MEDIA — The Delaware County Press Club will welcome Cathy McVey, senior vice president of strategic integration for Visit Philadelphia, at its annual fundraising luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at La Locanda Ristorante, 4989 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square.
Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and lunch will be served at noon.
McVey and her team project the voice of Philadelphia’s iconic and historic past across all marketing functions.
Through the organization’s website, social channels, and visual assets, her band of content creators and editors bring life to the Visit Philadelphia campaigns, from Colonial beginnings to the city’s present gritty city pride.
McVey will discuss the Civic Pride campaign and the marketing of Philadelphia in advance of America’s 250th anniversary.
The special event will also feature the Club’s annual gift raffle, featuring donated items that will include sports memorabilia, music collections, Italian imports, artwork, and more. Highlight of the raffle will be separate Silent Auctions for a Down The Shore getaway and a round of golf for four, including carts, at Hershey’s Mill.
This basket designed by James May Costume Co., featuring the iconic Philadelphia Eagles Fan Hat and other unique goodies, will be among the plethora of raffle items at the next Delco Press Club luncheon, with all proceeds going to the Press Club’s Scholarship Fund, to be awarded to deserving students studying communications and journalism at local colleges. (COURTESY OF DELCO PRESS CLUB)
Proceeds from the gift raffle are dedicated to funding The Barbara Ormsby Award for Communications Excellence.
The award is made annually to a full-time student in a communications major at a university located in Delaware County.
The 2024 award was given to Villanova University, and will benefit a student at Widener University this year .
The luncheon includes plated service with entree, salad and dessert.
Member tickets are $35 with reservations and $45 at the door. Nonmembers are welcome and may purchase tickets for $45.
Reservations are recommended. Payment may be made online at http://thepressclubpa.org or at the door by cash, check, or credit card.
Founded in 1979, the Delaware County Press Club comprises professionals, active or retired, from the fields of communications, including print and broadcast journalism, public relations, marketing, writing, and photojournalism, as well as communications teachers and students, and professionals in allied fields.
Boeing awards $100,000 grant to Family Village
The Foundation for Delaware County, a leading community foundation in the region, has announced a $100,000 grant from Boeing Philadelphia to support Family Village.
Family Village, a program of the foundation, is a comprehensive hub dedicated to ensuring all children in Delaware County have a strong start in life. The hub integrates a robust constellation of supportive programs designed to address health, well-being, and the social determinants of health for pregnant women, new parents, infants and families.
For more than 40 years, these maternal and child health programs have quietly supported families across our community.
Initially, the programs were through the Crozer Keystone Health System, and, since 2016 through the foundation. Now unified under the Family Village name, the programs operate under a cohesive identity that strengthens and expands the ability to serve more than 8,500 families each year.
“Boeing is proud to partner with The Foundation for Delaware County’s Family Village initiative, which strengthens families and builds more resilient communities,” said Michele Hengey, Boeing state advocacy and Global Engagement senior community investor. “By expanding access to critical resources, Family Village is creating pathways for long-term stability. This partnership highlights Boeing’s and The Foundation for Delaware County’s shared commitment to empowering families and investing in the well-being of the region we call home.”
Services — including WIC, Healthy Start, and Nurse-Family Partnership — help ensure all children have a strong start in life.
Clients receive comprehensive support, and families are connected to important resources, including doulas, depression treatment, nutrition counseling, health education, housing support and more. Many of the program’s staff live in the community andknow it well, which helps ensure that families receive resources that are useful and easy to access.
Learn more about Family Village: https://delcofamilyvillage.org.
The Foundation for Delaware County is the largest grantmaking philanthropy in Delaware County. In addition to grant funding, the foundation operates the Center for Nonprofit Excellence to strengthen Delaware County’s nonprofit community through training workshops and peer learning opportunities.
The foundation hosts Delaware County’s annual giving day, Delco Gives. Delco Gives has raised nearly $4 million for hundreds of nonprofits since it launched in 2024.
To learn more, visit www.delcofoundation.org.
Ridley Township Public Library seeks prom dress donations
The Ridley Township Public Library will host its fifth annual Prom Dress Giveaway on Saturday, Jan. 31 and Sunday, Feb. 1 to provide free gently used dresses and accessories to next year’s formal- and prom-goers.
The library is collecting donations of almost new/gently used prom or cocktail dresses, shoes, and accessories for the giveaway, through Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Donations may be brought to the circulation desk during any of the library’s open hours. Donors are asked to put dresses on a hanger when dropping off, and placing shoes in boxes would be appreciated.
Dresses should be a fairly recent style, in good shape and clean. All styles and sizes are welcome.
For questions, call 610-583-0593 or stop by the library at 100 E. MacDade Blvd., Folsom.
The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Delaware County will present a webinar program, entitled “Hydrangea Magic: Unlock the Secrets to Stunning Blooms,” 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10. Registration is now open. (COURTESY OF DELCO MASTER GARDENERS)
Penn State Extension Master Gardeners announce ‘Hydrangea Magic’ webinar
The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Delaware County will present gardening programs for all home gardeners on select Saturdays of each month. January’s session will be held through Zoom.
On Saturday, Jan. 10, the webinar program will be “Hydrangea Magic: Unlock the Secrets to Stunning Blooms,” beginning at 10 a.m.
Ray Murphy, horticulturalist at Nemours Estate and Master Gardener, will aid participants in discovering how hydrangeas can transform a garden into a showstopper. From bold, colorful blooms to lush, green foliage, these garden favorites offer beauty and versatility.
Participants will get expert tips on care, design ideas to highlight their charm, and solutions for when they just won’t bloom.
The cost to attend the event is $10. To learn more about the session and to register, go to:https://extension.psu.edu/good-gardening-saturday-heavenly-hydrangeas.
Ridley Park offering basic life support, CPR classes
Ridley Park will offer free Basic Life Support and CPR classes at Ridley Borough Hall, 105 Ward St.
The classes will be Wednesday, Dec. 10 and Wednesday, Jan. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. Twenty slots are available for each date. Classes are interactive.
If interested in an official certification from the AHA, which is good for two years, the cost is $25, cash or Venmo after class.
To register, go to www.signupgenius.com/…/10C0D4AABA929A3FAC61…
Swarthmore announces December night market
The merchants of Swarthmore will present a night market Friday, Dec. 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. on Park Avenue in the heart of the borough.
Everyone is welcome to enjoy shopping with favorite merchants and pop-up vendors, plus food, drink and festive fun.
Shoppers are urged to wear their best ugly sweater to win a prize.
Chatham Park Elementary School to hold open house
Chatham Park Elementary School, 400 Allston Road, Havertown will welcome the Haverford community to an open house from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11.
The event will showcase the school’s newly expanded and constructed facilities.
Light refreshments will be provided, and visitors are invited to explore designated areas, including showcase rooms and large group spaces such as the gymnasium, library and cafeteria. Most classrooms will be open for viewing only.
To ensure safety, all school-aged children must be accompanied by an adult.
Guests may enter through the main entrance beneath the red overhang on Allston Road. For questions, call the school at 610-853-5900.
The Washington Memorial Chapel will hold a third annual Wreaths Across America Ceremony at its historic Valley Forge Cemetery, 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. Volunteers are needed for the event. (COURTESY OF DENISE KOVALEVICH)
The Washington Memorial Chapel to host annual Wreaths Across America
The Washington Memorial Chapel has announced that it is hosting the third annual Wreaths Across America Ceremony at its historic cemetery at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Partnering with The Society of Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge and the Veterans Commission, the Chapel’s mission is to lay 850 wreaths to honor every veteran in its cemetery and those who served at Valley Forge.
Wreaths Across America’s mission is simple yet powerful: Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom.
This year, the organization estimates that more than 2 million volunteers and supporters will gather at more than 5,200 participating locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad.
At Washington Memorial Chapel, this annual event unites the community in honoring the soldiers who perished during the 1777–1778 Valley Forge Encampment, as well as the veterans laid to rest in the Chapel’s churchyard, a meaningful tribute of gratitude and remembrance.
As each wreath is laid, the name of a Veteran is read aloud, ensuring his or her service and sacrifice are remembered and honored.
This year, Father Tim Steeves will serve as the ceremony’s speaker.
Volunteers are needed for Dec. 12, set up wreath stands; Dec. 13, assist with wreath laying; and Jan. 17, wreath cleanup.
To sign up as a volunteer, go to: https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/175179/overview/?relatedId=167566 or contact the Veterans Commission at veteranscommission@wmchapel.org.
Washington Memorial Chapel is located at 2000 Valley Forge Park Road, King of Prussia.
Delaware County resident Justin Cohen, a chaplain for local veterans, wrote a new book, “Mission Manna: Spiritual Rations for Resilient Warriors.” The Christian devotional book was released last week and is available through Amazon.com. (COURTESY PHOTO)
Local veteran leads reboot program, publishes faith-based book
Seven veterans who have experienced some type of military- related trauma have successfully completed the Reboot Trauma Recovery Course. Reboot is a 12-week, faith based program that meets weekly and is supplemented with coursework and a mid-week online check-in.
The course was facilitated by Veterans Chapel CDC as directed by its chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Justin Cohen, member of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress.
Veterans’ traumatic experiences range from military sexual trauma, combat / operational stress, moral injury, and traumatic brain injury, most of which result in some degree of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Participants had an opportunity to share their experience, strength, and hope with each other, focusing on how spiritual principles were a source of stability for them.
According to Cohen, there is usually a natural camaraderie among veterans to begin with, but Reboot takes that dynamic deeper. True friendships are often birthed during the program, Cohen said, and they sometimes last well beyond the quarter’s worth of meetings.
Participants who successfully completed the Reboot program are encouraged and equipped to assist others who are in need of healing, hope and help.
For more information about the next group, which will begin on Thursday, Jan. 8, contact Cohen at 610-931-7182 or reboot@VetChapelCDC.org.
Cohen also last week announced the release of his new book, “Mission Manna: Spiritual Rations for Resilient Warriors,” a 30-day Christian devotional published through Veterans Chapel Publishing.
Designed specifically for military veterans and those still serving, this powerful resource provides daily spiritual nourishment to strengthen faith, resilience and hope in life’s battles.
Drawing from Biblical truth, military experience, and pastoral insight, Cohen offers concise “spiritual rations” for the heart, each rooted in Scripture and practical reflection. Every day’s entry includes a brief devotion, key verse, and personal challenge, equipping readers to stay mission-ready in their walk with God.
“Veterans know what it means to receive rations in the field,” says Cohen. “Mission Manna reminds them that God still provides daily sustenance for the soul: strength for every challenge and peace for every fight.
“Mission Manna invites veterans to rediscover purpose, renew spiritual vitality, and deepen their relationship with Christ beyond the uniform. With themes of courage, endurance, and faith, this devotional serves as both a personal guide and a small-group tool for chaplains, veteran ministries, and faith-based organizations.”
To order the book, go to http://Amazon.com or email publishing@vetchapelcdc.org.
Readers can send community news and photos to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.com.