FOLCROFT — Catholic Charities of Philadelphia held a special blessing on Wednesday for its new warehouse.
The building, located in Folcroft, will support CCoP’s Community Food Program, which provides essential nutrition to 1.8 million people facing food insecurity annually across the five-county Philadelphia area.
The Most Rev. John McIntyre, the auxiliary bishop of Philadelphia, who oversees CCoP as part of his administrative and pastoral responsibilities, presided over the blessing ceremony.
He was joined by Heather Huot, secretary and executive vice president for CCoP; Lizanne Hagedorn, director of CCoP’s Nutritional Development Services; government officials; donors; and community supporters.
The warehouse at 9 Independence Court will store non-perishable items to benefit the Community Food Program and the cupboards it supports. For more information about Catholic Charities of Philadelphia: http://ccphila.org.
Community Action to hold open house in celebration of Weatherization Day
National Weatherization Day is Oct. 30 and Community Action Agency of Delaware County Inc. will be hosting an open house to celebrate the Weatherization Assistance Program.
The event is Friday, Oct. 30 from 9 to 11 a.m. at its office, 1414 Meetinghouse Road, in Boothwyn. The day also marks the 50th year for the Weatherization Assistance Program.
Local and state elected officials, community leaders, partner agencies, contractors and supporters are invited to join CAADC in commemorating 50 years of services and success.
Guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the Weatherization Assistance Program, its community impact, and the important role it continues to play in helping households achieve safe, healthy and energy-efficient homes.
The event will include a 50th anniversary recognition, client success stories, Weatherization Assistance Program information and eligibility, a Weatherization workshop and refreshments.
The weatherization program was signed into law 50 years ago by President Gerald Ford. Since then, it has been a successful federal, state and local partnership that serves every county in the U.S. and five U.S. territories. Services have been provided to 7.2 million households since its inception.
The program in Delaware County is administered by CAADC. The program provides quality energy education and home conservation modifications.
Weatherization continues to provide a cost-effective permanent solution for reducing the heavy energy burden on low-income Americans. Weatherization can help low-income families save an average of 20% per year in energy costs. The Weatherization Assistance Program serves single family, multifamily and manufactured housing. According to CAADC, every dollar invested in the program returns $4.50 to society in energy, health and safety benefits.
Funding for this program is provided by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development. Income guidelines apply. To apply for the Weatherization Program or for additional information, contact CAADC at 610-521-8770.
The Lions’ District Governor Larry Healy, left, is with, from left, Springfield Lions President Lisa Tiffany, Lion Jim from the Philadelphia Northeast Lions Club, and Past District Governor Theresa Kuhar of the Philadelphia Northeast Lions Club. (COURTESY OF SPRINGFIELD LIONS CLUB)
Springfield Lions host Banner Night
The Springfield Lions Club hosted the District 14A Banner Night celebration at Anthony’s Restaurant.
Members of all the Lions’ Clubs in Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia and Bucks counties had the chance to participate in the annual exchange of district- and vice-district governor banners from last year’s banner holder to the current year.
Springfield Lions’ Larry Healy is this year’s district governor representing the Lions Clubs in District 14A. For more information, contact Walt Young at 215-275-4688.
State Rep. Leanne Krueger presents $97,000 to the members of the Brookhaven Fire Company to upgrade the station’s aging generators. (COURTESY OF BROOKHAVEN FIRE COMPANY)
Brookhaven Fire Company receives funds to upgrade generators
Brookhaven Fire Company recently received a $97,000 grant from Pennsylvania to upgrade the fire company’s aging generators. It was presented by state Rep. Leanne Krueger at the station.
Reliable equipment is critical to first responders, especially during emergencies when communities depend on them most. This funding will help ensure the fire company has the dependable backup power it needs to remain operational and ready to respond.
For more information about Brookhaven Fire Company, or about volunteering there: http://brookhavenfireco.com.
Holy Cross to hold annual craft fair
Holy Cross Parish, 240 N. Bishop Road, Springfield, will hold its annual craft fair on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All are invited to come out and shop at the Holy Cross Craft Fair featuring over 60 vendors, with unique items gifts or a treat for themselves. Lunch and snacks will also be available for purchase.
For more information, call 610-626-3321.
Media Rotary to hold Fall Fling Bingo
The Rotary Club of Media will host Fall Fling Bingo at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 at Rocky Run YMCA, 1299 W. Baltimore Pike in Middletown Township, with a Media ZIP code. Doors will open at 5 p.m. for the BYOB/BYOF event.
Tickets are $40, if purchased in advance, and $45 at the door. Admission includes eight games of bingo and a door prize ticket. Two bonus rounds will cost an additional $10.
All prizes will be worth at least $200. Prizes include a Eagles Game Day basket which will have a couple of bottles of bourbon along with chips, crackers, sausages and other snacks; a basket with Media Theatre ticket vouchers, a local restaurant gift certificate and a bottle of wine; and more.
Additional baskets will be included in a silent auction, including a YMCA three-month family membership. To purchase tickets: www.mediarotary.org.
Cobbs Creek Foundation welcomes Comcast as a founding partner
The Cobbs Creek Foundation this week announced Comcast as a founding partner, marking a significant investment in Philadelphia youth and families while supporting the transformation of the historic 350-acre property into a vibrant public destination for education, recreation, and community engagement.
The partnership will bring new technology and educational resources to the campus, including an artificial intelligence curriculum developed with TGR Foundation to help prepare young people for future careers.
As the exclusive founding partner in technology and innovation, Comcast will help advance the foundation’s vision for a world-class public golf and education campus that serves Philadelphia residents and the surrounding community.
“Cobbs Creek is a terrific example of what can happen when people come together with the ambition to do something special for our great city. This project will restore an important part of Philadelphia’s history, bring people together through sports, and create opportunities for young people to learn and explore new technologies. We’re proud to be part of this effort and help to make it happen,” said Brian Roberts, chairman, Comcast Corp.
A central focus of the partnership is expanding educational opportunities through the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab, which has served more than 12,000 students through free, hands-on educational programs since opening in 2025.
Comcast’s commitment also includes a recently opened co-working and lounge space at the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab equipped with laptops and soundproof pods, giving parents and caregivers a comfortable place to work, connect, and access programming while their children participate in classes.
In addition, Comcast will support the restoration of the Cobbs Creek Golf Course and the establishment of the Cobbs Creek Heritage Center, a new public museum that will celebrate the landmark’s rich history through digital and interactive experiences. Comcast will also provide in-kind PSA inventory to raise local awareness of the Cobbs Creek Foundation’s work.
Comcast Business will serve as a campus technology provider, installing fiber-based connectivity, managed WiFi, and video solutions across the Learning Lab, Heritage Center, Lincoln Financial Center, and course facilities to give visitors reliable, secure network access throughout the campus. The Heritage Center’s interactive exhibits will run on Comcast Business Advanced Solutions, which will power connectivity across the museum.
The partnership builds on significant progress in revitalizing Cobbs Creek as a destination for Philadelphia residents and visitors. In 2026, the campus welcomed a new nine-hole par-3 short course and the Lincoln Financial Center, featuring a driving range, restaurant, pro shop, and event space. Restoration of the historic 18-hole championship Olde Course is underway, with an opening planned for 2027, followed by the redesigned Karakung Course, and new nine-hole Hanse Design course in 2028.
Together, these investments are helping restore Cobbs Creek as a place where championship golf, education, and history come together to benefit generations of Philadelphians.
For more information regarding the Cobbs Creek Foundation and its work, visit www.cobbscreek.org.
Sparky the Fire Safety Dog interacts with a young attendee at a previous Halloween-themed Garden City Fire Company open house event. (COURTESY OF GARDEN CITY FIRE COMPANY)
Garden City Fire Company invites families to Fire Safety Night
The Garden City Fire Company is making its annual Fire Safety Night even more fun this year by combining it with a Halloween Truck or Treat Night.
It’ll be Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the firehouse, 412, Moor Road, Wallingford.
Families can get a behind-the-scenes look at the station, while combining Halloween festivities and costumes with important fire prevention education. Attendees can tour the firehouse and firetrucks, as well as try on the gear and equipment that Garden City firefighters use during emergencies, and meet Sparky the Fire Safety Dog.
The event will also offer an inside look at volunteer firefighting for those interested in serving their community.
“This event is an excellent way for the community to come together, meet their local firefighters and explore our station,” said Garden City Fire Chief Pat O’Rourke. “It’s also an opportunity for anyone interested in volunteering to learn more about the different roles available, the training we provide and what it means to serve our community.”
This year’s event will also highlight the National Fire Protection Association’s 2026 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge Into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.” The campaign encourages residents to practice safe charging habits and take precautions when using devices powered by rechargeable batteries.
“Knowing how to prevent fires at home is one of the most important steps residents can take to protect themselves and their loved ones,” O’Rourke said.
Garden City Fire Company serves Nether Providence Township, Rose Valley and surrounding communities, responding to more than 400 emergency calls each year.
As an entirely volunteer organization, Garden City is always looking for new members to join as volunteer firefighters or administrative volunteers. No prior firefighting experience is required; training and gear are provided at no cost.
To learn about volunteering or submit an inquiry form, visit http://gardencityfirefighter.org.
Sun East Federal Credit Union in Aston announced that Jeff Gehris will serve as its next chief executive officer, beginning Nov. 2. (COURTESY OF SEFCU)
Sun East Federal Credit Union names new CEO
Sun East Federal Credit Union in Aston announced its selection of Jeff Gehris as its next chief executive officer, beginning Nov. 2.
He succeeds Debbie Cook, who will remain with the credit union, serving in an advisory role as president, until her retirement on Dec. 31.
“Throughout our search process, Jeff stood out not only for his experience and vision, but also for his genuine passion for people and his appreciation for the values and culture that make Sun East such a special organization,” said Joel Romaine, Sun East Board of Directors Chairman. “The Board would also like to thank Debbie Cook for her outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to Sun East, its members, and its employees.”
Gehris, who brings 30 years of credit union experience, began his career as a teller and progressed through a range of operational and executive leadership roles.
Gehris earned both his Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in human resource management from Saint Leo University. In addition, he earned the Certified Chief Executive designation from CUES and is actively engaged in the credit union movement through America’s Credit Unions and in community service through the United Way of Central Maryland.
Sun East Federal Credit Union was chartered in 1949 as the result of Sun Oil Company employees banding together to assist each other with their financial needs. Sun East is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution serving more than 48,700 members throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey.
Sun East manages over $905 million in assets and provides convenient access through branches across the Tri-State area, a nationwide ATM network, and online and mobile banking services. For more information, go to: http://suneast.org.
Readers can send community news and photos to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.com.