Don't be bored! Check out all this fun, free stuff to do (plus a few other free offers you may not know about!)

FREE Fitness Programs For 55 And Older At Redwood Playhouse

  Delaware County residents age 55 and older who are looking for a place to meet others or enjoy dancing, fitness and live music, there is a place right in Delaware County.
  Redwood Playhouse is offering free fitness programs sponsored by the Delaware County Council and the Parks and Recreation Dept.
  Zumba, Belly Dancing and Chair Yoga is held Wednesdays from noon to 2:30p.m. Dance lessons are held Mondays and Fridays from noon to 2:30p.m, and Live Bands play Tuesdays and Thursdays for dancing and on Wednesdays from 7 to 9:30p.m.
  Redwood Playhouse is on 6th St. in Upland Park, Upland. For more information visit the web-site for monthly schedules at www.co.delaware.pa.us, click on Upland Park, Redwood schedule or call 610-891-6061.
                                                 *   *   *   *  *

FREE Food, Fun and Entertainment at Fall Festival Community Fair

 Ridley Park United Methodist Church will host a Community Fair and Fall Festival 10 am to 3 pm Sat. (Sept. 29) at the church, Dupont and Swarthmore Aves., Ridley Park. Free entertainment, free food, representatives from government and social/senior agencies, SPCA, fingerprinting and more will also be featured.
   For more information call 610-534-1081.
                                                   *   *   *   *  *

Penn State Brandywine hosts PACAC regional college fair, Sept. 27  The Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling (PACAC) Regional College Fair will take place at Penn State Brandywine on Thursday, Sept. 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Commons Building gymnasium (attendees can come at any point throughout this time).
  This annual college fair has become the “kickoff” to the college admissions season. More than 140 admissions counselors from colleges and universities across the nation will meet with high school students looking for the perfect fit for college. Students can take part in one-on-one conversations with counselors from schools in which they are interested and will receive information about available majors, scholarships, the admissions process and more. This event is free and both students and their parents are welcome to attend.
    For more information, visit http://www.pacac.org or call the Penn State Brandywine Office of Admissions at 610-892-1200.
                                                      *   *   *   *  *

Penn State Day Is FREE To The Public!!
Penn State Day, which is free and open to the public, will feature carnival-like games and food, such as pumpkin painting, a pie-eating contest, grilled stickies, popcorn, a diaper derby for the little tikes, a Best Dressed Penn Stater competition, entertainment and much more. The festival will begin at 11:30 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m. and will take place on the campus lawn. Check for updates on the website in the event of inclement weather.
The 5K run/1-mile walk
The day will begin with the 5K, which will take runners through the woods surrounding campus and along its official cross country course. A 1-mile short course will be laid out for walkers. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. and the race begins at 10 a.m. The campus’ course is regularly used by its cross country team and played host to renowned author and runner Chris McDougall, who, alongside members of the campus community, tackled the course barefoot in December 2009.
  Proceeds from the run/walk will benefit the Delaware County Alumni Chapter’s scholarship for Brandywine students and the Penn State Brandywine Alumni
                                                  *   *   *   *  *

OcTrolleyFest Rolls Through 367 Years of History, October 6, With Tons of FREE Activities
    Trolley fans, historians, and just plain folks will have another chance to ride a 1947 vintage streamlined streetcar through 367 years of Pennsylvania history as OcTrolleyFest 2012 rolls through Darby Borough and environs on Saturday, October 6.
  “This is the eighth year for this celebration of transportation heritage and community,“ said Jan Haigis, co-coordinator of the annual event. “Our area is a treasure- trove of history and OcTrolleyFest is one way to highlight our wonderful transportation network that goes back before 1858 and also let people know about our many historical sites. We hope people are feeling OcTrolleyFestive,.” 
  OcTrollyFest events will take place on two days. October 6 and October 13, On Saturday, October 6, a 1947 vintage PCCll will run for at least two hours beginning at 11:00 at Darby Library with two short routes (Yeadon Loop to Elmwood Depot, approx 1/2 hour each) and one long loop up Woodland Avenue to the 40th Street Portal in Philadelphia and back, going past historic sites such as the Blue Bell Inn on Cobbs Creek and the site of Swedish Governor Printz's 1645 Mill,(the first water-powered mill in PA),   the site of the former J.G. Brill, (maker of the Cadillac of trolleys), several reputed birthplaces of W.C. Fields, St James of Kingsessing (1762) several witness sites, on the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route (1781), Woodlands Cemetery, Mount Moriah Cemetery, Cobbs Creek Park, the site of Hilldale Park, home of the 1925 Negro League Champion Hilldales, Darby Library (founded 1743), and much more. Other activities on October 6 include activities at the Darby Recreation Center (10th and Ridge...above the library) which will include Scarecrow Making and a Pumpkin Parade at noon, historic displays, A visit from Mr. Pumpkin and fun and surprises.
  Several authors including Dan Biddle and Murray Dubin who wrote "Tasting Freedom, Octavius Catto and the Battle for Equality in Civil War America" will be on hand and there will be opportunities to tour Eden Cemetery, resting place of Transportation and Civil Rights Pioneers O.V. Catto, William Still, Caroline LeCount, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, and John Drew among many others.
   The following week, on October 13, Bob Allen will present "The Souls of Black Baseball, Barnstorming the Keystone State" in a presentation hosted by Darby Free Library and supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania Humanities Council at 10 am at the Darby Recreation Center with an opportunity to take Baseball Themed tours at Eden Cemetery and elsewhere  in the afternoon.
   People will be able to view the entries and winners of the Art Contest while the pictures are on display at Sharon Savings Bank during that week. All activities are free and open to the public.
   For additional information, call (610) 583-0788 or visit www.OcTrolleyFest.org. 
                                                    *   *   *   *  *

FREE Make And Take Event At AC Moore

A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts to Raise Money for the American Cancer Society®
Through Its “Crafting a Better World” Program at All Stores from
September 9 through October 13, 2012 
Free Make & Take Scheduled for Saturday, September 22 in Support
      For the second year in a row, East Coast retailer, A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts (www.acmoore.com) along with its associates and customers, will team up to raise funds now through Oct. 13, 2012, for the American Cancer Society through A.C. Moore’s “Crafting a Better World” Program.”  This initiative coincides with the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® campaign in October, and gives customers an opportunity to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.
Customers can also show their support to this cause by creating a Pink Ribbon Pin at a free Make & Take set for Saturday, September 22nd from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Utilizing supplies donated by Me & My Big Ideas® and American Crafts™, adults and children can craft their support with glittery pink ribbon papers, pens and stickers.
“Last year, our stores collectively raised more than $123,000 in just a short period of time,” said Pepe Piperno, Chairman of the Board of A.C. Moore. “This year, we are hoping to surpass that amount. The American Cancer Society is an organization that has truly made a difference in the world of so many who have fought and are continuing to fight breast cancer.”        
Making Strides is the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation, uniting more than 270 communities to fund the fight. Making Strides walkers turn awareness into action by raising more than $60 million for the American Cancer Society each year – one dollar at a time – to save lives from breast cancer. Funds raised help the American Cancer Society provide free resources and support to the 1 in 2 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer who turn to us for information and help, as well as support groundbreaking research to find, prevent, treat, and cure breast cancer.
"We appreciate the support of A.C. Moore for our efforts in the fight against breast cancer," said Roshini George, national vice president of health promotions for the American Cancer Society. "These funds will enable the Society to continue its progress against the disease by fighting for every birthday threatened by breast cancer in every community."
This fundraising program is part of A.C. Moore's "Crafting a Better World” Program which helps local communities.  Since its launch in 2010, the program has raised more than $900,000 for not-for-profit organizations that provide services in the communities in which A.C. Moore stores operate.
                                                   ********** Kimmel Center’s Education Department
     The Kimmel Center Education Department will host a FREE Education Fair exploring Arts Education Opportunities at the Center Wednesday, Sept. 19, 3pm to 6pm.
WHO IS INVITED: Local and Regional Educators, Teachers, Administrators, Parents are invited to join the Kimmel Center’s Education Department staff and representatives from its esteemed resident companies for a FREE Education Fair, an afternoon full of networking and exploration of arts education opportunities available at the Kimmel Center.
   More information can be found at: http://kimmelcenter.org/education/open-house.php or by calling The Kimmel Center at (215) 790-5800.
No pre-registration is required. This event is FREE and open to the public.
WHERE:The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Dorrance H. Hamilton Garden, Broad and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, Pa.
WHAT:The Kimmel Center and six of the companies in residence at the performing arts center will join forces for a FREE EDUCATION FAIR to provide parents, educators, and school administrators with  information about their robust youth programs including their education classes, performances, and other arts education initiatives. During the fair, participants will visit with performing arts educators, see educational presentations and will have an opportunity to win tickets and special prizes!
DETAILS: The first in five years, the Education Fair provides a unique opportunity for  local teachers, educators, administrators, and parents to learn about the broad, free and fee-based youth and educational programming offered by The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Pennsylvania Ballet, The Opera Company of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society,  The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, American Theater Arts for Youth, and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. 
                                                           **********

DELCO’S OLDEST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HOSTS FREE COLONIAL DAY FETE; MIDDLETOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH GOES BACK IN TIME” 

    As it approaches its 300th anniversary in 2020, the
members of Middletown Presbyterian Church cordially invite you to the first annual Colonial Day celebration on Sunday, September 23 from 10:30am - 3pm.
 The FREE festivities begin at 10:30am with the worship service patterned after the style of  those days, which includes a “tithingman” - armed with his feather and knob (to discourage napping and rowdiness).
  Typical “Tavern Fare” of chicken-corn chowder, ham, brown and corn breads, are just a few of the tasty delights available for purchase between noon and 2pm ($7 for adults, $3. for kids). The Bake Sale Table will offer homemade desserts and preserves, and a vintage quilt will be offered for raffle.
  Colonial games and crafts (for both adults and children), demonstrations and displays, first-person narrators and re-enactors will all be accompanied by the Marple-Newtown Community Band playing colonial music. Come enjoy the day as you participate in a “muster”, make a “fraktur”, and learn about life as an 18th-century settler in Middletown!
  Middletown Presbyterian Church is located at 273 S. Old Middletown Road, next to the Indian Lane Elementary School and just below the Elwyn intersection of Rte. 352. It is the “Mother Church” of several Presbyterian churches in the area and was founded in 1720 by a group of “dissenters” who dared to sing hymns, rather than chant the Psalms!
  Please visit us at www.middletownpres,org. for the event schedule and a $1.food coupon.

                                                       **********

FREE Fall Happenings at Ridley Park Library
  Local residents are invited to visit the Ridley Park Library this fall for some free fun. Register now for fall events. Beginning October 23, a Bedtime Stories program will be held on Tuesdays at 6:45 p.m. for ages 3 to 6.
  The popular Pals for Life - Read to the Animals returns on Thursday October 11 and November 8 at 7 p.m. This program is for students in grades 1 to 5. Children select a book and read to friendly furry friends including dogs, cats and bunnies. This program is especially suited to reluctant readers because the animals do not criticize or interrupt the child.
   Another repeat program is the after-school drawing class for students in grades 3 to 6 on Tuesdays at 3:45 p.m. beginning October 16. Local children are invited to develop some drawing skills while having fun.
   Bingo will be held on Saturdays, October 6, November 3, and December 1 at 2 p.m. for grades 1 to 5. Come have fun and win prizes. Saturday Make and Take programs will be held on September 29 and December 8 from 11 to 3. Call to reserve a time slot.
  Spooky Stories with Vicky Town will be held on Friday, October 19 at 7:30 p.m. for grades 1 to 5. Prepared to be scared! Tickets are required for this event and are available free at the library.
   The Segal Puppet Show will perform Bartholomew Bear's Moon Misadventure at the Mainstreets Fair on Sunday, October 7 at 2:30 p.m. at the Firehouse.
     All programs require registration. Call the Ridley Park Library to register, (610) 583-7207.
   Ridley Park Library, housed in a 100 year old Carnegie funded building, is located at 107 E Ward Street in Ridley Park.
                                                      **********
FREE Knitting and Crocheting Lessons Offered
  Are you a knitter or crocheter who would love a project to help others?  Would you like to learn to knit or crochet?  The Prayer Shawl Ministry at Trinity United Presbyterian Church invites local residents to participate in its Prayer Shawl ministry.  Whether  a member of the church or not, knitters can help out. 
  The Prayer Shawl Ministry includes knitters and crocheters who create caps for children with cancer, shawls for women with cancer, and lap blankets for men with cancer.  Over the past four years, hundreds of these items have been donated to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Delaware County Hospital.  The group has also taught crocheting at the Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center.
   Anyone is welcome to join, male or female.  The next meeting will be 7 pm  September 24 at Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 360 N. Oak Ave. in Clifton Heights.  Crocheting and knitting lessons for free. 
  If  unable to come to the meeting but you would like to knit or crochet shawls, blankets or caps, the group  welcomes  donations. 
   For more information, contact Ruth Seganti at Trinity United Presbyterian Church at 610-626-3143, or by email at rseganti@trinitychurch.org.
                                                  **********

Doggone Free Fun On Sept. 29There will be fun for all dog lovers on Saturday, Sept. 29 (rain or shine) at Newlin Mill Park, Baltimore Pike and Cheyney Road in Glen Mills.
The Delaware County Kennel Club will sponsor their fifth FREE micro-chip clinic for Delaware County Residents from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.  It will be first come first served or until the supply runs out.  A lifetime dog license can also be obtained.  A representative of the County's Treasurers Office will be in attendance.
The balance of the day’s activities will be sponsored by the Delaware County Kennel Club and the Middle Atlantic St. Bernard Club.  Activities will include:
- AKC sanctioned “Dog Match” for puppies and adult dogs who are about to enter the show ring.  Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. - competition begins at 10:30 a.m. - prizes will be awarded.
- Meet the breeds - RDO ( Responsible Dog Ownership)   A variety of breeds and owners will be in attendance to answer questions about their breed and care of your pal.
- Rescue groups - Greyhound and St Bernard.
- Breed clubs - Attending, Mason Dixon French Bull Dog Club, Middle Atlantic St Bernard Club and Delaware County Kennel Club - All members will be delighted to talk about their dog.
Fitness for paws - This will be a featured event conducted by Kathy McCarry and Anne Havey from Stoney Creek Vet Hospital in Morton.  The program is designed to aid and maintain fitness for show dogs, working dogs and can treat and ease the pain of dogs that have arthritis or any other muscular problem.  Laser treatment for your pet is something new in the area. Information about laser treatments and their benefit will be available.
For information contact chair Dee M. 610-383-4844.
                                     **********
Apple Festival At Linvilla
Linvilla Orchards will host an apple festival Saturday, Sept. 22 to Sunday, Sept. 23.Admission is free. Stroll around and enjoy the fall air and multitude of activities that will be offered for the special event.

                                       **********

FREE Breast Cancer Screenings At Riddle

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Riddle Hospital, part of Main Line Health, and Linda Creed Breast Cancer.Org will offer free breast screenings on Saturday, October 6 from 7:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Riddle’s Comprehensive Breast Center.
This free program, which includes a mammogram, physical breast exam and education, is open to women over 40 who are either uninsured or underinsured. 
Call 484-227-3010 for an appointment, as space is limited.