Killion plans food drive Saturday in Aston
ASTON » State Sen. Tom Killion, R-9 of Middletown, will hold a food drive 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct.
3, at Aston Community Center, 3270 Concord Road, Aston, for the benefit of those served by the Aston Neighbors Helping Neighbors program and the Salvation Army of Chester.
“These are challenging times,” said Killion. “CO
VID-19 is an economic emergency as well as a public health one. Many families are struggling to put food on their table. If you can, please help those in need.”
Non-perishable foods, toiletries and personal care items are most needed. T hose with questions should call Killion’s district office at 610-447-3163.
Garrett Williamson programs continue operation during pandemic
In 1910, local resident Elizabeth Garrett, decided to bequeath her family farm “for the support and maintenance of poor children and deserving women.” The 240 acres, the last original land preserve in Newtown Square, have hosted thousands of children who run across fields, hike trails, and explore the woods – all while learning about the value of friendship and the land.
Over a century later, Elizabeth’s endowment is more relevant than ever. Her generosity evolved into Garrett Williamson’s award-winning Garrett’s Way Childcare and Learning Center and Camp Gar
rett. Both programs welcome all children to engage in unique educational and recreational programs, and foster loving connections within the Garrett Williamson community. Almost half of those enrolled receive scholarships.
The programs are a unique type of ChildCARE, which stands for Garrett Williamson’s Core Values: Commitment, Appreciation, Respect, and Education for every child and family.
The Garrett’s Way curriculum covers ages six weeks through kindergarten, and aligns with Pennsylvania’s State Early Learning Standards. The standards promote emotional, social, language, reading, math, science, art and imaginative play skills – all with a hands-on approach in small group settings.
While the pandemic curtailed many programs this year, Garrett Williamson has been assiduous with safety protocols, taking full advantage of the vast
amount of outdoor space for social distancing. Enrollment has returned to almost normal levels again.
Additionally, the 4-H program that operates in the Garrett Williamson’s Family Barn, built in 1794, has ramped up their programs for all their clubs, from caring for the livestock in the pastures to zooming with sewing club members who created Halloween superhero costumes for children in a homeless shelter.
The value of a safe and welcoming childhood environment is well-documented, and Elizabeth Garrett’s Quaker precepts, practiced by today’s staff, continue to support the concepts of peace, tolerance, and diversity.
Garrett Williamson is a 501C 3 charitable organization, and exists to create an environment where every child, regardless of their financial situation, has high- qua lit y, lifechanging experiences using the historic property as their canvas for learning. Garrett Williamson welcomes volunteers, donors, and all interested parties to contact them about the opportunities to support Elizabeth Garrett’s vision, and get involved in Garrett Williamson. For more information, visit www.garrettwilliamson.org/, call 610-353-7690, or email marketing@garrettwilliamson.org
Giant offers free Halloween virtual cooking classes for kids of all ages
Have an aspiring young chef at home or looking for new ways to enjoy the Halloween season virtually? Every Monday and Wednesday throughout October, kids of all ages can join The GIANT Co.’s team of nutritionists in creating spooky snacks live via Zoom.
Every Mondays at 10:30 a.m., mini-chefs ages 6 and younger will enjoy a seasonal story and then make a healthy yet spirited snack. The complete schedule includes: Oct.
5, Witches Broomstick Snack; Oct. 12, Vampire Apple; Oct.
19, Strawberry Ghosts; and Oct. 26, Chocolate Milk Overnight Oats in Mummy Mason Jars.
Every Wednesday at 4 p.m., junior chefs ages 7 to 18 can learn about a seasonal nutrition topic in addition to creating a yummy and healthy snack. The October schedule includes: Oct. 7, Mummy Apply Crypts; Oct. 14, Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites; Oct.
21, Bell Pepper Jack O’ Lantern; Oct. 28, Chocolate Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Pancakes.
The classes are free to attend but advanced registration for both Mini Chef Mornings and Junior Chef Creations is required at the
giantcompanynutritionists.eventbrite.com. A complete listing of ingredients needed for each snack is also available on the event page and via the registration confirmation.
Halloween costumes are encouraged for the Oct. 26 and Oct. 28 classes. In addition, if families register with their mailing address for the Oct. 26 or Oct. 28 class by Oct. 11, they will receive a goodie box from the American Dairy Association Northeast.
The GIANT Company’s team of nutritionists are also available virtually for group presentations, lunch and learns and to answer nutrition questions. Visit https://giantfoodstores.com for more information, to register and to get a schedule of upcoming classes.
Drive-thru flu shot clinic available at Schoolhouse Center
Schoolhouse Center, 600
Swarthmore Ave., Folsom, in partnership with the Holmes Acme, will host a free drive-thru flu shot 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Oct.
13. The 65-plus community is welcome to participate.
Pre-registration assures there will be enough immunizations. Call Betty or Sayre to register at 610 237
8100.
Glen Mills student receives Congressional Award Gold Medal
Members of the United States Congress honored 478 youth from across America with The Congressional Award Gold Medal in the program’s first-ever entirely virtual Gold Medal Ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 26. Vikas Rana of Glen Mills, a student at Brown University, was among the honorees. Additionally, Vikas earned a STEM Star in conjunction with their Gold Medal.
The Congressional Award Gold Medal is the most prestigious award Congress bestows upon a youth civilian.
Each Gold Medalist accumulated over 800 hours over the span of at least two years in the program areas of Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development , and Physical Fitness in addition to planning and going on an in-depth Exploration/Expedition.
The v ir tual ceremony brought together the 2020 Gold Medalists, their loved ones, notable industry and civic leaders, and members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives to celebrate the momentous occasion, sharing their wisdom and advice.