26, 2019
The First Day at School for the T/E School Districts
By Nate Feldman
The T/E school district began the 2019-2020 school year today. Students from grades K-12 had a full day of classes.
After two months off, some students didn't know what to expect. "I was a little nervous at first," Sofia Feldman, who is entering second grade at Hillside Elementary School, said.
However, things turned out well for her. "I realized everyone in my class was nice," she said about her classmates.
When asked how the day went all and all, she simply answered, "(it was) the best."
Other students, unfortunately, had to miss the day. Sara Feldman, who is entering third grade this year, also at Hillside Elementary, was at home with a fever and ear infection. When asked what she would do when she did begin school, all she could say was, "Stuff."
One interesting development in the school district this year are the later start times for the school day. The schools are beginning and ending at later times than in recent years. According to the school district's website, this is based on studies about the benefits of adolescent sleep.
This school year will bring exciting new challenges and opportunities for all students of all ages, and it will be exciting to see how things turn out.
By Nate Feldman
The T/E school district began the 2019-2020 school year today. Students from grades K-12 had a full day of classes.
After two months off, some students didn't know what to expect. "I was a little nervous at first," Sofia Feldman, who is entering second grade at Hillside Elementary School, said.
However, things turned out well for her. "I realized everyone in my class was nice," she said about her classmates.
When asked how the day went all and all, she simply answered, "(it was) the best."
Other students, unfortunately, had to miss the day. Sara Feldman, who is entering third grade this year, also at Hillside Elementary, was at home with a fever and ear infection. When asked what she would do when she did begin school, all she could say was, "Stuff."
One interesting development in the school district this year are the later start times for the school day. The schools are beginning and ending at later times than in recent years. According to the school district's website, this is based on studies about the benefits of adolescent sleep.
This school year will bring exciting new challenges and opportunities for all students of all ages, and it will be exciting to see how things turn out.
Friday, August 23, 2019
The Pirate, the Princess, and the Elf
By Nate Feldman (with help from Sara and Sofia Feldman)
I typically like to write about different places in this blog, but today I am going to share a story that I have been coming up with lately. It goes something like this:
A young pirate wandered on an isolated beach. It was raining steadily. The pirate made out what appeared to be houses in the distance, so he walked in that direction, hoping to find a place to stay. He trudged slowly as the waves crashed to shore. He would normally have loved listening to the soothing sound of the sea, but his mind was too focused on finding a place to stay. He had no idea where he was or where he was headed to. He was completely soaked from head to toe and was exhausted from the long swim he'd had to take to get to shore.
As he was walking, he adjusted his eye patch, which had begun to slide down his face. So many things spun through his head. He needed to get out of his clothes. He needed food. He needed to know what he was going to do next. The buildings in the distance began to take shape and form as he got closer and closer to them. They were mostly small houses and apartment complexes. He had often envied people who lived a stationary life and had often thought he wanted to live in places like these. Without realizing it, he now had that opportunity, but given the trying circumstances, he lacked the time to think about that.
He clutched onto the sickle hanging from his waist. He always did this when he was nervous or uncertain. He valued that sickle more than anything else despite all the trouble it had caused him. He could do without many things in life, but he couldn't do without his sickle.
The pirate saw a street that connected to the beach. With his last ounces of energy, he dragged himself towards it.
When the pirate arrived to the street, it was empty. He thought that people must be staying inside because of the rain. Although the weather had made his journey thus far incredibly difficult, he knew it was best if he did not catch too much attention, so he was happy the rain kept people indoors.
He began to walk down the street looking in all directions for any place he felt he might be safe to enter. He reached an intersection and when he turned to his right, he saw a small building that called itself, "Oceanside Hotel." He had never been in one of these places, but he knew from previous adventures on different islands that these were places visitors stayed in for a short period of time. He crossed the street and headed in the direction of the hotel.
By Nate Feldman (with help from Sara and Sofia Feldman)
I typically like to write about different places in this blog, but today I am going to share a story that I have been coming up with lately. It goes something like this:
A young pirate wandered on an isolated beach. It was raining steadily. The pirate made out what appeared to be houses in the distance, so he walked in that direction, hoping to find a place to stay. He trudged slowly as the waves crashed to shore. He would normally have loved listening to the soothing sound of the sea, but his mind was too focused on finding a place to stay. He had no idea where he was or where he was headed to. He was completely soaked from head to toe and was exhausted from the long swim he'd had to take to get to shore.
As he was walking, he adjusted his eye patch, which had begun to slide down his face. So many things spun through his head. He needed to get out of his clothes. He needed food. He needed to know what he was going to do next. The buildings in the distance began to take shape and form as he got closer and closer to them. They were mostly small houses and apartment complexes. He had often envied people who lived a stationary life and had often thought he wanted to live in places like these. Without realizing it, he now had that opportunity, but given the trying circumstances, he lacked the time to think about that.
He clutched onto the sickle hanging from his waist. He always did this when he was nervous or uncertain. He valued that sickle more than anything else despite all the trouble it had caused him. He could do without many things in life, but he couldn't do without his sickle.
The pirate saw a street that connected to the beach. With his last ounces of energy, he dragged himself towards it.
When the pirate arrived to the street, it was empty. He thought that people must be staying inside because of the rain. Although the weather had made his journey thus far incredibly difficult, he knew it was best if he did not catch too much attention, so he was happy the rain kept people indoors.
He began to walk down the street looking in all directions for any place he felt he might be safe to enter. He reached an intersection and when he turned to his right, he saw a small building that called itself, "Oceanside Hotel." He had never been in one of these places, but he knew from previous adventures on different islands that these were places visitors stayed in for a short period of time. He crossed the street and headed in the direction of the hotel.
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Two Great Beaches in Delaware
By Nate Feldman
I just returned from a short trip to the Delaware beaches in the southern part of the state. I was at both Rehoboth beach and the Delaware Seashore State Park. Although the beaches are only a couple of miles apart, there are many differences between them.
Rehoboth refers to itself as the Nation's Summer Capital. People from many places gather there for not only its beaches, but also its boardwalk, which is filled with many restaurants, ice cream stands, shopping places, amusement parks, and arcades. Because of this, the area is often quite crowded. There are many hotels in Rehoboth for the visitors.
The Delaware Seashore State Park also attracts a lot of people, but it doesn't have a boardwalk or any shops. The park just has a beach and seems to be a bit more pristine than Rehoboth. And while the smaller crowds may have been the result of an afternoon thunderstorm on the day I went, it seems a lot quieter than Rehoboth. There are no hotels there, but people are permitted to camp there.
Despite their differences, both places are enjoyable and each offers something the other place lacks. So, if you are in southern Delaware, you should visit both of these wonderful attractions.
By Nate Feldman
I just returned from a short trip to the Delaware beaches in the southern part of the state. I was at both Rehoboth beach and the Delaware Seashore State Park. Although the beaches are only a couple of miles apart, there are many differences between them.
Rehoboth refers to itself as the Nation's Summer Capital. People from many places gather there for not only its beaches, but also its boardwalk, which is filled with many restaurants, ice cream stands, shopping places, amusement parks, and arcades. Because of this, the area is often quite crowded. There are many hotels in Rehoboth for the visitors.
The Delaware Seashore State Park also attracts a lot of people, but it doesn't have a boardwalk or any shops. The park just has a beach and seems to be a bit more pristine than Rehoboth. And while the smaller crowds may have been the result of an afternoon thunderstorm on the day I went, it seems a lot quieter than Rehoboth. There are no hotels there, but people are permitted to camp there.
Despite their differences, both places are enjoyable and each offers something the other place lacks. So, if you are in southern Delaware, you should visit both of these wonderful attractions.
Saturday, August 17, 2019
Great Things about the Struble Trail in Downingtown, PA
By Nate Feldman
I can't recall the first time I visited the Struble Trail. I know it was sometime in high school, but I can't remember for what purpose. But, for the past two decades it has been a favorite place of mine to go outside and enjoy a run or walk in nature.
Being only 2.6 miles in length, the Struble Trail in Downingtown, PA is ideal for anyone who is just getting into hiking or exercising for the first time. But, even though it is not that large, it offers amazing scenery that is worthwhile for any adventurer.
I have always started my walk at Kardon Park, also known as "the Ponds," which is located across from PA-Route 282, the trail's starting point. In Kardon Park, I walk past a small pond and wooded area on my right and a small meadow on my left. When you reach a baptist church on your left, you can see the entrance to the trail across the street.
The trail has markers every quarter of a mile. The first quarter goes from the beginning of the trail to a small tunnel underneath a highway. In this part, there are several small games for young children like hopscotch and an activity that asks for words that begin with the letters A, B, and C. The trail runs parallel to the Brandywine Creek on your left, which you can see meandering in the distance. Once you go through the tunnel, the creek widens out. You will often find people fishing or even swimming in this part. Opposite the creek a little farther down, on your right, is a clearing in the woods with a steep hill. There isn't a path to the top of the hill, and I am not certain if one is permitted to climb it if they want to. But, I imagine the view from the top is wonderful. After that, the trail enters a wooded area on both sides and continues that way for another three quarters of a mile until it meets another street.
After crossing the street, around the mile and a half marker is the ruins of Dowlin Forge, an old metal producing plant. This is an interesting part of Chester County's history. Then, the trail winds through the woods again for about another mile until it reaches its end a little bit past the two and a half mile marker. There is work to connect the trail to other trails leading to Marsh Creek State Park in the future. In the meantime, even at its current length, it is a great way to enjoy your time outdoors.
By Nate Feldman
I can't recall the first time I visited the Struble Trail. I know it was sometime in high school, but I can't remember for what purpose. But, for the past two decades it has been a favorite place of mine to go outside and enjoy a run or walk in nature.
Being only 2.6 miles in length, the Struble Trail in Downingtown, PA is ideal for anyone who is just getting into hiking or exercising for the first time. But, even though it is not that large, it offers amazing scenery that is worthwhile for any adventurer.
I have always started my walk at Kardon Park, also known as "the Ponds," which is located across from PA-Route 282, the trail's starting point. In Kardon Park, I walk past a small pond and wooded area on my right and a small meadow on my left. When you reach a baptist church on your left, you can see the entrance to the trail across the street.
The trail has markers every quarter of a mile. The first quarter goes from the beginning of the trail to a small tunnel underneath a highway. In this part, there are several small games for young children like hopscotch and an activity that asks for words that begin with the letters A, B, and C. The trail runs parallel to the Brandywine Creek on your left, which you can see meandering in the distance. Once you go through the tunnel, the creek widens out. You will often find people fishing or even swimming in this part. Opposite the creek a little farther down, on your right, is a clearing in the woods with a steep hill. There isn't a path to the top of the hill, and I am not certain if one is permitted to climb it if they want to. But, I imagine the view from the top is wonderful. After that, the trail enters a wooded area on both sides and continues that way for another three quarters of a mile until it meets another street.
After crossing the street, around the mile and a half marker is the ruins of Dowlin Forge, an old metal producing plant. This is an interesting part of Chester County's history. Then, the trail winds through the woods again for about another mile until it reaches its end a little bit past the two and a half mile marker. There is work to connect the trail to other trails leading to Marsh Creek State Park in the future. In the meantime, even at its current length, it is a great way to enjoy your time outdoors.
Saturday, August 10, 2019
Great things about Marsh Creek State Park in Chester County, PA
Although I grew up in Chester County, PA, I never went to Marsh Creek State Park as far as I can remember until my 30s. Nevertheless, since discovering it, I've learned to appreciate its scenic beauty and view it as one of the great local treasures.
Driving on the road leading to the park, just off PA-100 near Eagle, PA, the first thing you notice as you approach the park is the lake on your right hand side. On a clear day, the sun sparkles off the water, leaving a mesmerizing glow. In the summer, you will see people on motor boats, kayaks, and canoes throughout the lake. Behind the lake are rolling hills which enhance the scenery.
Once you enter the park, there is a boat house with a parking lot behind it. When the weather is really nice during the warm months, it is often filled with cars, and you will have to go up the hill to the second lot.
The second parking lot is in front of a wooded area with a playground and small paths. Here you will find people having picnics and outdoor barbecues in the spring and summer. To the left of the lot is a swimming pool with an area filled with fountains gushing water and a concession stand. The pool is open between the Memorial and Labor Day holidays. Although I have a pool in my backyard, I still like to come here every now and again because of the wonderful atmosphere.
Behind the pool is another parking lot which is next to several wooded areas. There are many places for people to picnic here as well as walking trails to hike or jog on.
The views throughout the park are splendid, and it is a place you will want to return to quite often. I am glad that I go to Marsh Creek State Park now whenever I get the chance.
Although I grew up in Chester County, PA, I never went to Marsh Creek State Park as far as I can remember until my 30s. Nevertheless, since discovering it, I've learned to appreciate its scenic beauty and view it as one of the great local treasures.
Driving on the road leading to the park, just off PA-100 near Eagle, PA, the first thing you notice as you approach the park is the lake on your right hand side. On a clear day, the sun sparkles off the water, leaving a mesmerizing glow. In the summer, you will see people on motor boats, kayaks, and canoes throughout the lake. Behind the lake are rolling hills which enhance the scenery.
Once you enter the park, there is a boat house with a parking lot behind it. When the weather is really nice during the warm months, it is often filled with cars, and you will have to go up the hill to the second lot.
The second parking lot is in front of a wooded area with a playground and small paths. Here you will find people having picnics and outdoor barbecues in the spring and summer. To the left of the lot is a swimming pool with an area filled with fountains gushing water and a concession stand. The pool is open between the Memorial and Labor Day holidays. Although I have a pool in my backyard, I still like to come here every now and again because of the wonderful atmosphere.
Behind the pool is another parking lot which is next to several wooded areas. There are many places for people to picnic here as well as walking trails to hike or jog on.
The views throughout the park are splendid, and it is a place you will want to return to quite often. I am glad that I go to Marsh Creek State Park now whenever I get the chance.
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