Celebrate Independence Day weekend at Fort Mifflin Sunday
PHILADELPHIA » Fort Mifflin celebrates Independence Day with “Freedom Blast!” from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, July 2. Journey through the Declaration of Independence at a site that defended Philadelphia against the greatest bombardment of the American Revolution. Participate in the Flag Raising Ceremony, then stay to enjoy guided tours, blacksmithing and heritage craft demonstrations plus hands-on living history activities, uniform, weapon and cannon demonstrations. Join the Army (circa 1777) and learn to drill with a wooden musket! Enjoy the view and the breeze in the riverfront picnic area. Originally built by the British in 1771, Fort Mifflin supported the American Revolution by delaying the resupply of British forces occupying the rebel capital of Philadelphia in November, 1777. Between British warships on the Delaware and their troops in Philadelphia sat a humble fort of wood and stone, defended by some of the most determined men of the American Revolution. Fort Mifflin did not allow the British Navy to go easily into Philadelphia. For six long weeks, fighting against cold, hunger and despair, with only scarce supplies, the soldiers on Mud Island fought to hold on to Fort Mifflin.
Although ultimately defeated, the American defense was so courageous that even the British paid tribute: Ambrose Searle, General Howe’s personal secretary remarked “They certainly defended it with a spirit they have shown no where else to an equal degree during the war.”
The delay at Fort Mifflin provided General Washington time to establish winter quarters in Valley Forge. Too late in the season for British General Howe to give chase, the garrison at Fort Mifflin extended the war and allowed the American army time to regroup until the spring of 1778. Forever after that known as the “Valiant Defender of the Delaware,” the fort was reconstructed beginning in the late 18th century and remained an active military post until 1954.
Fort Mifflin is joining with many area arts and culture organizations over the July 4 holiday weekend in advocacy activities supporting funding for the humanities. Guests have the optional to “pay what you wish” for admission. For tickets and information, visit www.fortmifflin.us
Sun East looks for members to step up
ASTON » For those who have ever wondered what it would be like to help run a business with over $530 million in assets and over 45,000 members, or are looking for a way to use their skills and talents to give back to the community, Sun East Federal Credit Union is currently seeking volunteers to serve on the Supervisory Committee under the current leadership of Supervisory Committee Chairman John Stipe.
Members can volunteer to serve on the committee and ensure financial soundness and guide strategic and policy decisions in a wide variety of areas including technology, branch deployment, product development, marketing and member services. Committee members are appointed by the Board of Directors on an annual basis to protect the assets of the credit union and have access to free training and education to help them fulfill their role.
Some of the benefits of volunteering:
• Network with other local professionals
• Learn and develop business and leadership skills
• Participate in strategic decisions
• Help others reach their financial goals
• Attend informative monthly meetings
Who who would like to pursue this exciting opportunity, please email a resume to jstipe@suneast.org or mail a physical resume to John Stipe, Supervisory Committee Chairman, Sun East Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 2231, Aston, PA 19014.
Sun East Federal Credit Union, founded in 1949, is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution serving the savings, borrowing, and virtual banking needs of nearly 45,000 members, 1,000 employers, and multiple other organizations in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. Sun East has over $530 million in assets with branches throughout the Tri-State area, nationwide ATM access, online and mobile banking. For more information visit www.suneast.org
Live music Thursdays in Swarthmore
SWARTHMORE » The Thursday Night Live concert series at the borough amphitheater, 121 Park Ave., runs now through Sept. 21. The free series runs every other Thursday from 6-9 p.m. Concert attendees are encouraged to pack a picnic dinner or get take-out from one of many restaurants in town. The event is BYOB. The rain site is WaR3house3 in the event of inclement weather. The remaining concerts for the season are:
• July 13: Curb Alert, Barrel Fires
• July 27: Sonoma Sound, The Young Musicians
• Aug. 10, Last Chance, Jerry Getz
• Aug. 24: Out of Order, Brian Kors • Sept. 7: Don Jones Band • Sept. 21: SwUKEstra, Greg Brady
For information, visit www.swarthmoretowncenter.com/thursday-nightlive.html