It's a great time of year to take a family day trip!
NEIGHBORLY NEWS                                                                                        May 2016
Explore the Resources Around You
Southern Chester County and surrounding area: So much to do!
Bob and Anne Pounds
We know how busy family life can be, with spring sports, scouts and other children's activities, plus the extra yard work and spring cleaning. But don't lose sight of the resources all around you - many folks travel to Southern Chester County and its environs to experience all the events, parks, museums and activities we often take for granted. Be sure to carve out some time just to play in this beautiful region.

We hope you'll bring that feeling with you as you peruse this issue of Neighborly News. There are some important health tips for your family, a great day trip the children will enjoy, and a delicious recipe directly from Anne's kitchen.  Be sure to scroll all the way down and click on the sponsor logos to receive great offers and discounts for your home and family.

It's all part of our neighborly way of connecting you with all the valuable businesses, stores and resources in your community.

Warm regards,
Bob and Anne Pounds
May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
Tips to Help Manage Asthma and Spring Allergies 
There is no cure for asthma and allergies, and many deaths are preventable with proper treatment and care. Did you know that 10 people die every day from asthma?Asthma affects 24 million Americans, including 6.3 million children under the age of 18.  More than 50 million Americans have all types of allergies - pollen, skin, latex and more. The rate of allergies is climbing. Please read on to increase your understanding of these common diseases.


The spring season brings a number of enjoyable elements including an increase in sunshine, flowers and warm weather. Unfortunately, spring's beauty can be overshadowed by the presence of various allergy triggers, such as pollen. For those living with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, spring allergy triggers may cause symptoms to worsen. However, there are several steps you can take to help manage your asthma while still enjoying the outdoors.
  • Identify your triggers - In order to control your asthma, it's important to know what allergens may trigger your symptoms and how to limit your exposure.
  • Monitor your outdoor air quality - When planning to go outside, remember to first scope out the environment and be aware of any obvious triggers. Remember that the outdoor air quality can be especially bothersome for those with asthma.
  • Treat your allergy symptoms early - By starting your spring allergy medicine at the onset of the season, you're more likely to have control over your allergy and asthma symptoms.

Child with allergies Tips to Get Ahead of Allergies this Year
  • Ahead of the season, make sure you talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. It's important to check the expiration date on your current treatments and if needed, refill your prescriptions. Click here for information about a prescription nasal spray.
  • Prepare for approaching nasal allergy triggers by understanding what might be the cause of your symptoms. Be aware of triggers in your area like pollens that originate from grass, trees and ragweed.2
  • Make sure you reduce the dust and pollen in your home by cleaning your sheets, carpets and even curtains frequently, especially before a new season begins. Pets can have dander and may bring in pollen from the outdoors, so it might be a good idea to keep them inside or bathe them often.

Day Trippin' Part 1
Take a Family Day Trip that Takes You Back in Time

Strasburg railcar with kids
Be transported back into the early history of American culture with the Strasburg Rail Road in nearby Strasburg, PA,  America's oldest short line railroad and a designated heritage site. Founded during the first term of President Andrew Jackson, Strasburg Rail Road can trace its roots back to 1837 when it began hauling freight, most likely by horse-drawn cars. Locomotives began to rumble down the tracks and through the Amish farms and countryside in the 1850s. In 1958 the railroad was purchased by railroad buffs and set toward a goal of preserving this piece of railroad history.

But putting all the history aside for a second, the Strasburg Rail Road is all about fun with some learning mixed in.  Just showing up at the station, you will feel like you stepped back into history. From the preserved buildings to the uniforms train personnel wear, it really excites kids to go for a train ride.

Once you step on the train you'll immediately notice the amazing restoration of the train cars. You'll be welcomed by comfortable cloth seats that switch direction based on the direction of the train, brightly restored wood, and ornate wood stoves used for heat in the winter. The train conductor welcomes everyone and then gives the history of the railroad. 

Anne's in the Kitchen
Pork tenderloin
 Fig and Bleu Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin 

Here is a recipe I made for company recently that was knock-your-socks-off all the way. This is a fairly easy recipe with few ingredients. I served it with polenta and grilled asparagus for a great spring meal, and that was quick to cook as well - only 15 to 20 minutes. Used two pork tenderloins to serve to 8 people and had some left over for two other weeknight leftover dinners which were made special by having this to serve again.

Many thanks to Becky Colbert for sharing another great recipe with me! 


Anne Pounds Please do me a favor: go to our Facebook page and share how you like the recipe and who YOU enchanted with it!
Welcome Neighbor Rep of the Month: Stephanie Reid
Stephanie Reid
Stephanie Reid
Stephanie Reid is a Chester County native, indigenous to West Bradford Township, which is right between Downingtown and West Chester.  
     "When I discovered Welcome Neighbor, I clearly remember the first time I met Anne to see about joining the team.  I knew instantly I was interested," Stephanie said.
     In the summer of 2010, we welcomed Stephanie to the team, and she began visiting the new homeowners in the West Chester area: "I love being able to meet the new residents and share the treasures of the community with them."
     When Stephanie isn't welcoming new residents to the area, she enjoys caring for her young son,  gardening, riding  bikes, singing, playing violin, piano, and guitar. 
      Thank you, Stephanie, for the consistently warm and wonderful welcome you extend!
Along the Welcome Trail
Thoughts on Civility, In and Out of Business...
Anne Pounds
One of my more memorable business experiences came when attending a women's networking event through the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. I had left my overloaded desk on ten minutes' notice on orders from my partner to get out of the office.  I changed out of my pajamas and slippers and washed my face and brushed my teeth (let's be honest, working at home allows a lot of leeway) and zoomed out the door to arrive a few minutes late.

I was greeted by the very friendly marketing director at the chamber, who graciously introduced me to a member of the ambassador committee.  I turned in the other direction to be greeted by the director of marketing at Staybridge Suites, and I shared with her a great experience my husband and I had recently on vacation in Lafayette, LA at the Staybridge Suites. I then found myself sitting next to a woman with whom I've discussed how we could work together to help our company promote her company.  She took the time to introduce me around the table to each person there and described to me in a few words what they did, then she told them rather enthusiastically what my work is, getting them all interested in talking further with me. I felt like the proverbial Rock Star, and I had just arrived very hungry with a full plate to devour. Between bites, I answered questions and signed autographs (just kidding-no one actually asked).

This was a perfect example of gracious civility and caring outreach on the part of every woman I engaged with.  It was a far cry from those early times when women in business were an anomaly and were so uncomfortable promoting or helping another professional woman that it sometimes got ugly as women clawed their way up the success ladder, often thwarted by both other women as well as men who were not comfortable with new roles in the workplace and business world.
But it is even a farther cry from the incivility we sometimes encounter in online forums and the political arena.  My suggestion to the world:  let's return to a time of respect for our fellow persons, whether in person or online, and let us celebrate discourse and differences, and honor the opinions and efforts of others engaged in worthy endeavors.  It really doesn't hurt to be kind and respectful in every situation.  And it pays off in business settings!
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Upcoming Events
Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens
Now through June 3
Dogwoods, magnolias, wisterias, azaleas, foamflowers, and more than 240,000 tulips herald spring's arrival. Experience Longwood's Meadow Garden alive with flowering trees and a robust layer of herbaceous plants. More information

Meet Local Author at Barnes & Noble, Exton
May 17, 6:00 PM Local author Dr. Christine Meyer, author of The Longest Mile: A Doctor, a Food Fight, and the Footrace that Rallied a Community Against Cancer. Dr. Meyer will be signing from books until 8:00PM. More information

Stand Up At The Flash
May 19 at the Kennett Flash, doors open 7 pm, show at 8 pm, an evening of the FOUR or FIVE of the best Philadelphia area comics for one low price, suitable for all ages, tickets $12-$14. 
 
A Golden Age of American Landscape Painting
Now through June 12
The Brandywine River Museum of Art presents more than 25 celebrated American artists, also including Albert Bierstadt, Thomas Chambers, Sanford Gifford, Thomas H. Hotchkiss, Jervis McEntee, Louisa Minot, Francis A. Silva and Josephine Walters. The Hudson River School is considered the first art movement in the United States and one that developed a distinctly American vision of the landscape. More information

Devon Horse Show & Country Fair
May 26 - June 5
The whole family enjoys an outing to Devon - whether or not you are in to horses. Great food concessions, carnival rides for kids, fantastic vendors. More information
 
You could win a $25 Visa Gift Card in our Facebook contest. Every person who has "liked" our Facebook page is automatically entered into a random drawing. What are you waiting for? Just go Like us on Facebook and you will be entered to win!

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