Race for suicide prevention in Ridley Creek State Park Saturday
EDGMONT » Delaware County Suicide Prevention & Awareness Task Force holds its 13th annual 5K Run/ Walk at Ridley Creek State Park, Pavilion 11A and B, on Saturday, May 5. The event celebrates the lives of those lost to suicide, dispels the myths and misconceptions around suicide, and helps to reduce the stigma associated with asking for help.
Registration begins at 8 a.m.; the race starts at 9. There is a timekeeper for the race and medals are awarded for various age groups. Registration costs are $25 for individuals, $20 per person for groups of five or more, and free for children under 12, include a tshirt, snack, beverage, and raffles/prizes. On-site registration is $30. The race is held rain or shine. For registration, search for the event at www.runtheday.com
In 2016, there were 65 deaths by suicide in Delaware County. This is down from 2014 where there were 92 deaths by suicide. Every life lost by suicide is too many. Each of these deaths leaves six to eight seriously bereaved individuals behind. The mission of the Delaware County Suicide Prevention and Awareness Task Force (DCSPATF) is to raise an understanding of suicide as a preventable community health problem. The task force is affiliated with many behavioral health organizations in the county, the county medical society, local hospitals and health systems, our county government, the intermediate unit and many school districts in Delaware County.
The Task Force was formed in 2002. It is a coalition of county agencies, community groups, behavioral health providers, schools, hospitals, other organizations, and concerned individuals committed to increasing understanding of suicide prevention in the county. Over the past several years, the Task Force has raised public awareness of suicide as a preventable community health problem in the county. Its efforts include hosting a yearly regional suicide prevention conference, suicide prevention walk-run in Ridley Creek State Park, and a memorial candle lighting in Rose Tree Park attended by families and friends of suicide victims.
In 2008, the Task Force moved from promoting community understanding of suicide to establishing a formal structure and process for working to reduce its occurrence in Delaware County. This took the form of a county suicide prevention plan, calling for action in relation to a series of goals including implementing community-based suicide prevention programs, limiting access to lethal means used to complete suicide, and reducing the stigma associated with using services that can lessen suicide risk.
Killion hosts fun fair
CONCORD » Senator Tom Killion (R-9) announces a Kids Fun Fair for local families from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at the Brandywine Youth Club Fieldhouse, 43 Thornton Road, Glen Mills. The event is free and open to the public.
The Kids Fun Fair features the Philadelphia Zoo, the Franklin Institute, a moon bounce and face painting. There are dozens of state, county and local exhibits geared toward children and families. Snacks and drinks are provided free of charge.
This is the second Kids Fun Fair that Killion has organized for local children since becoming a Pennsylvania Senator. The event has both indoor and outdoor exhibits and is held rain or shine.
“I am pleased that we have so many outstanding exhibits at this year’s fair,” Killion said. “This will be a great event for children, and there will also be lots of information that families will find useful.”
Diet info session at Schoolhouse
RIDLEY TOWNSHIP » Senior Community Services’ Schoolhouse Center, 600 Swarthmore Ave., Folsom, holds an information session at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, May 15, on the Dash Diet. The center holds a 10-week Dash Diet course beginning May 22. Helen Holroyd is the instructor. Cost for the course is $40.
Come to learn about the program that teaches how to satisfy hunger and feel full longer, regulate blood sugar, find out what whole grains to avoid and portion control. Guests encourage each other while they learn.
For information, call call 610-237-8100.
Visit plant sale Friday-Saturday
MIDDLETOWN » The Providence Garden Club holds its 70th annual Plant Sale from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, May 4, and Saturday, May 5. The sale, held at the Restall Sports Center on the Williamson College of the Trades campus, 106 S. New Middletown Road, Media, features a unique selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, baskets, planted containers and plants shared from club members’ own gardens. Proceeds support local non-profit and environmental organizations.
For information, email Jeanne Lee, sunsetlee1950@gmail.com
The Providence Garden Club formed in 1931 when a small group of women from the Wallingford area began meeting monthly in each other’s homes to share their interest in gardening and floral design. In 1947, the club was invited to join The Garden Club of America.
When their personal gardens come alive in early spring, members dig up countless perennials, then divide and repot them during “Potting Up” workshops. Along with a selection of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs, the plants are offered for sale at the club’s annual Plant Sale. Proceeds, which in one year topped $12,000, make it possible for the club to provide financial support to a range of local conservation, beautification, and horticulture programs.
Providence Garden Club of Pennsylvania continues its mission of educating members and the community in conservation, floral design, and horticulture, and encouraging civic planting, beautification and stewardship of the environment. As in the club’s early years, a love of gardening is at the heart of all our activities.
Country Gardeners host tea
MIDDLETOWN » The Country Gardeners of Lima presents a tea event from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, at Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Road, Media. Visit the event for tea, scones, tea sandwiches, desserts, and raffles. There is also a “Hat Contest” for other surprise gifts.
Cost of $35 includes free admistion after the tea to tour Tyler Arboretum grounds for a self-guided tour (a $13 value) to “drink in” all the spring beauty. The event benefits Tyler Arboretum, Colonial Plantation, Girl Scouts and the Natural Lands Trust Crow’s Nest Summer Camp.
For tickets and information, call the Country Gardeners at 610-529-8144.
Get caregiver info in May
SWARTHMORE » The Family Caregivers program hosts free classes at Community Interactions, 740 S. Chester Road. The following classes are held from 4-5:30 p.m. Thursdays:
• May 3, “The Role and Benefits of Effective Communication in Caregiving,” by Sharon White, MSS, LCSW. Caregiver’s loved one will participate in a Cognitive Stimulation Activity
• May 17, “Time Management and Caregiving,” by Kathleen Soltani, Academic Coach at Delaware Community College. Caregiver’s loved one will participate in a Cognitive Stimulation Activity
• May 31, “Scam Awareness in Caregiving,” by Representatives from the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office. Caregiver’s loved one will participate in a Cognitive Stimulation Activity
• June 14, “Estate Planning and Caregiving,” by Dana Breslin, Esq. Caregiver’s loved one will participate in a Cognitive Stimulation Activity. Thursdays
Caregivers may bring the person they care for particpate in a cognitive stimulation activity. The caregiver must be present for the care receiver to attend, and care receiver must be able to participate with minimal assistance. Classes are sponsored by Delaware County LINK to Aging and Disability Resources and are free to attend. For information and registration, call Debbie Templeton at 484-540-0372.