October 2023

Update on our Public Works Building located at Walnut Lane Park

The building is now awaiting the final metal roof. Interior walls and electric wiring are currently being installed, as well as plumbing for the bathroom and break room.

We'll keep you posted as the building nears completion!

Meeting information, including agendas, can be found on our website

Leaf It to the Library

By: Susie Hawkins

It’s finally fall, which means it’s officially the best time to cozy up with a good book! Stop by the library, and we’ll help you find a story you’ll love. While you’re here, we have plenty of enriching and fun events throughout the month of October. Here are some highlights:

·        October 5, 10:30-11am: Makin’Music- Sing, dance, and shake your sillies out with Mr. Dan! 6 and Under. No Registration.

·        Every Saturday from Oct. 7-Nov. 11, 2-4pm: Shakespeare Series- Watch and discuss the classic films Romeo and Juliet and The Taming of the Shrew with retired Professor of Theater, Charles Conwell.

·        October 10, 1:30-2:30pm: Spice Café for Adults- Pumpkin Spice- Pick up a spice packet now and make a dish to share in a potluck on the day of the program. The library will supply all tableware.

·        October 14, 10am-3pm: West Vincent Fall Fest- Visit our table at this event and pick up a pair of eclipse glasses for the annular solar eclipse that afternoon.

·        October 15, 12-4pm: Village Open House- Remember to stop by the library while you’re enjoying the activities and vendors in Historic Yellow Springs.



·        October 31, 3-7pm: Trick or Treat Fun at the Library- Make us a part of your Halloween night! Kids are invited to come in costume to walk (or run!) through the Haunted Fiction section, play some spooky games, and leave with a treat or two!

This month we’ll also have story times, Lego Clubs, Book Club and more! See our full calendar of events here.

Finally, if you have any extra craft supplies, we always appreciate donations. Some commonly used items are cardstock, craft (popsicle) sticks, markers, stickers, and paint, but really, we can find a use for almost anything! Thank you for your support.

RECYCLING DOESN’T END AT THE CURB!

Industry perspectives

You gave your food cans and bottles a good rinse, stored them in a container separate from your household trash, and tossed in your clean mixed paper. You placed the recycling cart at the curb on collection day. Congratulations, you’ve recycled! Or have you?

Well, not exactly. You’re doing the right thing, but it’s just the first step in the recycling process – the “set out.” Next, the hauler collects it, transports it to a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) for sorting and baling. These commodities will be marketed to a paper mill, plastics broker, or metal recycler to eventually be manufactured into new products.

Recycling is a process. Residents are the first step. So, who better to teach us about the processing other than MRF managers?

Jeff Furmanchin of Total Recycle in Birdsboro wants us to know, “Contamination in single stream recyclables is the largest cause of downtime and damage to processing equipment. Please keep hoses, wires, construction debris and yard waste out of your recycling. Lithium-Ion or rechargeable batteries of any type need to stay out of recycling and trash bins, as they are an enormous fire hazard.” (These batteries only belong in a household hazardous waste collection program!)

Scott Mengle, Director of SECCRA Landfill, manages a dozen drop off bins across southern Chester County. He says, “Just because an item bears a recycling symbol doesn't guarantee its actual recycling. This poses financial and logistical challenges, as non-recyclable items disrupt sorting, increase costs, and devalue recycled materials. To preserve the financial and environmental sustainability of recycling programs, it's important to know what is truly recyclable. 'When in doubt, throw it out’ to ensure our success.”

Matt Cougle of Cougle’s Recycling wants us to know that water bottles (PET #1) are recycled into carpet and clothing. PET is also re-made into new bottles, closing the recycling loop. “It starts in your home. Keep food, liquids, and cigarette butts out of bottles. They make recycling much harder. Get those clean and loose (not bagged) bottles in the cart!”

Better to recycle right, than to recycle more. When in doubt, check it out! Let’s get Trash Smart!

October 29, 2023, Noon to 3pm

Chester County Solid Waste Authority will be sponsoring a Used Bicycle and Sewing Machine drive for the organization Pedals for Progress.

This year the event will be held at the West Goshen Municipal Complex on Sunday October 29, 2023, from 12:00pm-3:00pm.

This event is a great way for people to get rid of their gently used unwanted bikes and sewing machines and to ultimately help those in need to improve their economic conditions.

The generous residents of Chester County have already donated more than 130 bicycles and sewing machines, and $2400 to help pay for shipping to Pedals for Progress’ partner countries.

Donations are tax deductible, including the value of the bicycle or sewing machine.