Harvest some free activities in Delco this fall!

FREE Civil War Lecture Series featured at area libraries
   The Helen Kate Furness Free Library, the Prospect Park Free Library and the Glenolden Library in conjunction with the Delaware County Library System, an agency of county government, are hosting free discussions on the importance of Pennsylvania during the Civil War.
Funded by a very generous grant from the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, “Gettysburg to the Brandywine: Pennsylvania is the Key” is a lecture and discussion series led by Andrew Miller, local historian and professor at Neumann University.
On Oct. 16th at 7 p.m. at the Helen Kate Furness Free Library the lecture will be the Revolution in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The Helen Kate Furness Free Library is located at 100 N. Providence Road in Wallingford, PA 19086.  The telephone number to register for this lecture is 610-566-9331.
Oct. 21st at 6:30 p.m. the lecture will be on Gettysburg at the Prospect Park Free Library. The library is located at 720 Maryland Avenue in Prospect Park, PA 19076. To register for this lecture please call 610-532-4643.
Oct. 23rd at 7 p.m. Mr. Miller will be once again be discussing the Revolution in Southeastern Pennsylvania. This discussion will be held at the Glenolden Library located at 211 S. Llanwellyn Avenue in Glenolden, PA 19036.  To register, please call the Glenolden Library at 610-583-1010.
Registration is required for this free series. You may register online at www.delcolibraries.org under the Library Events icon, by calling the hosting library or by contacting Susan Purcell at              610-891-8622.  To learn more about library programs and services, visit www.delcolibraries.org. The Delaware County Library System is the department of county government responsible for providing support services to independent member libraries.

Free Drive-Thru Flu Clinic in Tinicum
     The start of October also signals the beginning of flu season, and Delaware County Council reminds all residents about the importance of getting an annual flu shot.
Whether it’s the standard flu shot, the needle-free squirt-in-the nose option or the new smaller needle version, a flu vaccination is the best way to guard against the flu.
County Council and the County Department of Intercommunity Health Coordination (ICH) launched its annual flu prevention campaign at the Sept. 25 County Council meeting.
The fall campaign includes a free Drive-Thru Flu Clinic set from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at the Tinicum Township Firehouse, 99 Wanamaker Avenue, Essington, as well as an extensive public education campaign.  The clinic is offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Health in collaboration with County Council and the Delaware County Flu Task Force,
Delaware County’s flu prevention campaign is conducted by County Council, ICH and the county’s Senior Medical Advisor Dr. George Avetian, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DoH), and members of the Delaware County Flu Task Force.
“Receiving the flu vaccine is the first and most important step in preventing the flu and decreasing the risk of severe flu-related illnesses,” said County Councilwoman Colleen P. Morrone. “Each year,   200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized due to complications from the flu. To stay healthy, protect yourself and others by getting a flu shot.”
Dr. Avetian said everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated against the flu, and sufficient supplies of vaccine are now available. People at the greatest risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart and chronic lung disease and individuals age 65 and older.
Flu season usually occurs from fall through early spring. The peak of flu season has occurred anywhere from late November through March. The overall health impact of the flu, including infections, hospitalizations, and deaths, varies from year to year.
 “We recommend that everyone seek a flu vaccination from their family physician or at a public flu shot clinic, perhaps at their pharmacy,” Dr. Avetian said.
He said efforts are being made to reach out to the entire community including senior citizens and members of the county’s culturally and ethnically diverse population.
  In addition to immunization, there are everyday preventative measures that inhibit the spread of influenza virus, including frequent hand-washing with antibacterial soap, covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, proper disposal of tissues, and, if you are sick with flu–like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities.
Dr. Avetian also reminds people to contact their physician if they develop flu symptoms.
“There are effective antiviral medications that are not antibiotics which can make flu symptoms less intense and of shorter duration,” he said. “These are prescription medications and are not available over-the -counter.”
Flu Prevention Resources
Drive-Thru Clinic: A free drive-thru flu shot clinic will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at the Tinicum Township firehouse, 99 Wanamaker Ave., Essington.  People will be asked to complete a brief screening to determine if they are allergic to eggs, or have ever had a reaction to flu shot.
Flu Shot Clinic Calendar: A listing of Flu Shot Clinics, at drugstores, hospitals and community centers is posted and continually updated on the Delaware County Web site at www.co.delaware.pa.us. People who do not have Internet access can call the Department of Intercommunity Health Coordination at (610) 891-5311 for sites and dates.
Educational Information: The Delaware County Web site also features information on the seasonal flu with tips on prevention and links to the federal Centers for Disease Control. There are also printable fliers and reminders that can be downloaded and posted at schools, day care centers, workplaces and other sites.
Holy Cross Seniors offer free bus trip to AC
 The Active Seniors of Holy Cross in Springfield will host a free trip to Showboat Casino in Atlantic City Mon. (Oct. 28) by motorcoach transportation. Bus will leave Holy Cross School yard at 9:15 and return by 4:30 pm.
  For information or reservations on this trip, call Maxine Beaver at 610-328-1068. Everyone is welcome.
 
 Fire prevention open house at Folsom station
 The Folsom Fire Company will host a fire prevention open house 11 am to 2 pm Sat. (Oct. 5) at the fire station, Fourth and Sutton Aves., Folsom. Numerous apparatus will be displayed. Also featured will be firefighter demonstrations, informational tables and a fire safety trailer. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call Deputy Chief Ben Salmieri at 610-476-3702 or FFDENGCAPT18@comcast.net/.
  The winner of the Folsom Fire Company’s free hall rental raffle last week was George Falkner of Norwood. Winner of the $100 runner-up prize was Barbara Borden of Morton.

Free Stroke Prevention Program Oct. 10
“Stroke prevention: Overview, Management and Prevention,” a free program, will be presented by Kathy Lehman, R.N. of Crozer Keystone Health System, 2p.m., Thursday (Oct. 10) at the Brookhaven Municipal Building on Cambridge Road.
  Attendees will learn the signs and symptoms of stroke; how lifestyle changes and taking certain precautions can greatly reduce the chances of having a stroke.
  Registration is required; for a registration form or brochure, call Lori at 484-496-2138.

Bereavement Support Group Meets
  Life Changes is a bereavement support group available to any grieving person suffering from the loss of a loved one.
  Life Changes’ mission is to help the bereaved better understand and cope with their loss. The loss can be current or from years ago.
  The group is free and meets every Tuesday from 7 to 8p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 927 S. Providence Road, Wallingford (just south of Routes 252 and 320) in the Main Office.  For more information or directions, call the facilitator, Pollie Lang at 610-876-1599.

Leigh Gallagher to Speak About ‘The End of the Suburbs’ at Swarthmore Libary
  Swarthmore Public Library will present a talk by author Leigh Gallagher whose recently published book, The End of the Suburbs, hit the shelves last month. She is Assistant Managing Editor of Fortune Magazine in New York.
  A native of Media, and a graduate of Strath Haven High School, Gallagher will speak and sign copies of her book at the library, 121 Park Ave., 2p.m., Thursday (Oct. 10).
  In The End of the Suburbs, Gallagher traces the rise and fall of American suburbia from the stately railroad suburbs that sprung up outside American cities in the 19th and early 20th centuries to current-day sprawling exurbs where residents spend as much as four hours each day commuting. Along the way she shows why suburbia was unsustainable and explores the hundreds of new, alternative communities that are springing up around the country and promise to reshape a way of life.
  Gallagher is also a co-chair of the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit, speaks regularly at Fortune and other business and economics conferences, and is a seasoned business news commentator, appearing regularly on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, CNBC’s Squawk Box, CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight, public radio’s Marketplace and other programs. She is a co-chair of the Fortune U.S. State Department Global Women’s Mentoring Partnership and a visiting scholar for the Business and Economic Reporting program at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at New York University. Her first book, The End of the Suburbs: Where the American Dream is Moving, was published by Portfolio in August.
  Before joining Fortune in 2007, Leigh was a senior editor at SmartMoney magazine and a reporter and writer for Forbes. Leigh is a graduate of Cornell University and lives in New York.
  Swarthmore Library programs are free and open to the public. Register at the Library or by calling 610-543-0436, or emailing swarthmore@delcolibraries.org.

Crozer-Keystone Offers Free ‘Women’s Health Symposium at the Lake’ Oct. 19
  Crozer-Keystone Health System invites women of all ages to get the information and screenings they may need to live healthy, happy lifestyles at a free event 8a.m. to noon, Saturday (Oct. 19) at the Crozer Medical Plaza at Brinton Lake, 300 Evergreen Drive, Glen Mills.
The "Women's Health Symposium at the Lake" will include a health fair with informational tables, free screenings, educational sessions by Crozer-Keystone clinicians and more.
From 8 to 9a.m., guests can enjoy a continental breakfast and receive free blood pressure, osteoporosis and glucose/cholesterol screenings. Guests can also visit information tables on cancer prevention, tobacco cessation, nutrition, sleep medicine, stroke risk, balance and dizziness, dermatology and more.
From 9 a.m. to noon, guests can attend information sessions about women’s health screenings (breast, colorectal and lung), sleep disorders, osteoporosis and leg/vein pain.
To register, contact Debbie Simon, Director, Healthline Services, at 610-284-8158 or debra.simon@crozer.org.
Free Healthcare Career Workshop Oct. 24
  Delaware County Workforce Investment Board will sponsor a workshop for those interested in pursuing a career in healthcare 1:30 to 3p.m., Thursday (Oct. 24) at the PA CareerLink Delaware County, 701 Crosby St., Suite B, Chester. Seats are limiated; call 610-447-3350 to attend. The PA CareerLink is open 8 to 4, weekdays.

Italian Genealogy Group to Meet
  Philadelphia Chapter 9 of POINTers in Person (PIP) will meet 10a.m., Saturday (Oct. 19) at the Church of the Latter Day Saints Family History Center, 721 Paxon Hollow Road, Broomall.
  Those interested in Italian genealogy will get suggestions on solving problems they may have encountered in research.
  Newcomers are always welcome; refreshments will be served.

Spanish Conversation Group Forming
    Swarthmore Public Library will offer a friendly, informal conversation group for those who wish to practice Spanish with other adults beginning 2p.m., Friday (Oct. 11) at the library, 121 Park Ave.
   The group will be led by an experienced local language teacher originally from Latin America. If there is sufficient interest, the group will meet regularly.
  In the first discussion, sayings and expressions in Spanish will be discussed and attendees will  go over pronunciation tips.
  All programs are free and open to the public; register in the library, by calling 610-543-0436.

Women’s Health Topic of Neumann University Free Lecture
  Dr. Nancy Sharts-Hopko will present, “Promoting Women’s Health: What’s New Under the Sun?” Saturday, Oct. 19, at Neumann University. Sharts-Hopko is director of the doctoral program at the Villanova University College of Nursing. The 10a.m. lecture in the Bruder Life Center is free and open to the public.
  Her expertise is in maternal-infant and women’s health. She has published research on women’s health perceptions during health and life transitions, including menopause, hysterectomy, HIV/AIDS infection, and disability.
  Sharts-Hopko has worked in Bangladesh as a consultant for the World Health Organization and in Japan, where she was a visiting lecturer at St. Luke’s College of Nursing. She has also served on two U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committees.
  She holds a B.S.N. from Indiana University, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from New York University.
  The lecture is sponsored by the Alumni Association of the Training School for Nurses – Philadelphia General Hospital. To register for the lecture, call 610-358-4252.

FREE Fall fun at Tinicum Memorial Library
   Tinicum Memorial Public Library, 620 Seneca St., Essington, will hold a preschool story time for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers 11-11:30 am Fridays.
  An after school story and craft will be held Oct.17 and 24, at 3:15 pm, for children in grades K-5.
  “Potions- a Halloween Adventure” will be presented 6:30 pm Wed. (Oct. 23). Children are encouraged to come in costumes to enjoy seeing how Halloween comes to life with science and storytelling. Registration is required.
  Early Day Movies will be presented 1:30 pm Wed.,Oct. 30. Children can come afterschool and enjoy popcorn and a movie.
  The Tinicum Memorial Library will hold its used book sale Oct. 5-12. The sale will feature adult and children’s books and a bake sale on the opening day.
  For more information on any of these programs, call the library at 610-521-9344.

Public Welcome  To Hear  U of P Veterinarian Speak
   The Delaware County Kennel Club will present Dr. Cindy Otto, veterinarian from the University of Pennsylvania at the club’s next meeting, 7:30p.m., Tuesday (Oct. 8) at the Aston Township building meeting room, 5021 Pennell Road (rear entrance).
  Dr. Otto was  recently featured on Channel 6 TV. She is the founder of the Working Dog Center at the University of Pennsylvania which was her dream after working with the numerous K-9 units at Ground Zero after 9/11.
  Dr Otto will explain the training puppies for various working assignments, how they intend to follow the dogs through their lives; detail the different training offered; and them elaborate on the newest training which is to have the K-9 detect ovarian cancer cells.
  The public is invited. For more information, call 565-3063.

PRO-ACT Family Education Program helps families address addiction
  When someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol, the disease affects the entire family. PRO-ACT’s Family Education Program provides information and support. The free monthly program helps individuals and families recognize and address an addiction problem in a spouse, parent, child or other loved one.
  Led by trained volunteers who have been in the same situation, sessions begin the first week of each month and run one evening a week for three consecutive weeks, addressing such topics as understanding addiction, impact on the family and developing a support network.
  Sessions are free and confidential, using first names only. Pre-registration is required. For Delaware County dates and locations, call 800-221-6333, weekdays between 9a.m. and 5p.m.

  Fire prevention open house at Folsom station
   The Folsom Fire Company will host a fire prevention open house 11 am to 2 pm Sat. (Oct. 5) at the fire station, Fourth and Sutton Aves., Folsom. Numerous apparatus will be displayed. Also featured will be firefighter demonstrations, informational tables and a fire safety trailer. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call Deputy Chief Ben Salmieri at 610-476-3702 or FFDENGCAPT18@comcast.net/.

  Crozer-Keystone Marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Free Events
   Crozer- Keystone Health System has planned a range of activities in October to raise awareness and provide education about breast cancer and how it can be prevented and treated.
  Events taking place throughout the month are as follows:
  --Throughout October, a breast cancer awareness basket will be displayed in the cancer centers at Delaware County Memorial Hospital and Crozer-Chester Medical Center and in the main lobbies at Springfield Hospital and Taylor Hospital. The basket will be raffled off on Oct. 31.
  --Oct. 15: Lunch and Learn Educational Program, “What Is a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence?” Learn about clinical breast exams and screenings and the role genetics plays in screening recommendations from noon to 1p.m. in the lower level conference room at Springfield Hospital. Lunch will be provided. Speakers are Colette Hyatt, M.S., genetic counselor; and a Crozer- Keystone mammography technician.
  --Oct. 17: Educational Program, “Breast Health: Screenings, Navigation and Genetics” This comprehensive educational program will take place in Café Carl at Springfield Hospital. Registration and dinner begin at 5:30p.m. Educational program runs from 6 to 8p.m. A light dinner will be provided. Speakers are Thomas Matulewski, M.D., medical director of the Center for Breast Health at DCMH; Colette Hyatt, M.S., a genetic counselor; and a Crozer-Keystone mammography technician.
  --Oct. 21: Lunch and Learn Educational Program, “What Is a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence?” Learn about clinical breast exams and screening recommendations from noon to 1p.m. in Room A at Delaware County Memorial Hospital. Lunch will be provided. Speakers: Colette Hyatt, M.S., genetic counselor; and a Crozer-Keystone mammography technician.
  --Oct. 23: Educational Program, “Breast Health: The Role Genetics Plays on Screening Recommendations.” Part of the "Dining at the Lake" series, this program will take place at the Crozer-Keystone Regional Cancer Center at Brinton Lake, 500 Evergreen Drive, Glen Mills, from 5:30 to 7:30p.m. A light dinner will be provided. Speaker is Colette Hyatt, M.S., genetic counselor.
  --Oct. 28: Educational Program, “Breast Health.” Get the facts about breast health at the Marple Township Library, 2599 Sproul Road, Broomall, at 7p.m.
  --Oct 29: Lunch and Learn Educational Program, “What Is a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence?” Learn about clinical breast exams and screenings and the part genetics plays on screening recommendations from noon to 1p.m. in meeting room A/B at Taylor Hospital. Lunch will be provided. Speakers are Colette Hyatt, M.S., genetic counselor; and a Crozer-Keystone mammography technician.
  In addition to these events, Crozer-Keystone will partner with outside organizations to provide breast cancer information and activities throughout the month.
  All programs are open the community; pre-registration is necessary. For more information or to register for these events, contact Healthline services at 610-284-8158.
For more information about Crozer-Keystone Cancer Services, visit http://ckcancer.crozerkeystone.org.
Infant Storytime at Folcroft Library
 Folcroft Library will hold its Infant Storytime for children from birth to 24 months 10 am Mondays, Oct.14 and 28.
  The storytimes will feature books, music, fingerplays and puppets. All infants and their parents or caregivers are welcome.
  For information, visit focsd@delcolibraries.org/.

Clergy and Human Service Providers invited to attend Free Training
  On Thursday, October 17 from 6-8p.m., Schoolhouse Center (600 Swarthmore Ave., Folsom) is hosting a training on Creating Safe and Inclusive Services for LGBT  (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transvestite) older adults.  LGBT older adults are consistently underserved.  This thought provoking seminar will present information about the needs and concerns of LGBT older adults.  We will review suggested practices for creating LGBT inclusive environments.  This seminar is geared to local service providers, but also provides a wonderful opportunity to examine our own assumptions and thinking.   A light sandwich meal will be provided.  Space limited.  Advance registration is required.  The Facilitator is Ed Miller of William’s Way Senior Center.  There is no fee. A light sandwich meal will be served.  Registration is required.  Call 610 237-8100.

FREE 'Estate Planning For Special Needs' speaker
The Tourette Syndrome Association Delaware Chapter will host  a presentation on "Estate Planning for Special Needs for your Loved One with a Disability," 7 - 8:30 p.m., Oct. 16 at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 2313 Concord Pike, Wilmington, Del. Diann Jones, founder of Special Needs Planning and Resources, LLC has been working with families to plan their estates and finances since 1990. Attend this no charge informative program and learn about supporting your child's future needs and preserving eligibility for needs based government services such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and other government programs. Jones is a Governor appointed member and Chairman of the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council and very active with advocacy efforts in the disability community.   For more info on this presentation or to RSVP, call TSA Delaware at 484-437-8034 or e-mail plevin18@gmail.com.

FREE fall festival at Scott Arboretum
  A free Fall Festival will take place at the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College, 4 p.m.,  Sunday, Oct. 20 at Lang Music Building, Swarthmore College. Join Scott Associates, staff, and members of the Hardy Plant Society for a festive reception and inspiring lecture with avid gardener Peter Korn. This Sweden native has a spectacular collection of alpine plants and photographs from his world travels.

Author to speak
   Main Line MUFON will welcome author Linda Zimmerman who will speak on "The Hudson Valley UFO Flap" at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 15 at the Tredyffrin Public Library, 582 Upper Gulph Road Wayne.  Zimmerman will discuss why The Hudson Valley of New York has been considered a UFO hotspot for generations. The meeting is free; guests are welcome to attend.

Public invited to FREE 'Star Party'
  A free, public "Star Party" will be held at Valley Forge National Historic Park, 6:30-11 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12. Please note: this event will be canceled if the government shutdown is still in place on Oct. 12. Organized by the Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers (DVAA), via a special permit from the National Park Service to occupy the Model Airplane Field (Rte. 252 one mile north of Rte. 202, on left), the evening gives those new to astronomy a rare opportunity to sample a wide variety of telescopes and explore planets, star systems, deep sky objects and more. The DVAA Star Parties are held monthly from March to November, on a Saturday, as close to the first quarter moon as possible so that, even if clouds obscure faint objects, the moon, always a spectacular telescopic object, may be seen. Each Star Party is weather-dependent, so, don’t leave home without calling the hotline: 484-238-0960 for go/no-go status. For safety reasons, no pets are allowed on the field and tots must be in tow.