Delaware
Hundreds attend Delaware County Health Department’s first Back to School Fair
Hundreds came out to the Delaware County Health Department’s first Back to School Fair with backpacks going almost within the first hour.
Before the event even started Saturday at 10 a.m., families were lined along the health department’s Yeadon Wellness Center and around the building. Within an hour and a half, the 250 backpacks to be handed out throughout the four-hour event were distributed.
“Today was an amazing opportunity to invite Delaware County residents into the Wellness Center at Yeadon to prepare for a successful school year,” Rasheeda Williamson, population health manager, said. “Our goal was to connect with as many families as possible and show that we care not only about their health and well-being, but the success of their futures.”
And, even though the hundreds of backpacks went quickly, the fair had many other offerings for the families from vaccinations and health screenings to youth financial literacy to face paintings and hair cuts.
“It’s so interesting to see that people are actually taking advantage of the other resources,” Dr. Gifty Akomea Key, Population Health Division administrator, said.
Students were able to receive vision and dental screenings as well as essential Tdap and MCV4 vaccines, which are usually required by schools.
Health partners at the fair included Eagle Eye Mobile, Keystone First, Children First and Kids Smiles.
Most of the backpacks were filled with supplies such as notebooks, pencils, highlighters, pens, colored pencils and markers.
“The whole goal of this is to help kids start school off right,” county Health Department spokesman Matthew Rankin said. “They say the best availability is availability so if they’re healthy and in school and spending more time in the classroom, then they’ll be set up for more success in the classroom and in life.”
He explained that most of the school supplies were collected through the DCHD Delivers donation drive, which occurred at Thanksgiving and prior to the health department’s first anniversary in April 2023.
“That’s one of our points of pride,” Rankin said. “Typically, it’s staff and county employees that make a donation. We reached out to partners like YMCA, the county libraries. The WIC office was collecting for us as well. We had boxes all around the county in different public areas for people to donate.”
County resident Maris Sirleaf was one of the lucky ones to get a backpack.
“I have two (children) but they could only give me one and I appreciate it,” she said as she clutched the light gray Head backpack.
She initially came to the fair to see the other resources available.
“I’m happy,” Sirleaf said. “Even though I came late, I really appreciate what they have back there. “
One of the offerings was youth financial literacy through the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union.
“It’s a great opportunity to help out and give back to the kids and help them with learning about savings accounts and what saving is all about,” Nyarra Phillips of the credit union said.
She said credit union staff were on-hand and ready to help families set up Greenlight savings accounts for the youth.
“The parents can put money into the kids’ account,” Phillips said. “They get little debit cards … Then, they feel like they’re saving. They’re learning at a young age.”
Overall, health department staff were delighted with the fair.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the turnout and the positive impact this event had on our community,” Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon said. “Our goal was to ensure that every child in Delaware County is healthy, prepared and excited to start the school year and we’re so grateful to all our partners for helping us achieve that.”
Originally Published:
Delaware
Delaware County Sheriff's Office investigating murder-suicide involving mother and two children
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office reported they found an abandoned vehicle with a deceased woman and two children inside on the morning of Nov 23.
The Sheriff’s Office said the vehicle was found near Highway 85 and East 340 Road.
Delaware County Sheriff’s Office
They said a preliminary investigation identified the woman as Alisia Pena of Tulsa and two children belonging to her. Both children are under the age of ten.
The Sheriff’s Office said it believes the deaths are the result of a murder-suicide on the part of the mother, but the Medical Examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death.
2 News is working to learn more and will update this story as we learn more.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere —
31,000 LED lights and Christmas carols invite holiday cheer
Middletown resident Manny Duarte talks about the annual 31,000 LED lights display he mounts in his front yard to celebrate the Christmas season.
Benjamin Chambers, Delaware News Journal
From walks to drive-thrus, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a holiday light show this season.
Various shows and events are taking place throughout Delaware and across the Philadelphia region this year.
Here are nine holiday light shows to check out:
Longwood Gardens
Spectators of the holiday light show at Longwood Gardens are in for a special treat this year as “A Longwood Christmas” kicks off amid the opening of “Longwood Reimagined.”
The expansion features new spaces like the West Conservatory, which will offer new areas to deck out for the holidays.
Longwood Gardens, located near Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, launched its holiday light display on Friday, Nov. 22, and it will run daily through Jan. 12. To make a reservation, visit the sprawling garden’s website.
Address: 1001 Longwood Road, near Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Website: longwoodgardens.org
Yuletide at Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library
Holidays at the Winterthur Museum on Route 52 features twinkling lights adorning the woodlands, a large-scale gingerbread house and an 18-room dollhouse, according to the museum’s website.
The holiday display will be open to the public starting Saturday, Nov. 23, and will run through Sunday, Jan. 5.
You can purchase tickets online or by calling the museum at 800-448-3883.
Address: 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Delaware
Website: winterthur.org/
Holidays at Hagley
Get a glimpse of Hagley Museum and Library around the holidays with a holiday home and garden tour.
The site features a gingerbread house contest, Santa day, holiday night tours and more.
The holiday experience at Hagley runs from Sunday, Nov. 29 through Wednesday, Jan. 1. Purchase tickets online to schedule your holiday tour.
Address: 200 Hagley Creek Road, Greenville, Delaware
Website: hagley.org/
Drone show at the Riverfront
The Wilmington Riverfront during the evening hours of Friday, Dec. 6, will host a drone holiday light show.
The free holiday light show will take place on the Riverwalk. For more information about the event, visit the Riverfront’s website.
Address: Michael S Purzycki Riverwalk in Wilmington, Delaware
Website: riverfrontwilm.com/event/drone-light-show
Shady Brook Farm
If you are willing to take a drive for a holiday light display, look no further than Yardley, Pennsylvania’s Shady Brook Farm.
You can drive through the holiday show yourself or take a wagon ride through. The holiday festivities begin Saturday, Nov. 23 and run through Jan. 5, 2025. Ticket prices are per vehicle and vary depending on the day of your visit.
The farm also features Santa’s Village with gifts, treats, firepits and a Candy Cane Lane walk-through.
Address: 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, Pennsylvania
Website: shadybrookfarm.com
Gift of Lights Dover
The Dover Motor Speedway will once again host its drive-thru holiday light show this year.
Tickets are priced per carload at $35 per car and $60 per bus or limo.
Address: 1229 Persimmon Tree Lane, Dover, Delaware
Website: giftoflights.ticketspice.com/gift-of-lights-dover
The Brandywine Railroad
Since 1972, the Brandywine Railroad has displayed model trains, including locomotives, passenger and freight trains, and trolleys as part of its annual holiday display.
The display also features interactive options like “push buttons and foot pedals” so visitors can engage with the train setup.
The holiday display began on Saturday, Nov. 16, and runs through Jan. 5. For more information visit the Brandywine Museum of Arts’ website.
Address: 1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania
Website: brandywine.org/museum
Holiday Lights Express
Take a festive ride on 100-year-old heated coaches through the Red Clay Valley to see homes decorated for the holidays.
The Wilmington & Western Railroad hosts one-hour evening train rides during the month of December. To purchase train tickets, visit the venue’s website.
For a visit from Santa Claus, be sure to reserve train tickets for the Santa Claus Express.
Address: 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Prices Corner, Delaware
Website: wwrr.com/ride/events/holiday-lights
NOËL at Nemours Estate
Experience the holidays at the Nemours Estate by touring the 77-room mansion, chauffer’s garage and gardens adorned in twinkling lights.
The estate also will feature live music performances throughout the season.
The festivities at the Nemours Estate began Tuesday, Nov. 19 and will extend through Sunday, Dec. 29. Purchase tickets on the estate’s website and reserve your visit.
Address: 1600 Rockland Road, Rockland, Delaware
Website: nemoursestate.org
Got a tip? Contact Amanda Fries at afries@delawareonline.com. Follow her on X at @mandy_fries.
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