Two Strath Haven High School seniors, Stephen Yavor and Mira Patel, have each received a $5,000 college scholarship award from the Swarthmore Rotary Club and the Women’s Club of Swarthmore. (Although the Women’s Club no longer exists, funds to help support the scholarship were dedicated after it disbanded.) In keeping with Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” the scholarships are given each year to students who have significantly contributed to either the local or the global community.

Mira Patel, a Swarthmore resident, was the student representative to the Wallingford-Swarthmore School Board during the 2020-21 school year, and received international honors for her performance as a member of the Strath Haven High School debating team. She was also a contributing reporter for The Swarthmorean. She will attend Georgetown University in the fall.

Stephen Yavor, a resident of Rutledge, is an Eagle Scout and Senior Patrol Leader of his Boy Scout troop. His Eagle Scout project was building picnic tables for a local Veterans of Foreign Wars post. Stephen is also a volunteer with the Swarthmore Fire & Protective Association, with over 1,000 hours of service. He will attend the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Bobby Fooskas of Boy Scouts of America Troop 272 was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at his troop’s award ceremony on May 19 at the Old Mill in Rose Valley. Bobby, who is 16, is the son of Robert (an Eagle Scout as well) and Emily Fooskas of Wallingford. He is an honors student and three-sport athlete at Strath Haven High School.

Bobby’s Eagle Scout project was doing landscaping work at both the Hedgerow Theatre and the Hedgerow House in Rose Valley. This project had additional meaning for Bobby because the Hedgerow House was once part of his great-grandmother’s homestead, the Hollingsworth Estate.

Photo: Robert Fooskas

Nadia Phillips baked Gritty cupcakes to sell at the Election Day bake sale benefiting the Swarthmore Public Library. Photo: Betty Dowling

Katrina Bernaus of Swarthmore has received the Gold Medal award from the Canadian Institute of Forestry for her performance during her four years as a student in the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. The award, presented to one graduating student per year, recognizes those who have demonstrated not only a high level of scholarship and academic achievement, but also outstanding character, leadership, and sportsmanship. Katrina will graduate with honors on June 2, with a Bachelor of Science degree in natural resources management. Katrina is the daughter of Kim and Dave Bernaus of Swarthmore.

(Left to right): Strath Haven High School sophomore Imogen Sharif, junior Zoe Feinberg, and sophomores Sylvan Prey-Harbaugh and Nailah Sweeting — student leaders of the school’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance — celebrated at Strath Haven’s annual Rainbow Dance on Friday, May 14. Students danced outdoors on King Field, using hula hoops to promote social distancing. Ticket sales raised nearly $1,500 for the Ali Forney Center in New York City, an organization that works with homeless LGBTQ+ youth. Photo: Eva Switala

The Philadelphia folk duo Who? What? When? Where? Why? Werewolves? (6W for short, pictured) and singer-songwriter the Wildflower Project played live at Swarthmore’s waR3house3 (run by Swarthmorean co-publisher Rob Borgstrom) on Saturday afternoon. Photos: Greg Hoy

The Old Mill in Rose Valley was the site of a native plant sale on April 24. Co-sponsored by the Rose Valley Environmental Advisory Council, the sale was led by Cindy McPherson of the Rose Valley Gardeners.

Students from Penn State’s Brandywine campus were among the volunteers, some of whom are pictured here (left to right): Dave Firn, Susan Ploeg, Katherine Rubin, Gwen Rubin, Lisa Yang, Amjed Idris (behind), Nina Yang, Sumaya Islam, Cindy McPherson, Carrie Lowe, Jack Kwok, and Scott Laughlin. Photo: Ron Ploeg

The Rutledge Shade Tree Commission held its annual spring tree planting on Saturday, April 24. Five new trees (pink dogwoods and a hornbeam) now grace the borough. One of the trees was planted, at the request of resident Samantha Newell, in memory of her father, and the commission marked the occasion with a ceremony and an ornament made by Rutledge artist Rachel Sten.

As part of the borough’s Earth Day celebration, the Shade Tree Commission auctioned off a Rising Sun Redbud tree, which was won by the Ward family. Front row: Thanh Ho (left) and Rachel Sten. Back row (left to right): Suzanne Stewart, Madelaine Liberi, Connie Marchei, and Lindsay Reed. Photo: Rachel Hezlep

(Left to right) Third-graders Sawyer Barclay, Emma Levicoff, and McKinley Moots were among those participating in an eco-fair for Swarthmore-Rutledge School book club members and friends on Friday, April 3. The book clubs had read one of two Earth Day-themed selections, either Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk or The Wild Robot by Peter Brown. The group decorated reusable tote bags, spruced up the school gardens, and learned about recycling and communicating with legislators. Photo: Quincy Carpenter

Karl Rennick-Zuefle of Swarthmore recently installed “Little Free Library” book-sharing boxes at Umoja and Little Crum Creek parks as his Eagle Scout service project. The boxes enable passersby to take and leave books. About a dozen scouts from Troop 112 participated in the building and installation of the boxes over two weekends. The project was made possible with funding from the Swarthmore Centennial Foundation, the Rotary Club of Swarthmore, and the Swarthmore Senior Citizens Association.

Photo: (Left to right) Griffin Barrett, Nicholas Armstrong, Aidan McLean, Tanush Talekar, Nolen Spivey, Aidan Ross, Thomas Miller, Kevin Gao, Roland Rennick-Zuefle, and Karl Rennick-Zuefle of Boy Scout Troop 112. Photo: Dagmar Zuefle

Veronica King (left) and Callie Fries were among the many sixth-grade students at Strath Haven Middle School who worked in the school’s Zach Rufo Habitat Garden on Earth Day. The garden was first planted as an Earth Day project in 2010. Photo: Deirdre Abrahamsson

David Page, chair of the Swarthmore Tree Committee, writes:

Members of the Swarthmore Tree Committee, volunteers, and community homeowners will team up on Saturday morning to plant 13 new street trees and park trees in Swarthmore. The trees are provided by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s TreeVitalize tree-planting program, which supplies municipalities with low-cost bare-root trees to be planted as street trees to enhance urban canopies. This is the second time the Swarthmore Tree Committee, led by member Michael Matotek, has participated in the program, which is offered in the spring and the fall. We hope to continue our participation in the future.

Photo: Last fall, a Kentucky coffee tree was planted in front of the Wesley AME church on Bowdoin Avenue in Swarthmore, courtesy of the TreeVitalize program. Photo: Kielene Bizzell Brown

On April 8, Swarthmore Borough Council member Ross Schmucki wrote to tell us:

Today, a new picnic table was placed in Paulson Park down by CADES. This is good. People are using these outdoor spaces more than ever. Back in October, Borough Council authorized a picnic table for the corner of Umoja Park at Yale and Kenyon avenues. The photo shows the one in Umoja Park in use this week. These tables are handicap accessible. A wheelchair fits at either end. Thanks to council, Borough Manager Jane Billings, and foreman of the Swarthmore public works department, Charles (Cuzzy) W. Rowles Jr.

Photo: Ross Schmucki

Sallie Anderson writes:

Early in the morning of Saturday, April 10, more than a dozen members of the newly formed Citizens Against Trash Club of Nether Providence Township could be seen picking up trash at the Swarthmore/Media entrance and exit ramps of the Blue Route. The CAT Club members were joined by a few residents of Rose Valley, Media, and Springfield, along with Nether Providence Township Manager Dave Grady and Commissioner Matt Garson. In less than two hours, the group collected a full truckload of litter, making a very noticeable improvement along this heavily traveled route into and out of our community. As expected, plastic bottles and single-use plastic bags were large contributors to the litter. Several cell phones, an umbrella, an engine chassis, and a pair of men’s underwear were also found along the highway.

The CAT Club welcomes volunteers from all communities who are interested in pitching in to clean up litter. The next cleanup will be held on Saturday morning, April 24, probably at a local park. Look for details on Facebook as well as in the Swarthmorean’s Community Calendar.

Left to right: Cheryl Plunkett of Wallingford, Amy Reardon of Rose Valley, Nether Providence Commissioner Matt Garson of Wallingford, and Susan and Michael Ranck of Springfield picked up trash near the Blue Route on Saturday. Photo: Sallie Anderson

Despite some drizzle, nearly 30 volunteers worked from 1 - 4 p.m. on Sunday to clean up downtown Swarthmore as part of Swarthmore Town Center and the Swarthmore Horticultural Society’s spring Beautification Day. They power-washed awnings and sidewalks, weeded gardens, spread mulch, picked up trash and debris, washed storefront windows, prepped parklet planters, and hung string lights in the trees.

“The afternoon ended with cupcakes, and the sun even came out,” reports town center coordinator Sarah Matthews. “It was a fantastic day!”

Amalia Rodriguez Matotek, a third-grader at Swarthmore-Rutledge School, cleans windows as part of Swarthmore’s Beautification Day. Photo: Rob Borgstrom

Peter Fritz sent us this photo of his sons, Henry and Stanley, with a Guess the House drawing of their home, 525 Westminster Ave., clipped from the March 12 issue of the Swarthmorean. Bill Menke has been drawing borough houses for this popular weekly feature since January 5, 2018.

Strath Haven Junior Sydney Bergstrom of Swarthmore won a gold medal for her first-place finish in the 500-yard freestyle event at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Class 3A girls swimming championships on March 20. Her time was 4:55.91.

Photo: Wes Yancy

Rutledge held its first-ever St. Patrick’s Day celebration on March 14, a sunny but windy Sunday, in front of the Rutledge Borough Hall. The event was hosted by Mayor Kevin Cunningham (“Mayor K”) and the Rutledge Borough Activities Committee.

Music was provided by the mayor, on guitar and vocals, along with Rutledge resident Emily Peterson on fiddle, guitar, and vocals. The socially distanced crowd listened to Irish favorites like “Rocky Road to Dublin,” “Whack Fol The Diddle,” “Raglan Road,” and “Wild Rover.” Dressed in his finest St. Patrick’s gear, and topped by his green Phillies cap, the mayor handed out green Mardi Gras beads. The event concluded with a scavenger hunt to find clues hidden on gold shamrocks throughout Rutledge.

“I always wanted to do something in Rutledge for St. Patrick’s, but the weekend before March 17 was always a busy time, with events like the parades in Springfield and Philadelphia,” said Mayor K. “Last year, nothing happened because of COVID. Nobody went out, and people were still washing their groceries. There were still no parades this year, but things had loosened up a bit, so I went for it. People needed to get out and have some fun in a responsible way.”

“I would like to thank the Swarthmore police department for their help,” he added. “And also my former mayor buddy — and friend of Rutledge — State Senator Tim Kearney, for being there. Rutledge is a welcoming, talented, and fun community to live in. Keep a lookout for more events to come this year, as we hopefully get back to whatever the new normal is!”

Rutledge Mayor Kevin Cunningham (left) and resident Emily Peterson played Irish favorites for St. Patrick’s Day. Photo: Lindsay Reed

A group of volunteers, many of them Swarthmore residents, planted nearly 100 trees at Sun Village Park in Chester on March 13, including many Atlantic white cedars (Chamaecyparis thyoides). Working under the direction of David Hilbert, the plant coordinator for the Chester Ridley Crum (CRC) Watersheds Association, and association board member Lisa Gaffney, the volunteers dug holes, staked areas for planting, placed the trees, mulched, put protective cages around them, and watered them.

Sun Village Park is a neighborhood park containing one of the few freshwater tidal wetlands in Pennsylvania. In the early 20th century, the park was at the center of a planned community that Sun Oil (now Sunoco) built to house its workers. Today, the park can potentially become a model for restoring ecologically endangered areas. Atlantic white cedars were chosen to begin this restoration because their population in Pennsylvania has been killed off over the years by development projects that drained the wetlands the trees need in order to thrive.

(Left to right) Daksha Nair, Jing Wang, Nandan Nair, and Vibhat Nair, all of Swarthmore, planted trees in Sun Village Park. Photo: Rachel Keane

Thomas and Marcus Giorgianni, grandsons of Angela Hewett of Wallingford and Bob and Lenore Giorgianni of Rose Valley, recently braved wet and muddy ground to plant four evergreen bushes at the historic Thomas Leiper House. The bushes will stem the rainwater run-off that had been flowing from an area near the house down to Avondale Road.

Thomas and Marcus are members of Boy Scout Troop 152, Cradle of Liberty Council, in Montgomery County. Their much-needed undertaking fulfilled a requirement for a Scout environmental conservation project. Hewett, who is the long-time president of the Friends of the Thomas Leiper House, says, “I was happy my grandsons were willing to take on this task and perform it so well!”

Photo: Mary Ann Fiebert

Andrew Bunting of Swarthmore has been appointed to Delaware County’s Green Space Task Force. Delaware County Council member Elaine Schaefer announced his appointment at the council’s February 17 meeting. The task force’s mission is to help develop green spaces and trails, as well as a culture of appreciation for conservation, throughout the county. Over 50 applicants applied for the group’s 13 seats.

Bunting is the vice president of public horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, where he leads the Urban Design, Public Landscapes, Pop Up Gardens, and Meadowbrook Farm teams. He is also vice president of the Swarthmore Horticultural Society and the Swarthmorean’s garden columnist.

U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon of Swarthmore writes:

During passage of the Equality Act last week, several members of Congress sported face masks that Martha Perkins had procured for her store Gallery on Park from her face-mask crafter, Heather Femine. I had become a fan of the comfort and craftsmanship of Heather’s masks late last year, and I asked Martha whether Heather could make some using the pattern of the Philadelphia pride flag (rainbow plus black and brown). I gave some of these as holiday presents and kept the rest for my fellow members of the Congressional Equality Caucus. Last Thursday, as we were debating and voting on the bill, I passed the masks out to colleagues to mark the occasion — and they were a huge hit.

The Missionaries of Swarthmore’s Wesley AME Church chose Riddle Hospital’s emergency room and radiology departments for a day of community outreach and sharing on Saturday, February 20. Church members distributed goodie bags and thank you posters outside of the emergency room to workers who were on a break.

Fifth and sixth graders welcome a new flock of East Friesian lambs to the School in Rose Valley. Since the school’s founding in 1929, says alumna and development director Carrie Miluski, it “has trusted children with the care of chickens, sheep, and myriad classroom animals.” Photos: Samuel Quinn Photography

Every year for Valentine’s Day, the Rose Tree Gardeners gather to make valentine corsages and boutonnieres for the residents at Fair Acres and Sterling nursing homes. Everyone enjoys tea and treats as we make about 200 to 300 corsages. We feel good about bringing joy to the residents for Valentine’s Day.

This year, because of COVID, the Rose Tree Gardeners have been meeting via Zoom, trying to continue to do a few little projects. We were determined to get the Valentine’s Day project done too. Tina Imbrogno and Kelly Caulfield contacted the two nursing homes and asked how many corsages and boutonnieres they would like. The count was 210. Tina and Kelly picked up flowers, made bows, and delivered them to the Garden Club members. Each member was asked to make 20. They turned out beautifully.

The Strath Haven High School wrestling team finished its season undefeated with a 8-0 record. On February 6, they competed in the Central League championships held at Ridley High School and finished second overall.

Freshman Gabe Broome won his first Central League title in his weight class. Junior Chase Barlow won his third title and was named “Outstanding Wrestler.” Seniors Gabe Federico, Charlie Dawes, and Simon Bolinger placed third in their weight classes, as did sophomore Anthony Crawford and junior Kelton Brunner. The first round of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association district tournaments will be held on February 20.

On January 28, Plush Mills Senior Living held a vaccine clinic for residents and staff. The clinics were conducted in the residence’s studios, where, before COVID, people had cooked together and participated in art and group exercise classes, according to Donna Ferruzzi, marketing manager for Plush Mills’ parent company SageLife.

“The mood was celebratory, even among the needle-phobic,” Ferruzzi says. “We had balloons everywhere, and the staff were wearing ‘Roll up your sleeve’ T-shirts.”

Five vaccination stations were manned by CVS employees, with logistics handled by Plush Mills staff. All vaccine recipients were required to wait 15 minutes in the adjacent Club Room to be monitored for any adverse reactions. “There were none,” Ferruzzi reports.

Photo: Plush Mills resident Mary Dwyer receiving her first vaccine dose from a CVS staff member. Photo: Donna Ferruzzi

Robert and Jeanette Richardson are thrilled to announce the engagement of their daughter, Ashley Richardson, to Luke Trebisacci, son of James and Elizabeth Trebisacci of Westerly, Rhode Island. Ashley, a 2003 graduate of Strath Haven High School and a 2007 graduate of the University of Maryland, is a learning and development director. Luke, a 2006 graduate of Westerly High School and a 2012 graduate of the University of Rhode Island, received his Masters in Business Administration from West Chester University in 2020. Luke is a team leader at CardConnect.

Luke proposed to Ashley prior to a sunset helicopter ride over Philadelphia, the city where they fell in love. A 2022 wedding is planned.

The nonprofit organization Swarthmore Town Center raised $1,425 to benefit A Better Chance Strath Haven by organizing the first annual Holiday Puzzle Hunt, held on December 20. Due to COVID-19, the community’s annual New Year’s Day luminaria fundraiser had been canceled this past holiday season, causing A Better Chance to miss out on much needed funds. The Holiday Puzzle Hunt was designed to help fill the resulting gap, says co-organizer Rosemary Fox. She reports that tickets for the hunt sold out almost immediately.

Here’s how it worked: Each team of players (socially distanced and masked) followed clues that led them on what Fox calls “a silly romp through the Ville.” At various locations, they found locked boxes, and had to apply a bit of brain power to open them. Inside each box, players discovered a holiday-themed challenge. They completed the challenge, took a picture or video of it, sent that visual evidence to the “elves” for approval, and received back another clue that led them to their next location. Photos and video can be viewed on the Town Center Facebook page. “Players young and old had a wonderful time,” says Fox. “The town center board would like to thank all the volunteers and the families that came out to support this event.” She adds, “Be sure to put the puzzle hunt on your list of must-do holiday activities next year!”

U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-5) of Swarthmore and her husband, Mark Stewart, attended President Joe Biden’s inauguration in Washington, D.C., on January 20. Photo courtesy of Mary Gay Scanlon

Many Delaware County children lack the online access or supervision at home that would enable them to attend online school. But LoftySpot, which provides communities with virtual platforms, and the nonprofit Partners for Sacred Places, have collaborated to address this problem by creating “Community Learning Hubs in Sacred Places,” a supervised online learning environment that serves students from kindergarten-age through sixth grade. With funding from The Foundation for Delaware County and The Community’s Foundation, the groups have so far been able to provide two learning hubs, enabling 30 children to successfully attend online school who otherwise couldn’t. However, without further funding, the program, which has a weekly operating cost of between $1,000 and $1,500 per week, will have to close at the end of January. The churches hosting the learning hubs — Life in Christ Ministries, in Chester, and Faith-Immanuel Lutheran Church, in East Lansdowne — are seeking funds to enable the program to stay open.

The program gives students the “opportunity to learn in a safe, supervised environment,” says Bishop Dickie Robbins, of Life In Christ Ministries. Barbara Yarsiah, whose children are in the program, says the learning hub has enabled her kids to develop new relationships and stay on track with their assignments. She adds that being able to go to work every day knowing her child was in a supervised learning environment has made the pandemic more bearable. If you want to support the program, make a check payable to “Life in Christ Ministries” (put “Learning Hub” in the memo line), and mail it to Life in Christ Ministries, 3012 West Third Street, Chester, PA 19013.

Alternatively, make a check payable to “Faith-Immanuel Lutheran Church” and mail it to Faith-Immanuel Lutheran Church, 65 Penn Blvd., East Lansdowne, PA 19050. For more information, contact Jean Steinke at jean@loftyspot.com or 443-801-6946.

Photo: Community Learning Hubs in Sacred Spaces has given 30 students access to the internet for online school this year. The program is facing closure due to lack of funds. Photo: Moses Suah-Dennis

To express their appreciation for the hard work of teachers in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District during COVID-19, the Swarthmore Trailblazers — a 4H club focused on community service, citizenship, and a love of nature — assembled “gratitude bags” for district teachers. Two senior members, Amanda Anckaitis and Jenna Micklin, organized the project. Club members wrote letters of appreciation to their former and current teachers and included them with treats in the bags, which were distributed to area schools.

“We wanted to make sure the hard work and dedication of our teachers was appreciated,” Anckaitis said.

Jenna Micklin (left) and Amanda Anckaitis organized a “gratitude bag” project for teachers. Photo: Cindy Burks

Each month, approximately 25 mothers and newborn children receive medical care at the Chester branch of ChesPenn Health Services, which receives funds from the federal government to help provide primary care in underserved areas. Many of these families are in need, not only of medical care, but also of basic supplies for the newborns, from diapers to clothing. To respond to these needs, the Social Action Committee of Congregation Beth Israel of Media initiated a new project this year, “A Better Start for Babies,” which it has just successfully wrapped up.

The committee solicited donations from the Beth Israel community in 11 categories of essential items for babies. Committee member Judy Kinman led the effort, which brought in 30 full sets of donated items, each set valued at over $100. Kinman and fellow committee members Wendy Waterston and Carol Briselli packaged the items into individual gift bags, which were transported to the Chester ChesPenn clinic location for distribution before Christmas. The Social Action Committee hopes to repeat this drive in the future.

Photo: Judy Kinman assembles baby gift packages at Congregation Beth Israel of Media. Photo: John Greenstine

Masks On

I made the snowperson with the mask on.
It was the morning after the big storm.
The idea of the snowperson wearing a COVID mask
came to me as I was making it, perhaps a message
from the snowstorm, a natural warning.
I sent it to you because it seemed right
to capture the meltaway truth in a meltless image.
Survival is everything. Masks on!

– Craig Williamson

Swarthmore Note: The above is a small poem in 4-beat lines with in-line and cross-line alliteration that binds the lines together as a poem. I didn’t consciously try to do it as a poem, but after spending 15 years translating the whole of Old English poetry (31,000 lines!), I do this sort of thing now without thinking. It may seem like a lot for a little poem on the snowperson, but there are small subject poems like this in Old English as well. – C.W.

Amelia Eisch and her family celebrated the secular winter holiday Festivus on December 23. “It’s noncommercial. That’s one of the reasons we like it,” she says. Eisch explains that, although popularized on the TV show “Seinfeld” in 1997, the holiday actually was created by writer Daniel O’Keefe in the 1960s. A plain aluminum Festivus Pole and the Airing of the Grievances are two important features of celebration. “Grievances can be things you’re unhappy about in the world, or things you’re unhappy about in your private life,” Eisch explains. “It’s important to get the big ones out, but you also have permission to be petty.”

This year, Eisch’s family gathered around the pole in their Yale Avenue yard and shared some grievances out loud, writing or drawing others on index cards and hanging them on the pole. She says her son drew “a great coronavirus. You know, the spikes.”

Then they burned the cards. “We stood together as a family and watched our grievances go up in flames.” Eisch emphasizes that they are careful with the fire. “We stamped out our burnt grievances with our muddy boots,” she reports, adding that they always donate to the Swarthmore fire department.

“Our simple, sad Festivus pole just sits on our front yard,” Eisch reports. “It leaves us with the reminder to let things go.”

Photo: Amelia Eisch

“When the World Changed” is a new original song recorded by Last Chance, the musical duo of Swarthmore resident Ingrid Rosenback and Jack Scott of Wallingford. “We were thrilled by the Biden/Harris victory, and we wanted to express that joy in our song,” Rosenback says. “We’re hoping Joe and Kamala will get to hear it.” Last Chance’s most recent album is “Summer Again.” Their songs have played locally on Philadelphia’s WXPN and on college and community stations in states from New England to California. Watch the duo perform the song in Rosenback’s yard.

Photo: Woody Johnson

Swarthmore resident and emergency room physician David Gaieski sports his “I’ve been vaccinated” sticker. Gaieski, who works at Thomas Jefferson Hospital, received his first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on December 16. In the background of the photo, MSNBC’s Vaughn Hillyard interviews a nurse at Jefferson while Gaieski sits in the background.

Photo: Jill Gaieski

Dan Dennison recently installed his sculpture, "Totem," in Swarthmore’s Central Park. The project is a collaboration between the artist and Gallery on Park. This work, along with two of Dennison’s other sculptures, will remain on view until spring. Photo: Martha Perkins

Molly Wasser and Zachary Arnold, both graduates of Swarthmore-Rutledge School, Strath Haven Middle School, and Strath Haven High School, are delighted to announce the birth of their daughter, Rose Salima Wasser Arnold, on November 1, in Washington, D.C. The happy grandparents are Andrea and David Wasser, and Reisa Mukamal and Steven Arnold, all of Swarthmore. Rose is also the niece of Samuel Arnold, Benjamin Arnold, and Emalie Clamage, all of Philadelphia, and of the late Noah Arnold.

Alexis Young of Swarthmore writes:

Our neighbor, Tom Madorna, had a cute idea for Halloween. He put a sign below his mail slot that said “candy dispenser.” Our group of ambitious first-grade-and-younger trick-or-treaters almost passed his house by, until a parent spotted the sign. Tom stood by the window pushing out individual large candy bars for each child. My 6-year-old daughter sighed at bedtime, saying, “I wish I could go trick-or-treating every night.”

Sa’ed Atshan of Swarthmore has been named one of the “40 Under 40” by the Arab American Foundation.

An assistant professor in Swarthmore College’s Peace and Conflict Studies program, Atshan researches contemporary Palestinian society and politics, and global LGBTQ social movements.

A prolific scholar, Atshan published two books in 2020. “Queer Palestine and the Empire of Critique” explores the LGBTQ movement in Palestine, and “The Moral Triangle: Germans, Israelis, Palestinians” looks at the Israeli and Palestinian diaspora communities in Berlin, with particular attention to the questions of moral responsibility among the various groups.

Atshan grew up in Ramallah, spent a year at Westtown School in West Chester, and attended Swarthmore College (’06) before earning his doctorate in anthropology and Middle Eastern studies at Harvard. Currently on sabbatical in Berkeley, California, he lives in Swarthmore.

Photo: Claudia Peppel

Shannon Dietzmann Elliott of Swarthmore-Rutledge School’s Home and School Association writes:

Thank you to all who “carved out” some time on Friday, October 16, to pick up pumpkins and have some fun with friends. The rain was no match for the spirited enjoyment that was had. About 250 pumpkins were sold and $500 was raised for SRS Home and School Association. Congrats to the guessing game winners: Everett Miller for guessing the weight of the pumpkins, and Olivia Zajac for guessing how much candy was in the bowl. A special thank you to Rachel Hezlep and the fourth grade families and students who were ALL so helpful in making this a spook-tacular event.

Photo: Scott and Rachel Hezlep

Online high school has definitely been different. I wouldn’t say it is better or worse than normal school, as there are good and bad things about both, but it is an interesting way to approach school. Some of the nice things about online school are the freedom I have compared to normal school. To be honest, it is nice being able to eat, use the bathroom, and mentally take a break from school whenever you want. The later start time is also a plus as it is less of a struggle to wake up each morning. There are things about online school that are worse. The lack of connectivity with peers is definitely something I will not miss when we eventually go back. Into the classroom. Some of the best parts of school are chatting with friends at lunch and meeting new people in classes. This aspect has been mostly taken away during online school. One of the most surprising things about online school is how drained I feel at the end of the day. Hours on a screen really make me feel more brain dead than in-person school. All in all, while online school has not been too bad, I am definitely excited to get back to how things normally are.

Beckett Strachan
11th grade Strath Haven High School

The Strath Haven High School girls cross country team warms up for their virtual meet on October 1. After mapping out a 5K course on the high school grounds, the coaches recorded their athletes’ times and submitted them to an online time bank. Though the team has now resumed regular racing, virtual meets are yet another toll of the pandemic.

Photo by Strath Haven High School junior Kai Lincke

Senior Will Garrett plays his flute with a mask and a plastic cover during one of the high school marching band’s night rehearsals. The masks and saliva-blocking bell covers are just two of the many precautions that the Panther marching band has implemented to ensure that the performers can safely play music. The marching band’s upbeat tunes and steady cadence have played through rain, snow, and freezing temperatures — and now a global pandemic.

Text and photos by Kai Lincke, SHHS ’22.

The Media Theatre invites local residents to participate in a virtual Halloween parade. Area kids, grownups, and family (or other) groups are invited to dress up for a photo or short video to submit to be part of the spectacle. Participants are invited to sing a song, recite some lines, or find a way to look scary.

The images will be edited into a virtual parade that will go live on the theater company’s website and Facebook page at 1 p.m. on October 31.

Photos should be jpgs of good quality. Include your name and email. Submit to Patrick Ward at p.ward@mediatheatre.org or spa_media@netzero.net.

Video submissions should be no longer than 60 seconds. Use the highest quality image from your iPhone or camera (ideally 1080p). Be sure to say your name in the clip. Upload them here. Deadline for submissions is October 25. If you have questions, email p.ward@mediatheatre.org or spa_media@netzero.net.

Photo: Katie Leubecker (left) and Caroline Vail raised $2,315 for Loaves and Fishes through their Front Porch photography project. Photo: Katie Leubecker

At the height of COVID-19 cabin fever in May, Swarthmore resident and former professional photographer Katie Leubecker and her niece, Caroline Vail (a sixth grader at Strath Haven Middle School), were looking for ways to connect with the community and support those in need. Together, aunt and niece created the “Swarthmore Front Porch Project” to raise funds for a local food pantry. They invited anyone living in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District to have their portrait made — in a five-minute, socially distanced photography session. The sittings were held outdoors, on porches or front steps. Thanks to a widely shared Sign-Up Genius form, all available time slots for the two-week project were filled the day it launched. And so, in exchange for some treasured family portraits, those who participated (along with those who simply donated) became part of a community effort to help their less fortunate neighbors.

Altogether, Leubecker and Vail conducted over 65 portrait sessions. The proceeds ($2,315) were donated to Loaves and Fishes, a food pantry that serves more than 1,100 Delaware County families. Lana Lindenmuth, Financial Director of Loaves and Fishes, has reported that 50% of the people making use of the pantry during the COVID-19 pandemic had never needed to ask for help before.

Donate to Loaves and Fishes. To view the project, go to @swarthmorefrontporchproject on Instagram.

Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-5, right) of Swarthmore and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi paid their respects to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she lay in state at the Capitol on September 25. Scanlon writes: It seems incredible to me that she is the first woman to lie in state in our nation’s Capitol. But, on the other hand, who better to receive that honor? But for her service, and her advocacy for women’s rights, we likely would not have seen the wave of women, like myself, enter Congress in 2018. May her memory be a blessing to our country.

Boy Scout Troop 112 of Swarthmore is pleased to announce that over the summer three Scouts achieved the Eagle Scout award: Gabe Federico (senior, Strath Haven High School), Stone Hassinger (sophomore, Monsignor Bonner High School), and Nate Linderman (senior, Strath Haven High School). To become an Eagle Scout, each boy was required to work through six ranks, earn at least 21 merit badges (for skills like first aid, cooking, and environmental science), hike over 50 miles, and camp at least 60 nights. Stone went further, becoming one of fewer than 500 Scouts since Scouting’s inception in 1910 to earn every merit badge, 137 in total.

Each Scout also planned and completed a community service project. For his Eagle project, Nate installed plaques at historic locations around town, such as the fire company, the former Crum Creek trolley, and the Historically Black Neighborhood of Swarthmore. Stone planted shade trees at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Philadelphia. Gabe built new barricades for Swarthmore Presbyterian Church to use during its annual Fall Fair.

Donna Kay Jones hosted a distanced party on August 30 outside the Jones Piano Studio to celebrate the ratings her students received from the judge of the National Guild of Piano Teachers. For the competition, each student played (remotely) between three and 19 pieces, from memory, representing at least four different styles of music at levels from elementary to advanced. Pictured here (l to r): Joyzee Yi, Alex Yang, Ted Clark, Donna Kay Jones, Daksha Nair, Harry Park, and Shannon Yue. “No one can say these students are letting the pandemic hold them down!” Jones says. Photo: Vibhat Nair

Swarthmore-Rutledge School students took time to “chalk the block” — writing messages for their teachers ahead of virtual back-to-school night on September 15. Photo: Shannon Dietzmann Elliott

Katie (second grade), Danny (fourth grade), and Tommy (seventh grade) Shank of Wallingford started school from Ocean City, New Jersey. Photo: Lauren Shank

Lois Haberstumpf (kindergarten). Photo: Kimber VanSant

Zohra Fardi (eighth grade). Photo: Dana Fardi

Mohsen Fardi (12th grade). Photo: Dana Fardi

John-Paul Redmond (seventh grade). Photo: Makeda Redmond

A car turned over with its driver inside on Beatty Road in Nether Providence Township on August 31. A nearby Aqua pipeline crew extricated the driver, who was unhurt. Arriving firefighters stabilized the car. Photo: Rich Cresson

Mary “Alma” Trevethick, who lived in Swarthmore from the age of 4 into her late 70s, celebrated her 101st birthday on Thursday, August 27. Alma recently recovered from a bout of COVID-19 at the Broomall Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, where she lives. Photo: Kathy Colbert

Alma’s friend Kathy Colbert writes: “When I visit Alma, we meet at a set of glass doors, and I talk to her on my cell phone. It does us a world of good to be able to see each other in person, hear each other, give air hugs, and blow kisses. It was so nice to celebrate her 101th birthday, even if through a window.”

Eli Richardson (left), Strath Haven High School ’85, and Jonathan Snyder, Swarthmore High School ’70. Richardson was appointed District Federal Judge for the Middle Tennessee District in 2019. Photo: Julie Jackson

Jon Snyder writes: “My company has been contracted to provide the food service in the Nashville Federal Courthouse and Office building for 20 years. I have a Swarthmore pennant hanging in the cafeteria. Judge Richardson saw it, and we connected. He moved to Swarthmore in 1968, and I had lived there for years, on Rutgers Avenue, and had been a volunteer fireman. We thought it would be nice to show a Nashville connection to Swarthmore.”

Occasionally Yours co-owner Scott Richardson of Swarthmore appeared as part of the Democratic Convention on Monday. Richardson, who voted for Donald Trump in 2016, recounted the difficulties his small business has faced in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Joe Biden will get his vote this time around. “I’m just frustrated,” Richardson said. “I don’t understand how we got here. We’re the greatest nation in the world.”

Ruby Hoffman took advantage of Tuesday’s rain to do some puddle jumping. Photo: Rob Borgstrom

On July 16, Marge and Don Henderson celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary over a socially distanced lunch at their home in Maris Grove with their oldest and youngest sons, Don and Dave. They were also joined, over Zoom, by their other two sons, Rob and Rick (Diane and Jodi), and enjoyed several other virtual video visits and phone calls from grandchildren and friends.

During the lunch, Marge and Don opened over 100 cards sent from all over the country by friends, family, former students, and neighbors.

Marge and Don extend their heartfelt thanks to all who sent cards, and for the one doorstep delivery of sticky buns and shoofly pie. As Marge has often been overheard to say during COVID-19 isolation, “We have really been getting to know each other.”

Their children send them warm wishes: “Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad! We love you!”

Young pianists at Jones Music Studio performed their repertoire on Zoom this month. Hosted by piano teacher Donna Kay Jones, the event was rehearsal for the students’ August auditions for the National Guild of Piano Teachers. Ordinarily, Jones’ students gather in-person monthly to perform memorized pieces and provide feedback for each other. While they could not enjoy the usual refreshments after their performance, the students had fun sharing music with each other virtually.

Pictured, top to bottom, left to right: Donna Kay Jones, Harry Park, Joyzee Yi, Alex Yang, Ted Clark, Daksha Nair, and Shannon Yue. Photo: Lauren Park

Sabrina LaBelle will be the new Protestant Chaplain at Swarthmore College starting August 1.

Born and raised in New Jersey, LaBelle got her undergraduate degree in political science from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, followed by a master’s in international economics from the University of Warwick in Coventry, UK, and a second master’s, in archaeology, from the University of Chicago. After that, she became a candidate for the ministry within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American and attended Princeton Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey. She followed that with a year at the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California.

Labelle was pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Dana Point, California, for ten years, where she led many youth-focused groups. She also preached, taught adult education, and led and grew the women’s ministry there.

Labelle says she is excited to work with students of all faiths, as well as those who are questioning, and those who do not have a faith. She loves working with college students because of “the impact of those four years of college on the minds and passions of young adults,” she says. When not working, Labelle enjoys reading, wine tasting with her husband, Chris, being at the beach, spending time with family, and watching and attending baseball games. She has always been a Phillies fan and looks forward to being back in the Phillies stadium.

Photo: Sabrina LaBelle, pictured here with her family, will be the new Protestant Chaplain at Swarthmore College. Photo: Jesse Parajeckas

Zachary Hellman, Justin Hellman, and Sierra Hellman of Swarthmore have all been named to the dean’s list at the University of Pittsburgh.

Ruth Wells Fischer and Michael Steven Schultz are proud to announce that their son Garrick Schultz (Strath Haven High School ‘16) has graduated from Kenyon College, receiving a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, with a dual degree in political science and theater. Upon graduation, he was inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society. Photo: Rebecca Gudelunas

Construction has begun on the Swarthmore College Dining and Community Commons project. Greg Brown, vice president for finance and administration, wrote in an email to the college community: “This summer’s work will involve a considerable amount of utility relocations around Sharples [Dining Hall], and will also, unfortunately, involve some tree removals. We have worked closely with the Scott Arboretum on the selection of the trees and on their replacement at the end of the project. Due to the extent of the work this summer, the site perimeter is quite large, resulting in some regular pathways being closed.” The college plans to ultimately plant twice as many trees as they remove. The new dining center is expected to be completed in summer 2023. Photo: Rachel Pastan

Girl Scout Troop 5789 from Swarthmore-Rutledge School completed their Bronze Award project this spring in the midst of the pandemic. The troop of fifth grade juniors affixed medallions that said “NO DUMPING ~ DRAINS TO CREEK” to all the storm drains in Rutledge. The girls spent the last two years learning about water ecology, visiting the Fairmount Water Works, the Heinz National Wildlife Refuge and the Stroud Water Research Center. Their project was funded by a grant from the Delaware County Conservation District. “We did this to teach people in the community that you shouldn’t dump things down the storm drains, like oil or trash,” the girls explained. “If people dumped 15 pieces of trash down each of the 15 drains each day, there would be 225 pieces of trash down in our creek, and that would really harm our environment.” The troop hopes the medallions help everyone to remember not to pollute.

Girl Scout Troop 5789 at Rutledge Borough Council on February 3. Council members (l to r): Ken Torres-Zickler, Marlaina Kloepfer, Mayor Kevin Cunningham, Heidi Sentivan, Lindsay Reed, Samantha Newell, Jody Roberts. Girl Scouts (l to r): Elaine Herndon, Anabella Larin, Hannah Kille, Maeve Raffaele. Photo: Kathleen Raffaele

“I sort of feel like I have a new granddaughter!” That was how Nancy Daniel said she felt after corresponding for seven weeks this spring with her young pen pal, Sophie Jackson. Jackson enjoyed the exchange, too. She discovered that she and Daniel share a love of camping and languages, and are planning to study Spanish on the same app. “Having a pen pal made quarantine more enjoyable,” she said. The seven-week pen pal program, Senior Connect, was started by Autumn Mansor and Pat Francher of the Swarthmore Farmers Market, in collaboration with the Swarthmore Senior Citizens Association. The idea was to “promote and support intergenerational camaraderie during the COVID-19 pandemic.” They also figured that kids would enjoy helping seniors. After participants in the program were paired up, the pairs emailed each other once a week. Parents screened the emails before passing them on to the kids. (Two of the pairs communicated by phone instead.) Dog photos were shared, and newly invented games were described. Travels — great and small — were recounted. The Eagles were considered, and their tactics debated. Many of the pairs plan to keep corresponding on their own, now that the program is over, and are looking forward to meeting in person one day. Maybe at the farmers market!

Two Strath Haven High School seniors, Lauren Park and Johnathan Cresson, were awarded $5,000 scholarships from the Swarthmore Rotary Club and the Women’s Club of Swarthmore. Although the Women’s Club no longer exists, funds to support the scholarship were dedicated when the club disbanded. In keeping with Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” the scholarships are given each year to students who have significantly contributed to either the local or global community.

Lauren Park, of Swarthmore, is a pianist who has played for local groups, from elementary school children to seniors at retirement communities. She has also taught diversity training. Park will attend Swarthmore College.

Johnathan Cresson, also of Swarthmore, joined the Swarthmore Fire and Protective Association when he was 14 and is currently training to be a full-fledged fire fighter. He built the municipal shed near the Swarthmore Borough Hall parking lot as an Eagle Scout project. Cresson will attend Lafayette College.

Evelyn Meeker, a rising senior at Strath Haven High School, attended a Black Lives Matter protest on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. She sent us this photo and writes:

The energy and emotion of the people was palpable as they held their ground against the police and the National Guard. As protesters marched, one man said, “I love my city.” To me, that says it all. While there is a great deal of very real and justified anger, communities are also coming together in a beautiful way. Like many people, I was hesitant about protesting because of the continued risk of coronavirus. However, I also know that as a white person, I often profit from the oppression of others and that it’s easy for me and people like me to do so silently. Now is not the time for silence.

The Delaware County Youth Orchestra (DCYO) has released a performance of the Toreador Song from Georges Bizet’s opera “Carmen” on YouTube. The finished product was assembled by DCYO conductor and musical director Andrew Hauze from individual videos the musicians recorded at home. Hauze writes:

After I saw the Rotterdam Philharmonic’s inspirational video of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” I realized that we could do something similar with DCYO. It has been so frustrating not to be able to make music together as an ensemble, and I wanted at least some way for students to play their instruments and lend their talents to a joint project, even though we can’t be in the same space. It’s quite difficult because the students can’t hear one another while they make their own recording. They can only hear a reference track that they listen to on headphones so that they’ll be in sync with the other students. In that way it’s not very gratifying for each player while they are playing their own part. It’s also quite challenging to put together on a technical level: I have a fair amount of video editing experience, but syncing 53 separate videos and editing them together in a comprehensible way was a steep but exciting challenge! It was more than worth doing, though, since, in the final video, we can finally see and hear one another as an orchestra again! Watch the video.

Rev. Joyce Shin, pastor of Swarthmore Presbyterian Church (SPC), received her Ph.D. in theological ethics from the Divinity School of the University of Chicago at a virtual commencement ceremony on June 12. When Shin began her tenure at SPC in 2016 as its 10th pastor and its head of staff, she had completed her doctoral research but still needed to finish writing her dissertation — a difficult challenge, given her schedule. So, in August 2019, with the support of the SPC Personnel Committee and the Session (SPC’s governing body), Shin took a one-month administrative leave to complete and submit that dissertation, “Faith in an Age of Cultural Pluralism: An Aesthetic Approach to Transformation.” On the acknowledgements page, Shin wrote: “Writing a dissertation takes some solitary time. I thank the congregations of Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago, Illinois, and Swarthmore Presbyterian Church of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, who, while I served them in ministry, cheerfully encouraged me to take the time I needed to complete this dissertation. These are congregations whose love of learning has been extended generously to me.” The congregation of SPC sends their heartfelt congratulations to their pastor, whom they will now be able to call “the Reverend Doctor Joyce Shin.”

Photo: Micah Marty

Paul M. Gallo, M.D., Ph.D., son of Carol and Joseph Gallo of 117 Yale Ave., Swarthmore, recently completed his residency in pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and will begin a fellowship in hematology-oncology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in July. He earned his M.D.-Ph.D. at Temple University in 2017, where he received the Angelo M. DiGeorge award as the outstanding senior student in pediatric medicine. Paul edited the nephrology chapter in the 22nd edition of the “Harriet Lane Handbook,” a pediatrics reference used around the world.

Many people are spending a lot of time on their electronic devices during the pandemic, and for some of them, the learning curve is steep. Dan Snyder of Swarthmore has been helping neighbors use their Apple iPhones, iPads, and Macs. He has taught several iPhone and iPad courses for Wallingford Swarthmore Community Classes over the years, and now offers his help on a one-on-one, volunteer basis.

Dan helped Peg Christensen learn to use Zoom so she could lead online board meetings for Wallingford Swarthmore Community Classes and for the Strath Haven Condominium Association, and so she could attend her book club. He helped Kitty White figure out why her printer wouldn’t work. He helped Joan Skivo learn to check out e-books from the library and read them on her Kindle and iPad. He helped Linda Donnelly decide on a computer purchase by explaining the tradeoffs between laptop and desktop computers. He helped Sheila Bell convince her iPhone to stop announcing every incoming email with an annoying “ding.” You can reach him at dan.snyder.x@gmail.com. If he can solve your problem, or teach you something new, he will.

Tom and Lisa Starr are proud to announce that their son, Ethan Starr (Strath Haven High School ‘16), has graduated from Kenyon College, receiving a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, with a double-major in music and philosophy.

A 100-year-old white pine came down behind Ashton House on the Swarthmore College campus during June 3’s storm. Photo: David Page

A color guard from Boy Scout Troop 112 decorated the war memorial in Swarthmore’s Monument Park on Memorial Day. The Swarthmore Fire & Protective Association rang the bell at Borough Hall, and a representative of the Silver Dollar Band played taps. Eastlawn Cemetery in Ridley Township was decorated earlier in the weekend. Photo: Al Federico

Robert Morbeck of Rutledge writes: Our silent sentry León (he’s from Spain) has become a minor celebrity along the unit block of President Avenue in Rutledge. We supply him with a bucket hat when the spring rains arrive. Various neighbors have added their own accoutrements: a face shield to ward off the coronavirus and a beautiful butterfly which he’s using as a bowtie. Photo: Robert Morbeck

Although the Leiper House is not open to the public yet, outside work is going strong. Check out the newly refurbished front gate and fence and the plantings around it. We will let you know when we are open again for tours.

Swarthmore Girl Scout Cadette troops 50220 and 51125 have been collecting vital supplies for CityTeam Chester since April. The Scouts have been astounded by the generosity of our community. So far, they have delivered:

• Over 4,000 food items and packages of diapers and formula.
• Over $1,500 (includes $300 in troop money from cookie sales).

Megan Slootmaker writes:

Girl Scouts has been great for my daughter Annika during the governor’s stay-at-home order. Sports seasons were cancelled, but her Girl Scout troop has been holding weekly Zoom sessions, learning new skills through virtual badge meetings, and providing a valuable community service by collecting for CityTeam Chester. Many people who used to donate food at their churches have been bringing their donations to our curbside bins while the church buildings are closed. CityTeam volunteers told us that the need for food and other items has been so much greater lately. They are serving many people now who never needed this kind of help before. To donate diapers, formula, and non-perishable food, look for the curbside collection bins at the following Swarthmore addresses: 101 Dartmouth Ave., 210 Dickinson Ave., 571 Marietta Ave., and 625 Strath Haven Ave.

Photo: Annika Slootmaker getting ready to take donated goods to CityTeam. Photo: Megan Slootmaker

Swarthmore United Methodist Church proudly congratulates their pastor, Lydia Muñoz, who recently won a coveted award from Drew University, where she is completing a doctorate in ministry with a focus on public theology. As part of the university’s end-of-year honors, she was awarded the Fellowship Seminarian Award, given annually to the student who displays outstanding leadership in music and/or worship arts. This award makes Muñoz a member of the Fellowship of United Methodist in Music and Worship Arts, a group expanding worship design throughout the world. Photo: Sheila Bell

Robert and Susan Smythe are very proud to say that their daughter, Maggie Smythe (SHHS ‘10; Carleton College ‘14), graduated from Tulane School of Medicine on Saturday, May 16. Maggie will start her residency in Internal Medicine at UConn Health in July. Photo: Pat DeMarco

For years, Pals for Reading has been a popular children’s program at area libraries. Specially trained dogs (and rabbits, and other fuzzy companions) listen while children read to them. It helps kids with fluency, engagement, and so many other important components of becoming a lifelong reader. And the kids love it. We haven’t been able to meet face-to-face these last couple of months, so Helen Kate Furness Children’s Librarian Lori Friedgen-Vietch and Library Director Leah Kulikowski gathered a group of readers virtually and ushered them into Zoom breakout rooms to read to Chloe, a longtime Pals for Reading listener owned by Furness Library board member Joyce Romoff. Lori and Leah kept the kids engaged while they waited their turn. Missing were the noggin pats and behind-the-ear scratches, but it was a welcome taste of normal for Helen Kate’s young patrons.

Photo: Nathaniel Zwitch reads “Captain Underpants” to a furry listener on Zoom. Photo: Jenn Zwitch

With in-person graduation ceremonies looking unlikely, people are finding creative ways to recognize high school seniors. Many families have decorated their front doors to show love to their soon-to-be graduates. This door celebrates Peter Boerth, who will be attending Northeastern University in the fall.

With in-person graduation ceremonies off the table, people are finding creative ways to recognize high school seniors. Many families have decorated their front doors to show love to their soon-to-be graduates. This door celebrates Sophie Bergstrom, who will be attending Franklin and Marshall College in the fall.

When Swarthmore-Rutledge School’s kindergarten field trip to the zoo was cancelled (due to COVID-19 school closures), students set up (stuffed) animal exhibits outside their homes. Abigail Garfinkel was one of them. Her mother, Allison Garfinkel, writes:

Abby chose polar bears, and we were able to borrow three additional bears from family and friends to make our “habitat.” We drove around town to see 18 other animals, and my kids had a great time looking for them from the car. Not exactly the field trip we had hoped for, but it was a nice experience. Not to mention getting excited when friends drove by to see our exhibit!

Today was a really great example of community spirit during such a strange time. Above is a photo of Abby (pretending to be shivering) with the polar bears and her homemade icebergs. Photo: Allison Garfinkel

Vocalist Danielle Tuminelli, a popular performer at the Plush Mills senior living community, gives a concert from the edge of the driveway. Photo: Paul Rosen

Chester Upland Youth Soccer (CUYS), whose executive director Jeannine Fallon Anckaitis lives in Swarthmore, has been named “Community Organization of the Year” by The Community’s Foundation (TCF) of Springfield. CUYS uses soccer to teach healthy living habits and provide mentorship for nearly 500 at-risk students in Chester, Upland, and Eddystone. As part of the award, TCF allows grantees to direct a portion of TCF’s funds to a second local organization. CUYS chose Wallingford’s Lifewerks Inc., which provides food, clothing, and books to people in need. Photo: Terri Douthett

Trinity Cooperative Day Nursery organized a parking lot meet-and-greet with the families whose children attend the preschool, to let the children know their teachers miss them. “Things will be back to normal and we will be at school for them when they return!!!” Photo: Kimberly Mills

The Sparks family (Chris, Emily, Mira, and Aadya) find a way to wish their Grandpop a happy birthday while practicing social distancing. Photo: Leigh Sparks

Strath Haven High School Junior Ben Ainslie is documenting the COVID-19 pandemic through photography. Swarthmore native Matthew Ainslie, 47, looks for food and other necessary supplies at the grocery store. Photo: Ben Ainslie

Katie Schulz took this picture of Swarthmore’s unofficial photographer, Andy Shelter, taking a picture. She writes:

One of Andy’s favorite photographic pastimes is taking pictures of others who are taking pictures. I ran into him about a week ago by Henderson field while walking my dog Sadie and sat on the curb, six feet away from him. Suddenly, out came his telephoto lens, because something of interest caught his well trained eye. I was fortunate enough to capture the moment. It is not often that we get to see him, as he is always filming all of us. Photo: Katie Schultz

Ann MacMullan of South Philadelphia — formerly of Swarthmore — has been teaching yoga and balance classes since 2015 at venues such as the Swarthmore United Methodist Church and the Wallingford Presbyterian Church. For the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, she has moved her classes online. She writes:

One thing that’s been lovely is being able to expand our offerings to include kids of all ages. Not only does it give their parents a break, it helps kids move and breathe as a way to work through stress. I’ve been able to teach my nieces and nephews, who live in Swarthmore, and their parents seem grateful for that friendly diversion. My regular students report that the routine of “going to yoga” at the same time every week has been helpful. That’s why we decided to offer “live” classes (though you can get the recording later). Since we can’t go out, “looking inward” seems like the right thing to focus on now. I’ve always encouraged students to explore the limitless inner landscape of the body and mind, but now more than ever our yoga practice can become a “discipline of freedom.”

Ann MacMullan is a founder and owner of Team Sun Wellness
Photo: June MacMullan practices a Sun Salutation. Photo by Juliet Koczak

When Swarthmore Girl Scout Troops 50220 and 51125 realized they could not serve dinner at CityTeam Chester as originally planned on Saturday, April 11, they decided to help out in a different way instead. The scouts have been helping CityTeam by collecting donations of diapers, baby formula, and food. Useful food donations include canned goods (such as tuna, chicken, beans, and fruit); breakfast items like cereal, oatmeal, and grits; and peanut butter and jelly. Donations can be dropped off in the bins at 101 Dartmouth Ave., 625 Strath Haven Ave., and 210 Dickinson Ave., between now and Friday, April 24.

Stuart Young waves to passing traffic (predictably pointing at a truck). Frances Young, a kindergartner at Swarthmore-Rutledge School, is busy in the background. Photo: Alexis Young

“My 20-month-old son loves vehicles, so we’ve been parking ourselves at the end of our cul-de-sac and watching passing traffic each day. He and my five-year-old daughter sit atop the pillar as we wave to drivers. My daughter performs the double bicep tug to garner honks (and delight my son), and we share many heartfelt smiles with strangers. This new ritual allows for safe social fun, calms the toddler, and shortens the distance between our hearts at this time.”

Alexis Young
Swarthmore

We’re interested in hearing from readers who, like Alexis Young, have found ways to make the best of this bad situation. Please email us at editor@swarthmorean.com.

Ice-cream makers and confectioners Eric Berley of Swarthmore and his brother Ryan (along with various helpers) delivered over 100 orders of Franklin Fountain Ice Cream and Shane Candies to households in Swarthmore, Rose Valley, Wallingford, and Media on Good Friday. Ryan writes:

“We pressed into service our 1959 Ford Thunderbird, and, inspired by the old car’s time period, we dressed in Vietnam-War-era flight suits and donned Cold-War-era gas masks. The masks were obtained from the now-shuttered Nelson’s Ice Cream plant in Royersford, Pennsylvania, built early in the 20th century. The plant had masks because, like most ice-cream factories that operated in that era, it used ammonia as part of its chilling system for the freezers. Because of ammonia’s toxicity, the government required these factories to keep specialized gas masks on hand in case of an emergency leak. Luckily, this never occurred at Nelson’s, and the gas masks were kept sealed in their boxes until we broke them out last week.”

Ryan, his partner Lizzie Reed, and her brother Jim — who all volunteered to help with these deliveries — are also all caretakers at the Rose Valley Museum at Thunderbird Lodge. As Ryan says, “It’s truly a local effort!”

Isys Nelms, an eighth-grader at Strath Haven Middle School, was on a walk through Swarthmore when she noticed how many stores had signs about altered schedules in their windows in response to the coronavirus outbreak. She took pictures of some of them and compiled them into this image. Photo: Isys Nelms

Betsy Crane of Swarthmore sent this photo of her granddaughters, Emma Crane Vogel, age 5, and Alexandra Crane Vogel, age 7, in a tree near the Swarthmore Public Library and Central Park. She writes: “In this time of social isolation, I’m so glad we have natural beauty here in our town. Alexandra and Emma love this tree. When they were in it a few days ago one of them said, ‘We are tree people.’” Photo: Betsy Crane

Inspired by a prompt from the Getty Museum, Jeannine Anckaitis’s family is keeping busy by making reproductions of famous works works of art using household objects. What can you spot in this picture? Photo: Jeannine Anckaitis

With blood donors in short supply due to the coronavirus pandemic, community members answered an emergency call by filling all slots at a hastily organized Red Cross blood drive. The drive, scheduled for Monday, March 23, was extended through Tuesday, March 24, and the additional slots quickly filled. 117 pints of blood were collected over two days. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-5) of Swarthmore stopped by the Swarthmore Community Center to show support and take a few pictures. The drive was so successful that the Red Cross added a third day, April 1. Red Cross staff wore masks and took the temperature of all the donors at the door. “It is a heroic thing [happening] right here in our borough,” said Doug Harnsberger, who helped organize the drive. Photo: Mary Gay Scanlon

For their son Joe’s 13th birthday on March 27, Liz and Jamie Orye got up early to cover their house with balloons, making his day a little brighter while everyone is staying at home and away from their friends. “Turning this giant lemon into lemonade,” Liz Orye says. “Without this crisis, we never would have discovered the opportunity to wake early, work together to create a surprise for Joe, and give a little spirit lift to the neighborhood and passers-by.” They also invited friends and family to surprise (“and mortify”) Joe with a birthday greetings drive-by in the evening. “So many responded that they were excited to swing by. It’s sweet to see the new and creative ways folks have found to connect and encourage each other. I can’t help but think that if we play it right, so much beauty and relationship can emerge from the rubble of this strange season.” Photo: Jamie Orye

Paul Feldmayer, the proprietor of Swarthmore’s breakfast and lunch spot Vicky’s Place, decided to shut down for a week to deep-clean his restaurant and get ready to move to take-out-only business. Wondering what to do with his leftover produce, bread, and eggs, he called Swarthmore Town Center coordinator Anita Barrett. Barrett put him in touch with CityTeam in Chester, a nonprofit that serves people struggling with homelessness, poverty, hunger, and addiction. CityTeam’s kitchen manager said they could put the extra food to good use. “I threw in some paper and towels and stuff because they needed it,” Feldmayer said. “It wasn’t much.” Photo: Rob Borgstrom

Vicky’s Place is open now for take-out from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. seven days a week. Feldmayer says he will gladly bring your order out to your car, curbside.

The Foundation for Delaware County supports nurse-family partnerships that provide home visits to pregnant women and new mothers living in poverty. The foundation, which recently announced over a million dollars in grants for nonprofits serving Delaware County, has launched a Delaware County COVID-19 Response Fund to provide immediate resources to nonprofits serving the county’s most vulnerable residents. Photo: Zave Smith

Jeannine Fallon Anckaitis was recently selected as the new executive director of Chester Upland Youth Soccer (CUYS). CUYS is a non-profit soccer organization that teaches healthy living habits and provides mentorship to over 450 students in the Chester and Upland communities each year. A communications professional, Anckaitis has been volunteering and fundraising in Chester since she moved to Swarthmore in 2005. “I have been inspired by community leaders such as Dr. John Alston of the Chester Children’s Chorus and Akosua Watts of the Chester Charter Scholars Academy, both of whom I have seen actively work to instill in the children of Chester invaluable self-confidence and an enthusiastic work ethic that helps to build a bright future — all while also having fun with them,” Anckaitis said. “CUYS is dedicated to delivering the same, using soccer as a channel to change lives for the better.” Donations to Chester Upland Youth Soccer are always accepted.

Swarthmorean Martha Hodes and former Swarthmorean Laurie Bernstein were taking a safe walk around town when they encountered these escapees. Surely there are chicken jokes out there to send in! Laurie offers the first one: Why did the chickens cross the road? To transfer from Harvard to Yale.

The Golden Warriors were the victors among the fourth and fifth grade girls at Swarthmore Recreation Association’s basketball tournament on February 23. Front row (l to r): Adeline Barton, Madeline Beck, Sophia Weinstock, Scarlett Rein, Keira Kubasko. Back row (l to r): Anthony Moretti (coach), Anna Karpyn, Leah Moretti, Michael Thase (coach), Carly Thase. Photo: Colleen Murphy

The Helen Kate Furness Free Library in Wallingford has a new director. Leah Kulikowski joins HKF from Maryland’s Cecil County Public Library, bringing extensive experience in public libraries management and leadership. (L to r): Lori Friedgen-Veitch, children’s librarian; Leah Kulikowski, director; Shannon Collins, part-time librarian; Molly Deutsch, technical services librarian. Photo: Kerri Phipps

Swarthmoreans (l to r) Paul Caywood, Kristina Sullivan, and A.J. Turner of the Delco Phantoms, which captured the Delaware Valley Hockey League Peewee A championship last weekend. Despite being smaller than nearly every team they faced, the kids on the Delco Phantoms used their speed, passing, and hustle to get better every week. An 11-game winning streak culminated in two wins last weekend to capture the league title. Photo: Sandra Sullivan

Daniel Grossman, Strath Haven High School class of 2014, spent two months in Muscatine, Iowa, as an organizing intern for Senator Elizabeth Warren in the lead up to the Iowa caucuses. He writes:

Organizing during the Iowa caucus was a unique experience. It felt invigorating to be a part of something bigger than myself, fighting for a more equitable and inclusive country. Most days I drove through rural Iowa, knocking on doors and talking to community members about Elizabeth Warren and her plans. I met thousands of people, all of whom had different opinions and perspectives about what direction this country should go. By the time of the caucus, my colleague and I had built up multiple volunteer teams. I was able to observe a caucus up close on February 3. I urge everyone to involve themselves politically one way or another this year. Volunteer, knock on doors, make calls, contact your local representatives, talk to your neighbors. If Iowa taught me anything, it’s the importance of participating in our democracy and making sure that our government is truly representing us. That only happens if we get involved.

Strath Haven High School wrestling finished up a successful team campaign with 21 dual meet victories to tie for the Central League title — both team firsts. Coach Tony Gilliano was named Central League Coach of the Year. Last weekend, the team sent seven competitors (Kelton Brunner, Chase Barlow, Aiden Mally, Simon Bollinger, Kohl Peichel, Gabe Federico, and Ben Farabaugh) to the Southeast Regionals at Souderton High School. After two great days, Chase Barlow and Gabe Federico medaled, qualifying for the state championships in Hershey March 6-8. Photo: Kelly Cagle

Delaney Reilly (5), Luca Casey (4), and Emilia Hwang (6), students at Swarthmore Friends Nursery School, will have artwork on display at the Department of Education in Harrisburg for Youth Art Month (YAM), which runs from March 2 - April 3. Delaney (left) will be recognized for “best elementary work” at a reception on March 7. Her picture is titled “Zeta the Fox.” The artists are pictured here with their art teacher, Kimberly Collins Scott. Photo: Kim Bernaus

Jim Greer and Carol Nackenoff (Swarthmore) and Francis Brévart (Media, formerly of Swarthmore) recently traveled to India and Nepal. While staying at a small ecolodge in Rajasthan, they watched the birth of a Murrah water buffalo in the local village. Here, Jim and Francis model two fetching turban styles.

The Strath Haven High School boys indoor track team will end its season competing in the track and field indoor state championships, in the multipurpose facility at Pennsylvania State University in State College, on Sunday, March 1. Pictured here are (l to r) Paul Faggioli and Matt Faggioli (4 x 800m relay), Julian Carmichael (4 x 800m relay), Evan Blake (60m hurdles), Jason Stone (triple jump), Quinn Vandellos (60m hurdles), Ben Ent and Joe Watchman (4 x 800m relay). Photo: Glenn Venturini

Children’s book author Baptiste Paul visited Swarthmore Rutledge School on January 31. Born and raised on the island of Saint Lucia, Paul and his wife (and co-author) Miranda met in Philadelphia. Paul brought his energy, infectious love of books, and stories to students from kindergarten to fifth grade. Photo: Liz Corson

Peter Callas at the opening of “The Art of Wood-Fired Ceramics” at the Community Arts Center. Callas traveled to Japan in 1973 to study ceramics, then built the first Anagama (wood-fired) kiln in the United States in 1976. Over the past 50 years, he has exhibited on five continents, and his work is included in the collections of over 30 museums worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The exhibition also includes ceramics by 40 other international ceramic artists, as well as a collection of over 150 tea bowls made for, or inspired by, the Japanese tea ceremony. Photo: Paul Downie

Stewart Calloway joined the School in Rose Valley (SRV) as Director of Auxiliary Programs on February 3. He will oversee summer camp, mini-camps, afternoons, pre-day, and more. Calloway has had an extensive career working with children and in schools, including 11 years at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy as Director of After-School and Summer Programs, and most recently as the Managing Director of New Covenant Campus Kids. SRV Head of School Rod Stanton writes that Stewart’s “significant leadership experience, understanding of progressive education, and engaging personality will serve SRV for many years to come.”

Swarthmore Rutledge School (SRS) Home and School Association hosted its annual family bingo night on Friday, February 7. The evening had a Western theme as over 500 students and their families played the classic game. The masters of ceremony for the night were SRS parent Martin Micklin and fifth grade teacher Renee Strehle. A raffle featured prizes donated by students and more than 25 local businesses, and participants corralled $4,000 to support Home and School programs which enhance and enrich education at SRS.

SRS fourth graders Kenzie MacCullum, Lucy Dolle, and Abby Minton show off raffle prizes at bingo night. The event raised $4,000 for Home and School programs. Photo by Shannon Dietzmann Elliott.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, along with a host of local Democratic elected officials, attended the opening of Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon’s 2020 campaign field office at 621 S. Chester Road, Swarthmore, this past weekend. Pictured here (l to r) are the people who spoke at the event: Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer; State Representative Margo Davidson; State Representative Jennifer O’Mara (standing behind Davidson); Delaware County Council Vice Chair Monica Taylor; Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro; Delaware County Controller Joanne Phillips; State Representative Leanne Krueger; Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon; Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther Casey Stewart, daughter of Congresswoman Scanlon; and State Senator (and former Swarthmore mayor) Tim Kearney. Also in attendance was current Swarthmore mayor Marty Spiegel. Photo: Todd Strine

Gathered here are board members of Wallingford Swarthmore Community Classes, readying the spring-semester mailing containing the roster of adult education courses and registration information. Class span a wide range of subjects from historic houses to gentle yoga, from creating stained class to learning about birds, and from social media basics to Spanish wine. Prices are reasonable, and classes are offered at a variety of times to fit different schedules. To enroll: wscclasses.org.

Pictured around the front table (l to r): Susan Larson, Diane Scott, Peg Christensen, Tracy DiBonaventura, and Babs Fisher. Working in the background are Jill Cortazzo, Laura Diehl, and Carol Fanconi. Also present were Lynn Meza, Bruno Fanconi, and Joan Gallagher. Photo: Joan Gallagher

Hayley Lyman, 11, a member of Girl Scout Troop 57, sponsored by Tree of Life Church in Springfield, helps sort food items as part of the Delaware County Souper Bowl of Caring. Non-perishables delivered to Tree of Life and Chambers Memorial Presbyterian Church in Rutledge will be donated to Chester Eastside, Inc. “Food scarcity is a reality in our community, and Chester Eastside, Inc., is grateful to receive significant donations from our generous neighbors,” said Executive Director Rev. Zuline Wilkinson. “Each contribution enables us to enhance the meals we provide to the families we serve.” Photo: Leslie Krowchenko

We at The Swarthmorean support Charlie Devaney’s decision to lessen the carbon impact in our community by exclusively selling battery-operated yard equipment, made by EGO, at Swarthmore True Value Hardware. When bad weather hits this February, EGO’s dual battery-operated snowblower, with a 21-inch path, will pack quite a punch. Stop by the shop for a demonstration, and mention the Swarthmorean for special pricing. Photo: Rob Borgstrom

Senior Forward Nate Schafer helped the number-one Swarthmore College men’s basketball team build on its program-record winning streak on January 25. The Garnet trounced the visiting McDaniel College Green Terror in the most lopsided result of the season, 80-44, extending the streak to 17. Courtesy of Swarthmore College Athletics

Ms. Kennedy’s third-grade class performs a play about Martin Luther King Jr., and other civil rights leaders, at a special assembly at Swarthmore Rutledge School. Photo: Deirdre Abrahamsson

Ten years ago, Lucas Gelape came to Swarthmore from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, as an international exchange student sponsored by the Swarthmore Rotary Club. He lived with us in our home on Chester Road for six months, and for an additional several months he lived with Fred and Bea Dickinson on Princeton Avenue.

Last month, Lucas came to town for a five-day visit. He was taking a break between semesters at Harvard University, where he is on a doctoral fellowship in political science. We visited the Constitution Center, toured the Philadelphia Museum of Art with Ann and Larry Seidman (Ann, a museum docent, was Lucas’ Rotary sponsor), and spent time with the Dickinsons.

Lucas and I also took in a 76ers game (they walloped the Cavaliers by 50 points), and the rainy Monday night Eagles game against the Giants (which the Eagles tied with a late touchdown and won with a touchdown in overtime, keeping their playoff hopes alive). We’d sent some excited emails flying two years ago when they won the Superbowl.

Lucas keeps lobbying for us to visit him in Brazil, where he is pursuing his doctorate in political science at Sao Paulo University. Someday, perhaps, we will. For now, it is good to keep in touch, and to know that lasting cross-cultural connections can be made through exchange programs such as that sponsored by the Rotary Club.

David Page
Swarthmore

Lucas Elliott was honored at an award ceremony on Monday, January 20, for his essay about the voyage of the Mayflower. His parents, Brent and Shannon, and his sister, Kylie, attended the ceremony at the Roosevelt School in Media. Photo: Shannon Dietzmann Elliott

The Swarthmore Garden Club provides guidance in flower arranging at the Swarthmore Public Library.

Mayor Marty Spiegel (right) gave the annual State of the Borough address at Monday night’s Swarthmore Borough Council meeting.

Caroline Shaffer, a recent graduate of Lafayette College and a Swarthmore resident, moved out to Des Moines, Iowa, in early December to join Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign. She currently works as operations coordinator and serves as executive assistant to Sanders’ Iowa state director, Misty Rebik.

On October 26, 2019, Kathryn Nagel and Matthew Kingsbury were married in a ceremony at the Knox estate in Valley Forge National Park. The Rev. Joyce Tompkins officiated. Kathryn is a 2008 graduate of Strath Haven High School. Her bridesmaids included four other SHHS graduates — Laura Nagel, who was maid of honor for her sister; Megan McGeehan; Alice Vienneau; and Maria Yagoda. Kathryn is the daughter of Barbara and Jack Nagel of Swarthmore. Matt’s parents are Brigitte and Hal Kingsbury of Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The bride and groom met as classmates at Middlebury College. After a honeymoon in Spain, Kathryn and Matt returned home to New Haven, Connecticut, where Kathryn is a resident physician at Yale New Haven Hospital, while Matt commutes to New York City for his new position as Chief Operating Officer of Discover Seven Travel.

Swarthmore resident Dave Smuts started work as a sales consultant at Fred Beans Volkswagen in Devon on December 23. Dave is a former member of the Swarthmore Swim Club Board and the Swarthmore Lions Club. He lives on Haverford Place with his wife Jennifer (board member of the Swarthmore Co-op and Swarthmore Town Center) and children Rachel (Temple University) and Oliver (Strath Haven High School).

Jill Gaieski is sworn in as the newest Swarthmore Borough Council member by Mayor Marty Spiegel, while her husband David holds her childhood Torah and a copy of the U.S. Constitution.

Monica Taylor and Brian Zidek were sworn in as chair and vice-chair of the new Delaware County Council on January 6 at the Delaware County Courthouse in Media. Photo: Todd Strine

Bob and Jeanette Richardson write:

Christmas Eve, 2019, at our family homestead, 311 Lafayette Ave., Swarthmore. Built in 1898, and bought by Bob’s grandparents, Elliott and Dorothy Strode Richardson, in 1919, the house has been in the family for 100 years. Both Elliott and Dorothy were graduates of Swarthmore College, classes of 1902 and 1912. Elliott served as Swarthmore borough manager from 1934 to 1961. After Grandmother Richardson’s death in 1970, we moved in, newly married, and later purchased the property from her estate. Our four daughters were all raised at 311. Top row (l to r): Greg Gilbert, Rob Mazzoni, Justin Henzel. Middle row ( l to r): Bob Richardson, Jeanette Richardson, Ashley Richardson, Amy Henzel, Diana Gilbert, Bobby Mazzoni, Andrea Mazzoni. Bottom row (l to r): Ella Henzel, Dylan Henzel, Aubrey Gilbert, Christian Henzel, Kendal Gilbert, and Michael Henzel.

Tony DiTommaso of Wallingford and his grandchildren, Caroline and Declan Ford, created a holiday sled from a Target shopping cart this Christmas (with the blessing of the Target manager) and paid a surprise visit to Children and Adult Disability and Education Services (CADES) on Rutgers Avenue in Swarthmore. The sled delivered gifts to nearly 20 classrooms and was greeted by a festive band of CADES students and clients singing Christmas songs and beating drums. Pictured: Dave Ford and his children, Declan and Caroline Ford. Photo: Tony DiTommaso

Continuing a tradition that dates back to at least 2013, the 12 Plyometrics of Christmas were sung and exercised early in the morning of December 23. Although the event is traditionally poorly advertised, all are welcome! Top row (l to r): Steve DiBona, Steve Melly, Jed Carman, Shane Campbell, Dave Caputo, Andy Hooper, Brandon Smith, Billy Hodges. Middle row (l to r): Scott Pollins, Ed Shifflett, Terry Lynch. Arrayed across the front: Greg Milbourne. Photo: Ann Daciuk The 12 plyometrics are: 1 bent arm plank (10 seconds), 2 in and outs, 3 pushups, 4 mountain climbers, 5 burpees, 6 inches holding, 7 straight legs lifting, 8 crunchers crunching, 9 Russians twisting, 10 jacks a-jumping, 11 sumos squatting, 12 stars a-jumping

Each year on the Feast of the Epiphany, the St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, Delaware, presents Gian Carlo Menotti’s family-friendly one-act opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” with professional singers and dancers in full costume. This year, Jeremy Peyton Jones of Swarthmore will play the role of Amahl, reprising his performance from last year. The opera will be presented on Sunday, January 5, at 4 p.m., and the performance is free and open to the public. (Donations welcome.) The church is at 1715 W. 9th St. in Wilmington, 30 minutes from Swarthmore.

Jonathan Hodgson writes, “While at the post office in Swarthmore today, we saw fellow Swarthmorean Ron Ricchezza putting final touches on Vincent van Snow.”

Coen Osborne, dad Doug, and dog Margot gear up for the Book It! fundraiser for the Swarthmore and Helen Kate Furness libraries.

Swarthmorean Rebecca Davis (right) is honored as 2019 Volunteer of the Year by the Delaware County Democratic Committee for “her outstanding contributions in this time of tremendous change.” Fellow Swarthmorean Colleen Guiney, Chair of the Delco Dems, presented the award, given in part to recognize Davis’s organizing work with Indivisible Swarthmore: Moving the Needle. Davis is an associate professor of history at the University of Delaware and author of the book “More Perfect Unions: The American Search for Marital Bliss.” Photo: Mark Hoffman

On December 10, Cadette Troop 50220, 6th graders at Strath Haven Middle School, and Brownie Troop 5299, 3rd graders at the Swarthmore-Rutledge School, brought holiday tunes and cheer to residents of the Riddle Village retirement community. With choral direction by Magnolia Brown and the other Cadettes, the Swarthmore Girl Scouts inspired the residents to tap their feet and sing along.Front row (l to r): Rowan Brown, Finley Raffaele, Anya Zhu, Kylie Elliot, Ruby Hezlep, Genevieve Iampieri, and Kylie Carter. Second row (l to r): Lexi Glass, Harper Surkis, Julia Orlando, Lexie Zeitz, Ella Gwinn, and Sophie Jackson. Back row (l to r): Kathleen Kelly, Lauren Davis, Magnolia Brown, and Ella Leggett. Photo: Jennifer Armstrong

Jon Hoffman was among a dozen or so Swarthmoreans braving the weather and catching the 4:53 SEPTA train into Philadelphia on Tuesday night to rally at Thomas Paine Plaza in support of impeachment.

Will Swartzentruber of Boy Scouts of America Troop 272 was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at a Court of Honor ceremony held on November 24 at the Old Mill in Rose Valley. Will is the son of John Swartzentruber and Lauren McKinney of Swarthmore. Pictured (l to r): State Senator Tim Kearney, Will Swartzentruber, State Representative Leanne Krueger, and Swarthmore Mayor Marty Spiegel

Students from Strath Haven High School at national climate strike in Philadelphia on December 6. Top row (l. to r.): Atticus Clow-McLaughlin, Nate Ransom, Chloe Costa Baker, Eden Kaplinsky, Ellen Chapman, and Owen Burk. Middle row (l. to r.): Sylvan Prey-Harabaugh, Ella Grossman, and Lazarus Luzzatto. Bottom row (l. to r.): Abby DiNardo, Rhys Hals, and Zoe Feinberg.

Rehearsals are underway and production plans are proceeding for this year’s 42nd biennial presentation of the Pageant of the Nativity. This will be the eighteenth time the performance will be given in the Lang Music Building, with its wooded setting. If you are new to the area, come join us in this Christmas tradition. Five tableaux, representing the Prophecy, the Annunciation, the Shepherds, the Nativity, and the Fulfillment, will be accompanied by beautiful musical arrangements sung by the choir. Some of the pageant music is well known while other pieces are almost unique to the pageant. Approximately 150 local residents participate in this gift to the community, with many returning home from college or traveling back to Swarthmore for the performance. The show, which lasts about an hour, and will be performed at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday December 21. The event is free and open to the public. Ample parking is available on the Swarthmore College campus.

Holiday tree lighting in front of the Swarthmore United Methodist Church. Photo: Sharon Mester

STEM Night at SRS! Activities included: 3D Printing and Design, Fun with Robots, Plants that Fly, The Amazing and Incredible Brain, The Great Plankton Race, and more. Photo: Cherilyn Scanlon

The Young People’s Theatre Workshop is bringing The Lion King Jr. to life this Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7. Pictured here (l. to r.) are cast members Miranda Graves (Swarthmore), Noah Brown (Swarthmore), and Jack Davies (Wallingford).

On November 14, Patrick McGee, a 30-year veteran mail carrier of our Swarthmore Post Office, was honored with induction into the U.S. Postal Service “Million Mile Club.” Million Mile Club membership goes to mail carriers who have driven or walked one million miles on the job, or who have worked 30 years with the company without an accident. This rare career accomplishment earned McGee the black leather jacket—with insignia—awarded to all Million Mile members.

Wallingford Elementary School students in Mrs. Gaur’s second-grade class raised $1,860 for the American Red Cross by selling milk and cookies. Parents donated homemade chocolate chip cookies, including gluten-, dairy-, and nut-free goodies so all could participate. Students learned about setting goals, counting money, marketing, and community service. Bottom row (left to right): Zach, Norah, Maddy, Brett. Middle row: Addison, Charlize, Jane, TJ, Genni, Harlan. Back row: Mr. Jake, Mrs. Gaur, Kyree, Trevor, Maggie, Eli, Domenic, Jonathan, Celia, Finegan, Ariya, Ms. Dana. Absent: Jayla and Ian. Photo by Antoinette Barrett

Sixty-three Swarthmoreans signed up to run during the Nov. 23-24 Philadelphia Marathon Race Weekend. Photo by Melissa Hoy

Wallingford resident Beatriz Urraca, a Spanish professor at Widener University, is co-winner of the Fitz Dixon Innovation in Teaching Award. Together with her colleague Stephen Madigosky, she developed an interdisciplinary course, “Coffee Culture and the Environment in Costa Rica,” weaving together social, environmental, and economic issues—and coffee. The course, which involves travel to Costa Rica, covers “all aspects of coffee from cultivation to cup. We deal with farmers, roasters, co-ops, exporters, researchers...[and] everything in between, combined with an exploration of Costa Rican culture, politics, and some pretty cool visits to national parks,” Urraca says. The photo, taken by Madigosky, shows Urraca (right) and a former student, Ritamarie Smedile, also from Wallingford. The photo was taken at Starbucks Hacienda La Alsacia in Costa Rica.

The Swarthmorean is proud of the Strath Haven High School boys soccer team, which made it to the state championship two years in a row! This picture from last Saturday night’s game in Hershey shows Emmet Young with the ball in front of the backline. Other players (l. to r.): Jake Hooper, Charlie Shankweiler in goal, Harris Hardy, and Simon Bolinger. The team came home with the runner-up trophy. Photo courtesy of Susanna Hooper

On November 9 former Swarthmorean editor Beth Gross was spotted at the Philadelphia airport by incoming editor Rachel Pastan as both were coincidentally traveling to Boston on the same flight. Gross was with her husband Bob, and also Penny and Phil Weinstein, formerly of Swarthmore, currently of Martha’s Vinyard. The two couples were on their way to a memorial service in Cambridge, Mass., for Eva Travers, a former Swarthmore College professor and a pioneer of the college’s education department. Travers died last July.

Linton Stables and Ann Foster of the Swarthmore Senior Citizen Association (SSCA) enjoy their roomy new digs in the Swarthmore United Methodist Church at 129 Park Ave. They hope people—senior or not—will stop in any time between 9-4 weekdays. “Younger people bring energy,” Foster says. Stay tuned for news of new programming.

Tucker and some of his friends from Providence Animal Center visited the Swarthmore Farmer’s Market last Saturday. To learn more, or meet other dogs and cats looking for homes: providenceac.org.

On November 11 the planet Mercury transited in front of the sun. Mary Anne Klassen, Senior Laboratory Lecture in the Dept. of Physics and Astronomy at Swarthmore College, and several students, including Karina Cooper, set up three telescopes (two with solar filters and one projecting an image of the sun onto a surface) for viewing. The transit proceeded at a stately pace over a period of five hours—despite the fact that Mercury is our fastest planet and is named after the Roman god with wings on his feet.

On September 21, over 150 Strath Haven High School Luminaria Club members and volunteers spent the day assembling 20,000 luminaria for the quickly approaching Luminaria Fundraiser. The fruits of their labor will show in a fantastical luminaria display on January 1, 2020. Now we need your help; the ordering window is open! Please follow the instructions left with you by your block captain, or access the online signup to place your order by the November 30 deadline. Thank you for helping us reach our goal of raising over $30,000 to support the ABC Strath Haven Scholars and other students in need from the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District. Pictured in the photo are (l. to r.): Lizzie Healy, Danielle McNeely, and Maggie Forbes.

Congratulations to the Strath Haven boys soccer team for their 2-0 victory over Archbishop Wood in the PIAA 3A Championship semifinals! The team will play Lower Dauphin at Hershey Park Stadium in the state finals this Saturday, November 16, at 6:30 p.m. Varsity Team (in no particular order): Peter Boerth, Ethan Cardi, Nick Chaves, Harris Hardy, JT Holstein, Luigi Mao, Matt Pizzirusso, Yianni Savidis, Quinn Vandellos, Tim Wright, Emmet Young, Simon Bolinger, Johnny Francis, Robbie Guiday, Sal Kaufman, Andrew Lowman, Joey Malaczewski, Sami Rizk, Riley Shorey, Ethan Birch, Jake Hooper, Paul Semos, Charlie Shankweiler, Beckett Strachan, Nicky Dignazio, and Traeger Hogarth. Coaches are: Ryan O’Neill, Head Coach, Varsity; Tim Styer, Asst. Coach, Varsity; Mark O’Neill, Asst. Coach, Varsity; and Bob Richards, JV coach & asst. coach, Varsity. Photo by Susanna Hooper.

Wallingford native and Strath Haven High School alumnus (2002) Eric Venturini was recently presented with the President Abram W. Harris Award by the University of Maine Foundation. The award recognizes an alumnus from each of UMaine’s colleges who demonstrates exemplary and extraordinary leadership, contributions to his or her community and/or service to University of Maine. Eric is the son of Marian and Glenn Venturini, who report that “His greatest joy is his wife, Julia (whom he met at UMaine in 2002), and their two young children, Mariella and Teo.”

Swarthmoreans abounded at last Thursday’s gala fundraiser for Senior Community Services at Springfield Country Club. Pictured here are members of the board of Swarthmore Senior Citizens Association, and friends. Seated, left to right, are Maria and Jim Mooney, Linton Stables, Ann Foster, and Linda Heffernan. Standing in front, left to right, are Gudrun Weinberg, Susan Cherner, Mayor Marty Spiegel, Frances Sheehan, Amy Pollack, Sheila Bell and Judith Neale, and in back are Louise Coffin and David Pollack. Missing from the photo were several Swarthmoreans including SCS Executive Director Arthur Weisfeld and his wife Virginia Brabender, and Dave and Cathy Harden.

Students and family members of Wallingford Elementary School mustered last week at the eighth annual Veterans Day assembly, including a salute by the WES third grade, patriotic music, slideshows of military family and friends, a presentation of America’s White Table in honor of absent service members, and a moment of silence for the fallen. WES welcomed members of military units stationed at Fort Dix, N.J., including guest speaker Lieutenant David Godlewski, father of 3rd grade student Quincy. Continuing their observance, the 3rd grade marched in the Media Veterans Day parade on Monday, November 11, and visited the Veterans Memorial on West Chester Pike. Above, Air Force Master Sergeant Maddox and Airman First Class Petrone from Fort Dix met with WES 3rd graders. Photo by Antoinette Barrett.

Robert Heasley of Swarthmore is co-chair of an upcoming conference sponsored by the Men’s Center for Growth & Change, of which he is co-director and president. The “Men and the #MeToo Movement” conference, November 14 and 15, will be held at Houston Hall at the University of Pennsylvania. The event is open to leaders and professionals who work in settings where sexual harassment and abuse occur, and who work to prevent harassment and sexual violence. Information is at www.menandmetoo.org.

Joan Kay of South Chester Road and neighbor Vincent Van Crow peruse the latest Swarthmorean outside the Swarthmore post office. No word on which subscriber brought this fantastic scarecrow to life.

Acclaimed author Elizabeth Eulberg had Wallingford Elementary School students on the edges of their seats recently as she read from Shelby Holmes and the Haunted Hound, the latest in her award-winning series starring detective duo Shelby and Watson She discussed the work that goes into writing, and her struggles with bullies, dyslexia, and learning disabilities, which she overcame with hard work, perseverance and a sense of humor. She shared lots of laughs, generously answered questions from the elementary school students, but said they would have to read the book to find out if Shelby and Watson can crack their spookiest case yet — a haunting! Elizabeth Eulberg came to WES through the efforts of WES librarian Martha Lambertsen, Principal Gabriel Savage, WES PTO guest author coordinator Heather Warley and Children’s Book World of Haverford. Above are (l. to r.) Gabriel Savage, Elizabeth Eulberg, and Martha Lambertsen, with students (left to right) Sydney H., Luke K., Anna C., Derrick O., Cierra H., and Sienna F. Photo by Antoinette Barrett.

Alex Nackenoff and Emily Wehby were married in Nashville, Tenn., in Wightman Chapel, Scarritt Bennett Center on October 12.

Alex, who grew up in Swarthmore, is the son of Swarthmore residents Carol Nackenoff and Jim Greer. After graduating from Macalester College, Alex earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Vanderbilt University, specializing in depression and addiction research, and currently holds a postdoctoral fellowship at Vanderbilt Medical School.

Emily, the daughter of Dr. Joseph Wehby and Kim Wehby of Nashville, is an art history graduate of Rhodes College and currently works in the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.

Cassidy Aileen Blair, 7 lbs., 12 oz. and 19.5 inches long, was born at 2:55 a.m. on Thursday, September 19, to Carolyn and Patrick Blair of Swarthmore. Paternal grandparents are Tom and Jean Marie Blair of Newtown Square, and maternal grandparents, Jim and Eileen Lynch, are from Wyndmoor. Cassidy is named after both her grandmothers and their mothers.

Emily Richardson of Swarthmore celebrated her 92nd birthday on August 10 with her family. She is pictured here with her grandchildren Julianna and Carson Stevens of Massachusetts; also present were her children Al of Swarthmore, Emily of Philadelphia, and Anne Stevens of Gloucester, Mass. It was a gathering immensely enjoyed by all. This photograph was taken by Emily the younger, who perhaps acquired some framing skills from her mother. The 92-year-old Emily is a gifted photographer whose work depicting the beauty of wildflowers in Texas, coastal scenes in New England, and roses at Swarthmore College was displayed for many years in the Studio in Swarthmore. One of her photos is now on display in the Swarthmore Friends of the Arts group show at Borough Hall.

In advance of World Polio Day, Rotary Club of Swarthmore members (from left) Anne Hansen, Ken Wright, and Club President Maria Zissimos shared swag and information with youngsters at the Swarthmore Farmers Market last Saturday, October 19. Rotary International and clubs like Swarthmore’s have brought polio to the brink of eradication through initiatives that have helped immunize billions of children worldwide in the past 40 years. Photograph by Gudmund Iversen.

Leaders of the SRS Home and School Association send thanks to all who came out to support the Swarthmore-Rutledge School Fall Festival on Friday, October 11. Families enjoyed games, a DJ, food trucks, a pumpkin sale, face painting, and more, all in the name of raising funds — more than $5,000 — for SRS Home and School programs. Reveling in autumn were 3rd graders (l. to r.) Fiona Cleary, Kylie Elliott, and Ruby Hezlep. Photo by Shannon Elliott.

Creative siblings Jennifer and Matt Holm inspired students at Wallingford Elementary School this month with a talk, a reading, and illustration sessions for kindergartners through second graders. The Holms have written and illustrated a series of graphic novels and a new picture book series, The Evil Princess Versus the Brave Knight. In costume, they interpreted these characters for delighted students, who then had a chance for to obtain signed copies of the books. On hand for the reading were (back row, left to right) WES librarian Martha Lambertsen, author/illustrator Matt Holm, author Jennifer Holm; (front row, l. to r.): Theodore C., Emelia H., Rhys W., and Kamille G.

Fifth graders Charlotte T. (left) and Maya D. recently drafted a petition, putting into action their shared belief that “the time has come to ban Styrofoam from Swarthmore” The petition, which has drawn 138 signatures at press time, seeks to influence Swarthmore Borough Council to pass a law banning use of the non-recyclable, non-biodegradable material. The young authors also call on Swarthmore-Rutledge School to find alternatives to the Styrofoam used in their cafeteria: “Just think about that; hundreds of kids buying lunch every day, each using trays made of this terrible substance. This is one of the main reasons we were motivated to start this project.” To read and sign the petition, visit chng.it/7H6HVLwQ.

Actually, they are no longer UFOs but IFOs — Identified Flying Objects — though there were a couple of days when Betsy and Randy Larsen thought they’d had a close encounter. Betsy reported that “Around 5 p.m. Saturday, Randy noticed what looked like a bright light above the oak tree in the back yard almost directly east. We thought it might be a Mylar balloon or a drone, but it stayed in about the same place, at the same size, as we observed it on and off for over 45 minutes. Looking at it through binoculars, it looked like two offset half-circles ‘outlines’ of light that didn’t quite match up to form a circle. The light was larger than any star or planet that we have ever observed.”

It turns out that the Larsens were on the right track, The objects were indeed balloons — giant polyethylene “Loons” sent aloft to 60,000 feet or more in tests, as part of a Google X project to expand internet connectivity worldwide. The reflected sunset made them appear illuminated. Betsy said, “To be clear, we don’t actually think these were UFOs, but it was really weird to see these two large, bright, non-moving lights during daylight.”

Allan McPherson of Rose Valley will talk about and read from his new book Ghosts of Sheridan Circle: How a Washington Assassination Brought Pinochet’s Terrorist State to Justice next Thursday, October 17, at 7 p.m. at the Narberth Bookshop, 221 Haverford Rd. in Narberth. McPherson is a professor of history and director of CENFAD at Temple University.

On Saturday, October 5, the Strath Haven Cross Country team finished fourth in the Delaware County Cross Country Championships, contested at Rose Tree Park. The team was led by Paul Faggioli, a junior who finished sixth overall. From the left, boys’ XC team members are Sam Neat, Alex Melly, Paul Faggioli, Ben Ent, Kenneth Chiem, Nick Falsone, and Julian Carmichael.

Nate Linderman, a scout with BSA Troop 112, recently completed his Eagle Scout project, which was to install a series of historical markers throughout Swarthmore, commemorating the borough’s history. Nate is seen here at the corner of Yale and Kenyon avenues, with the marker for the historically Black neighborhood of Swarthmore. Other markers throughout town identify significant sites including the Strath Haven Inn, Swarthmore Fire and Protective Association, Hannum and Huffnal, Little Crum Creek Park, Hedgleigh, Hedgleigh Spring, West Hill Land Company, and Riverview Farm. Information on each of the sites is accessible by scanning the QR codes on each of the markers with a smartphone.

Pete Prown of Rose Valley painted live at last Thursday’s kickoff to Delco Arts Week, held at Scott Arboretum. Arts Week performances and exhibitions continue through this weekend — see delcoarts.org.

Sunday’s “Running aHEAD of Cancer” event attracted more than 700 runners and walkers for its first Swarthmore iteration. The event raised more than $30,000 to support the HEADStrong Foundation in its mission of aiding families with members undergoing cancer treatment, some of whom are guests at the Foundation’s Nick’s House in Swarthmore. Photo by Linda Heffernan.

Robert “Bob” Frick (left), along with his wife, Rebecca (front right), traveled to Montana on August 22. Bob, who recently retired, was a sales executive for a manufacturer of large wind turbines for large power/energy projects, and before his retirement, he was working on a project being developed in Montana. The developer invited Rebecca and Bob to visit him in the beautiful town of Red Lodge (former home to Jeremiah Johnson). (In 1897, the town bank had an attempted robbery by the Sundance Kid, but it was foiled.) One evening, the Fricks were dining at the restaurant Piccola Cuccina at Ox Pasture, in Red Lodge, when their Haverford Avenue neighbors, Marc Fuccillo and Abby Deans, walked over to say hello! As Bob says, “It is a small world!”

U.S. Air Force Air National Guard Airman 1st Class David T. Brown graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

David, the son of Patricia and Thomas Brown of Wallingford, is a 2014 graduate of Strath Haven High School.

Swarthmorean and St. Joseph’s University alumna Dr. Patricia Williams Diaw is a contributing author to the recently released book, Black Panther Paradigm Shift or Not? (A Collection of Reviews and Essays on a Blockbuster Film) by Third World Press.

Lee Hagon-Kerr was recently named director of music ministry at Wallingford Presbyterian Church. A 2006 graduate of Westminster Choir College in Princeton, N.J., Hagon-Kerr earned a Masters of Music from the Hartt School in West Hartford, Conn., and has served as a music minister or a Lutheran Church in Wilbraham, Mass. She will continue as director of upper school choral music at the Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr.

Andrew Bunting will soon return to the Swarthmore area, according to sources at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, where he has been hired as Vice President of Public Horticulture. Bunting worked for Scott Arboretum for 27 years, and established Fine Garden Creations, Inc. in Swarthmore. He left the area four years ago for a leadership position at the Chicago Botanic Garden, then moved to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, which he leaves to return to our area. In his new position, Bunting will lead PHS’s urban design, public landscapes, pop-up gardens, and Meadowbrook Farm.

One of the greatest Strath Haven football teams ever brought some Panther magic to George L. King Field last Friday night as members of the 1999 PIAA Class AAA state championship winners reunited (along with family members) on the field between quarters. Haven’s varsity dominated as it had twenty years before, rolling over Ridley High School 49-13 for the Panthers’ third consecutive Central League blowout. The campaign continues Friday night, September 13, as Haven visits Radnor High School for a 7 p.m. game. Photo by Deirdre Abrahamsson.

On Labor Day, Rose Valley Swim & Tennis Club recognized the 35 members of its 1,000 Lap Club for 2019. Joan Stankiewcz lapped the field several times, recording 8,430 laps, or nearly 144 miles in Rose Valley’s 30-yard pool. Steve Sheaffer led male swimmers with 2,534 laps — not bad for a tennis player! Photo by Jennifer Reynolds.

Frances Sheehan and Ricardo Gelman of Swarthmore are thrilled to announce the arrival of their first grandchild, Maya Rose Barr, born August 7th, weighing 6 lb. 10 oz.

Maya lives with her parents, Julia and Marcus Barr, both Strath Haven Class of 2007, in South Philadelphia. Julia is the director of Employee Giving at Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health; Marcus is web designer at Hartford Funds.

Proud paternal grandparents are Mike and Barbara Barr of Wallingford.

Carrying on a Swarthmore College tradition, upper class members did the heavy lifting for incoming first-year students during dorm move-in this week. Photo by Laurence Kesterson.

Congratulations to the twelve Strath Haven High School ultimate players who represented Philadelphia at the USA Ultimate Youth Club Championships in Blaine, Minnesota on August 3 - 5. Photo by Billy Hodges.

John and Alana Snyder are pleased to announce the birth of Owen Arthur Eugene Snyder on July 30, 2019. Owen was born 10 lbs., 2 oz. and 23-1/2 inches long with a full head of dark hair.

John, formerly of 127 Rutgers Ave., son of Nancy and William Snyder, grandson of Jacob and Jean Snyder of Swarthmore, graduated Strath Haven High School in 2000.

John, Alana and Owen now reside in Sioux Falls, S.D., where they own and operate a statewide publication called 605 Magazine, a wedding publication and a media production company.

Monday, August 19 is opening day for Swarthmore Smiles, the new dental practice of Dr. Mark Forwood at 107 Rutgers Ave, Unit S2 (formerly the office of Dr. Dennis Hoffman).

Dr. Forwood, who grew up in Wallingford, welcomes patients of any age, with a focus on preventative care and state of the art dentistry.

A graduate of Strath Haven, Lehigh University, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Mark lives in Wallingford with his wife Christina and 2-year-old son Jackson. He looks forward to becoming part of the Swarthmore community, and invites patients to visit his freshly renovated office, and to make dental appointments at 610-543-7444.

The Swarthmore Swim Club SeaSharks girls 10 and Under swimmers won their Age Group Championship at the Suburban Swim League “A” Championship meet, held on July 27th at Wallingford Swim Club. The team won first place in the Medley Relay and third place in Free Relay. Team members are (left to right) Anna Karpyn, Julia Parker, Lyla Kelly and Julia Smirnova. Photo by Elizabeth Parker.

Swarthmore Swim Club was well represented at the Daily Times Delaware County Elite Meet, held on July 30th at Rose Tree Woods Swim Club in Broomall. Representing the Suburban Swim League in competition against the Delco and Inter-County Swim Leagues were Swarthmore SeaSharks (left to right) Anna Karpyn, Assistant Coach Clare Scharscan, Gavin Shifflett, Lori Mesaros, Ella Shifflett and head coach Brooke Hagen. Photo by Michael Karpyn.

JJ Vavrik of Swarthmore finished as runner-up in the recently concluded Delco Vocalist competition at Media Theatre. Five finalists in the competition were judged on vocal quality, stage presence, and song choice. Contestants were invited based on their performances at recent auditions. JJ sang “Love Who You Love” from A Man of No Importance by Ahrens and Flaherty. He points out the importance in musical theater of understanding the nuances of the character and the context of the songs, as well as “sounding glorious vocally.” The 22-year-old Temple U. Musical Theater graduate has been a singer for most of his life, in august groups like the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale, Pennsylvania All-State Choir, and the Strath Haven Silvertones. However, JJ says, “I used to think of myself as an actor first.”

Now he is intent on “acting in plays, or musicals, or films. I hope to pursue this line of work for the rest of my life.” That career has begun well: he has learned the entire show of the Media Theater’s Forever Plaid and is prepared to step in for any of the four major roles if needed during the run. Following that, he will be understudy for Frederick Frankenstein in Young Frankenstein at the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia. JJ thanks his family for their constant support, and his vocal coaches for making his voice what it is today.

Harvey Oak Mercantile owner Shannon Dietzmann Elliott picked up a “Best of Philly” award recognizing H.O.M. as the “Best Place to Find Celestial Jewelry.” Shannon said that Philadelphia Magazine editors “were interested in trends related to all things spiritual this year, including zodiacs, crystals, and minerals. H.O.M. has a variety of designers specializing in jewelry inspired by astrological signs, birthstones, and chakra stones. These pieces are attractive, easy-to-wear often, and allow shoppers to personalize what they wear and what they give, and most of it is made right here in Pennsylvania.” The photo is by Lucas Elliott

Editorial Summit: Swarthmorean editor Chris Reynolds (beard) and new Panther Press editor-in-chief Evelyn Meeker (no beard) compared notes last week at Swarthmorean offices. Meeker, a rising junior from Swarthmore, takes the reins of the Strath Haven High School newspaper for the next two years, an approach intended to enhance continuity and consistency in the monthly-ish student run print paper and website. She is looking for fresh ideas and talent to keep the Panther Press vital: “I’m honored to help provide a voice for student opinion and journalistic expression. Everyone at Strath Haven cares about something, and in the Panther Press, there will always be a place for music, art, opinion, and all kinds of contributions.” She encourages writers, photographers, designers, and artists to get involved early in the 2019-20 school year – or even before. Reach Evelyn at evelynameeker@gmail.com. Reynolds said the Swarthmorean’s door is also open to Havenites:

“We welcome student writers and photographers who want to get involved in local journalism as contributors, or who wish to explore internships. Give us a call at 610-543-0900, or email editor@swarthmorean.com.”

Four of the athletes who represented the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District in the 2019 Delaware County Senior Games attended the post-games Winner’s Circle reception on July 16 at the Drexelbook. They are, from left, Jean Terrell of Swarthmore, Anthony Valerio of Swarthmore, Sam Parsons and Pat Parsons of Wallingford. This June, 680 athletes aged 50 and older participated in events held across the county, including among many others swimming, track, bowling, bocce and pool. Also competing in the Games were Swarthmoreans Chuck Becker, Samuel Brennan, Carol Brennan, and Sam Hill, and Donald Casey, Ron Conner, Jim Hughes, Richard Kitchin, Nancy Sorg, Ann Swan, and Mary Lou Yancey, all of Wallingford. The Delaware County Senior Games are sponsored by Delaware County Council, the Department of Parks and Recreation, Destination Delco, and the County of Delaware Services for the Aging (COSA).

Upper Darby Summer Stage cast members of Elliot and the Magic Bed prepare for performances on August 7, 8, and 9, with 10:30 a.m. matinees each day and a 7:30 p.m. show on Thursday, August 8. From top, Clockwise: Luke Branes-Huff of Wallingford plays Basil Gruesome, Kenneth Bruce of Drexel Hill plays Greenbeard the Pirate, Ali Buchanan of Upper Darby is Elliot and Genevieve Bruce of Drexel Hill plays Elliot’s mother. Elliot and the Magic Bed, the penultimate show in the six-week Summer Stage season, was commissioned in 2003 for Summer Stage, and was written by Summer Stage alumni Marcus Stevens (writer of the book and lyrics) and Brian Lowdermilk (composer,) both of whom originated in Wallingford and now create works for professional theater in New York and London. Photo by Jim Mergliano.

More than 75 elementary students in this summer’s Chester Children’s Chorus Swim Program learned to float, tread water, swim, and enjoy the water safely, thanks to a dedicated crew of swim instructors from Swarthmore and the area. Gathered at the Swarthmore College pool recently were (left to right) Henry Dawes, Luke Mutz, Max Carp, Megan Laird, Chris Schmucki, Riley Muller, Ben Wolters and Rachel McCabe. Other 2019 swim instructors included Sophia David, Brendan Doherty, Michaela Venuto, Jack Brake, Jasper Kolimago, and Kristine Quintero. If you’re interested in learning more about the CCC swim program, or want to help next year, contact Katie Fisher at 610-888-0451 or Susan Brake at smbrake@gmail.com.

Swarthmore Mayor Marty Spiegel was seen on Monday evening directing traffic at the corder of N. Chester Rd. and College Ave. due to a downed tree on N. Chester Rd. near the college admissions visitors lot. Photo by Andy Shelter.

The day before she was to question Robert Mueller in Congress, U.S. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon fielded questions on Tuesday morning from residents of Plush Mills Senior Living in Wallingford. After the Congresswoman detailed some of the legislation she has sponsored and her positions on matters from voter access to public health care models to student debt, a group of about 30 residents engaged Scanlon with queries on specific legislation and initiatives to help first responders and veterans; pressed for her perspectives on the U.S. Census, tax fairness, and abortion rights; and sought insights on “What’s going to happen to Trump?”

A falling tree hit a house, hard, on N. Swarthmore Ave. during Monday’s storm. Photo Chief Ray Stufflet.

Bobby Harris (left) and Shannon Robinson, both of whom were sentenced as teenagers to life without the possibility of parole, are now “returning citizens.” They spoke this month about criminal justice reform during an event at Wallingford Presbyterian Church. The discussion was sponsored by the church’s Peacemaking and Social Justice Committee. “Work is being done in the Delaware Valley to reform the criminal justice system,” said committee member Lin Floyd. “Our hope is their words will inspire us to learn and think.” Harris had served 29 years, and Robinson 28, when each was released following the United States Supreme Court decision Miller v. Alabama. In a 5-4 ruling, the court determined that mandatory life sentences for juveniles without the possibility of parole are unconstitutional and entitled to review. “I think of myself as a returning citizen,” Robinson said. “We should all get a second chance if we deserve it.” Photo by Leslie Krowchenko.

Rose Valley Centennial Foundation President Tim Plummer, State Rep. Leanne Krueger (D-161) and Rose Valley Museum and Historical Society President Morris Potter gathered at Thunderbird Lodge to announce and celebrate the recent Pennsylvania grant of $100,000 for improvements to the building, which houses the museum and RVMHS headquarters. Photo by Leslie Krowchenko.

The Nether Swarthmore Baseball 11U Tournament Team completed another successful season last week. They went undefeated in the Cal Ripken PA District 5 tournament and won their third district championship in four years. The district title qualified them for the Southeast State Tournament in East Greenville, PA, where they advanced all the way to the championship game before falling on Tuesday night. Pictured from left to right: (front row) Mark Ball (Swarthmore), Henry Strauss (Swarthmore), Preston Jensen (Wallingford), Alexander Selverian (Wallingford), Davis Fairbanks (Swarthmore), Dylan Zeitz (Swarthmore); (middle row) Shane Green (Wallingford), Greyson LaFrance (Swarthmore), Luke D’Ancona (Swarthmore), Caden Shuster (Wallingford), Tyler Mickelberg (Wallingford), Matthew Caputo (Swarthmore); (back row) Assistant Coach Tom Ball (Swarthmore), Head Coach Dave Caputo (Swarthmore), Assistant Coaches Eric Green (Wallingford), Dave Shuster (Wallingford) and Ed Strauss (Swarthmore). Not pictured: Brady Nangle (Wallingford). Photo by Jodi Caputo.

The Swarthmore High School Class of 1949 held its 70th reunion luncheon on June 20 at the home of classmate Mark Dresden of Media. The 14 classmates who were able to attend had a wonderful time together. They were: (seated from left to right) Alberta Magee Fogel, Lois Linton Duling, June Reynard McKie, Beth Schoenberg Brody, Mimi Fussell Lang and Esther Worst Larsen. Standing (left to right): Ann Curry Hornaday, Larry Fogel, Bob Keighton, Bruce Mylrea, Jack Smith, Helen Ware Larkin, Doug Spencer and Mark Dresden. Also in attendance, but not in the picture was Ann Broomall Gaul.

It was a great day at Cris Hansen Memorial Horseshoe Tournament, a bit hot but the 14 teams and various spectators had an awesome day! Larry Schriner and Geof Chew were the champions and Fran Donnelly and Phil Gricco were the runners up. An item of note, Larry Schriner is now the all-time leader with 10 lifetime wins, and I don’t think he’s ready to stop! The final four are pictured, from left to right, Fran Donnelly, Phil Gricco, Larry Schriner, and Geof Chew.

Kylie Elliott tries out the new climbing wall at Swarthmore-Rutledge School, where new playground equipment was recently installed. The SRS outdoor basketball courts are scheduled to be resurfaced over the summer.

“The Gathering Place” at Swarthmore United Methodist Church is on summer hiatus, but members of the Swarthmore Senior Citizens Association are gathering nonetheless. The Swarthmore Co-op offers a venue for this group weekly at 2 p.m. every Wednesday. Browse for a Co-op sandwich, salad, or snack, and enjoy the air conditioning in the company of other SSCA members. Photo courtesy of Louise Coffin.

Jacqueline Maben and Ronald Ricchezza were married in a self-uniting ceremony on Saturday, June 1, 2019. The wedding took place at Hedgleigh Spring, the Swarthmore garden of Charles Cresson.

The bride is Administrative Coordinator at The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College. The groom, a self-employed audio technician, is a volunteer for the Swarthmore Horticultural Society and is an Arboretum Assistant at Scott Arboretum.

Their relationship began at the 2015 Scott Arboretum Plant Sale where Ron was procuring plants for “Alex’s Garden” (at the Swarthmore Post Office). He was directed to go to Jacqui’s line at checkout. Here the seed was planted, germinated and blossomed.

Jacqui and Ron live and garden in Swarthmore.

Last Thursday, June 13, 250 nature lovers gathered to support Tyler Arboretum and celebrate its 75th anniversary as a public garden. “Tyler at Twilight” took place under a big tent on the arboretum grounds. Fox-29’s Sue Serio acted as Mistress of Ceremonies, and Swarthmorean co-publisher Rob Borgstrom served as auctioneer. All told, the event raised over $100,000 to support Tyler’s programs aimed at helping children of all ages discover, connect with, and grow in nature. Now in its 17th year, Tyler at Twilight is the arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser and one of Delaware County’s leading summer social events. A dozen local restaurants provide catering, and merchants from throughout the region donate to the auction. This year’s corporate sponsors were led by Clark Capital Management Group. If you missed it, don’t despair. Planning will soon be underway for Tyler at Twilight 2020, coming next June!

The moon bounce was the place to be last Saturday, June 15, for some guests at King’s Automotive’s Customer Appreciation Day last Saturday in Swarthmore. Photo by Corinne Hunsicker.

Co-owner Jay King (center in photo to the right) welcomed guests for a barbecue, games, and live music at King’s Automotive’s Customer Appreciation Day last Saturday in Swarthmore. Photo by Corinne Hunsicker.

On the same day he took part in the “Moving Up” ceremony at Swarthmore-Rutledge School, graduating 5th grader Ted Croddy of Swarthmore accompanied his peers at Wallingford Elementary School as pianist on the Beatles composition “In My Life,” as it was sung during graduation ceremonies this Tuesday at WES. Photo courtesy of Ted’s proud mother Lisa Croddy and grandmother Donna Kay Jones.

Wallingford Elementary School student Bianca Blake was among 22 students who participated in the 2018-2019 after-school art programs at the South Media Firehouse, where last week they celebrated the completion of two community projects. Led by Community Arts Center teaching artist Emily MacDonald and supported by volunteers from the WES community and staff, last fall the young artists created a cityscape of their community, including their homes, the South Media firehouse, WES, Rita’s Water Ice, Coldstone Creamery, and St. Paul AME Zion Church, and other hot spots. The cityscape is now mounted on the wall of the firehouse meeting room. In the spring, they decorated planters which, under the supervision of Dan and Rosemary at Miller’s Greenhouses, they filled with beautiful annuals. The planters are now located at the firehouse, WES, and St. Paul AME Zion Church in South Media, on whose steps Bianca stands, behind one of the decorated planters. The goal of the program, just completing its sixth year and coordinated by retired WES principal Dr. Ellen Milgrim, harnesses students’ talents and energy to collaboratively make art for their community.

Swarthmore-Rutledge School students, their families and the entire Swarthmore community had a “blast” operating the fire hose and otherwise exploring the Swarthmore fire station at last Friday’s open house. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, the SRS Home & School Community Service Committee’s refreshment stand raised $210 which was donated directly to our much-appreciated Swarthmore Fire & Protective Association.

Claudia Carlsson, Executive Director of the Young People’s Theater Workshop, sent a photo from the recent production of YPTW’s recent production of State Fair, writing:

“During the run of State Fair, we raffled off a pie each night. These gorgeous pies were made by Dr. Jamie Byers of Swarthmore. His daughters, Maria and Annie, seen on the right in the photo were also choreographers for the show, along with Darrin Peters. In the show there is a food contest where ribbons are given for the best pickles and mincemeat. The winners have their photo taken with their family. We did a ‘life imitates art’ moment at the final show and awarded Jamie the blue ribbon. His wife, Dr. Stephanie Chiupek is next to him in the photo. Although he has gotten MANY requests for pies, he is sticking with medicine for the time being.”

Photo by Lori Knickerbocker

Late in May, four alumni of Strath Haven and its predecessor high schools were enshrined on the SHHS Wall of Honor. Wallingford-Swarthmore School District Superintendent Dr. Lisa Palmer (left) and SHHS Principal Dr. Kristopher Brown (right) congratulated the honorees (from left) Betty Ann Coleman Wilson, Swarthmore HS Class of 1958, who was an educator for 37 years in the WSSD, a community activist, and a stalwart volunteer with many groups; Thomas Spock, Nether Providence HS ’74 is a long-time media and sports industry executive, founder of Scalar Media and director of NFL Enterprises, who chairs Swarthmore College’s Board of Managers; Enrique Latoison, SHHS ’92, a graduate of Penn and Temple Law School, principal of Latoison Law, legal expert for the NBC Universal family of networks, and founder of the Latoison Law Scholarship. Zoe Mulford, SHHS ’86, an American singer and writer of the 2018 Grammy-nominated song “The President Sang Amazing Grace,” among many other songs on her five albums. She was represented by her father George Mulford.

The Rutledge Girls Club Pee Wee (U10) team has been off to a strong start this season with a 4-0-1 record in their DelVal softball division. Here, the team celebrates its 15-7 win over crosstown rival Nether. The girls’ next home game is at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 8 vs. Media at Triangle Park. Pictured are: (front row, left to right) Hannah, Sophie, Ella, Willow, Lindsey, Dyllan; (back row, left to right) Adelyn, Abigail, Maisie, Kay, Lizzie, Katie, Molly, Clara.

Isabel Filicity Hoffman was born on October 14, 2018, to Shawn and Tara (Rule) Hoffman. Isabel came into the world weighing 7 lbs. 1 oz., and was 20” long, The family, including big sister Nicole, reside in Greenbelt, Md.

Maternal grandparents Dave and Connie Rule live in Wallingford, and paternal grandmother Deb Hoffman lives in Wycoff, N.J.

Margaret Davis (right) of Wallingford was one of two recipients of Widener University’s William David Eckard Jr. Award for Distinguished Service. Widener president Julie E. Wollman (center) presented the awards to Davis and to Molly Acri, Widener Assistant Dean of Administration and Registrar (left). Davis, a senior payroll specialist, has consistently demonstrated outstanding levels of service in her 12 years at Widener. Payroll Director Robin Dyroff said, “I consider myself and Widener University very lucky to have her as a part of our team.” For her part, Davis said “I am very happy to know that the employees at Widener appreciate the work that we do in Payroll.”

U.S. Congresswomen Mary Gay Scanlon (left) of Swarthmore and Madeleine Dean (right) of Glenside joined House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco last Friday at Delaware County Community College to discuss post-secondary education opportunities and education policy. Photo by Scanlon for Congress.

Tess Berger, a 3rd grader at Swarthmore-Rutledge School, won first place for her poem, “Snow Day,” in the 30th annual Young Poets of Delaware County Poetry Contest, sponsored by Delaware County Libraries.

Tess is the daughter of Debbie Morton and Ben Berger.

Last Friday afternoon in Thatcher Park, Daisy Troop 556 and parent leaders assembled to dedicate a Little Free Library to Swarthmore. During their meetings this spring, the girls painted and drew designs on the little library and voted on which words and ideas to include with their designs. As one Daisy Scout cut the ceremonial ribbon, the girls linked hands for the Daisy squeeze. In speeches, chair of the borough Public Works, Parks and Recreation committee Ross Schmucki and Mayor Marty Speigel thanked the girls (and troop leaders Quincy Carpenter and Catherine Iversen) for their efforts and creative work, accepted their gift to the town, and described how this project was their start towards being the helpful citizens of our future. Swarthmore Public Library director Amber Osborne and youth services coordinator Scott Schumacher represented our community of readers. The girls filled the library with books they donated, then celebrated with a picnic in the park. (Left to right) Adults: Marty Spiegel, Scott Schumacher, Ross Schmucki, Amber Osborne, Quincy Carpenter, and Catherine Iversen; Scouts: Nadia, Gigi, Diya, Clara, Noa, June T., June B., Emma, Dakota, Erin, Audrey. Photo by Audrey Molineux.

The Strath Haven High School varsity boys’ ultimate Frisbee team finished second at the PHUEL Philadelphia area “city” championships on Saturday, May 4, and will be one of the top seeds at the USA Ultimate Pennsylvania State Championships on May 25-26 outside Pittsburgh. This team picture by Don Mennig was taken the previous weekend, when the Panther squad took first place at Hip Hop, a tournament held at Lower Perkiomen Valley Park. They went 5-0, beating Radnor 10-8 in the semifinals and Science Leadership Academy 13-7 in the finals. The team is led by coaches Len Magargee and Petter Abrahamsson. Photos by Don Mennig.

Emmy Kerr and Kasey O’Sullivan were among many Swarthmore-Rutledge School students who rose to the occasion on National Bike to School Day last Wednesday. The annual event promotes National Bike Month and provides an opportunity for schools across the country to join together to celebrate on one day. It’s also a way to keep that energy going and encourage families to continue to bike or walk to school – an environmentally friendly and a healthy alternative to sitting on bus or in a car. Photo by Kimberly Angstadt.

It was a tough ending to a good season for the Swarthmore College women’s lacrosse team, which fell just short of making the postseason. The Garnet lost their final game, 9-8, to Haverford College on April 27. It was also the final game for the three senior captains of the team, captured postgame in this photo by team parent Steve Labows. Seniors are (left to right) Tess Wild, Eliza Wainwright and Kathryn Restrepo, flanked by assistant coaches Elyse Tierney (far left) and Kathy Krannebitter, and head coach Karen Borbee on the right. Restrepo, a Swarthmore native and Strath Haven High School alumna, was among three Haven starters on the Garnet squad, each of whom scored more than 100 goals in her Swarthmore career, without missing a game. Haven talent on the team also included sophomores Kacy Hafertape and Elizabeth Labows, who joined forces with onetime Central League rival and sophomore Sarah Roberts from Penncrest, which is also Coach Borbee’s alma mater.

Ringing the bell Saturday to open the Swarthmore Farmers Market season were Swarthmore mayor Marty Spiegel, market manager Andy Rosen, former Co-op general manager Jack Cavanagh, and Congressman Tim Kearney.

Young activists from the Sunrise movement’s Swarthmore College chapter hosted a session on the Green New Deal Monday night at Swarthmore United Methodist Church. About 40 neighbors came to hear and inquire about the case for the plan, to share stories about environmental issues affecting their lives, and to explore opportunities for activism in Delaware County. Panelists included (from left) Zulene Mayfield, Alex Danovitch, Nicole Karsch, Eric Jensen, and Jim Irby.

In an act of grass roots environmental action, Swarthmorean Colin Purrington gave out milkweed seedlings he cultivated during First Friday last week outside Harvey Oak Mercantile on Park Avenue, His customer here is Haylee Reimann, with grandparents Tom and Mary Beth Reimann of Morton.

The Chester Children’s Chorus holds its spring concert twice this weekend, on Friday and Saturday, May 10 and 11, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The talented chorus of 100+ students from the Chester-Upland School District joins in harmony and counterpoint at Lang Concert Hall of the Swarthmore College campus, led by founder and artistic director John Alston and assistant music director Sean Tripline. Admission is free and no tickets are required. Doors open at 6:45 for those seeking the best seating. Information is at chesterchildrenschorus.org and 610-328-8180.

The Silvertones finished their biennial Italian tour in a hallowed and historic setting, performing during a noontime Easter Mass at St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice. It was the capstone of an 11-day round of performances, travel, cultural osmosis, and sightseeing for nearly 40 members of the Strath Haven High School ensemble. Led by Silvertones Director John Shankweiler and chaperoned by a dozen fortunate parents, the powerhouse vocal group worked for two years to raise funds and master their repertoire. Photo by Bridgett Scott.

On Saturday, April 27, community members from Swarthmore and Wallingford volunteered at the Chester-Upland Youth Soccer annual Spring Play Day. (See cuys.org.) Nearly 100 students who benefit from the free, after-school “Soccer for Success” program competed in friendly matches while being cheered on by their family members and other fans. Supportive coaches and referees included Strath Haven middle-schoolers Daphne Much and Harry Midgette as well as enthusiastic students from Swarthmore College and Widener University. Daphne is a Wallingford resident who selected CUYS as the recipient of her Bat Mitzvah philanthropy (see the Facebook page entitled “Daphne’s Bat Mitzvah Project for CUYS.” Daphne, who helps out at Soccer for Success whenever she doesn’t have her own soccer practice and games, said, “Soccer brightens kids’ moods and removes them from hard things that are happening in their lives. It makes me happy to see them enjoying sports the way that I do.”

Alise Mackey (left), Alana Mackey, and Lauren Park (right), three juniors at Strath Haven High School, will attend the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for Global and International Studies this summer from June 23 to July 14. They are among 60 rising juniors and seniors who were selected from a national pool of applicants to participate in the residential program at University of Pittsburgh, which is free to in-state students. Alise, Alana, and Lauren will take classes in argumentation, global studies, and a world language, choosing from Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, and Portuguese. They will also participate in community service activities during their time at the program.

Muffy Marracco grew up in Swarthmore, graduated from Strath Haven High School, Brown University, and Stockholm University (with a Masters in Swedish social studies!). A tutor and movie screenwriter (Girl’s Best Friend, Lifetime), her life has been anything but trivial. Yet trivia is where she has made her biggest splash, as a winner of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and The Chase.

Now Muffy will apply her prodigious skills and knowledge of the arcane and obscure in a new program called the Best Ever Trivia Show, scheduled to premiere on June 10 in a 65-episode run on TV’s Game Show Network. Marracco will be one of eight experts (including Jeopardy legend Ken Jennings) who face off against guest contestants in preliminary rounds and then the “Ultimate Trivia Challenge” each episode, with $10,000 on the line.

Marracco said: “Best Ever Trivia Show is an absolute joy to be a part of — I get to show off my knowledge, work with great people, wear all my pairs of eyeglasses, and play alongside amazing experts and impressive contestants. I always joke that my ability to retain trivial tidbits is not the most vital life skill, but I’m so happy it brought me this opportunity!”

Wallingford Elementary School’s Reading Raccoons and Lightning Readers competed against teams from all over in the annual Delaware County Intermediate Unit Reading Olympics competition, held this April at Northley Middle School in Aston. The teams, coached by WES librarian Martha Lambertsen and enrichment teacher Larry Miller, both scored at the highest levels in the competition and came home with blue ribbons. Since October, the 25 WES Reading Olympians have met after school two to four times a month with Mrs. Lambertsen, Mr. Miller, and reading specialist Dr. Valerie Denton, discussing, summarizing, and posing questions about the 45 books on this year’s DCIU Reading Olympics book list.

Olympians included (left to right) back row: Tommy S., Mr. Larry Miller, Elizabeth C., Abigail O., Eme C., Mira G., Charlotte T., Kiera B., Sophia A., and Mrs. Martha Lambertsen; middle row: Liliana F., Leah R., Leah M., Norah M., Lexi B., Harper M., Katie S., Carly T., Sonya B., and Joe L.; front row: Evie F., Elsie S.-B., Avril B., Abigale B., Maddie J.-B., Zachary C., and Patrick O.

Photo courtesy of Suzanne O’Neil.

Nothing but the Blues for Rose Tree Gardeners: Members of the Rose Tree Gardeners excelled in their entry “A Kind Lady Lives Here” at the Philadelphia Flower Show this year. The gardeners won two blue ribbons and then “Best of Blues,” scoring a perfect and exceptional 100 points, Celebrating at the show were (from left) chairs of the exhibit Sally Alyanakian and Sarah Makin, and co-chairs Murray Blanchett and Marge Firn. The entry represented a home and garden which welcomed all travelers during Depression Era, sharing the bounties and blessings of life with those less fortunate.

At the outset of its Monday meeting, Swarthmore Borough Council and Mayor Marty Spiegel (right) commended the Swarthmore College men’s basketball team for the superb season in which the Garnet posted a record of 29-4 and advanced to the NCAA Division III championship game. The borough presented a proclamation to coach Landry Kosmalski ( 2nd right) and players Peter Foggo (left) and Nate Shafer (2nd left,) who were warmly welcomed by a roomful of proud fans including college president Dr. Valerie Smith. Mayor Spiegel also detailed some of the other athletic successes of Swarthmore College teams, coaches, and athletes during a period of extraordinary accomplishments.

Three girls among the 17 Swarthmore-Rutledge School students in the March 23 Habitat for Humanity 2019 “Build a House...Build a Dream” contest made it to the final round, including third place finisher Lila Martell (pictured above with her entry), honorable mentionee Maya Hartung, and first place team member Giana Gliko.

Swarthmore resident Cavonne Sedeno became one of America’s newest citizens at the 321st naturalization ceremony held recently at the Delaware County Courthouse. Ms. Sedeno, born in Trinidad & Tobago, received her Certificate of Naturalization from Court of Common Pleas Judge Anthony D. Scanlon.

Many Swarthmore-Rutledge School 5th graders (pictured above) presented their hand-built dream houses at Saturday’s Habitat for Humanity competition. Among the winners of top honors (pictured below) were Giana Gilko of SRS (on the left, with her friend Sofia Robb of Parkside Elementary), and Lila Martell of SRS. The houses will be on display at SRS over the coming weeks.

The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is always a welcome sign of spring. This year the Providence Garden Club, with members from Swarthmore, Wallingford, Rose Valley, Media, and Springfield, won First Prize and a Class Commendation at the 2019 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show. The winning design, titled “Hora Feliz,” was in the Windowsill division. The judges commented, “An architectural stunner, perfectly arranged with an element of whimsy.” The design team included Elizabeth Garnett, Holly Porter, and Beth Noto (pictured here, left to right). Their intent with this design was to evoke contemplation and relaxation on crisp desert evenings.

With two (retired) pro players anchoring the couch, the Kosmalski family of Swarthmore has a presence, and a plan. With Lauren Kosmalski (standing, left) sometimes traveling for work in the pharma industry; her husband, Swarthmore men’s basketball coach Landry Kosmalski (sitting, left) on the road a lot during the hoops season, post season, and recruiting season; and their three young but speedy children (left to right, Lincoln, Larkin, and Bexley) darting around, a zone defense works best. That’s where grandparents Laura (standing, right) and Len (sitting, right) come in. They arrived in Swarthmore after retiring from Nike in from Portland, Oregon, four years ago, in large part to be near their next generations of family. Lauren said, “I was hoping they’d join us here, and that we’d be part of their plan. I’m so glad we see them almost every day.” Laura said, “I’ve always told them we’ll be the backup. Anything that we can do to take the pressure off Lauren and Landry, we will: sleepovers for the 5- and 7-year-olds, pickups and frequent visits with the kids. Now the season’s over, we’ll get back to regularly being together with the whole group.”

Swarthmore Rotarians Ken Wright (left) and club President Craig Fava load Ken’s trunk with boxes of dental supplies headed for medical aid stations in the Caribbean nation of Haiti. Rotarians spent much of their March 21 luncheon meeting at the Inn at Swarthmore repackaging donated supplies for shipment to Haiti from Florida, where Ken and his wife Joan will drop them this week.

At a standing room only watch party in Science Center 101, the crowd rose as Swarthmore closed to within six points near halftime of Saturday’s NCAA Division III basketball championship game. After a cold start, the Garnet kept the game close, but ultimately fell short against Wisconsin-Oshkosh, ending the season and a school record 15 game win streak. The Garnet’s run through the Centennial Conference tournament and then the 64-team NCAA field capped a superb 29-4 season.

Amanda Anckaitis of Swarthmore and Strath Haven Middle School advanced out of the local Junior NBA skills competition to the regional competition this past Saturday in New York City. The event consisted of a timed dribbling, shooting, and rebounding skills competition. She competed in the 13 and under girls age bracket against local winners from Pennsylvania to Maine and finished in third place. The winner of her bracket won an all−expense paid trip to New York City to compete in the national finals and attend the 2019 NBA Draft.

For the first time in program history, Swarthmore College’s men’s basketball team is heading to the NCAA Division III Final Four following a dramatic victory last Friday against Randolph-Macon College, and a Saturday night nail-biter against Nichols. The Garnet, ranked #6 nationally, trailed virtually the whole game against R-M before taking a 55-54 lead on a Zac O’Dell drive. R-M answered, but Swarthmore guard Conor Harkins dropped a three pointer with 7 seconds left. R-M missed a put-back at the buzzer, and Swarthmore escaped with a 58-57 victory.

In the Elite Eight, Swarthmore led wire to wire, but had to hang on for a 69-65 win over Nichols College after squandering almost all of a 19 point first half lead before Harkins iced another game, sinking two free throws with three seconds on the clock.

The action moves to Fort Wayne, Indiana, for this weekend’s Final Four. On Friday night, Swarthmore will take on #9 ranked Christopher Newport College in the 6 p.m. semifinal, while Wisconsin-Oshkosh and Wheaton College tip off at 8. The final will be played on Saturday, March 16, at 7 p.m. Go Garnet!

Note: Can’t get to Fort Wayne for the games? Stay in town and share the excitement with other members of the Swarthmore community, at watch parties planned for the games on a big screen at the college’s Science Center 101. Doors open at 5 p.m. Friday and, if the Garnet make the final, at 6 p.m. Saturday. Come rally together — it’s free and open to all adults and kids. The games are expected to be live streamed at https://www.cbssports.com/CBSSN. Check in at swarthmoreathletics.com for more game and program information.

Recently retired Brian Craig (center) was recognized Monday night for his 20 years as Swarthmore’s Chief of Police, with particular appreciation for his bridge-building with borough residents, employees, and Swarthmore College, and his community service through his leadership in the Rotary Club of Swarthmore. In addition to a plaque presented by Borough Council (including member Betsy Larsen, right), Craig was honored in resolutions presented by State Senator Tim Kearney (left) and by Mayor Marty Spiegel on behalf of State Representative Leanne Krueger. Craig spoke briefly, saying that it had been a pleasure to work with Council and with a department “whose officers show a level of integrity which is unparalleled.”

Council followed the ceremony with its monthly legislative session, during which the body signed off on the Senior Cooperative Housing Ordinance (#1085) developed by its Planning and Zoning Committee (which Larsen chairs,) voting to send the ordinance to the Delaware County Planning Department for review.

Several members of the Swarthmore Senior Citizens Association tried to forget winter by attending the Philadelphia Flower Show on March 5. Mission accomplished, said one afterwards: “It gave us great hope that spring will come.” Photo courtesy of Louise Coffin.