This publication is an effort to keep the community informed with what is actually happening in your area. For future editions, I welcome your thoughts on topics that affect the community I'd be happy to publish your opinions on any relevant topics.
Do you have an event that you'd like to publicize? Let me know , and I'll do my best to incorporate your event into the newsletter.
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Bon Air Fire Company 541 Royal Avenue Havertown, PA 19083 610-446-6008
Brookline Fire Company 1315 Darby Road Havertown, PA 19083 610-446-9955
Llanerch Fire Company 107 West Chester Pike Havertown, PA 19083 610-446-9870
Manoa Fire Company 115 S. Eagle Road Havertown, PA 19083 610-446-0744
Oakmont Fire Company 23 W. Benedict Avenue Havertown, PA 19083 610-446-9837
143 Myrtle Avenue Havertown, PA 19083 610-446-4958
www.thegrangeestate.org
1601 Darby Road Havertown, PA 19083 610-446-3082
www.haverfordlibrary.org
50 East Eagle Road Havertown, PA 19083 610-853-5900
www.haverford.k12.pa.us
746 Panmure Road Havertford, PA 19041 610-525-0272 www.mainlineart.org
NARBERTH AMBULANCE
Temporary Library Location:
Manoa Shopping Center
1305 West Chester Pike Havertown, PA 19083
The Haverford Township Free Library is continuing with the renovation and expansion, which will proceed for approximately a year, during this time the temporary library location will be at 1305 West Chester Pike at the Manoa Shopping Center.
During the renovation and expansion of the main Library building, Haverford Township Free Library will continue to provide all of the services the community has come to value including book clubs in a bag, public computer access, special programs, and children's storytimes.
Please check our website at: https://www.haverfordlibrary.org for information on current and upcoming events and programs, as well as to keep updated on the ongoing renovation and expansion of the Library.
Library hours at the Manoa temporary Library location will remain the same:
Monday ..........................10am - 9pm
Tuesday ..........................10am - 9pm
Wednesday.....................10am - 9pm
Thursday.........................10am - 6pm
Friday..............................10am - 5pm
Saturday .........................10am - 5pm
Sunday............................1pm - 5pm*
*(Closed Sundays June 30 - September 1)
Rendition of Library Renovation and Expansion
ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE
Zero Waste and Composting Food Waste
E-waste & Terracycle public drop off bins. There are two public bins for small E-waste recycling drop off 24/7 at the Township building on the lower parking lot between Wawa and the Police station and one at the Community Recreation and Environmental Center (CREC). Two Recycling Beyond the Blue Bin bins (Oral Care and Personal Care only) and a Bread Bag Tag Bin are located at the Township building on the upper lot near the Township front doors. Medicine and Sharp’s Disposal is located in the Police Station Lobby. NOTE: Beauty/Personal Care Collection will end on August 31, 2024.
Contact Havswitch@gmail.com for a PDF about recycling “beyond the blue bin” through our volunteer based Terracycle programs. Please follow directions on what is accepted in each program. Make sure packaging is as clean and dry as possible! We have drop off locations for Brita filters, food pouches and caps, foil lined chip bags, scrap metal and more! Thanks for keeping these items out of our trash stream, local landfills and incinerators.
Haverford Township’s BREAD BAG TAG COLLECTION
Haverford Township Admin. Bulding 1014 Darby Rd., Haverford, PA 19083
The Township is now collecting bread bag tags! These tags are located on bread, muffin, fruit, hamburger bun, hot dog bun, and vegetable bags, among others. Haverford will be sending the collected bread tags to Danielle Cares for Chairs, a non-profit that brings the plastic tags to be recycled and uses the proceeds from the recycler to purchase mobility products like wheelchairs for people in need. Start collecting today and plan to bring your bread tags to the township! The blue collection tube will be located just outside the front doors of the township building, near the personal care and oral care collection bins. Danielle cares for chairs is committed to taking products that would normally be thrown away, recycling or redesigning them, and ultimately using them to improve our standard of living. We are excited to support this mission here in Haverford!
Composting
(Next Workshop Oct 10 at 7pm - VIRTUAL)
Contact Havcompost@gmail.com for information about training and videos and how you can try it at home. Learn about wasting less, fighting climate change and making free organic fertilizer! Learn how Haverford Township offers Discount Compost Bins or FOUR months free composting service pick ups.
2024 upcoming workshops are FREE but registration is required at
Easy Food Choices for the Planet, October 9th,
6:30-8pm
The overconsumption of meat, eggs, and dairy is destroying environments, results in poor treatment of animals, causes health risks, and is contributing to global crises, like climate change and world hunger. Find out the carbon footprint of what you eat, and how little changes can make a big impact! Learn what makes a Reducatarian diet beneficial for our planet, ourselves and future generations. Enjoy tasty vegetarian and vegan food samples during this in person workshop, located at the CREC!
Backyard Composting Workshop, October 10th, 7pm [virtual] Learn how to reduce your waste by 20%, fight climate change, and make free organic fertilizer in your backyard. Gwenn Nolan of Mother Compost will teach the basics of backyard composting and
common issues for new composters. If you are a Haverford Township resident, you will be eligible to purchase a compost bin for $30 after attending the workshop.
How to cut fossil fuels in your home: Heat Pumps, Induction stoves & Home Electrification, October 16th, 7pm [virtual] Planning to replace your Heater or AC? Heat pumps are one system that can do both and are eligible for a tax credit! Modifying our home systems, especially HVAC, to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions is a pressing challenge to prevent climate change. Local experts will discuss heat pumps for HVAC, water heating and clothes drying, as well as induction stoves that are 3x more efficient than gas stoves and boil water faster than gas, and considerations when electrifying. Come and learn.
Learn how rain gardens, downspout planters and the Streamsmart Stormwater Housecall Program can help you harvest your stormwater, reduce runoff and the resulting pollution associated with stormwater and reduce downstream flooding.
The native plants used also create habitat for pollinators. Go to https://www.dcva.org/Rain-Garden to find out more. Haverford Residents can request a future assessment for a rain garden, if you haven't already. Email address & phone # to havaraingarden@gmail.com.
Our lead rain gardener is retiring, so we are looking for folks who want to keep the program going in future years—learn how to help with planning, coordination, assessment, design, ordering plants and supervising builds - email HavSwitch@gmail.com
PRC's Traveling Glass Bin
Back by popular demand! The Traveling Glass Bin will be returning to the Haverford Township building parking lot for the summer; June 1st to Sept 6th! PA communities and businesses can ensure that glass is recycled by supporting expansion of glass drop-off collection sites in our region. PRC continues to pursue this goal with the support of PA residents who utilize these sites and collection events for their recycling needs. Save the date for winter collection: Nov 29 - Dec 27, 2024. More info at www.PRC.org.
Shredding Event Large E-Waste Event
August 24th, 2024 8 AM to 11 AM Haverford Township Admin Building
November 23rd, 2024 9 AM to 1 PM
Haverford Township Admin Building
Please sign up for timed admission on Township webpage for E-Waste event. No registration necessary for shredding event. For Haverford Residents only.
2024 Delaware County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Events
TICKET MUST BE PRESENT TO ACCESS EVENT
Registration required for all events, Register at: delcohhw.eventbrite.com or scan the QR code
Registration/QR Code will be activated 6 weeks prior to each event
• Sat., Sept 7th—Emergency Services Training Center 1600 Calcon Hook Rd., Sharon Hill (Darby Twp.) 19079
• Sat., Oct 12th—Upper Chichester Municipal Bldg. 8500 Furey Road, Upper Chichester, PA 19061
Electronics Waste & Latex Paint will NOT be accepted
Harvest Your Stormwater!
SOLARIZE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Ready to Stop Climate Change?
Battle climate change and get pay back in both cash and the satisfaction of knowing that you and thousands of your neighbors, businesses and Towns throughout the Delaware Valley are getting the job done! Some steps require no investment and some do. ALL can save you money. Web sites like https://haverfordclimateaction.org provide a one-stop shop for information on things you can do, upcoming webinars, videos and more.The biggest savings in energy is to use less; please consider an energy assessment if you have not had one done. Peco offers this for $49. For a limited time, PECO is offering Solarize Delco participants a special $10 discount for any home energy assessment. Please use the special promo code SOLARDEL24 on the website or call 888.573.2672 to schedule your appointment. Expires Dec 31, 2024.
Solar the Easy Way
Solar PV Tax Credits Supercharged Home solar tax credits went up to 30% for 2024 and beyond making solar payback even better. Non-profits can now also benefit and get a direct 30% federal rebate for installed solar systems. In 2024 every month we will select one winner to be awarded a $1,000 prize, payable to our contractor towards your installation. Deadline to sign up for installation is Sept 30, 2024!
Solarize DelCo Group Pricing
Residents, non-profits and businesses in Delaware County Email us at solarizedelco@gmail.com with name, address and phone number and we can help you assess whether the Solarize Delco program with vetted vendors and a significant discount over market rates is right for you.
Low Income Grants and Leasing Options
Options: Income qualified homeowners can apply for a grant (up to $5,000) while funds last or take advantage of our partnership with a vetted leasing firm that can reduce monthly bills by a combination of Solar PV and weatherization. Solarize Delco can help you decide what is best for you.
Who are we?
Your neighbors, an all volunteer non-profit providing education, unbiased information and an easier path to putting solar on your home, business or house of worship. We can help Houses of Worship and other nonprofits find sources of funding as well. More info at www.solarizedelco.org. Search Solarize Philly and Solarize SE PA for programs outside of DelCo.
Ready to Solarize Now?
In Delaware County, PA — fill out a form on www.solarizedelco.org or Email us at solarizedelco@gmail.com with your name, address and phone number and we can help you assess whether the Solarize Delco program with a selected vendor and a significant discount over market rates is right for you. In Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery County — Email solarizesepa@gmail.com.
The Clean Energy Co-Op
can help businesses and nonprofits go solar through education and solar development with the capital of local Co-op members. Contact info@cleanenergy.coop to learn more.
Climate
Webinar Series Videos
Watch these informative recorded Climate Action Workshops on Solar Home, adapting to Electric Vehicle use, Purchasing Renewable Energy, and others at https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCwISP41eRhD0SUyHxGpY9xQ
HEALTH & WELLNESS
How to manage a leaky heart valve.
Leaky heart valve is a condition where a valve in the heart fails to close tightly enough, causing blood to leak back into the heart. The most common type of heart valve disease is mitral valve regurgitation, where the mitral valve is the source of the leak.
“The heart has four valves,” says Roberto Rodriguez, MD, a cardiac surgeon and director of heart valve clinics at Lankenau Heart Institute, part of Main Line Health. “Each valve works as a one-way valve that opens to let blood flow in one direction then closes to prevent flow backwards. This allows blood to move from the right heart to the lungs, then to the left side of the heart and finally to the body. When a valve doesn't close properly, the blood leaks backwards and puts strain on the heart. This can lead to shortness of breath and other congestive heart failure symptoms.”
What causes leaky heart valves
There are a few potential culprits, including age-related wear and tear on the valve, genetic conditions and certain infections or autoimmune disorders. Some people may also develop mitral valve regurgitation as a result of heart damage from a heart attack or another heart disease, including high blood pressure or a structural defect in the heart.
Symptoms of a leaky heart valve can include:
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Swelling in the legs
Abnormal heart rhythm
If you're experiencing symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath or chest pain, it's important to see your doctor right away.
“While leaky heart valves can be serious, early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications,” says Dr. Rodriguez.
Diagnosing and treating leaky heart valve
A leaky heart valve is usually diagnosed by your doctor through obtaining a detailed medical history and through a clinical evaluation. During this evaluation, your doctor listens to your heart. Some of the signs of a leaky heart valve are the presence of a heart murmur, irregular heartbeat (such as atrial fibrillation), shortness of breath during walks or going up a flight of stairs and swelling of the ankles.
“If your doctor detects a heart murmur, they should order an echocardiogram to evaluate your heart muscle and heart valves,” says Dr. Rodriguez.
Once diagnosed with a leaky heart valve, treatment will depend on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause. Mild
cases may not require any treatment beyond regular monitoring to make sure the condition doesn't progress. For more severe cases, medications or surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the affected valve.
“The good news is there are plenty of minimally invasive treatment options for a leaky heart valve,” says Dr. Rodriguez. "Lankenau Heart Institute offers less invasive, newer-generation devices like transcatheter-based therapies to repair or replace the mitral, aortic or tricuspid valves.”
Depending on the valve that is leaking, there are several minimally invasive procedures that can help, including:
Transcatheter options:
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
Transcatheter mitral valve repair
Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR)
Transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement
Transcatheter tricuspid valve repair
Balloon valvuloplasty
Paravalvular leak closure
Cardiac defect closure
Minimally invasive surgical options:
Aortic valve repair or replacement
Mitral valve repair or replacement
Tricuspid valve repair or replacement
Mechanical valve replacements
Bioprosthetic valve replacements
In addition to medical treatment, there are also lifestyle changes you can make to help manage your condition, including:
Eating a heart-healthy diet
Exercising regularly
Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption
Overcoming a leaky heart valve Leaky heart valves are a serious condition that require prompt medical attention. But by working with your healthcare team and making lifestyle changes to support heart health, you can manage symptoms and enjoy a good quality of life even with this condition.
Learn more about heart valve care at: mainlinehealth.org/lhi.
Roberto Rodriguez, MD Cardiac Surgeon
PET HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Preventing Dehydration in Dogs and How to Recognize the Signs
Drinking enough water seems as natural as breathing adequate air, but dogs can experience dehydration for many reasons. Warm weather, poor ventilation, underlying illness, and medications can alter water requirements. You may wonder how much water your dog should drink each day, and how to recognize dehydration. Some simple steps can encourage your dog to wet their whistle.
Drinking More But Still Dehydrated?
Dogs with underlying conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and Cushing's disease will drink more water. Unfortunately this sometimes leads to puddles in the house if outdoor access is not increased. If their access to water is limited, they will become dehydrated.
Certain medications lead to increased thirst and urination, such as steroids and diuretics. Additional water should be provided, as advised by your veterinarian, to avoid dehydration.
Other Conditions Can Cause Dehydration
The average dog needs about one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day For example, a thirty-pound beagle would need thirty ounces of water. But before you measure the water you pour into your dog's bowl, consider other factors. Wet dog food contains 65% to 85% water, so dogs on a canned diet will typically need to drink less water.
Unlike people, dogs do not rely on sweating to cool themselves. Panting allows for evaporative cooling, meaning that a panting dog is losing water while cooling itself. Warm weather, exercise, and thick coats can all increase body temperature and panting. Short-faced dogs with brachycephalic airway syndrome are prone to overheating and will require adequate water to keep cool.
Dogs experiencing vomiting or diarrhea may f they cannot hold , or have severe watery diarrhea. Puppies and small breeds are especially susceptible. Infections and fever
Reasons Dogs Don't Drink Enough
Some dogs may have hidden reasons to avoid the water bowl. Dental or oral pain e. Dental infections, oreign objects, and tumors can cause pain upon drinking and eating. If a dog had a negative experience while drinking, they may associate their water bowl with that event. Other pets in the house may intimidate them when they drink or eat. Even certain types of bowls can be a deterrence. Clanking dog tags against a stainless steel
Pets with mobility issues such as arthritis may have difficulty accessing their bowls. These dogs should have one bowl on every floor, close t also be on a floor with good traction. Water bowls must be washed regularly and kep filled with fresh, clean water
How Can You T Dehydrate
Excessive panting and drooling c of overheating in warm or poorly ventilated environments. Heat strok threatening condition and emergency veterinary care is necessary dehydrating medical conditions, whose access has been restricted, or who jus drink enough may have dry gums and mouths. If you gently pull up the skin between the shoulder blades and release it, it should snap back quickly. A slow re can mean dehydration.
How To Prevent Dehydration
In warm weather, exercise in early morning and later afternoon or evening. Cut the walks short if needed. Remember to bring plenty of water on hikes and car trips. Never leave your dog in the car on a warm day, even with the windows open! If your dog must be outdoors, make sure they have shade, extra water in non-tippy bowls, and ideally a way to cool off like a shallow kiddie pool. Heavy coats can be trimmed to a summer cut.
Brachycephalic breeds such as pugs and bulldogs, and dogs with underlying medical conditions, should not be left alone outdoors in warm weather
Dogs can be encouraged to drink by adding ice cubes made of low-sodium broth to their water dish. Frozen “pupsicles” made from broth, or kibble mixed with water, make terrific hydrating treats.
In summary, dogs need daily access to clean, fresh water in a safe and accessible location. Some conditions and medicines may increase water requirements. Prevention of heat stroke in all dogs, but especially in susceptible breeds, is crucial. Pupsicles are a great way to encourage water intake in all dogs. A few easy precautions can help ensure your dog stays well-hydrated and ready to romp yearround.
INJURY PREVENTION
BY THE PHILADELPHIA HAND TO SHOULDER CENTER PHYSICIANS
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the handthe median nerve is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist.
In addition to numbness and tingling, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause swelling, weakness, and night time pain. Patients sometimes describe dropping things unexpectedly and may have difficulty with buttoning shirts, tying shoelaces, or handling loose change.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
wrist become swollen and inflamed, the median nerve can become compressed by the transverse carpal ligament (see figure), leading to carpal tunnel symptoms.
Early on, symptoms commonly occur during sleeping hours. In more advanced cases, the symptoms can become problematic during waking hours. Many sufferers describe symptoms with benign activities, like reading the newspaper or driving a car.
Cortisone injections often provide excellent relief from symptoms. Unfortunately, symptomatic relief is only temporary, and most people experience a recurrence of symptoms after 3-4 months.
For chronic or more advanced cases, carpal tunnel surgery is often recommended as the best course of treatment.
What can I expect from surgery?
Surgery provides more space for the median nerve and relieves pressure on the median nerve and tendons. This procedure is typically done under light sedation and local anesthesia and usually takes only minutes to complete.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is frequently seen in individuals who develop swelling or inflammation in their hands. People who smoke, as well as those with connective tissue diseases, diabetes mellitus, and hypothyroidism, may be at greater risk. Repetitive work activities can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
The median nerve acts as an electrical wire between the spinal cord and the hand. The nerve passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist along with nine tendons that bend the fingers. When the tendons in the
What can a hand surgeon do to help?
A hand surgeon can order special nerve tests to verify the extent of the problem. Custom wrist splints are helpful for early stages of carpal tunnel syndrome. These splints are worn at nighttime to relieve pressure on the median nerve and to prevent the wrists from bending during sleep.
While there are several different approaches to performing carpal tunnel surgery, usually a 1/2 inch incision is made near the wrist and use of a camera to release the tunnel under direct visualization. This minimally invasive approach minimizes discomfort following surgery and allows patients to return to activities more quickly. Over 95 percent of patients improve dramatically following surgical intervention, with most returning to daily activities within days. Many patients can resume heavier job-related activities after 2-4 weeks.
Contact us at 1-610-768-5959 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers. W
13 Offices in Pennsylvania & New Jersey including:
King of Prussia · Havertown
Paoli · Langhorne
Collegeville
Center City Philadelphia
South Philadelphia
Willow Grove · Lansdale
Rockledge · Glen Mills
Cape May Court House Cherry Hill
FINANCIAL FOCUS
Talk To Your Family About Wealth Transfer.
Are you anticipating an inheritance someday? If so, you may want to discuss it with your parents or other family members who may be leaving you the assets because early, open communication will benefit everyone involved.
However, many people are reluctant to have these conversations. More than a third of Americans do not plan on discussing a transfer of wealth with their families, according to a recent study by Edward Jones in partnership with NEXT 360 Partners and Morning Consult. And the same study found that only about a quarter of Americans have actually discussed generational wealth transfer with their families.
• Protecting against incapacitation
Many people go through their senior years with few, if any, physical or mental impairments. But there are no guarantees. If one or both of your parents were to become incapacitated and unable to handle their financial affairs, it could cause serious problems with their wealth transfer and estate-planning goals. But if you can discuss your parents' plans with them while they are healthy and alert, you can encourage them to take the proper steps, such as reviewing outdated estate-planning documents and designating you or another family member as power of attorney to make health care and financial decisions on their behalf should they become incapacitated.
Perhaps this low level of communication is not surprising clearly, talking about wealth transfer and estate plans can be emotional. But having these discussions is important, for several reasons:
• Strengthening family bonds
Generational wealth transfer shouldn't be seen simply as a transactional event. By discussing your parents' plans and wishes, and your own expectations, you can build a sense of unity and shared purpose. And you can develop a common philosophy about how your family's legacy goals will be carried forward through the succeeding generations.
• Avoiding unpleasant surprises
If you or other family members are expecting a certain inheritance and things turn out differently, disappointment and bad feelings may occur. But this can be avoided by having a discussion beforehand that clearly outlines your parents' intentions. You still may not agree with them, but at least you'll know what to expect and you won't make the mistake of acting in advance on any assumptions about what you'll inherit.
• Developing appropriate strategies
Passing on wealth to a new generation as part of an overall estate plan can be more complex than you might think. Are your parents using tax-smart strategies? Would they benefit from establishing a living trust? Are the beneficiary designations on their retirement accounts and life insurance policies accurate and up to date? If you suspect your parents may not have properly addressed these issues, you may want to bring up the benefits of working with an estate-planning attorney and a tax advisor.
While the benefits of having wealth-transfer and estateplanning discussions are clear, starting the conversations can be tricky. You need to show that you want to initiate these talks because you're concerned that proper plans need to be in place and understood by everyone involved. If you have a good relationship with your parents, you should be able to start these conversations, but you'll still need to be sensitive when bringing up the subject. One final word: Estate plans can take some time to develop — so, the sooner you have these discussions, the better.
Edward Jones, Member SIPC
Kevin Conway CFP ® CIMA
WILLOWS PARK PRESERVE
Little Darby
If you've ever visited The Willows, you've crossed it. Twice. Once on the way in, and once on the way out. What - the Rubicon? The Continental Divide? The Mason-Dixon Line? No, it's a rather modest geographic feature by comparison. It's Little Darby Creek.
Little Darby Creek is one of a number of creeks, including Ithan Creek, that are tributaries of Darby Creek, Little Darby's big brother. True to its name, Little Darby Creek is rather little — only 2.6 miles long. Big Bro Darby is 26 miles long. But Little Darby Creek is worth getting to know; it certainly knows a lot about Radnor!
Little Darby's origins are humble and unpretentious and, on the Main Line, that's “a rare and pleasing thing” (a phrase once used to describe Radnor itself). It starts at Sugartown Road, near Club la Maison, where it is fed by three large, subsurface pipes that collect water from sources in Tredyffrin Township. These rather unprepossessing pipes empty into a manmade, stone-walled channel that runs through the parking lot of Club La Maison. Perhaps you have encountered Little Darby at this point after a yoga or Pilates class.
Once released from the channel, Little Darby flows past some apartment buildings and a small pond. It then flows between two Township parks, Bo Connor and Warren Filipone, occasionally fielding a stray baseball, tennis ball or pickle ball and carrying it off downstream. The creek then flows under South Devon Avenue and continues past the backyards of several homes in a family-friendly West Wayne neighborhood. It dips under West Wayne Avenue and continues through a wet, woody area until it reaches Club Pond. What stories could Little Darby tell us about the sawmill and clover mill that were powered by waters from this impoundment during the 1800s? Or about the Mill Dam Club, founded more than a century ago, and quartered in the former miller's home at the edge of the pond? Or about the Mill Dam itself and its role in Radnor's industrial history?
Once the creek flows over the Mill Dam, it drops into a rocky, wooded valley between the Brooke Farm and Ravenscliff neighborhoods. At this point, Little Darby is free for a time to behave like a true creek, twisting and turning, flowing over and around rocks, bubbling and burbling under the shade of shagbark hickories and beech trees, and welcoming an unnamed tributary that has just completed a run though the world-class gardens of Chanticleer. Soon the creek must travel through a culvert under Brooke Road and continue its journey through a small slice of Inverary, another residential area that was once the site of a storied Main Line mansion, Laurento (later, Inver House), before that grand old house was demolished, shortly after the property's sale in 1983. It is on this property that Little Darby is joined by its first named tributary, Julip Run, which arrives from neighboring Easttown Township, having travelled east along Darby-Paoli Road until reaching the much-loved duck pond on Brooke Road. The impounded waters of Julip Run spill over a small dam then “duck under” Brooke Road, continuing a short distance until the run merges with Little Darby.
Refreshed by Julip Run, Little Darby passes under Darby-Paoli Road and enters The Willows Park, initially hidden from view by “the Cottage.” The so-called Cottage once served the owners of The Willows estate as a garage for cars and a stable for horses and other animals. In recent years, Little Darby has been stocked with trout just
downstream of the Cottage, much to the delight of area anglers. The creek has been designated by the state as a cold-water fishery. Dipping under the first of The Willows' two bridges, the creek flows past The Willows pond, a man-made “lake” installed by the Mansion's original owners, the Sinnotts (who named the property Rose Garland), and enjoyed by several subsequent owners, including the Zantzingers (who renamed the property Maral Brook), not to mention several generations of Radnor residents (who have known the property as The Willows since its acquisition by Radnor Township in 1973). From the pond one has a splendid view of the Willows Mansion, the site of so many memorable events attended by so many Radnor residents over so many decades. Little Darby was in attendance at all of them.
The creek continues past some bald cypress and box elder trees on its way to the second Willows Park bridge, this one on the road exiting the park, but just before reaching this bridge Little Darby is joined by another tributary, Abrahams Run, which, undeterred by park signage, enters the park at the park's exit. It runs through the picnic area of the Willows Park, shaded by willow oaks and river birches.
Passing under the second bridge, adorned with Mercer tiles, Little Darby continues flowing eastward past the Skunk Hollow Community Garden, the Township's leaf composting area and a cornfield, all south of Darby-Paoli Road. It passes under the remains of Papermill Road, one of Radnor's first roads, and is joined by a third tributary, Wigwam Run, which enters Skunk Hollow after winding past several historic structures on the legendary Ardrossan property. The creek then makes a sharp turn to the right, where it once fed a pond for a grist mill that was established in 1710. Mill operations continued at this site until the late 1800's. The remains of the mill dam and the mill itself are still visible. Below the mill ruins, Little Darby finally joins its bigger sibling and the merged creeks flow under a bridge at Saw Mill Road. Old photos show that this was once a covered bridge. Little Darby ends here, but Big Darby continues for another 23miles, until it reaches the Delaware River
Now you know a little bit about Little Darby!
If you would like to host your next event at the WPP, register for a program, learn about volunteer opportunities, provide financial support, or simply want to learn more about the WPP, please visit our website: www.willowsparkpreserve.org or email us at: info@willowsparkpreserve.org
VOTING INFORMATION
Safe, Sound, and Secure Elections
The League of Women Voters, whose membership is open to all, has worked for over a century to empower voters and defend democracy. Among our principles, we believe in representative government and in the individual liberties established in the Constitution of the United States. Most notably, we believe that every citizen should be protected in their right to vote.
Acting on League principles is a challenge. However, we believe that democratic government depends upon informed and active participation. Safe, sound, and secure elections are based on understanding just how elections work.
An Overview
Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution gave the states the responsibility of overseeing federal elections for the President, Vice President, and members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. The Pennsylvania Constitution, Article 27, outlines our state's provisions that are under the purview of the PA Department of State. Through its Bureau of Commissions, Elections, and Legislation, it oversees the Commonwealth's electoral process as well as Campaign Finance, Voter Registration, the Office of Notary Public, Commissions, and Legislation. Of course, over time, both federal and state legislators have enacted laws to modify elections rules and regulations designed by our forefathers. Elections in Pennsylvania are run by the 67 County boards of elections. Among other things, counties can differ in their voting machines, use of ballot boxes, and even processes involving absentee ballots. However, under the law, all voting machines must provide a paper trail that can be used for auditing the results of each ballot cast.
Delaware County
As residents of Delaware County, voters are subject to the provisions the federal, state, and county regulations. Our County Board of Elections is composed of three members appointed for two-year terms by County Council. Their meetings, along with
agendas, are posted in advance at https://delcopa.gov/vote/boe.html, the Delaware County website. As well, opportunities are provided for public comment. Discussions that range from redistricting and changes in polling places to certification of results can be viewed either live streamed or recorded on YouTube.
The Bureau of Elections, located in the Delaware County Government Center in Media, is responsible for providing accurate and up-to-date information to voters, orchestrating Election Day preparations, and processing of mail-in and absentee ballots. The Delaware County Elections Department is responsible for ensuring transparent, safe, secure and accurate elections for our county's 410,000 registered voters. The election agency administers: voter registration services; recruitment/training of poll workers; polling-place designations and equipment; balloting systems; preelection logic-and-accuracy testing; and post-election reviews and certifications of results. During the recent primary election, about 120,000 registered voters participated in 49 of the county's municipalities. Approximately 90,000 ballots were cast in person on Election Day while 30,000 mail-in ballots were received. Military and overseas mail-in ballots can be counted even if received a week after Election Day. This process, along with the review of provisional ballots cast at polling places, can result in delaying the final count.
Results, Delays, and Checking
Unofficial results are posted on an on-gong basis shortly after the polls close at https://delcopa.gov/vote/results.html
These tentative results can exclude small numbers of mail-in ballots that are flawed, based on the return envelopes being: undated or improperly dated; unsigned; unsealed; or the ballot not placed in the “Secrecy Envelope” before being submitted in the larger “Ballot Return Envelope.” The final certification date, when the official results are transmitted to the Department of State, can be more than three weeks after the election. By this date, all eligible ballots are processed, counted, and reported regardless of how close contests may be.
During the time between Election Day and certification, a Delaware County retabulation team is sworn in as mandated by State Law. This group reviews precinct records to identify inaccuracies and reports any obvious discrepancies. This oversight effort includes review of the results tapes, a two per-cent recount of
precincts, and a comparison of ballots cast versus ballots supplied and ballots returned unused.
Poll Workers
While the many staff members of Delaware County are entrusted to ensure safe, sound, and secure elections, their work would not be possible without the more than 2,000 poll workers who staffed the 428 precincts throughout the county. Each site now has electronic pollbooks that allow for easier check-ins, consistent voter guidance, and the ability by poll workers to quickly redirect voters who may arrive at the wrong polling place. This is particularly useful to new voters, voters new to the area, voters whose precincts moved since the last election, or voters who vote at sites that house three to six precincts!
Poll workers are essential to elections. They protect voters' right to vote and defend the integrity of secure and accurate elections. In Delaware County a poll worker can be responsible for setting up the polling location, checking in registered voters, explaining voting procedures to voters, overseeing voting equipment and ballots, monitoring conduct during the election and ensuring a “campaign-free zone” inside the precinct. If you would like to find out how you can help at the polls, check out the Poll Worker Resources link at Delco Votes!
Many members of the League of Women Voters have traditionally served as poll workers, judges of elections, and observers on Election Day. They believe in holding elected officials accountable and protecting your right to vote. Although the League does not support any political party or candidate, we serve to promote political responsibility and participation by informing you about selective governmental issues, such as how our elections work in Delaware County. Consider joining us and helping to make a difference.
ART & CREATIVITY
Art To Make Sense Of The World
It is no secret that creative endeavors can make almost everyone happier. For people of all ages and stages who struggle with mental, emotional or physical issues, art can make a tremendous difference. You may already know that art can build fine motor and problem solving skills, enhance communication and expression and promote self esteem and motivation to succeed.
And you may know some of the people who might benefit the most from having the
Art therapy can help, by giving people the freedom to explore and process their feelings and memories as they draw or paint. Skill is not required, and talking is an option. Art Therapists are Masters and PhD board certified professionals who guide this process. I asked Kathy Hrenko, a highly respected local Art Therapist, if she could share some of her favorite success stories. Her answer? “Ok, now you're going to hear me cry.” Kathy described having to prove herself 30 years ago in what was then a new and undervalued field. Art therapy helped her accurately assess a patient whose trauma had been unspeakably painful. By interpreting the woman's drawings correctly, the correct course of treatment was identified, and Kathy became an indispensable member of the assessment team. She told a second story about an
by Laurie Lamont Murray
elderly woman who hadn't spoken for weeks due to progressive memory loss. Kathy's work brought forth a flood of happy memories for this woman who, as she drew simple images, suddenly began to speak again! (Kathy is the Lead Expressive Art Teacher for AHHAH, featured below.)
Art Therapy is one valuable approach. In our greater Philadelphia region there is a wealth of expertise and opportunity, capable of bringing art to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
In alphabetical order, here are some of the wonderful things that are offered locally:
AHHAH (Arts Holding Hands and Hearts) AHHAH serves the youth and families of Chester County, but hopes to expand to include all of the communities in the Greater Delaware Valley. Their programs focus on literacy, mindfulness and the arts to offset the stressful effects of adverse childhood experiences, increase resilience and facilitate productive, fulfilling futures for youth. One of the many programs they provide is Justice Restored for youth in juvenile detention, featuring a traveling art show and publication of books of poetry. www.ahhah.org
Chester County Art Association is rightfully proud of their commitment to provide a Creative Space For Everyone. Their Summer Camp program has grant and scholarship opportunities for which anyone can apply. The classes include Extreme Upcycling, Jewelry and Fashion Design, Puppet-making, Crochet, etc and the artwork the kids produce is amazing.
(610-696-5600)
www.chestercountyarts.org
Community Art Center in Wallingford offers ART To Go, providing art experiences for Afterschool and summer programs at Chester Eastside Ministries, South Media Community Initiative projects, The Boys and Girls Club of Chester among others. CAC also brings classes for older adults, veterans and the disabled at the Delaware County Housing Authority and Plush Mills Senior Living Community. Drawing, painting, muraling, ceramics, mosaics, photography etc. are available. Each program is tailored to the organization's needs.
(610-566-1713)
info@communityartscenter.org
Main Line Art Center offers free Saturday classes for children, teens and adults with disabilities. MLAC collaborates with approximately 20 community partners, including PA School for the Deaf, Center For the Blind and Visually Impaired, ARTZ Philadelphia for older adults living with dementia, Carelink Support Services and Wesley House Family Shelter. MLAC has a merit based, juried artist's residency providing a disabled artist with studio space, an exhibition and a stipend. (610-525-0272) • mainlineart.org
Wayne Art Center designed Broaden Your World especially for adults with traumatic brain Injuries to encourage the development of physical coordination, personal expression and mental outlook. Plus Art is a needs-based program to help seniors stay active and involved. WAC's traveling and in-house programs include partnerships with The Timothy School for children on the Autism Spectrum and a tuition-free after school program for St. Augustine Academy (610-688-3553) • wayneart.org
As an artist, I have taken classes and exhibited at all of the aforementioned art centers. The work that they are doing for artists and the community as a whole is phenomenal. My familiarity with AHHAH is newer, coming from my friend Carol Metzker, who is also phenomenal. A few years ago, Carol began involving me in art projects at a residence for survivors of human trafficking. I started large paintings that the survivors could make into a group collage, using whatever decorative bits we brought. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm and pride that these artworks generated. Their efforts culminated in an exhibit at the Henry Gallery at Penn State Great Valley featuring work by ARTsisters and the survivors together in a beautiful professional space.
It is important to add that the visual arts are just one part of what is healing. Dance is a source of joy and fulfillment, as is music. Carol is a certified sound therapist who frequently offers stress relieving wellness sessions, creating a relaxing sound bath with her crystal singing bowls. #soundandwellness
There are countless other organizations and individuals using art to help people. I'd love to hear from you with recommendations to add. Have a wonderful summer! Laurie murraydesignworks@gmail.com
