Delco opens its heart when needed
A look at the week that was, the issues and people who made headlines, and a few darts and laurels for those who deserve them.
LAUREL: To all those in Delaware County who reached out to help in the wake of the devastation wreaked across Texas by Hurricane Harvey. Here in Delaware County, Proaction Restoration in Ridley led a huge drive to collect and deliver necessary goods for the flood-damaged region. And a crew from the firm is in Texas helping with restoration work. It was a scene repeated again and again across the county, again proving that when the need is great, Delco really delivers.
DART: To Irma ... And Harvey ... And the two hurricanes lined up behind them ... And a massive earthquake in Mexico. When do the locusts get here? DART: To pain at the pump. It’s not just residents of Florida and Texas that are feeling the effects of Mother Nature. With several key refineries sidelined, prices at the pump here in the region are creeping up, getting close to the $3 a gallon mark. But it’s a small price compared to what is going on in those storm-devastated areas. LAUREL: To Providence Animal Center. They made the trek to help in the rescue of dozens of cats and dogs who had spent several days in the water. The former county SPCA is ready to head back to the region as soon as they can find homes for the pets they brought back. They continue to do great work. DART: On the other hand, it’s really hard to imagine the mindset that can lead to the condition of two dogs that were found abandoned in an Upper Darby park. Justice Rescue and Upper Darby police found the two – which they named Gracie and Layla – in deplorable, emaciated condition. It is believed they had been used for fighting. They are now hopefully being nursed back to health at a Chester County animal hospital. LAUREL: To a new deal between the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and unionized teachers at 17 high schools. The one-year contract ends months of negotiating and avoids a work stoppage at the start of the school year. The previous pact expired on Aug. 31
DART: Yes, that means school for just about all students in Delaware County is back in session. Forget what the calendar tells you. Summer is over.
DART: To the Pennsylvania Legislature. Well, you can cross August off the calendar, and there still is no funding mechanism for the state budget. This week House Republicans rolled out a plan to counter the one passed by the Senate – and backed by Gov. Wolf. In other words, don’t look for a deal any time soon.
LAUREL: To all those who gathered in Rose Tree Park last week to mark International Overdose Awareness Day. Their stories are chilling, all of them knowing first-hand the real pain this opioid scourge is taking, and the horrific human toll it is exacting.
DART: To Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Too bad the nation’s top lawman was not in attendance at Rose Tree Park. He would have heard testimony that flies in the fact of his proposed new crackdown. Those at Rose Tree know all too well that we are not going to arrest ourselves out of this crisis.
LAUREL: To HEADStrong. The foundation named in honor of late Ridley star lacrosse player Nick Colleluori got a huge win in court last week. A judge rejected a claim from neighbors of a home in Swarthmore that the group wants to use as a temporary residence for caregivers of those in the region getting cancer treatment. The ruling clears any barrier to opening the facility on Chester Road in Swarthmore. LAUREL: To the churches in Chester. As detailed in a feature story this week, they have played a crucial role in the city, offering role models for youths and stressing programs that push the arts, education and anti-violence.
LAUREL: To the Matsiko World Orphan Orchestra, which brought its sweet sounds to the city last weekend. It’s another great program championed by Devon Walls, who has been instrumental in the renaissance in the city focusing on the arts.
DART: To the pall that fell over the Temple campus in Philadelphia. Just days after arriving on the campus, a young coed transfer student disappeared after a night out. A former Temple student now is charged with killing her. LAUREL: To the mighty legacy of Saint James High School. Gone now 25 years, they are still having a big effect on the community. Alums gathered this week to unveil a new monument at the Dog House, the official home of the Saint James Bulldogs. The school may have closed a quarter century ago, but its legacy remains a vibrant part of the community. In fact they are celebrating the milestone with a campaign of “Keep the Spirit Alive at 25.” We’d say they’re doing a pretty good job. LAUREL: To election season. If we’ve put Labor Day in the rear-view mirror, it must be time for politics to start heating up. Last week the county Republicans announced that incumbent Register of Wills Jennifer Holsten Madddaloni would not seek re-election. And several Libertarian candidates also got knocked off the ballot after challenges. LAUREL: To Rhys Hoskins and J.P. Crawford. These youngsters are giving us a reason not to bail out on the baseball season just yet. They could be the nucleus the Phils build around for the future.
LAUREL: Thank God we don’t have to watch any more preseason football games. Tomorrow the Eagles tee it up for real in D.C. vs. the Redskins. Let’s hope Carson Wentz and company do better than last year’s 7-9 campaign.
LAUREL: All together now: E-A-G-L-E-S! Let’s go, Birds