UPPER DARBY — The Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation has announced that Upper Darby Summer Stage will temporarily relocate from the Upper Darby High School Performing Arts Center for the 2026 season due to a major construction and renovation project at the high school campus.
This one-year pause in use of the high school facilities marks a rare but necessary adjustment for the award-winning program, which has served more than 100,000 young people and families since its founding in 1976, officials said.
“We want to be clear: Upper Darby is the ‘forever’ home of Upper Darby Summer Stage,” said Justin Heimbecker, foundation executive director. “The Performing Arts Center has been home for 50 seasons, and we fully expect to return once construction is complete. In the meantime, we are actively developing an exciting, inclusive, and accessible plan for 2026, a year that also marks the 250th anniversary of the United States.”
The foundation is currently evaluating venue options for performances and programs during the summer of 2026, including new community partnerships, the use of regional spaces, and the ignition of SPARC, the foundation home set to open in Barclay Square in early 2026.
While this temporary shift may raise questions, foundation leadership emphasized that the core values of accessibility, affordability, and community will remain intact.
“We understand that families may be concerned about transportation, cost, and access — especially Upper Darby residents who have historically benefited from township-funded scholarships,” said Chris Luner, Summer Stage artistic & managing director. “We are working to secure support so that no child misses out on the Summer Stage experience because of where a program is held. Our commitment to access for all — especially those in our home township — is unwavering.”
To that end, the foundation said it is working with Upper Darby Township and Upper Darby School District and will further communicate details as they become available, including but not limited to shuttle transportation for Upper Darby residents; scholarship continuation for township residents; expanded financial aid; and performance venue selection to keep programming affordable and convenient.
Damien Warsavage, school district and foundation board member and liaison, expressed full support for Summer Stage and its future on behalf of the district.
“The construction at the high school is essential to improve learning environments for our students and community,” said Warsavage. “At the same time, Summer Stage is a vital part of who we are as a district. The district and foundation are working hand-in-hand to ensure the program continues to flourish, even in a year when the physical space is unavailable.”
Upper Darby Mayor Ed Brown echoed the district’s support.
“Upper Darby Township’s Summer Stage is part of the heart and soul of our community, and that doesn’t change just because the stage shifts locations for a season. I’ve seen firsthand the impact this program has on our kids and families: it’s inspiring, it’s transformative, and it’s uniquely ours. My team is fully committed to working with the foundation and school district to ensure 2026 is a strong and successful year. Summer Stage will continue to thrive, and live here; and, Upper Darby will continue to stand proudly behind it.”
The foundation’s board of directors is focused on preserving the continuity and excellence that has defined Summer Stage for generations.
“While this is a change, it is not a retreat,” said Joe Lunardi, foundation board president. “This is a moment to rally — to deliver a 2026 season that is imaginative, inclusive, and worthy of the Summer Stage legacy. We are deeply grateful to the families, alumni, and partners who continue to support this vision.”
More information about 2026 program locations, dates and registration, including the foundation’s plans to honor America’s 250th anniversary, will be announced in the fall. For updates, visit http://udsummerstage.org.
Chester looks for sponsors, vendors for Peace, Love and Unity Festival
Chester last week announced the upcoming Peace, Love and Unity Festival, set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 13 from noon to 8 p.m.
The family-friendly event will span from Chester City Hall to the Transportation Center, offering a day filled with positivity, entertainment, and unity for the residents of Chester.
The Peace, Love and Unity Festival aims to bring together the diverse community of Chester for a day of celebration, featuring award-winning R&B artist Keke Wyatt as the main headliner. Alongside her, a dynamic lineup of local performers, entertainers and musicians will grace the stage, showcasing the talent that Chester has to offer. The festival will also include:
• Fun, kid-friendly activities such as bounce houses, face painting, and arts and crafts
• A business and vendor marketplace, spotlighting Chester’s local businesses and unique cuisine
• Resource tables from local service organizations
• Community giveaways and more
This is an opportunity not only for families to enjoy a day of entertainment but also for local vendors and businesses to connect with the community and generate revenue while contributing to the growth and pride of Chester.
To bring this event to life, Chester is seeking sponsors and vendors to support the festival. Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels, each with its own set of benefits and recognition opportunities.
To secure a sponsorship or to inquire about vendor opportunities, contact City Councilman Fred Green at 610-447-7700 or fgreen@chestercity.com.
“We look forward to partnering with you to bring this unforgettable event to life and create a day that celebrates the spirit of Chester,” Green said. “Thank you for your support. Together, we can make Chester a stronger, more united community.”
Registration underway for Holy Spirit preschool
Holy Spirit Nursery School, 2545 Franklin Ave., Secane, is currently enrolling children for fall classes.
Children who will be ages 2 and 3 by Sept. 1 can enroll in pre-school, to be held 9:30 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Cost is $210 per month.
Children who will be age 4 by Sept. 1 may enroll in the pre-kindergarten class, which will be held 9:30 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. Cost is $240 per month.
For over 50 years, Holy Spirit Nursery School has provided a loving and safe environment where children can thrive and learn.
For more information on both pre-school and pre-kindergarten classes, call Holy Spirit Lutheran Church at 610-544-2707. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Gary Zebrowski, left, of The Rotary Club of Media, presents a donation to Christian Ryan of the Media Theatre. (COURTESY OF LARRY SMOOSE)
Media Rotary donates $3,000 to Media Theatre
The Rotary Club of Media recently gave a $3,000 check to the Media Theatre. The donation included matching funds from the Rotary District 7450 Foundation.
According to a press release from the Rotary Club, “Media Theatre is an iconic part of Media, drawing thousands to its performances, providing summer theatre camps for children and youth, hosting the Media Arts Council (MAC) Film Festival, as well as providing numerous special events. Recognizing its importance to the community as well as Delaware County and beyond, the Rotary Club wanted to support the theatre and become a sponsoring organization.”
The Rotary Club of Media meets weekly at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday at Margaret Kuo’s Kitchen at Granite Run and everyone is welcome to come to a meeting and learn more about Rotary, the world’s largest service organization.
Performer C.E.O Kat, of Strasburg, Pa., entertains July 27 at the Morton Summer Jam Community Festival. (COURTESY OF CHRIS NELSON)
Morton Summer Jam puts on full day of performances, despite weather
The stage was set and eventually the grass got wet, but in between the rain and storm an array of phenomenal artists performed July 27 at the fourth annual Morton Summer Jam.
The town of Morton became the huge backdrop for an uplifting, all-day free concert in the park for the community. Morton was the chosen venue because it is the hometown for Summer Jam co-founder, Chris Nelson of HOUR T.Y.M.E. Entertainment.
Morton residents, from left, Garrison Lockley, George Yates and KayKay Jay enjoyed the music July 27 at the annual Morton Summer Jam Community Festival in William P. Jacobs Park Field. (COURTESY OF LISA LOCKLEY)
Alongside his business partner Samantha Hollins of The Culture Rock Griot, and an enthusiastic team and crew, Nelson coordinated and presented the 2025 Summer Jam with a long list of performers.
The Morton Summer Jam market place was also a hit with food from vendors Gina’s Water Ice, cakes from Sweet Motherload, Landie Warez, and candles by D3LCO EFFECT and many other interesting items from other vendors. The Social on Morton provided catering for the event.
The hosts Sony’a Jones, Kandey Brown and Ant Geez kept the crowd lively in between acts and rain drops, while the sound man Donnie T, and DJs Ock and Norm Beats were the calm and hype through the storm, heat and festivities.
Shawn “Phatside” Whiteside, of Morton, was among the many performers at Sunday’s Fourth Annual Morton Summer Jam Festival last Sunday. (COURTESY OF SONY’A JONES)
“Prior to being booked for this festival, some performers were not aware of Morton, but are already anticipating coming back to Morton Summer Jam in 2026,” Nelson said. “From local to national sponsorship, booked artists and vendors, more people are getting to know Morton, through the annual Morton Summer Jam.”
For more information on the annual event, email Nelson at hourtymeent@gmail.com.
Readers can submit community news and photos to Peg DeGrassa@21st-centurymedia.com.