Community news of Delaware County
MEDIA — The Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County Inc. (DAP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of domestic violence and empowering victims to move toward self-sufficiency, recently announced a partnership with the Foxwynd Foundation.
Foxwynd's donation will support DAP's counseling and emergency shelter services for domestic violence victims across 49 municipalities in Delaware County.
Partnering with Foxwynd will allow DAP to keep up with ongoing maintenance needs at the DAP Safe House, which, as the only shelter of its kind in Delaware County, is consistently at full occupancy. Foxwynd's support will also ensure the continuation of critical counseling services for DAP clients in the coming year.
Michelle Brown, DAP executive director said, "We are incredibly grateful for this new partnership with the Foxwynd Foundation that will ensure we are able to continue to serve the women, men, and children of Delaware County who depend on DAP, our services, and our staff."
The investment in DAP's mission reflects Foxwynd's commitment to being a beacon of hope for communities in need, supporting initiatives that align with its mission to act as a lifeline by enhancing access to key pillars of human dignity and potential such as health care, housing and sustainable environmental initiatives, according to a press release.
"We believe that, through our partnership, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve," said Pamela Villagra, Foxwynd's executive director. "We are excited to work with DAP and support their important work. Together, we can make a difference for victims of domestic violence."
DAP was established in 1976 as part of a movement to provide safety, advocacy, and supportive services to victims of domestic abuse in Delaware County. For the 49 municipalities in the county, DAP is the sole provider of comprehensive services for domestic violence victims in a community challenged by growing socioeconomic vulnerabilities.
As a member of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, DAP's staff provides life-saving services, including a 24/7 telephone hotline, an emergency shelter, counseling, legal representation and advocacy services, housing and relocation services, and community outreach.
DAP also provides clients the opportunity to "shop" for items they need at its thrift store, Thrift and Thrive (formerly Nana's Attic), 1061 Pontiac Road Drexel Hill.
All of these services are free, confidential and available to all residents of Delaware County regardless of race/ethnicity, gender identity, age or disability. Any individual who needs help, or anyone who wants information, can reach out via DAP's 24/7 hotline at 610-565-4590. For more information about DAP,
'Legally Blonde the Musical' opens in October at Media Theatre
The Media Theatre, 104 E. State St., Media, will present "Legally Blonde the Musical," Oct. 4-27.
Based on the beloved film, "Legally Blonde the Musical" follows the journey of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, defies expectations and proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.
This production marks a special homecoming for Tori Heinlein, who returns to The Media Theatre stage after a decade. Heinlein, who stole hearts 10 years ago as the title character in "Annie," will now take on a leading role in "Legally Blonde."
"I am beyond excited to be back at The Media Theatre, where my journey began as Annie," said Heinlein. "It's a full-circle moment to return to this incredible community and be part of such a dynamic and fun show."
In addition to Heinlein, the cast features a mix of new and returning professional actors, showcasing some of the region's finest talent.
"From familiar faces who have graced the Media Theatre stage before, to fresh new talent making their debuts, this ensemble promises to deliver a production filled with wit, charm, and dazzling performances," stated a press release about the show.
Directed and choreographed by Artistic Director Christian Ryan, "Legally Blonde the Musical" will leave audiences feeling empowered.
"This is a show that I have been a huge fan of for over 10 years, and I am ecstatic to be bringing it to the Media Theatre stage to entertain Delaware County audiences," Ryan said. "Everyone is guaranteed to walk out of the theatre feeling refreshed and energized!"
Legally Blonde the Musical" is supported by The Gifford-Risley House. To purchase tickets, go to or call the box office at 610-891-0100.
Neumann University invites pet owners to Blessing of Animals event
Neumann University in Aston will host its annual Blessing of Animals, a popular annual event for pet owners in Delaware County at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Sep. 29, in the St. John Neumann Circle on campus. The celebration is held to commemorate St. Francis of Assisi's love for all creatures.
The event will kick off a weeklong campus celebration of the legacy of St. Francis, who was born in the 12th century and is one of the most venerated religious figures in history. He is remembered for his generosity to the poor, his willingness to minister to the lepers, and his love for animals and nature. He is the Catholic Church's patron saint of animals and the environment.
Fr. Akolla Etuge, the university's chaplain, will lead a prayer and bless all furry and feathered friends and their owners with holy water.
According to Guilherme Lopes, director of campus ministry, "It's important for us to continue this Franciscan tradition to celebrate St. Francis and his love for God's creation. We are hopeful that the community will join us with their families and pets."
In previous years, more than 50 pets — including hamsters, rabbits, parrots, dogs and cats — have been among the animals blessed at the event that marks the feast of St. Francis, which is officially celebrated on Oct. 4. The Blessing of Animals is free and all are welcome.
Springfield Township Library to hold book sale in October
The Friends of the Springfield Library will hold a fall book sale, Saturday to Monday, Oct. 19-21 in the library programming room at 70 Powell Road, Springfield. Books will cost 50 cents, $1 and $2, depending on type.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19; noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20; and an all-you-can-fit-in-a-bag for $5 sale, 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, Oct. 21.
Boys & Girls Club of Chester annual golf tournament
The Boys & Girls Club of Chester will hold its fourth annual golf tournament on Monday, Sept. 30 at the Deerfield Golf Course in Newark, Delaware.
As Delaware County's only Boys & Girls Club, the group is on a mission to inspire and guide young people toward future success, and this tournament plays a crucial role in supporting youth mentorship and STEM programs.
With time running out, now is the time for members of the community to secure a spot as a sponsor or purchase tickets for the event. The Boys & Girls Club of Chester relies on the generosity of community members and businesses to continue providing life-changing programs for local youth.
By becoming a sponsor, donors not only help fund critical programs in education, leadership, and healthy living, but they also gain unique opportunities to promote their business. Sponsorships include course tickets, golf cart ads, dining sponsorships, swag bag promotions, tee signs, email blasts to supporters, custom banner displays on-site year-round and more.
Each sponsorship package provides excellent exposure to a diverse audience of participants, making it a valuable marketing investment while contributing to the future success of youth.
In addition to sponsorship, players can also purchase individual tickets to participate in the tournament or attend the dinner portion. Tickets are available for individual golfers and for a foursome. Dinner-only tickets include individuals, dups or the option to reserve a table.
Everyone's support will directly impact the lives of children and teens in Chester, enabling the Boys & Girls Club to continue offering mentorship, academic enrichment, STEM programming, and more, helping young people imagine and achieve their dreams.
To purchase tickets or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.boysgirlsclubchester.com/golf or contact CEO Derrick Billups Sr. at announce facilities improvement grants for schools
Chester-Upland, Chichester and Interboro school districts and Delaware County Technical School were awarded state grant funding last week to help address environmental hazards in their school buildings, according to state Reps. Carol Kazeem, Leanne Krueger and Dave Delloso, all D-Delaware.
Chester Upland received $821,912 while Chichester was awarded $1.04 million. Interboro was awarded $290,761. DCTS also received $80,095 for environmental remediation needs in its Aston and Folcroft buildings.
The money comes from the state's Public School Environmental Repairs Program. Grants under the program can be spent by schools to fix environmental hazards in their school buildings, including removing lead in water sources and in paint, as well as asbestos and mold removal and remediation.
A total of $75 million was available for the competitive grant program established in 2023, and 109 school districts and technical centers across the state received grants in this round. Projects require a cash match of 50% of total eligible project costs. More information is available on the Department of Education's website.
Widener welcomes two members to Board of Trustees
Widener University recently announced the addition of two members to its Board of Trustees. The first board meeting will take place in October.
The new members include alumna Marcia Zaruba O'Connor '90, CEO and founder of The O'Connor Group, a top-ranked human resources consulting and talent solutions firm located in King of Prussia; and the Honorable Scott W. Reid '02, an alumnus of Widener Delaware Law School and a United States Magistrate Judge serving on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
"I am delighted to welcome Marcia O'Connor and Judge Scott Reid to the Widener University Board of Trustees," Widener President Stacey Robertson said. "Both of them have demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing Widener and its mission. As proud Widener alumni, they have each remained deeply embedded in the Widener community, generously providing guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for our students over the years. I look forward to the expertise and inspired ideas they will bring to our university leadership."'
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