Delaware
More than 1200 students graduate from Delaware County Community College
MARPLE — On a day that emphasized the power of education to change life trajectories, more than 1,200 students graduated from Delaware County Community College with associate degrees and/or certificates.
On Thursday, May 16, the college held two separate commencement ceremonies.
The morning ceremony was for graduates of the Allied Health and Nursing, STEM, and Workforce and Economic Development divisions, and the afternoon ceremony for graduates of the Business, Computing & Social Science, as well as the Communications, Arts & Humanities divisions.
Both ceremonies were held at West Chester University’s Hollinger Field House.
“While many diverse backgrounds are represented here today, we are united here for one purpose: education. We share the same goal of pursuing better opportunities through education at a more affordable cost,” said Edison Hong of Upper Darby, the student commencement speaker, who is the son of Chinese immigrants. “From my father’s escape during the Vietnam War to my mother’s pursuit of the American dream, their story intertwines with mine, wanting a better life. Their sacrifices resonate within me, and I use that every day to guide me as a first-generation college student.”
Hong, a graduate of Upper Darby High School, earned college credits as a high school student through DCCC’s High School Dual Enrollment Program. He earned his associate degree from DCCC in the fall of 2023 with majors in computer science and business administration and now attends Georgia Institute of Technology, where he is majoring in computer science.
Hong is one of 15 students nationwide to receive the 2024 Hites Transfer Scholarship from Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society for two-year colleges.
He served as president and founder of DCCC’s Computer Science Club, president of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, president of the Business Society, and vice president of the Science Club and the Engineering Club.
“Your ability to overcome life while maintaining high academic standards is remarkable. Community college is and always has been the real standard of success,” said alumnus commencement speaker Frederick Shegog, class of 2020, of Drexel Hill.
Shegog battled homelessness and substance abuse prior to becoming an honors graduate of DCCC and a summa cum laude — highest honors — graduate of West Chester University, where he recently earned a master’s degree in public administration. His stepdaughter Megan Riley is a member of the DCCC Class of 2024.
Presiding over Thursday’s ceremonies was Marta Yera Cronin, the college’s president. A first-generation college student born of immigrant parents, she emphasized the generational impact that education can have on the children, grandchildren and other relatives of graduates.
“Your family members see the effort,” she said. “They see the tenacity it takes to study, often while working a part-time or full-time job to sustain a family, and you become their role model.”
Added DCCC Board of Trustees Chair Kevin Scott, “We commend your perseverance, long hours and nights of study and the sacrifices you have made to pursue your goal of attaining a better life for you and your family.”
Reservations being taken for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bus trip to honor Charlie Gracie
In honor of his late father, the great rock ‘n’ roller Charlie Gracie and the release of the updated public television documentary, “Fabulous Forever!,” Charlie Gracie Jr., in partnership with his mom, Joan Gracie, will host a bus trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland from Friday, June 28 to Saturday, June 29.
Bus passengers will include DJs Lou Costello, Steve Kurtz, Johnny Midnight of Cruisin’ 92.1 WVLT and other notables.
The late Charlie Gracie, a native of South Philadelphia and a longtime resident of Drexel Hill, was an American rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm and blues singer and guitarist who topped the charts with his hits, “Butterfly” and “Fabulous.” Gracie was a role model who was emulated by many rock ‘n’ roll legends, including Paul McCartney and Graham Nash, among others.
The bus will leave at 8 a.m. Friday from Springfield Country Club on Sproul Road, where permission was given to leave cars, and return there Saturday night, around midnight.
The trip will include seeing the museum’s Charlie Gracie exhibit, with plenty of time allotted to tour the museum, as well as watching the debut screening of the newly updated Character Driven Productions documentary about Charlie Gracie, “Fabulous Forever!” in the museum’s theatre.
Bus fee will run between $75 and $85, depending on number of participants, and the Holiday Inn Express rate for the overnight stay is roughly $160.
For full details or to book a seat, call 610-724-7319.
No Name Pops offer two free concerts this month
The No Name Pops (NNP) will present two free performances in Philadelphia at the end of May. On Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend, May 25, The NNP’s Big Band will perform at 9th and Montrose, in the heart of the Italian Market, starting at 11 a.m. On May 30, The NNP Jazz Quintet will perform with guest vocalist Paula Holloway in Dilworth Park, 1 S 15th Street, from 6 to 7 p.m.
During the Memorial Day Weekend concert, planned in collaboration with Di Bruno Bros., guests will be able to enjoy their Italian Market purchases while seated at tables listening to the music of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and more. At Dilworth Park, guests can enjoy the golden era of American music, featuring the timeless hits of George Gershwin and Cole Porter.
“We are thrilled that we have been invited by Center City District and Di Bruno Bros to provide free music to our community, our mission statement in action,” said Matt Koveal, the NNP’s Executive Director.
Founded in 2023, The No Name Pops is a versatile ensemble composed of the former musicians of The Philly Pops with a mission to deliver authentic, exceptional musical experiences in the Philadelphia region. Drawing from Philly’s rich symphonic pops legacy, the NNP melds tradition with an innovative approach unbound by musical genre for concert experiences that will entertain and empower the entire community.
The No Name Pops respects the rich legacy of the music of Peter Nero, Grammy Award-winning pianist and conductor who launched Pops music in Philadelphia for over three decades. Led by accomplished conductors and featuring world-class soloists, The No Name Pops continues to captivate audiences with its vibrant and diverse repertoire. For more information, or a list of upcoming performances, visit http://www.nonamepops.org.
Bonner-Prendie Classes of ’69 and ’74 hold reunions
Monsignor Bonner-Archbishop Prendergast High School, Class of 1974 is planning a 50th reunion at Paxon Hollow Country Club, Broomall.
It is set for Friday, Sept. 27 from 6 to 10 p.m.
The reunion committee is searching for current email addresses to send out notices with the details. Class members are asked to send name and email address to: Bonnerprendie50threunion@gmail.com.
Bonner-Prendie Class of 1969 will hold its 55th reunion also at Paxon Hollow Country Club.
It is set for Sunday Sept. 29 from 3 to 7 p.m.
The ticket price is $69, which includes food and an open bar. There is a limit of 250 tickets to be sold and no tickets will be sold at the door.
Checks can be made out to MBAP Class of ’69 and mailed to 403 N. Lansdowne Ave. Drexel Hill, PA 19026.
Springfield Township Library offers programs on houseplants, Civil War medicine
Springfield Township Library will present an in-person houseplant workshop, “Leafy Characters,” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 11.
“Leafy Characters” will help anyone who doubts their green thumb.
Amanda, from a local nursery will teach participants some house plant basics, plant propagating, different house plants and their needs and more. Participants will leave the program with more knowledge.
Space is limited and registration is required at www.springfieldtwplib.com.events.
The library will also present a program on “Civil War Medicine with the Mutter Museum,” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 18.
Everyone is welcome to learn from an educator at the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia about the role and practice of medicine in the Civil War. A description of the impact this era plays on modern medicine will also be discussed. Some examples of Civil War medical inventions include ambulances and specialty medicines.
This event is via Zoom only. Registration at www.springfieldtwplib.com/events is required to obtain the Zoom link.
Readers can send typed community news press releases and photos to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.com.
He speaks for silent Gettysburg witnesses
Greg Gober is fascinated by the living link to Gettysburg’s history – and he wants to protect the trees that stood by during the battle 161 years ago.
“Pages of history” features excerpts from The News Journal archives including The Morning News and The Evening Journal. See the archives at delawareonline.com.
March 1, 2006, The News Journal
Under plan, 59% electric rate hike to be phased in
Delmarva Power has proposed phasing in electricity rate increases to reduce the shock of a 59% price hike for residents scheduled to begin May 1.
If the proposal is approved by the state, the typical residential bill would go up slightly less than $18 a month on May 1. Then on Jan. 1, the typical bill would go up again by the same amount. On May 1, 2007, a last increase of $34 would be added, assuming no other change in the market price for electricity. …
Delmarva Power officials unveiled the proposal Tuesday as part of a response to an executive order issued last month by Gov. Ruth Ann Minner. She asked state agencies to study possible responses to the rate hike, including the option of reregulating the industry.
In 1999, state lawmakers removed controls on the price of wholesale electricity, reshaping the power market in the state. As part of the change, electricity rates were lowered by 7.5% until 2003.
Delmarva Power says the coming 59% increase is mainly caused by price hikes in the cost of the fuels that generate electricity, such as natural gas and coal.
Under deregulation, Delmarva must buy about one-third of its total power needs on the wholesale market every year. If the wholesale market is lower next year, customers could save some money. If the wholesale market is up, then rates could go even higher than they are currently expected to go….
Deregulation was expected to reduce electricity prices by bringing competition to the electric market, but only the largest power customers in the state are able to shop for power. Residents do not have a choice about who supplies their electricity.
Some lawmakers are calling for the state to reregulate the industry….
Reregulating part or all of the electricity market is unlikely to have any impact on the 59% rises in bills, experts say, but could prevent dramatic price spikes in the future….
March 3, 1976, The Morning News page
Sussex prison dilemma prompts judicial warning
If the General Assembly doesn’t do something soon about the crumbling Sussex Correctional Institution, he will, a federal judge strongly hinted yesterday.
Judge Murray M. Schwartz said he frankly hopes lawmakers will come up with the extra $1.6 million needed for a thorough overhaul of the Georgetown prison this month.
If they do, he said, it probably will “wash out” the inmates’ suit to close the prison. Schwartz is hearing the suit now, but isn’t expected to make a ruling for several months.
Should he find that the “legislature has abdicated its responsibilities [to the prison],” Schwartz warned, “then that has opened up a hole the federal court will have to fill.”
The state earmarked $2 million from a bond issue for Sussex prison renovation, but the base construction bid opened in January was $2.8 million. With alternate improvements officials want, the cost would rise to $3.4 million.
Acting Correction Commissioner Paul Keve, a defendant in the inmates’ suit, said it “looks very hopeful” that $1.6 million originally appropriated for another prison project will be reallocated to the Sussex work….
Several times yesterday, Schwartz expressed puzzlement over the state’s defense to the suit which seemed to be, “Yes, Sussex is bad, but we’re going to improve it,” the judge remarked.
The improvements are part of the defense, replied Deputy Atty. Gen. John Willard. But he said he would also contend the prison’s deficiencies aren’t an unconstitutional denial of due process or cruel and unusual punishment, as the inmates claim.
The prison’s 45-year-old main building “defeats efforts to improve it in a superficial way,” Keve said, and demands instead a “drastic, complete, comprehensive” renovation.
He said a new kitchen is most urgently needed, but the plans also call for complete replacement of the plumbing, electrical and heating systems, construction of a gymnasium, medical-dental suite and space for classrooms and group discussions.
Prisoners have complained of a lack of rehabilitation programs….
March 6, 1926, The Evening Journal
Woman, baby, dog rescued from burning home
Mary Anderson … and a year-old baby were carried from the burning house at 4 W. 12th St. in Wilmington this morning. …
The fire, which originated in the chimney of the house, caused a spectacular blaze that destroyed the roof and damaged the interior of the dwelling, and drew a large crowd.
Trolley traffic on Market Street was tied up for 20 minutes or more. Long lines of cars from the Boulevard, Washington, Shellpot and Darby lines blocked both tracks for two squares or more, owing to the lines of fire hose that were stretched across Market Street.
The fire was first discovered by Mrs. Anderson who was in the house with the year-old baby of Margaret Thomas who was at work. Smelling smoke, Mrs. Anderson went to the second floor and seeing a flame around the stove pipe hole in the chimney, threw water on it. Thinking she had extinguished the fire, she started downstairs.
In the meantime, the blaze broke out around the edge of the roof and the smoke was seen by John Wright and Stanley Pletuszka, who were in the office of the Pittsburg Independent Oil Company at 12th and Market streets.
Wright ran to the fire alarm box at 13th and King streets and turned in an alarm to which Engine Companies 1,7 and 10 and Truck Company 1 responded.
Pletuszka ran to the house where he was joined by Lloyd Smith of West 13th Street. Finding the door fastened and knowing that Mrs. Anderson and the baby were in the house, they broke down the door.
They met Mrs. Anderson coming downstairs and when an attempt was made to get her to leave, she refused, insisting that the fire was out. The rescuers had to carry the woman from the burning building, then returning they found the baby in the lower part of the house and carried it to the home of a neighbor where the baby and the woman were cared for.
Herbert Johnson, son of Mrs. Anderson of Orange Street, hearing that his mother’s home was on fire, hurried there and with other men saved practically all of the furniture in the house. A small dog, owned by Mrs. Anderson, was rescued by Johnson, but a larger dog defied the efforts of other men to take it from the house. …
The firemen prevented the spread of the fire by deluging the building with water, the chemical streams first used being found insufficient to check the fire. …
The loss is estimated at $800.
Reach reporter Ben Mace at rmace@gannett.com.
RADNOR, Pa. – Authorities say a Delaware County school employee is accused of traveling to Texas to sexually assault a minor he met online.
What we know:
Michael Robinson, 43, was taken into custody near Radnor Middle School where investigators say he worked as a paraprofessional.
Investigators believe Robinson traveled to Tyler, Texas in the summer of 2024 to meet a minor he had connected with online.
Robinson, according to U.S. Marshals, allegedly sexually assaulted the teen over the course of a weekend.
Delaware County school employee accused of sex assault of minor in Texas
Prosecutors in Smith County, Texas charged Robinson in December with Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child Under 15-years-old.
Robinson is being held at a Delaware County jail where he is awaiting extradition to Texas.
What they’re saying:
U.S. Marshals in Pennsylvania said Robinson’s arrest shows that “sexual predators will always be pursued relentlessly.”
The Radnor Township School District said Robinson has been placed on leave and will not have contact with students.
“Parents of the limited number of children to whom the employee was assigned were contacted by the administration immediately.”
The district said it is cooperating with law enforcement and has “no information indicating misconduct involving district students.”
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