Editor Rachel Pastan says goodbye to The Swarthmorean and shares final thoughts about issues facing the borough.
Walk, Don’t Run: Council President’s Deliberate Path
A profile of Mary Walk — Delaware County native, Swarthmore Borough Council president, and director of the Delaware County Office of Judicial Support — who became a lawyer at the age of 41.
Something to Watch: The Times of Harvey Milk
Editor Rachel Pastan recommends this documentary to watch during Pride Month and recalls the meaning the movie had for her when it came out in 1984.
Board Appoints New Member and Discusses Virtual Learning, Budget
At its May 10 meeting, the board appointed a new member, voted to partner with a virtual-education company, and heard about the state of the budget.
Opening an Art Gallery in a Pandemic
A profile of Swarthmore resident Debbie Morton, who opened Morton Contemporary in 2020 to sell and celebrate art, and to bring people together.
Art for Good: Morton Contemporary Raises Funds to Fight Gun Violence
Debbie Morton, the proprietor of the art gallery Morton Contemporary (see “Opening an Art Gallery in a Pandemic”), is co-sponsoring a fundraising auction to help fight gun violence and support its victims.
Swarthmore Borough Manager to Retire
Jane Billings, who has served as Swarthmore’s borough manager since September 1990, will retire in February 2022. Borough Council President Mary Walk announced the news at the council’s May 3 work session. This and other Borough Council news free to read and share.
Forum Highlights Accessibility Problems and Possibilities
An April 13 forum on accessibility in Swarthmore was organized by architect and Swarthmore resident Samina Iqbal, and hosted by Swarthmore Town Center. The event gave community members the opportunity to learn about the experiences of community members who are disabled, the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and options for complying with the law.
Earth Day 2021
Editor Rachel Pastan suggests looking for solace in nature this Earth Day.
Debut of Hybrid Patrol Car
Swarthmore Borough Police Chief Raymond Stufflet says that the borough’s new police vehicle — a 2021 Ford Explorer SUV — is the first hybrid he’s ever driven. Like his officers, he’s still getting used to the car, which went into service April 1. “When you turn it on, there’s no rumble,” he notes.
Board Welcomes New Superintendent
The Wallingford-Swarthmore school district voted to approve the selection of Wagner Marseille as the district’s new superintendent at their April 12 meeting. Also: students return to Strath Haven High School.
HRC to Collect Bias Reports
The Swarthmore Human Relations Commission is working on a repository for reports of bias, hate, and discrimination.
Inside the Aston Vaccine Clinic
A look inside Delaware County’s Aston vaccine clinic with Swarthmorean Lisa O’Mahony, who is helping oversee the county’s efforts.
Later Start, No Lunch Block in New High School Schedule
When Strath Haven High School opens its doors for full-time in-person instruction on April 12, the school day will start at 9:15 a.m., and lunch will be available at the end of the day. Principal Greg Hilden explains.
Zoning Matters: How Decisions That Seem Routine Can Have a Big Impact
A routine meeting of Swarthmore’s Zoning Hearing Board sparks an exploration of the history of zoning decisions in the rapidly gentrifying Historically Black Neighborhood of Swarthmore, and some questions about the borough’s future.
Close Call Provokes Discussion of New Fire Rules
A March 13 fire at the Village Vine wine bar and bistro at 6 Park Ave. in downtown Swarthmore prompted a conversation at Borough Council’s Public Safety Committee meeting about requiring that fire safety systems be monitored by a central station.
How Far We’ve Come
Editor Rachel Pastan looks back to a year ago, when COVID hit Swarthmore, and considers the future.
New Town Center Coordinator Planning for Spring
A profile of Sarah Matthews, the new Swarthmore Town Center coordinator, who started work as the nonprofit’s sole paid employee on February 1.
Youngest Students to Lead Way Back Into Buildings Full Time
Many students in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District are headed back to full-time in-person school. Elementary school students will have this option starting Thursday, March 18, with middle and high school students to follow on Monday, April 12.
Swarthmore Native Puts Local Touchstones in First Novel
A profile of novelist Kyle McCarthy, who grew up in Swarthmore. Her new novel, “Everyone Knows How Much I Love You,” focuses on a dangerous friendship between Rose and Lacie, two women in their early thirties, partly in the present and partly when they were teenagers. The story is set mostly in New York City, but crucial parts take place in the borough. Free to read and share