Community volunteers remove dumpster from Darby Creek
LANSDOWNE » When Tropical Storm Isaias swept through last Aug. 4, the region was struck by an incredible amount of flooding and storm damage. One of the many objects carried away by forceful stormwater was a large, green dumpster that made its way into Darby Creek, first reported resting under the trestle at Hoffman Park. Once the Darby Creek Valley Association was approached about what could be done, Executive Director Sue Miller was determined to help.
In the beginning of 2021, Miller contacted a DCVA volunteer to scout out where the dumpster was located, and on a snowy morning Roy Binion headed out on a search beginning at Hoffman Park, making his way down stream to Pennock Woods where he located the dumpster that had positioned itself close to the streambank. The next question was how to remove it from the stream and prevent it from washing further downstream during subsequent storm events.
Miller reached out to longtime dedicated community volunteer Nicholas Hoyt, asking if he could assemble a group of volunteers to help. On a crisp 37 degree Saturday morning earlier this month, Susan Miller, Nicholas Hoyt, Rich Blye, Brian Justin, Joey Mazza, Roy Binion, David Bennett, John Haberle, Rachel Winslow, Jack Pollock, and Rocky assembled and headed into the waters, determined to remove the giant piece of troublesome trash.
With determination, will power, and brute strength, they were able to get the dumpster across the stream and up a steep bank. With a cheer and a sigh of accomplishment the dumpster was out of the creek.
Miller thanked the group, quoting Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Anyone interested in becoming a part of efforts like this, or if they are concerned about the trash in local waterways, is invited to join the DCVA’s annual watershed cleanup on April 10. More information about local clean-ups can be found at https://www.dcva.org/watershed-cleanups/.
Red Cross rewards blood donors with free T-shirt
Right now, blood donation appointments are dropping. The situation is critical and patients need blood. Over the past twelve months, despite an unprecedented number of canceled blood drives during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the American Red Cross honored its commitment to patients in need. The Red Cross was able to do that because of its generous donors and now the organization wants to thank them with a gift.
Anyone who donates blood from March 15-26 will receive an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Local blood drives will be held on select dates and times, at the following locations:
Glen Mills School, 54 Threewood Drive, noon to 5 p.m., Friday, March
19, sponsor code is “Glen Mills”; Penn State Brandywine, 25 Yearsley Mill Road, Middletown, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 24, use sponsor code “Brandywine;” Springfield Country Club, 400 W. Sproul Road, Springfield, 2-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, use code “Springfield Country Club.”
Those who received a
COVID-19 vaccine should know the name of the manufacturer because it is critical in determining blood donation eligibility. In most cases, there’s no deferral time for those who receive a vaccine. All donations are tested for COVID-19 antibodies. To schedule a time to donate, visit www.redcrossblood.org.
Goodwill holds pop-up job fair today
Goodwill will present a pop-up job fair today, March 12, at its Swarthmore store, 725 South Chester Road, Swarthmore, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Goodwill is hiring assistant managers, customer service associates, production associates, retail donor greeters and material handlers. Full- and parttime positions are available. There are more than 60 job openings across Goodwill Staffing, eCommerce, retail, and janitorial services. Goodwill offers a one-time hiring bonus with flexible hours.
Face masks and social distancing are required for the in-person interviews. For more information, or to get help creating a resume or cover letter, or applying online, visit Cheryl Casino at ccasino@goodwillde.org or 302-252-3199?.
Local senior center kicks off outdoor inperson programming
Friendship Circle Senior Center is starting the season of outdoor programming Friday, March 26, with its first, in-person, socially distanced meeting of the season at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. Rain date will be Friday, April 2. Anyone interested in joining will meet in the refuge’s entrance area at 9 a.m., and the group will begin its walk along the trails at 9:15 a.m. As the entire group will observe social distancing practices, mask-wearing is encouraged, but not required. However, masks are mandatory inside all buildings at the refuge, including bathrooms.
“We’re very excited to transition to outdoor programming in April,” said Christine Helmandollar, Friendship Circle Center director. “We want our seniors engaged, and while virtual programming has been helpful through the winter snow storms, we really want to see people in person.” Friendship Circle Senior Center is one of Senior Community Services’ four nationally-accredited senior centers in Delaware County. Throughout the pandemic SCS has worked to expand its roster of programs and activities to respond to the ever-changing needs of Delaware County’s older adults. SCS’ four senior centers work alongside community partners to offer fitness instruction, art classes, educational seminars, spiritual discussion groups, and more all through remote or socially distanced platforms.
For more information, contact Angela Odom, Friendship Circle Senior Center Program Coordinator at 484-534-2033.
Upper Darby presents Black History Month awards
Upper Darby Council will present the Black History Month Award certificates, 2 p.m. Saturday, March 13, in front of the Upper Darby Township Building, 100 Garrett Road, to the following individuals: Upper Darby Dedication to Community Award, Desiree LaMarr-Murphy; Community Activist Award, Gloria Edwards; and Upper Darby Council Achievement Award, Bart Everts.
The Upper Darby Council Events Committee Black History Month Awards will be presented by Council President Laura Wentz, Council Secretary Michelle Billups, Danyelle Blackwell, 4th District Councilwoman, Hafiz Tunis, Jr. 7th District Councilman and Matt Silva, Councilman At Large.
Boxer Larry Holmes makes guest appearance in Havertown
Carl’s Cards & Collectibles, Inc., 22 W. Eagle Road, Havertown, will host an in-store autograph signing with International Boxing Hall of Famer Larry Holmes, 1 – 4 p.m. Saturday, March 13.
Holmes, also known as the “Easton Assassin,” is among the best boxers ever to enter the ring. His left jab has been ranked one of the best in boxing history and helped him win his first 48 professional bouts on his way to a Hall of Fame career. Holmes is also one of only five boxers to defeat Muhammad Ali and the only boxer to ever stop Ali.
Anyone interested in purchasing tickets can do so in store or go to www.carlscards.com and find the Events link at the top of the page to purchase tickets. People can also call the store and reserve tickets for later pickup at 610-7894996. Customers are welcome to bring their own item(s) to have signed or they can purchase photos, gloves, and other items.
People entering the store are required to have on a mask that covers their nose and mouth. A limited amount of people will be allowed in the store at one time.