DCNR appoints new manager at Ridley Creek State Park complex
EDGMONT » State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the appointment of Alexa Rose as manager of the Ridley Creek State Park Complex, based in Delaware County. Rose is the former assistant manager at Marsh Creek State Park, Chester County.
“Having honed her managerial and public relations skills at the alwaysbusy Marsh Creek, Alexa is a natural selection to head yet another popular park in southeastern Pennsylvania,” Dunn said. “Her presence can only improve the visitor experience at the Ridley Creek State Park Complex.”
Rose will lead operations at the historic 2,606-acre Ridley Creek State Park in Edgmont, Middletown and Upper Providence townships. Located 16 miles from center city Philadelphia, the park is a very popular public wedding venue encompassing remains of an historic 18th century village; working Colonialstyle farm; and stables and pastures reflecting a rich equestrian history.
The new park manager also will oversee operations at White Clay Creek Preserve in lower Chester County. Because of its outstanding scenic, wildlife, recreational and cultural value, White Clay Creek has been designated by Congress as a National Wild and Scenic River.
“Growing up, my family spent many weekends in
Pennsylvania state parks, and they shaped some of my most cherished memories. As my family grows, I look forward to making new memories and affording that opportunity to park visitors at the Ridley Creek Complex,” Rose said. “My family is so excited for this new opportunity. The Ridley Creek State Park Complex is a unique operation with lots of interesting aspects. I’m looking forward to moving to the area and getting my feet wet with all that there is to offer.”
Rose succeeds Phillip Schmidt, who was named manager at Tyler State Park, Bucks County.
Rose began her Bureau of State Parks career as a ranger in 2013 at Caledonia State Park, Franklin County. She entered the manager trainee program in 2015 at the bureau’s Region 4, based in Bucks County, and was assigned Marsh Creek assistant park manager in 2017.
A native of Shippensburg, Franklin County, Rose, 30, holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife conservation from Juniata College. She and husband Shawn are the parents of
17-month-old daughter, Catherine.
For more information on the Ridley Creek State Park Complex call 888-PAPARKS from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Alzheimer’s Association holds virtual education, annual fundraising walk
The County of Delaware Services for the Aging announced that the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley is offering virtual education in July. People can take advantage of July virtual webinars that are free and open to the public.
No one should face Alzheimer’s alone. These education seminars are intended for family caregivers and the general community and do not provide a professional certificate of attendance. People can attend by phone or online. To register, call the
24/7 Helpline at 800-2723900. Sessions offered will include “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia,” Tuesday, July 7, at 10 a.m., and Wednesday, July
8, at 2 p.m.; “Effective Communication Strategies,” Tuesday, July 14, at 10 a.m., and Wednesday, July
15, at 2 p.m.; “Understanding & Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors,” Tuesday, July 21, at 10 a.m., and Wednesday, July 22, at 2 p.m.; and Health Living for Your Brain & Body, Tuesday, July 28, at 10 a.m.
Casual “Candid Conversations” will also be offered. Candid Conversations is a virtual, interactive session, bringing together caregivers and professionals to openly discuss the challenges and opportunities of caregiving for a person with dementia. Each session has an established topic to spark conversation and experts from varying areas of caregiving to provide education and guided discussion. Participants are welcomed into a safe, confidential, and open environment to share their thoughts and ask questions.
July Topics for Candid Conversations include
“Caregiving During COVID19: Staying Active,” Thursday, July 9, 3-4 p.m. and “Caregiver Self-Care,” Thursday, July 23, 3-4 p.m.
Additionally, the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley will hold its annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s a little differently this year. While participants won’t be gathering in large groups, they can still walk safely as individuals, families and teams.
The walk will focus on three areas - opening ceremony, walking, and a view only community planted Promise Garden. All participants will be invited to view the opening and promise garden ceremony through an online platform called Walk Mainstage. Everyone will then walk in their own neighborhoods with their family, friends and teams.
Register for the Philadelphia Walk on Nov. 14, Wilmington on Oct. 17 and Rehoboth Beach on Sept.
26 at alz.org/delval/walk.
Ridley Township Library announces reopening plan
With the news that Delaware County has moved into the green phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, staff at the Ridley Township Public Library & Resource Center is preparing for when they can reopen the building safely. Currently, the library is offering contactless delivery.
Patrons can call the library at 610-583-0593 or email RidleyLibrary100@ gmail.com or visit ridleylibrary.org to fill out a form. Library staff will collect items and deliver them to patrons outside of the front door of the building.
Books and other items can be returned to the library’s book drop near the front entrance. All materials are then quarantined for 72 hours before they are put back into circulation. All items are checked out for three weeks and can be renewed once if no one is waiting for that item.
The library’s next phase will be “grab and go,” meaning a limited number of patrons will be allowed inside the building to browse briefly and then check out their books and other items. Masks and social distancing will be required. Patrons can check out the library’s Facebook page for updated information.
Killion’s district offices reopens for constituents
State Sen. Tom Killion, R-9 of Middletown, announced his district offices in West Goshen and Brookhaven will again be open to constituents starting Monday, July 6. While both district offices reopened on June 5, the offices were open only for staff.
“There are some constituent services that cannot be done by phone or email,” said Killion. “With Chester and Delaware counties both seeing consistent declines in COVID-19 case counts, I’m happy to welcome residents back into our offices.”
Appointments will be required at both district offices for in-person constituent services. Visitors and staff will be required to wear masks and observe social distancing protocols per state and federal guidelines. Surfaces will be wiped down and disinfected after every constituent visit.
One of Killion’s most popular services, the issuance of SEPTA Key Senior ID Cards, will not be available until Monday, July 20, at the request of SEPTA. Seniors holding cards that expire in 2020 will be able to continue to ride SEPTA using their current card for 12 months beyond the printed date of expiration. For instance, cards expiring in July 2020 will remain valid through July
2021.
Killion’s West Goshen office is at 780 E. Market St., Suite 120, and may be reached at 610-436-3320 while his Brookhaven office is at 4110 Edgmont Ave. and can be reached at 610447-3163. The offices will be open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Constituents can also submit inquiries and register their opinions at senatorkillion.com.