MEDIA — The Pennsylvania Veterans Museum will celebrate 20 years on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11.
The museum was founded by three local veterans who wanted to see the legacy of veterans passed on to the younger generation: Bob McMahon, mayor of Media and a Vietnam War veteran; Ed Buffman and Bud Hendrick, both World War II Navy combat veterans.
Originally planned as a World War II museum, it has added more exhibits over the years to include an in-depth World War I Exhibit, an extensive Korean War Exhibit; and a very powerful Vietnam War Exhibit including dramatic and heartfelt interviews with local Vietnam veterans, and the many aspects of the Vietnam War.
Similar personal interviews from World War II and Korean War veterans are featured at various kiosks throughout the museum, which explain American participation in those wars. An exhibit about the post-Vietnam era that includes the War on Terrorism is being prepared as the next museum presentation.
The museum’s mission is to educate the public, especially youth, of the sacrifices that veterans made to keep citizens free.
The museum has produced five acclaimed documentary films: “The Story of the Tuskegee Airmen”; “World War II in Europe”; “World War II in the Pacific”; the “Humanitarian Effort in Vietnam”; and “Women in the Military.”
Each of these films is coupled with supporting lesson plans for middle and high school students and are free to educators.
Over the past two decades, the museum has hosted students, Scout troops, veterans’ groups, and many other organizations who are interested in learning about the military history of the United States. The museum’s dedicated volunteers provide interesting stories about the exhibits and ensure visitors have a wonderful and memorable visit.
To commemorate this milestone, the museum will hold an open house weekend Friday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, Nov. 9, open noon to 5 p.m. all three days.
Light refreshments will be on site to celebrate. Special veterans will also make guest appearances throughout the weekend to share their military experiences with visitors.
The museum will also be open on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with free coffee and donuts.
The Pennsylvania Veterans Museum is located in the historic Media Armory, 12 E. State St. and is free to enter. For more information, visit www.paveteransmuseum.org.
Aston Lions to hold bingo event
The Aston Township Lions Club will host bingo Sunday, Nov. 2 at the Aston Community Center, 3270 Concord Road, Aston Township.
Doors will open at noon and bingo begins at 1 p.m. Everyone must be at least 18 years old to play.
Tickets cost $20 and proceeds will benefit the Aston Lions’ charities. The event will feature cash prizes, raffles, and door prizes. Refreshments will be available for purchase and no alcoholic beverages are permitted.
The cast of “Little Women” at Colonial Playhouse in Aldan includes, left to right, Melody Graham (Beth), Natalie Sidlow (Jo), Shari Rosen-Kelly (Marmee), Brooklyn Elia (Meg), and Melissa Tillman (Amy). (COURTESY OF COLONIAL PLAYHOUSE)
‘Little Women’ comes to stage at Colonial Playhouse
“Little Women” will open at Colonial Playhouse in Aldan at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14.
It will run weekends through Sunday, Nov. 30. Friday and Saturday night shows start at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinee curtain time is 2 p.m.
“Little Women” is based on Louisa May Alcott’s 1868-69 semi-autobiographical two-volume novel.
The show focuses on the four March sisters: traditional Meg; wild, aspiring writer Jo; timid Beth; and romantic Amy, and their beloved Marmee, at home in Concord, Mass., while their father is away serving as a Union Army chaplain during the Civil War.
Intercut with the vignettes in which their lives unfold are several recreations of the melodramatic short stories Jo writes in her attic studio.
An understudy show is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, a special event to support Colonial Playhouse’s lighting campaign.
Colonial Playhouse is at 522 W. Magnolia Ave., Aldan. Ticket prices are $18 for evening shows and $16 for matinees. To order tickets for any show: https://colonialplayhouse.net/little-women.
St. Timothy’s announces Lifeline screenings, Penny Party
St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church, 535 Lamp Post Lane, Aston, will host Lifeline Screenings on Saturday, Nov. 8.
Lifeline Screenings are preventive health screenings to detect potential health risks before symptoms appear. The goal of Lifeline Screenings is early detection of diseases, especially those like heart disease and stroke, that often have no warning signs until serious complications develop.
These screenings can help people identify risks and follow up with their doctors.
For more information and to schedule an appointment call 800-324-9458 and use code HABC001.
St. Timothy’s Lutheran will also host Penny Party at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and bidding will begin at 7 p.m. For more information, call St. Timothy’s at 610-494-2444.
Ridley Park Library to receive $10,000 gift from Carnegie Corp.
Ridley Park Library will receive a $10,000 gift from Carnegie Corp. of New York, the foundation established by Andrew Carnegie.
The award is part of Carnegie Libraries 250, an initiative celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and honoring the roughly 1,280 Carnegie Libraries still serving their communities across the United States.
Scottish immigrant Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of 1,681 free public libraries nationwide between 1886 and 1917. Approximately 750 of them continue to use their original buildings, while others have moved to new locations.
Although Ridley Park Library first opened in a single room in downtown Ridley Park in 1888, the library quickly outgrew the space.
In 1911, Andrew Carnegie generously gave the borough $10,000 to construct its current building at 107 E. Ward St., which opened in 1912. Ridley Park Library is one of 59 Carnegie Libraries in Pennsylvania built through this historic program, and the only one still operating in Delaware County.
“Our town is incredibly proud to be part of Andrew Carnegie’s legacy and it is an honor to continue to uphold his mission of enriching lives through education,” said Ridley Park Library Director Katie Wolverton.
“Our founder, Andrew Carnegie, who championed the free public library movement of the late 19th century, described libraries as ‘cradles of democracy’ that ‘strengthen the democratic idea, the equality of the citizen, and the royalty of man,’ ” said Dame Louise Richardson, president of Carnegie and former head of the University of Oxford. “We still believe this and are delighted to celebrate our connection to the libraries he founded.”
Ridley Park Library will receive the gift in January, and may use the funds however they wish to celebrate the 250th anniversary, further its mission, and benefit the local community.
Patrons are invited to share their Ridley Park Library photos, stories, and community celebrations at http://carnegielibraries.org. For more information about Ridley Park Public Library, go to http://ridleyparklibrary.org.
Red Cross offers safety tips for trick-or-treaters of all ages
Halloween is not just for kids anymore. The holiday has become one of the most popular in the U.S. with people of all ages taking part in things like trick-or-treating, decorating homes and attending parties.
With the holiday falling on a Friday this year, there are likely to be extra activities that last later into the night. The American Red Cross wants everyone to enjoy the festivities safely, so the organization offers tips for all ages on how to have a great Halloween and stay safe while doing so.
“Halloween is a celebration for everyone — kids, adults, even pets — and with its growing popularity, safety becomes more important than ever,” said Jennifer Graham, CEO of the Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region. “Whether you’re trick-or-treating, hosting a party or just enjoying the decorations, a few simple precautions can help ensure a fun and safe night for all.”
Costume Safety
Trick-or-treaters need to see and be seen.
• Use face makeup instead of masks.
• Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
• Use flame-resistant costumes and wigs.
• When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric so no one trips and falls.
Trick-Or-Treat Safety
A sad statistic is that children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.
• Have your trick-or-treaters walk only on sidewalks, not in the street. If there are no sidewalks, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic. Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner. Don’t cross between parked cars, and don’t cut across yards or use alleys.
• Drivers — use extra caution as youngsters may forget to look both ways before crossing. As the sun goes down, watch for children in dark clothing.
• Give trick-or-treaters a flashlight to light their way.
• A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door.
• If older children are going alone, plan their route. Set a specific time they should return home. Teach them to only visit homes that have a porch light on, to accept treats at the door and never go inside.
• Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.
• Walk, don’t run.
• Check all goodies before the kids dig in. Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and remove any choking hazards. Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.
Home Halloween Safety
Keep the area safe for your family and visitors.
• If you are planning to welcome trick-or-treaters to your home, light the area well and sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps. Clear obstacles someone could trip over.
• If carving pumpkins, don’t use candles to light them. Instead, try battery-operated lights or glow sticks.
• Test your smoke alarms. While this is an important tip for any time of year, Halloween decorations and special effects can make it harder to spot a fire.
Adult Halloween Safety
The number of alcohol-related traffic incidents jumps around Halloween. In fact, many Halloween deaths can be linked to drivers who are impaired.
• If you are hosting a party, collect car keys from guests who are drinking. Provide non-alcoholic options. Have a plan to make sure guests get home safely, like ridesharing.
• If drinking is part of your plans, choose a designated driver or plan how you will get home without getting behind the wheel.
Your Pets and Halloween Safety
If you are going to welcome trick-or-treaters or host a party, keep your pets in a separate area away from the festivities.
• Make sure pets can’t get at any Halloween treats. Many treats can be toxic for animals.
• If you’re considering a costume for your pet, make sure the animal is comfortable with it and that the costume doesn’t limit their movement or hamper their breathing or sight.
• Halloween can spook your pets, causing them to run away. Make sure your pet wears a pet ID. If they are going out after dark, make sure they wear a reflective collar and are securely leashed.
Safety At Your Fingertips
Download the free Red Cross First Aid App for instant access to expert advice in case your ghost, goblin or superhero has a mishap. Use the Red Cross Emergency App for weather alerts and to let others know you are safe if severe weather occurs.
Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in your favorite app store by searching for the American Red Cross or visit http://edcross.org/apps.
Readers can send community news and photos to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.com.