Free seats available to Hedgerow Theatre's upcoming production

This weekend for the 4 p.m.matinee, Hedgerow Theatre will give away 14 FREE tickets to  "Boeing Boeing." To claim the seats, call 610.565.4211 and  give your name. The  seats will be assigned at the door. 

Hedgerow’s Boeing Boeing Is Barrymore Recommended

Hedgerow Theatre Company continues to be recognized for its efforts to raise the bar in regional professional theatre with its second Barrymore Recommendation for Excellence in Theatre this season, Boeing Boeing by Marc Camoletti and directed by Damon Bonetti.

Theatre Philadelphia has used the Barrymore Awards since 1994 to inform the public about the great theatre being produced in the region, while also recognizing artists for excellence and innovation. The Barrymore Recommended shows have been attended by a member of the board and deemed to be of high quality, and they are then eligible to move on to the Barrymore Judges for future consideration for the annual awards.

This recommendation confirms the universal acclaim the production has received from critics, who have praised the “terrific comedic timing of the cast” and called it “two hours of nearly non-stop laughter.”  It takes place in the 1960s in the Paris apartment of American businessman Bernard, a playboy who is “engaged” to three gorgeous airline hostesses: Gloria, an American, works for TWA; Gabriella, an Italian, is with Air Italia; and Gretchen, a German, flies with Lufthansa. By keeping meticulous track of their different schedules, he’s able to juggle their arrivals and departures so none of them learn about the others, with the help of his grumpy, long-suffering maid Berthe. During a visit from an old college friend, Robert, from Wisconsin, Bernard’s perfect flight plan hits severe turbulence when weather delays and changes in timetables bring all three women to Paris at the same time.

For three years now, Bonetti has loved coming out to Hedgerow in June for its beauty, its actors, and to help create and continue its ridiculous tradition, “The Summer Farce.” He helmed the critically acclaimed The 39 Steps in 2014 and No Sex Please, We’re British in 2015. This year, he’s guided yet another cast towards another great show. “The Barrymore Recommendation is great,” he said. “It’s always an honor to be recognized.”

“People love farces because they are funny, because they are stupid smart, because they are ridiculous and they get to see people doing ridiculous things,” Bonetti continued, “farce is controlled chaos. It helps if the play is good, and this play is very good...and it helps to have funny people in the play, who are also good actors. Everyone brings their ‘A’ game to every rehearsal and every show.”

Four of the cast members have appeared in previous farces. Andrew Parcell (Run For Your Wife, The 39 Steps) plays Bernard. Hedgerow Fellow Mark Swift, who wowed audiences last summer in No Sex Please, We’re British, is once again the comic foil as Robert. Meredith Beck, the beleaguered newlywed in No Sex Please, is Gloria; and Fellow Allison Bloechl (No Sex Please, Bullshot Crummond) plays Gretchen. There are also two newcomers. Portraying Gabriella is Hanna Gaffney, a BFA graduate in acting from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and  Trice Baldwin, who plays Berthe, a founding member of the Commonwealth Classic Theatre Company.

Adult ticket prices for Friday, Saturday evening and Sunday shows are $34; Saturday twilight shows are $29. There is a $3 discount for seniors. Tickets for those 30 and under and students are $20. For groups of 10 or more, tickets are $18. Prices include all fees and are subject to change.

For reservations or more info, call 610-565-4211 or visit www.HedgerowTheatre.org. Hedgerow Theatre is located at 64 Rose Valley Road in Rose Valley (near Media).

Some free May events that may interest you!

Free Peter Moses Kids Concert at Aston Public Library

Peter Moses Kicks Off Summer Reading Activities Tuesday May 31 at 6:30 pm at Aston Public Library.  For more than 20 years, Peter Moses has performed for groups of children, festivals, libraries, schools and major children's music venues. Peter's concerts are highly participatory, funny and upbeat. Performances combine interactive singalongs with original folk & pop-rock for children. He accompanies himself on guitar, keyboards and harmonica. Peter has produced ten original music and song titles since 1990. The concert is held in the Community Center Gym and is FREE for everyone.

For more information about the Aston Public Library, go to  www.astonlibrary.org/.The Library is located at 3270 Concord Road in Aston. 

Free presentation on attracting birds to backyard

Newtown Public Library will host "Birds in your own backyard," presented by educators from the United States Forestry Service,,10:30 am Tuesday, May 25.  Learn about birds in our area and make your own bird feeder using recycled materials. Take home some bird seed to get you started. Children attending must be in grades 4-8. Space is limited. To register or for more info, call 610-353-1022.

Newtown Public Library is located at 201 Bishop Hollow Road in Newtown Square.

FREE Senior Bingo in Media
ComForCare Homecare will hold free Senior Bingo with lots of prizes at the Unitarian Church, 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media 5-8 pm Wed., May 25. To reserve a spot, call 510-566-5102 or e-mail wecare@comforcare.com/.

FREE history speaker on mills in early America

The Newtown Square Historical Society invites the public to its last monthly program of the school year on Wednesday, May 18 at 7 p.m. at the Dunwoody auditorium to hear Tony Shahan speak on the importance of mills in the daily life of early America.

 In the time before electric and steam power, water was the fuel that powered the industry of the 18th & 19th centuries – the same gallon of water that turned the water wheel on Darby Creek in Newtown, then powered the next ones in Radnor, Marple, Haverford, Springfield and Darby. Saw mills, grist mills, textile mills, tilt and blade mills – all were the backbone of the local economies. 

Tony Shahan has his own operating 18th century mill – he is the director of the Newlin Grist Mill in Glen Mills. He graduated with a BA in History from College of the Ozarks and an MA in History and Museum Studies from the University of Delaware. He has been working as a museum professional for 28 years, including jobs with the National Park Service, Delaware State Museums, Greenbank Mills and Philips Farm, the Newlin Grist Mill, and as a private consultant throughout the region. Over 20 years of his experience has been working in historic mills. All programs are held at the Dunwoody Village auditorium, 3500 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square.  Admission is free. Refreshments will be served. 

FREE Art show in Chester

Senior Community Services’ Chester Senior Center will hold its 5th annual Art Show 4-6 pm  Saturday, May 21 at 721 Hayes Street, Chester. The event will display various art works of older adult artists in the community.  Mediums include original oil and water color, pencil drawing, jewelry, and ceramic arts.   The event is free and open to the public and will include a wine, dessert and cheese reception, and raffles for original artwork.  For further information, call (610) 497-3550.

FREE Memorial Day Service open to everyone

Harold Paul Saks Amvets Post 118,Morton with Commander Charles Dougherty and Past State Commander ,Harry Mirra will have a Memorial Service  at Plush Mills Senior Living, Wallingford, Pa on Saturday ,May 28th, at 11am. Weather permitting, the service will be held out side. The AMVETS will dedicate this event to all our service men and women who have given their all for  Americans' freedom. The AMVETS have  honored the veterans at Plush Mills for the past few years. However, this service is open to all members of  Plush Mills and their families. The AMVETS is anticipating that a U.S.M.C  will be present for this event.

Harold Paul Saks, AMVETS Post 118,Morton,Commander Charles Dougherty and Past State Commander Harry Mirra will assist Mayor, Kevin Cunningham  in another Memorial Day service  at the Boro Hall on Sunday May 29 at 1pm..The service is to remember our service man and women who have their all for our Freedom. Longtime resident, Ginny Valonis, will recite a poem made famous after WW I. The poem is part of the Military Funeral Service honoring our deceased comrades titled "In Flanders Field.".Valonis' father was in the  service during WW II and Korea.
A United States Marine recently returned from overseas will say a few words about the tour of duty and the Marine life.

Medicare 101 presented at Ridley Township Library Are you approaching the time when Medicare will be important to you? Plan to attend our free Medicare 101 session, geared to take some of the mystery out of Medicare planning. It will be held in the library’s lower level meeting room on Monday, May 16th at 6 pm. Because of limited seating, registration is required! Learn the basics of Medicare A, B, C and D.  Get all the facts about Copays, Coinsurance and Deductibles as well as Medicare HMO/Advantage Plans and Medical and Preventive Services offered to Medicare consumers for 2016. The FREE workshop will be presented by APPRISE, a free health insurance counseling program designed to help older Pennsylvanians with Medicare. Call 610-583-0593, emailreference@ridleylibrary.org, or visit the library, located at 100 E. MacDade Blvd., Folsom to register. 

Free Concert in the Park

A free district-wide musical event in Marple Newtown will take place 5-9 pm Saturday, May 14 in Marple Newtown High School’s gymnasium. There will be no admission charge for this family friendly event, although donations are welcome to support the district's band program.

For the third consecutive year, the Marple Newtown School District has been named in a list of “Best Communities for Music Education” by the NAMM Foundation, affirming music education in MN as part of the core curriculum. This brings attention to the importance of keeping musical education part of the school district’s core but also music’s vital role in student success in school. Numerous studies demonstrate that learning to play music can boost academic and social skills, especially math and cooperation in groups.

 Come out to enjoy performances by MN Elementary, MN Middle and MN High School’s award winning Jazz and Concert Bands, Orchestra, Color Guard and Indoor Drum Line.

 It's the public's chance to experience, right here in the local area, the topnotch district music program from beginning (elementary) to end (high school)!!

 Picnic fare will be available for purchase: freshly grilled burgers and hot dogs, soft pretzels, popcorn, ice cream, pizza, country fair yodelers, and more.

 Games, raffle baskets, 50/50s, and more fun activities are planned with something for everyone. Here is the schedule:

5:00   High School Orchestra

5:30   6^th Grade Band

5:50   High School Jazz Lab

6:05   7^th Grade Band

6:25   Elementary Concert Band/Jazz Band

6:55   Indoor Drumline (High School)

7:05   Middle School Jazz Band

7:30   High School Color Guard

7:40   High School Jazz Band

8:10   8^th Grade Band - Paxon Hollow Concert Band

8:30  High School Band - finale

Take advantage of local free events!

 Free Senior Health and Wellness Fair
The Delaware County Institute of Science, 11 Veterans Square, Media, will host a free lecture,7:30-8:45 p.m., Monday, May 9. Artists Andrew Arata and Robert Deane will present “Repurposing the Appalachians into Pottery.” This presentation will describe digging and processing Southeastern Pennsylvania clay to create sculptures, and discuss the science and mythology behind their creations. The lecture will be preceded by two short presentations by the top winners of the Delaware County Science Fair.

Senior Community Services will sponsor a free Senior Health and Wellness Fair at the Brookhaven Municipal Building on Thursday, May 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  This Health Fair will provide important health and wellness information for seniors and their families. Health providers from various organizations such as Crozer Keystone Health System Community Health Education, Riddle Hospital Stroke Program (providing blood pressure screening, stroke risk assessment, and information on early heart attack care), and many more will be in attendance. Energy saving light bulbs will be distributed by PECO. APPRISE counselors will also be present to offer free Medicare 101 information.

For more information, contact Senior Community Services 484-496-2143. The Brookhaven Municipal Building is located at 2 Cambridge Road in Brookhaven.

Free Document Shred Day

   McCausland, Garrity and Marchesani Funeral Home & Crematory, 343 S. Chester Pike, Glenolden, will hold their 8^th annual Shredding Day 1-4 pm Sunday, May 1. Everyone is welcome to bring their documents and other papers for shredding. The event is free, but people are asked to bring a canned good for the local food bank. For information, call 610-583-0148.

World Laughter Day

The Philadelphia Area World Laughter Day 2016 Celebration will be 2-3 p.m., Sunday, May 1, at the Rose Tree Park Outdoor Amphitheater, 1671 N. Providence Road, Media. The event is free and open to the community. World Laughter Day was created in 1998 by Dr. Madan Kataria, founder of the world wide Laughter Yoga movement. The celebration of World Laughter Day is a positive manifestation for world peace and is intended to build up a global consciousness of brotherhood and friendship through laughter.

Media resident Alexa Drubay of www.laughteryogawithalexa.com and Ernie Oktay of http://www.laughteryogafriends.com/ will be leading fun, easy-to-follow laughter exercises combined with deep yogic breathing. Participants will leave feeling uplifted and re-energized.

These exercises can be done standing or seated. No experience is necessary. People should bring a water bottle, blanket, sun hat and a folding chair.

Contact Alexa Drubay at 215-478-5669 or alexa@laughteryogawithalexa.com with questions. RSVP/Rain date information at http://www.meetup.com/Laughter-Yoga-Club-Delaware-County-PA/events/229606605/.

Living History in Aston May 12

  Aston Township Historical Society (ATHS) will be joined by Clarence Hickey at its quarterly meeting on May 12 at 7 p.m. There is a change in venue to the Aston Township Community Center, 3720 Concord Road. The event is free.

  Hickey, formerly of Fisher’s Corner, Aston, gives a presentation on “The Life and Times a Country Doctor in the 1800s.” This first person portrayal reflects the life and historic times of country doctor Edward Stonestreet and his colleagues when Stonestreet practiced medicine in Rockville, Md., from 1852-1903. It is based on the speaker’s 2009 biography, “Send for the Doctor.” The book chronicles Doctor Stonestreet’s life, family, medical education and his brief service as a surgeon with U.S. Army during the Civil War. It also highlights his 51 year medical practice of house calls and office visits as a local physician and surgeon. Plus, the biography includes the doctor responding to accidents and injuries while serving as a family physician in Rockville and the surrounding county.

  Hickey dresses in period attire and brings a 1885 medical bag with 19th century medical instruments and medicinals to share and discuss.

  The newly updated ATHS history museum and research center is open prior to the meeting from 6:30-7. Bring old pictures for ATHS to scan for its archives.  Everyone is welcome to this free event.

Free Talk on Gardening

On May 10 from 6:30-7:30pm, Media-Upper Providence Free Library presents a free talk by Penn State's Master Gardener Joe Daniels. He will describe the recommended ways to grow herbs, preferred growing conditions and how to incorporate them into your garden. Joe will describe herb varieties and which types to plant together. Small herb plants will be available for purchase after the program.  To register, visit mediauplibrary.org or call 610-566-1918.

Free Genealogy presentation

Join the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania at the Rachel Kohl Library for “Researching Your Irish Ancestors” on Wednesday, May 4^th at 6:30pm. This lecture gives hints and suggestions on finding both Catholic and Protestant Irish ancestors from the 17^th century through the Potato Famine and into the early 1900s. Registration is requested for this event. Call the library at 610-358-3445, ext. 4.

Learn How To De-Clutter in Free Session

The Rachel Kohl Library welcomes professional organizer Karen Jessee for “De-Stress and De-Clutter” on Tuesday, May 10^th at 6:30pm. See  the before and after, hear the stories and learn the strategies of living a life that is easier, healthier and more efficient through getting organized and staying organized.

Free Community Dinner 

Collenbrook United Church will host a FREE monthly Community Dinner to help feed local families in need Thursday, April 28. The Dinner will take place on the last Thursday of each month. Everyone is welcome to the dinner at Collenbrook United Church, 5290 Township Line Rd. in Drexel Hill, in their Fellowship Hall between  5 and 7 pm. Attendees can enter the lot from either State or Township Line Roads. Please use the entrance near the playground to enter the Fellowship Hall, and there is handicapped access through the Sanctuary doors. Collenbrook is across from the Drexel Line Shopping Center. For questions,  call: 610-789-9590.

Free Block Party Offered

The Aston Public Library will have a family "Block Party" 5 pm Tuesday, May 3.   A Block Party is a 45 minute to an hour long free play session with a set of universal blocks, people, vehicles, animals, scarves and other materials where families with young children have the freedom to build and play as they wish.

With the materials provided to Aston Library by a grant through the Pennsylvania State Library, families with young children will build and experiment, manipulate objects, work with others, count and measure, and build vocabulary.  This program is open to anyone who wishes to attend. There are 2 rules---no throwing blocks and no knocking down anyone else's structure. No registration is required. 

For more information about the Aston Public Library, go to  www.astonlibrary.org/. The Library is located at 3270 Concord Road in Aston. 

Free Iris Show

The Delaware Valley Iris Society will hold an iris show on Sunday, May 15 at the Jenkins Arboretum and Gardens. The arboretum is at 631 Berwyn-Baptist Rd. Devon. The show features Bearded, Siberian and Louisiana irises. There will also be an Artistic Division. The show is open for viewing by the public from 12-4 pm. There is no admission fee. A coupon will be available to all show attendees for a free iris at the iris sale in July.

Free Session With a Hand Specialist

Dr. Blane Sessions, a hand surgeon with the Crozer Keystone Health System, will discuss common conditions that cause hand and wrist pain, how to relieve pain with over-the-counter medications and conservative therapies, in a free presentation 2 pm Thursday, May 19.  This presentation will also discuss when to see a doctor as well as how to determine whether you may be a good candidate for surgery.

The presentation will be at the Brookhaven Municipal Building at 2 Cambridge Road in Brookhaven.

If you have any questions or would like to register for the course, contact Lori at 484-496-2138. Pre-registration is required. Do not contact the municipality directly, as workers may not be familiar with the program.

Calling all seniors to come out for the gold!

     All residents age 50 and older are invited to compete in golf, basketball, swimming, bowling, track & field, table tennis, billiards and shuffleboard during the Delaware County Senior Games, June 8-19. New this year is a bocce exhibition.  Come out and cheer, volunteer or compete. The event is sponsored by County Council, the Parks Department and COSA. To register, visit www.delcoseniorgames.org

Free lecture at Institute of Science 

The Delaware County Institute of Science, 11 Veterans Square, Media, will host a free lecture,7:30-8:45 p.m., Monday, May 9. Artists Andrew Arata and Robert Deane will present “Repurposing the Appalachians into Pottery.” This presentation will describe digging and processing Southeastern Pennsylvania clay to create sculptures, and discuss the science and mythology behind their creations. The lecture will be preceded by two short presentations by the top winners of the Delaware County Science Fair.

Free tips on starting a business

Media-Upper Providence Free Library will present a seminar on how to start and operate a business, in partnership with Chester & Delaware County SCORE, 7-9 pm May 17. The presenter, Frank Farmer, founder of the Small Business Assistance Center, will provide an overview on start-up questions including business structure, financing, hiring agreements, accounting systems and tax liability. Register online at the SCORE page on mediauplibrary.org.

Marchers needed! There’s no cost to being patriotic!

The American Legion Post 227 is sponsoring the Springfield Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 30th at 10 am. The Legion is asking all Veterans, Reserve, National Guard and Active Duty Military, who may be home on leave, to march in the Parade. In addition the Post welcomes any uniform member in the following groups: Police, Fire Company, Ambulance Corps, other First Responders, ROTC units, Lions and all Scout members, to come to Veterans Memorial Park at 9:30 am. If one can not march, they can ride in one of the many vehicles in the Parade.

 For more information, call Legion Post Commander Rocco Polidoro at 610-544-8900.   

Play pool for free and for fun!

The POCKETS PIRATES, a pool team at the Folsom School House Senior Center, Folsom, is looking for a few pool players, new or experienced. The  pool team competes against other senior centers from Phila. to Glen Mills. Players range in age from 60-87 and they play for fun. The senior center has two pool tables and they play about 4 tournaments a month, some home and others away. They win some and also lose some ,but the players say they always have a good time.  For more information, contact Harry Mirra at 610-543-2082.

Middletown Community Day

The 22nd annual Middletown Township Community Day will be held 11 am to 3 pm  Saturday, May 14  at Penn State Brandywine Campus, rain or shine.  There will be lots of free local entertainment for all ages to enjoy. The outdoor event has fun activities planned for the whole family and everyone is  welcome.

Local business tables will be available with information about their services.  A variety of animal rescue groups will also have exhibits, including the Delaware County SPCA, Red Paws and the Animal Rescue of Southeast Pennsylvania.  Other information booths will include the Colonial Plantation and Middletown Township Historical Society.

Community Day has many free features,  including a variety of children activities, including face painting, pony rides, and moon bounces.  Mr. Jason of Middletown Free Library will be on hand to get wet from the “Big Splash.”

The Parks and Recreation Booth will have information about Middletown’s Summer Camp Program, their day and overnight trips and many more activities.  Local residents can also learn more about Middletown’s 911 Center and Delaware County Canine Unit.

The musical acts for Community Day will start off with the Mummers Overbrook String Band at 11:30am,  followed by Makin’ Music.  The Rockdale Music bands will start playing at 2 p.m. There will be sack races for both adults and children.  Once again this year, the day will feature the Giant Donut eating contest and the very popular “Wing Bowl” featuring competitors from Williamson College of The Trades and the volunteers from Middletown Fire Company #1. 

Middletown Community Day will also have clowns, balloon art, face painters, hay rides, fire engine rides, photo booth and many fun activities for young and old alike.  Wolff’s Apple House is once again donating flowers for the young ones to plant.  There will be free water ice from Rita’s thanks to the generous donation from Weather’s  Motors.  Plus many, many more activities and surprises. Attendees are encouraged to stop by the food court to purchase  lunch and snacks and  lemonade at Alex’s Lemonade stand.

For more information, contact Middletown Township at 610-565-2700 or visit www.middletowncommunityday.com.

The Middletown Township Parks and Recreation building is at 27 North Pennell Road in Lima. Penn State Brandywine Campus is at 25 Yearsley Mill Road and Route 352 in Middletown Township.

Free presentation on nursing homes and finances

Is it true you will lose everything you own if you need nursing home care or other long-term care? Robert and Dana Breslin, Esq., will present information and answer questions and clarify information surrounding the topic of nursing home care and long-term care. The  free presentation will be held on Thursday, May 5 at 1 p.m. at the Brookhaven Municipal Building located at 2 Cambridge Road in Brookhaven.

 Robert and Dana Breslin, Esq. will discuss what happens if you or your spouse suddenly needs  24-hour care. They will also discuss the pros and cons of transferring your home to your children. Participants will also learn about the existing programs that can help protect their income.  

To register for this free presentation ,  contact Lori at 484-496-2138, but do not contact the municipality directly, as workers may not be familiar with the program.

APPRISE Offers Free Talk on Medicare Supplemental Plans

This free presentation will cover basic information related to Medicare Supplemental Plans as well as terminology, selection of plans, costs, and how the APPRISE Program can assist Medicare beneficiaries. Delaware County APPRISE Program Manager Glenda Radical will present on Tuesday, May 3 at 2 p.m. at the Springfield Township Building located at 50 Powell Road in Springfield.

If you have any questions or would like to register for the course, contact Lori at 484-496-2138. Pre-registration is required, but  do not contact the municipality directly, as workers may not be familiar with the program.

Free concert is free for seniors

Lion's M.A.N.E. invites senior citizens living in the Rose Tree Media School District to a free Jazz Band Concert in the auditorium of Springton Lake Middle School on Thursday, May 26.  The concert starts at 12:30 p.m.  There are no steps to navigate to enter the auditorium or reach seating. Senior citizens living in the district can reserve tickets by calling the Lion's M.A.N.E. voice  mailbox by Tuesday, May 24, 2016. The voice mailbox number is 610-627-6263. Callers should leave their names, phone number, and the number of tickets requested. Seats are general seating only. The entire event is approximately an hour in length and will feature a variety of great jazz band charts including Pennsylvania 6-5000 by Glenn Miller and Do It Again by George Gershwin. Following the performance, attendees will have the opportunity to share light snacks and meet the student performers in the auditorium lobby. Lion's M.A.N.E. is the senior citizen outreach program of the Rose Tree Media School District. Senior citizens  are invited to have membership in Lion's M.A.N.E. to gain access to free and discounted tickets for district luncheons and school events. To join the group, senior citizens, age 65 and older living in the district, can go to the district Education Center at 308 North Olive Street,  Media, and show a driver's license or other verification of age and address. A Gold Card will be issued at that time for life membership in Lions M.A.N.E., valid as long as the person remains a resident of the district. Questions? Call Meg at 610-627-6263 and leave a message in the  Lion's M.A.N.E. voice mailbox.  Calls will be returned promptly.

Widener University to Offer Free Education Course to Help Graduating and Rising High School Seniors Test the Waters of the Field 

Widener University will offer a free introductory course in education to help all interested rising and graduating high school seniors test the waters of the teaching profession. The ED 101 course begins July 5 and runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. through Aug. 11. The class gives participants the opportunity to experience a college class with full-time Widener faculty, as well as to meet other education students.

As an introductory course, learning experiences will focus on the art and science of teaching and the practical applications and responsibilities of the teaching profession today. The course includes a field experience where students will have an opportunity to observe teachers in classrooms.

Tuition is free for all students. All students are responsible for the textbook along with portfolio software, if applicable. Students who complete the course will receive three undergraduate credits that can be used at Widener or transferred to other universities depending on the institution.

As part of the class requirements, students must complete 15 hours of field experience and five hours of off-campus activities. Therefore, all students must apply for PA Criminal Record Clearances, PA Child Abuse Clearances and FBI Fingerprinting prior to class.

Students who want to participate in the course or have additional questions should contact Director of Certification & Student Teaching Marcia M. Bolton at 610-499-4630 or mvbolton@mail.widener.edu.

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Free stuff coming up in Delco, Spring 2016

Free Fishing Tournament at Linvilla Orchard’s Lake  on  April 16
 A free fishing tournament will be held for children up to age 12 (no fishing license required), their parents, friends and relatives at Linvilla Orchards 9 am to 3 pm Saturday, April 16, 2016.
Free event with prizes, basic fishing lessons (hourly) ;
Organized and run by the Rose Tree Media Optimist Club with the Penncrest Junior Optimist Club and with assistance from the Linvilla Staff, the tournament will offer prizes and hourly basic fishing lessons.
Participants are asked to park in Main Parking Area. Linvilla Orchards, 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media.

Free iPad workshop

On April 13 from 2-3pm, Media-Upper Providence Free Library staff present a hands-on workshop on how to use the iPad or iPhone camera and photo apps to take, organize and share photos. The Library will provide iPads for use in class, or bring your own. Space is limited and registration is required at mediauplibrary.org or by calling 610-566-1918.

Tour of Crum Woods

The Nether Providence Historical Society presents Mike Rolli, Crum Woods restoration assistant, talking and showing pictures of this area of Swarthmore College. Have you seen the ruins of old steps and a fountain while walking along the Leiper-Smedley Trail? Have you wondered about some of the trees and flowers you have seen from the trails on the campus? Come learn all about them at the Helen Kate Furness Library on rte. 252 in Wallingford on Wednesday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Green Roof Tour

Scott Arboretum Gardens will hold a Green Roof Tour, 1:40-6 p.m., Wednesday, June 1. The event is free and open to the public. Tour leaves from Scott Arboretum offices and is canceled in inclement weather.

Learn about the inner workings, benefits and beauty of green roofs while exploring the three at the Arboretum. Note: the level of difficulty on these tours is higher than others; a brisk walk and several steps are required to reach the final roof.

Children under the age of 12 are not permitted on the roofs. For more information, call the Scott Arboretum offices at 610-328-8025. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call the Arboretum Offices at 610-328-8025. Visit them at www.scottarboretum.org.

Free movie and refreshments

Concord Liberty Church: Concord Liberty Church, 256 Bethel Road, Glen Mills, ConcordLiberty.org, will be showing the movie “War Room,” 6 p.m., Saturday, April 16. Admission is free and refreshments and movie snacks will be served.  This event is open to the community.
“War Room” was originally released in 2015 surpassing box office expectations.  The film was produced and directed by Stephen and Alex Kendrick who also produced “Fireproof” and “Courageous.” War Room shows the story of a seemingly perfect family who find help from an unexpected place to mend their broken relationships.

Free service for pets

Ok, maybe not lions or tigers or bears, but…  On Sunday, April 24^th, at 4:30pm, members of our families that aren’t usually invited to church services now have their chance in the sun. Our family pets (along with their owners) are invited to spend some time on the front lawn of Swarthmore Presbyterian Church for a short service of blessing, music, prayer and scripture. The whole community is invited to join us! This new tradition welcomes the dogs and cats, fish and birds, rabbits and snakes, hamsters, and any other pet that plays well with others, to be blessed as one of God’s creatures.  For those pets that may not enjoy the company of others, a picture will suffice.

Swarthmore Presbyterian Church is located at 727 Harvard Avenue in Swarthmore. For more information on our service or our rain plan, please visit SPC’s website at www.swarthmorepres.org or call the church office at 610-543-4712.

Free recycling event for Concord residents

Recycling day: Concord Township residents are invited to de-clutter their homes of unwanted electronics, clothing, household items and paper courtesy of the Concord Township Board of Supervisors.  A free recycling, shredding and household collection event is scheduled for 8-11 a.m., Saturday, April 16, only at the Public Works Building, 675 Smithbridge Road.  There is a limit of one TV/CRT monitor per Concord Township household. Proof of residency is required.
Prohibited items include smoke detectors, large appliances, projection and wooden console TVs, hazardous waste/liquids, loose batteries and fluorescent bulbs. Accepted items include electronics (anything with a plug), shredding and donations of clothing and household items in good working condition.
Residents will also have the opportunity to register and purchase lawn bags for Lawn Debris Pick-up, scheduled for Wednesday, May 18.
For more information visit www.twp.concord.pa.us.

Free Suicide Prevention Talk
Rev. Wylie Johnson, from Springfield Baptist Church and affiliated with the Delaware County Suicide Prevention and Awareness Task Force, will speak at Prospect United Methodist Church, 800 Lincoln Ave. (PA 420), Prospect Park, 7 p.m., April 17. Rev. Johnson will share his years of experience with this always up front and current issue of suicide – the hows, the whys, the what to look fors and the what we can dos. Anyone who has ever been touched by this issue is encouraged to attend.
For more information, call PUMC at 484-540-8114 or Lee at 484-557-1875. Leave a message and contact number for a return call. The program is sponsored by PRN Stephen Ministry.

Free Programs at Norwood Library

Norwood Public Library will host the following programs in April.

History of Norwood and Delaware County, Thursday, April 14, 7 p.m. Local historian, Keith Lockhart, will explore Delaware County’s early history, with a slide presentation of prominent locations and landmarks in Delaware County. Keith is a lifelong Ridley resident and graduate of Penn State University, has written numerous local history books and wrote a history column for Town Talk newspapers.

Norwood Library also has April fun planned for kids and teens for the month. Pokemon trainers are invited to the Pokemon Card Game Club, which meets at 3:45 p.m., Thursday, April 14, for an hour of playing and trading.

Norwood Library has regularly scheduled weekly programs as well. Lego Club (kindergarten through fifth-grade) meets at 3:45 on Mondays, Preschool Connections (ages 3-5) is 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Afterschool Kids Klub (grades k-5) is 3:45 Tuesdays. Infant Storytime is at 10 a.m. every Wednesday in April and Video Game Day starts at 3:45 on Thursdays.

For more information, contact the library at 610-534-0693 or e-mail nocsd@delcolibraries.org.

Post Open House

AMVETS Post 118 is inviting all veterans to the Post, 211 N. Morton Ave , Morton, from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, April 16. John Morris, chairman, has worked hard in getting this event off the ground in hopes to accomplish the Post mission “Veterans helping Veterans.” John will have a Veterans Administration Representative present to help with many question about veterans benefits: medical, education and others.

Also Congress Pat Meehan and his aid will be on hand for questions. John has been in contact with many other Veterans Groups for professional information on the assistance to Veterans. The Veterans Office, Media, Director, Mr. Lovejoy is willing to help and assist any Veterans who needs help.

The Post expects all members to attend this open/house. The information will be helpful to all.

For more information call John Morris (USMC) at 484-574-5705.

Free trees available

The Norwood Shade Tree Committee is offering a limited amount of free trees to borough residents.  These are bare root trees, which are much lighter than container trees and have fewer problems with roots being tangled.  The trees are in the 6’ to 8’ height range.  The one stipulation is that these trees must be planted either in the curb area or within 10 feet of the sidewalk on private property.

There are a variety of trees available, including crabapple and linden.  Anyone interested or for questions, contact 610-532-1743 or gkrieg@netcarrier.com. 

Advanced Directives

Taylor Hospice will present an interactive in service workshop on Understanding the Importance of Your Advanced Directives at Ridley Township Public Library on Monday evening, April 18, at 6 p.m. The free workshop will run approximately one and a half hours, and will take place in the lower library meeting room. Questions such as: what is an advance directive, how can my doctor help me prepare one, must the advance directive be notarized, who should I name as my health care agent, and many more questions will be reviewed and answered. Taylor Hospice looks forward to joining with its community for this event. Registration is required. Register by calling 610-583-0593, e-mailing reference@ridleylibrary.org, or by visiting the library, 100 E. MacDade Blvd., Folsom.

Free AGA meeting

AGA Delaware County (Alienated Grandparents Anonymous Support Group) will meet 7:15-8:45 pm April 28 in the Community Service Building, 1950 Market St., Linwood. This is an outreach group designed to provide emotional support to alienated grandparents who are being deprived of seeing their grandchildren for various reasons. The group meets on the fourth Thursday of every month.

For more information, call Angela at 610-613-2976.

Music of Frank Sinatra

Dave DeLuca will pay tribute to Frank Sinatra when he sings Sinatra’s tunes at Ridley Township Library, 2 p.m., Sunday, May 1, in Garling Hall.  “Perfectly Frank” celebrates the man and his music as well as the great composers, lyricists and musical arrangers who put their stamp on an incredible period in American musical history.

DeLuca is an accomplished singer, songwriter, musician and recording engineer who has been performing for more than 30 years. Light refreshments will be served at intermission. Register for this free concert by calling 610-583-0593, e-mailing reference@ridleylibrary.org, or by stopping at the library, 100 E. MacDade Blvd., Folsom.

Free Taize Services

n Christ Episcopal Church, 311 S. Orange St., Media will hold a Taize Service, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 21.  Come experience the peaceful calm of beautiful music and quiet stillness in God’s presence at the next Taize Service. Participants sit together in the choir area, and accompanied by several musical instruments , sing the Taize chants, hear lessons from Scripture and spend time in silence, letting the Spirit work on us to create a deeper, richer inner life. For additional information, call the church office, 610-566-7525.

n Wallingford Presbyterian Church will hold a Taize service at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 20. The Taizé community, headquartered in France, is an ecumenical monastic order with a strong devotion to peace and justice through prayer and meditation.  Their style of worship has become popular in churches, retreat centers and seminaries throughout the world.

At Wednesday’s candlelit service, the church will follow the ritual of the singing of distinctive and much-repeated chants and songs, prayers and meditation. Attendees should leave feeling very relaxed and at peace.

Display to view

William Lynch, president of the Golden Impulse jewelry store at 25 West State Street in Media, has teamed with former Delco Baseball League president Jim Vankoski to present a window display of Delco League memorabilia, consisting of uniforms, caps, player photos and other artifacts from the league’s unparalleled history. The league, founded in 1908, is the oldest incorporated baseball league in the United States. Its 2016 season, slated to begin May 7, will be its 109th. The display includes a list of its “Teams of the Decades” from 1930 through 2010.

Medicare 101

Medicare 101 will be presented by Apprise and Senior Community Services, 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 13. This presentation explains the basics of Medicare A, B, C and D. In addition, the free presentation explains Medicare terminology such as co-pays, co-insurance, deductibles, enrollment periods, and penalties. Medicare cost saving programs and supplemental plans will also be discussed.

This free presentation will be at the Aston Community Center located at 3270 Concord Road in Aston. This presentation is favorable for consumers who are new to Medicare.

For questions or to register for the course, contact Lori at 484-496-2138. Pre-registration is required. Do not contact the municipality directly, as workers may not be familiar with the program.

Learn about bees

The Middletown Township Land Conservancy invites the community to its 35th Annual Members Meeting, “The Beekeeper’s Year,” 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 18, at the Middletown Township Building, 27, N. Pennell Road, Lima. The presentation will be by Paul Strommer, Tyler Arboretum’s volunteer beekeeper. No registration required. Refreshments will be served. A brief business meeting will precede the program.

Historical Novelist

On April 19, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., Media-Upper Providence Free Library hosts historical novelist Jeff Heller who will trace the colorful history of the French in America. The author will share slides and commentary to present the fascinating story of how fighting, folkways and even fashion influenced the actions taken by the French in their quest to claim a continent. Come meet the author and enjoy French-inspired refreshments. Space is limited and registration is required at mediauplibrary.org or 610-566-1918.

Estate Planning

Estate Planning for Young Families will be 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 19, at the Helen Kate Furness Free Library. Estate planning is important for young and growing families. Even if you do not think your estate is large enough to require estate planning, every parent should have a will to plan for and protect their family’s future.

Heather D’Onofrio from The D’Onofrio Firm, LLC, will lead this free, informative program in the Chadwick Auditorium on the library’s lower level. The Helen Kate Furness Free Library is at 100 N. Providence Road in Wallingford. Contact Jennifer at 610-566-9331 or e-mail furnesslibrary@delcolibraries.org with any questions.

Adult Coloring

The Aston Library Adult Coloring Group will be 6 p.m., Tuesdays, in April. Bring your friends and family and have a great time relaxing and having fun at this free program. Materials will be provided.

For more information about the Aston Public Library, go to www.astonlibrary.org. The Library is at 3270 Concord Road in Aston.

Swarthmore Public Library's free program

Swarthmore Public Library presents The Traditional Agricultural Year with historian Nancy Webster, 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 26, in the community room at the library, 121 Park Avenue, Swarthmore. Nancy will speak about traditional agricultural practices in America. She will speak about traditional gardens, traditional cooking, traditional medicine and herbs, and other considerations and practices of households in the colonial era and early America.

All programs are free and open to the public. To register, call 610-543-0436 or e-mail swarthmore@delcolibraries.org.

Speaker Series

The Friends of the Marple Public Library will continue the Spring speaker series, 7:15 p.m., Wednesday, April 20, with a colorful PowerPoint presentation on why the region is an international travel destination for those who love beautiful gardens. 

There are more than 30 public gardens in the greater Philadelphia region, making it America’s Garden Capital. Learn what makes each garden amazing and worth a visit. The guest speaker is Becky Robert of Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College who will give an insider’s view of the best days, times and must see locations of the Delaware Valley garden scene.

Robert has been the PR and Volunteer Programs Coordinator at the Scott Arboretum for 10 years.

The program will be in the lower level community room. It will last one hour and is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served and Robert will be available after the presentation for questions. Reservations are requested but not required. Marple Public Library is at 2599 Sproul Road, Broomall, 610-356-1510.

Free program at St. Alban’s

There will be a community form on “Being Mortal: What Matters In The End,” 7 p.m., May 5, at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 3625 Chapel Road (corner of 252 N. and Chapel), Newtown Square. This free forum is made possible by Main Line Health Home Care & Hospice in concert with St. Alban’s Episcopal Church and the Newtown and Marple Public libraries.

St. Alban’s is a member of the Marple/Newtown Clergy Association. The forum will address critical issues raised in “Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End” -- Dr. Atul Gawande’s best seller book -- such as the tension between the desire and expectation of doctors to treat and extend life and the medical profession’s profound spiritual, financial, physical and familial challenges when quality of life is brought into the decision making process.

Increasingly, families, couples and singles are facing the death of their parents and their peers. Life can be extended, but life can also be suddenly ended due to such external forces as drug abuse, suicide, auto accidents, and the many uncertainties in our complex societies.

Uncertainty enters into the medical environment and the patient’s room: Where once there was the supremacy of the doctor, now, patient, family members, and medical professionals are entering into a collaborative decision-making process to enhance how the patient is to live out their life and how they will die. This has potentially profound impacts upon spiritual elements as well as the kind and costs of treatment. The choice may not be another procedure, but the caring hand and presence of a friend, parent, or healthcare professional that listen and understand the voyage that begins when a person is confronting their mortality and deciding how they wish to say goodbye.

Dr. Gawande, a practicing surgeon, author and public health researcher, asks: How can medicine not only improve and extend life, but do so while achieving quality of life for the patient and family members? He maintains that decisions about treatment need to be weighed with the impact on the patient’s quality of life and the involvement of family members with the medical, social and spiritual professionals. A balance is sought among extending life, achieving quality of life, seeking a balance between medical and financial costs and benefits, and accepting one’s mortality.

We have brought together an experienced team that is able to help that present deal with end-of-life issues that have become so prevalent and painful. Terre Mirsch, Director of Main Line Health Homecare and Hospice, will be the moderator and key presenter. Terre will be joined by Dr.Karl Ahlswede, Medical Director, Palliative Care at MLH, Joanne Glusman, Palliative Care Social Worker & Co-Chair, Family Practice Residency Program at Bryn Mawr College, and Dr. Vinton Fisher, Volunteer Chaplain at Nemours Childrens, Talbot Hospice(Md), and two area Continuing Care Retirement Communities.

All have experience in end-of-life care and coping with families, healthcare professionals and patients’ questions. Some topics might include: comfort and pain management, advanced directives, medical orders for life-sustaining treatment, necessary discussions among patients, family, and medical professionals, and how with care to deal with questions of “final arrangements.”

This forum is the first in a series of forums that St. Alban’s is presenting to meet the needs of the Greater Marple Newtown community. A second forum in June is being planned, again in cooperation with Main Line Health.

Desserts will be provided after the forum so that more informal discussion can continue. For registration and information, contact Kelly at St. Alban’s at 610-356-0459, e-mail parish.associate@verizon.net or Newtown Public Library at 610-353-1022, e-mail nedirector@delcolibraries.org.

In order to maximize benefits and participation, attendance will be limited to the first 40 registrants.

Infant Storytime

Welcome Spring and new life by bringing your infant (ages birth to 24 months) to Infant Storytime at Folcroft Public Library, 1725 Delmar Drive, Folcroft.

Children will be introduced to the wonderful world of books, music and puppets, and more. The group meets at 10 a.m. on Mondays April 18 and 25. Registration is appreciated. Phone number is 610-586-1690.