COLLINGDALE — The Collingdale Fire Company, station 33, had a special event at their regular meeting on July 10, honoring a brave 6-year-old.
Every fall, the company’s fire prevention team hosts the Southeast Delco Kindergarten Center at the station for two days, teaching fire safety to over 300 children.
This year on April 29, about six months after the safety training took place, a fire broke out on the third floor of a residential home in Sharon Hill.
Six-year-old Kah’ir Gibson went up to disconnect a space heater in his home, after he saw it sparking and making funny noises. Suddenly, the heater sparked and caught a plastic bag on fire. The young boy was quickly able to extinguish that fire.
However, the small fire had now caught the bed on fire, as well.
At that point, he was wise enough to know that he couldn’t do anything else, so he went and banged on all of his sisters’ doors and told them to get out, warning them of the fire. He also was asking for someone to get him water to put it out, although that is something that no child should ever attempt to do.
Luckily, Kah’ir’s mother was able to move quickly and get the kindergarten student and everyone else out of the house safely.
While outside, his mom asked the young boy what he would have done if he had caught on fire as well. He answered that he would do what he learned during the fire safety training at the firehouse: “Stop, Drop and Roll.”
“Kah’ir Gibson is a hero and one of the bravest kids that I know,” said Steve Zane, Collingdale fire prevention officer.
On July 10, Zane picked up Kah’ir and his family in a firetruck, along with his teacher, Aileen Crossan, and the school counselor, April Kessler, and took them to the Collingdale station for a short ceremony to honor the child.
Collingdale Fire Company’s fire prevention officers Steve Zane and MacKenzie Hays present Kah’ir Gibson with his own fireman’s jacket. emblazoned with his name and the fire company’s name, as well as a fire hat, bobblehead, and a medal and plaque acknowledging the young boy’s brave actions. (COURTESY OF JOY WINNER)
The boy was awarded with gifts: A plaque honoring him for his bravery during the fire, a bobblehead inscribed with his name, his own fire jacket emblazoned with the fire company name and his name, as well as matching pants and fire hat, and a medal of honor. His family all received gift cards, too.
Kah’ir said he was very excited with all of this and happy that he could help save his family. He thanked his teacher and counselor for organizing the class trips to the firehouse to learn about fire safety.
Following the award ceremony, Zane took Kah’ir and his family, teacher and counselor to Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard in Collingdale, where everyone was treated to water ice, ice cream and pretzels, donated by Rita’s owner Sam McQuade.
Other schools or organizations interested in fire safety training can reach out to Zane at 484-614-3896.
At a recent ceremony honoring young hero Kah’ir Gibson, 6, center front, are, kneeling, Collingdale Fire Company 33 Deputy Chief Steve Johnson Jr., left, Collingdale Fire Prevention Officer Steve Zane; standing, from left, kindergarten teacher Aileen Crossman, Kah’ir’s sister Isabella Gibson, his father Danron Gibson Sr., his mother Na’Shay Gibson, his sister Cattielya Gibson, station 33 Fire Prevention Officer MacKenzie Hays, Collingdale Mayor Donna Matteo-Spadea, Southeast Delco Kindergarten Academy school counselor April Kessler. (COURTESY OF JOY WINNER)
Media’s parking app now offers first 10 minutes free
Media Borough Council recently approved an ordinance that will benefit drivers in the State Street District: the first 10 minutes of parking are now free for those who use the Passport Parking App.
The change was developed in response to feedback from borough business owners and is aimed at making it easier for drivers to make a quick pitstop to pick up food, merchandise, or passengers along State Street from Lemon to Gayley streets and from Baker to Jasper streets.
By using the Passport Parking App to start a session, drivers can park in a metered space for 10 minutes without being charged. This applies to all paid parking spots in the business district, but only while utilizing the app.
“We are pleased to announce this new ordinance that will make parking more convenient and accessible for our community,” said council President Mark Paikoff. “We understand that picking up food or passengers can be a quick task, and we want to support our local businesses by making it easier for customers to access their services.”
The Passport app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices.
Users can easily pay for parking, extend their time, and now enjoy 10 minutes of free parking. The app also offers a variety of payment options, including credit cards and PayPal.
For more information about the app or the free 10-minute parking ordinance, visit www.mediaborough.com/277/Parking-Kiosks-Parking-App.
Norwood to hold concert in Kugler Park
The Norwood Recreation Board will hold its next Concert In The Park at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14 at John Kugler Park, East Winona and Mohawk avenues in the borough. The concert will feature musician James Clark.
Clark, who has performed all over the Philadelphia area, plays a variety of music, including country, folk, pop, oldies, ’70s music, and the singer-songwriter is always open to requests.
Guests should bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
Taliah Muhammad, a certified nurse assitant at Broomall Manor, received a full scholarship to attend Delaware County Technical School’s practical nursing program. The scholarship and student loan forgiveness helped Muhammad receive a free education. She is expected to graduate from DCTS in July and become a licensed LPN. (COURTESY OF CASSIE MORRISON)
From fashion to the frontlines, nursing student gets inspired to switch careers
When Taliah Muhammad nearly lost her mother to COVID-19 in 2020, everything changed.
She stepped away from her fast-paced career in fashion marketing to care for her mother during recovery and discovered her true calling from the experience: nursing.
“Seeing the care and dedication of the health care staff every day inspired me,” Muhammad said. “I realized I wanted to do the same for others.”
She updated her resume to reflect her newfound caregiving skills and landed her first health care role as a temporary nurse aide at Broomall Manor through a state program that fast-tracked training during the pandemic to address nursing shortages. She completed the required clinical hours, passed her exams on the first try and became a certified nurse assistant.
While working full time as a CNA, Muhammad applied for Saber Healthcare’s 2023 Student Success Scholarship, a competitive award for employees pursuing nursing degrees.
She was named the sole recipient in Pennsylvania, earning a full scholarship to Delaware County Technical School’s practical nursing program.
DCTS’s 12-month program, known for its 100 percent job placement rate, prepares students to become licensed practical nurses, a credential Muhammad is set to earn when she graduates this July.
“I couldn’t believe it when they called me into the breakroom to announce it,” she said. “A full ride and I was the only recipient from Pennsylvania. It felt like everything was falling into place.”
Taliah Muhammad, right, with her mother, Tanya Stanford, whose struggle with COVID-19 inspired her daughter to further her education to become a nurse. (COURTESY OF CASSIE MORRISON)
However, Muhammad faced a major hurdle: she couldn’t access her transcripts or return to school until she repaid nearly $100,000 in student loans to the Art Institute of Philadelphia.
That changed when she received an unexpected letter from the Office of President Joe Biden, notifying her that the debt had been fully rescinded following a federal investigation into the school.
“Everything happened at once. My scholarship was awarded, my transcripts were released and all my debt was cleared. It felt like the path to nursing was finally opening for me,” she said.
Now enrolled in the practical nursing program, Muhammad continues to work full time at Broomall Manor in a customized restorative care role created to fit her school schedule.
As part of her scholarship agreement, she will remain at the nursing home for at least two years after graduation, gaining hands-on experience and continuing to serve residents she has come to know well.
“My favorite part of the program is the people. My classmates are like family. We push each other, celebrate together and make sure no one falls behind,” Muhammad said. “And the instructors are so supportive and knowledgeable. They truly want us to succeed in the real world.”
For others considering a career change, Muhammad offers this advice: “Master your role, lead by example and show up for others the way you would for yourself. When you do that, the right opportunities will come your way.”
Muhammad is on track to graduate July 23 and begin her career as an LPN at the nursing home, where she has built strong relationships with both staff and residents, all while continuing to grow her skills and remain student debt free.
Recognized by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce as one of Pennsylvania’s top higher education programs, the DCTS Practical Nurse Program boasts a 100 percent job placement rate. In just 12 months, students learn hands-on skills and clinical best practices to prepare for the NCLEX-PN exam and launch rewarding careers as licensed practical nurses.
“Our program welcomes career changers, working professionals and recent high school graduates alike,” said Stacy Delaney, supervisor of the program. “With personalized instruction and small class sizes, we equip students to meet and exceed the demands of today’s healthcare workforce.”
To learn more about the DCTS Practical Nursing Program, visit www.dciu.org/lpn.
Lawrence Park Shopping Center to get high powered EV charging stalls
Federal Realty Investment Trust recently announced a first-of-its-kind agreement with Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging, naming the automaker its preferred electric vehicle charging provider.
The collaboration establishes the foundation for a scalable rollout, expected to bring more than 500 ultra-fast charging stalls to at least 50 of Federal Realty’s premier open-air retail destinations in its national portfolio.
“We view this partnership as a strategic inflection point for EV infrastructure deployment in retail real estate,” said Don Wood, president and chief executive officer of Federal Realty. “By aligning with Mercedes-Benz, we’re introducing a forward-looking amenity that enhances the customer experience and reinforces the long-term strength of our portfolio. The structure of the deal is just as innovative as its scale, designed to create lasting value for our business and our communities.”
“Scaling reliable, high-speed EV charging requires more than just technology. It takes partners who understand place, quality and the customer journey,” said Andrew Cornelia, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz HPC North America. “Federal Realty’s properties are destinations in their own right, and this collaboration enables us to deliver a seamless charging experience at some of the most desirable locations in the country.”
The initial rollout includes 20 of the selected sites, including Lawrence Park Shopping Center in Broomall.
Each location will feature up to 10 charging stalls with 400 kW charging speeds, accessible to all drivers regardless of vehicle brand, with the first locations expected to come in 2026.
For more information on Federal Realty and its properties, visit www.federalrealty.com.
Bethel Township Preservation Society offers ‘Newlin Log House Project’ presentation
The Bethel Township Preservation Society will present the “Newlin Log House Project,” on Tuesday, July 15 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the township municipal building, 1092 Bethel Road. All are welcome.
Tony Shahan, executive director of Newlin Grist Mill, will present the program, discussing the restoration of Newlin Log House, originally constructed between 1750 and 1775 near Route 202 and Naamans Creek Road at Johnson’s corner.
The Newlin Log House will be reconstructed on the Newlin Grist Mill property in Concord Township and eventually used as a much-needed space for public programming and education.
Tuesday’s program is free, but donations are always appreciated.
Pennsylvania grants available to help prevent suicide
Suicide is a serious, but preventable, public health problem.
Local governments, nonprofit groups and colleges in Delaware County can apply for grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
Over $1 million in federal funding is available to combat the growing crisis of firearm-related suicides across Pennsylvania.
This initiative will support regional and local projects focused on prevention, intervention and post-vention strategies.
Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, and higher education institutions.
Applications are due by Sept. 9. Learn more by registering to attend an informational webinar on Monday, July 21 at www.pccd.pa.gov.
Neumann wins national recycling contest for second time
In a competition sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation, Neumann University in Aston Township placed first in the country for the second straight year in the Campus Race to Zero Waste contest for per capita recycling.
The university’s eco-friendly system logged 49.4 pounds of recycled material for every student, professor and staff member on campus, the best per capita total among all participating colleges, regardless of size.
In 2024, Neumann also finished first in the country with 47.4 pounds per capita. The per capita metric measures the amount of recycled paper, cardboard, bottles and cans collected per person. The results are calculated by dividing campus recycling weight totals by each school’s full- time equivalent student, faculty, and staff populations.
According to William Leonard, university director of facilities and maintenance, Neumann’s participation in the Campus Race to Zero Waste contest reinforces the student body’s focus on the environmental impact that can be achieved through recycling,
Contest officials estimate that, nationally, Campus Race to Zero Waste kept more than 100 million single-use plastics out of landfills.
Neumann is a Catholic university in the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment. It promotes sustainability to protect the Earth by using resources ethically.
To learn more about Neumann University’s sustainability programs, visit www.neumann.edu/sustainability.
Readers can send community news and photos to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.com.