Broke? No worries! Delco has a ton of free stuff to help you out!

Delco Kennel Club Slates FREE K-9 Fun Day, Microchip Clinic

  The Delaware County Kennel Club invites the public to attend its free K-9 Fun Day, Saturday (Sept. 21) at meet different breeds at Rose Tree Park starting at 9a.m.
  Four new Haverford Twp. K-9 Officers, Jango, Jaeger, Barr, and Kato and their handlers will attend. The officers will demonstrate the abilities of their K-9s.
  The Kennel Club will also hold a free microchip clinic for county residents and licenses will be available.
  For information call  610-383-4844 or 610-565-3063.

 Free Workshop for Job Seekers Sept 18

  The Delaware County Workforce Investment Board will host a free workshop for job-seekers 1:30 to 3:30p.m., Wednesday (Sept. 18) at CareerLink, 701 Crosby Street, Suite B, Chester.
  For information call CareerLink at 610-447-3350 from 8a.m. to 4p.m., weekdays.

FREE UFO Awareness Day and Opera Series in Marple Twp.

   The public is invited to the Marple Township Library 2-3 pm Sat. (Oct. 12) for a presentation by Bill Weber from MUFON (Mutual UFO Network). Weber is  MUFON Chief Investigator for the state of Pennsylvania.  Learn about what MUFON does and about reported sightings of UFOs in the state. This program is open to everyone over 16 years of age. The library is at 2599 Sproul Rd. in Broomall.

   If opera is your thing or you want to learn more about it, you can  enjoy learning about the life and operas of Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi before listening to the full recordings.

Facilitated by Joseph Erdeljac, the opera series will take place 1-3 pm on Wednesdays with the following :    Rigoletto—October 2 & 9; La Traviata— October 23 & 30; and  Il Trovatore—November 13 & 20. All are welcome. 

  

Free Estate Planning Seminar Set

  Swarthmore Public Library will host guest speaker Shane Couturier from the Society for Financial Awareness for the free seminar, “Estate Planning,” 10a.m., Wednesday (Sept. 18) at the library, 121 Park Ave.
  Couturier will address the following issues: the best way to hold a title and protect a home from creditors; the meaning of probate; the Uniform Gift to Minors Act; selection of guardians for children; use of a living trust; and minimizing estate taxes.
  The program is free and open to the public. Register at the library, call 610-543-0436 or email swarthmore@delcolibraries.org.

Free Computer Workshop for Job Seekers 

  A free three-day Personal Computing Workshop for job seekers will be held at the Delaware County CareerLink at the Community College starting Sept. 17. The nine-hours over three days class will introduce attendees to the basics of personal computers, email, file management and how to navigate the Internet to access job seeking resources such as the PA CareerLink's JobGateway system.
  The workshop is sponsored by the Delaware County Workforce Investment Board and will be held at Delaware County Community College, 901 South Media Line Road, Media. Call the CareerLink office at 610 723-1220 from 8;30 to 4:30 weekdays to reserve.

Savvy security planning at Ridley Township Library

  Shane Couturier, Retirement and Estate Planning Specialist from the Society for Financial Awareness (SOFA), will present a free program on social security planning  at 1 pm and again at 6 pm. Mon. (Oct. 21) at Ridley Township Public Library.  People are free to choose either 90 minute session, but registration is required.
   Baby boomers will learn what they need to know to maximize retirement income. Among topics to be covered are how to coordinate spousal benefits, how social security is calculated, when to apply for benefits, availability of social security, and social security tax ramifications. Register by calling 610-583-0593, emailing reference@ridleylibrary.org, or visiting the library at 100 E. MacDade Blvd, Folsom.

Free Soup At St. James

  St. James Episcopal Church, 11th and Lincoln Aves., Prospect Park holds  'Soup'er Lunch at 11 am Tuesdays, starting Sept. 10. The  lunch is free of charge (donations are gratefully accepted).Everyone in the community is welcome.

Wallingford Pres. Hosts Ice Cream Gala

  Wallingford Presbyterian Church will host an outdoor (weather permitting) Ice Cream Gala to celebrate the end of summer 6:30p.m., Friday (Sept. 20).
  People are asked to meet under the tent near the playground on the church property at. The event is open to the public; there is no charge, but attendees are asked to bring a small toy, book or game to be donated to Presbyterian Children's Village.
  For more information, call Walt Kaminski at 610-334-2025. Wallingford Presbyterian Church is at 110 E Brookhaven Rd, Wallingford.

Peace Day in Media

  The 2nd annual International Day of Peace celebration in Media will take place Saturday(Sept.  21) in the Plum Street Mall.
  The day will begin with a moment of silence at  noon; live music will follow. The day will also include poetry and storytelling, music by Spiritual Thunder and a Children's Choir, drumming and the Philly Tibetans. Evening events will begin at 6:30p.m.
  Denise and Nick Yocco of Seven Stones along with Pauline Houston McCall, Robb McCall and Joanne DiBlasio coordinate this event.

FREE Family Fun and Flea Market at Gateway Church

    Gateway Community Church will host a “Fall into Gateway” kid-friendly family Flea Market 4 to 8p.m., Saturday (Sept. 28) at the church, 708 S. Old Middletown Road, Media.
  Activities will include games for all ages, hayrides, Moonbounces, fire truck rides, face painting, balloon art, a bonfire, music, a photo booth, Quizzo, music and much more.
  Refreshments will include pizza, hot dogs, Chick-fil-a sandwiches, beverages and baked goods.
  In addition, remote control airplanes will be flown by experts.
  For more information, go to www.visitgateway.org.

FREE MoneySmart program at Norwood Library

The Norwood Public Library, located at 513 Welcome Ave, Norwood, will be hosting “Investigate Investing:  Learn How to Save” on Wednesday, September 25 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM.  The MoneySmart@your Library program is designed to provide financial literacy programs in Delaware County Library System member libraries.  MoneySmart is a cooperative program with the Delaware County Library System and the Library Foundation of Delaware County.  It is made possible by a grant from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation and the American Library Association.  This program, part of “FinanciallyHers”, presented by CLARIFI (formerly CCCSDV), will help you build a strong financial foundation.  
  More than just the do’s and don’ts of finance, FinanciallyHers empowers women to identify the personal motivations and beliefs that influence how they manage their finances. Once you better understand what drives your money decisions, you can put together an effective plan to meet your financial goals.
For more information or to register, visit www.delcolibraries.org, stop by the Library during regular business hours or call 610 534-0693.

FREE Soccer Shootout for kids 10-14 at Ridley High School

    The Knights of Columbus Peace Council #4518 of Ridley Township will hold its annual Soccer Shootout. 12 noon Sun. (Sept. 29) behind the Ridley High School on the Soccer Field.  All youth, male and female ages 10-14 are invited to participate.  Those with the highest scores will advance through a tier (district/regional/state) system eventually providing the winners with a scholarship provided by the Knights  of Columbus.  This event is for all youth in the surrounding area, to get to know who the Peace Council is and what it does for the community.
   Registration will take place at noon followed by stretching, warm-ups and the shootout. This is a free event. The Knights will also hold a basketball free throw in the winter.
  For more information, contact Bob Hencinski at 610-544-9655 or e-mail bigdaddy67285@verizon.net/.

Fall Programs- All FREE- at Ridley Park Library

    Pals Read to the Animals returns to Ridley Park Library 7 pm Weds, Oct. 2 and Nov. 6,  for children in grades 1 to 5. Reluctant readers choose a book and read to animals.
  Bingo for children in grades 1 to 5 will be held 2 pm Saturdays (Oct. 5 and Nov. 2).  Children can play bingo, win prizes, check out books.
 Preschool storytime begins Wednesday, October 2 at 10:30 or 1. Infant storytime will be held on Fridays at 10 a.m. One session begins October 4 and the second session begins November 1.
Money Matters & Magic for grades 1 to 5 and their families will be held Fri. (Oct. 25) at 6:30 p.m. Children will explore spending, saving and sharing money through magic and games. This program is funded by a grant from FINRA.
Financial Fitness for Seniors will be held on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. starting Oct. 22. Topics include: budgeting on a fixed income, theft, scams & financial predators, understanding credit reports and reverse mortgages. This program is funded by a grant from FINRA and will be presented by Clarifi.
  Hatha Yoga for adults will be held on Fridays in October at 10 a.m.  This program will be taught by Gloria Durning at Ridley Park Borough Hall. Participants must bring a yoga mat and towel.
For a complete list of programs, inquire at the circulation desk at the library for a Fall program brochure. All programs require registration. Call the Ridley Park Library to register, (610) 583-7207. Ridley Park Library is at 107 E Ward Street in Ridley Park.

Genealogy workshop at Ridley Township Library

   Are you interested in researching  family history, but don’t know where to begin? Come to Ridley Township Library on Wed. (Oct. 9)  at 6 pm to learn how to get started researching your family tree. Helen Subbio, Information Services Coordinator for the Delaware County Library System, and a genealogist herself, will be the presenter at this free workshop.
    Subbio will familiarize participatns with genealogy databases Ancestry.com and Heritage Quest. The presentation will be from 6 – 7:15 pm. Participants can stay to observe sample searches on the library’s computer until 7:45 pm. All are welcome to (but not required to) bring their own electronic devices, and are encouraged to provide an email address. The workshop will be held in the Library’s Lower Level Meeting Room, and because of space limitations, registration is required.  Register by calling 610-583-0593, emailing reference@ridleylibrary.org, or visiting the library, at 100 E. MacDade Blvd, Folsom.

September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month; FREE awareness training offered to Delaware County professionals

  MEDIA, PA — September is known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Month.  Through funding and support from the Delaware County Office of Behavioral Health, Department of Drug and Alcohol Services, Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems is committed to educating the Delaware County community on the harmful effects of drug and alcohol use during pregnancy.  Prenatal exposure to alcohol can cause birth defects, growth deficiencies, intellectual disabilities, behavioral issues, and social disorders.  Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are 100% preventable if a pregnant woman abstains from all alcohol use during pregnancy.
  Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is also a concern for pregnant mothers. NAS can occur in a newborn who was exposed to addictive illegal or prescription drugs such as: Amphetamines, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Cocaine, or Opiates/Narcotics while in the mother’s womb. These drugs pass through the placenta, the organ that connects the baby to its mother in the womb, to the baby during pregnancy. Once the baby is born, it is no longer getting the drug; therefore, symptoms of withdrawal may occur.
  Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems is hosting a FASD/ NAS awareness training for professionals at the Delaware County Intermediate Unit on Friday, September 27, 2013 from 9am to 12pm.  This training is FREE for Delaware County Professionals, thanks to funding from the Delaware County Office of Behavioral Health, Division of Drug & Alcohol Services. The cost for out of county professionals is $25.00. For more information about this training, please contact Kaila Smeach at 484-444-0412 or visit our website at www.holcombprevention.org.

CELEBRATE CONSTITUTION DAY AT THE MUSEUM OF WE THE PEOPLE

Free admission to the museum on September 17
 Special appearances by Congressman John Lewis, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Gerda Weissmann Klein, and civic activist Mary Beth Tinker
50 immigrants from 27 countries including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Sierra Leone
will take the Oath of Allegiance during Naturalization Ceremony
WHO:Visitors of all ages
WHAT: Can join Congressman John Lewis, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Gerda Weissmann Klein, and civic activist Mary Beth Tinker to celebrate the 226th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution at the National Constitution Center. Admission to the museum is FREE on Constitution Day.
WHEN:Tuesday, September 17, 2013  8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
WHERE:National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Independence Mall, Philadelphia, PA 19106
DETAILS:Constitution Hall Pass: “Constitution Day 2013: The Legislative Branch”
all day
Students across the country can join in the celebration and meet their Constitution Day education requirement by tuning in to the National Constitution Center’s popular FREE video lesson series, Constitution Hall Pass, available at constitutioncenter.org/constitutionday. The brand-new episode, featuring a special introduction by Congressman John Lewis, provides a behind-the-scenes look at how laws are made in the United States while exploring some famous historic sites that bring the story of the legislative branch to life. Members of the museum’s education staff will be available for an online live chat with students and teachers from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. This program has been supported by The Hearst Foundation, Inc.
Preamble Reading, 8:30 a.m.on the Front Lawn
Join them as they kick off Constitution Day with a rousing public reading of the Preamble on the museum’s front lawn led by civic activist Mary Beth Tinker, accompanied by National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen and students.
Flag Raising, 9 a.m. on the Front Lawn
Immediately following the Preamble reading, the museum’s brand-new flagpole will be dedicated during a special flag-raising ceremony. The Perseverance Jazz Band will perform the National Anthem followed by a patriotic recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. The program will be attended by representatives from the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution, who generously supported the installation of the flagpole.
Printing and Craft Activities, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the Grand Hall Overlook
Visitors can explore a re-created Colonial print shop—complete with a replica printing press from the 1700s—where they can print a copy of the Preamble in the same way as the Constitutional Convention’s printers John Dunlap and David C. Claypoole. Plus, visitors can take part in arts and crafts projects, join in a calligraphy demonstration, and learn the copperplate script used to pen the Constitution.
American National Tree Induction Ceremony, 10 a.m.
Main Exhibition
Visitors can join in a special ceremony honoring Hiram Rhodes Revels—the first African-American United States senator—who is the latest addition to the popular American National Tree exhibit. The addition of Revels was determined by the winning essay of the M.R. Robinson National Constitution Center American National Tree Contest. The National Constitution Center, in collaboration with Scholastic, Inc. and the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, selected high school junior Sam Duffy from the Collegiate School in New York, New York as the 2013 winner. He and his family will attend the induction ceremony, along with Scott Larner, Senior Manager, Programs, at the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. Congressman John Lewis will accept on behalf of Hiram Rhodes Revels.
Naturalization Ceremony, 10:30 a.m. in F.M. Kirby Auditorium
50 immigrants from 27 countries including Afghanistan, Iraq, India, and Sierra Leone will take the Oath of Allegiance to officially become citizens of the United States. The ceremony will feature a keynote address by Gerda Weissmann Klein, Founder of Citizenship Counts, Holocaust survivor, 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, and proud naturalized citizen. Presiding will be the Honorable John R. Padova. National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen also will be on hand to welcome the newly naturalized citizens.
The Constitution’s Anniversary Celebration, 12 p.m.
Grand Hall Overlook
Guests can also enjoy a slice of cake and sing “Happy Birthday” to ring in the 226th anniversary of the Constitution’s signing during a patriotic Anniversary Celebration. The celebration includes a special appearance by President George Washington and live music by the Perseverance Jazz Band.
Congressman John Lewis: The March for Civil Rights, 12:30 p.m.
F.M. Kirby Auditorium
Congressman John Lewis will discuss his new book March: Book One—the first in a graphic novel trilogy that shares the congressman’s remarkable story with new generations. A keynote speaker at the historic March on Washington in 1963, and a Medal of Freedom recipient from President Obama, Congressman Lewis also will explore today’s constitutional questions related to equal rights. National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen will moderate the talk. Attendees will receive a FREE copy of March: Book One. A book signing will follow the program.
Tinker Tour: The Power of an Armband, 1:30 p.m.
Grand Hall Overlook
Civic activist and 1960s free speech icon Mary Beth Tinker will share her story from the Supreme Court’s memorable “armband case,” as well as her journey to boost free speech awareness and civic education. Tinker will be joined by her brother and co-plaintiff John Tinker. Throughout the day, visitors can climb aboard the “Tinker Tour” bus, which will be parked outside the museum on Arch Street. The Constitution Center is the very first stop of the Tinker Tour, which will travel the country throughout the 2013-14 school year.
Drones and Your Privacy, 2:30 p.m.
F.M. Kirby Auditorium
Carrie Cordero, Director of National Security Studies, Georgetown University, Claire Finkelstein, Director, Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law at the University of Pennsylvania, and the National Constitution Center’s President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen will engage in a public conversation exploring the constitutional implications of drones for targeted assassinations and the use of domestic drones for surveillance by U.S. law enforcement. This program is presented in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
DOMA and PA: Legal Showdown, 5:30 p.m.
F.M. Kirby Auditorium
To conclude the day’s events, the Constitution Center and Philadelphia magazine will co-present the free program DOMA and PA: Legal Showdown. Philadelphia magazine editor Tom McGrath will moderate a timely conversation with Mark Aronchick, co-lead counsel in the federal lawsuit seeking to overturn Pennsylvania's state law; Greg Randall Lee, Professor of Law, Widener University; and Jeffrey Rosen, National Constitution Center president and CEO. The timely conversation will focus on the state of same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania, on the heels of Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane’s highly publicized announcement that she would not defend the state's law banning gay marriage and the recent same-sex marriages in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

‘Family Life at Winterthur’ at Swarthmore Library

  Swarthmore Library, 121 Park Ave. will host a talk on “Family Life at the Winterthur Estate, by Jeff Groff, 7p.m., Wednesday (Sept. 25).
  Groff, Director of Public Programs at Winterthur Museum, will provide a behind-the-scenes look at Henry Francis du Pont’s Winterthur.  With a house of over 115 rooms, a 2000-acre gentleman’s farm, a nationally known garden, and the most notable collection of American antiques, it was the setting for memorable entertaining, especially in the 1920s through the 1950s. The program includes rarely seen photographs from the Winterthur Archives.
  For thirty years Groff has studied, written and lectured on the country places of Philadelphia’s “Main Line” and surrounding areas, with an emphasis on country life. He currently is working on a book on the back of the house servant spaces in large country houses and the various outbuildings, recreational facilities, and farm structures that made up a great estate.
  The program is free and open to the public. To register, call 610-543-0436 or email swarthmore@delcolibraries.org.

Free Community Dinner and Homework Help Offered

  Christ United Methodist Church will host a free Community Dinner 5:30 to 7p.m., Wednesday (Sept. 25) at the church, 600 E. Dutton  Mill Road, Brookhaven.
  Along with dinner, volunteers will offer homework help for kids and childcare.
  The next free community dinner is set for Oct. 23.
  For more information, call 610-874-1270 or visit the web site at www.christumcbrookhaven.com.

Free 'Great Gatsby' Party at Marple Library

  Celebrate the Roaring 20s in Jay Gatsby style! Come dressed in your best 1920’s-style costume and enjoy food & drink while watching the new DVD release of The Great Gatsby starring Leonardo DiCaprio at the Marple Township Public Library  September 27 at 3pm. The Library is at 2599 Sproul Road in Broomall.