Delco Hi-Q kicks off 73rd season
HAVERFORD » The oldest continuous academic quiz competition in the United States kicked off the 73rd Season a little differently in 2020 with a virtual format. The socially distanced format allows teams to compete without meeting in person.
On Dec. 1, the first contest on the season brought together Upper Darby, Archbishop Carroll and Sun Valley High Schools through Zoom. At the halfway point, the three teams were just three points apart, making for a close and exciting second half. Upper Darby and Archbishop Carroll both gained points on the Team Choice Toss Up. The World History category was the deciding factor in the final score, with Upper Darby winning this first contest by one point. Final scores were Upper Darby45, Archbishop Carroll- 44, Sun Valley- 24.
The second contest on Dec. 2 was another close one as Haverford, Ridley and Springfield High Schools competed in cyberspace. An early lead was secured by Haverford as they answered seven out of the eight first- half questions correct on the first try. Ridley and Springfield stayed close behind, but ultimately couldn’t catch up. Final scores were Haverford- 48, Ridley- 42, Springfield- 35.
This week, there will be three contests: Dec. 9, with Penn Wood, Chester and Bonner & Prendie competing.; Dec. 10, with Valley Forge Military, Academy Park and Notre Dame competing and Dec. 11, with a competition between Chichester and Interboro high schools.
Delco Hi-Q is a partnership between Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) and Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union Foundation. FMFCU Vice President Rick Durante serves as Director and Quizmaster, FMFCU Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Danielle Griffin is Hi-Q Assistant Director. In addition to support from the 20 participating schools, Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union and the Wilbur C. and Betty Lea Henderson Foundation are the primary corporate sponsors. Additional support comes from longtime sponsor Kimberly-Clark Chester Operations and the Delaware County Daily Times.
Giant Hanukkah menorahs bring light and hope to Delco amid pandemic
Chabad of Delaware County will host a drivein menorah lighting celebration at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13 at the Delaware County Courthouse, 201 West Front St., Media. Chabad of Aston will light a public Hanukkah menorah placed at the Glen Eagle Square , 477 Wilmington West Chester Pike, Glen Mills, on Thursday, Dec. 10, at
5:30 p.m., the first night of the eight-day holiday. W hile the scope of the ceremony will be limited amid the ongoing coronav irus emergency, the lights will shine forth as brightly as ever.
Hanuk kah, the Fe stival of Light s, begins this year on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 10 and concludes the evening of Friday, Dec. 18. This year menorah lightings are done with the recognition of the crucial need for a message of hope during what for many is a very difficult time. Chabad will also distribute menorahs, candles, and Hanukkah-at-home kits to those celebrating at home.
“The menorah serves as a symbol of light and hope for us today amidst the darkness of the pandemic, as it did for generations before us,” said Rabbi Altein of Chabad of Delaware County. “The flames of the Menorah shine out into the night, reminding us that even when confronted with much darkness, a tiny light can dispel it all. Another act of goodness and kindness, another act of light, can make all the difference.”
Throughout the pandemic, Chabad centers have been on the front lines of providing social, humanitarian and spiritual support to the local community. The Covidsafe menorah lighting is the latest of many innovative programs created in response to these unique times by Chabad, including, Passover to go kits, Shofar in the park, Covid-safe high holiday services, zoom Torah classes, weekly Challah deliveries, and more online programs.
To ensure everyone is safe, all participants will be distanced and wearing masks. Following the menorah lighting ceremony, pre-packaged menorah kits and holiday treats-to-go will be distributed.
The menorah lightings are part of the worldwide Hanukkah campaign launched by the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, of righteous memory, in 1973. The campaign highlights and encourages the central theme of the holiday — publicizing the story of the Hanukkah miracle and the victor y of light over darkness, a message of hope greatly needed today.
This year has seen illness, death, quarantine, closures and business collapses, all amidst an overwhelming sense of sheer confusion and despair. In light of this heightened sense of urgency to share the message, spirit and hope of Hanukkah, the Chabad-Lubavitch movement worldwide is preparing the largest Hanukkah awareness campaign in history.
This year’s global campaign will see Chabad reach 8 million Jews in more than 100 countries. With safety measures limiting many in-person gatherings, Chabad will erect some 15,000 large public menorahs — five in Delco alone— which will be seen by millions on streets and public squares around the world, including in front of landmarks such as the White House, the Eif fel Tower, and the Kremlin.
Chabad-organized menorah parades w ill see over 6,500 Hanukkah menorah-topped cars hit the road, bringing the Hanukkah message of hope and joy through the city and into residential neighborhoods, allowing families to safely share the joy and light of Hanukkah with pride.
With many events curtailed, others opting for a drive-in model and many people isolating, Chabad will help families bring the light and celebration of Hanukkah into their homes and will distribute approximately 32 million Hanukkah candles, more than 700,000 menorah kits, 350,000 family athome Hanukkah kits and 2.5 million holiday guides in 17 languages.
For more information about Hanukkah and a local schedule of events visit Jewishdelco.org/ Hanukkah or ChabadSWdelco.com/Hanukkah.
Chabad offers Jewish education, outreach and social service programming for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations.
For more information about Chabad of Delaware County, contact Rabbi Altein, at 610-353-3835 or info@jewishdelco.org or visit Jewishdelco.org/. To contact Chabad of Aston, reach out to Rabbi Gerber at 484-620-4162 or Rabbiyudigerber@gmail.com.
Riddle Hospital Auxiliary holds annual Tree of Lights tonight
The Associated Auxiliary of Riddle Hospital will hold its annual Tree of Lights program virtually tonight, Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. People can take part of the first-ever virtual Tree of Lights from the comfort of their own homes.
The Tree of Lights is one of the Associated Auxiliary’s annual fundraisers which its members do to support Riddle Hospital. Donations will honor the heroic team at the hospital for all of the care they offered and continue to offer during the COVID-19 pandemic. People can purchase a light, ornament, or even a wreath in their honor, or in the honor of someone who died. During the event , participants w ill share a few thoughts and ref lect on the past year as the tree is lit. Everyone can then enjoy some festive holiday tunes.
To par ticipate, visit http://zoom.us/join at the time of the event. The Meeting ID is 975 9309 7900 and the Meeting pass code is 847501. People may also join from a landline or cell phone by calling 1-929-2056099.