St. Pius math champion outperforms 1,000,000 competitors to take title
MARPLE » Justin O’Shea, a fifth-grade student at Saint Pius X School in Broomall, outperformed more than
1,000,000 of his peers nationally to claim the title of #1 Player Nationwide — all grades — in the First In Math® Online Program for the 2019-2020 school year.
This is Justin’s second time in the top-ten elite group, but the first as a champion. He finished ninth last year. The young math whiz also makes history, being the second family member to win this prestigious title. Exactly one decade ago, in April 2010, Justin’s brother, James O’Shea, outperformed over
600,000 competitors to win the prestigious First in Math competition.
This past school year, Justin also played travel soccer, competed in the Reading Olympics, ran cross country, played on two basketball teams, and ran track for St. Pius. For more information on the First in Math competition, visit firstinmath.com. Justin and James are the sons of Jim and Susan O’Shea of Broomall. The couple also has a younger son, Jack.
Delco will hold community blood drive on Tuesday
Delaware County will host a community blood drive 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, at the Media Municipal Building, 301
N. Jackson St., Media. Blood donors must register and choose a time to donate. To sign up, visit: www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code “Media.” Donors can also call 1-800RED CROSS to register. The COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating impact on the blood supply in the country. To assist the American Red Cross and local hospitals, Delaware County Council is encouraging everyone who is willing and capable to donate blood.
There are two main components of donated blood. There is a solid component of the blood which includes red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, which help the blood clot. Plasma is the liquid component of blood, comprised of water, salt and protein and is critically needed since donations of plasma have declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plasma serves various functions. It can increase a patient’s blood volume and help with clotting. Plasma is used to treat various conditions including trauma, burns and hemophilia.
Some people who have recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies in their plasma that can attack the coronavirus and they are being asked to donate plasma.
The plasma is being studied and utilized as a treatment for patients who are seriously ill with COVID-19. The Food and Drug Administration has asked the American Red Cross to help identify prospective donors and manage the distribution of the plasma to hospitals treating patients in need. Recovered Covid-19 patients can learn more about plasma donation here:
https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/
dlp/plasma-donationsfrom-recovered-covid19-patients.html.
Springfield Township Library announces virtual programming
The Springfield Township Library staff wants the community to know that they have been working tirelessly to create a virtual presence for the residents of the Springfield community. Throughout these past six weeks, the staff has redesigned its Facebook page to include virtual programming, specials and resources for all ages. The library’s website has also been continuously updated to bring residents current library information and community happenings.
Residents are encouraged to visit https://www. facebook.com/SpringfieldTownship-Library-Delaware-County and https:// www.springfieldtwplib.org to stay abreast of all that is new at the library and in the community, so that residents can “stay together while keeping apart.” For more information, call the library, 70 Powell Road, at 610-543-2113.
Iconic Shane Candies announces deliveries to Delco in time for Mother’s Day
Media natives Ryan and Eric Berley, owners of The Franklin Fountain and Shane’s Confectionery, America’s oldest candy store, in Old City Philadelphia, have devised an opportunity for Delaware County residents to conveniently pick up treats and gifts in time for Mother’s Day at multiple locations within the county.
“We appreciate your continued support and hope our confections bring you joy and comfort in this unusual time,” the owners said. “Our Good Friday deliveries in Delco were a huge success, thanks to you all, so we have reprised them for Mother’s Day weekend, with a few streamlined modifications.”
In addition to curb-side pick up at the brick and mortar shops on Market Street, Franklin Ice Cream and Shane Confectionery will have three pick-up locations in Delaware County from 3-6 p.m. on Friday, May 8.
All orders can be placed online by Tuesday, May 5, at www.ShaneCandies. com/Shop. A menu of ideas is also on the website. When checking out, choose “Select Delco Drop-Off Sites.” In the Order Notes section below the customer’s billing information, write in a preferred pick-up location: Swarthmore at 320 Market Café, 713 S. Chester Road; Rose Valley at Thunderbird Lodge, 41 Rose Valley Road; or Lansdowne at Lansdowne Friends Meeting House, 120 N. Lansdowne Ave.