Delaware
Delaware County kicks off July Fourth celebrations with a bang
ALDAN
For over a century, the residents of Aldan have been organizing annual parades and festivities celebrating our nation’s Independence Day and on Thursday, July 4, the tradition will continue.
Decorated, wagons, strollers, floats, bikes, and scooters, as well as community groups, fancy and classic cars, individuals in patriotic costumes and more are invited to participate. Sign up to participate at www.aldanpa.gov/home/news/sign-july-4th. There will also be a Baby Parade in which all participants will receive a prize.
Residents and friends can help defray the cost of the parade and festivities by making a donation of $5 and in return, receive a coupon redeemable between 1 and 2 p.m. at the snack bar on July 4 to receive an American flag and ice cream.
Checks can be made to “Aldan 4th of July Association” and brought or mailed to the Aldan Municipal Building, 1 W. Providence Road.
ASTON TOWNSHIP
Aston Township will begin its Fourth of July celebration at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 at the amphitheater in the rear of the Aston Community Center, 3270 Concord Road with music by The Greaseband from 7 to 9 p.m.
The township’s annual fireworks display will take place 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4 at Sun Valley High School, 2881 Pancoast Ave.
BETHEL TOWNSHIP
Bethel Township will host its annual fireworks display on Wednesday, July 3 at Bethel Springs Elementary School, 1498 Deer Meadow Lane, Garnet Valley.
The show will start at dusk, around 8:45 p.m. Attendees can bring their own blankets, lawn chairs and snacks. Mr. Softee will be available for purchase.
For more information, see the Bethel Parks and Rec website at https://tinyurl.com/3hxznxmz.
CLIFTON HEIGHTS
The annual Clifton Heights Fourth of July parade will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 4. Awards will be given for best appearing bikes, mini-bikes, walkers, strollers, wagons, floats, antique cars and group walkers. Parade staging begins at 9:30 a.m.
The borough will have its annual fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 6. However, due to construction of the new middle school, the fireworks will only be viewable from individuals’ homes in the borough.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/CHJuly4thAssoc.
EDGMONT TOWNSHIP
The public is invited to celebrate the nation’s birthday at the Pennsylvania Colonial Plantation in Edgmont on Thursday, July 4.
Attendees can join the debate among patriots, loyalists and Quakers as they all confront independence and help decide the true loyalty of the farm.
Guests can meet Martha Washington, make a demonstration against the king, hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and show their loyalty by signing the Declaration.
Ongoing activities at the farm include hearth cooking, quill writing, garden, textiles, meet the animals and more. The farm is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last admission at 3 p.m. Cost is $12 for adults, $8 for children and adults over 65, and $5 for members. Visitors are welcome to bring a lawn chair and water bottles.
For a full schedule or directions, visit http://colonialplantation.org, email office@colonialplantation.org or call 610-566-1725.
GLENOLDEN
Glenolden will have its annual parade and festival on Thursday, July 4.
The day will include the Fourth of July parade, moon bounces, face painting, food, music, and other activities for the whole family, along with the brand new Glenolden Golden Golf pop-up mini golf course supporting local independent businesses and organizations.
For more information and times, go to https://www.facebook.com/glenolden4th for updates.
HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP
• The Paddock Farms Civic Association will present the annual Fourth of July celebration in Paddock Park from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 4.
Everyone is invited to decorate bikes, scooters and strollers and meet at 10:30 a.m. at Merrybrook Circle to parade into the park, led by Oakmont Fire Company. Prizes will be awarded for best decorations.
The festivities will begin in the park at 11 a.m., and will include an inflatable slide, games, face painting, a dunk tank and more. To nominate someone to be in the dunk tank, email paddockfarms@gmail.com or text 610-202-9284.
Food trucks on-site will include Savannah’s Southern Cuisine and Owl Water Ice and Treats. Cash and Venmo will be accepted by vendors.
Attendees are encouraged to stop by the association table for a fun kids’ giveaway and to purchase 50/50 raffle tickets. Guests will be able to cool down before leaving with a “hose down,” compliments of Oakmont Fire Company.
• The Llanerch Civic Association and the Llanerch Fire Company will present the annual Fourth of July Parade from 9:45 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 4.
Children, accompanied by adults, are welcome to get their bikes, scooters, wagons and strollers and even dogs, ready to parade through the neighborhood.
The parade will line up and leave from the Llanerch Fire House parking lot, 107 West Chester Pike, Havertown, at 10 a.m. Parade participants should arrive at the firehouse at 9:45 a.m.
The parade will end at Llanerch Park where there will be light refreshments.
LANSDOWNE
Register a decorated car, motorcycle, truck, float or organization for this year’s Lansdowne Borough Fourth of July Parade, to be held on Thursday, July 4.
The parade will begin on East Greenwood Avenue, turn on Wycombe Avenue then onto Stewart Avenue to Lansdowne Avenue. The parade will continue north on Lansdowne Avenue and right onto Essex Avenue to the Penn Wood High School Football Field.
Parade lineup begins at 8:30 a.m. on East Greenwood and all community groups are encouraged to sign up to join in the parade. The parade will be followed by a short ceremony at the Penn Wood football field at approximately 10 a.m.
To register to participate, go to https://bit.ly/3xbJlTX/. Registration closes on Tuesday, July 2.
MARPLE TOWNSHIP
The Annual Marple Newtown Fourth of July Parade will begin with a bang at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 4, setting off from St. Albans Circle in Newtown Square and going east on West Chester Pike, ending at the Broomall Firehouse on Malin Road in Marple Township.
All are invited to watch the best of Marple Newtown, including veterans, musical groups from all over, floats, marchers, classic and antique cars, first responders, decorated bikes and strollers, community groups and much more.
MEDIA
The Media Recreation Board will present its annual day of patriotic family fun on Thursday, July 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at Barrall Field on State Street.
The event will include water slides, wagon rides, a bike-decorating contest, yard games, face painting, music and treats.
To reduce plastic waste, attendees are asked to bring their own water in reusable bottles to drink. Registration is not required, but appreciated at https://tinyurl.com/ywvbh4h6.
PHILADELPHIA
A partnership of cultural and historical institutions and Old City businesses, the Philadelphia Historic District has created a new event for 2024 and beyond — the Red, White, & Blue To-Do — to take place on Tuesday, July 2.
John Adams declared that July 2 should be a day of “pomp and parade” from one end of the continent to the other.
Philadelphia’s Historic District will welcome the world to celebrate in the place where it all began. The Red, White, & Blue To-Do will take place throughout America’s most historic square mile with the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, festooned decor, concerts, games, extended visitation hours at area historic attractions, restaurant specials, and much more.
The Red, White, & Blue To-Do will debut on July 2, continuing to get bigger and more joyful each July 2 through 2026 and beyond, creating memories for residents and visitors.
The inaugural Red, White, & Blue To-Do will feature 20 cultural institutions and historic attractions, along with Old City restaurants, with the old-fashioned Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, free musical entertainment, and special happenings across Historic Philadelphia all day and evening.
Anyone can sign up to walk in the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade and anyone can decorate one of the red wagon floats at the National Constitution Center in the days leading up to July 2.
For more information, including a list of participating institutions and businesses, visit http://phlvisitorcenter.com/red-white-blue-to-do-philadelphia-pa.
PROSPECT PARK
Prospect Park will hold its annual Fourth of July Parade at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 4.
The 2024 parade assembles on Baltimore Avenue at Amosland Road, parallel to the railroad tracks.
The parade route will travel down Baltimore to a left onto Holmes Avenue, to a right onto 17th Avenue, going left onto Yagle Avenue to a right onto 16th Avenue to a left onto Pennsylvania Avenue to a right onto 13th Avenue to a left onto Lincoln Avenue to 11th Avenue.
At that point, Youth on Parade will join the main parade. The parade will continue on Lincoln Avenue to a right onto 10th Avenue to a left onto West Park Square and follow around Park Square to the park entrance, where the parade will end.
RIDLEY PARK
Ridley Park will hold its annual Independence Day celebration on Saturday, July 6. Kids can register in advance for the bike parade, which will kick off the festivities at 10 a.m.
To register: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSfkE7e77ZmLs4…/viewform.
Games will be held at 11 a.m., followed by the Patriots In The Park Car Show at noon in East Lake Park.
All makes and models of cars, trucks and motorcycles will be on display. Car owners can participate for a $15 registration fee. Registration begins at East Lake Park at 11 a.m.
The borough will hold its annual fireworks display at Ridley Lake at dusk.
ROSE VALLEY
Rose Valley residents who wish to participate in the annual Fourth of July Parade can meet at the Moylan-Rose Valley Train Station at 1:45 p.m. Thursday, July 4.
The parade will begin at 2 p.m. The parade welcomes decorated bikes, wagons, strollers and anything that people want to contribute to make the parade more festive.
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP
Springfield Township will hold its annual Fourth of July Parade on Thursday, July 4.
The parade will kick off at 9 a.m. and will end about noon at Veterans Memorial Park, 331 W. Springfield Road, with activities to follow.
For more information, email parades@springfielddelco.org.
SWARTHMORE
The annual Swarthmore Lions Independence Eve 8K (5 mile) and 2½ Mile Walk will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3.
This friendly, small town community race draws runners from all over the Delaware Valley.
This year, participants will run on a relatively flat 8K route through the tree-lined neighborhoods of the borough. The 2½ Mile Walk route follows the first loop of the 8K.
Proceeds from the race support Lions charities, which include organizations that assist the visually impaired, such as the Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Chester and the Delaware Valley Eye Bank.
Online registration is available at http://www.runsignup.com. The entry fee for both the race and the walk is $30 and $35 on race day.
Awards will be presented to the first three overall male and female runners and to the first three male and female runners in nine age groups: 10 and under, 11-13, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and over. Refreshments will be served after the race.
Tech T-shirts are guaranteed to all pre-registered runners and walkers and while supplies last.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Jim Ryan at 610-909-3127 or jdryan17@gmail.com.
Thornbury Township
Thornbury Township residents are invited to get their bikes, floats and patriotic costumes out to participate in the township’s annual Fourth of July Parade at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 4. No off-road vehicles will be allowed.
The bikers and walkers in the parade will assemble at 9:30 a.m. at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 4 Westtown Road, Thornton. Floats and antique cars will assemble at Nice Road and Blantyre Circle.
The most patriotic entries will win prizes. A grab bag of gift cards to local businesses will be awarded for best in show for the following categories: Most Patriotic Bike, Most Patriotic Dog, Most Patriotic Stroller, Best Antique Car and Most Creative Float. Parade participants must be Thornbury Delaware County residents to win.
Prizes will be awarded at 11 a.m. at the gazebo by the playground. Immediately following the parade, everyone is invited to games, hot dogs and water at Thornbury Park.
For any questions, call Susan Daudert, 610-399-8383, Ext. 109
UPPER CHICHESTER TOWNSHIP
Upper Chichester Township will hold its annual Independence Day celebration featuring food trucks, music, yard games, fireworks and more on Friday, July 5 at Furey Road Park, 8500 Furey Road. Fireworks begin at dusk.
Food trucks will be on-site at 6:30 p.m. Food trucks interested in being a part of the celebration, can email recreation@upperchitwp.org for details.
UPPER DARBY TOWNSHIP
Upper Darby Township will host a free Independence Day Fireworks Show at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3 at Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast High School, 403 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill.
To be included in this listing, Delaware County’s boroughs and townships are welcome to send more July Fourth celebration information to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.com.
The Hagley Museum and Library houses a collection of patent models
The Hagley Museum and Library houses the nation’s second-largest collection of patent models, many of which the public never gets to see.
For most, 41 years of service is more than enough. For State Librarian Annie Norman, though, even retirement can’t slow her down.
“The work is never done; there’s always something to do,” she said. “I’m going to have to continue to help in other ways.”
Norman will step away this fall after 24 years as the Delaware state librarian and director of the Delaware Division of Libraries.
Throughout her tenure, Norman made waves; the director helped create the Delaware Library Consortium, which allowed all of Delaware’s Public libraries to share items, and brought the library system along during a wave of technological change. For these achievements, she was named to the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame in 2016 and appointed by President Joe Biden as a member of the National Museum and Library Services Board.
We spoke with Norman as she wraps up an accomplished career about her proudest achievements, and the state of libraries in 2026.
Question: As you look back on your tenure, what was your proudest accomplishment?
Answer: What I’ll be known for more than anything is probably the statewide library catalog and consortium. The politics of bringing all of those libraries together, after years of there being four separate library catalogs in Delaware, took about eight years. More recently, I think bringing the school libraries into that catalog is going to be really significant. We’ve got more than 50 school libraries to be a part of the statewide catalog, something we think can really help with the literacy crisis in this state.
One of the biggest challenges of your tenure was adjusting to the large wave of technology that came about. How have you and the Delaware libraries handled it?
It’s been very systematic. We have a great IT team that helps manage for us, as well as the state funding 100% of library technologies. The growth of the iPhone has certainly had a huge impact on literacy, but we’re really just working hard to bring back the excitement of reading.
The Delaware libraries’ programming have always been a popular resource. How important do you view these offerings to local communities, and will they continue to expand?
Yes, libraries are about enrichment, which means helping support people in things like entrepreneurship, education and innovation. We’ve had libraries start up job centers, which were so successful we could expand to entrepreneurship, and even help with more basic social needs, by starting a “social innovation team” to help with more of the social services-type work.
Where we still struggle is we can only help people access Delaware systems to help with their needs, not fix things within those systems. For that reason, we always encourage these systems to work with us, so the Delaware library system can fit everyone’s needs.
Cuts toward libraries just occurred in New Castle County, with the potential for more to come. How will the library system look to stay afloat?
Because of the economy, because of federal changes, things can get difficult, it’s not the first time we’ve experienced budget cuts. We’ve progressed significantly over the years, but there is much more work to do, and I don’t know that the public understands how critical libraries and librarians are to literacy.
The power of walking into a library and being able to choose what you want to read for a child is powerful, and until people understand that, we can’t achieve our literacy goals.
Adam Denn is an intern reporter for Delaware Online/The News Journal. You can reach him at apdenn@delawareonline.com.
Inspiration
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DELAWARE COUNTY, Ohio — People in Delaware County said it feels like new housing developments are popping up on every corner.
WSYX
“What haven’t you noticed, right? The whole area just exploded,” said Scott Shonebarger.
Scott Sanders, the executive director of the Regional Planning Commission, said companies like Intel and other industries are a main driver for thousands of people moving to Delaware County.
With the big boom comes an urgent need for more housing.
John Wicks is the developer at Real Property Design and Development.
He has spent over a decade building homes for families in Delaware County.
Wicks said the Olentangy School District is one of the hottest spots for new homes.
“I started with one high school up until the 90s, then now we’re up to four up to five different high schools so it’s just a big draw,” said Wicks. “It’s a beautiful community.”
The district has grown into the fourth largest in Ohio with a new elementary school opening next year, and a fifth high school in 2028.
Wicks said the growth has presented some challenges over the years like labor shortage and some opposition.
“It’s become a big issue for a lot of people that live in and around these areas. They tend to oppose new growth and new development, so restrictions have gotten a little bit harder. Costs have obviously gone up over the last 20 years,” said Wicks.
The planning commission says between 275,000 and 350,000 people could call Delaware County home by 2040.
That’s up from 214,000 in 2020.
Scott Shonebarger said he supports growth but wonders when is enough.
“I mean to a certain extent I think you know at some point right you have to have some sort of boundaries I think, getting into the fact that now you have five high schools,” said Shonebarger. “What’s the limit?”
Police in Wilmington, Delaware, shot and killed a 19-year-old man Wednesday night.
The incident happened in a residential area near 24th and Jessup streets just after 11 p.m., Wilmington police said in a news release. The person who was shot has not been publicly identified.
Officers were monitoring a large crowd gathered outside when they saw a man exit a home with a handgun and point it toward the crowd, police say.
When officers approached the man, he ran away and a foot pursuit began, police say.
At some point in the chase, an officer fired their weapon and hit the 19-year-old. The man was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.
Police say they recovered a loaded gun from the man and that the officer was not injured.
Video filmed at the scene shows a crowd of residents gathered outside after the shooting.
Police are asking anyone with more information to come forward. The shooting is under investigation by the Delaware Department of Justice and Wilmington police.
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