Walk for the Wounded ceremonies moved to Springton Lake, 5K canceled
After several days of rain, and more predicted for today and tomorrow, Operation First Response (OFR) was notified by Rose Tree Park authorities that the Park would not be able to host the Saturday, May 19, Walk for the Wounded and Warriors 5K Run due to public safety and parking issues. Ceremonies will be held at Springton Lake Middle School. 1900 N. Providence Road, Media, at 11 a.m. Volunteers will be on site at Rose Tree Park to direct attendees to Springton Lake Middle School.
“We are extremely disappointed that weather has forced the cancellation of all outdoor activities that are part of our largest annual fundraiser,” said Nick Constantino, a senior representative for OFR. “However, the official ceremonies with Nicole Brewer from CBS 3 TV, the Philly Phanatic and special guest military speakers will take place at nearby Springton Lake Middle School.” Constantino encouraged people to join them at the school where there will be vendors as well as a 45-minute program of tributes and presentations. Veterans who have benefited from Walk for the Wound’s fundraising will be in attendance at Springton Lake to meet with guests.
This is the first time in 11 years that OFR’s annual Walk and Run, their largest fundraiser of the year, has faced insurmountable weather challenges. “On behalf of our entire organization and all of its volunteers and sponsors who led the movement to make this year’s event the most successful ever – we thank the county, its officials and the many thousands of people who have supported us at this event each year,” Constantino said.
Operation First Response allocates more than 97 percent of all dollars raised for medically related services and assistance for wounded veterans and their families. For information and to donate, visit www.operationfirstresponse.org
Book club issues challenge
As the new movie “Book Club” reaches screens this weekend, a local book club is issuing a unique challenge. The AfterWords Book Club recently celebrated 20 years of reading and discussing books together. Started by Nancy Waxman of Drexel Hill, the group has enjoyed lots of special events during their 20 years together, including author appearances, visits to community agencies, and special meals— all based on the book they were reading at the time. To honor the very first book the group read, “An Angel for Emily” by Jude Deveraux, Waxman even baked two cakes to serve during the discussion: one angel food and one devil’s food.
To celebrate the “joy of reading,” the group made a creative and generous donation to the Delaware County Literacy Council (DCLC), an organization that provides free instruction to adults who struggle with reading. Members donated $1 for each year the book club has been in existence ($20 per member), resulting in a $260 donation.
“We know how much we enjoy books, and we couldn’t imagine what it would be like not to be able to read. We wanted to give the gift of literacy to others,” said Waxman.
The AfterWords Book Club is calling on other book clubs in the area to build on their initial act of generosity. They are challenging clubs to make an anniversary gift to the Literacy Council, using the formula “number of members multiplied by number of years.” They’re calling this effort “The Book Club Challenge for Literacy” (#BookClubChallenge2018).
“It will be so exciting to see other book clubs step up,” said AfterWords member Lillian Franklin of Broomall. “It will be our own version of the Ice Bucket Challenge.”
Book clubs interested in taking the challenge can call Susan at 610-876-4811 or visit http://bit.ly/LiteracyBCC (case sensitive). Participating clubs will be featured on DCLC’s website and Facebook page.
Founded in 1975, the Literacy Council offers free one-on-one tutoring and instruction in reading, writing, math, GED preparation, and English as a Second Language (ESL). DCLC’s programs are free to local adults and are available through the generosity of a countywide network of volunteers. For information about DCLC or about becoming a volunteer, visit www.delcoliteracy.org
Hear youth orch. Sunday
TREDYFFRIN » The Delaware County Youth Orchestra performs its annual Spring Concert for the 2017-18 season at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 20, at Conestoga High School, 200 Irish Road, Berwyn. Admission is free. The venue has disability access.
The orchestra, under the direction of Andrew Hauze, performs a program featuring Bernstein’s Overture to “West Side Story,” Berlioz’ “Three Dances” from “The Damnation of Faust,” Delius’ “The Walk to the Paradise Garden” and Sibelius’ “Finlandia.”
For information, visit our website at www.dcyo.org
State treasurer visits 161st
ASTON » State Rep. Leanne Krueger-Braneky, D-161 of Swarthmore, hosts state Treasurer Joe Torsella for a town hall from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, May 21, at Northley Middle School, 2801 Concord Road, Aston.
Torsella presents information on the Keystone Scholars program, which can help Delaware County families save for college, and takes questions on other topics. The state treasurer administers the unclaimed property program, the state’s 529 College Savings program, and safeguards the financial health of the state.
No RSVP is required. For information, call KruegerBraneky’s district office at 610-534-6880.
Gethealthyin164th
MILLBOURNE » State Rep. Margo Davidson, D-164 of Upper Darby, holds her eighth annual Community Health Fair from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, May 24, at Everest Urgent Care, 6787 Market St.
Health care and program experts are on hand to answer questions about federal and state health care programs, as well as to perform screenings and answer questions.
The health fair includes free health screenings; information on health wellness from providers, state and county agencies and nonprofits; door prizes and giveaways.
For information, contact Maureen McGrory at 610-2597016 or mmcgrory@pahouse. net
Tour historic Bethel house
BETHEL» The Bethel Township Preservation Society sponsors its annual open house tour of the Southery Log House on Bethel Road in Bethel from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, May 20. The log house was built in the late 1600s in the William Penn style that was the precursor of the row houses in Philadelphia with no windows on one side, so another home could be butted up against it, much like the modern row homes in Philadelphia today.
The Southery house was once a part of a 150-acre tract owned by the Southery family, one of Bethel’s earliest settlers. Robert Southery died in 1686, leaving behind only two daughters; thus that branch of the family ended. One daughter, Mary, married Robert Palmer of Concord and the second, Marjorie, married John Hannum, also of Concord.
The two-story house was brought from its original site a mile away near the John L. Myers Municipal Building on Bethel Road to its present location on the property of Dr. Mead Shaffer at 1645 Bethel Road, where it was restored. Most of the boards in the original home were saved since it was built of sturdy chestnut logs.
The house was continuously occupied until the early 1940s and lay abandoned for several years until Dr. Shaffer bought it and had it moved, log by log, to its present location. It is furnished with antiques of the period. Besides the tour, there will be demonstrations of colonial crafts, butter making and colonial toys for children to examine.
There is no charge for the open house tour, but contributions for the upkeep of the log house are always appreciated. Part of the festivities will include a bird walk through Dr. Shaffer’s property. Visitors will also be able to tour the Dr. Shaffer’s home across the driveway from the log home. The 17th century house was built in 1810 on the foundation of an earlier log house and was known as the Garret-Booth- Cheyney homestead. The house is furnished almost entirely with antiques and boasts large open fireplaces, as well as a beehive oven.
As a precursor to the open house on May 20, the Society will host members of the fifth grade class at Bethel Springs Elementary School. The tour fits in with the curriculum of the class and its study of Early America.