Chester County Utility & Housing Assistance Program

Help paying your utility bills, rent or mortgage is available.

If you qualify*, one month of your utility bills and rent or mortgage may be paid by the federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program.

Chester County residents who have become unemployed or had their work hours cut since October 2008 are especially encouraged to apply.

To find out if you qualify for assistance, please contact the agency nearest you:

Catholic Social Services: 610-344-7028 (Coatesville/Downingtown area)
Community, Youth and Women’s Alliance: 610-384-9591 (Coatesville area)
Kennett Area Community Service: 610-925-3556 (Kennett Square area)
Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center: 610-932-8557 (Oxford area)
Phoenixville Area Community Services: 610-933-1105 (Phoenixville area)
Open Hearth, Inc.: 610-792-2982 (Spring City/Pottstown area)
Salvation Army: 610-696-8746 (West Chester area)
Salvation Army Service Extension: 610-383-0868 (Other Areas in Chester County)

*Chester County residents only. To qualify, utilities, rent or mortgage payment must be in arrears or due within 5 days;all other resources must be used up; you must live in the residence and be responsible for paying for the utilities, rent or mortgage; assistance must guarantee 30 more days of utility service or continued stay in the residence. Utilities include electricity, oil, gas, coal, firewood, sewer and water. The maximum amount of each assistance payment is one month’s utility usage, one minimum delivery of oil/coal/firewood, one month’s rent or one mortgage payment. Effective until December 31, 2009.


We would like to thank Speaking From The Heart Inc., of Exton for providing us with this valuable information. Speaking From the Heart provides Speech, Physical, and Occupational Therapy as well as Special Instruction to several hundred birth to three year olds in the Chester and Delaware Counties of Pennsylvania. Click here for more information.

Healthy Kids Day!

Please join us for the first Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Healthy Kids Day. Come and get ideas for great health from the nation’s top children’s hospital and its community partners. Ask experts about nutrition, vaccines, managing asthma, injury and prevention and much more.


When: Saturday, May 30, 2009, Noon to 5 p.m., rain or shine
Where: Mann Center for the Performing Arts

This celebratory event is free to the public, but tickets are required. Come and enjoy:

• Concert performance by The Laurie Berkner Band featuring Susie Lampert, Adam Bernstein and Laurie Berkner, with special guest Bob Golden
  
• Healthy food and drinks (while supplies last)
  
• Children’s activities

Admission to Healthy Kids Day is free of charge, but you must register for the event. Seat assignments for the concert, including lawn, will be distributed at the gate on a first come, first served basis. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

For information, please e-mail us at healthykidsday@email.chop.edu or call our hotline at 1-877-HKD-CHOP (1-877-453-2467).

Visit the Mann Center for the Performing Arts Web site for directions. Check our Timeline of Events and Sponsorship pages for more.

The Ringling Barnum & Bailey Circus, "Zing Zang Zoom" Ticket Give Away

The Ringling Barnum & Bailey Circus, "Zing Zang Zoom" is coming to The Wachovia Spectrum and we are giving away a family 4 pack of tickets to see the show on opening night May 13th at 7:00pm.

Click here to learn more about The Ringling Barnum & Bailey Circus, "Zing Zang Zoom".

You can purchase a family 4 pack of tickets online at http://www.ComcastTix.com/ for only $44, by entering the promo code MOM**.


**Tickets can also be purchased by calling 1-800-298-4200. Minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4, can be purchased for $11 each. Special Promotional pricing not available for VIP Gold, VIP, Circus Celebrity Seating or combined with any other offers. Other service fees may apply.

Philadelphia Show Dates

Wednesday, May 13th at 7:00pm
Thursday, May 14th at 7:00pm

Friday, May 15th at 10:30am

Friday, May 15th at 7:00pm

Saturday, May 16th at 11:00am

Saturday, May 16th at 3:00pm

Saturday, May 16th at 7:00pm

Sunday, May 17th at 1:00pm

Sunday, May 17th at 5:00pm

To enter this contest leave a comment below or email contests(at)chestercountymoms.com and enter "Zing Zang Zoom" in the subject line.

The winner of this contest must be a resident of Chester County. This contest will end on May 1st. The winner will be notified via email and has 24 hours to respond to the "You Won!" email. The winner of this contest will pick up their tickets (with photo ID) at The Wachovia Spectrum "will call" on the night of the show, May 13th. The FREE tickets are only good for the opening night show on May 13th. This giveaway does NOT include transportation, parking fees, food or drink.

Want a few extra opportunities to win?

(1) Extra entry - Join the Chester County Moms Group on Facebook (make sure to let us know you would like to enter Zing Zang Zoom contest)

(1) Extra Entry - Friend ChescoMoms on FB and update your FB status to...Chesco Moms are giving away a family 4 pack of tickets to The Ringling Barnum & Baily Circus "Zing Zang Zoom". Click on this link and enter to win. http://tinyurl.com/cwqg4q

(1) Extra Entry - Follow ChescoMoms on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway! (DM us and let us know you would like to enter the Ringling Barnum & Bailey Circus, "Zing Zang Zoom" Ticket Give Away. Just remember to include this is a contest for Chesco Residents in your tweet.)

(1) Extra Entry - Blog about this giveaway! Don't forget to link Chester County Moms in your blog post (email* us so we know about your post don't forget to include your URL.)

(1) Extra Entry - Follow us at Chester County Moms (if you're already a follower...that counts too! Let us know via email*)

(1) Extra Entry - Subscribe to Chester County Moms Feed Blitz (if your already subscribe..let us know via email!* There is a link to sign up on the right side bar.)

(1) Extra Entry - Put the Chester County Moms button on your blog (let us know the URL where we can find it...and if you have it already...just let us know via email*...it still counts!)

*Our EMAIL - contests@chestercountymoms.com (Subject-Zing Zang Zoom)

Children’s Consignment Sale benefiting St Matthew's Lutheran Church

Saturday, March 21, 2009
8:00am -1:00pm
* * * 50% Off Sale starts at 11:00 * * *

St Matthew’s Lutheran Church
2440 Conestoga Road
(on Route 401 east of Route 100)
Chester Springs

610-458-2044

Gently worn top quality spring/summer children’s clothing from size newborn to size 12.
Gently used games, puzzles and toys including outdoor play toys, ride-ons and bikes
CD’s, DVD’s, videos, books, baby equipment, strollers, and maternity
You may pay with either cash or check. Checks may be made payable to St Matthew School’s. All sales are final.
Over 50 sellers are consigning a large selection of gently used children’s clothes, toys, books and large equipment, including maternity, baby equipment and outerwear
Snow, sleet or hail.

An event not to be missed!!!

Mark your calendars! CCMOMC Spring Sale!

If a Baby, Toddler, Child or Expectant Mother needs it, wears it or wants it... ..You will find it at the Chester County Mothers of Multiples Spring Sale at The Church Farm School in Exton on Saturday, March 14th. This is one of the largest consignment sales in our area... not to be missed! Get there early and be prepared to get some GREAT deals!

Some advice: bringing your own grocery bags/shopping bags to help carry your goodies

The sale will run from 9 -12. Click here for more information.

We're Going... Are you?

The Go Green Expo is coming to Philadelphia March 13th - 15th and the Chester County Moms Blog will be there. Will you?

Go Green Expo was conceived after a viewing of the film "An Inconvenient Truth." It prompted the question, "How can we make a difference?"

A truly unique event from the ground up, Go Green Expo will change not only the public's perception of environmentalism but also how events like this are produced and managed. Inviting companies large and small to showcase what they are doing to reduce their respective carbon footprint, consumers will have hands on experiences with "eco-friendly" alternatives to current everyday products and services.

Even the event itself is environmentally friendly utilizing a ZERO Carbon footprint approach to event production. Biodegradable trash bags, eco-friendly printing, table coverings, recycled signs, compostable sponsor banners and more. Event waste will be separated and sorted to ensure the least amount of refuse going to the landfills. Staff travel and a portion of every ticket that is purchased will be carbon offset.

The Expo is being held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City Philadelphia. There will be over 200 Booths / Exhibits, Interactive Seminars / Speeches, Film Presentations, Eco-Fashion Show, Green Marketplace, as well as demonstrations & hands on activities!

And, if you go on Saturday between 10am and 11:30am, The Philadelphia Phillies World Series Trophy will be on display for photos with you!

Check out their website for Expo hours, exhibitors, and speaker schedules and maybe we'll see you there!

The Circus is coming.....

With the economy posing a challenge for many families, the value of a night out at Ringling Bros. is high, as the experience includes the All Access Pre-show, a fun opportunity to meet circus performers and dress up in clown costumes, which happens one hour before each performance.
We are excited to extend the following special family offers:

Offer #1: Get 4 tickets for just $44 by entering the code "MOM" at select ticketing channels**. Offer good on all performances, minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each. Offer not valid on Circus Celebrity Seating, Front Row and VIP seating or combinable with other offers. Other Restrictions May Apply.·

Offer #2: A select amount of Front Row and VIP seats have been reserved for you to buy before they go on sale to the public - just enter the code "MOM" when purchasing those seats.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents ZING ZANG ZOOM in Philadelphia,
May 13-May 25. You can oder tickets through Ticket Master.

Click here to check the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey website for military discounts, Baby's 1st Circus discounts and much, much, more.

All Aboard....

Is your child a train lover? Click here for a link to all the area train events.

This post will be saved under the community calendar tab for future reference.

Holiday Festivities...

Visit Dutch Winter Wonderland this holiday season featuring themed rides, games, and holiday entertainment under thousands of twinkling lights! Just $9.95 per person*, and parking is FREE! Open weekends through December 28th, and select weekday hours throughout the holidays. Click here to visit for more information.

Koziar's Christmas Village in Bernville, PA (Berks County)... SO worth the drive!
Open now through January 4th (open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve/Day)
Recently voted one of Pennsylvania's top ten attractions, William Koziar's Christmas Village is a virtual wonderland of light -- more than 500,000 lights adorn buildings, gift barns, and the landscape. It began in 1948 when Koziar decorated his private property. Each year his displays grew and continue to grow. Today it is a mammoth attraction featuring a Country Kitchen bake shop, Santa's Toy Shoppe, a huge Toy Train Display, a Refreshment Barn and, of course, all those lights.
Admission: Adults:$7.00 Seniors :$6.00 Children 6 - 12 :$5.00
Children under 6 FREE

Christmas at Hershey: Don’t miss Hershey Sweet Lights, featuring over 600 lighted displays!
Drive through Hershey Sweet Lights, a magical winter wonderland! Experience over 600 illuminated, animated displays from the comfort of your car as you drive through two miles of wooded trails. *Discount Coupons at Dunkin DoNuts

Christmas at Longwood — November 27–January 11
Dazzling floral displays, stunning trees, holiday music, 500,000 outdoor lights, dancing fountains and ice skating under the stars create a Christmas fantasy at Longwood. Holiday concerts in the ornate Ballroom include organ sing alongs, and evening choral and bell choir performances throughout the season. Also all season long, enjoy ice skating performances under the stars and feast on sumptuous buffets, including, Breakfast with Santa ( Dec. 13, 14, 20 & 21) and the Yuletide Buffet (throughout the season). Celebrate New Year's Eve at Longwood with fun for the whole family.

Linvilla Orchards: (Delaware County)
CHRISTMAS AROUND THE FARM & CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
December 1 - 24 The Farm is decorated for Christmas. See the Christmasland display and visit with the animals in their winter coats. The Farm Market features wreaths, freshly cut trees, greens & holly, decorations, fruit and gift baskets, Christmas gifts, hot mulled cider & children's crafts.Visit with Santa Saturdays & Sundays 1 - 2 PM Bring your camera!
Caroling Hayrides December 6, 13 & 20 ~ 4:30 PM
Sing Christmas Carols around the campfire with marshmallows to roast and apple cider.
Cut Your Own Christmas Trees!
December 1 – 23 Monday through Friday 10 AM - 4 PM, Saturday & Sunday 9 AM - 5 PM
Take a hayride to the fields where the trees are grown and select a tree.
Linvilla Orchards provides a saw and you cut the tree down. They haul it back to the market for you, wrap it up and tie it to your car. The majority of our cut your own Christmas Trees are 6-8’ Douglas Fir we also have some Canaan Fir. In addition, they have a large selection of pre-cut trees available at our Farm Market. Linvilla Orchards has over 30,000 trees planted on thirty acres. More trees will be available every year in coming years.


A Warm Up for Hanukkah & Havdalah Service at Kesher Isreal
Saturday, December 20, 2008
6:00-7:30pm
RSVP to Office by December 10th
Bring your Hanukkah Menorah!
Light Dinner ~ Latkes ~ Israeli Dancing ~ Dreidle Games ~ Storytelling
$5 per person $18 Maximum for Families
Checks made out to Kesher Israel Congregation RSVP to Office by December 10th or to Eileen Olenik at eileeno@kesher-israel.org

Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Party
7pm - 9pm on December 23rd
Chester County Historical Society
225 North High St, West Chester, PA 19380
Contact: Lynne Balaban at lbalaban@philafederation.org for more information
Kehillah of Chester County's Annual Menorah lighting and Chanukah party. Everyone is invited to bring their own Menorah and candles to join in community lighting ceremony. Entertainment and refreshments.

Join the "Mom Panel"

We are looking for fellow Chester County Moms to join our
"Mom Panel". By joining the "Mom Panel" you will help with our blogging team with community events, product reviews, you can also contribute posts, recipes & craft ideas to the blog, and network through "Word of Mom". This isn't a paying gig.. sorry, but that doesn't mean we won't throw some swag your way for your time and contributions.

Who doesn't like a freebie?!

Moms of children all ages welcome!

For more information please email sarah@chestercountymoms.com
Please enter MOM PANEL in the subject line.

Milkshake in concert!

Chester County Concerts is proud to bring the kids music group Milkshake to Owen J. high School on Saturday, September 6th!

You know Milkshake! You’ve seen them and heard their music on Noggin, PBS KIDS, and Discovery Kids’ TV as well as XM Kids and Sirius Kidstuff satellite radio.

The fun starts at 9:00am with festival activities including: sand art, caricature art, henna art, face painting art, balloon art, karate demonstrations, and a kids' woodshop

Then from 10:30am to 11:00am get in touch with your inner monkey with high-spirited kids' comic John Hadfield.

At 11:30, put on your dancing shoes as Milkshake takes the stage and rocks the audience with songs like: Superhero, Bowling With You, My Best Friend, Imagination Nation, and Go Wild.

Afterwards, have your child sit with Lisa, Milkshake's lead singer, for a photograph.

Tickets to this not-to-be-missed event are now on sale for $12.50 and can be purchased with a credit card, Paypal or check by clicking here

For directions to Owen J. High School Click here